About Us

What’s in a Name?
Why the name Hob Knob? It commemorates the bygone country home of the Inn owner’s grandparents. Set high on a hill (the “knob”) outside of Cleveland, Ohio, the estate was presided over by the family matriarch, known to one and all as Rosie, but whose actual initials spelled H.O.B. for Helen Osborne Bruch. It was Helen’s beloved husband, Edward, or “Duddie”, who christened the estate “Hob Knob”.

This dashing couple gallivanted around the local countryside with over- flowing silver tumblers in hand. Sports were in their blood. Duddie was a part-owner of the Cleveland Rams, and in their prime the two reigned as their country club’s tennis and golf champions. In local duck hunting circles, Duddie had a reputation as an expert marksman.

Today, Rosie and Duddie’s 15 grandchildren look back on the times spent at Hob Knob with tremendous affection. They reminisce about exploring the estate, toboggan races between the cousins, pouring over letters to Duddie from various US presidents, and roughhousing with the pedigreed Labrador retrievers the couple bred. And now a new Hob Knob exists. Like the original, the Hob Knob Inn is a place where those who stay can create their own unforgettable memories.

The individual and personal approach we took to naming the Hob Knob Inn is a reflection of our innovative philosophy toward innkeeping. We believe our role is not only to satisfy, but exceed the personal, individual expectations of our guests. And thus, the Hob Knob Inn was born.

This nineteenth century era Gothic Revival home on Martha's Vineyard, located just moments from the heart of Edgartown, has provided shelter for generations of travelers. In 1947, the Inn welcomed none other than Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in Edgartown for a sailing regatta.

Our Hob Knob Inn Signature
The cow in our logo is inspired by the herd of cows that owner Maggie White keeps on an up-Island farm. Many visitors are surprised to find that there are several working farms on Martha's Vineyard. This Island holds many surprises.

Meet Our Staff

Vera Thornton Manager	Vera Thornton has been at the Inn for five years. She has lived on the Island for 25 years, and was a restaurant owner before coming to the Hob Knob. A consummate multi-tasker, Vera is also one of our Hob Knob real estate agents, specializing in luxury rentals.
Anthony Masi Manager	Anthony Masi has worked at the Hob Knob since August of 2000. He began working in the garden and later advanced to the office. Performing a wide array of tasks, Anthony is well informed about all aspects of the Inn building and remembered by guests for his outgoing personality and warm smile.
Emily Cooney Manager	Emily Cooney is the newest addition to the Hob Knob Inn staff, coming on board in 2006 after working in the mental health field. Emily volunteers as an Island EMT and is an avid runner who also enjoys fishing. She has a yellow lab named Albie who is cousin the Hob Knob labs.
Eliana Medici Head Housekeeper	Eliana Medici, head of our housekeeping team, has been at the Inn for seven years. It is due to her untiring efforts and careful supervision that our reputation for spotlessness is maintained. Eliana is also an experienced breakfast cook, preparing those yummy Hob Knob omelets and pancakes in the morning.
Ali Lanzone Manager	Ali Lanzone was a summer employee while attending college in Boston. After completing graduate school last year, she accepted a full-time position in the Vineyard school system, and continues to work at the Hob Knob on weekends. Her outstanding baking skills make her a favorite among guests and staff alike!