Page 26 - 1924 Booklet

Franke Tobey Jones

History

From her beginnings in Jay, New
York through recession, war and
prosperity, the story of Mrs. Franke
Tobey Jones is a remarkable one.
She had a heart of giving, and cared
deeply for people. She had a strong
passion for the elderly, and because
of her prosperity, she wanted to
share her wealth for the betterment
of seniors. Ms. Franke Tobey Jones’
legacy lives on at Franke Tobey Jones
senior living community, as we Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones
continue to embrace her philosophy
of giving back to seniors and our greater community through our mission:
“To enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community.
As a not-for-profit organization we provide senior residential services,
a supportive continuum of care and innovative community outreach.”

In 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Jones moved from Menominee, MI and settled in
Tacoma. Charles Jones and Henry Hewitt joined forces with two other
lumbermen to establish the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company. Jones
pioneered the use of the band saw in place of the more commonly used
circular saw. Soon a second St. Paul & Tacoma Mill was commissioned which
became the world’s biggest lumber producer.

A sharp recession swept the United States in 1893. By virtue of its size and
judicious management, the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company survived.
When the discovery of gold put an end to the recession, the St. Paul &
Tacoma Lumber Company was ready and able to take advantage of the
renewed boom. Charles Jones died on November 28, 1922. Franke kept her
quarter share in the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company and maintained
full ownership and management of the mill in Hoquiam.