Recollections of the Domestic Help

The first of the house staff, who I remember, just slightly, since I was so young, was Mrs. Wilson. She was the cook and the widow of George Wilson who was Miss Edith’s chauffeur from October 1917 until his death in August 1927. She left for a while after his death but returned in 1928.  Miss Edith helped her with her finances after George’s death. She stayed until December 1941.

Mrs. Wilson was replaced by Nellie McCarthy. Nellie worked until sometime in 1942 and was replaced by Cecelia, whose last name I don’t remember. Cecelia worked for Miss Edith until June of 1945 when Nellie returned and remained the cook until she retired in September of 1952. Nellie was a pleasant and friendly individual and kind to all.
 
The cooks and maids had time off after lunch and before preparations had to begin for dinner for a few hours when they would return to their side of the white farmhouse and rest.  I remember as children, we couldn’t even walk by that side of the house while Cecelia was employed, as we disturbed her. I guess young boys are not quiet. However, no one else ever took exception to our presence.
 
The first maid that I remember was Mae Kyle. She started in 1938 and stayed until July 1941. She was always sociable with all the workers and was fond of the children.
 
My favorite maid, and probably the favorite of most of the employees was Bridget Harrick.  She worked for Miss Edith several times, off and on over the years. I don’t know what caused the breaks in employment, but she was always welcomed back. She acted as both a maid and a seamstress for the ladies. When Miss Edith purchased the 41 Church St. home from Inez Burrall, (Miss Lucy and Miss Mary’s sister-in-law); in 1955, she provided an apartment for Bridget on the second floor, while the remainder of the building was rented to a law firm. Bridget’s health began failing in about 1964, and after a stay in a nursing home, Miss Edith arranged for Bridget to return to live with her brother and two nieces in County Cavan, Ireland. In 1965, Dad, Mother, Molly Carmody, and I drove Bridget to JFK for her flight to Ireland. While traveling in Ireland in 1966, I visited Bridget. She passed away the next year. She was a quiet and friendly individual. It seemed that all the Irish ladies liked to socialize with the farm employees and their families.
 
Rose Mikutauch was another maid who enjoyed the friendship of all at Topsmead.  She worked there off and on from 1963 to June 1972 when Miss Edith died.  She was a happy and funny person and a good worker.
 
The cooks, maids, and or butlers received the 4th weekend off from Thursday through Sunday, ready for breakfast on Monday morning. With so many Irish help, Dad would drive them to an early Mass on Sunday mornings at St. Anthony’s Church so that they could fulfill their religious obligations and return in time to prepare breakfast for the ladies.