National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Historical Overview
Mr. Farley was houseman from circa 1921 until Frederick's death. He had started on the
estate as a water boy, carrying water to men in the fields, before circa 1901 and then spent the
next twenty years as a tree man, until an injury caused Frederick to move him to the houseman's
position. During his tenure his wages began at $1.50 per day, and rose in increments from $40
per month, to $75 per month, and eventually $90 per month. 371
Parlor Maid 372
The parlor maid was a member of the housekeeper's staff, but she assisted the butler and
his staff in the care of the Dining Room, as such, she was jointly supervised. Her responsibility
was cleaning the rooms on the first floor. She also washed the dishes in the Butler's Pantry after
meals. Women, however, never served in the Vanderbilts' Dining Room. 373
Chef
The chef traveled with the Vanderbilts among their residences and supervised a staff
consisting of a first cook, second cook, and kitchen girl. When in residence, the chef lived in the
Cook's Room, a name reflecting the room's later use by a cook. After Louise's death, there was
no chef at Hyde Park.
Alfred Martin noted, "During the years there were numerous chefs that worked for the
Vanderbilt family, but at present I can recall only one - Mr. Bidart, a Frenchman." 374 Tom
Morgan remembered that Bidart was a little, short, stocky man who spoke very little English.
He noted that, during his employment from 1910 to 1918, the Vanderbilts had several chefs, all
of whom were French, and presumably male, with the exception of one Belgian. Morgan
recalled Bidart having a very bad toothache. As there was no dentist in Hyde Park, Morgan took
him to Dr. Cronck, who pulled the tooth. Bidart was so grateful to Tom Morgan that he invited
him to take his meals at the servants' table. 375
First and Second Cooks
In addition to assisting the chef when he was in residence, the cooks, who were always
female, prepared food for the household employees. Their rooms were on the third floor.
Doug Crapser noted that after Louise's death, cooks "came and went . . . fast" and also mentions
that the chef was paid all year and traveled with the Vanderbilts except on the yacht or
overseas. 376 Crapser notes, "the chef and cook and other kitchen help" ate at the table in the
kitchen. 377 Morgan noted that in addition to a chef, there was a "woman cook" who cooked for
the servants. 378
371
Theresa Farley.
372
Martin, taped interview.
373
Martin, taped interview.
374
Martin, Letter, October 1, 1970.
375
Tom Morgan, 12.
376
Doug Crapser, notes of interview, January 25, 1979, 2, Oral History Collection, ROVA Archives.
377
Doug Crapser, notes of interview, January 25, 1979, 2.
378 Tom Morgan.
76