Russell Hubbard House (1826)

The Russell Hubbard House, at 161 Broadway in Norwich, was built in 1826. Its second-story glassed-in porch and front entry-porch are later additions. Russell Hubbard‘s father Thomas Hubbard, was the first publisher of the Norwich Courier. As related in The American Journal of Education, Vol. 5, No. 13 (June, 1858), edited by Henry Barnard:

Russell, on attaining his majority, became a partner with his father in the publication of the Courier, and in 1808, on the death of his father, became sole proprietor of the Courier, which he continued to publish until April, 1822. He also carried on a general business in bookselling and publishing, in connection with the publication of his paper; and, engaged, to a limited extent, in the manufacture of paper. In 1822 this last mentioned department of his business seemed to claim his exclusive attention, and he accordingly relinquished his interest in publishing and bookselling, and continued actively engaged in the manufacture of paper for fifteen years. In 1837, he listened to a proposition from his brother, Amos Hallam Hubbard, who was engaged in the same business, for the formation of a partnership, and thus originated the well known firm of R. & A. H. Hubbard, which continued, until it was terminated by the death of the senior partner, on the 7th of June, 1857. […]

No sooner did he come into the possession of ample means, than he began to devise means of more extended usefulness. He was a liberal contributor to the various benevolent enterprises of the age; but, aside from these, cherished a desire to aid in the establishment, in his native city, of an institution of learning, which should afford to coming generations advantages superior to those which were engaged in his childhood. Prompted by this desire, he become an efficient counselor, and one of the most liberal contributors in the establishment of the Norwich Free Academy.

Quoting the History of Norwich (1866), by

Mr. Russell Hubbard was an early and efficient patron of the Free Academy, contributing about $11,000 towards its establishment. He was one of the trustees to manage the funds and erect buildings, and the first president of the board. The Hubbard Rhetorical Society, connected with the Academy, perpetuates his name.