(Dobson Banjo Ad Source: New York Clipper, 14 Oct 1882)
For a time in the late 19th century, what is now known as Cliffwood Beach was the home of a banjo factory. Charles Dobson, a banjo player who designed and built the instruments, was a performer in a minstrel troupe with his four brothers. Charles and his brother Frank married members of The Wallace Sisters, a nationally renowned performing group. Frank managed the sister group, first from New York City, and later, from Cliffwood.
Below are summaries of news clippings and related materials on the Dobson Brothers Minstrels, the Wallace Sisters, and their brief nexus with the township.
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“Mr. Chas E Dobson, the well-known banjo player, has engaged in the manufacture of banjos at Cliffwood, near [Keyport]. Mr. Dobson has gained an excellent reputation, both as a player and manufacturer, and anticipates a large sale for his banjos.” (Matawan Journal, 19 May 1883)
Dobson Brothers did business out of offices at 185 Fifth Avenue, New York City, with a factory in Cliffwood, near Keyport, New Jersey. (New York Clipper, 14 Oct 1882)
There were five Dobson brothers: Franklin B, Henry, George, Charles E, and Edward. (New York Clipper, 18 Jun 1887)
FRANKLIN B DOBSON / JENNIE WALLACE
Source: phototrack123 at flickr
Franklin B Dobson married Jennie, one of the Wallace Sisters singers. He wasn’t musically inclined, so he engaged in managing the singing group’s bookings from New York City and, later, from the Cliffwood House, near Keyport, New Jersey. (New York Clipper, 2 Aug 1879, 18 Jun 1887)
Source: New York Clipper, 2 Aug 1879 (right)
Frank and Jennie acquired a house at 339 Sherwood Drive in May 1872. Jennie sold the place in 1904. (Monmouth County Deeds, 239: 304; 749: 81)
CHARLES E DOBSON / MINNIE WALLACE
Image: possibly Charles E Dobson; Source: Harvard University, Houghton Library
Charles Edgar Dobson married Minnie, another of the Wallace Sisters. He was not only the star banjo performer among the brothers, but the inventor of the closed back banjo. (Charles E Dobson 1839 to 1910, The Vintage Banjo Maker)
Source: New York Clipper, 7 Apr 1883
Charles was to participate in a “match between the great players” at a banjo tournament on 30 April 1883 at Steinway Hall in New York City. Franklin B Dobson challenged competitors to seek one of the five Dobson banjos put up as prizes. (New York Clipper, 7 Apr 1883)
THE DOBSON BROTHERS MINSTRELS
Source: New York Clipper, 30 Mar 1878
Source: New York Clipper, 6 Apr 1878
The Dobson Brothers’ Minstrels were scheduled to “inaugurate their first annual season” at Trenton, New Jersey on 22 April 1878. Franklin Dobson sought to gather members of the group and gain additional hires through the New York Clipper. (New York Clipper, 30 Mar 1878, 6 Apr 1878)
Franklin B Dobson planned to bring his New York City company and orchestra to the Cliffwood House on 21 August 1879. (New York Clipper, 16 Aug 1879)
THE WALLACE SISTERS
Source: The Wallace Sisters letterhead, marked for a show in Galesburg, Illinois in 1872
“The Wallace Sisters – Jennie, Minnie and Maud – are now at their cottage at Cliffwood, Keyport, NJ, having closed a season of ten months with their performances at Col Wood’s Museum, Philadelphia, Pa, on May 24. . . .” (New York Clipper, 7 Jun 1873)
“The Wallace Sisters will give one of their inimitable theatrical performances at the new school hall [Freehold] on Saturday evening next. The entire troupe consists of sixteen players, with performances that are varied and unequaled. Plays, singing, dancing, bellringing, etc, are part of their performances.
“The Wallace family consists of mother (a widow), three daughters, and a son-in-law, Dobson, the celebrated banjoist. Mrs Wallace owns (and resides therein_ a fine cottage at Cliffwood, near Keyport. This is occupied by her and family from June 1st, till October 1st. The family travels the balance of the year.
“They have just returned from one of the most profitable tours, west and south, that they have ever made. Their performances have been highly applauded wherever they have been. It is seldom that [they] can be seen outside of the large cities. A crowded house is sure. Come early, if you wish to get a seat.” (Monmouth Democrat, 12 Jun 1873)
The Wallace Sisters closed their 1876-1877 season on 31 March 1877 at Wheeling, West Virginia. The 1877-1878 season would open in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in August. Franklin listed his business addresses as Cliffwood Heights, near Keyport, NJ and the Lotos Club, 5 Irving Place, New York City. (New York Clipper, 14 Apr 1877)
HOTEL / APARTMENTS ON MALDEN DRIVE
Malden Drive, between Pinehurst and Sherwood, in Cliffwood Beach. (Source: Google Maps)
The Dobsons and Wallaces held interests in a hotel at 864 Malden Drive, between Sherwood and Pinehurst, in Cliffwood Beach from the 1870s until about 1910. It’s likely that the hotel served as the banjo factory in the 1880s.
864 Malden Drive, after a July 1984 fire that mostly involved the second floor. (Source: Asbury Park Press, 10 Jul 1984)
The hotel was destroyed by fire in May 1893 and rebuilt in 1900-1901. It was later remodeled into a two-story apartment building, with five two- and three-bedroom units. 19 people were living in the building when it was damaged by fire in July 1984. One person was killed in the blaze. The building was subsequently demolished. (Monmouth Deeds, 303:439, 544:199, 366:403, 502:116, 544:201, 846:290; Asbury Park Press, 10 Jul 1984)
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This certainly only scratches the surface of the research available on this topic. The Matawan Historical Society welcomes additional papers.
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