Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 April 1901 — HON. THOMS JONES [ARTICLE]

HON. THOMS JONES

Will Come to Rensselaer to Reside. IS A MOST DESIRABLE ADDITION To the City’s Business and Social Circles. HE WILL BUILD A FINE RESIDENCE. Interesting Gossip Concerning Hon. Thos. Jones’ Family. Copyright 1898-1899.1900, by Geo. S. Scale.. The Hon. Thomas Jones, who ia a well-known and successful stock raiser and farmer, has sold nis farm in lowa and will soon come to Rensselaer to reside in order to give his family the benefit of the excellent social and educational advantages for which this city is noted. Mr. Jones has been known in this community as a man whose word is as good as a bond, and his fellow-townsmen have availed themselves of his ability by placing him on the school board, electing him a supervisor of his township, and sending him to the state legislature. Mr. Jones is a graduate of the Michigan Agricultural college, while Mrs. Jones was educated at Olivet. They have two daughters and one son—Miss Jones, Winifred and Tom, Jr. The former are much given to music, a taste inherited from their refined mother.

It is understood that by the death of a distant re’ative, who gained a large fortune in Australia, the Joneses have come into a very tidy fortune and mean to get all the good out of it that money can secure. Hon. Thomas Joneu has bought very desirable lots and let the contract for building a modern twelve room cottage, to cost about $8,500. The walls and floor of the bath room will be covered with white tiles and the floor of the vestibule with mosaics. On the completion of their new home the Joneses contemplate giving a reception, which, no doubt, will prove a notable event in the social functions of Rensselaer. Joneses at the Nowels House. Hon. Thomas Jones and family were registered at the Nowels House Friday and occupied rooms 10, 11 and 12, and the parlor on the first floor. Landlord J. T. Penn reported them as very desirable guests, knowing exactly what they wanted, and acceding without demur to the very reasonable charges of the Mowels. A representative of the Journal found the Hon. Thomas Jones enjoying a fragrant cigar in the office and was granted a very pleasant interview.

The reporter learr ed that the family was in the city for the purpose of contracting for the materials for and the building of their new house, arranging for its furnishing in all its details, and purchasing supplies. Mr. Jones believed they could complete their buying in two days, as they had in mind nearly everything wanted. They had obtained copies of The Journal some time ago, and from a close study of its advertising and local news columns had learned of the people who kept the goods desired After making their purchases they would leave for a visit to Mr. Jone’s boyhood home in Fulton county, N. Y., and return only when their house was nearly completed. They liked the Nowels house and its genial landlord so well that they would make it their temporary home on their return from the east.

Will Build Jones's House. Donnelly Bros., the well knowncontractors and builders, easily secured the contract to build Hon. Thomas Jones’ elegant $8,500 cottage. Their reputation for excellent, conscientious work insures Mr. Jones a satisfactory job. The many fine public buildings and residences erected by Donnelly Bros, in Rensselaer and vicinity are enduring monuments to their skill and ability. Among a few of their recent contracts are the handsome office building of Dr. J. W, Horton, the Rensselaer bank building and the fine residence of Judson Maines, lj miles northwest of the city. They have recently contracted to build beautiful residences, to cost about $3,500 each, fir Mrs Candace Loughridge and for Dr. A. L. Berkley. Will Furnish Jones’ Lumber. The Bales Lumber Co., whose office and yards are on North Main street, opposite the Monon depot, will fur-

nish the lumber for Hon. Thomas Jones’ new house, as well as the sash, doors, blinds, ornamental wood-work, interior finish, etc., to enter into its construction. Everything is to be A 1, and the Bales Lumber Co. supplies that grade. They are fully equipped to furnish the materials for a large and artistic dwelling for a small amount of money. Their enviable reputation -for fair dealing recommends them to the entire confidence of Hon. Thomas Jones. He will also use a liberal quantity of their paving brick and sewer pipe. Telephone 4. Secure the Order. There was considerable competition to sell Jones his builders’ hardware, and there was not much difference in prices. One of the men who advertised secured the order. “In the copies of the Journal sent me,” said Mr. Jones, “I read W. H. Eger’s advertisement. Now, as a stranger, I appreciate the courtesy of being invited to visit his store, and I know from experience that the men who advertise are progressive dealers and the ones who keep the latest and best goods in their lines.” W. H. Eger’s prices were satisfactory,, and he received Mr. Jones’ order for the builders’ hardware and also sold him one of the celebrated Peninsular steel ranges and a George N. Clark Jewel gasoline stove. Telephone 51. 1 Will Use the Rensselaer Decorating Co.’s Paints.

The Rensselaer Decorating . Co., corner of Washington and Front streets, will furnish the paints to be used on both the inside and outside of Hon. Thomas Jones’ new house. They include strictly pure brands of white lead and oil, including the McDongall White Lead Co.’s brands of leads, and Geo. E. Watson’s varnishes, and Geo. E. Watson & Co.’s (Chicago) paints The Rensselaer Decorating Co.’s paints always give satisfaction. They carry a full line of artists’ materials. Telephone (Jasper Co.) 293. Gets the plumbing. Hon Thomas Jones’ new house is to be provided with all the latest conveniences in the matter of bath and toilet rooms, sinks, tubs, water, and waste pipes, etc, W. H. Eger, the well known hardware dealer, plumber and steam fitter, has taken the plumbing contract, and it goes without saving that the work will be entirely satisfactory. Mr. Eger will also do the tin work on Hon. Thomas Jones’ new house. Telephone 51. Paper or No Paper. The question of using wall paper or not using it in a house, was one difficult for Mrs. Jones to decide. She appealed to Mr. Jones, but he only said, “Please yourself, my dear. I will be satisfied either way.” Mrs. Jones came to the Rensselaer Decorating Co. (Geo. W. Sharp and W. B. Peterson), corner of Washington and Front streets, saw a beautiful pattern of paper, hesitated and was lost. She went into the store. Mr. Jones smilingly followed. She was shown so many handsome patterns for walls and ceilings that she could do no less than compromise, and ordered paper for several rooms from the Rensselaer Decorating Co.’s artistic new designs for the season of 1901, believing it would give them a more cozy effect.

Will Spread the Paint. The Rensselaer Decorating Co.’s well known artists of the brushes will do the painting, decorating and paper hanging in Hon.. Thomas Jones’ new house. Their reputation as competent, artistic workmen insures the Joneses satisfactory and conscientious work. In sign writing the company employs an artist who excels, and many handsome and artisic signs displayed are the work of his facile brush. Carriage painting is also given careful and prompt attention by this firm. Jones Finds Fuel. Mrs. Jones excused herself, and after escorting his wife to the Nowels House. Mr. Jones started again for Bales Lumber Co.’s coal office, North Main street, opposite the Monon depot. He made a contract for sufficient coal to last through the season. Mr. Jones was assured before going to the Bales Lumber Co. that he would be given square treatment and full weight by this firm. Mr. Jones found that the Bales Lumber Co. sells the Lehigh Valley and Scranton hard coals, and the Jackson Hill, West Virginia splint and Sunday Creek soft coals. They deliver free to any part of the city. Telephone 4. Sensible Thomas Jones. Then Hon. Thomas Jones proceeded to hunt up an insurance office. He easily found Irwin & Irwin’s offices, in the Odd Fellows building, and made arrangements to place $6,000 on his house and $2,500 on his furniture and other personal effects in the well

known and reliable companies represented by this agency, which has an experience of many years and is the largest insurance concern in this section. The companies represented by Irwin & Irwin have millions of capital. In their list is included the oldest, most stable and best companies now doing business. They have an enviable record for prompt and equitable settlement of claims. They include the Niagara, the Hanover, the Springfield and the German American. Irwin & Irwin do a general insurance business, writing policies for all kinds of insurance, including plate glass, casualty, tornado, bonding, and also represent the old and popular Aetna Life and Accident, in which Mr. Jones was glad to take a policy. Irwin & Irwin do a general loaning business, making a specialty oi farm loans on long time at low rates of interest. Jones Buys a Fine Carriage. Anyone who knows the pleasure there is in spinning along with a fine turn-out will commend Mr. Jones for looking about for the finest carriage in the market. He went to the carriage and implement store of M. P. Warner, opposite the court house, on Van Rensselaer street, and was surprised to get an elegant Harber Bros.’ (Bloomington, Ill.,) rubber tired carriage at so reasonable a price. He selected one of the finest carriages that Mr. Warner had in stock. Mr. Jones also bought of Mr. Warner one of the famous Harrison farm wagons for his farm. Mr. Warner can give purchasers their choice of the best carriages made.

Will Use the “River Queen.” Jones is not what is termed a fussy man, but he does enjoy good flour at such times as baking is done in his house. A prominent grocer told him that Stoner & Day’s River Queen was the best family flour and always gave satisfaction and on inspection Mr. Jones concluded that the “River Queen” brand of flour was just what he wanted. Stoner & Day’s River Queen mills do custom grinding, sell all kinds of chopped feed and grain, and do a large exchange business with farmers on a liberal basis. Stoner & Day pay the highest market price for grain at all times. They deliver free to all parts of the city. Telephone (Bell) 92.

Secured Duplicates. Hon. Thomas Jones had sold his farm machinery with his farm in lowa, and he concluded to buy everything new here. Experience had taught him what was best, and he secured duplicates of the machines that had served him so well. He bought them at M. P. Warner’s carriage and implement warehouse, opposite the court house, on Van Rensselaer street. His purchases included an Osborne binder and mower and rake, a Geo. W. Brown harrow, a Parlin & Orendorff Co’s (Canton, Ills.) plow, a Brown-Manly’s cultivator, a Superior grain drill and a full outfit of small farm tools.

Jones and the Jeweler Agreed Hon. Thomas Jones looked at his watch, and much to his surprise found it but 10 o’clock. He was then in front of P. W. Clarke’s handsomely fitted jewelry store, first door east of the postoffice, and a look at the regulator showed him that his watch was way behind. It had stopped. “Nothing like taking a stitch in time,” murmured the Hon. Thomas, and he placed his fine timepiece in Mr. Clarke’s hand. A brief inspection showed that his watch needed cleaning, and Mr. Clarke promised to have it done that evening. He complimented Mr. Jones upon carrying a good watch. Mr. Jones desired to select a birthday gift for Tom, Jr., but in the multiplicity of beautiful goods shown by Mr. Clarke was at a loss to decide. He at length selected a beautiful watch—a Hamilton movement in a Crescent case, something the boy had long desired, and Mrs. Jones complimented his choice. Tom Jr., was the happiest boy in Rensselaer.

Delight of Women. Mrs. Thomas Jones is not hyper critical in the matter of dress, but everything she wears is selected with the best of taste. An attractive millinery display in the windows of Mrs. Purcupile’s store, induced her to step in, as the name was familiar. Mrs. Jones found the store thronged’ with ladies, attending Mrs. Purcupile’s spring opening of the very latest creations in the millinery art. She was soon canvass ing the merits of half a dozen pattern hats, and selected three beautiful ones for herself and daughters. Mrs. Jones was so well satisfied with the stock displayed, the low prices, and the courtesy shown her that she volunteered to give Mrs. Purcupile future orders.

Mrs. Jones Visits a Dentist. Mrs. Jones called on Dr. Horton and found him one of the mostdeservingly popular of the dentists. He is a graduate of the Hascal school of dentistry and is an active representative of that latter day school of progressive scientifically educated dentists, who have made for their profession a worthy name. The doctor is the possessor of a large and fashionable practice. His office is beautifully furnished with, all the latest appliances necessary to the performance of the work demanded, which latter is done according to the highest art that prevails in the largest cities. There is a well stocked library of scientific books of reference and periodicals of the profession. The doctor attends the state scientific societies and takes an active part in their proceedings. Are Behind the Times. The family met at the Nowels House for lunch and found their table decorated with handsome bouquets of beautiful carnations, a compliment from A. W. Cleveland, the florist, while Chief Clerk S. N. Bail had ordered out silverware, china and cut glass in honor of the occasion. The family’s numerous and heavy purchases had been talked of in business circles, and many cards and envelopes were piled beside Mr. Jones’ plate. Invitations to join the Mothers’ club for Mrs. Jones and one from the Ladies’ Literary club for Miss Jones, the card of the mayor of the city, and numerous circulars of tradesmen, comprised the pile. Mr. Jones was seen to shrug his at the circulars. “The men who do not advertise in in newspapers are, as usual, behind the times, my dear,” he remarked to Mrs. Jones. The circulars were removed with the soup plates.

Of No Interest To Men. Mrs. and Miss Jones went to Mrs. Gertrude Robinson’s ladies’ hair dressing parlors, 223 North Van Rensselaer street, to have their hair dressed. Mrs. Jones concluded to try the Monte Cristo hair restorative, which removes dandruff, invigorates the hair and cleans the scalp, and also carried away with her a bottle ofthe restora" tive. Miss Jones, after having her face massaged with Madame Bell’s facial skin food and hair dressed, purchased a jar of the skin food. Both of the ladies concluded that Mrs. Robinson would receive their patron age when they returned to the city. Gave B. F. Fendig’s Drug Store a Call. As she came to B. F. Fendig’s City drug store, Mrs. Jones remembered that she wanted a bottle of Wild Grape Blossoms perfume, and found it in Fendig’s fine line of perfumes. The girls purchased a box of Gunther’s candies. Tom, jr. selected a handsome brush and comb and promised his mother to make a trial of getting his unruly locks into order. The Hon. Tom took a bottle of rare old California wine, strictly for medicinal purposes. Mrs. Jones took a bottle of Hepaticure for stomach trouble. She was pleased to learn that Mr. Fendig carries a fine stock of books and wall paper.

Orders Invitations. Mrs. Jones ordered invitations for the reception from the Journal job rooms. She thought 200 would be sufficient. She was pleased with the artistic samples shown her, and placed her order with the date of the reception to be determined later. Tom, Jr.’s, Shoes. Tom, jr., had spent the forenoon with much satisfaction to himself and not without credit to his family. He first made sure of the new shoes suggested by his father. Young Tom’s tastes were for the substantial as well as the ornamental. He selected a pair of the well known W. L. Douglas $3.50 shoes, such as he had heretofore worn oh Sundays only. He bought them of Ellis & Murray. His attention was attracted to a fine line of Ellis & Murray’s ladies’ shoes, which he promised to recommend to his mother and sisters, and the elegant Manss’ patent leathers, which he was sure would just suit his father.

Inspects a Market. Tom, jr., critically inspected Moody & Roth’s Central market from the outside. Everything to be seen indicated cleanliness. Then he went inside. His inspection here was satisfactory, too. The plump yellow legged chickens, tender looking steaks, well browned hams, etc., and the whiteaproned, cleanly-appearing men in charge convinced Tom, jr., that the family could not go wrong in buying their meats of Moody & Roth. Others are invited to give Moody & Roth’s meats a trial and become convinced that Hon. Thomas Jones trades where i nothing but the best is sold. TeleI phone 102.

Chooses a Grocer. Tom, jr., adopted a novel plan by which to choose a grocer. He went to the grocery store of John Eger, and waited to see if he would be served in his turn. The show of goods outside and inside the store was large and attractive, and included all kinds of staple and fancy groceries, foreign and domestic fruits, etc. A number of people were ahead of him and others entered after* him. Much to Tom, jr.’ surprise and gratification, when his term came he was courteously asked how he could be served. He found that Mr. Eger sold the famous Eger’s Mocha and Java blend coffee, such as his father liked, and a very fine line of uncolored Japan tea, which his mother always drank. Mr. Eger sells the popular Monarch canned goods, and the best tested garden and flower seeds, onion sets and seed potatoes. Tom, jr., bought some oranges and went away convinced that a firm which recognized the rights of a boy would be equally conscientious in selling goods. John Eger will furnish the Joneses with groceries. Goods delivered free to all parts of the city. Telephone(Bell) 54.

Visits a Bakery. Although brought up on a farm, Tom, Jr., has a well developed sweet tooth, and next to visiting a randy shop he enjoys the privileges of a bakery. He went into Geo. W. Goff & Son’s bakery and restaurant, and while stowing away a nickel’s worth of jell roll, inspected the stock. The bread looked deliciously browned and appetizing, the cakes were the acme of a housewife’s dream, and as Tom’s last mouthful of jell roll was put where it would do him the most good, he decided that Geo. W. Goff & Son’s bread and cakes were just what the Jones family was looking for. Goff & Son serve regular meals and delicious lunches at very moderate prices. Telephone 66.

Next to Godliness! Tom,jr. was very much surprised when he stepped into the Rensselaer Steam Laundry to see that the new machinery they have recently put in was of the finest and latest make and thought it very strange anyone would send to outside laundries after inspecting the up-to-date work they are do ing. He also met his old friend, Fred Lagen, whom he knew ten years ago when Mr. Lagen managed one of the largest and and best laundries in the West. Porter & Lagen use nothing that will injure the fabric, and their work is delivered promptly on time. They make a specialty of tine work, including lace curtains, ladies’ shirt waists and collars and cuffs, and their charges are moderate. Work called for and delivered. Telephone 115. From a Health Point. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are very careful to inquire about the purity of their drinking water supply and are no less particular about the ice they buy. Considerable inquiry convinced them that ice sold by M. P. Warner was of a satisfactory quality and purity, and they placed an order with him with entire confidence that the service and ice would be satisfactory. Telephone 256.

Will Supply the Flowers. Miss Jones’ ideas as to the quantity of cut flowers, plants and other floral embellishments for the reception were very liberal. She wisely arranged to have the rooms decorated under the supervision of A. W. Cleveland, the florist, he to supply the cut flowers, plants, palms, ferns, etc. The stock of flowers displayed at the greenhouse, 903 North Main street, corner of East Park, was a delight to Miss Jones. She bought and took with her a large bunch of beautiful carnations. Mr. Cleveland makes a specialty of decorations and floral designs for weddings and also floral designs for funerals. Telephone (Bell) 132. TheJonses Go East. Hon. Thomas Jones and family left Rensselaer for Fulton county. New York, on the Monon at 6-32 p. xn. Monday. The family will return in about two months, and some of Rensselaer’s best people have already decided to give receptions in their honor. The progress made in the construction of Mr. Jones’ handsome house will be watched with interest.