Ida Sophia Hippach

Who was Mrs Ida Sophia Hippach?

Mrs Ida Sophia Hippach was a remarkable American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born in 1867, she was a prominent socialite from Chicago known for her resilience in the face of multiple family tragedies and her passion for travel. Her Titanic survival story offers a poignant glimpse into one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Family

Ida Sophia Fischer was born on November 25, 1867, in Chicago, Illinois. She came from a family of Prussian immigrants:

• Father: Edward Fischer (1823-1891), a painter
• Mother: Julia Boehm (1829-1907)
• Siblings: Edward (b. 1863) and Julia (1870-1923, later Mrs Albert A. Nachtway)

Growing up in Chicago, Ida’s early years were shaped by her immigrant parents’ work ethic and the bustling atmosphere of a rapidly growing American city.

Marriage and Family Life

On June 28, 1888, at the age of 20 (twenty), Ida married Louis Albert Hippach, a successful businessman born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Louis was the co-owner and vice president of Tyler & Hippach Co., a prominent plate glass dealership. The couple’s union brought forth four children:

1. Robert Louis (b. 1889)
2. Albert Archibald (b. 1891)
3. Gertrude Isabelle “Jean” (b. 1894)
4. Howard Henry (b. 1896)

The family settled into a comfortable life, residing at Circle Avenue in Chicago by 1900. Ida and her daughter Jean became well-known figures in Chicago’s social circles, admired for their fashion sense and attractive appearance.

The Iroquois Theatre Tragedy

Tragedy struck the Hippach family on December 30, 1903, forever altering the course of their lives. Ida’s two eldest sons, Robert (14) and Albert (12), attended a matinee performance of the musical “Mr. Bluebeard” at Chicago’s Iroquois Theatre. What should have been an enjoyable outing turned into a horrific disaster when a fire broke out in the overcrowded theater.

The blaze, sparked by an arc light igniting a curtain, spread rapidly through the 2,200-person crowd in the 1,500-capacity venue. Blocked exits and pandemonium led to a catastrophic loss of life, with an estimated 575 people perishing that day. Among the victims were young Robert and Albert Hippach.

This devastating loss would shape Ida’s life and resilience in the years to come, forging an especially close bond between her and her surviving children.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

In January 1912, Ida and her daughter Jean embarked on a European tour. For their return journey to America, they booked passage on the RMS Titanic, boarding at Cherbourg, France. Their ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket number: 111361
• Cost: £57, 19s, 7d
• Cabin: B18
• Class: First Class

Interestingly, the Hippachs later claimed they had initially been hesitant to board the Titanic, wary of maiden voyages. However, White Star Line employees persuaded them by suggesting there was only one first-class cabin left, implying high demand. Upon boarding, they discovered the ship was only partially full.

The Night of the Sinking

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Ida and Jean were asleep when the Titanic struck the iceberg. Ida recalled the collision as a mild shock, with her daughter continuing to sleep until awakened by the roar of escaping steam.

As the situation unfolded, the Hippachs, like many passengers, were initially unconcerned. A passing officer even told them, “Ladies, go back to bed. You’ll catch cold.” However, as the gravity of the situation became apparent, they returned to their room for lifebelts.

Rescue and Survival

The Hippachs’ survival can be attributed to a chance encounter with Colonel John Jacob Astor IV. As they walked past Lifeboat 4, Astor urged them to board, despite reassuring them there was no danger. Ida and Jean entered the boat through the windows, finding it manned by a couple of sailors.

From their lifeboat, approximately 450 feet from the Titanic, they witnessed the ship’s tragic final moments:

• A “fearful explosion” as the ship split apart
• The lights going out one by one, then all at once
• A lantern on a mast providing the last glimmer of light
• Heart-wrenching cries from those in the water

In a display of bravery, their lifeboat returned to rescue about eight men from the freezing waters. The following morning, they rowed about two miles to reach the RMS Carpathia, where Mrs. Hippach was taken aboard using a swinging seat.

Life After the Titanic

The Hippachs’ rescue was confirmed in Chicago papers on April 17, 1912, much to the relief of their family and friends. They returned to Chicago on April 21, 1912, aboard the Twentieth Century Limited.

However, tragedy was not finished with the Hippach family. On October 28, 1914, Ida’s younger son Howard was killed in a road accident when his automobile overturned into a pond in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Despite these heartbreaks, Ida’s spirit remained unbroken. She and her daughter Jean, bonded by their shared tragedies, became seasoned travelers. Some of the ships Ida sailed on in later years included:

• Rotterdam
• Albert Ballin
• New York
• Aquitania

Her travels took her to various countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom.

Legacy and Later Years

Ida Hippach’s resilience in the face of multiple family tragedies is a testament to her strength of character. At home, she channeled her experiences into philanthropic pursuits, becoming a life member of:

• The Audubon Society
• The Humane Society
• German Altenheim organization

In her later years, Ida and her husband moved to 2808 Sheridan Place in Evanston, Illinois, where she would spend the rest of her life. She was