Roycroft was a craftsman community founded in East Aurora, NY in ~ 1895 by Elbert Hubbard. Hubbard had been a successful soap salesman for J. D. Larkin and Co. in Buffalo, but wasn’t satisfied with his life. In 1892, he sold his interests in J. D. Larkin and enrolled at Harvard. Apparently ivy league wasn’t Elbert’s cup of tea and he soon dropped out, choosing to embark on a walking tour of England.  While in England he met William Morris and became enthralled with Morris’ Arts-and-Crafts Kelmscott Press.

When Elbert returned to America, he tried to find a publisher for a series of biographical sketches he had written called “Little Journeys.” After having the door slammed in his face a few too many times, he decided to print them himself. He founded Roycroft Press.  Hubbard was very successful as a writer.  Roycroft Press expanded and his fans began coming to East Aurora to meet him. Initially, visitors were housed in the printworker’s living quarters.  Later a hotel was built to accommodate tourists. Hubbard asked local craftsmen to make a simple, straight lined style of furniture to outfit the hotel. When visitors asked to buy furniture for their homes, Roycroft furniture manufacturing was born. In addition, Roycroft craftspeople were skilled metalsmiths, leathersmiths, and bookbinders.  By 1910 the community was at its peak with over 500 Roycrofters (aka craftsman).

Elbert was publishing monthly magazines and had written the inspirational pamphlet, A Message to Garcia, with an estimated printing of 40 million copies.  Elbert was also a prolific nationwide lecturer.

Tragedy struck on May 7, 1915 when the Lusitania was struck by a German U-Boat ten miles off the coast of Ireland and sank in just eighteen minutes. A total of 1,198 people died (785 passengers and 413 crew) including 128 US citizens.  Elbert and his wife, Alice, were among the fatalities.  They had been traveling to England to begin an lecture tour.

Elbert’s son, Bert took over the Roycroft community. Bert increased Roycrofters sales, but changing American tastes led to the community’s ultimate demise.  In 1938 the Roycrofters closed shop.

Today, items that were produced by the Roycrofters are collected by those who treasure the Arts and Crafts movement.