RoycroftCampusCorporation

Myth Busting - Hubbard Did Not Meet William Morris

Many Roycroft followers believe Elbert Hubbard met William Morris - often referred to as the Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement - on Elbert’s first trip to Europe in 1894. This is not surprising as Hubbard himself was the one that started the myth. But conflicting stories are always the first clue that this was likely a marketing ploy of Hubbard's.

Paul McKenna, in his book “A History & Bibliography of the Roycroft Printing Shop” (1996), puts this myth to rest as he relates what “Bert” (Elbert Hubbard II) wrote (in “Impressions”) about his visit to Kelmscott Press with his father in 1896: they visited Morris’ residence and Hammersmith shop on Tuesday, June 30, 1896. They had a tour, and saw sheets of a work in progress (Chaucer), but did not meet Morris as he was ill and not receiving guests.

Further evidence that Morris and Hubbard did not meet is in May Morris’ insistent denial of any such meeting. William Whitla, a William Morris scholar, was the keynote speaker at the 2007 Roycroft Campus Arts & Crafts Conference, and related May Morris’ vehement denial that Hubbard ever met her father. She referred to Elbert as that “obnoxious imitator”. 

There is no doubt, however, that Elbert was sufficiently impressed with Kelmscott that he was inspired to continue in his writing profession with a goal to create an American version of Morris’ enterprise. In this, he succeeded, and the buildings stand today; inspiring us to restore them and continue the Roycroft Renaissance. See the Power House building being rebuilt on the RCC FaceBook page!

- Sue

Roycroft Myth Busting, "It is that snooty art place"

Often, friends of the Roycroft encounter people less familiar with the American Arts & Crafts Movement who only have vague notions of the place and its history. 

Here is one highly inaccurate perception/myth about the Roycroft and it pains me to have to write this: "It is that snooty art place."

         Correction to this mis-conception: "Snooty" is the last word I would use for the artists and craftsmen that teach classes and sell their wares in the Copper Shop. The RCC staff, artists and artisans that teach classes and/or show their work are very open and interested in talking with visitors. They have a passion for the American Arts and Crafts Movement and its philosophy of art inspired by nature that is accessible to everyone. You will find many people who are interested in history here, but just ask them a question and you will find them happy to share their passion with you. So much of what was done on this campus 100 years ago is very relevant today. 

          Roycroft Campus walking tours are a pleasant, informal way to learn more about this Arts and Crafts Campus of the early 1900‘s which was known for hand illuminated, hand bound books, oak furniture and hammered copper decorative objects. Tours are $10 per person and are given Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons (June-October) at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Please call 716-655-0261 for a reservation.

         Read more about the Roycroft using the subject list to the right of this blog, or go to the Roycroft Campus Copper Shop to purchase books and the WNED film about the man and the place. And please, don't call us "snooty".

      - Sue

Roycroft Myth Busting, "It was a Commune"

Often, friends of the Roycroft encounter people less familiar with the American Arts & Crafts Movement who only have vague notions of the place and its history. 

Here is one local myth: It was a commune.

Correction to this mis-conception:  The enterprise never was a commune. It was a printing business which also manufactured furniture and decorative art objects in the Arts and Crafts style. People came from all over to work here, as well as local young people that grew up on farms outside of East Aurora, NY. Employees enjoyed many perks: lectures and performances from visiting guests, a library to borrow books from, a bank in the Copper Shop, and a Roycroft band and baseball team. All of this was highly unusual in a small, rural town of the early 1900’s so the rumor persisted that it was a “commune” because many didn’t understand  it. 

Read more about the Roycroft using the subject list to the right of this blog, or go to the Roycroft Campus Copper Shop to purchase books and the WNED film about the man and the place.

      - Sue

Roycroft Myth Busting, "It is a restaurant"

Often, friends of the Roycroft encounter people less familiar with the American Arts & Crafts Movement who only have vague notions of the place and its history. 

Here is one common, but less than accurate idea on what the Roycroft is:

Q: What is the Roycroft?

Myth: It is a restaurant and Inn. 

Correction to this mis-conception: Yes, there is a restaurant and an Inn, but it is much more than that. The Inn was built by Elbert Hubbard, an entrepreneur with a vision of a printing enterprise and a campus - called the Roycroft - that would create beautiful books. It all began in 1895. Hubbard became a well-known writer of the time, and the rich, famous, and successful came to stay at his Inn to hear what he had to say. Over 500 people worked at this campus which had grown to 14 buildings by 1910. The campus was granted National Historic Landmark status in 1986, the Inn was fully restored in 1995,  and the Roycroft Campus Corporation is working to restore the Campus structures so visitors may have the full Roycroft experience not only at the Inn, but the other buildings as well. 

          Read more about the Roycroft using the subject list to the right of this blog, or go to the Roycroft Campus Copper Shop to purchase books and the WNED film about the man and the place.

      - Sue

Just a reminder...

Just a reminder that The Roycroft Campus Corporation employees, volunteers and their families are not eligible to be considered for the quarterly drawing for The Fra's "WHO AM I?" game. 

Thank you,

The Fra

Claudia

Elbert Hubbard and Frank Lloyd Wright

On one recent tour, a gentleman asked a very good question. (I think he thought he was giving me a challenging question). It was:

When Elbert Hubbard worked for the Larkin Soap Company, did he work in the building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright?

The answer: No, he did not. How do I know that? Mr Hubbard left the Larkin Company in 1893. The Larkin Administrative building designed by Mr. Wright was designed in 1904 and built in 1906.

 

As you probably know, this lovely building was demolished in 1950. (More information on the Larkin Administrative Building here)

Have you had a Roycroft related question you have been wondering about? Sent it to us. Maybe we know the answer or can find it for you.

Julie

Elbert Hubbard's divorce and remarriage

When Elbert Hubbard's first wife Bretha Crawford Hubbard filed for divorce from her cheating husband, it was quite a huge scandal for its time. (read more about this time period in the book As Bees in Honey Drown by Charles Hamilton). 

The divorce between Elbert and Bertha was finalized on January 11, 1904.  

Now guess how long it took for Elbert to marry his paramour, Alice Moore? Now come on take a guess....a year, a couple months...?

Elbert Hubbard married Alice Moore on January 17, 1904.

Just one week later - they married in Philadelphia with just 6 people present.

Come and learn more fun tantalizing tales on a Roycroft Campus tour. Contact Clare Root, Associate Director of the Roycroft Campus Corporation, to customize a visit that best suits your group. Call 716 655-0261 or croot @roycroftcampuscorp.com

Julie

Why does the Roycroft have a blog?

When people ask about my volunteering at the Roycroft, they often ask: "what is a blog?" and "why are you doing that"?

The answer is simple: I think the Roycroft Campus is a really cool place. (as do all of the bloggers here at the Roycroft Campus)

We want other people to come and check it out, learn more and maybe help make it an even better place.

The blog tells a little bit about the Roycroft Campus, its founder Elbert Hubbard, and/or the surrounding area. Blogs briefly introduce a past, present or future activity or interest associated to this national historic landmark site.  By sharing a little bit about the Roycroft, maybe you will come for a visit and the spirit and enthusiasm will be shared with others.

I liken blog posts to a movie trailer. If you like the trailer, you'll want to see the movie.

So...You've seen the trailer (read the blog posts) now...come see the movie (visit the Roycroft Campus).

You can also support the Roycroft Campus by being a member (think of it as buying season tickets 'cause you love watching shows so much). Stop by the Roycroft Copper Shop at 31 Grove St, East Aurora, NY or give us a call at (716) 655-0261.

Julie

Hidden compartments in furniture

Roycroft and Stickley mission furniture are very popular and valuable. One little fact you may not know is that many original and even select current Stickley mission furniture have secret compartments hidden in the structure of the piece.

The current Stickley category verifies that those compartments do indeed exist but it says to ask your sales rep for the location on your piece. (www.stickley.com)

What about original Roycroft furniture? I have never heard that Roycroft pieces have secret compartments but maybe owners are keeping this fact to themselves. Anyone willing to share? Have you even looked for one?

Julie

Elbert Hubbard and L.Ron Hubbard

A common question about Elbert Hubbard is if he is related to L. Ron Hubbard of Scientology. (Scientology's members include famous Hollywood actors such as John Travolta and Tom Cruise.)

L. Ron Hubbard was a nephew of Elbert by the adoption of his father into the Hubbard family. L. Ron's father, Harry Ross Hubbard, was born Henry August Wilson but was adopted as an orphan by a Mr. and Mrs. James Hubbard of Iowa. Elbert, therefore, was an uncle (but not by blood).

L. Ron Hubbard was so impressed with his uncle Elbert Hubbard's accomplishments that in 1956 he dedicated the ninth printing of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health to him.

L. Ron Hubbard was born in 1911. Elbert Hubbard died in 1915. It is unknown but doubtful they ever met.