MANTORVILLE, Minn.— The Hubbell House stop for mule-skinners hauling crops from St. Peter to Winona as early as 1852 is changing hands. The Pappas restaurateur family, which has owned the Hubbell House since in 1946, announced the sale to Powers Ventures of Rochester. Powers owns the Canadian Honker restaurant, Mayowood Stone Barn, and catering businesses in Rochester. Powers will close in April for a few months for renovations. Said second-generation owner Don Pappas: “We couldn’t have asked for a better family to pass on the legacy.” The Hubbell structure is one of the oldest eateries in Minnesota, preceding even statehood. The Powers family has promised to preserve the Hubbell heritage.
Hubbell guest list
Party because of its proximity Mayo Clinic, half an hour away, the Hubbell House has had more celebrity guest than anybody can count. You can find their autographed photos. Among them:
> Ole Bull. Norwegian virtuoso violinist and 19th century prolific composer.
> Bruce Dern. Actor known mostly for unlikable characters, as in “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?”
> Dwight Eisenhower. 34th president.
> Ulysses S. Grant. 16th president.
> Horace Greeley, New York Tribune publisher and premiere journalist of his era.
> Lady Bird Johnson. First Lady of the United States, 1962-1969.
> Danny Kaye. Actor whose movies included movie “White Christmas.”
> Harmon Killebrew. Of the Minnesota Twins.
> Fred MacMurray. In 100-plus movies and the televison series “My Three Sons.”
> Mickey Mantle> Legendary New York Yankee.
> U.S. Senator Alexander Ramsey. Heard of Ramsey County?
> Roy Rogers. Singing cowboy who founded the Sons of the Pioneers vocal group.
> Jalal Talabani. President of Iraq.
> Henry Whipple. First Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, remembered as a humanitarian and an advocate for native peopless.
> James Whitmore. Academy Award screen actor.
Much as always. Modes of transportation have changed, but the Hubbell House stands still for fine dining. The Pappas family has owned the place 75 years.
