Saturday, April 14, 2012

Tea On The Titanic, Titanic Commemorations

The Whiye Star Line Titanic was the most opulent ship afloat when it sailed away from Ireland on her maiden voyage only to hit an iceberg and sink in 1912.  I am joining Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage for her Tea On The Titanic, and Tuesday Cuppa Tea with Antiques And Teacups






These photos were taken by passenger Father S.M. Browne and found on various Titanic sites, I don't know if he survived or not.

The Titanic was one of 3 sister ships: The Olympic, the Titanic and the Britannic. They were designed by Harland & Wolff of Belfast.

I don't have any Titanic memorabilia to share, but I do have a silver plated tea strainer dating to the 1930s from her last sister ship, the Britannic, that was launched in 1929 and used as a passenger ship between Southampton, England and New York until she was decommissioned in 1960. The tea strainer is available at Time Was Antiques. Just click the photos for more information.



 

A postcard I have of the Britannic:


 As it is the centennial of that horrific disaster, there are many commemorations. The Fred Olsen Cruise Line cruise ship The Balmoral left April 8th following the exact route of Titanic carrying the same number of passengers, 1309, and serving as much as is possible, the same menus, with many of the passengers in period dress. The passengers include many family members of Titanic passengers.  The ship will rendezvous with an Azmara cruise ship for special services at the Titanic site. The Fred Olsen line is operated by Harland & Wolff.


Elsewhere, in conjunction with the Titanic commemoration, The Titanic Museum opened in Belfaast, Ireland on the site of Harland & Wolff's docks were Titanic was built. The museum opened on March 31st and is sold out with timed entrance into June. The museum itself is a facinating design of ship prows. Here is a photo from the BBC of the opening night fireworks:


When we were last in Southampton, England to sail home from the UK on the Cunard Queen Mary 2, we visited the memorial to the band that went down with Titanic, as most of the members were from the city and area around Southampton. It was such a sad thing.


On the voyage across, the Captain, Commodore Warwick, let us know when we passed over the Titanic and we had a minute of silence. Cunard is actually descended from the White Star line.

I have added some links here to the Titanic Museum website and others with fabulous resources. One, Titanic Stories, has a day by day interactive view of Titanic's voyage with dramatized portrayals of various passengers, accurately portrayed from historical documents.

The Titanic Museum In Belfast 

Titanic Stories

Titanica Exhibit - National Museums of Ireland


9 comments:

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Ruth,
how amazing that you had in your Shop real memorabilia of the Titanic. Love to see this pieces. Thank you for all this informations.
Best greetings, Johanna

Millie said...

I think there is an internet site where you might be able to find out if Father Browne survived, sorry I don't have the link. I found your posting very informative, and I am very intrigued by any facts concerning the band.

Beth said...

Very interesting post, Ruth. I enjoyed seeing your silver tea strainer.
Blessings, Beth

Denise said...

So informative,Great job!So nice joining you in this tribute. Denise

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Ruth,
You have shared another very informative post. The tea strainer is lovely! Thank you for sharing with us.

Blessings,
Sandi

Millie said...

Re Father Browne, I found this on Wikepedia:
"At 11.30 am on Thursday 11 April, Titanic arrived at Cork Harbour on the south coast of Ireland. It was a partly cloudy but relatively warm day with a brisk wind.[107] Again, the dock facilities were not suitable for a ship of her size, and tenders were used to bring passengers aboard. 113 Third Class and seven Second Class passengers came aboard, while seven passengers left. Among the departures was Father Francis Browne, a Jesuit trainee, who was a keen photographer and took many photographs aboard Titanic, including the last-ever known photograph of the ship"

Bernideen said...

So much interesting information - thank you - lovely!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Such a plethora and wealth of information- thank you so much!

Your trip really must have been incredible. It gave me chills.

Tea in Texas said...

Lovely tea strainer and the post card reminds you of the Titanic! The sadness of the Titanic still hits home for so many were lost at sea. Enjoyed hearing about your trip and the minute of silence for the Titanic. Thanks for sharing! Pam

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