Richardson Bros. & Marty
In 1916, brothers Claude D. and Hubert Richardson laid the foundation for their enterprise, Richardson Bros. & Marty, in Winslow, Arizona. They expanded their business in 1917 by leasing land and constructing what later became known as the Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post and Warehouse. They built the supply house and wholesale store on Second Street.
The brothers conducted a diverse trade that included wool, hides, sheep, cattle, and Navajo rugs. They also extended credit to local Navajo people in exchange for pawned items.
"They brought in jewelry, saddles, and whatever they had and bought sheep and cattle. Then we bought the wool of the sheep and the hides of the cattle and sheep as they were butchered out." — Claude D. Richardson
Hubbell Family Legacy
In the early 20th century, the Hubbell family's involvement in trading expanded to new horizons. In 1924, Lorenzo Hubbell Jr., following in his father's footsteps, took a significant step by acquiring the Richardson's building and merchandise. This marked the establishment of the Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post and Warehouse in Winslow, serving as the Hubbell family's Santa Fe distribution center in Arizona.
Additionally, they operated another trading post and warehouse in Gallup, New Mexico. As the trading post network expanded, it played a pivotal role in connecting Native American artisans with a broader market.
Slide 1: Hubell family photograph featuring (clockwise) Lorenzo Sr., Barbara, Adela, Lina, Roman, Lorenzo Jr. (center).
Slide 2: John Lorenzo Hubbell Jr. stands on a giant rug with a Navajo weaver, circa 1940 (NAU Cline Library).
The building in 1948, with a Navajo wagon headed toward the west side loading dock (ASU Library).
Route 66
In 1926, the shifting tides of history brought new opportunities to the Hubbell Trading Post in Winslow, Arizona. The transcontinental National Old Trails Highway, which traversed downtown Winslow along Second Street, became part of the newly-commissioned US Route 66.
Positioned on the iconic "Main Street of America," the Hubbell Trading Post and Warehouse found itself at the crossroads of tourism and commerce, serving both travelers and the local community.
The “World’s Largest Navajo Rug” unfurled outside its home at Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post in 1948 (ASU Library).
World's Largest Navajo Rug
Commissioned in 1932 during the Great Depression by Hubbell Jr. for the Trading Post, the Hubbell-Joe Rug, the World's Largest Single Loom Navajo (Diné) Rug, became a masterpiece of Navajo artistry. Collaborating with master weaver Julia Joe from Greasewood, Arizona, this monumental 21'4" x 32'7" textile featured an even weave, uniform coloration, and intricate design, including abstract horned toads, constellations, and Ancestral Puebloan patterns. The rug's creation involved the shearing, washing, carding, dyeing, and spinning of wool from hundreds of Navajo Churro sheep.
To accommodate the project, a custom metal pipe loom and a spacious building were constructed. The ch’ihónít’I, or spirit line, provided a pathway for the weaver's spirit to exit safely, reflecting Navajo beliefs. Scholar Jennifer McLerran, in her article "The Spectacle of Navajo Weaving," described Joe's creation as a masterpiece:
“The evenness of the weave and uniformity of the color are remarkable. The rug’s design elements are varied and complex, and the motifs’ possible cosmological and mythological meanings are intriguing.”
This extraordinary work of Navajo artistry not only captured the cultural richness of the region but also underscored the Hubbell family's enduring commitment to supporting Native American artisans and preserving their traditions.
After an extensive journey through exhibitions and changing ownership, the rug returned to Winslow in 2012, thanks to Allan Affeldt and Tina Mion. It is now on permanent exhibit at the Affeldt Mion Museum, offering a glimpse into a remarkable era of Navajo craftsmanship and cultural preservation.
