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Royal Hubbard House
243 Pratt Street
Landmark Designation: 1985
Construction Date: 1873
Architectural Style: Vernacular Wood Frame
R.M. Hubbard joined the Chicago-Colorado Colony in 1871, moving here from Cleveland, Ohio. He took a job in a brick yard, but he was soon hired by E.F. Beckwith, postmaster, as a deputy clerk. When Beckwith resigned to begin publishing the Longmont Press, Hubbard was recommended for the position, and he served as postmaster for 14 years. Hubbard also owned a grocery store, in connection with the post office, with partner with H.C. Woodworth. Following the dissolution of this partnership 18 months later, H.W. Preston joined him. The September 1879 fire (known as "The Great Fire") destroyed most of the block along with their grocery store. Hubbard immediately rebuilt and continued the business until his death. After his death, Hubbard's wife Adelaide Easton, Longmont's first school teacher, continued the business, assisted by her four children.
The house remained in the Hubbard family until 1962 when it was purchased to be used as a parking lot. Hubbard's granddaughter, Havis Motisher, in efforts to preserve the structure, formed an agreement with the St. Vrain Valley Historical Society that she would pay all costs of moving it to an available site adjacent to Old Mill Park. In 1971 the house was moved from its Terry Street location to the current site. The house remains in Havis Motisher's ownership until her or her husband's death at which time, the property will transfer ownership to the St. Vrain Historical Society.
Reference
HPC 1985-5