Early in 1944 Irving R. Stich, Alfred E. Hanbury, and Joseph M. Howard were called together at the Hartford Club to meet with a representative from the National Association of Home Builders based in Washington, D.C. It became apparent as the meeting progressed that the value of such an association to builders in this area would be far greater than could be expressed by words alone. It was then decided that they would go forward with the organization and a meeting was called to which all the builders in the Hartford area were invited. The first meeting was held at the auditorium of the Hartford Gas Company, [the] use of which was generously extended by that company's president, N. B. Bertolette. Irving Stich, who had done so much to promote this new association, was elected its first President. Joseph DePaolo was named Vice President, Bret H. Dingley was Secretary, and Joseph M. Howard, Treasurer.

After several preliminary meetings and the fifteen charter members recruited, the official presentation of the charter was made at a dinner meeting on April 12, 1945, by then NAHB President Joe Merrion. It was a gala event with 125 people in attendance at the Hotel Bond. A good many of the builders played important roles in the original organization of the association, as did the associates--in particular, Abraham Ribicoff. He assisted the members in arranging the legal aspects of the association and in forming is By-Laws. Abraham and Irving Ribicoff were charter members and General Counsel for the Association. Abraham Ribicoff went on to become Connecticut Congressman; Governor of Connecticut; Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Kennedy administration; US Senator, and is currently practicing law in New York City.

The Home Builders Association has attempted and completed many objectives during the past fifty years. Until this association was formed, the builder operated alone and found it necessary to fight his own battles and solve his own problems. The Association has brought together the builders and those related [to] the building industry so that each is aware of the many problems that confront all builders. They have learned the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie that is so essential to an industry if it is to succeed.