Hubbard Home
New Boston, Bowie County, Texas
Marker Inscription
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
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1904 for Robert M. Hubbard and designed by architect Bayard Witt, this exuberant Victorian home crowned with eight irregular gables and leaded glass hosted statesmen and leading figures of Texas society. Hubbard himself became a public servant of consequence: named to the Texas Highway Commission in 1918 by Governor W. P. Hobby, he chaired it until 1925 and pushed to raise the highway department's standards during the automobile age's crucial early years.
Why it matters
The house links small-town Texas to the birth of the modern highway system, a moment when good roads transformed the state's economy and daily life.
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Related people
- ยท Robert M. Hubbard
- ยท Bayard Witt
- ยท W. P. Hobby
Themes & tags
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