[1] As part of its sporting goods business, W. H. Hobbs Supply Co. exclusively distributed a line of fishing lures which are now much sought after by collectors.
[4] William H. Hobbs started business in Eau Claire in 1885, when he entered into a partnership in a retail and wholesale hardware, lumber and supply store at 213 S. Barstow Street.
Hobbs distributed Ford, Maxwell and REO automobiles, later adding Lozier, Locomobile, Thomas Flyer, Premier, Overland, Hudson and Chalmers cars.
[3][5] In 1919, Hobbs built their main five-story building at 402–420 Eau Claire St., with 32,000 square feet of floor space.
[6] In 1968, Jessie sold the controlling interest in the family business to Vernon C. Grudem, who was the company's plumbing and heating manager.