ST. LOUIS - One hundred years ago this April, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scored one of the biggest stories of the 20th century the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic.
St. Louis journalist Carlos Hurd was aboard the Carpathia, the vessel that scooped up Titanics lifeboat-clinging survivors. Hurd and his wife Katherine were the first to interview the eyewitnesses to the downing of the unsinkable ocean liner. He wrote the world-wide headline story on rolls of toilet paper during the voyage that brought those rescued into New York harbor. Today, the legendary ship continues to make headlines in St. Louis where a weekend of special commemorative events will take place to remember this ever-fascinating piece of history.
Cruise into the Gateway City to experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian era during St. Louis Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012.
Starting off on Friday, Apr. 13, 2012, an Edwardian champagne reception will be served up at Bixby's Restaurant at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park prior to a screening of the classic 1958 film about the sinking of the Titanic, A Night to Remember. Guests also will have an opportunity to view Titanic-related artifacts from the museums collection. Admission for the reception and movie is $50, for the movie only, $11. Missouri History Museum members receive a $3 discount. To purchase tickets go here.
The highlight of the weekend takes place onstage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., on Saturday, Apr. 14. The Foxs executive chef Stephen Proctor, pictured, along with the culinary teaching staff at LEcole Culiniare will recreate the original menu served to first class Titanic passengers as the last dinner on the ship. The historic menu was meticulously researched to authentically recreate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and accompanying wines. The Titanic-sized menu served at 7 p.m. includes Oysters a la Russe, poached salmon, filet mignon, Chicken Lyonnaise, roasted squab and Waldorf pudding.
The evening is black tie with everyone encouraged to wear dress in the style of the period. Dinner guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire (white tie for men, for instance). Upon arrival, guests will receive a boarding pass and envelope containing the name and biography of an actual first-class passenger from the Titanic. Seating for the tables of eight will be based upon the passenger's name. (Notable passengers include Benjamin Guggenheim, John Jacob Astor, the "unsinkable" Molly Brown, Isadore and Ida Straus and Captain Edward John Smith.) However, large parties will be accommodated by phoning (314) 535-7100.
Prior to dinner at 6 p.m., a period-style cocktail reception featuring live music popular during 1912 will fill the Fox Theatres elaborate Grand Lobby. Between courses, guests will be entertained with incredible stories about the Titanic told by actors portraying passengers and crew who had been aboard the fateful ship including Missouris-own Unsinkable Molly Brown.
Proceeds from the evening benefit the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit which fosters and promotes the performing arts in the St. Louis area. The cost of cocktails and dinner is $500 per person with $200 tax deductible (a tax letter will be mailed to buyers after the event by the FPAF office). Admission includes valet parking. To purchase tickets go here.
Those who survive the Saturday evening soiree can partake in a special champagne brunch at the Piper Palm House, 4256 Magnolia Ave., the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis Victorian-designed Tower Grove Park, the Palm Houses distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, resemble the Titanics Verandah Caf. The brunch will be recreated from a Titanic first class breakfast menu. The buffet service meal features, along with other delicacies, smoked salmon, lamb chops, sirloin steak, prepared-to-order omelets, fruits and baked goods. Admission is $45 per person paid by April 13 at 3 p.m. Go here to reserve tickets.
A special St. Louis Titanic Weekend Travel Package is available at newly restored The Cheshire, a landmark hotel property that embodies the charm and authenticity of a traditional British inn with all the modern conveniences of today. The $389 hotel package includes deluxe accommodation for two nights (Friday and Saturday/double occupancy), an English continental breakfast on Saturday, complimentary high tea on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and round-trip transportation to the events at the Missouri History Museum, The Fox Theatre and the Piper Palm House.
True Titanic buffs will want to tour historic Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4947 W. Florissant Ave. St. Louisan Elizabeth McMillan Madill Robert was returning home from a year-long European tour and lodging in Cabin B-3 aboard the Titanic. She, her daughter Georgette Madill, niece Elizabeth Allen and maid Emilie Kreuchen were all rescued from Lifeboat 2. Mrs. Madill Roberts died in 1955 and is buried on the Madill family lot. Also resting at Bellefontaine are Carlos and Katherine Hurd who were traveling on the Carpathia, the White Star Line vessel that rescued Titanic lifeboat passengers. Hurd enlisted his wife to help him gather interviews for the news story of the century. Stop by the Bellefontaine Cemetery office at 4847 West Florissant Avenue for a complimentary map to these gravesites and those of hundreds of notable persons including explorer William Clark, Civil War officers, beer barons, literary personalities and more. More information may be found here.
Events and accommodations are also available through Metrotix at (414) 534-1111.
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