Ralph Hubbard facts for kids

Ralph "Doc" Hubbard (born June 22, 1886 – died November 14, 1980) was a special person who worked hard to share and protect Native American culture. He also wrote two adventure books for young readers, Queer Person (1930) and The Wolf Song (1935), which were set in Native American communities.

Who Was Ralph "Doc" Hubbard?

Ralph "Doc" Hubbard was a writer, teacher, and a big supporter of Native American traditions. He spent his life helping people learn about and appreciate the rich history and customs of Native American peoples. He believed it was important to keep these cultures alive and understood.

Early Life and Inspirations

Ralph Hubbard was born in East Aurora, New York, in 1886. His father, Elbert Hubbard, was a famous writer and thinker. From a young age, Ralph was interested in the American West and Native American life.

When he was a child, he saw Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, which was a popular show featuring cowboys and Native American performers. This show likely sparked his interest even more. As a teenager, he traveled to the Western United States. During one summer trip to his uncle's ranch in Montana, he visited the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. These early experiences helped shape his passion for Native American culture.

Sharing Native American Culture

Later in his life, Ralph Hubbard moved to North Dakota. There, he became very active in promoting tribal cultures. In the 1920s, he helped organize Native American dance groups. These groups traveled all over the United States and even to Europe, sharing their dances and traditions with many people.

In 1927, Ralph Hubbard wrote a special section for the Handbook for Boys, which is the official book for the Boy Scouts. This section was called "American Indian Craft" and taught boys about Native American skills and crafts.

Teacher and Museum Builder

Ralph Hubbard also taught at the State Teachers College in Minot, which is now called Minot State University. He loved to teach and share his knowledge.

He also built two museums dedicated to Native American culture. One museum was in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, and the other was in Medora. These museums helped preserve artifacts and stories, allowing more people to learn about Native American history.

Remembering Ralph Hubbard

Ralph Hubbard's life and work have been remembered in several ways. A book about his life, called A Man as Big as the West, was written by Nellie Snyder Yost in 1979.

Today, Minot State University offers a special scholarship named the Ralph Hubbard Scholarship. This helps students who are studying there. In 1983, an astronomer named Norman G. Thomas discovered an asteroid and named it Hubbard in honor of Ralph Hubbard. Also, in 2009, a street in Medora was renamed Doc Hubbard Drive to remember his contributions.