Mrs Margaretta Corning Spedden

Who was Margaretta Corning Spedden?

Margaretta Corning Spedden, affectionately known as “Daisy,” was a first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on November 19, 1872, in Morristown, New Jersey, she was an American socialite, avid photographer, and traveler who would later become known for her unique contribution to Titanic literature.

Early Life and Background

A Life of Privilege

Margaretta Spedden was born into a life of privilege and luxury. She married Frederic Oakley Spedden, and together they resided at Wee Wah Lodge in Tuxedo Park, New York. The couple had one son, Robert Douglas Spedden, who was also aboard the Titanic with them.

Passion for Travel and Photography

Daisy Spedden was known for her love of travel and photography. She meticulously documented her family’s journeys through detailed diaries and photographs, creating a rich tapestry of their experiences abroad.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Speddens board the Titanic?

The Spedden family boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as part of their return journey to the United States after an extended stay in Europe. They traveled in first-class accommodations, reflecting their social status and wealth.

Ticket and Cabin Details

Ticket Number: 16966
Cabin: E34
Fare: £134 10s

Fate During the Disaster

How did Margaretta Spedden survive the Titanic sinking?

Margaretta Spedden, along with her husband Frederic Oakley Spedden and son Douglas, survived the sinking of the Titanic. They were rescued in Lifeboat 3, one of the first lifeboats to be launched from the starboard side of the ship.

The Aftermath

Following their rescue, the Spedden family was among the survivors who disembarked in New York City. The experience had a profound impact on Margaretta, inspiring her to create a unique piece of literature that would later become a cherished Titanic artifact.

Legacy and Impact

“Polar, the Titanic Bear”

“My Story” was told through the eyes of a toy bear, and describes the European travels, the sinking of the Titanic and the subsequent rescue.

In the year following the Titanic disaster, Margaretta wrote and illustrated a small storybook as a Christmas gift for her son Douglas. This book, titled “My Story,” was narrated from the perspective of a toy bear and recounted their European travels, the Titanic sinking, and their rescue.

Tragedy and Later Life

Tragically, young Douglas Spedden passed away in 1915 at the age of 9, just three years after surviving the Titanic. Following this loss, Margaretta stopped writing in her diaries but continued her passion for photography and travel.

Rediscovery and Publication

Decades after Margaretta’s death, her relative, Leighton H. Coleman III, discovered her diaries, photo albums, and the storybook in an attic trunk. The storybook was subsequently fully illustrated and published under the title “Polar, the Titanic Bear,” becoming a unique and poignant account of the Titanic disaster through a child’s perspective.

Final Years

Margaretta and Frederic Spedden continued to divide their time between Tuxedo Park and Bar Harbor until Frederic’s death in 1947. Margaretta passed away on February 10, 1950, at the age of 77 (seventy-seven).

Margaretta Spedden’s Life at a Glance

Key Information	Details
Born	November 19, 1872
Died	February 10, 1950
Age on Titanic	39 (thirty-nine)
Age at Death	77 (seventy-seven)
Nationality	American
Class on Titanic	First Class
Survival Status	Survived

Margaretta Corning Spedden’s life story, intertwined with the Titanic tragedy, serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of storytelling in preserving history. Her unique contribution, “Polar, the Titanic Bear,” continues to offer a touching and personal insight into one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.