Effie Jones
Effie Jones nee Griffiths (21 July 1889 – 13 April 1985) was born in Nunney, Somerset, England, to Welsh parents. Her father was working as a school master in Nunney but died in 1896 Her mother returned to teaching school to support her three children. Effie attended the Swindon Technical School and the Hereford School of Art. She taught school until emigrating to Vancouver, Canada, to marry Herefordshire-born Francis “Frank” Jones, in 1919 within days of her arrival. Frank worked for B.C. Telephone. During the depression their home became a central base for people looking for work as they were the only ones in the neighbourhood with a telephone. The Jones’ had a vegetable garden, chickens, and steady work, helping to support many of their neighbours and friends. Effie began her political work with the CCF as a local executive member. She left disillusioned and joined the Labour Progressive Party (Communist). She contributed regularly to their publication, The Pacific Tribune. Her fight against B.C. Electric transit fares led to her being nicknamed “Low Fare” Jones. Effie helped transform the Housewives’ League, from a Liberal club into an organization with branches across Canada. She ran for many political offices during these years, coming a close second in the 1947 Vancouver mayorial race.