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Elbert Hubbard's Editor at the Roycroft

I have found Roycrofter Felix Shay's book Elbert Hubbard of East Aurora to be a wonderful volume of stories and details about life on the Roycroft Campus. One detail I was relieved to discover was that Elbert had an editor. He wrote SO much I was beginning to think he was super human. It is nice to learn about the people that made it possible for Elbert to produce so much. Here is the excerpt on his editor:

     "For a round dozen years, Hoyle was the Man-behind-the-scenes. He was the “technical editor” for the three Roycroft publications: The Philistine, The Fra, and Little Journeys - or whatever you care to call him. Hubbard leaned on him, depended on him, had faith in him. Hoyle was the Human Encyclopedia. He knew everything; and what he didn’t know he knew how to find out.

     Hubbard was a rapid, voluminous writer. Most of his copy was written in lead pencil, with interlines, and marginal notes, corrected and re-corrected. Much of it was turned over to Hoyle as-is, to be prepared for the press. Many times Hubbard never saw his stuff from the time he released the manuscript until the printed page was placed in his hands.

     To follow after Hubbard, to understand every historical reference, to grasp his thought and his meaning perfectly, to know exactly when he was serious and when he was joking, to sense the odd manner in which certain words were to be spelled or misspelled, required a fine feeling of fellowship,  and extra-special brains. (To wit: “I will arise,” said the famished Prodigal, “and go to my fodder.”)

     Hoyle had both, together with devotion to the task. He was not one of the most conspicuous members at the Roycroft, but he was one of the most necessary.

     He abominated an error, and there were few of them - few!  T'was a job for a smart and learned and a loyal man - and I am glad for the opportunity to pay him this tribute."

- Felix Shay,

Author of Elbert Hubbard of East Aurora

excerpt from page 505, hardcover Roycroft printed version

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

It is said that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.

    As featured in the book, Head, Heart and Hand by Marie Via and Marjorie Searl, the painter Alexis Fournier actually did see spring lambs. The Roycroft Campus was a favorite grazing site for the little lambs as seen in this photograph.

Fournier used the lovely view as his inspiration for Peace, one of his most famous paintings at the Roycroft. The blossoms and birds are bathed in spring light, while the flock soaks up the warm sun.

      When you come to see the Campus this spring, stop by the Copper Shop Gallery. You can pick up a copy of the newly reprinted Head, Heart and Hand book these pictures are from and many other Arts and Crafts titles.

(No, I haven't seen any references yet to lions on the Roycroft Campus...)

-Amanda

Roycroft Pavilion Plaque

As was mentioned in a previous post, The Roycroft Pavilion sits within Hamlin Park down the street from the Roycroft Campus.

This photo is the original plaque noting the Pavilion was built and given to the community in 1903 by the Roycrofters. This plaque is inside of the theater near the stage. Many people don't even know it is there.

If you know of any similar plaques or designations, we would love to hear from you. We are always looking out for new - yet - old Roycrofty stuff.

Come see us and tell us about it at the Roycroft Copper Shop located at 31 South Grove Street in East Aurora, NY.

Julie

Roycroft Paint Colors

A few blocks from the Roycroft Campus sits Hamlin Park. In Hamlin Park is an historic pavilion. It was given to East Aurora by the Roycrofters in 1903. The Roycroft pavilion has seen many speakers, theater productions and even at one day held a roller rink. The Aurora Players now call it home.

If you are lucky enough to live or drive near the park, you can see that some changes are taking place. The Roycroft Pavilion is being added on to. The new part will contain a large lobby (no waiting for tickets in the rain), and large bathrooms (no waiting in lines). 

As this project is being worked on, the solution to finding just the right paint colors is easy. Sherwin Williams has a specific line of paint developed for the historical arts and crafts era.  You can buy it at any Sherwin Williams paint store. Here are some of the paint names:

Ruskin room green, Hubbard Squash, White Hyacinth, Morris Room Grey, Roycroft Rose, Dard Hunter green, Peristyle brass, Roycroft adobe.

As you can see - perfect paint names for this project! If you are decorating your own home in the arts and crafts style, you now know where to get paint. As you accessorize that room, come to the Copper Shop on the Roycroft Campus - we have great accent pieces.

Julie

Wonder about the Weather

    One thing that the Western New York area is known for is its weather. To throw us off a bit, old man winter has taken a vacation and it has been as high as 60 degrees this week!

     When I learned it was so pleasant in January, I was immediately out and about in East Aurora, N.Y.  We are blessed with beautiful Knox State Park right in the town limits. I stood in the fields, the balmy wind blowing the stark winter trees, and thought of what Elbert Hubbard would do on such a lovely day.

     From Felix Shay's book Elbert Hubbard Of East Aurora:

     "When there was no other good excuse for a walk in East Aurora, we'd walk out a mile to a high place to see the sunset."

"It's a glorious privilege to live: to feel, to know, to act, to listen, to behold, to love: to look up at the blue sky; to see the sun sink slowly beyond the line of the horizon; to watch the worlds come twinkling into view."

     Next time you need get outdoors, stop by the Roycroft Campus.  Email for a tour or just wander around the historic grounds. Enjoy the weather, whatever it might be!

-Amanda

                                                                       (Photo: Knox Farm State Park by Amanda Dembik)

There's No Time Like Snow Time at the Roycroft

            Snowflakes are Flying in East Aurora

     One of the things to look forward to in Western New York is the first sign of snowflakes. Not only in the sky but on pendants sold in East Aurora! This hand made jewelry is the work of artisan Alburn Sleeper, a long time Master Roycroft Artisan.

  Mr. Sleeper learned his craft directly from Walter U. Jennings, a former Roycrofter at the original Copper Shop. This Aurora Silversmith, has been involved with the Roycofters-at-Large Association from the beginning, pioneering the winter festival and artisan show in December. 

     Mr. Sleeper also teaches metalsmithing classes with the Roycroft Campus Corporation. His classes are extremely well received and book quickly so be sure to stay current with us!

     Al Sleeper's work in copper, silver and gold includes many arts and crafts motifs and, this time of year, snowflakes! A local shop, The West End Gallery, carries the limited edition pendants that are made unique for each winter that passes.  It's just one more way to celebrate the season!

     Scurry through the snowflakes to the Copper Shop at 31 Grove St. in East Aurora to see all the other seasonal gifts in our gallery.  Our beautifully decorated historic shop is filled with unique items from Roycroft artisans. Don't forget to stay current with our calendar of events so as to never miss one of our wonderful classes like Alburn's!

-Amanda

Genealogy Search for Roots of Elbert Green Hubbard, Son of Silas and Juliana Reed

         Linda, Roycroft Inn Guide, with a passion for finding Elbert Hubbard's roots, has been searching through Mayville County (NY) Court House records finding clues to the Hubbard family's home.  On the 151st birthday of Elbert Hubbard, Linda drove past the site of the home of his grandfather and grandmother on Flats Road, Mayville New York where Silas, Elbert's father was born in 1821.

          To skip a few years, right around the corner from the Roycroft Campus, one can see and walk by this house on Oakwood Avenue in East Aurora, the last place Silas Hubbard lived after retiring from his medical practice in Hudson, Illinois. 

          One more reason to walk the streets of East Aurora and absorb the atmosphere of this historic village.   Visit the Roycroft Copper Shop, help save the Roycroft Campus by becoming a member.  www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com

   

Anson Blackman, a.k.a. Ali Baba, One of Elbert Hubbard's Original Roycrofters

           When visiting East Aurora it is interesting to walk around the village, see the numerous bungalows and the homes of many of the original Roycrofters.  On the southeast corner of South Grove Street and Oakwood Avenue, a stone's throw from the Inn, stands the small house where Ali Baba (Anson Blackman) and his wife lived.  Ali Baba was given credit by Hubbard for the unique definitions in the Roycroft Dictionary, as readers of this blog may know.   Ali Baba was Elbert Hubbard's handyman, horse's groom, baby sitter, and Elbert Hubbard's alterego.  An enlarged photograph of the Blackmans on their front porch can be found in the Roycroft Copper Shop.

       The Roycroft Campus Copper Shop is open daily 10 am-5 pm with additional summer hours Wednesday and Friday until 7 pm.

Lee McConaughy Woodruff, one time resident of East Aurora, Sparks Interest in Local History

          The story of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI now added to our vocabulary) and remarkable recovery of Bob Woodruff written by Bob and his wife Lee McConaughy In an Instant, a Family's Journey of Love and Healing has become a compelling story folks are talking about.  Here in East Aurora where Lee lived for a short while and where she was a member of the High School graduating class of 1978 there is a special more personal interest.

          One historical fact arousing local curiosity is the family name 'Woodruff'.  The retired Town Historian believes a 'Woodruff' was one of the early settlers and founders of East Aurora, New York.  At least he has seen in an old record a 'Woodruff' being recognized in a meeting being chaired by then young lawyer and resident Millard Fillmore.  Though records of Willink and Aurora were burned in 1831 it is believed that a Lawrence Woodruff was a town supervisor from 1836-1837. 

          Far more historical and genealogical research would need to be done to confirm any possible connection between Bob Woodruff of ABC and East Aurora.  We do however know his wife, Lee McConaughy, was a member of the East Aurora High School graduating class of 1978. 

          If you missed the picture of a grooup of that class taken in 1977 see the blog of March 12, 2007

Hubbard Hill, Home of Elbert Hubbard II Makes News in The East Aurora Advertiser

             Hubbard Hill, the East Aurora home Elbert Hubbard II, built in 1930 is For Sale. 

           Elbert II continued to operate the Roycroft Shops following the death of his father. Elbert and his wife Alice died aboard the Lusitania in 1915. 

          The Grand Tudor Revival style house is located just outside the village on seven secluded acres.  The interior was finished by Roycroft artisans with hand carved details.  An in-ground pool, tennis court, 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths are among the features of this property. The house was featured in Beyond the Bungalow.  For interior and exterior photos and more details, check the East Aurora Advertiser of Thursday December 14, 2006 or Aubrey Leonard Realty or the Internet.

East Aurora is not a locality--East Aurora is a condition of mind.      

                                                           Elbert Hubbard