Jessop, who died in 1971, also survived the sinking of the HHMS Britannic. She was one of the passengers who obtained a lifeboat seat. Goddard has been portraying interesting and pioneering women on stage through the years such as Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Child and Amelia Earhart.
Image courtesy of Theatre in the Middle.
During the play, Goddard talks about both the Titanic and Britannic tragedies as well as other aspects of the cabin maid’s life. During a past interview, Goddard said she enjoys researching the lives of strong, creative, and influential women.
Video courtesy of Blue Star Line
Goddard, who took an interest in theater as a child, has undergraduate and master’s degrees in theatre as well as a PHD in history. The actress previously brought her shows on Amelia Earhart and Julia Child to Theatre at the Center.
Image courtesy of Theatre in the Middle.
In addition to the performance, theater goers can make a reservation for a Titanic-themed meal created by 10Forty Banquets. The meal is inspired by the final meal served on the Titanic. Cost for the meal is an additional $30.
FYI: “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” runs to March 30 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $40. Call 219-836-3255 or TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
Top photo courtesy of Theatre at the Center.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
The item in question is a wooden panel from the 1997 film “Titanic,” which lead character “Rose” managed to climb on and survive the ship’s sinking while fellow lead “Jack” clung to it from the water and perished. The panel has been the subject of much debate for more than 25 years – could both characters have fit on it and lived? – and it outsold 1,600 other auction items and costumes from other notable films.
After being in storage for more than 20 years, the panel has found a new home at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Here, it can finally be seen and appreciated by the general public through a special movie-themed display. Other items in the new exhibit include original wardrobe pieces from the film; the lifejacket Rose wore (and actor Kate Winslett signed); and a prop violin signed by all the cast members and the film’s director, James Cameron.
These items join hundreds of others at the museum, which is home to one of the world’s largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts. Many of those items have incredible historic significance because of their direct personal ties to the more than 2,200 passengers and crew members who were aboard the ship.
What’s the Item?
This wooden panel is one of the most iconic and talked-about props in Hollywood history.
It’s an ornate piece of carved wood, which most movie-goers might call the “door” that featured prominently in the Oscar-winning blockbuster “Titanic.”
The panel helped save the character Rose, portrayed by Kate Winslet, from drowning as Titanic sinks.
Since the movie was released in 1997, fans have speculated whether Jack, the film’s other main character (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio), could have fit on the wood panel with Rose, thereby saving his own life.
Now visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction can decide for themselves if two people could have fit aboard.
It’s the focal point of a new display that pays tribute to the saga of “Titanic” movie characters Rose and Jack.
Photo courtesy of the Titanic Museum Attraction
Why a Piece of Wood?
The eight-foot balsa wood movie prop was based on the most famous complete piece of debris salvaged from the Titanic, which sank in 1912.
The intricately carved prop bears a striking resemblance to the Louis XV-style panel housed in the Maritime Museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Titanic Director James Cameron regularly visited that museum when doing research for his film, and it inspired him to create a similar piece of debris to stage Jack and Rose’s emotional final moments.
What Else Is in the Special Movie Exhibit?
Photo courtesy of the Titanic Museum Attraction
Several original wardrobe pieces worn by the character Rose.
The coat worn by the character Cal.
The lifejacket worn by the character Rose, which was signed by the Oscar-winning actor who portrayed her, Kate Winslet.
A prop violin used in the movie and signed by all the key cast members, director James Cameron and Celine Dion.
What Else Is at Titanic Museum Attraction?
More than 1,000 artifacts.
This attraction houses one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic items anywhere in the world.
Where Did This Prop Come From and Where Has It Been?
It was the auction’s highest-selling item, outselling 1,600 key items and costumes from other notable films such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
How Do People See It?
It’s included with regular admission to Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee.
Cruise Views: Holland America and Rotterdam VII mark 150 years of tradition, transformation
Post By Guest Blogger Kathy Witt
One hundred eleven years after the RMS Titanic plunged beneath the waters of the North Atlantic 700 nautical miles east of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII made an unscheduled stop at that exact location for a moment of silence.
“More than 1,500 passengers and crew lost their lives, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and loss that has endured to this day,” Rotterdam’s Captain Bas Van Dreumel said. Many of the ship’s 2,222 passengers had gathered on Lido deck in blustery but sunny weather remarkably similar to what Titanic had experienced all those years ago.
“We honor the memory of the passengers and crew who showed grace and dignity in the face of unimaginable hardship and tragedy,” Van Dreumel continued. “And so, it is with deep respect and solemnity that we now dedicate this wreath to the sea, as a symbol of our remembrance and gratitude.
“May it serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made on that tragic night, and of the enduring spirit of humanity that continues to inspire us.”
For both lines, their respective transatlantic crossings were historic, with the former introducing the “ship of dreams”—the world’s largest, most opulent liner in 1912—and the latter recreating Holland America’s maiden voyage of Rotterdam I of 150 years ago.
Holland America has always been a company that honors its past even as it looks ahead to the future. From its founding in 1873 when it was called the Netherlands-American Steamship Company, it has linked Old World to New and played a crucial and prominent role in America’s immigration story, bringing one in 10 immigrants from Europe to the United States, and at a level of comfort and care few if any other steamship companies offered.
Since that first Rotterdam sailing, much has evolved and improved with the passenger shipboard experience—stabilizers, a technology developed in the 1930s, being at the top of the list. Early passengers making the crossing would have felt every roll, bump and wave of the sea. Not so today, thankfully. Accommodations were nothing like the restful havens now, with their comfy beds and sofas, flatscreen televisions, tile and glass (hot water) showers and Elemis spa toiletries.
On those early crossings, it was on the passengers to entertain themselves. Now there are endless options and an app to guide guests to the good times.
Aboard Rotterdam VII, a full schedule of programming includes enrichment lectures; wine tastings featuring gourmet food pairings from the ship’s various dining venues; exercise classes (tai chi, yoga, abs); pickleball games and tournaments; rousing rounds of trivia—the most popular activity aboard, according to Rotterdam’s cruise and travel director; arts and crafts, including new guided painting lessons; nightly poolside movies; a variety of live music performed in several different venues, including Rolling Stones Rock Room and B.B. King’s Blues Club; a World Stage with 270-degree LED projection for immersive programming and entertainment, including piano concerts, comedy acts, dance and music fusion shows and more.
Although immigrants traveling aboard HAL ships enjoyed three squares a day (a more generous meal plan than most ships provided), food served was fairly basic. Now round-the-clock choices tempt, from burgers and pizza at casual poolside eateries to classic fare in the main dining room to more upscale cuisine served at the ship’s specialty restaurants, including Rudi’s Sel de Mer French seafood brasserie; Pinnacle Grill, a seafood and steak house; and Canalotto’s Italian.
Find sushi made to order at Nami, sweet treats at Gelato’s and theme dinners like seafood boils and an Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner—a small plates extravaganza; everything from fried rice, quesadillas and roast pork to made-to-order deli sandwiches and freshly baked cookies (with chocolate chip being the hands-down favorite) at Lido Market; Dutch classics including pea soup and rustic ham and cheese buns at the Grand Dutch Café; chicken wings, soft salted pretzels and buttery popcorn the snack options served during the evening Dive-in movie; and basics like club sandwiches and cobb salads through room service.
From the art of cuisine to a world class art collection, everything on Rotterdam is designed to please, delight and wow. A 4.1 million art collection features an international roster of artists working in all mediums. Each staircase presents a theme—architecture, music, zoology—that is carried floor to floor like a vertical gallery. Sculptures, paintings, prints, fiber arts, collage—in all there are 2,645 works of art to enjoy, from small treasures like intricate altered books and musician silhouettes constructed of cassette tapes to major works, including cello and pan flute sculptures by Korean artist Yongsun Jang.
The public spaces are beautifully decorated, each conveying an individual theme and mood through color, texture and lighting and punctuated with dramatic artworks. Services offered include shops filled with boutique jewelry, designer fragrances, branded clothing and sundries, plus a small casino, fitness center and photo gallery. Beneath a retractable glass dome, the two-deck Lido pool area invites with swimming pool and a trio of hot tubs surrounded by plenty of chaises and couches, greenery and cozy nooks.
A library would not have been part of the experience on those early crossings and a spa virtually unheard of, but aboard Rotterdam the former is filled with books that may be borrowed for reading on deck or thumbed through on the spot while relaxing in an overstuffed chair and the latter, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, bustles with the buffing, polishing, pampering and destressing of a steady stream of guests.
Holland America Line (HAL) marks the 150th anniversary of the company’s founding on April 18, 2023.
Rotterdam VII is Holland America’s third Pinnacle class ship. By the numbers: 99,836 gross tonnage; 894 feet in length; 2,668 passengers; 1,048 crew. By comparison, the RMS Titanic had a gross tonnage of 46,329 and a length of 882.75 feet. Passenger capacity was 3,320. The night Titanic sank, 2,240 passengers were aboard and only 706 survived.
BB-King – Deck 2&3 Midship
Rotterdam – Holland America Line
HAL has carried more than 12 million passengers throughout its history, including two Netherlands nationals who founded one of America’s most iconic rock bands. Seven-year-old Edward and nine-year-old Alexander boarded HAL’s Ryndam with their parents, Jan and Eugenie Van Halen, in spring of 1962, arriving in New York City on March 9, 1962. Eleven years later, Van Halen—the band credited with “restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene”—was born.
A three-year-old who refused a PBJ featuring orange marmalade on rye, served to him aboard a Holland America ship in the 1980s, is credited for authoring the company’s first children’s menu. Brendan Bunts, sailing with his parents, Annmarie and Pat Bunts, met with the kitchen staff and came up chicken tenders, hot dogs, mac ‘n cheese and PBJ—made the “right” way. “Everyone knows it’s got to be peanut butter and grape jelly with the crusts cut off,” said Brendan’s mom, Annmarie Bunts, who has cruised 99 times with Holland America
Guests can download and take a 30- to 40-minute self-guided art and antique tour during their cruise that includes walking directions, artist interviews and background music.
Visit the Half Moon Bar for a history lesson in Holland America as told through craft cocktails like the Original, which celebrates the first Rotterdam through a blend of Dutch gin and hint of single malt Scotch.
Holland America Bread & Butter Pudding
1 ½ pounds good day-old bread crusts trimmed and bread cubed.
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
quart whole milk
6 eggs beaten
3 egg yolks beaten
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup raisins
Powdered sugar
Grand Marnier optional
Preheat your oven to 325º.
If you’re planning to plump the raisins, now is a good time to get them soaking in the Grand Marnier. Use just enough to cover the raisins and let soak for about 30 minutes.
Place bread cubes in a bowl and drizzle with melted butter.
Grease ramekins with butter. You will need a large roasting pan to hold the ramekins.
Line the roasting pan with a dishtowel. This will keep the ramekins from slipping when you’re moving the pan in and out of the oven. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast until just golden, 8- 10 minutes.
Bring milk to a simmer over medium heat. In a large bowl, whisk whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Gradually add in hot milk, continuing to whisk. Stir in vanilla.
Add half the breadcrumbs to the ramekins. Top with half the raisins. Repeat the layers again.
Ladle the egg mixture over the bread cubes and raisins. Let the bread stand for 20 minutes to absorb the custard.
Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
Place the ramekins on the towel in the roasting pan. Add enough boiling water to cover just halfway up the ramekins.
Bake the puddings in the middle of the oven for about 45 minutes. They are ready when set.
Carefully remove the roasting dish from the oven. Remove dishes. Let cool slightly.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Guest Blogger Kathy Witt is an award winning author and member of
SATW Society of American Travel Writers│Authors Guild
Author of Cincinnati Scavenger; Secret Cincinnati: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful & Obscure;
The Secret of the Belles; Atlanta, Georgia: A Photographic Portrait
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