Larkin Soap

Elbert Hubbard was a failure in everything that he did.  In fact, he once stated, “A failure is a man who has blundered, but is not able to cash in the experience”.  His lack of success in marriage, college, and writing did not discourage him from greatly triumphing in reshaping a process that now makes America run, product sales and marketing.  His strategies made his brother-in-laws soap company, The Larkin Soap Company, a household name.

It was not until after Hubbard left the Larkin Soap Company that he became enthralled by the Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain.  His interests in William Morris’ work throughout Britain lead him to organize the Roycroft Community of artists, builders, publishers, and producers of furniture and copper.  However, the American Arts and Crafts Movement differed greatly from that of England’s.  It was when the designed a printing press that Hubbard was finally able to publish as an author, one of his lifelong dreams.  It was the Roycroft community that had a great influence on the Arts and Crafts movement in America.  In fact, his work and ambitions have been recognized as that forefather of today’s bloggers, social networks, and other internet communities.

Although referred to as a failure, his successes far outweigh those of his failures.   He did in the end succeed in creating a following for himself in New York, revolutionized the process of marketing, and published a book, which is said to be the most successful part of the Roycroft Community.  His efforts will not go unacknowledged.

Elbert Hubbard, Roycroft and the Arts & Crafts Movement in America