2023 Update on Thelma Asper’s Contributions to the Jones House Restoration

July 8, 2023

By: David Asper and Linda Gruber

Jones House Carriage Drive Iron Gates Get Recognition — Local Family Contributions

The restoration of the Jones House and property has been a labor of love for many, many committee chairs, co-chairs, artisans, and donors.

Finally, during summer 2023, a historical plaque was placed giving recognition to the decorative iron gates at the entrance of the Jones House carriage driveway. These gates were selected, funded, and hung with particular attention, guidance, and care by Thelma M. Asper in the early 90’s in loving memory of her husband, F. Earl Asper. Of course, as with most things at Jones House, there were many contributors and helping hands.

Mrs. Asper and her husband were significant contributors of property, funds, and time for the restoration during the late seventies and throughout the eighties. Thelma Asper served as co-chair of the interior restoration of the Jones House, together with her good friend, Mary Dievendorf.

Mrs. Asper and Mrs. Dievendorf directed the careful, detailed return of the interior to that reflecting the décor and furnishing during occupancy of Henry Jones during the end of the nineteenth century. The duo labored many hours, with others, to accurately bring the several rooms to life and to curate appropriate furnishings and decorative pieces. Mrs. Asper curated and donated many items from her antiques gallery — The A & L Collectors Gallery – and from her many antiques-hunting expeditions. All the while, of course, Earl Asper was supporting (hauling, moving, placing, repairing/cleaning, among other efforts).

The Aspers farmed south of Pontiac. Thelma Asper was an active member of several community groups, including the Clionian Society, the Livingston County Historical Society, the Pontiac Women’s Club, the White Shrine, and the Eastern Star. Thelma Asper and Blossom Lowenthal were co-owners of the A&L Collectors Gallery in Pontiac. Earl Asper was Knights Templar Commander and a member of Pontiac Elks Club 

Please visit the Jones House and enjoy!