Norman Hobday Obituary

Norman Hobday aka "HENRY AFRICA" Friday, February 25, marked the passing of HENRY AFRICA, San Francisco Saloon-Keeper Extraordinare. Henry created the original "FERN BAR" concept with Henry Africa's Bar at Polk at Broadway, later moved to Van Ness at Vallejo. The Dcor was Tiffany lamps, Ferns, Beveled Glass Windows, Victorian Setees. He invented the "Lemon Drop" cocktail. He has been part of S.F. Bar scene for 50 years-currently owning Eddie Rickenbacker's at 2nd and Minna-displaying vintage motorcycles, antique trains, Tiffany Lamps. Previously he owned Dartmouth Social Club, Admiral Duncan, Flo Nightingale's, The Mouse House. He is survived by Sisters Joanie Krizman, J.B. Hobday and Brother Jack Hobday, Sacramento; sister Joyce Hobday, Georgia. Nephews: Kent Krizman, Carter Krizman, Jason Hartman; Cousin James Sproul. Funeral services private; Interment at East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento. Donations may be made to American Diabetes Assn., "Memory of Henry Africa" 492-9th St., Ste 300, Oakland, CA 94607.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Hobday

13 Entries

Laurie Portillo

May 15, 2021

Every time I have a Lemon Drop I will drink it up in memory and in cheers to "HENRY AFRICA"

KC Coco

March 29, 2011

Between 1994-98 Norman had a bunch of Kappa's (incl me) from Berkeley bartending and waitressing.

So many stories and good times. My sorority sisters may remember "pricky boy pricky" the cat; the birthday party we had for Kris, Kristin, etc;.... the time I hurt myself on his motorcycle, riding backwards carrying a plant. I could go on and on.

Norman broke all the rules and lived life to the fullest. He created many fond memories and will be dearly missed.

Margaret Brown

March 24, 2011

I was a cocktail wattress at Henry Afirca in the 70's What fun we had It was an eye opening experience for a young girl from georgia burned my ankle on the back of the Harley - It was wild but tons of living the life rest in peace Norman Mary Baldwin aka Margaret

Niel Finch

March 11, 2011

I knew Norman as "Jimmy" when we were good buddies in grade school at the old Gainesville NY school ( three classes to a room and a pot bellied stove in the central hall). We would match pennies and practice rolling dice in the boy's room (in 5th & 6th grade !). Ten years later we went out one night in his truck, that he used to transport cattle, looking for girls. (It's aroma didn't help us achieve our goals!) We were close, the way 10 & 11 year olds are today, but we were going through a world war, which folks seldom talk about. One of the most colorful and entertaining friends I ever had, he leaves some treasured memories.
(Niel Finch, Col AUS Ret.)

Ricquel Newman

March 5, 2011

I live in the area and when out and abt I'd drag friends in with me or just go alone and give Norman a hug and sit and talk to him- I could see over the years he wasn't doing so well and that saddened me.
That bar will never be the same...he will be missed :(

March 4, 2011

You can no longer run a saloon like Norman ran his. In many ways that's good, in many ways bad. One thing's for sure - saloons ain't what they used to be. And they used to be good. Rest in Peace, Norman. Oliver Colt

March 3, 2011

I worked as a cocktail waitress for Norman at Henry Africa's and a waitress for him at Dartmouth Social Club. Seeing this picture of him sure brings back memories of a wonderful place in time!! He was quite a colorful figure! Pam Morgan

March 3, 2011

Having just read Norman's obituary, I am flooded with wonderful memories. He had so many interesting qualities but, I think his inventiveness, may have been the most prominent one.I knew him in the 70's when I lived in S.F.and remember riding up and down the hills on the back of his Harley. What happy times. He will be missed.
Anna Dunbar Marks Augusta, GA

Richard Schulist

March 2, 2011

Saddened to hear about Norman. I don't think I'd seen "Henry Africa" since the mid 1970s when he was a customer of the bank for which I worked at the time.

Norman was always cordial, and his bar on Van Ness was a certainly among the best bars in S.F.
Henry Africa's screwdrivers were made with freshly-squeezed orange juice, too.

I've walked by his latest bar/restaurant many times over the years and thought about stopping in to say "Hello" but never did.
Now, I wish I had.
R.I.P.

Carol Grey

March 2, 2011

Norman was truly one of a kind. He will be missed.

Robert Jones

March 2, 2011

will miss you, wish i had more time to spend with you. your son, .....

Gary Towery

March 1, 2011

I first met Norm about 3 years ago on a professional basis. Our subsequent topics of conversation gave me an appreciation for the man, resulting in my frequent returns, always to a seat at the bar next to his sofa, where we could discuss cabbages and kings. Having last spoken with him less than a month ago, I was saddened indeed to read of his demise. He will be sorely missed.

Jeff Berger

March 1, 2011

They broke the mold with Norman.

A true genius in the bar business, an encyclopedic knowledge of history and people and for those who knew him, a loyal and true friend with a huge heart.

I will miss him.

Rest in peace my friend.

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