1925 – The Beautiful English Tudor Tobey Jones Home Opens

On March 4, 1925, the Home opened – a beautiful Tudor-style building with private accommodations for up to sixty-five residents.  In addition to gracious rooms and dining rooms, it had a stage where entertainment would be provided, a library and at the heart of the communal living area, a picturesque solarium.  At the time of opening, it was only the second Home for the elderly in the state, and soon was recognized as one of the most outstanding facilities in the nation. The beauty of the English Tudor architecture and skillful planning brought compliments from expert builders and architects as well.

“I thought when we stood on that beautiful spot over looking the Sound and with the glories of the sunset all about us, that here the tired old people whose work was nearly finished would find rest and joy, and it looked with all that beauty about them, as if it would be only a step to the better country.  Then I thought that the Jones Hall at the college would take the young folks, just when they were starting out for their life’s work, and get them ready to serve – train them, educate them, inspire them and help them to make the right kind of men and women.  Then I would have a place for them at the end, when their work was done, just to rest awhile in the glory of the sunset.”  Mrs. Franke Tobey Jones, January 14, 1925