“We’d began that have a housemaid of all functions exactly who cooked, offered, cleaned, laundered. In the event that infants began coming i additional a separate helper; a hospital-trained nursemaid.” -Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Minutes to keep in mind
Have been it?
Joseph and you can Flower Kennedy functioning several alive-inside the maids after they resided at 83 Beals Roadway, Brookline, Massachusetts, off 1914-1920. Mrs. Kennedy typed regarding the let, but do not stated all of them by-name. Who have been these types of feminine? Historic suggestions helped all of us identify all of them. First i consulted the latest 1920 national census, shown less than, and this lists Mary O’Donahue and you can Alice Michelin because the several servants living with your family. The census comes with worthwhile pointers instance decades and you can birthplace. Regrettably, i have no record out-of how long the solution lasted or if they was the initial maids whom located employment at the 83 Beals Roadway. After that lookup produced each other info and you will deceased stops.
Alice Michelin, (1892-1945), Nursemaid
In the 1911, 18-year-old Alice Michelin moved into the French coast to catch a good steamship likely for brand new York. After passage using Ellis Area, she moved so you’re able to Boston to participate their brother who was currently living here. Their unique training is as the a good nursemaid or governess, that’s the way we known their unique role for the Kennedys. But not, when you look at the 1920 she kept its services and you may returned to France so you’re able to check out household members to have per year. Alice proceeded in order to serve as a great nursemaid to other family in the Boston. One of their particular afterwards charge recalled their particular as the a great “precious, brilliant, charming people.”
Mary O’Donahue, (1887-?), Maid of all of the Really works
Mary was among more youthful Irish immigrants exactly who did as home-based servants. Read more