Titanic News: SS United States, Harland & Wolff Bought by Navantia, Upcoming Exhibitions, Rare Telegram and Postcard Up For Auction

February 19, 2025 Mark Taylor 1 Comment

Michael Tanenbaum, “Wind Delays SS United States’ Departure From Philly Until Tuesday,” PhillyVoice, last modified February 17, 2025, https://www.phillyvoice.com/ss-united-states-departure-philly-tuesday-florida-reef/.

High winds in Philadelphia have pushed back the departure of the SS United States until Tuesday, when the historic ocean liner will embark on a two-week trip to Alabama. From there, the ship will undergo preparations to be turned into the world’s largest artificial reef off the Gulf Coast in Florida. In September, after years of efforts to preserve the SS United States, the ocean liner was purchased for $1 million by Okaloosa County in Florida. The county plans to invest more than $10 million to transform the ship into a diving and fishing destination. The ship’s storied history includes carrying four presidents and various celebrities over the years and holding the transatlantic speed record it set on its maiden voyage in 1952. The ship remained in service until 1969. In addition to creating the artificial reef, Okaloosa County also will partner with the conservancy to create a land-based museum that celebrates and commemorates the ship.

SS United States
Date Unknown but likely 1950’s.
Photo is from John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

The SS United States in port in Philadelphia, PA.
2 August 2020
Taken by Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnWildlife using a drone
Wikimedia Commons

Titan (submersible)
Becky Kagan Schott, OceanGate

Allie Griffin, “NOAA Releases Chilling Audio of Moment Doomed Titan Submersible Imploded,” New York Post, February 12, 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/02/12/us-news/titanic-submersible-titan-audio-recording-released-by-noaa/.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a bone-chilling audio recording of the moment the Titan submersible imploded, instantly killing all five passengers. The never-before-heard audio clip published online Friday captures staticky white noise followed by a loud boom and reverb — and then the static again. Officials said the boom is the sound of the sub imploding before reaching the Titanic wreck site on the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean on June 18, 2023

“TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition Returns to Liberty Science Center After 10 Years,” Press release, last modified February 10, 2025, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/titanic-the-artifact-exhibition-returns-to-liberty-science-center-after-10-years-302372620.html.

TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition to Jersey City, NJ, after 10 years on February 15, 2025. The Exhibition has become a global phenomenon, renowned for its ability to transport visitors on an immersive journey into the remarkable story of the RMS Titanic through authentic artifacts recovered from the wrecksite, compelling storytelling, and interactive experiences.

Information and tickets are at https://lsc.org/explore/exhibitions/titanic.

Harland & Wolff David and Goliath crane in Belfast, 2006
Plastic Jesus (Dave) via Wikimedia Commons

Emma Taggart, “Navantia Paid £93m for Titanic Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff,” The Times, February 7, 2025, https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/navantia-paid-93m-for-titanic-shipbuilder-harland-and-wolff-stnwbfndf.

The takeover of Harland & Wolff by Navantia cost the Spanish state-owned shipbuilder £93 million after it agreed improved terms with the British government for a contract with the Royal Navy. Navantia had offered £64 million to buy the beleaguered shipbuilder and its four shipyards in October 2024 It completed its purchase of Harland & Wolff’s four shipyards last week, securing more than 1,000 British jobs. The takeover of the troubled shipbuilder came after months of uncertainty and financial problems for Harland & Wolff.

“TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition Returns to Bratislava in 2025,” Press release, last modified February 7, 2025, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/titanic-the-artifact-exhibition-returns-to-bratislava-in-2025-302371423.html.

TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition is making its highly anticipated return to Bratislava, Slovakia, following its successful run in 2015. Opening on February 20, 2025, the Exhibition will be hosted at Sport Mall Bratislava Lama?. The Exhibition, presented by Experiential Media Group (E/M Group) and RMS Titanic, Inc. (RMST), brings Titanic’s history, and real human stories to create an unforgettable experience that has captivated millions worldwide.

Matthew Impelli, “Rare Telegram From Titanic Disaster Gets Put up for Sale,” Newsweek, February 6, 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/titanic-sinking-telegram-sale-auction-2027509.

A rare and historically significant telegram sent in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster is up for sale at Julien’s Auctions as part of its “Spotlight on History & Technology” event. The telegram, sent on April 16, 1912, from Philip Franklin, vice president of the International Mercantile Marine Co. in New York City, to Captain Herbert Haddock of the RMS Olympic, requested an urgent list of Titanic survivors aboard the rescue ship Carpathia.

The auction will take place on 27 Feb 2025 at 12 noon in Los Angeles at Julien’s Auctions.

Telegram sent by Phillip Franklin, IMM, to Captain Haddock of Olympic on 16 April 1912 asking for list of Titanic survivors aboard.
Source: juliensauctions.com

Jenna Sundel, “OceanGate ‘Titan’ Victim’s Family Gets Mixed Ruling From Judge,” Newsweek, February 4, 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/oceangate-submarine-titan-implosion-victims-nargeolet-lawsuit-2026068.

A lawsuit filed by the family of an OceanGate Titan submersible implosion victim will be sent back to state court, but the judge declined to pay the requested attorney fees. Judge Lauren King of the Western District of Washington granted a motion to remand on Friday filed by Richard Ortoli, the administrator of Paul-Henri Nargeolet’s estate.

RMS Titanic pictured in Queenstown, Ireland 11 April 1912
Source:Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh Ireland/Wikimedia Commons

Kendal Cooper, “Titanic Time Capsule: Rare Postcard From Tragic Voyage Set to Sail Into Auction Expected to Create Worldwide Interest – Hansons Auctioneers,” Hansons Auctioneers, last modified February 4, 2025, https://hansonsauctioneers.co.uk/titanic-time-capsule-rare-postcard-from-tragic-voyage-set-to-sail-into-auction-expected-to-create-worldwide-interest/.

A rare and deeply emotional Titanic postcard, sent just one month after the ship’s tragic sinking, is set to attract global interest when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ February Derby Antiques & Collectors Auction, taking place between the 13th and 18th of February 2025. Discovered during a recent antiques valuation day in Nottinghamshire, the postcard is thought to possess both remarkable historical significance and sentimental value. The postcard will be featured in Hansons’ upcoming February sale, where it is expected to achieve a price between £100-150. With its deep historical connections and rare status, the postcard is expected to attract considerable interest from collectors and Titanic enthusiasts worldwide.

Emily Goodwin, “Titanic Dining Experience at Dunston Hall Near Norwich,” Eastern Daily Press, January 27, 2025, https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24887156.titanic-dining-experience-dunston-hall-near-norwich/.

Dunston Hall will be hosting the event, which will give guests the chance to “dress up and become a small part of history” for an evening. At 7pm on March 15, first-class stewardess Mabel Bennett will call ticketholders through to their tables as they enjoy a meal aboard the “unsinkable” ship. Throughout the evening as a three-course meal is served, ticketholders will watch how the Captain and some of the female workers on board are affected as the tragedy unfolds. Much of the evening is interactive and the night will be accompanied by a projection of the Titanic’s voyage and an original soundtrack.

Today is President George Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)

February 17, 2025 Mark Taylor Leave a comment

George Washington (1732–99) by Gilbert Stuart
Photo: Public Domain (Wikimedia Commons)

Although today is referred to as “President’s Day” it is not a federal holiday by that name. It is officially designated as Washington’s Birthday under federal law. There was a movement to combine both Washington and Lincoln’s birthday (since they occur days apart) or honor the office of president. That never came to be. Instead in 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed and came into force in 1971. That shifted most federal holidays to a Monday if it fell during the week. Washington’s Birthday name was not changed and so under federal law it is still Washington’s Birthday. However many states issue their own proclamations celebrating not only Washington but Lincoln and others from their own state. Advertisers have caught on as well. So today many call it President’s Day but who it commemorates beyond George Washington is up to the state governors.

The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize.
President George Washington,Farewell Address, 19 September 1799.

For Further Information

Nevins, Allan, and Henry Graff. “George Washington | Life, Presidency, Accomplishments, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington.

Zapata, Christian. “George Washington: Facts, Revolution and Presidency | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 7 Feb. 2024, www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/george-washington.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon. “George Washington.” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, www.mountvernon.org/george-washington.

History

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (14 Feb 1929)

February 14, 2025 Mark Taylor

Al Capone Mug Shot 1939 — Al Capone mug shot, May 16 1929, Chicago, Illinois
Source: FBI

On 14 February 1929, the world was shocked by a massacre that took place in Chicago’s North Side. Gang warfare had become part of life in Chicago during the 1920’s as gangs jockeyed for control of the lucrative illegal trades in alcohol, gambling, and prostitution. The massacre that took place would make political leaders realize that Chicago was in serious trouble. And of one the most notorious of them was Al Capone.

Al Capone had risen to power over the years by taking over his rival’s crime rackets by force. In 1924 16 gang related murders were recorded and continued to grow each year. Since the problem was deemed a local and state issue, the U.S. federal government had little jurisdiction to investigate. While the bootlegging was a violation of federal law, none of the other crime operations were. Capone had pretty much bought control of Chicago through bribing police officers, judges, and politicians. Even if someone got elected on the promise to go after him, it was difficult with so many already on his side.

One of Capone’s major rivals was the Irish gangster George “Bugs” Moran who ran the bootlegging operation of a garage at 2122 North Clark Street. Gunmen dressed as police officers entered the garage and pretended to arrest them. The fake cops lined up the seven men facing the wall and opened fire killing them all (one did survive but died afterwards). At least 70 rounds of ammunition were used in the massacre. Moran was not there but he and others quickly blamed Al Capone, but he was conveniently in Florida at the time. No one was ever brought to trial for the murders and to this day remains one of the biggest unsolved crimes in history.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre ended any major opposition to Capone in Chicago. The North Side gang never recovered its power or place though Moran kept some control of it before leaving the city and his gang behind in the 1930’s. Capone was now the undisputed boss of the Chicago syndicate and was dubbed as Public Enemy No. 1 by the press. The massacre got the attention of federal authorities who began a grand jury to look into it. Capone did not appear to testify as ordered in March 1929 but did later resulting in his arrest for contempt of court. He was out on bond when down in Philadelphia he was arrested in May for having concealed weapons. He was sentenced to prison but ran his operation from there until he was released on good behavior nine months later. He would later be convicted of contempt of court in February 1931 and sent to Cook County Jail for six months.

The next phase of the action against Capone was to hit him in his operations and to investigate his sources of money for tax purposes. The famous Eliott Ness and his team tried to strike directly by raiding and shutting down his operations. The other operation was the investigation of the sources of his income. Special Agent Frank Wilson and others in the Internal Revenue Service did what is called forensic accounting to find out exactly how much Capone was earning from his illicit operations. It meant a lot of tracking down information and getting witnesses to provide key information, but it paid off. Wilson was able to show that Capone was failing to report his income as required by law and thus get him indicted and later convicted of tax evasion. To anyone watching, it must have been surreal. While everyone applauds Ness and his Untouchables, it was ultimately Capone’s failure to pay his taxes that got him sent to jail. He never recovered his place with the Chicago outfit and ultimately, because of syphilis, became an invalid. He was released from jail in 1939 and died a recluse in his Florida home in 1947. Public Enemy No I was no more.

Sources

“St. Valentine’s Day Massacre – Victims, Evidence and Suspects | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/crime/saint-valentines-day-massacre.

“Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre | Victims, Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and Prohibition.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/event/Saint-Valentines-Day-Massacre.

History, Miscellaneous

Saint Valentine (14 Feb)-Christian Martyr

February 14, 2025 Mark Taylor

Shrine of St. Valentine in Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland
Photo: Blackfish (Wikimedia Commons)

Valentine’s Day is used by many to show their affection or love for someone they care about. It has spawned an industry for greeting card makers, candies, and of course flowers. However, there is a real religious component as many Christian denominations celebrate it as feast day, commemoration, or optional for the local diocese (such as the Catholic Church). Valentine was the name of many Christian martyrs in the early Church resulting in them all being remembered for their acts of sacrifice for the faith. Some denominations, such as Eastern Orthodox Church, celebrate a particular St. Valentine on two different days.

The association with romantic love could be linked to an ancient Roman festival has been made but there is no evidence of any link. Most seem to believe the link began with Chaucer’s Parlemont of Foules where he indicates birds choose their mates on St. Valentine’s Day although 14 Feb might not be the day Chaucer was referring to. Other poems made the association of love and St. Valentine’s Day in the medieval period and English Renaissance. For those who needed love verses but lacked the ability to compose them, publishers started offering them. Then putting them on paper and sending them became possible. Paper valentines became very popular in 19th century England resulting in their industrial production. They became popular in the United States as well. With such cards being popular, you needed other things to accompany a card. Roses and chocolates became popular, likely due to skillful marketing to associate them with the day. And so, Valentine’s Day became a very major day for greeting card companies, chocolate makers, and sellers of flowers (roses being the most popular flower for the day).

But Who Was Saint Valentine?

Saint Valentine is a Christian martyr who died in the 3^rd century on April 14 but owing to the confusion there were at least three people named Saint Valentine, his actual history is lacking. One Saint Valentine was a priest and physician in Rome who was martyred in 270 AD under the reign of Claudius II Gothicus (reigned 268-270 AD). He was buried on the Via Flaminia and a basilica was reportedly put over it by Pope Julius I. Archaeological excavations have shown that a found evidence of the tomb. During the thirteenth century his relics were moved to the Church of Praxedes near the Basilica of St. Mary Major where they are today. A small church built near the Flaminian Gate (today called Porta de Popolo) was called in the twelfth century “the Gate of St. Valentine” adding more weight to this Saint Valentine.

The second Saint Valentine was reportedly the bishop of Terni, Italy (Interamna at the time). He too was arrested and martyred during the same emperor. However, it is not clear whether he was executed in Rome or in Terni. Some argue that St. Valentine I and Saint Valentine II are the same person and the accounts got jumbled up. There has been confusion in the past with two people who became saints sharing the same name. Usually, they have something extra added to differentiate (St. John of the Cross vs. St. John of Damascus). It is possible that there were two men named Valentine, one a priest in Rome and the other in Terni. We simply have no way of knowing.

The third St. Valentine was martyred in Africa along with his companions during the same period and possibly under the same emperor. In this case, there is nothing further known at all. Just a mention of it and no one can say for sure whether this is true or not. With three St. Valentine’s all claiming to have suffered martyrdom, all the church can say is that they died as martyrs for their faith. In 1969 St. Valentine was removed from the general Roman calendar making the commemoration of his feast day optional. As in the case of all saints so designated, it is up to the local bishops to decide whether to it observed. For example, the feast of St. Patrick is a solemnity in Ireland and in the diocese of New York but not elsewhere. St. Valentine is still considered a martyr by the Catholic church.

Sources

“Saint Valentine | Facts, Patron Saint of, Feast Day, History, and Legends.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Valentine.

“Saint Julius I | Roman Bishop, Church Father, Defender.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Julius-I.

“Valentine’s Day 2024: Origins, Background and Traditions | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 22 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2.

Saunders, William Father | History of St. Valentine. www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-st-valentine.html.

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to February

February 3, 2025 Mark Taylor

February by Leandro Bassano,1595/1600
Public Domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

February is the second month on the Gregorian and Julian calendars. With 28 days (except in leap years when there are 29), it is the shortest month of the year. On the old Roman calendar, the year ended in December, and the new year started in March. The name is derived from Februarius, a purification ritual that was held around 15 February on the old Roman lunar calendar. While in the northern hemisphere February is still winter heading towards spring, in the southern seasons are switched so they are heading towards autumn.

With shorter number of days, it is the one month that can pass without a full moon (it happened in 2018). There are many fascinating names used during the month such as Snow Moon to indicate snow is on the ground. Some Native American tribes call it the Hunger Moon due to limited food sources during winter.

February is considered the snowiest month of winter, though that can of course vary by the year. 2 February has been set aside (for reasons far longer than be put here) as a day for weather forecasting by various animals. The most famous is of course Punxsutawney Phil and if the groundhog sees his shadow then six weeks more of winter is expected. He is rated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as being accurate 40% of the time. A lot of people trek to see the groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania so it has become quite an event. The whole idea comes from German settlers who back in Germany used badgers for the same purpose. Lacking badgers here, groundhogs were used and so the whole thing mushroomed into what it is today.

There is also a religious connection to 2 February. In most Christian churches, 2 February is celebrated as either Candlemas (the old name) or Presentation of the Lord. The faithful will bring candles to be blessed to be used during winter (and beyond as needed). And then the day is celebrated as also when the infant Jesus is brought to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented in accordance with the law of Moses. There Simeon, a prophet who had been told he would see the promised messiah before he died, took the infant into his arms and blessed him:

Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. (Luke 2:25-35)

The February flowers are violet (to signify loyalty, faithfulness and watchfulness) and the primrose (to let someone know you cannot be without them). Of course, roses are the unofficial flower since Valentine’s Day on 14 February usually means a lot of roses are purchased for wives and girlfriends.

For More Information

Boeckmann, Catherine. “February Calendar 2025: Holidays, Fun Facts, and Folklore.” Almanac.Com. Last modified January 29, 2025. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-february-holidays-fun-facts-folklore.

“The Month of February,” https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/february.html.

Contributors to Wikimedia projects, “1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/February,” Wikisource, the Free Online Library, last modified August 14, 2020, https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/February.

Cecil Adams, “How Come February Has Only 28 Days? – the Straight Dope,” The Straight Dope, last modified July 28, 2020, https://www.straightdope.com/21341610/how-come-february-has-only-28-days.

Titanic News Channel

Monthly Archives: February 2025

Titanic News: SS United States, Harland & Wolff Bought by Navantia, Upcoming Exhibitions, Rare Telegram and Postcard Up For Auction

Today is President George Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (14 Feb 1929)

Saint Valentine (14 Feb)-Christian Martyr

Welcome to February

Titanic, historic ship, and general history news.