IN THIS ISSUE

First issue for the 2014 membership year

Where did 2013 go? How quickly time flies. The Titanic Historical Society reached the half-century mark last year and is going into its 51st year. It’s been quite a ride. To think this organization began to preserve Titanic and White Star Line history because, at that time, the general public was unaware or did not care in the turmoil of the 1960s. With persistence in those early years ––little by little––through the pages of this journal distributed worldwide, its influence grew. Over decades, many people from all walks of life picked up the literal torch, researching and presenting their original perspectives in multiple forms of media that you are familiar with whether it is discoveries, books, TV or movies. The result is, the name Titanic is recognized everywhere.

Authors and contributors in this first quarter issue are continuing the mission. The cover showing the former White Star Line offices in Liverpool as it appeared circa 1900 is a prime example. The building which was empty for a number of years will have a new life and become a five-star hotel while retaining its original features that were hidden from view for the last forty plus years. Photos by Paul Louden-Brown illustrate many of the discoveries uncovered.

Mike Herbold recently wrote for Commutator No. 199, listing the many ocean voyages taken using the name Brereton. His current article focuses on the early years of the Brereton family.

Britannic (II) was launched on February 26, 1914––one hundred years on––how some of the New York newspapers described the new White Star liner.

Of all of the ill luck, David Blair was going to miss Titanic’s maiden voyage. In J. Gail Burdette’s biography, Blair would be thankful he had not sailed and goes on to describe the interesting life he had.

Victoria H. Cummins writes about four immigrants from Barcelona bound for Havana who were sailing on Titanic and what happened to them.

In the same vein of Spanish history, Sergio M. Cotos’s story of a relatively unknown man, Víctor Peñasco y Castellana, who, although he was the most famous Spanish passenger on board Titanic, his biography contains some unknown and unpublished details.

The phrase saying that a picture is word a thousand words, which is true, of course––but how often does the eye wander further than the photographic first paragraph? Senan Molony takes some familiar Titanic-related photos highlighting details and eliminating ‘noise,’ intended as a key to aid the reader’s understanding.

Progress on the state of the Molly Brown house in Hannibal, Missouri is shown by photos by Phillip Kleppen.

There is an impressive variety of original articles in store for our readers. Enjoy!

Contents

Shots Under Titanic’s Shadow
By Sergio Martinez Cotos

Renaissance of An Icon – Sea Poste
By Paul Louden-Brown

The Brereton Family-A Case of Mistaken Identity
By Mike Herbold

Molly Brown Birthplace in 2013
By Phill Kleppen

Missing the Iceberg-The Life of David Blair
By J. Gail Burdette

Photo Gleanings from Titanic Flotsam
By Senan Molony

Life and Death in Second Class-Four Immigrants from Barcelona and the Young Man Who Saved Them
By Victoria H. Cummins

Britannic 1914-2014-100 Years On
New York Newspapers

Memorial Garden and Walkway Donors

Memorial Garden and Walkway Dedication

SEA POSTE
Announcing an important restoration of Albion House and former White Star Line offices in Liverpool, interior photos show many original sections from the era of Titanic and J. Bruce Ismay survive. Information on a White Star Line spitoon; a historic marker that has its name erroneously listed.

BOOK NOTES
Titanic Valour-The Life of Fifth Officer Harold Lowe by Inger Sheil; RMS Olympic by Brian Hawley; Titanic Love Stories by Gill Paul; Titanic, A Centenarian Voyage in Verse by John David Thompson. Reviews by Tim Trower.

Front cover: The White Star Line headquarters, 30 James Street, Liverpool were completed in December 1897. They remained at that location until July 1929 when it was acquired by the Royal Mail Group and its moving to Leadenhall Street, London.

Back cover: Another view of the James Street offices showing the large clock that will be replaced and resemble the original. Postcards: Kamuda collection