Gretchen Fiske Longley

Who was Miss Gretchen Fiske Longley?

Miss Gretchen Fiske Longley was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old American first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on September 1, 1890, in Hudson, New York, she embarked on the ill-fated voyage with her two maternal aunts and went on to lead a remarkable life marked by resilience and adventure.

Early Life and Family

A Privileged Upbringing

Gretchen was born into a family of some prominence. Her father, Levi Fiske Longley, was a respected lawyer, while her mother, Mary Deare Andrews, came from a well-established New York family. However, Gretchen’s early years were marked by tragedy:

• Her mother passed away in 1892 when Gretchen was just two years old
• Her father died in 1902, leaving her an orphan at the age of 12

Following these losses, Gretchen’s extended family played a crucial role in her upbringing:

• She lived with her maternal grandparents, Robert Emmet Andrews and Matilda Scudder Fonda, along with other family members in Hudson, New York
• By 1905, she was residing with her aunt Cornelia Andrews

Education

Despite the challenges of losing both parents at a young age, Gretchen received a quality education befitting her social status. She attended the Boston Ladies’ School, which likely prepared her for the social expectations of her class.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Accommodations

Gretchen boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, accompanied by her maternal aunts, Cornelia Andrews and Anna Hogeboom. Their travel details were as follows:

A Curious Farewell Note

Upon arriving in her cabin, Gretchen discovered a farewell letter containing a peculiar message:

Good weather Refreshments Every desire Tommies to burn Chocolate icecream Heavenly evenings Entire meals No regrets

This charming acrostic spelled out “GRETCHEN,” serving as a playful good wish for each day of her voyage.

The Night of the Sinking

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Gretchen’s experience unfolded as follows:

1. She was in her stateroom when the Titanic struck the iceberg
2. Curious about the impact, she ventured into the corridor twice but found no apparent cause for alarm
3. Her aunt Cornelia’s nervousness prompted the trio to make their way to the boat deck
4. Gretchen and her aunts escaped in lifeboat 10

How did Gretchen contribute to the survival efforts?

In a display of courage and resourcefulness, Gretchen stepped up to assist in the crisis:

• Due to a lack of crewmen in lifeboat 10, she joined other women, including one of the Fortune ladies, in rowing the boat
• This act of bravery likely contributed to the survival of those in her lifeboat

Life After the Titanic

Marriage and Family

On October 21, 1913, Gretchen married Dr. Raymond Sylvester Leopold, a successful physician who later became an executive vice president of Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital. Their family life included:

• Three children: Gretchen (1914-2005), William (1917-1965), and Barbara (1920-2001)
• Establishing their home in Philadelphia
• Gretchen was widowed in 1957 when her husband passed away

Career and Later Years

Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Gretchen:

• Ran an antique shop at 8127 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia
• Later resided at the Emlen Arms, 6733 Emlen Street, Philadelphia

A Love for Travel

Perhaps most remarkably, Gretchen’s harrowing experience on the Titanic did not dampen her enthusiasm for ocean travel. She continued to journey extensively throughout her life, a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Gretchen’s Final Voyage

In a poignant twist of fate, Gretchen’s life came full circle on the sea. While on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the SS Constitution, she passed away on August 11, 1965, at the age of 74 (seventy-four). She was laid to rest alongside her husband in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Gretchen Fiske Longley’s life story, from Titanic survivor to world traveler, serves as a compelling reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from the icy waters of the North Atlantic to her final Mediterranean cruise encapsulates a life lived fully, despite the shadow of one of history’s greatest maritime disasters.