pictures would be helpful

Does it look like it was put there in the factory? That is, does the knob match all the other dashboard knobs? Is it placed in line with other switches, or just randomly? Are you saying that the photos you have seen of similar Hudson dashboards, don't have this switch?

It may have simply been put there by a former owner who was rigging up some accessory (like, as you say, the fog lamps).

Yup, it's original Hudson hardware as near as I can tell. It matches everything else on the dash.
Picture attached, I hope I did it right.
Dean

That's your dash/park/headlight switch. I wouldn't do any night time driving if it's not connected to anything, unless someone has bypassed it and installed a separate switch to control those functions.

In 1951 the headlight switch was on the speedometer/clock cluster instead of one that lower panel beside the ignition switch.

Jerry,
And Hudson should have issued a recall (just kidding) for dash inserts with that switch location. You must reach up under the steering wheel, or (Not recommended) [i]through it[/i] to turn lights on/off. Same with wiper control.
What were they thinking?

Well Frank, they did rectify the situation on the 1952 models

I looked at the 1952 wiring diagram and it identifies the switch on the dash as the main headlight switch. The one on the cluster is not identified.
My headlights do work. so I conclude the prior owner disconnected the fog lamps and used the fog lamp switch to operate the headlights, and disconnected everything from the headlight switch. Just ANOTHER REASON to completely rewire this puppy,
Thank you all for your comments. I'm heading to local show and shine if the weather permits. Its 101 today in Folsom. (But it's dry heat)
Dean