Hilda Maria Hellström

Who was Miss Hilda Maria Hellström?

Miss Hilda Maria Hellström was a 22-year-old Swedish passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born on December 7, 1889, she embarked on a life-changing journey from Sweden to America, only to become part of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the lasting impact of the Titanic tragedy on its survivors.

Early Life and Family

A Swedish Upbringing

Hilda Maria Hellström was born into a modest Swedish family in Stora Tuna, Borlänge. Her parents, August and Carolina Hellström (née Johnson), raised Hilda alongside her four siblings - two brothers and two sisters. The close-knit family lived together in their hometown until 1912, when fate would set Hilda on a different path.

The Call of America

For years, Hilda had dreamed of embarking on a journey to America. However, her plans were repeatedly postponed due to family obligations. When her mother fell ill, Hilda dutifully took on the responsibility of keeping house for her father. It wasn’t until her mother’s passing in March 1912 that Hilda finally saw an opportunity to pursue her American dream.

The Titanic Journey

Booking Passage on the “Unsinkable” Ship

With her sister now caring for their father, Hilda made arrangements for her transatlantic voyage. She booked her passage through the White Star Line agent in Gothenburg, Carl Eriksson. Initially, Hilda was scheduled to sail on the Adriatic, but due to a coal strike, she was transferred to the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic.

Life Aboard the Titanic

Hilda boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. Her ticket, number 7548, cost £8 11s (equivalent to about $1,100 in 2023). She was assigned to cabin D135, located far aft on D-Deck, which she shared with other single women.

“I was a 3rd Class passenger aboard the Titanic, and we were cramped for space in the lower berth… I was always curious about just what the rest of the ship was like, I was drawn to the sound of orchestral music coming from above, I made my way, up through the second class level, past men in a room, smoking and playing cards..I found my way up to the main ballroom to find myself in the presence of wonderful music playing, and I remained there, unseen by anyone.”

Account related to Ellen Larson Centko

This recollection gives us a glimpse into Hilda’s curiosity and adventurous spirit, even as a third-class passenger.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14, 1912, Hilda’s life changed forever. She was still awake when she heard the collision with the iceberg. Initially, she went on deck but, seeing no apparent disturbance, returned to her cabin. However, an uneasy feeling prompted her to go back up on deck, where someone grabbed her and guided her to a lifeboat.

Hilda was fortunate to secure a place on one of the last lifeboats, possibly Collapsible C. She found herself alongside fellow Swede Velin Öhman. In a moment that speaks to the surreal nature of their situation, Velin produced a bottle of brandy, which the two women shared to calm their shattered nerves.

Survival and Aftermath

Arrival in New York

The survivors were picked up by the RMS Carpathia and taken to New York. Hilda’s experience on the rescue ship was far from comfortable. In a letter home, she described her state upon arrival:

“Broke, pale and skinny, we were stowed in like pigs on Carpathia.”

In New York, Hilda was brought to the Lutheran Emigrant Home. The Women’s Relief Committee provided her with $25 to help her get back on her feet.

The Lasting Impact of the Titanic

The traumatic experience of the Titanic’s sinking left an indelible mark on Hilda. She developed such a severe fear of water that she never again traveled to Sweden or saw her Swedish relatives. This phobia was a common psychological consequence among Titanic survivors, a testament to the profound impact of the disaster.

Life in America

Building a New Life

Despite her traumatic start in America, Hilda persevered. On December 7, 1915 - her 26th birthday - she married John Edward Larson in Waukegan, Illinois. The couple went on to have a daughter, Ellen.

A Quiet Life in Chicago

The Larson family made their home at 1870 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, Chicago, Illinois. Hilda seemed to have found the stability and security she had sought when she first set out for America.

Hilda’s Legacy

Hilda Maria Larson (née Hellström) passed away on March 16, 1962, at the age of 72 (seventy-two) in Streator, Illinois, at her daughter’s home. She had moved there just a few weeks before her death, perhaps seeking the comfort of family in her final days.

Hilda’s story is a poignant reminder of the human element in the Titanic tragedy. From a young Swedish woman with dreams of a new life in America to a survivor carrying the weight of an unimaginable experience, Hilda’s journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit. Her life after the Titanic - marrying, raising a family, and living to the age of 72 - stands as a testament to her strength and adaptability in the face of adversity.

In the annals of Titanic history, Hilda Maria Hellström’s story serves as a bridge between the past and present, reminding us of the very real lives forever changed by that fateful night in April 1912.