| In 1900, Hobbs emigrated to Canada with his family – initially to Toronto and later (probably 1901/1902) to Sault Ste. Marie. As far as can be determined, he initially assisted his father who was a farmer (cattle dealer) and manufacturer’s agent in Sault Ste. Marie. In 1907, J. W. Hobbs began work outside the home with T W & L Co; first as a clerk and then as a telephone installer. (Tagona Water & Light Company – a privately held utility company in Sault Ste. Marie.) In the Sault Ste. Marie Directory for 1914 and 1915, he is listed as a foreman for the Public Works Department of the Canadian Government. After his naval service beginning in 1922, Hobbs became the manufacturer’s agent for W. & A. Gilbey Ltd. (London, Eng.) and Peter Dawson Ltd. (Glasgow, Scotland) He purchased the former naval schooner H.M.C.S. Naden for use as a yacht after she was paid off from the RCN. He also owned the former armed yacht Stadacona and was said to have been involved in the export of alcohol during the prohibition period with that ship, renamed as the Moonlight Maid. In 1927, Joseph Hobbs became the Managing Director of Hobbs Brothers, presumably in partnership with his brother Basil Hobbs who retired from the Royal Canadian Air Force in the same year. In 1928, Hobbs became President of Hobbs Brothers. In 1929, he is listed as Manager of Stimson’s Canadian Development (G. A. Stimson’s Canadian Development Company, Ltd.), the financial backer of the Marine Building in Vancouver which began construction in the same year. Also in 1929, Hobbs was a witness in criminal proceedings in Vancouver, presumably regarding rum-running. He was involved in the building of the Marine Building in Vancouver - he was the Manager of the Canadian Development Co. Ltd. The Marine Building opened on October 7, 1930. Construction costs were wildly over the original budget - $2.3 million as opposed to an estimated $1.2 million. This, along with the Depression, contributed to financial ruin for Stimson’s which folded in 1931. Hobbs was also taken down by the loss. The Marine Building was sold to British Pacific Building Co., the property arm of the Guinness Brewing Company which was active in real estate development in Vancouver at the time. He established the Great Glen Cattle Ranch in 1931 in the West Highlands of Scotland as well as seven Scotch whiskey distilleries. He sold out in 1961 and retired to Inverlochy Castle. He was made a Freeman of the City of London and also by the City of Fort William Scotland. He was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights. |
