The History of Hobbs Funeral Home

For 70 years, our funeral home has been operated on the principles of being local, independently-owned, family oriented, and taking pride in providing highly personalized, caring service for all faiths. This was the precept in place when we were founded, and it remains in place today.

The Hobbs Funeral Home was founded by Frank Hobbs, Sr. and Elizabeth A. (Betty) Hobbs in November, 1941.

Founder Betty Hobbs passed away in 2006 and these recollections are directly from Betty's memories:

A very dear friend and former neighbor, Alice K. Soule, asked me (Betty) to be one of her workers for Community Chest (now The United Fund) in 1940. While canvassing the neighborhood soliciting money, she noticed the "For Sale" sign on a big yellow Victorian farm house on the corner of Cottage Road and Clemons Street on Meeting House Hill.

After calling the agent for information, we wondered how we could ever carry out the dream of owning our own funeral home. Every night the realtor, Mrs. Thomas Leeman, called to see if we had given it more thought. She wouldn't take "no" for an answer, and we found ourselves scrambling to raise money for our funeral home.

With no money, no credit and being an unknown name in the community, we pursued every channel possible, knowing the location was fine and the area was in need of a caring funeral home.

Frank figured if we had 12 calls our first year, and got our name established, we could manage. And yes, we had exactly 12 calls with families who had great faith in him and so, by word of mouth, we began our business. Advertising was taboo in 1941 and beepers and cell phones were unheard of, so this meant someone had to be "on call" by the phone or easy to reach constantly. We rented our hearse and ambulance, both of which came with a driver.

Our home was originally a farm house, owned by the Clemons family. Beside being a farmer and wonderful carpenter, Mr. Clemons also had a blacksmith shop behind the barn, and we still have the huge bellows which were part of his trade. Many people coming into our home now often notice and remark about the beautiful milled woodwork around the doors and windows, which we have been fortunate to be able to save while doing over our home.

Our first call came December 1, 1941, when a Mr. Marshall had died. Mrs. Marshall was the Clemons' daughter, and of course she was born and raised in this lovely old home. Because people were coming to the service from California, we scheduled our first funeral for Sunday, December 7. This gave us the needed time to get rugs and furniture in place, plus papering and painting in the two front rooms. My mother borrowed a sewing machine and made beautiful draperies. Folding chairs and lamps were loaned to us by two Portland funeral homes and the service was held.

Not until we were cleaning up and getting ready to return the equipment did we turn on the radio -- and learn of the December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor!

Beside being a funeral director, Frank was very active in the community. He was a member and very involved in all of the activities in the First Congregational Church, belonged to the Masons, Lions Club, Eskimos Club, served on Civilian Defense groups and the South Portland Board of Industry, etc.

Frank, Jr. was born in 1943, our daughter Jane in 1946, and Jeffrey in 1953. They all grew up living in the upper part of the "L" and barn and graduated from the South Portland school system.

In 1960 we built an addition to the home, large enough to seat 100 people easily. Frank was afraid it was too big at first, but in time we wished it were even larger. I had to lose my rose garden and flower beds out front, but we needed the room!

When Frank, Jr. graduated from college and New England Institute and came into the business, he very much wanted and encouraged us to have our own show room. Having our business all under one roof would simplify everything for our families and for us.

As we grew, we needed more room and, in 1976, an addition was built at the back of the house, giving us another larger room for services, as well as a ladies' room and men’s room on the main floor, plus a show room downstairs and a comfortable room where funeral arrangements are made.

In June 1979, Jeff called his father to talk with him about coming into the business. After graduating from college, he had worked in different fields in business, and now had made up his mind that he wanted to be a part of the family business. Frank was so happy, knowing both sons would be carrying on his work, and realizing the Hobbs Funeral Home would always be in good hands.

That was June 26, 1979, and he went to bed happy that his dream would come true. In the morning, I found him and realized he had died in his sleep. As stunned as I was, I felt -- and still do -- that it was wonderful for him to know of Jeff's plans and wonderful for Jeff to have had the privilege of sharing them with his father.

Frank was a gentle man, a friend to all, a wonderful father and husband whose work continues today. Always he was striving to think what more he could do to help families through the emotional, difficult days.

Frank, Jr. has retired and Jeff -- and now his nephew Jeffrey Inman -- are building on the foundation that his father laid.

We have lived and carried on our business in the lovely old Victorian home. Between 1990 and 2000, we had redone every room and replaced the windows. The cupola which blew down during a hurricane in the 1940s has been replaced with the addition of an old Howard clock which is now a landmark enjoyed by people passing by. The driveways and parking facilities have been redone, the cars replaced and a new roof added. On the inside, new rugs, furniture and a new fresh look bring us up to date.

The funeral business is a very personal business. We are here to help families in the most difficult time of their lives and this is very important to us.