Elin Matilda Hakkarainen

Who was Mrs Elin Matilda Hakkarainen?

Mrs Elin Matilda Hakkarainen was a Finnish Titanic survivor who embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage as a third-class passenger. Born on March 20, 1888, in Helsinki, Finland, she was 24 (twenty-four) years old when she boarded the Titanic at Southampton with her husband, Pekka Pietari Hakkarainen. Elin’s survival story and her later contributions to Titanic history make her a notable figure among the ship’s passengers.

Early Life and Immigration to America

Finnish Roots and Family

Elin Matilda Dolk, as she was born, came from a Finnish family. Her parents were Carl Dolk and Eva Vilhelmina Andersson. Elin grew up with two known siblings:

Charles (1886-1964)
John Edward (born 1891)

First Journey to America

Elin’s adventures in America began before her fateful Titanic voyage:

Date of first emigration: June 26, 1907
Ship: Hellig Olav
Destination: New York

After arriving in the United States, Elin found work as a maid in Quincy, Massachusetts. The 1910 census records confirm her presence in the area, indicating her successful integration into American life.

Marriage and Return to Finland

A Finnish-American Union

Elin’s life took a new turn when she married Pekka Pietari Hakkarainen, another Finnish-American. Key details of their union include:

Pekka’s occupation: Steelworker
Pekka’s residence: Monessen, Pennsylvania
Wedding date: January 15, 1912
Wedding location: Finland

Why a Brief Stay in Finland?

The newlyweds’ stay in Finland was intentionally short. This decision was influenced by a significant factor:

A prolonged stay might have resulted in Pekka being conscripted into the Russian Army.

The Titanic Journey

Booking the Voyage

Initially, the Hakkarainens planned to return to the USA aboard the Mauretania. However, they changed their minds and booked passage on the Titanic instead. Their travel details were as follows:

Class: Third Class
Ticket number: 3101279
Ticket cost: £15, 17s (15 pounds, 17 shillings)
Embarkation point: Southampton

The Night of the Sinking

Elin’s experience on the night of April 14-15, 1912, was harrowing:

She and Pekka were asleep in their cabin when the collision occurred.
Elin described the impact as “a strong vibration and a scratching noise.”
Pekka left to investigate, while Elin fell back asleep.
She awoke later to find Pekka hadn’t returned.
Onboard acquaintances roused her from the cabin.
In haste, she grabbed only a handbag and life preserver.

Elin’s Escape

The path to safety was fraught with challenges:

Stairway gates appeared locked.
A steward eventually guided steerage passengers to the boat deck.
Elin searched for Pekka but couldn’t find him.
An officer directed her to a lifeboat with one remaining space.
She nearly fell between the lifeboat and the ship’s side.
Someone grabbed her hand and pulled her to safety.

Tragically, this was the last time Elin saw her husband Pekka. His body was never recovered.

Life After the Titanic

Immediate Aftermath

Elin continued to New York aboard the Carpathia.
She received £50 in compensation for her ordeal.

New Beginnings

Elin’s life took several turns in the years following the disaster:

She lived in West Virginia for a time.
On April 10, 1917, she remarried to Emil Nummi, another Finnish native.
The couple had one child, Gerald Emil, born on October 20, 1920.
In 1926, the family moved to Warren, Ohio.

Later Years and Titanic Legacy

Elin’s connection to the Titanic remained strong throughout her life:

She resided at 729 Parkman, Warren, and was a member of St Mark’s Lutheran Church.
In the 1950s, she:
- Watched the Fox movie “Titanic”
- Assisted Walter Lord in his research for “A Night to Remember”
- Viewed the TV adaptation of “A Night to Remember” twice

How did Elin Hakkarainen’s life end?

Elin Matilda Hakkarainen passed away on January 2, 1957, at the age of 68 (sixty-eight). Her final moments were poignant:

She suffered a stroke.
The evening before her death, she spent time knitting and reading “A Night to Remember.”
She was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Warren.

Her widower, Emil, lived until November 7, 1965.

The Hakkarainen Legacy

Elin’s son, Gerald, ensured his mother’s story lived on:

He became a music teacher.
Married Jane Irene Stimmel in 1947 and had three children.
Authored a book about his mother’s Titanic experiences: “I’m Going to See What Has Happened.”
Gerald passed away on March 20, 1995, in Lake, Ohio.

Elin Matilda Hakkarainen’s journey from Finnish immigrant to Titanic survivor and eventually, a contributor to Titanic history, showcases a life of resilience and historical significance. Her firsthand account of the disaster and her willingness to share her experiences in later years have helped keep the memory of the Titanic alive for future generations.