RoycroftCampusCorporation

Elbert Hubbard, The Movie

Over 250 people were at the Aurora Movie Theater last Wednesday night for a sneak preview of the WNED produced documentary Elbert Hubbard, An American Original. This local group was very appreciative of the film, which is no small matter since many are well versed on the subject. 

The film does a very good job of describing the complex story that is Elbert Hubbard's. I know as a docent instructor for the RCC there are always a ton of questions when we begin our training sessions. It seems every question brings up another question, if not two or three. Elbert Hubbard was a charismatic man of contradictions with a flair for the dramatic which makes for a circuitous story. 

Producer, Director, and Writer Paul Lamont succeeded in focusing the story and I think Elbert would have approved - for the most part. Hubbard would have made it much more flamboyant, taken credit for the Roycroft name and mark and made it more controversial, but Mr. Lamont was being objective; something Elbert would never have been accused of.   

This film will be shown on PBS stations nationally, November 23rd at 10 PM. Tell your friends and family to watch. We look forward to this film bringing many new Roycroft fans to East Aurora. And, speaking of fans, in case you didn't know, you can become fans of the Roycroft on Face Book. See you on Campus or online,

- Sue

Monday Mottos

Keep an even temper, no matter what happens

- Elbert Hubbard

A Glass of Wine with Roycroft in Mind

Last week I was visiting our staff at The Copper Shop Gallery to see what's new.  I was impressed with the brand new wine glasses detailed with the Roycroft dropped orb design.  Beautiful.  My little gray cells were stimulated by thoughts of gift buying for the holidays.  I started to smile to myself as I imagined my family toasting happiness and good health with those glasses at the dinner table.  Hmmm, I'll need how many?  I started to walk around the shop in somewhat of a smiling stupor, talking to myself while making mental notes of books, pottery, jewelry,etc. that would become a special gift for all my special someones.

About this time I realized that the staff had become very interested in my facial glow and whispered ramblings.  They are a very kind and understanding group.  It gets us all.  The Christmas spirit.

Come to The Copper Shop Gallery Open House next weekend, Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th  from 10:00 to 5:00 each day.  If you find yourself mesmerized by all the charm and craftsmanship and start smiling and babbling, it's okay.  The staff has already been broken in (by me) and will be happy to help with your questions and selections.  Cheers!

Claudia

The Fra's Favorite Animal

East Aurora was a particularly “horsey” town in the late 1800’s. Nationally known trainers, horses and breeders were based here and horse racing was a popular spectator sport all across the country. Everyone had an interest in horses since they were the mode of transportation at the time. The faster your horse, the sooner you arrived at your destination. 

Elbert Hubbard was not unusual in his love of horses, but it made picking East Aurora as his new home in 1884 the natural choice. He could take the train to work at Larkin Soap Co. in Buffalo and be in the country for his rides when he was home. 

Here is an early morning horse portrait from my farm.

- Sue

Monday Mottos

Imagination is sympathy illumined by love and ballasted by brains.

- Elbert Hubbard

A History of the Roycroft Copper Shop Presented By Doug McFarland

'The Orchard Park Presbyterian Church is sponsoring the next Silver Foxes Luncheon Presentation on Thursday, November 12 from noon-2p.m. in the church's new Reception Room, 4369 South Buffalo Street.

A History of the Roycroft Copper Shop will be presented by featured speaker Orchard Park Realtor, Doug McFarland.

Cost of the luncheon will include Caesar salad, cider brine pork roast, dessert and beverage.  Cash or checks made payable to the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church will be accepted at the door on the day of the program.

Persons interested in attending must call 662-9348 by Thursday, November 5 in order to make a reservation.'  This is an announcement found in the Orchard Park Penny Saver. 

Also, we just want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Halloween. BOO!

Claudia

Roycroft Wall

Driving around East Aurora is quite an adventure lately! There is construction just about every way you turn, but the construction I'm excited about is the Roycroft wall resurrection. Here are some pictures of the wall in various states of dismantling and repair. Stay tuned for the final look!

Before:

During:

Almost Done:

 
Stop by the Roycroft Campus to see the most recent stages of the Roycroft wall restoration. It will be completed very soon, see history in the making at 31 Grove St in East Aurora, NY! 

 -Amanda

Hubbard's Story Sneak Preview on the BIG Screen in East Aurora

For one night only the Aurora Theater will be presenting a sneak preview of the WNED documentary Elbert Hubbard, An American Original.  Come on out Wednesday November 4th at 7:30 PM and see it on East Aurora’s BIG screen (673 Main Street) in the company of other Roycroft Arts & Crafts devotees. Tickets are $10.00 each and all proceeds will go to benefit the restoration of the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora. Tickets are being sold at the Roycroft Copper Shop. Call 716-655-0261 to charge your tickets or stop by 31 South Grove Street, East Aurora, open daily from 10AM- 5PM. 

See you at the movies!

- Sue

Monday Mottos

...so long as you are part of an institution do not condemn it. Not that you will injure the institution - not that - but when you disparage the concern of which you are a part , you disparage yourself.

- Elbert Hubbard

E. Pauline Johnson: A Visit To Roycroft

Recently Paula Whitlow, Curator of Chiefswood National Historic Site, Ohsweken, Ontario, came to see The Roycroft Campus and told us a story. 

E. Pauline Johnson was born at Chiefswood mansion to a Mohawk chief father and an English mother.  Pauline was a gifted poetess and author, touring throughout Canada giving dramatic recitals of her works.  She is Canada's first nationally acclaimed female poet.  Coming to America in 1907, Pauline and her manager Walter McRaye, gave a recital at the Roycroft Inn.  About 500 people lived and worked within the campus at that time.  'Roycroft residents loudly applauded Pauline and her message of peaceful co-existence between races.'  While she was at the campus, Pauline  enjoyed spending time in the chapel, thinking about the serenity Elbert Hubbard had created in the community and also frequenting the library with the beautifully bound books.  A week after she reluctantly left Roycroft, Pauline told a reporter from the Winnipeg Tribune that the Roycroft residents lived "ideal lives in many ways.  Mr. Hubbard is not a slave-driver and they enjoy the greatest of freedom during working hours."

Thank you so much, Paula. for stopping at The Copper Shop and talking to us about Pauline's visit.  Paula, too, loved Roycroft and the town of East Aurora.  Check out the Chiefswood web site and read more about E. Pauline Johnson.

 Claudia