History by Decade
Nearly two centuries of Hubbardston history, organized decade by decade.
1830s
Frontier Settlement
The first Euro-American settlers arrive in North Plains Township. Hiram Brown and Hector Hayes stake claims in October 1836, beginning the transformation of wilderness into community.
3 key events
1840s
Township Organization & Irish Arrival
North Plains Township is formally organized in 1844 and John Cowman's arrival in 1849 begins the Irish Catholic settlement that defines Hubbardston.
2 key events
1850s
Village Founding & First Church
Hubbardston is formally established in 1854, named after Thomas Hubbard. St. John the Baptist parish is organized in 1855 and the first church is built in 1857.
4 key events
1860s
Incorporation & the Great Church
Hubbardston is incorporated in 1867. The magnificent St. John the Baptist Church is completed in 1869 — built by Irish immigrant labor at a cost of $8,000.
3 key events
1870s
The Railroad Bypass
The railroad is routed through neighboring communities instead of Hubbardston in 1876, a decision that limits growth for generations.
1 key event
1880s
Sacred Ground
St. John the Baptist Cemetery is consecrated in 1884 on land donated by five founding Irish families — Roach, Welch, Hogan, Cahalan, and Connell.
1 key event
1890s
The Advertiser Era
The Hubbardston Advertiser newspaper begins publication. Agriculture has replaced lumber as the economic engine.
1 key event
1900s
Building the Parish Campus
The parish rectory is built in 1908, designed by Donaldson and Meier of Detroit.
1 key event
1910s
Parish School Opens
St. John the Baptist School opens in 1917, educating generations of Hubbardston children for nearly 50 years.
1 key event
1920s
Prohibition & Perseverance
Hubbardston endures Prohibition. The village's social fabric weathers the restrictions.
1 key event
1930s
Depression & a New Shepherd
Fr. Eugene R. Fox arrives in 1938, beginning a nearly 50-year pastorate spanning the rest of the century.
2 key events
1940s
World War II Era
Hubbardston sends its sons to serve in WWII. American Legion Post 182 serves the community.
1 key event
1950s
Postwar Stability
The postwar years bring stability. Fr. Fox continues his dedicated pastorate.
0 key events
1960s
Parish School Closes
St. John the Baptist School closes in 1965 after 48 years. Students transfer to area public schools.
1 key event
1970s
The Shortest Parade Begins
Hubbardston begins its beloved World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade tradition around 1970.
1 key event
1980s
Fr. Fox's Farewell
Fr. Eugene Fox retires in 1986 after nearly 50 years, leaving an indelible mark on the village.
1 key event
1990s
Cultural Revival
Patricia McCormick Baese founds the Irish Dance Troupe in 1998, sparking a cultural renaissance.
1 key event
2000s
National Recognition
St. John the Baptist Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
1 key event
2010s
Heritage Honored
Baese inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame in 2018. Village traditions endure.
2 key events
2020s
Community Endures
Hubbardston enters its third century with resilience, preserving heritage for future generations.
1 key event