His faith has been amply justified, but we of this Bank will not forget that except for that faith and that courage, the outcome almost certainly would have been different; and that not only the stockholders, but thousands of depositors would have lost their fortunes, and the community, already suffering from disasters which at the time seemed almost to threaten the existence of the city, would have had another serious blow. --> During his early life and business career he was subjected to storms brought on primarily by a nation-wide panic, which were in all their fury in this newer and more or less unstable community, and which at all times called for and demanded the clearest of clear thinking, indomitable courage, and a spirit never, even under the most adverse circumstances, admitting defeat. Distinguished tribute was paid to the memory of Chester Thorne by prominent and pioneer business men of Tacoma and the Northwest in the funeral services held Wednesday, while civic and commercial organizations joined with the general public in expressions of regret at the termination of a career of distinguished usefulness. Chester Thorne was one of the founders of Tacoma, Washington. Tacoma today mourns the loss of a devoted son. Few are the men born to do and achieve, scattering the pearls of friendliness, kindness, good will and sublime faith, as did Chester Thorne. } He was the father of the Port of Tacoma and to it he gave much of his time during the later years of his life, serving as Port Commissioner. text-decoration: none; a:hover { Mr. Thorne was only thirty years old when, in 1893, he assumed the presidency of The National Bank of Commerce. Others must now take his place. The death of no other person in this city could be felt more deeply than that of our late friend and associate. Simple in his tastes, he expended large amounts for the welfare of others. He believed that the up-building of a strong, modern hospital in Tacoma, conducted for the public welfare, was one of the city’s greatest needs, and that in aiding it he was assisting materially in the up-building of the community, which was always his dominating thought. The mansion was unfortunately turned into apartments after the death of Chester Thorne, but through painstaking efforts, the castle has been restored to its original configuration. 22,466 were here. As a citizen, he cherished and exemplified the highest ideals—walking humbly and gently among his fellow men, encouraging and aiding them whenever he could, always assisting in community enterprises of merit either as leader or in the ranks. He was one of this city’s best loved men, a great leader in industrial and civic enterprises, a true friend to hundreds in all walks of life. He gave of his time and money to many worthy matters of community endeavor, whether it was the betterment of the lumber industry, the reclaiming of logged-off lands or the development of tourist travel. When the Stones returned to Thornewood, Anna also returned to the castle, dying peacefully in 1954. He was also known for his genial nature, deliberate mind, and indomitable spirit. Men employed there were never asked their religious or political affiliations. He will always be remembered as a kindly, courteous, open-minded and open-hearted gentleman. His untiring efforts to develop a great deep-water terminal that should intimately touch the currents of world trade, have borne fruit, and the magnificent properties of the Port of Tacoma will forever stand asa monument to his foresight, zeal and energy. In good times and in bad, under circumstances frequently difficult and sometimes discouraging he was foremost in every movement and enterprise calculated to advance this city. Thorne spent his life as a civic leader moving foward the development of the Pacific Northwest region. In the passing of Mr. Chester Thorne the Pierce County Social Hygiene Society loses a valuable friend. In 1908, he bought 100 acres along American Lake and spent over a million dollars to build his dream home: Thornewood Castle, a 24,000 square foot Gothic Tudor mansion that was finished in 1911. It is to be hoped that they will possess his penetrating vision and abiding faith. 22,509 were here. She saw several spirits come out of the vortex, but having previously had a near death experience of her own; she did not investigate for fear of being pulled to the other side. text-decoration: none; On display here is a sizeable collection of stained and painted glass from the 15th to 17th centuries that Mr. Thorne had purchased from an English Duke. Welcome to our home! For many years he has exerted a powerful influence in the gradual but permanent expansion of our industrial development. We do now therefore Resolve that in the death of Chester Thorne, this Bank, its officers and the members of its Board of Directors have suffered the loss of a wise counselor and beloved associate; the City of Tacoma has lost its most useful citizen, and the Northwest one of its foremost leaders. When I visited Thornewood Castle, we talked in a side parlor. Thornewood Castle - Lakewood. The passing of Chester Thorne is an inestimable loss to Tacoma. //-->. Aside from the management of his own affairs, Mr. Thorne was actively identified with the organization of a number of large industrial corporations, served as advisor to many of Tacoma’s leading business men and rendered distinguished service in assisting in financing many large concerns and important operations. He was intensely interested in all that concerned its welfare, and ever ready to devote whatever time and thought found necessary for the proper administration of its affairs. Today Tacoma bows in sorrow at the bier of one of its most distinguished citizens; one of its most loyal sons; one of its most devoted advocates—Chester Thorne. Deanna kindly spoke with Weird Washington about a number of ghostly occurrences there. Thornewood Castle was used as the setting for the Stephen King made-for-television films, Rose Red and The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer. Home  |  Book Events At The Castle  |  Stay At The Castle  |  Castle Wedding Venue  |  Overnight RoomsCorporate Retreats  |  Vacation Rentals  |  History  |  Gallery  |  About Us  |  Contact  |  Privacy Policy. Although he was interested in many other financial and business enterprises and was a constant and devoted worker for the good of the whole community and of the Northwest generally, no other financial or civic institution meant so much to him as did the Bank down to the very day of his death. This historic private residence nestled in Lakewood, just south of … RESOLVED: That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes of this corporation, and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased. Haunting Rose Red At the end of construction, Thornewood was 27,000 square feet and had 54 rooms, including 22 bathrooms. Chester Thorne of Tacoma, one of the leading bankers of the Pacific Northwest, is dead. The ghosts at Thornewood Castle do not like too much light. Thornewood is an estate in what is now Lakewood, Washington. Charles W. Orton President of the Port Commission of the Port of Tacoma, Fred Tuttle Secretary of the Port Commission of the Port of Tacoma, Resolution of the Board of Trusteesof Tacoma General Hospital. Only his failing health induced his associates to permit him to lay aside the duties of that office, to thereafter serve as a Commissioner. He was a member of the Union Club, Tacoma Country & Golf Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Fircrest Golf Club of Tacoma, the University Club of New York, and the Rainier Club and Seattle Country and Golf Club of Seattle. It was by these very characteristics that he was able not only to save himself and those institutions in which he was most directly interested, but also innumerable others who were dependent upon him and his ability, and to weather the storm and build a firm foundation for his future success. Deanna believed that this is Mr. Thorne’s way of getting people’s attention. He was truly a pioneer in founding the business structure of Puget Sound. In the passing of Chester Thorne a loss well-nigh irreparable is visited on Tacoma, the home of his choice, and on the entire Pacific Northwest, the land of his adoption. It sounded like 100 invisible people had suddenly appeared. 253 961-8843. He was intensely loyal to Tacoma and this undoubtedly brought him into positions where harmony did not prevail. The Port has been a peculiar public institution in that politics has never played any part in its activities. He has gone, mourned by thousands—for in his going the mighty heart of Tacoma, his chosen home, and of the Pacific Northwest, the region he sought out as the Land of Promise, is throbbing with grief. It appeared one night on the grand staircase. } a:link { Deanna Robinson shares Thornewood Castle with people as much as she can. We’d love to welcome you for an enchanting overnight visit, for your fairy-tale wedding, or other special event. Three weeks after Thorne’s death, another tragedy struck Thornewood. While an intensely loyal Tacoman, using every bit of his exceptional talent for the advancement of the home of his choice, Chester Thorne attracted to himself, because of his personality and his attainments, the regard and respect of the entire Pacific Coast regions. At all times and under all circumstances he gave unsparingly of his time, his energy and his resources of mind to this institution, and the place that the Bank has achieved in the city and in the Northwest is due in a large part to Chester Thorne. Mr. Thorne was a kindly man and gave aid to many young men who were endeavoring to build business enterprises in this city. This historic private residence nestled in Lakewood, just south of … Workers reported that their tools went missing. Chester Thorne was born at Thornedale, Dutchess county, N. Y., November 11, 1863. He died after an illness of some months at Thornewood, his home at American Lake, on Sunday, October 16, 1927, leaving surviving him in his immediate family, his wife, Mrs. Anna Hoxie Thorne, his daughter, Anita Thorne Corse, three grandchildren, Chester Thorne Corse, Anita Corse and Diana Golden Corse, and his brother, Oakleigh Thorne. Perhaps the most well-known castle in the state, this historical site serves as a romantic wedding venue and cozy bed & breakfast!