Days 7/8 - April 16/17th - Final Days At Sea

"One spectacular image after another from Ken Marschall's presentation drew us deep into TITANIC both on the bottom of the Atlantic, as well as from the studio sets built in Rosarito Beach, Mexico."

Photo: Chronicle / Michael Maloney

Monday and Tuesday went by all too quickly as we made our way back to New York. The continued warm sunshine brought many outside to enjoy the delightful weather.  Guests were swimming in the exterior pool, sunbathing, soaking in the Jacuzzis.


It was these last couple of days when we were entranced by more of Bill Miller's wonderful presentations, this time on the history of Cruise Ships, and the long awaited talks by Ken Marschall. Although he claimed he was not a public speaker, this immensely talented artist managed brilliantly to share his journeys down to TITANIC, including a mesmerizing photo tour inside the great liner.  He further earned the rapt attention of everyone in the room as he also took us on an intimate walk through the incredibly detailed sets created for James Cameron’s film TITANIC. 

Ken shared his own love of all things TITANIC, admitting he was himself a “rivet counter” - the nickname reserved for fans so enthusiastic that they literally know every nth detail of the doomed liner down the the very rivets.  And thank God he was, as it was his extreme interest that pushed him forward to collect a massive wealth of materials and network with other TITANIC experts, such as Walter Lord, famed author of the main book that infected so many of us A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. It was this infatuation that encouraged his amazing career.


It was Ken’s interest in re-creating TITANIC in a painting that first called upon his artistic skills once a previous attempt at a balsa wood model of TITANIC turned out too inaccurate to satisfy this rivet counter. Ken talked about how he was eventually contacted by film studios as the “kid” who had encyclopedic knowledge of TITANIC, launching a new path of consulting, then matte painting, then beautiful illustrated “coffee table” books.  


Ken shared how it was his book with Don Lynch TITANIC AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY which was used by James Cameron, in essence, to pitch his blockbuster film TITANIC to the studios. Cameron’s goal was to literally recreate dozens of Ken’s paintings in the film.  We were shown projected comparisons of illustrations vs film stills that were remarkable.  

Ken confessed that he had actually heard about Cameron’s plans to make a film of the White Star Liner and placed a call to the production company. According to Ken, when he introduced himself and mentioned his book, the reply was that Cameron was about to contact him! Fate had already been sealed and from that point on Ken Marschall became a primary consultant and participant in the overall design and accuracy of the sets and models built. Ken had previously worked with Cameron briefly as a matte artist on TERMINATOR and both shared an exacting style and attention to extreme detail. 


One spectacular image after another from Ken Marschall's presentation drew us deep into TITANIC both on the bottom of the Atlantic, as well as from the studio sets built in Rosarito Beach, Mexico.

Photo: Walt Disney Productions - Ghosts of the Abyss

Several fascinating facts surfaced about TITANIC and the explorations.  One little tidbit answered a question I had for years about the little tethered ROV’s that explored deep into the bowels of TITANIC, beaming back high definition video. I wondered how the custom bots named JAKE and ELWOOD managed to follow their path back out of the ship so that the optical cables did not get tangled.  To my surprise, Ken explained how each ROV had a 2000 foot spool of optical fibers that wound out then literally dissolved in water over time. The vehicles could wind their way up, down and in between, like threading a needle or going through a maze. They would then come out the other side of TITANIC. When done,  the bot would be retrieved, the optical fiber cut, and the now “used” cable would simply disintegrate.  


Images in staterooms showed these strange angled ‘gravestone” looking items that jutted out at oblique angles. These turned out to be the mirrors that fell from disintegrated wardrobes.  Glasses and pitchers were still sitting on surfaces, virtually untouched. How could they not be lifted up and tossed about as TITANIC flooded and sank? It appears that these items must have been filled with water before the ship went down. Maps and passenger lists can identify who was in a specific cabin and Ken pointed out the very name of a woman who must have grabbed a quick drink of water before heading out of her cabin, leaving her glass in the very same spot to be discovered nearly 100 years later. 

Other photos showed an almost pristine Turkish Bath deep within TITANIC. Illustrations showed the layout of the room which chillingly put each of us right there in a now familiar place. A box with multiple drawers used by passengers to store their personal effects lay on it’s side. The fact that rusticles faced sideways, versus down, illustrates that this box used to be vertically mounted on a wall and must have only just fallen recently. TITANIC is slowly rotting and falling apart. Another image shows a fruit bowl trapped between the slanted railings of a 3rd class stairwell, no doubt a random item swirling around in the currents as TITANIC sank. More descriptions included differences between the Cameron stage sets and the real ship. 


This was all endlessly fascinating and still surreal as it was all so intimately connected to where we had been, the history of this liner, and the magnitude of such a terrible tragedy. 

On a brighter note, it was confirmed to me by Cruise Director Tony Markey that I would have a morning slot to read excerpts from my new play 41N 50W based on the 1912 TITANIC Senate Hearings. This adaptation is based on, and uses the real words of, key individuals immediately following the sinking. Rather than present the typical well known tale of what happened on TITANIC, 41N 50W tells the story from the unique perspective of those trying to find out the truth of what had happened that night, cutting through endless mis-information, confusion, and often sheer incompetence. Designed specifically to be read by actors on stage with scripts, this play is simple to present and relies on projected visual images of actual individuals and places to set the scenes. 


I had Bill Miller and the Cruise Director’s wife Christine Markey as two of my five characters.  I took on the role of Senator William Alden Smith and two other gents, Wayne Smith and James Holzhner, graciously volunteered for the reading. Thank you to everyone for such an excellent job!  


 I was more than thrilled that the audience was most appreciative of the work and wanted to hear more.  Several approached asking where this play was going to be presented and a few others offered cards saying that they had friends associated with various theaters that may be interested.  I am not necessarily counting on these leads turning into staged productions, but the very fact that there were these inquiries was extremely encouraging.

A huge crowd was gathered by the pool deck so that an entire group photo could be taken. Period costumes were encouraged and there was a joyous energy as new found friends all shared with each other, exchanging information for future contacts. 


That last night there was almost a frenzied feeling as folks tried to get last minute signatures in these beautiful hard cover illustrated books that were available for purchase to commemorate this voyage.  Others had collectible diaries used for signatures. 


A typical sadness sets in as any cruise, vacation, or special event draws to a close. It all seems to go by so quickly.  For some unknown reason here was this group of people drawn to TITANIC, to be on the very spot exactly 100 years later. Most of us along had  some deep need to participate directly, to re-create, internalize or understand as closely as possible the experience of those whose lives changed or ended that frigid morning of April 15, 1912 in the darkness. Perhaps there are no logical explanations. Maybe, as one guest implied, it goes far deeper into a spiritual or paranormal connection. 

Author with Guest Lori McLorn

No matter what the reason, I think it would be fair to say that every single one of us who experienced this amazing opportunity to be on this 100th Anniversary Memorial voyage to TITANIC have been changed. In some way there is a difference inside for the rest of our lives. For me, this unforgettable voyage is something that I will carry with me until my last breath.


Next update will wrap up the voyage with some more photos, then off in New York for a special opening night of a dear friend’s Off-Broadway debut of her one woman show. Then, it's homeward bound.  

Day 6 - April 15th, 2012 - Sunday - The Day After TITANIC

"I imagine for so many on CARPATHIA it would have been a surreal, dreamlike state, unable to fathom what they just survived. The previous hours must have seemed like some sort of waking nightmare."

Literally this day has been a fog.  Besides getting very little sleep, the emotional exhaustion of last night has taken a toll.  The general mood around the ship has been somber. Lots of reflection. Much of the conversation among the guests has been sharing of what each person experienced. The reflections of what those souls endured a century ago. 

I spent a good chunk of Sunday writing down my thoughts and account of last night. My mind would wander off to a moment here or there, the sounds of the Marconi Signal recreated, the blast of the ship horns.. the sound of the water lapping the sides of our ship in the dark..the haunting music. I found it very difficult to concentrate.  


That evening the cruise staff entertainers, led by the wonderful vocal talents of our Cruise Director Tony Markey, presented a truly sensational mini Broadway/West End musical review. Featured numbers included LES MIS, RENT, CHICAGO, HAIRSPRAY and more.  The quality of the performances was truly professional and not the usual watered down cruise ship fare. Every performer dazzled, included a show stopping finale with our Cruise Director coming out in drag as Edna Turnblad to YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT.  Some may think this sort of presentation would have seemed inappropriate during a memorial voyage of this nature, but in all honesty I think everyone on board needed this mush appreciated infusion of life and joy to bring us back to present day.


But there was no way to forget why we are all here. Reflecting on this day 100 years ago, the survivors of TITANIC would be on CARPATHIA following the same New York bound track as we are on now. They would have almos four full days at sea, not arriving in New York in the pouring rain until late on April 18th, the same date we will arrived back at the West Side Pier. 




We had a much warmer day today with clear blue skies, in stark contrast to the freezing night before. I believe the CARPATHIA also experienced better weather and I could not help but look out at the  frothy wake behind us, feeling the warmth of the sun beaming across the dark blue waves and wonder what these survivors must have been thinking. The photos are faded black and white, but the sea and sky would be just as blue and the sun just as warm in 1912. 

I imagine for so many on CARPATHIA it would have been a surreal, dreamlike state, unable to fathom what they just survived. The previous hours must have seemed like some sort of waking nightmare. Even though so many knew they had lost husbands, children, wives, could they have still held on to the belief that maybe their loved one’s were still somehow on another lifeboat somewhere that was missed? Could their beloved family members be clinging somewhere to a piece of wood yet unfound? Maybe stranded on the ice floes? Without instant electronic data beaming through cyberspace, there was no way to be certain as of yet. How much hope did these people hold on to?  And they would have several days to contemplate these events. 


Coming soon, the remarkable presentations by Ken Marschall with his very personal and unique look at TITANIC during our last days at Sea before arriving back in New York.

April 10th - Day 1/Part II - Sail Away TITANICA

"Famed artist Ken Marschall and his entourage then wander past and I’m introduced. Conversation ensues about the quality of the original photographs used in the mosaics of the TITANIC wreck."

Check in and boarding was a remarkably simple process. With only a little over 450 passengers on Azamara Journey  there were no lines at all.  The main departure hall of Pier 88 was specially decorated with a row of welcome banners featuring larger than life size portraits of several historic figures from TITANIC. J. Bruce Ismay, Molly Brown, Captain E J Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Straus.  


Azamara Journey is a small but beautiful ship. Well, at least small when compared to my more regular venue of the Queen Mary 2! My first impression from the inside is that the Journey exceptionally Edwardian in style. Carved woodwork, elegant details, brass railings, marble, very well suited for this special type of voyage.  


I first dropped off my bags in the cabin, grabbing my video camera and tripod.  One quick call and I found Bill Miller up on Deck 9, pool deck with Harry Liu, the Manager of Royal Caribbean Public Relations, whom, it turns out, was actually was one of Bill’s students many years ago in Hoboken, NJ. I was also introduced to Andrew Phare, the chief representative on board of Miles Morgan Travel, the organizers of this 100th Anniversary sailing,  as well as the Balmoral voyage which left Southampton heading Eastbound to rendezvous with us this Saturday, April 14th over TITANIC.  We quickly learned that the Balmoral had to return back towards the United Kingdom for an Air Evacuation due to an urgent illness onboard. This news was shortly blasted from BBC America over the televisions. 


The atmosphere is exceptionally friendly.  Many folks were already attracting instant attention by strolling the decks in period costume. Ladies with large feathered hats and busseled skirts on the arms of men with bowlers were turning heads and camera lenses.  CNN is covering the developing events as well as the New York Post, some radio stations and several international correspondents. 


There is already some talk and interest from the organizers to possibly do a reading of excerpts of my play 41W 50N next week as we head back to New York after the memorial. It seems chilling, yet perfectly suited to tell this story here, from the perspective of those trying to get facts and discover the truth following this horrific tragedy. 


We slowly pulled away from the dock and made our way down the Hudson River, just as the OLYMPIC did just about 100 years ago. Many more gathered at the rails under a cool, breezy New York sky. Bill Miller immediately drew crowds as he indicated the now TGI Fridays style blue, red and white painted piers where TITANIC was supposed to have docked. Others overhearing would then ask more questions and “Mr. Ocean Liner” himself began to enthrall more and more with his vast knowledge of not only all things Maritime, but the very history of New York; pointing out, for example, the Pier where CARPATHIA arrived and the nearby hotel where many of the survivors were accommodated.  

Already the folks on board are absolutely fascinating. Two separate couples had relatives who missed TITANIC and ended up on other ships, one who had a relative on CARPATHIA.  Ten year old Maya and her Mom came on this voyage as Maya has been enthralled with TITANIC ever since seeing Cameron’s film two years ago.  A woman and her friend who went to TITANIC site in 1996 when an expedition tried to raise a section of TITANIC’s shattered hull, only to have it sink again over 2 miles deep.  When asked by a reporter from a German television station why the fascination with TITANIC she replied “Reincarnation.. so many people have had to be there... there must be a past life connection”.  Another gentleman had the White Star Line flag tattooed on the back of his calf! For some it is a total obsession with the history and facts.  


I have always loved all things Ocean Liners and have had an appreciation for TITANIC ever since Walter Lord, author of A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, spoke at my school when I was eight. However, for me it is a fascination, not an obsession. In an odd way, the thought that came to mind is it’s like being at a Star Trek convention if you loved the TV show, but are not necessarily a full blown Trekker. 


After sailing past the new World Trade Center tower, now soaring up to 100 stories, past Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, then underneath the Verazzano Bridge, it was time to unpack and settle in.  Folks seemed to disappear for a while, exhausted from the day’s travel, coming from all over, California, Canada, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and beyond.  Dinner was relaxed and delightful as Bill and I were joined by John Langley, President of the World Cunard Historical Society and his wife Judy, both from Halifax. John is one of the other lecturers on board with talks on his home port and a keen insight into the heroic actions of Captain Henry Rostron and the Cunard Liner CARPATHIA, among other discussions. 


After an evening wandering around the ship, I found myself with laptop in hand in the beautiful period style wood paneled Library where a lone passenger was softly playing a sleek black grand piano under a tapestried hand painted glass skylight that looks like something out of a grand White Star Liner. Famed artist Ken Marschall and his entourage then wander past and I’m introduced. Conversation ensues about the quality of the original photographs used in the mosaics of the TITANIC wreck dating back to the Bob Ballard days. Of course, Ken’s intricate drawings, created from thousands of photographs and videos, painted a much more accurate and stunning view of the entire ship as she lay on the bottom. His artistic mastery is simply legendary.  This is all rather surreal and delightful.

April 10th - Day 1/Part 1 - Morning Departure

"Too much time sitting on the train, watching the scenery fly by, thinking about what is to come.  Christmas morning was like this when I was a child before my parents woke up."

Up at 7:30am to finish packing and gather all last minute items together.  Could not find my check list and made note to self "Remember next time to put don't lose check list on the check list".  At this point in time I'm still sitting on Amtrak, which was 40 minutes late.  I considered taking the US Airways shuttle from Washington National Airport, but ultimately the train was more convenience without dealing with DC rush hour traffic. Happily, Craig kept me company as the anticipation built, waiting for that sight of the Northeast Direct coming around the bend.


Almost a three hour ride up to Penn Station in Manhattan. Too much time sitting on the train, watching the scenery fly by, thinking about what is to come.  Christmas morning was like this when I was a child before my parents woke up.  I had to sit impatiently waiting to open up the presents.

TravelWithVal.com

Bill Miller has already been on the ship for hours. Royal Caribbean, the parent company of Azamara, sent a car for Bill at 6:30am so he could appear on a morning news program. Another video interview Travel With Val hosted by Valarie D'Elia will be taped at some point today.  Val has a great website and her videos also appear on NY1. So the press is buzzing about.


So the plan is to grab a taxi on 8th Avenue once in the city and make my way to Pier 88. I'd like to be able to check in, drop my stuff off in the cabin, then head off again for a moment to capture some video of the Azamara Journey from the exterior. Bill and I arranged to connect by cell phone to figure out where to find each other.  Of course, plans change!


For now, just passing the time..taking advantage of the Wi-Fi on Amtrak and writing this little update.  More to follow....

Check Lists & Preparations

"Taxes were filed as I’ll be at sea on the 17th April. Online registration completed with Azamara to obtain my Xpress Boarding Pass for Tuesday"

As I get closer to departure, my blog is most likely going to take on a more personal “journalistic” tone. More accounts of sights, sounds and thoughts, rather than historical profiles.  My hope is to be able to share the experience, the ship, the people connected with this journey, the events, the dinners, the talks and new friends about to be made. Just wondering how this is all going to fall into place and how the reality of what is to come will jive with what I have envisioned. Feelings are bubbling to the surface.. anticipation, excitement, apprehension... mixed emotions as this long awaited sailing date is now only two days away. 

A little panic is setting in as I try to gather all the various items required to take along, as well as organize what needs to be taken care of at home. Taxes were filed as I’ll be at sea on the 17th April. Online registration completed with Azamara to obtain my Xpress Boarding Pass for Tuesday.  Credit card and passport details entered and luggage tags arrived in the mail.

I have been compiling a vital check list so as not to forget anything. Earlier, I had to go through my wardrobe making sure any clothing that needed dry cleaning was sent out in time and now adding to the check list a note to pick everything up again!  I still have to select exactly what to bring, how many layers. Halifax, our first stop, has been in the 30’s with an anticipated high of 50 for Thursday.  The North Atlantic can still be quite cold this time of year, as it was 100 years ago. At present, Marine Weather Forecasts show anticipated waves between 3-5 meters at TITANIC site with high pressure and winds between 10-15 knots, Sea tempurature between 46-50 F.

My challenge is to try and pack everything in a manageable size suitcase and carry-on. It’s not exactly like in 1912 when a steamer trunk was standard fare. I will also be taking along additional equipment to record this event, video blog, interviews with Mr. Miller and others willing to be put on tape.  In addition to my HD video camera, along comes a new tripod, rechargeable camera lights, wireless microphone as well as laptop. I need to make sure all power cables, adapters, headsets, batteries & lots of video tape are packed.

In between, I’d like to straighten up the house a little, clean those piles of papers and mail off the dining room table!  On top of everything before I leave for New York and Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Pier 88 (the same pier where the NORMANDIE burned and capsized),  I have to make a quick visit to the Dentist to have a permanent crown exchanged for the temporary one still in my head!

It all manages to get done, but time always seems fleeting... more installments to follow as the real adventure is about to begin.... 

Captain Arthur Henry Rostron - Brief Portrait of a Hero

"Rostron worked on multiple Cunard liners, becoming First Office of LUSITANIA 1907. He then took the helm of CARPATHIA as Captain in January of 1912"

Sir Arthur Henry Rostron

Shortly before midnight on April 14th, 1912 CARPATHIA Marconi Operator Harold Cottom was undressing for bed, still with headsets on, waiting for a reply from nearby Allen liner PARISIAN.  As a courtesy Cottom, who heard press communications coming from Cape Cod for TITANIC, called the White Star Liner asking him if he was aware that Cape Cod was sending messages for him. Back came a stunning reply that changed history: “Come at once!”  Cottam, along with First Officer Horace Dean, burst into Captain Arthur Henry Rostron's cabin delivering the incomprehensible news that TITANIC had struck an iceberg and was sending out distress calls.

Harold Cottam

Rostron, known to be a solid and responsible Captain with twenty-seven years of experience, joined the Cunard Line seventeen years earlier in 1895. Originally Fourth Officer on the UMBRIA, Rostron worked on multiple Cunard liners, becoming First Officer of LUSITANIA 1907. He then took the helm of CARPATHIA as Captain in January of 1912, just a few months before this collision with fate.  Without hesitation, Rostron turned around the Eastbound CARPATHIA steaming its way towards the last reported coordinates for TITANIC of latitude 41.46 longitude North 50.14 West.


With all the focus and strength of a true hero, Captain Rostron worked through a massive preparation check list he carefully coordinated with his most capable crew.  The following excerpt, from my new play 41W 50N  adapted from actual 1912 TITANIC Senate Hearings held by Senator William Alden Smith, show in Rostron’s own words how he wasted no time preparing for whatever circumstances awaited at the scene of disaster:

Mr. ROSTRON

Have all hands on call to have coffee and tea ready to serve out to all our crew, in addition to each saloon along with blankets in saloons, at the gangways, and some for the boats. We must see all rescued are cared for and that all their immediate wants are attended to. My cabin and all officials' cabins are to be given up. Smoke rooms, library, dining rooms, and so forth should be utilized to accommodate the survivors.  All spare berths in steerage are to be utilized for Titanic's passengers. Have all our own steerage passengers grouped together.   

Mr. HUGHES 

May I suggest, Sir, that all stewards should be placed in each alleyway. This will reassure our own passengers, should they inquire about noise in getting our boats out or the working of engines.  

Mr. ROSTRON 

To all I strictly enjoined the necessity for order, discipline and quietness and to avoid all confusion. Hankinson, I will need you and all officers, all the hands, to prepare and swing out all boats. All gangway doors to be opened with Electric sprays in each gangway and over side. Have a Boatswains' chair at each gangway, for getting up sick or wounded. Also, pilot ladders and canvas ash bags to be at each gangway which will be of great assistance in getting the infants and children aboard. Lastly, rockets to be fired at 2:45 a. m. and every quarter of an hour after to reassure Titanic.

One of the more historic images of Captain Rostron shows him receiving a “Loving Cup” from Margaret “Unsinkable Molly” Brown for his noble actions in saving the TITANIC survivors.  Rostron eventually took command of several of the greatest Cunard Liners, including the BERENGARIA and his favourite the MAURETANIA, being made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1926.  In 1928 Rostron became Commodore of the Cunard fleet, one of the highest honors which, in modern day, has included some familiar names such as Commodore Ronald Warwick and Commodore Bernard Warner.

 It is written that Rostron was confirmed to sail on the MAURETANIA’s final voyage to the breakers, but could not set foot upon her when the emotion became overwhelming. Rostron chose to stay landside and bid adieu to his beloved lady. Sir Arthur Henry Rostron was laid to rest 4th November 1940 at the age of 71. Coming soon, more profiles of the key players connected with TITANIC on that fateful night of April 14th/15th 1912.... 


If you enjoy this blog you can "Follow" by clicking the link in the header, or you can enter your email in the white bar at the top to have this blog sent directly to you as new entries are posted.

Wardrobe Considerations

"To reach the TITANIC wardrobe Larry had to drive a huge fork lift that raised him up some 30 feet into the air to the upper atmosphere of this overwhelming collection." 

Bill Miller recently forwarded me the itinerary and pre-trip information for this upcoming TITANIC 100th Anniversary cruise. It included all the basics about embarkation, schedules, dietary needs, available excursions, etc, as well as the usual breakdown of attire for various nights. Elegant Casual appears to be the standard fare, although we are told there will be two (2) formal nights. What caught my eye was the added notice "During both formal nights you may choose to wear costumes from the era, if you wish."  At first I thought this a bit silly, but then the significance of the voyage inspired me.  Without too huge an investment, I wondered where could I find a period costume from 1912, or even thereabouts? I further hesitated to rent something, thinking of a scene in the Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve film SOMEWHERE IN TIME when Reeve purchases a period suit to go back in time and meet Seymour, only to discover that his choice was several years out of date!  I would certainly not want to show up for 1912 in a suit that was from the Spring collection of 1910!

Larry Munsey

My dear friend Larry Munsey is a multi talented Director, Actor, Costume Designer extraordinaire.  He has been nominated multiple times by the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards for his remarkable work over the years with Toby's Dinner Theatre in both Columbia and Baltimore Maryland. Larry has access to Toby's huge warehouse packed with thousands of costumes, props & set pieces from endless productions.  One call and Larry said "Let's meet up at the warehouse and I'll find you something from a production of TITANIC we did a few years back."   I told him I'd be thrilled if anything at all was available, if it was from RAGTIME or maybe even HELLO DOLLY... something ...anything early 1900's!

Just walking through the place is amazing with racks hanging from the ceiling, up the walls, in endless aisles.  If you are a bit of a theatre geek, like me, you can start playing a warped version of "Name That Show" by just looking at the costume or set pieces.  The large circular gold coins immediately screamed 42ND STREET.

Ivanna Barrientos (Tracy Turnblad)
and Larry Munsey (Edna Turnblad)

Plastic headpieces that created silver crowns made out of hairdresser combs and curlers shouted "Beauty School Dropout" from GREASE and the unmistakable swirling colored ensemble with feather trim was "Edna Turnblad" from HAIRSPRAY, which Larry is about to reprise once again.

To reach the TITANIC wardrobe Larry had to drive a huge fork lift that raised him up some 30 feet into the air to the upper atmosphere of this overwhelming collection.  Without even having to take measurements Larry pulled out a charcoal grey suit which fit me perfectly.   To add to the overall effect he found a period shirt with rounded collar, black tie, the ultimate black bowler hat with silver grey ribbon, and to top it all off an elegant gentleman's overcoat with fur collar.

The shirt has been reconstructed using velcro for the actors in the actual show to be able to make flash costume changes, however the ensemble comes together beautifully and no one could tell.  So the preparations have begun. I have wardrobe for at least 2 nights... now to start a check list... more to follow....

April 1912

Rescue Boats - 9/11 & Titanic Connection

“C.Q.D” was the initial and internationally accepted distress call sent out by the White Star Liner TITANIC the evening of April 14th 1912. “C.Q.” is a preface indicating “All Ships/All Stations” or “General Call” alerting other vessels and receiving stations that the message is of great urgency.  The next letter “D” meant “Distress”.  There have been misconceptions that CQD meant “Come Quick Distress” and, although the ultimate interpretation would be the same, this simply was not the case. This code was adopted by the Marconi Company in 1904 for the concise purpose of seeking urgent assistance.

The more familiar “SOS” was originally adopted in 1905, signed as a new Worldwide standard by the second International Radiotelegraphic Convention in 1906, becoming effective on July 1, 1908.  To some, “SOS” may bring to mind the ABBA chart topping song with images of Frida and Agnetha in outlandish 70's costumes.. or perhaps Meryl Streep writhing on the roof of a greek cottage in Mamma Mia. "Oh, Ms. Streep...!" Others may assume SOS meant “Save Our Ship” or “Save Our Souls”, however as with CQD these digits are simple morse code dots and dashes with an international recognition.  SOS was still accepted until 1999 when it was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress Safety System, which takes advantage of modern communications and satellite operations. No one, however, would misinterpret a call of SOS.

Cunard Liner CARPATHIA

That cold but crystal clear night in 1912 dozens of ships altered their course to make a direct line for TITANIC.  History bears witness to the Cunard Liner CARPATHIA who was the first to arrive on the scene at 4:00am, racing at top speed through massive fields of ice, carefully maneuvering and dodging icebergs all the way.  By 8:30am CARPATHIA, guided by the skilled hands of Captain Arthur Henry Rostron, had picked up the last survivors of TITANIC, plus lifeboats, and was already turning back towards New York. The Leyland Liner CALIFORNIAN, located mere miles away and still today under a cloud of controversy, arrived at the scene of the disaster just as CARPATHIA was nearly done with the rescue.

TITANIC's sister ship OLYMPIC

TITANIC’s sister ship OLYMPIC was steaming to the rescue until a message came from White Star Line chairman J Bruce Ismay on CARPATHIA saying the TITANIC survivors should not see an exact duplicate of TITANIC. It was agreed that the sight of the sister ship would be too much to bear after the horrors they all had experienced. Convinced that nothing more could be done, OLYMPIC continued on her original course.  


Other ships in the general vicinity include the BALTIC, MOUNT TEMPLE, PARISIAN, VIRGINIAN, ASIAN, BIRMA, CINCINNATI and FRANKFURT.

Via Facebook a friend had sent me a link to a recent 11 minute documentary called BOATLIFT, narrated by Tom Hanks. This short film tells the deeply emotional story of all the various boats on 9/11 that came to the rescue as hundreds of thousands sought to evacuate lower Manhattan as the twin towers crumbled in a massive storm of fire and concrete dust.   Hanks points out that this heroic modern day maritime operation evacuated over 500,000 souls, larger that the famous Dunkirk evacuation when over 300,000 soldiers were rescued during World War II.

I could not help but think of the parallels of these rescue boats of September 11, 2001 and the night of April 14/15 1912.  The humanity was the same, the need to help, the fear of the unknown, and a desire to survive.  I have included a link to this moving documentary. If you don’t have time to watch it now, please bookmark the clip and be sure to catch it later.