Here’s the story of another big deal in 1930. In October, a celebration was planned for the grand opening of the gas system in the city of Longview, Washington.
This was a high-profile utility for the Public Utility Investment Company, and the company was going all out for the grand opening.
The market had crashed in October 1929. But Nathan Jones’ empire had ambitious growth plans.
When the new year of 1930 dawned, there were big deals in the works.
Continue readingThe stock market soared throughout the Roaring Twenties. In August 1921, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 63. By September 3, 1929, the Dow had risen to 381, an increase of more than 600%.
And then it crashed.
Continue readingIn 1928 and 1929, Public Utility Investment Company continued to thrive, growing even faster than before. Acquisitions increased several hundred percent during these two years.
Ralph and Chleo Jarvis settled into a new way of life in Salina. They were in a home of their own.
Acquisitions were booming. Investment sales were booming. Home office staff was booming.
Public Utility Investment Company invested in a much larger office. It was on the second floor of businesses along Santa Fe Avenue, the main street in Salina.
Nathan Jones had organized The Public Utility Investment Company (PUIC) in 1924. It was used to purchase the assets of States Power Company in Oklahoma, and then to sell the assets to the newly formed United Power Company.
Nathan Jones focused on his vision for the new Public Utility Investment Company. In late 1924, Jones moved his family from Abilene to Salina, Kansas. He opened a two-room office on the third floor of a bank in downtown Salina.
By January 1924, Pawnee Power and Water Company and all the other C.L. Brown companies were merged into United Light and Power Company.
Nathan Jones had risen to assistant treasurer, and Ralph Jarvis had moved up to head the construction division.
But there was an opportunity in Oklahoma.
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Family Nibbles 