10. Stephen Foster had a home in Hoboken, New Jersey
Adding to the list of famous Hoboken, New Jersey residents, composer Stephen Foster lived at 233 Bloomfield Street in 1854. Known as the “father of American music,” Foster wrote over 200 songs including “Oh! Susanna,” “Old Folks at Home,” and “My Old Kentucky Home.” It is at his home on Bloomfield and 6th Streets that Foster, born in Pittsburgh in 1826, likely wrote “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair” and other songs. Foster lived in the four-story, orange brick-shaded walk-up, which has retained two marble fireplaces to this date.
In 1853, Foster left his wife at just 27 and moved to New York City, where he stayed for about half a year before reuniting with his wife and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey. His song “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair” was originally about his wife Jennie, though he changed the name after he once again distanced himself from his family after moving back to Pittsburgh. Some historians believe Foster’s relationship with his wife was made worse after moving to Hoboken, according to poems from his sketchbook. Foster would later move to New York City, where he spent the last four years of his life before dying at age 37.
Next, check out Part 1 of the Top 20 Secrets of Hoboken, New Jersey!