Today (2026) this building is known as The Mansion, serving as an assisted living facility on South Union Street in Cambridge.
In the 1880s Edwin McClellan had his brother-in-law, William Mynderse, renovate and expand the house at 11 South Union. He named his mansion Meikleknox, which means “little hill”, possibly in reference to his family home in Scotland.
Edwin died in London in 1924 at the age of 62. His wife, Helen Livingston McClellan, died in 1949, leaving Meikleknox to the Washington County Historical Society.
In 1950, WCHS sold the north portion of the 7-acre lot to Bob McWhorter for $1500. In 1952 Bob built his new grocery store on the lot facing West Main St
In 1952 the WCHS began discussions with the NYS Synod of the United Presbyterian Church. The WCHS voted to sell Meikleknox for not less than $25,000
In the summer of 1954 the Synod completed the purchase and took ownership of Meikleknox United Presbyterian Home.
A “work camp” was held July 1-8, 1954 with youths age 17-25 from around the area coming to Cambridge to fix up the home. Andy Bell was the “boss” of the work camp.
Andy had the youths start each day at 6:30am. Typical Andy, he found a way to have some fun with them. As he was leaving the work site the first evening, he heard some of the young workers say “Mr Bell is so easy to work for”. The next morning Andy showed up with a big bull whip and spent the day cracking it to the delight of his workers.
notes regarding photos
- A photo of Helen Livingston McClellan and Edwin McClellan, possibly in front of their home in London, England.
- Rev J. Rodney Beal wrote a description of Meikleknox in the May-1953 issue of “The United Presbyterian”.
- What 11 South Union looked like in 1858 when it was owned by Hirma House. This is the north side, with South Union Street off to the right of the photo. Edwin McClellan greatly expanded the structure.
