Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Hubbard, born on June nineteenth, eighteen fifty-six, was a multifaceted American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. Raised in the quaint town of Hudson, Illinois, he initially found success as a traveling salesman for the Larkin Soap Company, which laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the literary and artistic realms.

Hubbard is perhaps best remembered as the visionary founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, New York. This influential establishment became a significant part of the Arts and Crafts movement, promoting handcrafted goods and a return to traditional craftsmanship during a time of industrialization.

Among his numerous publications, the fourteen-volume series titled Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great stands out, alongside the impactful short work A Message to Garcia. These writings reflect his philosophical insights and dedication to celebrating the lives of notable figures.

Tragically, Elbert Hubbard and his second wife, Alice Moore Hubbard, met their untimely end aboard the RMS Lusitania when it was torpedoed by the German submarine SM U-20 off the coast of Ireland on May seventh, nineteen fifteen. Their legacy, however, continues to inspire those who appreciate the blend of art, literature, and philosophy.