The Museum is one of the truly hidden gems (and a must-see) for Roycroft aficionados. Every corner of the house in which the Museum resides provides another surprise with a very high "Wow!" factor. The Fra-in-Charge places this in a Dead Heat for top spot with a visit to the Inn. And to top it off, the volunteers who staff it are dedicated and very knowledgable. A visit to East Aurora is incomplete without a stop at this wonderful spot. Did I get the point across this is a Great Place?

The Fra will have some pictures of the Museum available for your enjoyment in the coming days.

The following text is entirely from the Museum's own brochure.

The first Elbert Hubbard Museum was located in one large room in the East Aurora Village hall. It was made possible by the generosity of the Godfrey family. They purchased beautifully bound and illumined books and original manuscripts which formed the nucleus of the Elbert Hubbard Library museum. Soon Roycroft furniture, copper, and other related items were given to the Museum.

In 1985, Gladys ScheideMantel, at the age of 100 years, donated her house, a craftsman bungalow, to the Aurora Historical society.

The Hubbard Museum combined its acquisitions with the Roycroft collection of George and Gladys ScheideMantel, in the house they had built (1910) by Roycroft Craftsman. The garden contains a fountain base (The Magna Mater) sculptured by Catherine Maltwood and the Rix Jennings Memorial Bench.

The ScheideMantel house is forest green clapboard and shingle bungalow with a stone foundation cozy veranda. The interior has oak floors and chestnut woodwork. The woodwork is most striking in the splendid dining room with its' beamed ceiling and magnificently built sideboard of polished chestnut with squared glass doors, adorned with hand-crafted copper hardware. The original oak dining room furniture belonged to the ScheideMantels, as did the lighting fixture with its Steuben glass globes.

There is a handsome staircase leading to five bedrooms. One is kept as George ScheideMantel maintained it when he headed the Roycroft Leather Shop. It contains his leather working tools, patterns and some fine examples of his craftsmanship.

The Museum is located at 363 Oakwood Ave., which is in East Aurora.

Museum Hours

June 1 to October 31

Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday, 1 to 4 PM.

Info and private tours can be arranged by calling the Museum at 716-652-4735.

To return to the Main Webpage of the Roycrofters.