This two-story, three-bay galleried townhouse, built probably around 1885, was located at 915 on the north side of Clay Street across from the side of the Aeolian Apartments.  

Most likely, the home was built by Frank J. and Cora Hoffman. Hoffman’s mother married Louis Hoffman after she was widowed and Louis adopted and raised Frank as his own. Louis Hoffman owned Hoffman Hardware Company further down Clay Street and Frank worked for the company.  

The company was reorganized in 1887 “for the purpose of handling with greater facility the immense business of the house. Under the new regime, the old house has continued its prosperity and growth, and yesterday the incorporators held their first annual meeting. At this meeting a handsome dividend was declared; Mr. Louis Hoffman was elected President, and Mr. F. J. Hoffman, Vice President,” The Vicksburg Post reported.  

Cora was heavily involved with the Confederate Memorial Association and other organizations in Vicksburg. She and Frank had four children: Louis, Emma, Bertha, and a son who died as an infant in 1890. The funeral for the child was from the house on Clay.  

In May 1889, The Vicksburg Post reported that firemen had been very quick to extinguish a fire in the house and the Hoffmans were most appreciative. Cora died in 1921 and when Frank died in December 1927, their adult children, Emma and Louis, and their families lived in the house as well. Emma’s husband, Kirby, worked for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company.  They are still listed in the house in 1939 and then it appears that the house became a rental property.  

It was demolished a few years ago and an empty lot remains.  

– Nancy Bell, Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation.