It is one of the most famous stories from the Titanic. Countless recollections of music heard playing as the infamous ship disappeared into the abyss, never to resurface again.
The bravery of those band members, that cold perilous day in 1912, the selfless act they performed, is a testament to the human spirit. To comfort each other in the most horrific times.
Now comes word, that a piece of this history has been found and will soon be displayed in exhibits around the world.
Amazingly, the violin that played "Nearer, My God, To Thee" as the Titanic slipped beneath the icy waters, has been verified as authentic after several years of research and testing.
Wallace Hartley was one of the eight band members to perish on April 14,1912. His body was recovered ten days later.
Wallace Hartley
How the violin came to Wallace Hartley is a bittersweet tale.
Maria Robinson was Hartley's fiancee. They met in 1910. After he proposed, she had given him the violin as a token of her love and had it engraved. It read , "For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria."
Fiancee Maria Robinson
Research found that Harvey had placed the violin in a leather bag just moments before the ship sank and strapped it around him.
The violin, along with other personal items were returned to Miss Robinson after the sinking. She and his family buried him in his hometown of Colne in the borough of Lancashire, England. Sadly Maria Robinson never married and died alone at age 59.
It's amazing that this violin survived and was returned to Hartley's sweetheart. What is even more astonishing is that it's existence up until recently was never known. The story of it's discovery and journey into the spotlight can be found by clicking here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9929996/Violin-played-on-Titanic-revealed-for-first-time.html.
Looking for the perfect retro gift? Check out our retro vintage inspired fashions, home decor and more at oldsoulretro.com
 |
| OLDSOULRETRO.COM |
Rachel Davies Google+ March 18th, 2013
0 Comments