The story behind the Titanic's luncheon menu

Macomb Daily staff photo by Joe Ballor

Be it old historic photos such as this one on display at The Henry Ford, or Titanic artifacts,

each one has a story to tell.

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Over the weekend, Henry Aldridge and Son presented an auction of Titanic collectables to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic. The sale was held 100 years to the day after the ship was finished by Harland and Wolff. The star of the auction - as many of you have heard -- was a first class menu from the last lunch ever held on-board the Titanic. 

Andrew Aldridge told me on Friday that he expected the artifact to fetch around $100,000.

He was close.

"The menu was sold via direct descent from Washington Dodge," said Aldridge. "(It sold for $120,000) and was purchased by a collector from London."

It was the last luncheon menu offered to guests and it featured the all-important date of April 14, 1912. That made it rare. What makes it interesting is the story behind the menu and how it came to be in the hands of a 21st century auctioneer.

The paper's trail from Belfast to London

As Aldridge explained, the menu was the property of First Class passenger Dr. Washington Dodge. He was a prominent banker from San Francisco, who boarded the Titanic with his wife Ruth and son Washington Junior. The family occupied cabin A-34 and held ticket number 33636. Shortly after arriving in New York aboard the rescue ship Carpathia, the doctor was interviewed and gave this account of his last hours on the ship.

"We had retired to our stateroom, and the noise of the collision was not at all alarming. We had just fallen asleep. My wife awakened me and said that something had happened to the ship. We went on deck and everything seemed quiet and orderly. The orchestra was playing a lively tune. They started to lower the lifeboats after a lapse of some minutes. There was little excitement as the lifeboats were being launched; many of the first-cabin passengers expressed their preference of staying on the ship. The passengers were constantly being assured that there was no danger, but that as a matter of extra precaution the women and children should be placed in the lifeboats. Everything was still quiet and orderly when I placed Mrs. Dodge and the boy in the fourth or fifth boat. I believe there were 20 boats lowered away altogether. I did what I could to help in keeping order, as after the sixth or seventh boat was launched the excitement began. Some of the passengers fought with such desperation to get into the lifeboats that the officers shot them, and their bodies fell into the ocean. It was 10:30 when the collision occurred, and 1:55 o'clock when the ship went down. Major Archibald Butt stood with John Jacob Astor as the water rolled over the Titanic. I saw Colonel Astor, Major Butt and Captain Smith

standing together about 11:30 o'clock. There was absolutely no excitement among them. Captain Smith said there was no danger. The starboard side of the Titanic struck the big berg and the ice was piled up on the deck. None of us had the slightest realization that the ship had received its death wound.

Mrs. (Isidor) Straus showed most admirable heroism. She refused in a very determined manner to leave

her husband, although she was twice entreated to get into the boats. Straus declined... to get in the boat while any women were left. I wish you would say for me that Colonel Astor, Major Butt, Captain Smith and every man in the cabins acted the part of a hero in that awful night. As the excitement began I saw an officer of the Titanic shoot down two steerage passengers who were endeavoring to rush the lifeboats. I have learned since that twelve of the steerage passengers were shot altogether, one officer shooting down six. The first-cabin men and women behaved with great heroism."

One of the stewards of the Titanic, with whom the Dodges had crossed the Atlantic before on the Olympic, knew them well. He recognized Dodge as the thirteenth boat was being filled. The steerage passengers were being shot down and some of the steerage passengers were stabbing right and left in an endeavor to reach the boat. The thirteenth boat was filled on one side with children, fully 20 or 30 of them, and a few women. All in the boat were panic-stricken and screaming.

The steward had been ordered to take charge of the thirteenth, and, seizing Dodge pushed him into the boat, exclaiming that he needed his help in caring for his helpless charges. Dodge said that when the boats were drawing away from the ship they could hear the orchestra playing "Lead, Kindly Light," and rockets were going up from the Titanic in the wonderfully clear night.

"We could see from the distance that two boats were being made ready to be lowered. The panic was in the steerage, and it was that portion of the ship that the shooting was made necessary.

"I will never forget," Mrs. Dodge said, "the awful scene of the great steamer as we drew away. From the upper rails heroic husbands and fathers were waving and throwing kisses to their womenfolk in the receding lifeboats."

The steward that Dr. Dodge referred to in his interview was Frederick Dent Ray. The menu carries a handwritten inscription on its reverse: With compliments and best wishes, from Frederic Dent Ray, 56 Palmer Park, Reading, Berks.

The menu itself is said to have survived the sinking in Mrs. Dodge's purse and has remained with the Dodge family since. 


TODAY'S MUSE
Never get so fascinated by the extraordinary that you forget the ordinary -- Magdalen Nabb

The genius of the Brothers Dardenne makes a Landmark appearance in Royal Oak

Review: The Kid With a Bike

Jeanne-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.

When it comes to acclaimed directors, the Brothers Dardenne are to Europe what the Brothers Coen are to America -- visionary filmmakers who delve into compelling stories about everyday life and emerge with movies dripping with quirky, despicable, loveable and compassionate characters to whom we can all relate.

In their new film "The Kid With a Bike," Jeanne-Pierre and Luc Dardenne present audiences with the story of Cyril (Thomas Doret), a restless boy, on a mission to find the father (Jeremie Renier) who left him temporarily in a children's home. The guy even sold his bike. The boy's only hope is a local hairdresser, Samantha (Cecile de France), who reunites him with his bike and offers to foster him on weekends.

His predicament sets the stage for a moving story in which a troubled young boy, almost 12, and a complete stranger slowly come to understand each other. What draws you in is the woman’s genuine compassion for the boy, who has no connection to her except being akin to the same Belgium neighborhood. 

You’ll want to care about this poor little boy with unruly hair, determined not to cry, but he kind of remains at a distance.

That's not to say Doret isn't brilliant. His portrayal of the kid in motion -- riding his bike, chasing down leads on his father and escaping his listless caregivers -- was intense and amazing for a first-time actor.

"Right from the start we were struck by the expression in his eyes, his stubborn hair, his look of concentration," Luc said, during the Cannes' interviews. "He also had an astonishing ability to learn his lines ... and he had a lot of them," said Jeanne-Pierre. "From the first tests -- which, in fact, are the opening scene of the film -- we felt that he was the character. He had an intuitive understanding of his part, something immediately accurate and poignant, without ever sniveling."

That's the Dardennian style, never dictating an emotional response and remaining observers of the story.

I would have liked a little more sniveling, though, and a few more hints of the little boy. But then, that's also why we're attracted to this character. You know that deep down, beneath the brave exterior he's just a boy longing for a father.

Rated: PG-13

Landmark Main Art Theatre

118 North Main Street, Royal Oak

Show times: 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m.

Bang your drum for the Bicentennial

Art courtesy of Howard Hughey

Calling all citizens. A force of state agents and volunteers working on plans for the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 are in need of volunteers locally to help plan the June ceremonies.

"We kindly ask officials, civic leaders, local historians and the public to help organize and hold special events in their communities in mid-June to commemorate the declaration of war on June 18, 1812," said Dr. James McConnell, War of 1812 historian and commission secretary. "Our goal is to have several hundred of these special events taking place across Michigan."

How about teachers looking for a great class project or Brownie troops in need of a service project?

The preferred dates for all events are Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17.

McConnell encourages anyone interested in learning more to check out Michigan War of 1812. The site features an event program template and further details to assist in developing ideas for community events.

"The commission has developed these materials to make it simple for people to participate in this historic occasion," said Phil Porter, commission chairperson and director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. "Michigan played a prominent role in the War of 1812 as a center of several major military encounters, including Monroe, Detroit and Mackinac Island. It's important to commemorate the declaration of war in communities and remember this important chapter in Michigan's history."

Also, as part of their ongoing effort to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the outbreak of the War of 1812 the Michigan Commission and Michigan Council for History Education are issuing a unique challenge to Michigan students in grades 3-12: participate in an exemplary essay contest by researching and writing about the importance of the War of 1812 for Michigan. One entry per student is permitted, and entry deadline is April 3.

Entry forms and contest guidelines can be found under "Workshops and Special Events" at  Michigan Council for History Education." Got more questions? Completed event registration forms and questions can be emailed to McConnell at jam1776@sbcglobal.net.

Looking for inspiration?

The Lorenzo Cultural Center is bringing the state's early history to life through May 4 with its presentation of "Becoming Michigan: From Revolution to Statehood.”

Read more



TODAY'S MUSE
Activism is my rent for living on this planet -- Alice Walker

It's open season on 'Michigan Birds' photo contest

Great gray owl photo above and others below by James Fox.

Michigan is home to some of the world's most beautiful birds -- proof of which can be seen through images snapped by hobbyists and professional photographers alike. 

If you're among those lucky enough to have seen a great gray owl or sandhill crane through the lens of a camera, consider sharing it for prize and prestige.

The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon is holding a "Michigan Birds" photo contest.

James Fox

Participants are invited to submit their favorite photo from last year or this spring (as many as two) by 4 p.m. April. 27.

"From bird feeders to lakeshores, there are many places to find photo-worthy subjects," said Michigan DNR spokeswoman Elizabeth Brockwell-Tillman. Some examples include cardinals, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, American goldfinches and even bald eagles. As of lately, many bird enthusiasts in Macomb County have spotted great gray owls and snowy white owls. "During any season, birds can be seen in every corner of the state in all types of habitats," Brockwell-Tillman said. "Some common non-native species that will not be accepted into the contest include mute swans and all types of domestic or exotic fowl such as farm-raised chickens or geese."

For a full list of contest rules and requirements, visit Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center

Kirtland's Warblers nest almost exclusively in Michigan

How does one capture a prize-winning photo of Michigan birds?

To help get you started there is, below, a recent interview with James Fox, a student of Christendom College in Front Royal, Va., and avid bird photographer/blogger from Farmington Hills, whose beautiful photographs have Michigan birdwatchers flocking to his site.

Q: What do you love about photographing Michigan birds?

A: One of the things I love about photographing Michigan birds is the great variety of birds there are in Michigan. Every time I go out to look for birds, I know I can find something different. Especially with the Great Lakes, it is possible to see many birds here that are normally seen only near oceans.

Q: Describe one of the most difficult shots you've taken?

A: One of the more difficult shots was the photo of the Purple Gallinule in Ohio. This is a bird normally found only in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. When I heard there was one only a few hours away in Ohio, I had to go see it. Although it was not that far away from the trail, there were bushes between the bird and me. Eventually, I was able to get a relatively unobstructed shot of it after I crouched down to shoot through a hole in the brush.

Pine Siskin on a tree in Fox's yard.

Q: What's the most important thing for an amateur photographer to remember when photographing birds?

A: Hold still and be patient. If you hold still long enough, the birds will forget you are there and will go back to their normal behavior. This is when you can get the best shots.

Q: Is there any trick to photographing cardinals, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, American goldfinches or great gray owls?

A: It always helps to know the habits of the birds you are trying to photograph. Some bird like chickadees and nuthatches are very friendly. At some parks, such as Kensington, they will even eat seed out of your hand. With these birds it is usually easy to get close and get good photos. Other birds like goldfinches, however, are very flighty. I have had the best luck taking out the screen in one of my windows near a tree they like to be in and photographing them through the open window. Even then, you have to be very careful to hold still and move slowly. 

The Snowy Owl that captured everyone's attention in Macomb and Oakland County.

Owls are some of my favorite birds to photograph, but they can be hard to find as most spend the day perched in trees where they blend in well. It is helpful to look for them if you notice a flock of chickadees, blue jays, or crows that are very excited. Often it is because they have found an owl! Once you have found one, it is important to give it plenty of space so you don't cause it to fly off.

For further inspiration visit: James Birding Blog. For contest rules and information visit Gillette Nature Association

Severe weather: Tips regarding insurance claims

AP Photo

    Stepan Delebzda, of Statewide Disaster Restoration, nails plastic  to a wall of a house

    damaged in last week's tornado in Dexter.
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Our home has been hit a number of times by severe storms. One year high winds brought down the biggest tree in our yard, leaving us with a smoking power line and one -- very big stump.

The first thing we did was call the fire department.

Once the power lines were secure, we assessed the damages to the yard and called our insurance company. Having been through it before, we had some idea as to what our policy covered.

However, not everyone is familiar with the process. Following last week's tornadoes and subsequent calls from concerned homeowners, the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) issued a list of tips for Michigan consumers that may have been affected by severe weather -- including the storms that damaged homes and property in Dexter, Monroe, Lapeer and other areas.

"Consumers are encouraged to first assess the damage and then keep detailed records as they begin the claims process," said Commissioner Kevin Clinton. "Our consumer assistance staff is prepared to answer any insurance questions and concerns from consumers in areas affected by Mother Nature."

The following are a few tips regarding insurance claims:

* Know your policy before a storm. The insurance policy you have is a contract between you and your insurance company. Look it over and make sure you understand what your policy says. Know what's covered and what's excluded. Do you have replacement costs? Do you have a deductible and if so, how much is it? Who in the company do you call in case of an emergency?

  * Get a record of the damages. Right after the storm, pull out your iPhone or camera/video camera and take photographs of your property and any damages that might have occurred following a storm. 

  * Don't wait to make a claim. Do not make any purchases or let bills and receipts pile up. As soon as possible, contact your agent or company's claims hot line. Also, your insurance policy may require that you make the notification of any damages known within a certain time frame. 

  * Be a stickler for details. To avoid delays and any problems with your claims, be certain that you give your insurance agent all the information he or she might need and that it is correct. Whenever you communicate with your insurance company, remember to keep copies and records of all correspondence for yourself. When corresponding via the phone, be sure to write down any information pertinent to the call, including the date it was made, the name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said during the conversation. Also, keep a record of your time and any expenses incurred as a result of your claim.

  * Homeowner claims. In some cases damages caused by a storm my require you to make temporary repairs to keep your family safe and protect your property from further damage such as a hole in the roof or a fallen tree. While your policy should cover the cost of these repairs, it is important to be able to show proof -- via receipts. Again, take video or photos of the damages before making any repairs. The OFIR, however, recommends that you do not make permanent repairs. "An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster," according to the OFIR report. "When meeting with an adjuster, provide them with records of any improvements you made to your property and ask for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.

  For further information and questions, consumers can contact OFIR on their toll-free hot line at 877-999-6442.

gina.joseph@macombdaily.com; <a href="http://bit.ly/wwIwMi">@gljoseph</a>

Whatever it takes get your teen reading

Metro Newspaper Services

The Harry Potter books may have ignited teen reading, but as of last year, more than 60 percent of middle and high school students are scoring below proficient in reading achievement, according to a report by Alliance for Excellent Education. 

"Teen literacy is a huge problem in the United States. Its 15-year-olds rank 14 among developed nations in reading behind Poland, Estonia and Iceland," said Rhiannon Paille, 27, author of a new fantasy novel for teens, "Flame of Surrender," and an advocate for teen literacy. "Kids need strong reading skills if they hope to graduate from high school. And they really need it to plan for college -- 59 percent of jobs in the U.S. today require some postsecondary education, compared to 28 percent in 1973."

What's a parent to do?

Start early.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading to children as young as 6 months old on a daily basis. This will set them on a path to learning reading skills such as phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

When reading to infants, consider small, chunky board books that babies can grip, and do not be in a rush to read the story through. Take time to stop and talk about the pictures with your little one. Point out similarities such colors and shapes or people and things familiar to the baby. If you really want their attention, sing the text or read the words in a different voice.

Lift-the-flap books offer parents a wonderful opportunity to engage baby by playing a round of peek-a-boo with the flaps.

Books that feature textures babies can touch and feel lead to a better understanding of words such as soft or bumpy.

As for older children (12-18), the best way to boost their literacy is to get them reading something, anything, they’re interested in.

Try the classic approach with comic books. "Boys persistently lag behind girls in reading, according to the National Center for Education statistics," said Paille. "Stephen King started off reading comics, 'Tales from the Crypt.' Hey, if it was good enough for him...?" If he finds that interesting, he might move on to graphic novels, a popular young adult genre. "As long as they're reading, they're building comprehensive skills and vocabulary so it needn't be 'War and Peace,'" Paille said. 

2011-Lionsgate still from "Hunger Games."

Look for book-to-film adaptations. If they're excited to see a movie such as "Hunger Games" or "The Avengers," which are two soon-to-be released movies, check to see if the film is based on a book or series of books. "Hunger Games" is based on a series of books by Suzanne Collins about a futuristic society, while "The Avengers" features heroes from Marvel comic books. If they enjoy the movie, chances are that's enough to get a nonreader curious about the books. "This is another especially good hook for boys," Paille said.
Share in their experience by reading the same book. Numerous book clubs were born when parents and their children started reading stories about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as did many after the launch of the "Twilight" series. "Your teen may not be ready for a formal book club, but discussing the pacing of 'Hunger Games' can further their interest in reading and make for some interesting conversation on the way to karate class or soccer practice. And don't be afraid to nudge with comments like, "Oh, you haven't gotten to that part yet? It's really good." 

What is your nonreader interested in? What kind of video games does he or she enjoy? Some of the more popular games have spawned books that could be introduced to them such as Halo, EverQuest, ElfQuest and Gears of War. What about the gaming guides? Even these are filled with interesting text and graphics, which players read to unlock clues that enable them to advance in the game. If they love to skateboard -- pick up a magazine that's all about their sport. It's a start.

The point is to get them reading -- as it helps build comprehension skills and vocabulary. If novels are a stretch, consider starting off with good magazines with shorter articles suited for distractible adolescents such as 'Sports Illustrated,' 'People,’ ‘Seventeen' or 'PC Gamer.'

"When you're out shopping, think about what they're interested in and pick up something just for them," Paille said. "Sometimes, it's as simple as putting the right reading materials right into their hands."

TODAY'S MUSE

This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing -- Maya Angelou

When it comes to important tasks, not just any rope will do

Just as any sailor knows there's a knot for every task, any cordage expert knows there is a rope for every purpose. This is especially true around the house. Be it a backyard tree swing, a carefree hammock or clothes drying in the breeze -- rope is a year-round staple.

Why talk cordage?

With spring just a few days away, many of us will find ourselves in the yard rigging up something with rope - which can cost up to $8 a square foot. If you're paying those kinds of prices, you should know what you're buying. Below is the skinny on cordage from the experts at the Lehigh Group, one of the largest suppliers of rope in North America:

Hammocks and tree swings

Whether it’s a small child or 200 pound adult, you never know who might take their turn on the tree swing. For this reason, one should always use cordage that is strong and holds up to the elements. All-purpose solid braid or twisted nylon rope is what the experts recommend in this case. This type of rope resists abrasion, sunlight, rot and mildew.

Backyard clothesline

What you hang on the clothesline is too important to trust  to a rope that won’t hold the weight of, say . . . grandma’s quilt. If you are planning to install a clothes line this spring, look for an all-purpose rope designed to be flexible, sturdy and to hold knots well.

Gardening

When it comes to tasks having to do with your fruit and vegetable garden, such as lining up the plants or rigging a barrier to keep Mr. Rabbit at bay, sisal rope should be the cordage of choice for two reasons: The natural fiber knots well and the rope resists sunlight.

Camping

Raise your hand if you have stumbled over the ropes securing the awning of your tent or camper? What I've learned through the experts at the Lehigh Group is that there's rope designed to light up low-visibility areas. Visiflect, as the new kind of rope is called, features reflective technology that is meant to prevent one from stumbling over the ropes in the dark. Available in two sizes, these brightly colored, versatile ropes reflect light from up to 200 feet away.

Watering holes

Did you know there is rope that floats? If you're going to be adding any rope to your pool inflatables, consider twisted polypropylene rope. It's lightweight, floats and holds knots.

Boating

If you live on a canal and need a strong, durable and flexible rope for mooring and anchor line, experts recommend nylon yacht braid.

     

Visiflect Reflective Rope at SecureLine

Road trips and windsurfing

Hauling a sailboard or kayak up north means it probably will ride on the roof. To secure gear and sporting equipment on a roof rack or even in a truck bed, rope experts recommend Visiflect Reflective Rope or Cordzilla stretch rope.

For more information on rope products visit: SecureLineSend your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph gina.joseph@macombdaily.com; <a href="http://bit.ly/wwIwMi">@gljoseph</a>

TODAY'S MUSE

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry -- E.B. White