Heretofore, it has always been necessary to sign my name, "Elbert Hubbard II"—but now there is an embarrassment in that signature, an assumption that I do not feel.
There is no Second Elbert Hubbard. To five hundred Roycrofters, to the Village of East Aurora, and to a few dozen personal friends scattered over the face of the earth, I am Bert Hubbard, plain Bert Hubbard—and as Bert Hubbard I want to be known to you.
I lay no claim to having inherited Elbert Hubbard's Genius, his Personality, his Insight into the Human Heart. I am another and totally different sort of man.
I know my limitations.
Also, I am acquainted with such ability as I possess, and I believe that it can be directed to serve you.
I got my schooling in East Aurora.
I have never been to College. But I have traveled across this Country several times with my Father.
I have traveled abroad with him. One time we walked from Edinburgh to London to prove that we could do it.
My Father has been my teacher—and I do not at all envy the College Man.
For the last twenty years I have been working in the Roycroft Shops.