1855

1860

1862

1863

1864

1866

1867

at the age of 16, F.M. Hubbell came to Fort Des Moines

worked as a clerk in the US Land Office

became self-taught lawyer for Casady & Polk

began buying real estate in downtown Des Moines

became a partner in law firm, becomes Polk & Hubbell

married Frances Cooper

first son born, Frederick Cooper Hubbell

Polk & Hubbell financed the first streetcar in Des Moines

became secretary for Equitable Life Insurance Company 

1869

1871

1874

1883

1884

organized company to continue construction of the Iowa and Minneapolis narrow gauge railroad to Ames

attended the housewarming party for B.F. Allen at Terrace Hill

helped establish Des Moines Water Company (with B.F. Allen and Polk)

first daughter born, Beulah Cooper Hubbell

second son born, Grover Cooper Hubbell

purchased Terrace Hill from a bankrupt B.A. Allen for $60,000 (~$1,500,000 in today's dollars), or about 1/4 the cost of the property 15 years earlier.

extensive renovations began on mechanical systems, plumbing, and a central heating plant was installed near the carriage house

1888

1899

1903

1907

1919

elected president of Equitable Life Insurance Company

Beulah married Count Carl Axel Wachtmeister, a Swedish diplomat. They met in Chicago where he worked for the Swedish-Norwegian consulate. Their wedding was held in the drawing room at Terrace Hill, providing the family with international recognition. 

created trust to protect assets, including Terrace Hill, the possession of the house passed to the eldest male heir; or, if his family line die out, the home was to be conveyed to the State of Iowa to be used as a state "college of learning."

became chairman of the board for Equitable Life Insurance Company 

sold controlling interest in Des Moines Waterworks to the City of Des Moines

1924

1930

1955

1956

1957

1971

The Hubbell's celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary with a party at Terrace Hill

Frances Hubbell died

Grover Hubbell & family moved in to Terrace Hill to care for his father

$50,000 (~$750,000 in today's dollars) in renovations began (elevator, heat moved to basement, structurally stabilized, electricity installed, added swimming pool)

F.M. Hubbell died, his eldest son never took up residence at Terrace Hill

Grover and Anna Hubbell’s 50th wedding anniversary party

Grover Hubbell died

Grover's widow, Anna, dispersed Terrace Hill's furnishings to family members 

Anna moved out of Terrace Hill

~100 years after its completion, 15 years of vacancy, and over 70 years of Hubbell's living in the home, the Hubbell family donated Terrace Hill to the State of Iowa