Philip B. Hofmann and his connection to Ottumwa's past

The Main Street district of Ottumwa has been central to the economic and cultural development of the city, region, and far beyond. Many people with connections to Main Street Ottumwa have made significant national and international impacts. Main Street Ottumwa is proud to share the stories of these connections.

Philip B. Hofmann was born in 1909 to Frank and Isabelle Hofmann. Graduating from Ottumwa High School in 1926, he grew up attending Trinity Episcopal Church with his family. 

Hofmann attended college at the Wharton School in Pennsylvania. After graduating college, Hofmann began working as a shipping clerk at Johnson & Johnson. Rising through the ranks, he became the first non-family member to become CEO in 1963. He is credited for doubling the company’s sales during the ten years he spent in the role. 

Hofmann remained active in civics and competitive equestrian organizations, earning recognition from Queen Elizabeth II for his equestrian work at England’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

An Ottumwa Icon

Bernard Hofmann opened the first Hofmann building in 1893. Heralded for its iconic metropolitan design, the building was impressive in height, design, and innovation. Its unique design featured an elevator that ran on water power.

The landmark building’s lower floors were designed to house shops and the upper floors were designed for offices. The first ground-floor retailer was H.M. Cockrell Candy Retailer which had both a candy store and distribution warehouse. The building burnt down in 1940 as a fire spread quickly up the elevator shaft.

The original Hofmann building was impressive and iconic in 1893. The original building was destroyed in a fire on Easter weekend, in 1940. The second Hofmann building, which opened in 1941 sought to be just as iconic. The building remains the tallest in Downtown Ottumwa

The current Hofmann Building at the intersection of Market and Second Streets was constructed in 1941. Starting in the 1980s, it was called The Harvester Building. The building underwent a major renovation in 2008 and is now home to the Hofmann Lofts.

Frank Hofmann opened Hofmann Drug in the original Hofmann building in 1902. His son, Dick, later joined him in the business. After the original Hofmann Building was destroyed in a fire in 1940, they reopened the drug store on the ground level of the iconic new building. The store remained a Downtown fixture for decades. 

The new, modern building was located on the same corner as the original. It was designed by Des Moines architectural firm, Proudfoot, Rawson, Brooks & Borg, and was determined to be just as iconic as the original.

In 1963, Phillip B. Hofmann featured center was the first non-family member to be named chairman and CEO of Johson & Johnson. He joined the company as a shipping clerk in 1931 and rose through the ranks. During his tenure as CEO, the company grew substantially, doubling its sales.

Find this informational panel in Canteen Alley in Downtown Ottumwa.