Hubbell Sleigh Restored in Time for Holidays

By Bob Rasmussen

2006

One of the icons at Terrace Hill is being readied for its encore show. After many months of meticulous work and study, the restoration of the Hubbell family sleigh is being carefully brought back to its original condition when it was used at the turn of the century.

Built by the C. P. Kimball Company in 1890, the sleigh was truly a showpiece whenever it was in use. Restoration of the sleigh is in the hands of one of Iowas pioneer and most respected experts, Andy Miller of the Miller Buggy Shop in Bloomfield, Iowa. Since he opened his shop in 1963, Miller estimates he has restored more than 100 sleighs, buggies and carriages brought to him from collectors and owners across the country.

Unique features of the Hubbell sleigh are the eagle heads carved on each of the pieces alongside the coachmans seat in the front of the sleigh. Behind the driver’s seat is a passenger seat for two. Miller, with the able assistance of his wife, Bev Miller, poured through books and catalogs to make sure the restoration is exactly as the unit was at the turn of the century. Bev Miller, the upholsterer in the project, has also studied and researched the appropriate fabric covering for the two seats. The Millers say the original paint is being stripped and the wood filled, as needed, before it is again painted its original black color.

The Millers hope to have the sleigh finished by early December in order to be part of the many December activities at Terrace Hill. It will be displayed in the carriage house adjacent to Terrace Hill.

Miller indicated the sleigh, because of its size and special design, presents a challenge to the overall restoring project. His desire for exact replication of the vehicles of past eras has become an obsession of sorts, and he takes pride in bringing back the correct color, materials and workmanship of years past.

Helen and James Hubbell, Jr. donated $10,000 to the Terrace Hill Society for the restoration of the sleigh. The restored sleigh will be an important piece of Terrace Hill history to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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