Helen Churchill Candee

Who was Mrs Helen Churchill Candee?

Mrs Helen Churchill Candee was a prominent American author, lecturer, and Titanic survivor known for her writings on decorative arts, travel, and women’s issues. Born in 1859, she gained recognition for her literary works and her remarkable survival story from the Titanic disaster in 1912.

Early Life and Family

Helen Churchill Hungerford was born on October 5, 1859, in New York City. She was the daughter of Henry Hungerford and Mary E. Churchill, coming from a well-established family background.

Education and Upbringing

Received education in various private schools in New Haven and Norwalk, Connecticut
Developed a passion for literature and the arts from an early age

Helen married Edward Candee, and the couple had a daughter named Edith. Edith later married Harold C. Mathews, extending the family line.

A Prolific Author and Lecturer

Helen Candee established herself as a respected author and lecturer, focusing on diverse subjects ranging from women’s issues to decorative arts and travel.

Notable Works

“Susan Truslow” (1900)
“An Oklahoma Romance” (1901)
“How Women May Earn a Living” (1900)
“Decorative Styles and Periods” (1906)
“The Tapestry Book” (1912)
“Angkor, the Magnificent” (1924)
“New Journeys In Old Asia” (1927)
“Weaves and Draperies” (1931)

Her writings showcased her expertise in various fields and her keen interest in Eastern cultures and decorative arts.

Recognition and Memberships

Helen Candee’s contributions to literature and cultural understanding earned her significant recognition:

Decorated by the government of French-Indo China in 1929
Member of the India Society of London
Member of Les Amis de l’Orient of Paris

These accolades and affiliations underscored her status as a respected authority on Oriental studies and decorative arts.

The Titanic Experience

How did Helen Candee become part of the Titanic’s story?

Helen Candee boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, as a first-class passenger. At the time of the voyage, she was 52 (fifty-two) years old and was traveling to Washington DC.

Titanic Journey Details

Ticket Number: 17606
Passenger Class: 1st Class
Point of Embarkation: Cherbourg
Destination: Washington DC
Lifeboat: 6

A Touching Tale of Hope and Survival

In a poignant moment before the ship’s sinking, Mrs. Candee entrusted an antique cameo of her mother to fellow passenger Edward A. Kent. She believed he had a better chance of survival and wanted to ensure the family heirloom’s safety. Tragically, Mr. Kent did not survive, but his body was recovered, and the cameo was found in his clothing, eventually making its way back to Mrs. Candee.

This story exemplifies the human connections forged in the face of disaster and the unexpected ways in which cherished possessions sometimes find their way home.

Helen Candee was noted for her striking beauty, which, combined with her intellect and accomplishments, made her a notable figure in social circles. Her charm and grace were such that Archibald Gracie, another Titanic survivor and chronicler, included her in his “Our Coterie” group, a testament to her social standing among the ship’s elite passengers.

Legacy and Final Years

Helen Churchill Candee’s life was marked by literary achievement, cultural exploration, and a brush with one of history’s most famous maritime disasters. Her survival of the Titanic sinking added a dramatic chapter to an already remarkable life story.

She continued to write and lecture for many years after the Titanic disaster, contributing significantly to the fields of decorative arts and travel literature. Her works, particularly those on Asian culture and tapestries, remain valuable resources for historians and art enthusiasts.

Mrs. Candee passed away on August 23, 1949, in York, York County, Maine, at the age of 89 (eighty-nine). She was laid to rest in the First Parish Cemetery in York, leaving behind a legacy of literary works, cultural insights, and a unique connection to one of the 20th century’s most infamous events.