Eliza Blackwell Dupree ~ our guest

We were pleased to welcome Eliza Blackwell Dupree, a fictional survivor of the Titanic, as our guest speaker for the evening.  A captivating and engaging speaker, Miss Dupree drew the audience into the events of this tragic night with her stories and her thoughts.  Luxury and increased travel were the hallmark of this era, with travel either by steam ship or by train.  There was a First, Second, and Third (steerage) class for both.  However, steam ship travel was dependent upon the weather, so an exact date to set sail could not be provided.  She also explained about the fashion of the time, columnar shaped gowns, well balanced, and a very large hat.  The size of the hat was directly proportional to your amount of wealth.  Quite a statement.

"It was a brilliant crowd. Jewels flashed from the gowns of the women. The soft, sweet odor of rare flowers pervaded the atmosphere. The orchestra played popular music. it was a rare gathering of beautiful women and splendid men." ~First-class passenger Mrs. Jacques Futrelle