If a house could wish for a way to spend its declining years it would surely want to be the Bradley-HUBBELL House in Easton, Connecticut. Once the place of families and bustling activity as early as the 1800s, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the house unoccupied and crumbling, or razed for a more modern structure. Few old houses are fortunate enough to find the right person or association who sees what they have to offer visitors in these days of expensive restoration and modern conveniences. The Bradley-HUBBELL House happened to be one of the lucky ones though, thanks to volunteers and fund raisers who worked to keep the bloom on the old rose so that special events could find that perfect setting providing the right touch for their events and displays.

 On August 7, 2011 the Historical Society of Easton’s third annual Antique Car Show will grace the grounds between 1 and 4 p.m.  The house is located at 535 Black Rock Turnpike in Easton.  The Bradley-Hubbell Museum will be open in the Civil War age barn as well as the house so visitors can see what the life of a farm family in the 1900s could have been like.

 Harold B. Hubbell who lived not far from the house during its renovation urged people to retain this bit of early Connecticut history, and THFHS members contributed to is restoration. Houses like this offering an echo of our early history are becoming more rare and it is a pleasure to know that the home of at least one Hubbell is being kept alive for at least one more generation. For more about the event to be held there in August read the article and follow some of the links for more information.

On July 14, 2011 the HUBBELL Center received a donation of family photographs, letters and artifacts from Susan Libby and John Thompson.  Susan is the granddaughter of Helen Eliza HUBBELL Seaton (4791), great-granddaughter of Herbert Porter HUBBELL (2607) and great-great-granddaughter of Philo Patterson HUBBELL (1182).

We will be posting with descriptions of the collection – including some pictures over the next few months.

Our first photo is of three evening bags and a handkerchief owned by Margaret Jane Hagen Hubbell, who married Herbert Porter Hubbell in 1874.

The U.S. HUBs aren’t the only ones who have reunions, and this recent article was the announcement for the Canadian HUBs that was held yesterday, July 17, 2011 in Havelock, Ontario. The article is dated July 14 but I didn’t come across it till today – thank you Dorcas! We probably couldn’t have made it in time anyhow, but you’ll enjoy reading the article about the reunion here. The writer provides a nice description of how the HUBs first arrived in Canada and a bit about the history of the times.

J. B. HUBBELL who was the first sheriff of Dodge County, Minnesota was also the man who built HUBBELL House in Mantorville where THFHS members have gathered in the past to acknowledge his efforts.  An online article  in the Post Bulletin describes the Dodge County Fair exhibit on the history of law enforcement “created by Dodge County Historical Society director Cheryl Finnegan, Sheriff Jim Jensen, deputy Scott Rose and Mantorville resident Brian Hindal”.

Many of HUBBELL’s tools of the trade will be on display, including brass knuckles and a billy club, but no guns. One of the more common crimes in 1855 was horse theft, and the display includes the minute book of the Dodge County Vigilance Committee describing ways to deter thieves by keeping horses in a barn or stable at night. The Dodge County Free Fair will be running through the weekend.

Message from the President June, 2011

As his term of office drew to a close, THFHS president Hilbert Hubble paused to review the last four years and shared his perspectives on the Society’s progress during that time. This is what he offered:

“Thoughts:

When I became President of the Hubbell Family Historical Society, I had two goals.

One: Ensure the viability of Hubbell Center

Two: Increase the membership of the Society

As I step down I realize I only achieved one of the two goals. Hubbell Center is thriving. However, membership is down. I guess my score is 50 out of 100.

• During my tenure, I had the support of some wonderful people.
• We have a new publications editor and a new treasurer.
• We have a new web site and a new administrator.
• We digitized some of the Hubbell Center records.
• We established the Hubbell Foundation which has survived the economic downturn in better than average shape.
• Published “Hubbell By Choice: The Ancestry of Some Early Connecticut Women”.

There is plenty of work to be done:

• We need to keep abreast of new technologies.
• We need to improve our membership appeal.
• We need to find replacements for our aging active members who hold key offices.”

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Grants and Donations
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The Society has an interest in recognizing places and structures of special significance to the Hubbell family. For years, plaques have been installed in various places where the name has significance. Structures that were built or occupied by or named for a historic Hubbell often need restoration and the Society receives applications for grants or donations for such projects. The grants may be for as much as $1000, depending upon the need, and the number of applicants in any particular year.

The form is self-explanatory, and will be mailed to applicants to fill in and submit prior to the deadline for the year allowing the committee time to review the background for the request. The applicant is expected to supply supportive information for their request.