March 17, 1937 

The Day Spring

by Don F. Cochrane

Transcribed for the internet

By Emma Thornburg Sefcik – 11/2001 

__________________________

Leaders of Jersey Cattle Industry

Are Guests of Dr. P.A. Thomas Here

     At their new home “Thomasonia,” the beautiful mansion that tops a sightly knoll at Thomas Farms on South Center Street, Dr. and Mrs. Paul A. Thomas yesterday entertained a group of members of the Southwestern Michigan Jersey Parish association.

    Meeting with the Jersey enthusiasts were H.E. Dennison of East Lansing, field secretary of the American Jersey Cattle club, and George Cooper, president of the Michigan Jersey Club and manager of Oakland Farms at Ann Arbor.

    One purpose of the meeting, and another held the day before at Ionia, was to promote the Jersey Parish show, comprising a group of western and southwestern Michigan counties and held annually at Wayland.

    When Secretary Dennison reported that the state department of agriculture had appropriated $250 for the Wayland show this year, Dr. Thomas countered with an offer to give $500 if the show is held in Hartford instead of the Allegan county town.

    Before going to “Thomasonia” where a delightful luncheon was served at noon, the guests inspected the ultra modern dairy barn at Thomas Farms where 29 registered Jersey cows, 13 of them imported from the Isle of Jersey, are quartered.  Secretary Dennison called them one of the finest, if not the finest “small heard” in Michigan, and Michigan ranks sixth among the states in Jersey cattle.

    The visitors also viewed “X of Oaklands,” the aristocratic gentleman who heads the Thomas Farms Jersey heard.  He is also imported from the Isle of Jersey, and is said to be one of the finest Jersey bulls in America.

     Enroute to “Thomasonia” the visitors passed through the modern horse barn that Dr. Thomas is now building.  It is about the last work in equine domiciles.  C.C. Young of South Haven is the builder.  He also built the ultra modern home into which Dr. and Mrs. Thomas moved only a few weeks ago.

    Along the winding driveway that leads to the home Dr. Thomas described the landscaping plans, now only partially completed, that will enhance the beauty of the scene when spring again dresses shrubs and trees in their livery of green.  He also pointed out three wells being driven at the edge of the woodlands that skirt the driveway and which will deliver 5,000 gallons of water an hour for lawn sprinkling purposes.

    Arriving at the home Dr. Thomas demonstrated for the amusement of his guests the radio controlled doors of his basement garage. Stepping into his car he turned on the radio. The garage doors rolled up to the ceiling. After the car was backed out the doors rolled down. Approaching to the proper distance, wit radio on, the doors rolled up again. They are controlled by an intricate mechanism suspended from the garage ceiling. “I don’t believe it yet,” commented Secretary Dennison.

     That these Jersey breeders are convinced that they have the finest cattle in the world was demonstrated in the round table discussion that followed the bountiful luncheon which was graciously directed by Mrs. Thomas.  And not least of the Jersey enthusiasts is Dr. Thomas himself.

      The Jersey situation today is the most promising in the history of the American Jersey Cattle club, declared Secretary Dennison who presided.  The demand for Jerseys is heavy, he said, and the herds are increasing.  He described new organizations and testing programs being sponsored by organized Jersey groups for the further perfection of the breed.

      Incidentally, Mr. Dennison paid a tribute to Dale Dean, herdsman at Thomas Farms.  He observed Mr. Dean and his brother as they grew up as 4-H club boys in Ohio, he said, and had watched their successful careers.  The brother is now herdsman at Cornell University.
     President Cooper, of the state club, and Clarence D. Cook of Lakeside, Berrien County, president of the Parish group, also spoke – about nothing but Jerseys, of course.

     Leaving the luncheon tables, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas conducted their guest on a tour of the new 24-room mansion, which is the final word in modernity.  Gorgeously furnished, but all in exquisite taste, air conditioned and providing every modern convenience, it is a beautiful country home over which Dr. and Mrs. Thomas preside most graciously and hospitably.

     Besides Messrs. Dennison and Cooper of the American and state organizations, guest at yesterday’s luncheon were Mr. And Mrs. W.C. Harder and Mr. And Mrs. C.L. Harder, of Three Rivers; Mr. And Mrs. Ray G. Thomas of Tulip Vale Farm at Three Oaks; Mr. And Mrs. Clarence D. Cook of Lakeside, where Mr. Cook is superintendent of the Harold G. Swift Estate; Mrs. Clara Needham of Albion; Clarence A. Smith, herdsman at the Chikaming Farm at Lakeside; Earl Dawson, herdsman at the James C. Sturges farm at Cassopolis; James P. Hoekzema of Centerville, St. Joseph county agricultural agent; County Agent John Woodman of Paw Paw; Kenneth and Paul Overton. well known Jersey breeders at Bangor; and the editor of the Day Spring.  The latter was not qualified by any knowledge of Jerseys, but he learned a lot.  Jersey “fans” apparently dwell in a delightful realm of satisfaction, as rich in island lore as Jersey milk is in cream.

      About those “parish shows.”  That’s because in the Isle of Jersey the subdivisions are called “parishes” not counties.  There will be six instead of four, the state having been re-divided into six parishes.

Continue on to other articles about the Thomas Mansion, please click here:

Quicksand Halts Construction of New Thomas Home  

Leaders of Jersey Cattle Industry are Guest of Dr. P.A. Thomas Here