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The Latest Titanic Commutator (No. 202) is here!

50 YEARS OF THE TITANIC COMMUTATOR

In reflecting on events related to RMS Titanic and the Titanic Historical Society in this 50th anniversary year, two articles in this issue show how much has changed––one is how and why the Titanic Historical Society began 50 years ago, Titanic Historical Society: The Idea, Foundation and Founding; its influence on people worldwide and what is happening in 2013–an incredible contrast.

Its mission, when it was formed in the Kamuda residence in 1963, with odds against it succeeding, was to remember and preserve the history of Titanic after learning that a survivor, a baker, had died alone and the apartment’s owner tossed out his Titanic mementos. The act of discarding history was the motivation that began what eventually became the Titanic Historical Society.

In the story, Titanic II Global Launch, Professor Clive Palmer, a successful entrepreneur from Australia, formally announced plans to build Titanic II. He is serious about his project because rather than seek investors as in past failed ventures, he is putting up his own money. A report on the activities in New York.

Since he left his home in Norway to visit his children in North Dakota, from England, John Nysveen had written “All is well” on a telegram to his wife. He intended to travel to the United States on S.S. Megantic but the ship did not sail because of a shortage of coal. Days passed––April 11, April 12, April 13, April 14––John Nysveen had disappeared––there was no sign of him. There was no reason to believe that John was on the Titanic, and the family thought that he had left on another ship before Titanic’s voyage. Also, his name was not on the passenger lists published in the newspapers. Unfortunately, Nysveen was on Titanic and Sergio Martinez Cotos does a remarkable job researching the biography of a forgotten Third-class passenger in the biographical piece: Johannes Hansen Nysveen: A Story of Life, Truth and Tragedy

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The Titanic Commutator No. 201

50 YEARS OF THE TITANIC COMMUTATOR

As this is written in January 2013, an important milestone in Titanic history has been reached––the Titanic Historical Society is 50. We hope you will join us on September 4 through 8, 2013 at THS’s 50th Anniversary Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where we’ll reflect and remember. Latest details are inside the issue and on our website under Events.

Five decades has brought an incredible change in the Titanic world. The ship has become a worldwide phenomenon. It wasn’t always that way. It’s hard to believe that in the summer of 1963 at the Kamuda residence in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, a handful of young men struggled for an identity for a new organization whose mission was to preserve the history of Titanic. It fell, for the most part, on deaf ears. Who cared about a ship disaster fifty years ago when there have been so many important events since? The 1960s were a time of civic disruption across the country and a dismissal of history and tradition. The lack of interest by the general public was discouraging but it was also an opportunity. At this time Edward Kamuda and a few THS members had been corresponding with Titanic survivors who, at that time in their later years, were thrilled that anyone cared about their experiences a half century ago. Permanent friendships were formed. Their personal accounts were written in their own hand which became the foundation for articles in this journal that was mailed to members in the United States, Canada, the UK and Europe and thus, the beginnings of preserving Titanic history and reaching many people.

As you can see from past Commutators featured on the front and back covers, there are many Titanic and related subjects that were introduced decades ago that became the foundation for research for additional information which had a ripple effect. More knowledge was found and built on the shoulders of earlier Titanic Commutators–– Persistence by a handful of people in the early years is a source of pride.

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The Titanic Commutator No. 200

This issue is the final quarter for 2012 and completes a memorable year––a year of 100th anniversary activities commemorating Titanic’s maiden and only voyage. However, for the Titanic Historical Society, the new year, 2013, marks another important milestone in Titanic history. The THS is 50 years old. We hope you will join us to celebrate September 4 through 8, 2013 at THS’s 50th Anniversary Convention. Details are inside and on our website under Events. This journal will also be featuring retrospectives over the next year.

Jack Leslie White’s article, Father Browne’s Camera, reveals that Browne was one of the world’s great camera enthusiasts. While much is known about the photographer, how his iconic Titanic photos came to be taken, little has been written about the camera that captured these cherished and haunting images.

The model for the Women's Titanic Memorial was a two-foot bronze statue that was on top of the stone of Mrs. Eugene Bowie (Cornelia) Roberts in Holy Trinity Episcopal Churchyard in Bowie, Maryland. The bronze statue was stolen from the Roberts’ stone in November 1974. Her son, Eugene Roberts, would like to find out what happened to it.

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The Titanic Commutator No. 199

49 Years of Continuous Publication

This special issue of The Titanic Commutator is the second of two commemorative 100th anniversary editions and is completely different than the previous special issue last quarter. The stories are primarily devoted to Titanic events and commemorations that took place in April and, as years pass, will be a real “keeper”.

Installing the Titanic Centennial Memorial, the weekend convention and especially the Unveiling Ceremony on April 21, 2012, was an exciting day for THS members. How did we get to commemorate this magnificent memorial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts? A discussion began a few years ago when the question popped up continually, “What is the Titanic Historical Society planning for the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s maiden voyage?” THS members have contributed to placing memorials in Cherbourg, France, Cobh, Ireland, cemeteries in Southampton that remember Titanic lookout Fred Fleet, various crew members, donating to Titanic-related conservation and preservation projects in several countries––the thought occurred that nothing had been done here.

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The Titanic Commutator No. 198

49 Years of Continuous Publication

Here we at 100 for RMS Titanic! This year has been both busy and exciting; there are Titanic centenary commemorations happening all over the world–Titanic’s story endures. In keeping with the theme, the articles in this issue are all Titanic-related, some with different twists.

Author Patrick Stenson re-examines the timing in Titanic Meets Iceberg. Did the collision really happen in that way through those critical moments immediately before the accident? In part it undoubtedly did but a re-evaluation of the evidence after the passing of a century (during which time it’s always been there for everyone to see) strongly lays claim to one very distinct and vital difference to shed a significant new light on the circumstances leading up to the instant when the ice was struck.

One of the few first class passengers from the Titanic about whom almost nothing has been written is Gertrude Wayne, later Mrs. Richard C. Yanke. Don Lynch uncovered much new information. Traveling under the name Thorne she would have been nearly impossible to track down but for two clues she left behind. It is probably through Ethel Levey and her connection with the theater that Gertrude first met George Rosenshine. George’s grand-niece, the late Janet S. Ripin, recalled that he and his brothers were friends of theatrical producer Henry B. Harris. George M. Cohan was a good friend of Harris, and perhaps Harris and Cohan introduced George and Gertrude. They planned to complete their world tour with another maiden voyage––that of the Titanic.

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The Titanic Commutator No. 197

49 Years of Continuous Publication

UNSINKABLE YEAR - UNSINKABLE SHIP. This is the first issue for 2012 and it is truly a year we have been anticipating. In our minds, Titanic has proven unsinkable (literally). There are hundreds of commemoration programs and activities taking place worldwide and a slew of books have been coming out which makes people wonder if there is anything new under the sun on Titanic? We think we have found one. The word “unsinkable” connected with Titanic has generally been used as a term of exaggerated pride from passengers or crew or media hubris. After all, how could an intelligent person believe a ship is unsinkable and where did the term regarding the ship begin? The original story inside, Unsinkable Ships, opens doors to its origin and rationale and, labeling Titanic “unsinkable” or “practically unsinkable” wasn’t new or unusual; rather, it was late in the game.

Our visits when the late Mike Rudd hosted Titanic Heritage Tours were memorable and we were fortunate to see Harland & Wolff before many of the buildings were torn down and the area forever changed. Naturally we wondered what it was like to be there while Olympic and Titanic were building. It is impossible to do that but excerpts inside from a little book titled “A Day in a Shipyard.” is as good as it gets. The text is a virtual guided tour written especially for young adults. Published in 1910 and reprinted in 1931, mechanical and technical jargon is omitted and descriptions are easily understood. The shipyard and ship is not named but it is obvious the yard is Harland & Wolff and the ship described is Olympic. In this issue we will concentrate on her keel and riveting.

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Titanic Dinner Parties Category

Gathered into one category for easy review and purchase, here all the items for hosting an excellent Titanic Dinner Party. Be sure to set your table with our Titanic Dinner Package, sold in single place settings or packs of 12. Present your guests with memorable party favors like the mini Titanic keychain or Titanic ornament. Decorate with reproduction documents and put on the original music as was played aboard the Titanic. Click here to browse this category, or find it any time from the side menu in our Museum Store.

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