E.W. Hobbs

• Once started as a concession stand inside the Willows Pavilion, E.W. Hobbs became a fixture at the Salem Willows for their homemade ice cream, salt-water taffy and freshly made popcorn, with real butter!
• Everett L. Hobbs and Wilbur Eaton were the founders of the National Popcorn Company and opened a plant in Lynn on Western Avenue. In 1897, the men acquired the carousel building at the Willows and sold their wares in this extremely popular amusement park. Hobbs later passed the business to his son Ralph, who in turn handed it over to his son, Everett. Bud "Everett" Hobbs took over full ownership when his father died in 1966. It is now being run by the fourth generation of Hobbses.
• In 1906, they introduced a new product, the ice cream cone. Everett L. Hobbs had seen these at the New Orleans World's Fair, where French waffle ovens made the cones.
• The Salem Historical Commission gave a preservation award in 1998 to Buddy Hobbs for his upkeep of the so called "carousel" building in which his shop resides at the end of the Willows strip of restaurants and arcades. He has maintained the two Victorian era buildings which once housed a carousel, characterized by a cone roof, and green and white pediments.
• Everett "Buddy" Hobbs passed away in July of 2008.
• Hobbs' ice cream shop is now run by Priscilla Hobbs, Buddy's daughter, who runs it with her brother Charlie.
• Hobbs' is known for their fresh-popped popcorn, (with real butter) homemade ice cream, and salt water taffy. The grill side serves hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese and more.

See Also

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Salem Willows

"Mr. Hobbs takes no vacation- except at work" Boston Sunday Globe, July 26, 1992, p. N 1

"Bud Hobbs, 88; made treats in shop the old-fashioned way" Boston Globe, July 15, 2008, p. D8

"Obituary for Everett W. Hobbs, 88" Salem News, July 14, 2008, p. 6

"Fans recall late Willows snack icon Bud Hobbs" Salem News, July 15, 2008, p.2

"Salem has its share of "firsts" Salem Evening News, June 18, 1993, p.10A

"Unlikely preservationist heads award winner list" Salem Evening News, May 13, 1998, p. C3

Legendary Locals of Salem E. W. Hobbs, p. 89 (photo)