This house was the residence of David Hoffman and his family for four years during the Mexican Revolution, approximately from 1912 to 1916. David Hoffman owned multiple businesses in downtown El Paso. By 1912, Hoffman, his brothers Charles and Harry, and a business partner Frank C. Hecox, owned Hoffman Bros and Hecox, (since 1914 called Hoffman Bros), a second hand clothing store situated at 402 South El Paso Street. Also since 1912, Hoffman owned a shooting gallery (photography studio) on 209 Broadway Street, and had moved his residence to 206½ South El Paso Street (Gems Building). On 1915 this shooting gallery is listed as owned by Charles Hoffman.
By 1916, Hoffman is listed as the proprietor of the Hidalgo Hotel, and had now lived on 4001/2 South El Paso Street (which is listed as owned by his brother Charles since 1915). His brother Charles is still residing at 1122A North El Paso Street and now owns Nelson House and co-owns the second hand store Hoffman Bros at 402 South El Paso Street. Apparently the Hoffman brothers owned at least some part of the 400 block of South El Paso Street, since they had businesses from the 400 to the 402 buildings by 1915. Since 1917, Hoffman still appears as the proprietor of Hidalgo Hotel, and some new businesses are listed like a saloon and a restaurant (1919) at 1010 Chihuahua and 222 South El Paso Street.
3. Original and Subsequent owners/residents (City Directory and Census)
1910: Residence of W.W. Follett, Consulting Engineer for the International Boundary Commission (U.S. Section)
1911: Residence of Marion N. Dicks
1912: Vacant
1913: Residence of Mrs. Ida Hoffman, David W. Hoffman, Charles J. Hoffman, and Harry H. Hoffman.
1914: Residence of Mrs. Ida Hoffman, David W. Hoffman, Charles J. Hoffman, and Harry H. Hoffman.
1915: Residence of Mrs. Ida Hoffman, David W. Hoffman, Charles J. Hoffman, and Harry H. Hoffman.
1916: Residence of Mrs. Ida Hoffman, Charles J. Hoffman, Harry H. Hoffman, and Lena Hoffman.
1917: Residence of Mrs. M. F. Marsh.
1918: Residence of J.G. Gillespie, Salesman South West General Electric Company.
1919: Residence of J.G. Gillespie, Salesman South West General Electric Company.