San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-10-21
constructed by Griff Jones,
an Engineer From Massa-
|chusetts, 1t Stands a
Monument to His Skill.

About sixteen miles southwest of
hn Antonio and a mile from the main
pad, high and alone on the crest of
e only mill between San Antonio
id the gulf, stands the old Jones man
pm, which is also known as the "Cas-
of the Medina" and "Jones Ranch
ouse," according to the tastes and
bits OF the person who alludes 10
e stately old mansion.
At stands today just as il stood when
was first built 60 years ago. solid
ID substantial, the proud monarch
all it surveys, and seemingly as
nch an inevitable and enduring part
the landscape as the hill on which
stands. Many persons prominent in
cry phase of the life of San Antonio.
ring those go years are identified
tn its history, and look back to
unteous hospitality enjoyed there ms
pleasantest times in a happy child
od, the most delightful seasons in n
" young manor wOmanhocd. or the
bst sheltered and contented times
ter troubles of later years.
The approach TO the stately aid
use is dignified and impressive even
its decay. 1t is laid out i'll two
hg curved circular drives that were
tended to encompass fountain.
hich was never completed but for
ich the pipes and water system are
d. The only plants left of the origi-
garden which evidently surround
,thc walks is double row of ma
ey. those sad gray determined look
plants from Mexico that can sur
Re any lack of care and water.
Red Sandstone in Yard.
"A modern growth of palms and
ght garden flowers add TO the color
the picture the house presents. and
not inappropriate in type. How
pr. more interesting than any plants
I'D be, are the frequent appearance
Tough the red sandy soil. of huge
ished masses OF smooth red sand
me. In many cases these bare stones
az broad and flat ms the floor of
ordinary rom and perfectly smooth.
ley suggest nothing 30 much as the
of huge polished, prehistoric bald
Id emerging from a sparce growth
sandy red hair. The whole hill
ms TO be one solid stone composed
red sand. with unmistakable water
rks in many places on its smooth
FfSce.
The Jones mansion was built by
och Jones. an engineer born in
brcester. Mass. in 1902. At the
Of 10 he built the famous dam at
hnstown. Pa. and after that was an
;ineer on the western division OF
Pennsylvania for a numoer of
rs. He came TO Texas in the '40s
h his wife, who was daughter Of
ln Vassar, the founder OF Nassar
lege. and through that connection,
ola.shins 10 the college are the
hit Of every descendant of the
hes.
kfter the death Of this wife. in
\ Antonio. Mr.. Jones married Miss
arlotte Tompkins. who had come to
Eas. with her sister. Mary Eliza
h. and their brother. Walter. from
.mont. The three of them taught
leading school of the day. about
years ago. in n little adobe build
on the Main Plaza. the sisters be-
the first "Yankee school marms"
: the town had ever seen.
|ir. Jones owned the building on
northeast corner Of Market street
the plaza. and gave the ground in
rear Of his store to the city for
old market house. which is still
hiding. II is "bcTond the memory
thc oldest inhahtant" to verify.
it Is entirely probable that the ac-