Eleanor Widener

Who was Mrs Eleanor Widener?

Mrs Eleanor Widener was a prominent American socialite and philanthropist, best known as a survivor of the Titanic disaster and for her generous donation to Harvard University that established the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library. Born on September 21, 1861, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was 50 (fifty) years old when she boarded the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912.

Early Life and Family

Eleanor Elkins was born into a wealthy Philadelphia family in 1861. While details of her early life are limited, her later actions and social standing indicate a privileged upbringing. She married George Dunton Widener, a prominent businessman and member of the wealthy Widener family, further solidifying her place in high society.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding and Accommodation

Mrs Widener boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by:

Her husband, George Dunton Widener
Her son, Harry Elkins Widener
Mr Widener’s manservant, Edwin Keeping
Her own maid, Amalie Gieger

The Wideners were traveling in first-class luxury, occupying cabins C-80/82. Their ticket number was 113503, and the fare for their journey was an astounding £211 10s (equivalent to over $30,000 in today’s currency), reflecting their wealthy status.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Mrs Widener’s life changed forever. As the Titanic began to sink, she faced a heart-wrenching scenario. After more than an hour’s wait, Mrs Widener was helped into Lifeboat 4 by her husband and son. In a display of chivalry typical of the era, George and Harry Widener then stood back, knowing they were giving up their chance of survival.

What happened to Mrs Widener after the Titanic sank?

After being rescued, Mrs Widener and her maid, Miss Gieger, arrived in New York City. They were met by a private train which took them back to Philadelphia, a testament to the family’s wealth and influence even in times of tragedy.

Life After the Titanic

Philanthropy and Legacy

Following the loss of her husband and son, Mrs Widener channeled her grief into charitable work. Her most significant contribution was a large donation to Harvard University, which resulted in the establishment of the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library. This generous act came with two notable stipulations:

No stone of the library should be touched as long as the building stands.
Each graduate of Harvard must pass a swimming test.

The second condition was born from Mrs Widener’s belief that her son might have survived had he been able to swim. Remarkably, both of these rules remain in effect today, although the library has been expanded with new buildings in recent years.

Second Marriage and Adventures

In 1915, three years after the Titanic disaster, Mrs Widener married Dr. Alexander Hamilton Rice, a geographer and explorer from New York. This new chapter in her life brought exciting adventures:

She accompanied Dr. Rice on several expeditions to South America.
The couple traveled extensively throughout Europe and India.

These journeys showcase Mrs Widener’s resilience and her ability to embrace new experiences despite past tragedies.

Final Years

Eleanor Widener Rice spent her later years between her adventures abroad and her philanthropic work at home. She passed away in Paris on July 13, 1937, at the age of 75 (seventy-five). Her life, spanning from the American Civil War era to the interwar period, was marked by both tragedy and resilience, leaving behind a legacy of survival and generosity.

An Enduring Impact

Mrs Eleanor Widener’s life story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome tragedy and create lasting positive change. From the opulent cabins of the Titanic to the jungles of South America, her journey was extraordinary. Today, her name lives on not only in Titanic history but also in the halls of Harvard, where students continue to benefit from her generosity and honor the memory of the son she lost on that fateful night in April 1912.