At this time, little is known about Andrew Jackson Banks,
the cook at Meads. When I wrote Images of Woodstock I used a quote found
in a Kingston Freeman article in which Mrs. William Mead was interviewed. She referred to her cook as “Old Andrew”. He was paid about $25.00 a month and worked for
the family for over 30 years. I would
anticipate with more research, other
aspects of Andrew’s life could be
discovered. There are more images of
Meads in my book, Images
of Woodstock. They are available thru me at woodstockfleamarket@hvc.rr.com
My Mom, Winnie Davis and her friend Gen Whitely are posing
for a German photographer who was staying at Meads Mt. House. This pastoral setting she knew as Meads
Meadow is now referred to as Magic
Meadow.
The piece of information about Deanie Elwyn working as the “
second” chef for Harold Scism may add to the timeline of Deanies pre WW2 era
career activity. Harold was the husband
of Deanies longtime piano player-
Flo. At the moment, my thoughts on
Maude the cook- perhaps she came to Woodstock with Flo and Harold. Details will be posted as they emerge.