During the summer of 1899, in Derry, New Hampshire, a man named William Hobdy opened a business called Star Cleaning & Repairing Co.
According to historical records, William Hobdy was born in Virginia in 1862, eventually relocating to Lawrence, Mass., where he grew up and worked in a cotton mill. After moving to and establishing his business in NH, Hobdy, who was also a skilled piano player, shared that gift of music at private gatherings and special occasions.
What is known about him:
-To supplement his income while living in Derry, he would shine shoes, clean basements, chimneys and houses, bury dogs and occasionally take on the role of umpire for local games.
-He would host ice cream gardens for summer visitors at his own home.
-In Nov. 1902, he held the first-ever ragtime ball in the area.
-Between 1900 and 1915, he held summer concerts at West Windham and Adams Memorial Hall and was often requested by summer guests to musically entertain.
Hobdy, who was the first known Black business owner in Derry, passed away in 1918, leaving behind his wife, Maud who was Black and their (informally) adopted daughter, Rose, who was White.
In 2023, The Black Heritage Trail of NH, Derry Public Library and other supporters honored the life of William Hobdy by unveiling a new marker on the Derry Rail Trail to honor Hobdy’s life and his contributions to the town of Derry while living and working there.