Tag Archives: living

Franke Tobey Jones

12601965273_abd3f52f71_bFranke Tobey Jones at 5340 N Bristol St, Tacoma, WA 98407 is not-for-profit senior community with independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facility and it has lovely grounds. I was there to hear a talk about the woman for which the center was named.The center opened in 1925. Franke Tobey Jones, who provided the building site and the funds for the original building, was the wife of Charles Jones, who was associated with the Tacoma Lumber Company. It originally housed 65 residents each with their own room and shared bath. Over the years there was considerable expansion to the facility that it is today.

Mrs. Jones herself never lived in the facility. She was however an amazing woman who crossed the continent 85 times, as well as traveled to such far-flung places as Japan and China, She was born on May 22, 1845 (the same day as me, but different year) and passed away on April 25, 1941. She is buried next to her husband in the Tacoma Mausoleum.

http://www.franketobeyjones.com/

 

The Lexington Apartments

11002379335_b5b44425eb_o(1)The Lexington Apartments at 8720 58th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 has three floorplans (1, 2 and 3 bedrooms). It was pretty dark when I got there and worse when I left, so my only photos were of the pumpkins on the end table and of the doormat. It looked like a nice apartment complex, well maintained. Their website is here.

 

11003828105_02a2fa7f6a_b

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Killarney, Ireland was my idea of a perfect way to explore history. The castle was built in 1425 and restored in 1954. Visitors get to explore most of the castle, using tight, twisting steps. Folk Park consist of village buildings from the 19th century including farm buildings, a mill, church, homes, school and stores. We had a chance to visit with the mill worker and other members of our group were scolded by the school master.

http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/

Fire Station No. 8

Fire Station No. 8 by Gexydaf
Fire Station No. 8, a photo by Gexydaf on Flickr.

Tacoma’s Fire Station #8 at 4301 South L was built in 1909 and ceased being in 2006 when a larger station was constructed nearby. It is now a private residence.

The City of Tacoma placed 11 individual fire related properties (9 stations, 1 ship and an alarm system) on the national historical register in 1983. The nomination form is located here:
http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/64000904.pdf