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Showcasing Hubbard history

Society-run McBride House open to tour

HUBBARD — Hubbard residents Harold and Ethel Paul said they enjoy local history, which is why they recently toured the historic McBride House, 27 Hager St., which is under the care of the Hubbard Historical Society.

“I like the history of Hubbard. This is the first time I have been here and wanted to see what they had,” Harold Paul said.

The two were led on a tour of the home by society secretary Robin Zambrini.

For more than 30 years the society has showcased local history and displayed items of Hubbard’s history at the home.

Mary Ann Lark, society president, said the society receives no grant money or outside funding and relies totally on membership dues, fundraising and donations.

The society is the sole owner and caretaker of the McBride House, where historical artifacts and memorabilia donated from the community is displayed.

Lark said the society holds meetings in March, May and September with guest speakers. Local school children come to the McBride home in the spring for tours and in December, a holiday open house is held.

“We show the students and guests the history of Hubbard,” Lark said.

In addition to Lark and Zambrini, other society officers include Don Petrusko, who maintains the house. The house has a permanent collection of items in addition to a changing display.

Lark said people are always fascinated by the many items shown in the house.

The lot on which the McBride House now stands was originally owned by Samuel Tyler, the first settler of Hubbard. The house was built in 1883.

The house eventually was purchased by John and Amelia McBride.

In October 1972, Ethel McBride sold the property. In 1996, Agnes Mae Hanley was the executor of the estate and sold the property to Rite Aid, which in turn donated the house to the society in 1997.

The most recent remodeling occurred in the 1940s with the building of the downstairs bath and the upstairs bedroom, which is used for storage. Original lighting in the house was by gas light.

The society’s first president was the late Barbara Schultz, who served from 1984 to 1988. The first meeting of the society was held Sept. 13, 1984. The society was chartered and incorporated with the mission to collect, preserve and exhibit buildings, books, records, artifacts or specimens of interest relating to the history of the city of Hubbard and Hubbard Township.

Membership dues are $10 per person. For information or to donate, email Lark at malark41@yahoo.com

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