Harry Elkins Widener

Who was Mr Harry Elkins Widener?

Mr Harry Elkins Widener was a 27-year-old American bibliophile and scion of the wealthy Widener family who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born into privilege on January 3, 1885, Harry was known for his passion for rare books and his untimely death on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. His legacy lives on through the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard University.

Early Life and Education

Harry Elkins Widener was born into a life of luxury as the son of George and Eleanor Widener in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. His early education took place at the prestigious Hill School, a private establishment in Pottstown, PA. After graduating from Hill School in 1903, young Harry set his sights on higher education.

Harvard Years and the Birth of a Bibliophile

Harry’s love for books blossomed during his time at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1907. It was here that he developed his bibliophilic interests, sparked by a unique research project:

While in college, Harry delved into early books with colored plates illustrating costumes for a Hasty Pudding Theatrical, igniting his lifelong passion for rare and valuable books.

This initial foray into the world of rare books would set the stage for Harry’s future as a distinguished collector.

A Passion for Rare Books

Harry Widener’s collection of rare books was nothing short of extraordinary. Among his prized possessions were:

A Shakespeare Folio
A Gutenberg Bible
The second edition of Bacon’s “Essais” (1598)

In the spring of 1912, Harry’s bibliophilic pursuits led him to England on a book-buying expedition. Little did he know that this journey would be his last, as he would lose his life along with many of the newly purchased books while returning on the Titanic.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the “Unsinkable” Ship

Harry boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by:

His father, George Widener
His mother, Eleanor Widener
George Widener’s valet, Edwin Keeping
Mrs. Widener’s maid, Emily Geiger

The Widener family occupied cabins C-80-82, befitting their first-class status on the luxurious liner.

A Dinner Party and a Tragic Night

On the evening of April 14, 1912, the Wideners hosted a dinner party in honor of Captain Edward Smith. The gathering was attended by some of the wealthiest passengers aboard the Titanic, a testament to the Wideners’ social standing.

Later that fateful night, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Harry demonstrated both his chivalry and his acceptance of fate:

He helped his mother into Lifeboat 4, ensuring her safety.
He declined to seek a place on a lifeboat for himself.

When his friend William Ernest Carter suggested he try for a boat, Harry reportedly replied:

“I’ll think I’ll stick to the big ship, Billy, and take a chance.”

The Unconfirmed Tale of Bacon’s “Essais”

A romantic, though unverified, story surrounds Harry’s final moments:

It is said that Harry was about to step into a lifeboat when he remembered his newly acquired copy of Bacon’s “Essais.” He allegedly ran back to retrieve it, sealing his fate.

While this tale has never been confirmed by Mrs. Widener, it has become part of the lore surrounding Harry’s devotion to his books.

Legacy and Memorials

The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library

After Harry’s death, Harvard librarians approached Mrs. Widener for a donation in memory of her bibliophile son. The result was a magnificent gift of $2,000,000 for the construction of a building to house her son’s collection. In 1915, the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library was dedicated at Harvard University.

The Swimming Requirement Myth

A persistent legend claimed that Mrs. Widener’s donation came with a condition:

All Harvard men were required to learn to swim before graduating, supposedly to prevent a tragedy like her son’s.

In reality, while Harvard did have a freshman swim test requirement for many years, it was unrelated to the Widener donation and dated back to when the Navy had a presence at Harvard.

Ongoing Tributes

Harvard continues to honor Harry’s memory in touching ways:

Fresh flowers are placed daily under Harry’s portrait in the library’s chapel.
The library stands as a testament to Harry’s love for books and learning.

Hill School Memorials

Harry’s alma mater, Hill School, also pays tribute to its distinguished alumnus:

A plaque at the school commemorates Harry’s life and character.
Mrs. Widener donated $300,000 to open the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Science building, which includes a library.

The plaque at Hill School eloquently captures Harry’s essence:

HARRY ELKINS WIDENER
The Hill 1903 - Harvard 1907
Born January 3, 1885 Died April 15, 1912
Generous Patron of the Fine Arts
Distinguished Collector of Rare Books
Lover of Beauty, Culture, and Good-workmanship
When death met him on the Titanic
he faced it gallantly and unafraid.

Harry Elkins Widener’s short life left an indelible mark on the world of rare books and education. His tragic end aboard the Titanic, at the young age of 27 (twenty-seven), transformed him from a promising bibliophile into a symbol of the era’s lost potential. Today, his memory lives on through the countless students who pass through the library that bears his name, a fitting tribute to a man who valued knowledge and beauty above all else.