MRS. MARY J. LINSAY

 

             To help our fellow travelers as we meet them along the highway of life is commendable, but there is one way of doing good that far surpasses this—and that is to “help people help themselves.”

             Mrs. Mary J. Linsay makes this a business, helping people help themselves—and we are informed that it is a paying business.  In short Mrs. Linsay operates a busy and successful employment agency in San Mateo at 333 Minnie Street within only a few doors of her home.

             Coming out to California with her father twenty-five years ago to settle in San Mateo she can justly lay claim to the distinction of being one of the pioneer residents of this city.  John Cook, her father achieved a successful career as a landscape gardener, having laid out the D. O. Mills home at Millbrae, and some other fine residences at Piedmont, California.

             In August 6, 1901 her marriage to Thomas Linsay took place in San Mateo.  From the very start the couple prospered so that in a few years they were able to purchase considerable San Mateo real estate.  Unfortunately, Mr. Linsay did not live to enjoy the fruits of his labor but passed on but a few years ago leaving his estate to his widow.  This includes the home at 324 Minnie St. together with considerable other real property.

             Mrs. Linsay takes an active interest in public matters as well as social and fraternal affairs.  Whenever elections are called on important civil matters, she always answers the call of the poles.  A charter member of the Easter Star, Laurel Chapter 186; and also of the Rebekahs, having once been their District Deputy, Mrs. Linsay feels that she has done—and is now doing her full duty in these channels of fraternal endeavor.  In both these lodges she occupied every chair and rose as high as was possible.

             Mrs. Linsay did not enter the Employment business; on the contrary, it came to her—gradually at first, when her friends sent her business.  “Go to Mrs. Linsay, she will find you a position” they would say to anyone who was looking for work or help.  The business proved to be pleasant work, and so, although she was amply well provided for, she decided to continue in this work, simply because she liked it and realized that in this field there are unlimited opportunities for well-doing.  Many the girl she has not only found a position for but taken into her home and cared for her as a guest until a position could be found for her.

 

Transcribed by Betty Wilson

 

Source: History of San Mateo County by Philip W. Alexander & Charles P. Hamm page 126. Press of Burlingame Publishing Co., Burlingame, CA. 1916.