History

Charles W. Hubbard of Weston, MA owned about 250 acres plus the original right of way from Meredith Neck Road to The Winnipesaukee Beach Colony Club. This land was known as Hubbard Estate. Ethel Reid, formerly a resident of Winthrop, MA purchased most of the land in 1945 with the intent of developing property. Ethel and her husband Willis Reid worked in real estate and not only developed the Hubbard Estate property, but also Echo Shores in Alton, NH. Ethel sold a large number of lots and in 1949 sold part of the remaining development to Norman and Pauline Reid.

Some lot deeds have wording to the effect "right to use in common with others for bathing purposes only, said beach being situated on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, bounded on the north by Lots 5 and 6, and on the south by Lot 7." Other lot deeds in the development do not have this wording, but anyone who bought lots in the development, by reference to the plan of development, acquired rights to use the beach.

The boundaries of the former Hubbard Estate are important in determining eligibility for use of the beach area. These boundaries are as follows:

Coming down Old Hubbard Road, beginning at a point east of Cummings Cove Road, continuing along both sides of Old Hubbard Road, Quimby Road, Quimby Circle, and the short piece of the original road still called Stonedam Isle Road. Also Included are all of the properties on Dale Road to its dead end; all of Fish Cove Road properties and then north on Stonedam Island Road to a point where the first stonewall almost bisects this dirt road. This stonewall was the northerly end of the former Reid property and is located just past the Fish Cove Association dock area. (The stone wall is just past #68 Stonedam Island Road). Also eligible are the first two lots up Stonedam Circle, both on the left side.

This organization's original name was Hubbard Estate Development Association. The founding members were lot owners in the development. The PRIMARY purpose was and is to provide access to the lake for "bathing purposes" for only development owners. This is especially important to back-lot owners with no beach access to their property. Over the years there have been many suggestions to provide a variety of other accommodations at the beach. After much discussion regarding the pros and cons of each suggestion, the members considered the maintenance involved and the limited amount of available volunteer manpower and decided to keep the beach area as is. The only exception which members "bent" the rules slightly has been the authorization of a boat ramp, believed to be in the interests of the members. The SECONDARY purpose for the organization is the idea of a formal organization with a solidarity of purpose to achieve more effective communication with town and state government when necessary.

Up to the mid 1960's, the beach property was still technically owned by Ethel Reid. On August 11, 1965, for a sum of $500, the beach property was purchased by Hubbard Estate Development Association.

The Association was re-chartered and renamed with the State of NH as HUBBARD BEACH ASSOCIATION on September 20,1982. HBA is a non-profit organization. The property of the HBA is tax exempt under IRS Code 501 (c) (7), and is recognized as a Social and Recreation Club, located in Meredith, NH.

The Association is a volunteer non-profit group and operates on a calendar year from January 1st to December 31st. Officers are nominated by membership at the spring business meeting in May or June. These officer positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Elections are held at the "End of the Season" meeting held in August. Elected officers are requested to serve two years, to avoid excessive turnover and thereby maintain continuity in each area of responsibility. The Board of Directors  consists of the above-mentioned officers and four Directors. Each Director's term is five years on a staggered basis so that one Director is elected each year. There are also appointed committees: Beach/Sign Committee and Membership Director/Committee.

A dues notice is emailed or mailed in the spring to all currently listed members. Other information, such as dates for Association meetings, are emailed/mailed to members by the Secretary. Annual dues are BHA's only source of income. Accumulated funds are used primarily for maintenance of the organization and its property.