DUANE
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Duane's take
The way the official marker tells it, here's the story of the Hubbard Home. Now, some houses just sit there. This one has always had something to say.
Built in 1904 for its owner, Robert M. Hubbard, the home was designed by architect Bayard Witt, and from the very start it was built to make an impression. Victorian styling, eight irregular-size gables, and leaded glass catching the light in the bay window.
Eight gables, each one a different size. You get the feeling Bayard Witt didn't believe in doing anything the easy way, and Robert Hubbard wasn't about to argue with him. The result was a house that turns heads, and apparently always has.
Statesmen, business leaders, social leaders of Texas, the kind of people who get mentioned in the same breath as serious decisions, they all found their way through that front door at one point or another. Distinguished visitors, the marker calls them, and leaves it right there, which is almost more interesting than a list would be. But the story of the man who built it is worth pausin' on.
R. M. Hubbard was named to the Texas Highway Commission in 1918 by Governor W.
P. Hobby. He served as chairman until 1925, and during that stretch he was influential in raising highway department standards.
Think about what Texas roads were in those years, and then think about what it means to raise the bar on them. That's not a small thing. That's the kind of work that outlasts a man.
The house is still standing in Bowie County, eight gables and all, and it still has something to say.
What the marker says
Built 1904 for owner Robt.M. Hubbard. Bayard Witt, architect. Victorian styling, with eight irregular-size gables; leaded glass in bay window. Distinguished visitors have included statesmen and business and social leaders of Texas. Owner R. M. Hubbard was named to Texas Highway Commission in 1918 by Governor W. P. Hobby. He served as chairman until 1925, and was influential in raising highway department standards. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967