Explore the past in the Greek Revival home filled with period items of the early 19th century.

Learn of the rich history of the Underground Railroad here and across the Connecticut Western Reserve – and why some Civil War historians believe the underground railroad was a major factor in the war beginning as early as it did.

Tour our Americana Collection featuring Civil war artifacts and Ashtabula history, including the Ashtabula Bridge Disaster of 1876.

After your trip through time, shop in Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard’s Gift Shop for Underground Railroad books & posters, quality wooden toys, gifts, and small musical instruments for boys and girls of all ages.

Welcome to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and the Great Emporium!

These were two of the secret Underground Railroad Code names used to refer to the Hubbard family home, built in approximately 1841, from brick made from clay dug out of the bank of Lake Erie.

Take an inside look at some of the rooms featured in the Hubbard House below.  Visit us and you can see and learn more about all of these rooms and the rich history of the Hubbard family as the family courageously provided food, shelter and clothing for slaves escaping the antebellum South.   Other rooms you can tour include the Kitchen, William and Katharine’s bedroom, and the Childrens Room.

The Formal Dining Room

This room holds our very best examples of the late 18th and 19th century fascination with incorporating nature’s patterns in home furnishings.

The formal dining room was reserved for very special occasions.  Sunday dinners, holiday feasts and special entertaining were all done in the dining room.

The Parlor

William and his family settled here in the Connecticut Western Reserve so he could serve as a land agent for his uncle Nehemiah Hubbard, Jr.  Nehemiah’s portrait, painted on ivory, can be found in the large secretary on the west wall.

The Ball Room

These rooms across the hall from the bed rooms were used for large parties and gatherings.  These events were usually held in the cool of the night.

At the end of a long evening, the large folding doors were closed and guests would stay the night.

Ladies on one side and men on the other.

The Land Office

William, as a land agent for Uncle Nehemiah, or “Old Moneybags”, as the family referred to him, needed a place in his home to conduct business.  His office could be secured by pulling the pocket doors shut to close off the parlor.

William’s clients would have entered the house through the rear door. By closing the parlor doors, another purpose was served – it helped to keep the heat of the fireplace in the room.