It was 91 years ago this past Thursday that the RMS Titanic sank in the Atlantic Ocean, in the early hours of April 15, 1912. Over 1500 died, while only around 700 were saved...not enough lifeboats, although she exceeded lifeboat capacity for the outdated rules of the day.
Oddly enough, this infamous maritime disaster has a connection to Titletown, USA. On board for Titanic's maiden voyage were some Fond du Lac (hey, ScreamingHeadGuy's hometown) folks: Dr. William Minahan, his wife Lillian, and sister Daisy. (Encyclopedia Titanica)
Lillian and Daisy escaped in Lifeboat 14, before being transferred to Collapsible D. However, Daisy was never the same, and was basically driven nuts due to the sinking. She died young in L.A. William, however, died in the sinking...one of the relatively few first-class males to die in the disaster.
His last words to his wife and sister were allegedly "Be brave."
Dr. William Edward Minahan...1867-1912
He's buried in Green Bay...he's got a nice tomb, the back part of which overlooks the Fox River. I drive by it nearly every day...weird.
And another Green Bay connection: Daisy said a month later that she was awakened by the crying of a woman in the hallway...whom she swore to be Madeline Astor, wife of famous rich guy (and Titanic victim) John Jacob Astor...who owned a big chunk of Green Bay land in 1912. Still today, there's an "Astor Park" neighborhood...yep, that was his. There's still a hotel named after him, too.
THE THRILL ACW-NWA Wisconsin Home Video Technical Director...& A2NWO 4 Life! (Click the big G or here to hear the Packers Fight Song in RealAudio...or try .AU, .WAV or .MIDI!)
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