John E. Andrus began his life
under modest conditions on February 16, 1841 as the son of
an impoverished Methodist minister. However, by the time of
his death in 1934, he held office as both Mayor of Yonkers
and U.S. Congressman, and gained a reputation as an industrialist
and as one of New York's most caring philanthropists.
Mr. Andrus dedicated his life
to the following mission: "To give opportunity to youth
and rest to the aged." That mission was realized in 1917
with the founding of the Surdna Foundation (Andrus spelled backwards),
a charitable organization, and the opening of the Julia Dyckman
Andrus Memorial Home for Children in 1928, an orphanage in honor
of his late wife.
After his death, much of Mr.
Andrus' fortune went to the preservation of the Surdna Foundation.
In 1953, his youngest daughter, Helen Andrus Benedict, continued
his legacy establishing the John E. Andrus Memorial, Inc.,
just north of the Children's Home in Hastings-on-Hudson. Now,
an exciting new renovation of Andrus will continue the legacy
set by John E. Andrus.
Andrus on Hudson is nestled
within 26 wooded acres, located high on a hill overlooking
the scenic Hudson River in Hastings-on-Hudson. It will continue
to be a community where active seniors can enjoy a high quality
of life with the security of a continuum of care. It will
be a place bustling with activity, founded upon friendship
and principles set by John E. Andrus himself.
Overseeing this exciting project
and continuing the legacy established by John E. Andrus is his
great great niece and current chairman of the board, Josie Lowman.
