Historic Hallowell

Dr. John Hubbard (1794-1869) was born in Readfield, Me., to Dr. John and Olive Hubbard. He attended Dartmouth College and following graduation served for two years as Preceptor of Hallowell Academy. After attending medical school he practiced medicine in Virginia but returned to Hallowell in 1830 and set up his practice in a small office off Winthrop Street. In 1843 Hubbard entered politics and was elected to the state Senate, and in 1849 was elected Governor, an office he held from 1850-1853.

Doctor Hubbard's most notable act as Governor was to sign the "Maine Law"-An Act for the Suppression of Drinking Houses and Tippling Shops-the state's first prohibition law. His son, Gen. Thomas H. Hubbard, donated $20,000 to expand the Hallowell Library and make its privileges free to all.

Dr. Hubbard's Office is a Historic Hallowell gem. The building, an authentic nineteenth century doctor’s office, was closed on his death in 1869 and remained on the Hubbard Farm on Winthrop Street until being moved to its present location on Second Street in 1989 diagonally across from the library that bears his family's name. The 16 by 20 foot office is entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

The office contains many of the good doctor's tools of his trade.