Titanic Honors the Irish - Tribute to Miss Bertha Moran

Hello to ya'! I'm Bertha Bridget Moran, but they call me Bertha back home and at my job. I work at the Peabody Shirt Factory in Troy, New York, makin' those famous shirts for the Arrow Shirt Company.

To claim an inheritance, my brother, Daniel, had to return to our family home in Limerick, Ireland, and I went along for the ride. We sailed back to the States aboard Titanic. 'Twas grand to be on the very ship that was the talk and pride of Ireland where she was built. She was a Floatin' Palace!
We were shaken awake by the collision, and by the frightenin' reality that, as third-class passengers, it would be more of a challenge to exit the ship, especially since we'd never had a lifeboat drill.

There was an English priest from Essex who'd been servin' as a kind of chaplain for third-class passengers. He led us to where they were lowering lifeboats, but I never saw him after that, and my brother was nowhere in sight either. I was on my own, frozen with fight. Would the Luck o' the Irish get me through?

Find out Bertha's fate at the Titanic Museum Attraction, where we pay tribute to the Irish Passengers who sailed on the RMS Titanic over 100+ years ago.


May the Luck of the Irish Be With You!

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker

Titanic Honors the Irish - Tribute to Miss Bridget McDermott

Ever heard of St. Louis, Missouri? Well, that is where Miss Bridget McDermott was heading in April 1912, when she boarded Titanic. She came from County Mayo, Northern Ireland with a big dream of making a name for herself in America. She would encounter some interesting foreshadowing on her journey to board Titanic. You see, the night before she left on Titanic, she was traveling through Lahardane Village headed for Queenstown. It was dark, and a little man in a black suit tapped her on the shoulder. He somehow knew that she was going on a long journey, and he told her the following, "There will be a tragedy, but you will be saved." What? How did this man know where she was going or anything about her? Then, just as suddenly as he had appeared, he vanished.

She was apprehensive when she boarded Titanic as a 3rd class passenger. Of course, her instincts were right and tragedy struck - bringing her grand journey to an end in the middle of the Atlantic. The night of the sinking, a steward came to her room and told her to get dressed and head topside. The steward assured her that there was no danger, but when Bridget made it topside, she was immediately told to enter a lifeboat. She actually had to jump some 15' from a rope-ladder to get into a lifeboat.

Bridget reached New York on board the Carpathia. She made it safely to America and lived out her life there. When she died in 1959, she was buried in Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City where 3 other Irish Titanic Survivors were also buried.


May the Luck of the Irish Be With You.

Chief Purser,

Erin Wicker

Titanic Honors the Irish - Tribute to Mr. Thomas Andrews

 It seems fitting today to tell you the story of a man born in Ireland in 1873 to a very "well to do" family. He and his siblings were successful from the beginning. His name was Thomas Andrews and he would become a hero on the Titanic.  Thomas Andrews lived with his family in Ardara, Comber. In 1884, he began attending the Royal Belfast Academical Institution until 1889 when, at the age of sixteen, he began a premium apprenticeship at Harland and Wolff where his uncle, the Viscount Pirrie, was part owner. (Ref. 1)

At Harland and Wolff, Mr. Andrews began working his way up the ranks. He was hired in the Joiners Shop, then became cabinetmaker, and finally worked 2 months on ships until he earned his spot in the drawing office as Manager of Construction Works. Here is where Thomas Andrews excelled in his career. He was able to help design the Olympic and its sister ship, the RMS Titanic. Unfortunately, his suggestions to have 46 lifeboats on the ship were overruled and created a bit of foreshadowing for the fate of the ship.

On April 10, 1912, Thomas Andrews boarded his creation along with the team who worked on the design and construction of Titanic. Of course they didn't want to miss the opportunity to ride in luxury on their own awesome creation.

"I feel like a proud father whose beautiful offspring is about to make a world-wide debut. As Harland & Wolff's managing director, I'm in charge of designing its ships. I helped create Titanic from keel to masthead, so I know every inch of her."

"Some call me the builder of the Ship of Dreams, but Titanic was never a dream to me. She was pure reality - a spectacular, man-made monument of iron and steel, invincible and vulnerable at the same time."

It was smooth sailing the first few days at sea. In fact, Mr. Andrews remarked that the ship was "as nearly perfect as human brains can make her." What happened after that is why Titanic is such an important part of history today.

To learn more about Mr. Thomas Andrews, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo or Pigeon Forge, Tn. where we tell the stories of the Irish passengers the entire Month of March and every day, in honor of their memories.

Ref. 1 - Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Andrews_%28shipbuilder%29





May the Luck of the Irish Be With You.

Chief Purser,
Erin Wicker

Titanic Honors the Irish - Tribute to Dr. William O'Loughlin

Born in Ireland, Dr. O’Loughlin was an orphan, however he was raised by his Uncle and studied at Trinity College in Dublin, after which he attended and earned his medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. At 21 he started his career as a medical professional at sea and would spend 40 years serving his majesty, his fellow crew members, and passengers. At 62, Dr. O’Loughlin was becoming a bit of a curmudgeon and grumbled about changing ships after the R.M.S. Olympic had its altercation with the H.M.S. Hawke, and had entertained the thought of retiring, but Captain Smith chided the good Dr., calling him lazy and appointed him ships surgeon of the R.M.S. Titanic.

" I hope you've had all the required medical papers, because I can't let you board Titanic without them. Oh, forgive me. I guess I'm so used to asking that question of third-class passengers that it's become a habit. I know White Star Line's 1912 boarding requirements don't apply to you. I'm Dr. William O'Loughlin, ship surgeon on Titanic. I'm a distinguished-looking fellow in a white uniform and handlebar mustache."

"After practicing medicine at sea for 40 years, I was about to hang up my shipboard shingle when Titanic's good Captain Smith convinced me I should take one last assignment with him. It was hard to say no to my old friend and to the chance of ending my career on the grandest ship ever build."

"Unhappily, I was wrong. On the night before the collision I had proposed a toast: 'Let us drink to the mighty Titanic.'"

"As the ship's doctor, would I be allowed into a lifeboat to help all the women and children?"

To learn more about Dr. O'Loughlin, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo or Pigeon Forge, Tn. where we tell the stories of the Irish passengers the entire Month of March and every day in honor of their memories.

Other resources on Dr. O'Loughlin:

1. Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Heritage Centre Blog: http://rcpilibrary.blogspot.com/2012/04/william-francis-norman-oloughlin-irish.html

2. Encyclopedia Titanica - http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/william-francis-norman-oloughlin.html

May the Luck of the Irish Be With You.

Chief Purser,
Erin Wicker

Top 8 BRANSON Spring Break Family Adventures and FOODIE STOPS

Hi. It has been so great to "dig" ourselves out of the snow in Branson, Mo and interact as a community again. What a fantastic BREAK in the weather! It makes me excited for Spring Break.

Ok, so the truth is...I am terrible at planning activities for my children for #SpringBreak! I usually wait until the last minute. So, in honor of all of my fellow procrastinators out there, I am putting this short list together for YOU who genuinely want to kick up your heels and create a spirit of adventure and memories for your children, but you are short on time and finances.

Drum Roll Please.....

1. Buckets and Boards -If you would like to entertain your children and be their "Hero" for the day, make plans to see Buckets and Boards at the Clay Cooper Theater. My kids have seen them several times and they never disappoint.

2. Dixie Stampede - Celebrating their 20th season this year in 2014, the Dixie Stampede is a GREAT family show that includes live animals and fire. Plus you get to eat really good food with your hands. The soup is to die for. They have added a new feature this year called the bucket races. You should definitely volunteer to be a part of this fierce competition while you are there.

3. Jonah at Sight and Sound Theater - I love the opportunity to provide my children with visual aid when teaching them the stories of the bible. How about reading the story of Jonah in the bible with your family and then taking them to see the musical at Sight and Sound Theater? They will use all of their senses and will remember the story forever.

4. WorldFest at Silver Dollar City - It is such a blessing to have a World-Class Christian Theme Park right here in the Ozarks! This year's #WorldFest includes Spanish Guitar player, Folk Dancing, Island Fire, a Harp Player, and food from around the world. Plus, you can experience the new Wooden RollerCoaster - Outlaw Run. Adventure Seekers - this ride will do it for you.

5. Branson Zipline Canopy Tours - Have you ziplined yet? It is such a rush! We loved it and are now zipline junkies. Your kids will thank you.

6. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery  - Located in Taney County just below the Table Rock Dam, Shepherd of the Hills is the Department’s largest trout-rearing hatchery. If you are on a serious budget, this trout farm is free and it will entertain. You can see how they raise trout from tiny babies to full grown fish, ready to release in the wild trout. It is really interesting. They have trout food available for purchase that you can give to your kids and let them feed the fish. My kids really enjoy feeding them. You can also take a short hike down to the river and watch the fly fishermen catch wild trout. Bring your poles and make a day of it.







7. Table Rock Dam Tour - Even the men in your life will enjoy this one.

8. Titanic Museum Attraction - My personal favorite. Spend time before your visit teaching your kids about Titanic. We have an excellent educational resource center on our website where you can plan hands on learning activities in subjects like math, science, writing, etc to teach your kids the history of Titanic. Then, take them to the Interactive Titanic Museum Attraction with their printed Scavenger Hunt in hand and see how much they learn! Read our MOM reviews here.

This year, we pay tribute to the 8 Musicians onboard Titanic. It is a perfect experience for the musicians in your family.

ATTN FOODIES - Here are my TOP 8 Recommendations for Families with Children:

1. Dana's BBQ
2. Fuddruckers
3. Billy Bob's
4. Does Andy's count as food? Yes, I think it does.
5. Pizza World
6. Sushi House - Yes, my children eat sushi
7. Shogun Japanese - pricey but has a habachi grill which is fun for kids.
8. Branson Landing - Old Chicago

So, I have made it pretty easy for you and I to plan activities for #SpringBreak. Right?  Who's coming?

Love to all,

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser, #Titanic Museum Attraction
Facebook - Let's be friends.

Who was in Love on Titanic? The story of Dickinson and Helen Bishop - Survivors

Who was in Love on Titanic in 1912? There were 12 NEWLYWED couples that sailed on the RMS Titanic. Nine of these couples were returning home to America from their honeymoons overseas; 3 were Newlyweds from other countries who were moving to America to start a new life together. Only 5 couples would survive together. 

Encyclopedia Titanica

"Meet" Dickinson and Helen Bishop - This couple were from Dowagiac, MI and they boarded Titanic at Cherbourg. According to the Encyclopedia Titanica, Helen was the first to get into Lifeboat #7; her husband followed. Helen was reported to have told a very interesting story on the lifeboat while awaiting rescue. She said that while her and her husband were honeymooning in Egypt, they visited a fortune teller. According to this fortune teller, they would survive a shipwreck and an earthquake. Then, she would lose her life later in a car accident. She explained to other passengers that they had to be rescued, according to her fortune. These events would all unfold during her life.

Lifeboat photo from Wikipedia

Later during a vacation in California, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop survived a giant earthquake. And finally, in 1913, a car accident put Helen in critical condition from a fractured skull. She recovered after a steel plate was placed in her head, but she suffered mentally from the accident and the couple ended their marriage in January 1916.


 Click here for more information on their Titanic story: http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-survivor/helen-bishop.html

Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. this Valentine's Day Weekend. (1) Meet Molly Brown's Great Granddaughter, (2) Meet Captain Rostron's Great Granddaughters and see the Loving Cup Reunion, (3) Meet Penelope Carlevato, author of Tea on the Titanic, (4) Renew your wedding vows on Titanic's $1 Million Grand Staircase.


See you soon!
Chief Purser, Erin Wicker

Historical Event - Live interview with Helen Benziger, "Molly" Brown's Great Granddaughter