Margaret Andrew

Margaret J. Andrew (March 2, 1908 – September 5, 2000) was an American experimental engineer. Born in Dayton, Ohio, she had a focus in science and technology. Her work as an experimental engineer lead to two patents for improving dishwashing and clothes washing appliances.

Family Margaret was the daughter of James E. and Mary L. (Darst) Andrew. She had two brothers, Herbert and Ralph Andrew and two sisters, Alma Gerhard and Emma Caroline Heath.

Education Andrew graduated from Steele High School, which was in Dayton, Ohio. This position allowed her to reach consumers by going door to door to hear how they were utilizing the products and the insights that she gained from these conversations were used to create adjustments to the top rack inside of a dishwasher. Her other patent benefited the process of washing clothes, helping improve the agitation control of the washing machine. Andrew retired from Frigidaire after working for 37 years.

Publications Andrew became a published author in 1983 with the book Home Food Care. The book's focus was on a method of food preparation that involved cooking, sealing and freezing items.

Affiliations Andrew was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 2003, the church, in partnership with Sinclair College, created a scholarship in her name, the "Margaret J. Andrew Memorial Scholarship for Culinary Students". Westminster Presbyterian Church wanted to help facilitate Andrew's goal of financially assisting and supporting those wishing to obtain careers in the field of Culinary Arts. Andrew was also a member of the American Association of University Women, a life member, Dayton OSU Alumni Club, Dayton Music Club, Dayton Federation of Women Club, and the Dayton Women's Club. Awards In 1986, Andrew was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, an honor for "significant contributions to the social, economic, political and cultural growth" within the state and the country. She was also the first woman to be elected President of the Ohio Valley Section of Food Technologists.