Master Washington Dodge Jr.

Who was Master Washington Dodge Jr.? Born on September 23, 1907, in San Francisco, California, Washington Dodge Jr. was a young survivor of the ill-fated RMS Titanic. At just 4 (four) years old, he became one of the youngest passengers to experience and survive one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Family Background

A Child of Prominent Parents

Master Washington Dodge Jr. was born into a family of notable standing:

• Father: Dr. Washington Dodge (1859-1919), a physician from California
• Mother: Ruth Vidaver (1874-1950) of New York

His parents married on April 12, 1906, both having been previously married. This family connection resulted in Washington Jr. having:

• One half-brother: Henry Washington (1891-1967) from his father’s first marriage
• One half-sister: Vida Fontaine (1899-1990) from his mother’s first marriage

The family resided at 2129 Laguna Street, San Francisco, as recorded in the 1910 census.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why Did the Dodge Family Board the Titanic?

In 1912, the Dodge family embarked on a journey to France to seek treatment for Dr. Washington Dodge’s blood disease. After the treatment, they decided to return to America aboard the RMS Titanic.

Titanic Boarding Details:

What Happened on the Night of the Sinking?

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg, young Washington’s father acted swiftly:

1. He helped his wife and son into Lifeboat 5.
2. Dr. Dodge then managed to escape in Lifeboat 13.

In an interview shortly after the sinking, young Master Washington recounted how his father escorted him and his mother to their lifeboat, bidding him goodbye with a kiss.

The child vividly described witnessing the ship settle into the water before it “busted in two” and disappeared. In a poignant moment, he lamented not only the loss of life but also the loss of all his toys.

How Was Washington Rescued?

Upon reaching the rescue ship Carpathia, the young boy was hauled aboard in a sack, an experience he later described as “lovely.”

Life After the Titanic

Return to San Francisco and Tragedy

The Dodge family returned to San Francisco, where Dr. Washington Dodge served as the city assessor. However, tragedy struck again in 1919:

• Dr. Dodge was found shot in their apartment building’s elevator.
• He passed away nine days later on June 30, 1919.

Following this tragedy, Washington Jr., his mother, and half-sister relocated to New York, taking up residence on Park Avenue.

Education and Career

• Washington Jr. attended college, as evidenced by his 1929 yearbook photo.
• From 1929 to 1933, he served as the financial editor of Time Magazine.
• Later, he worked in public relations, business publications, and investment fields.
• He became vice president of stockbrokers Clark, Dodge & Co.

Personal Life

Master Washington Dodge Jr.’s personal life was marked by multiple marriages:

1. First marriage: August 10, 1932, to Helen Kent Hubbard (1909-1987)

   • Children: Jonathan Washington (1933-1991) and Kent Hubbard (1936-2001)
   • The couple divorced prior to 1940

2. Second marriage: May 7, 1941, to Helen Manning Brown (1904-1993)

   • Child: Arthur Parrish (born 1942)

Legacy and Later Years

Continuing Connection to Titanic History

In 1958, Washington Dodge Jr. joined other Titanic survivors for a special screening of “A Night to Remember” in New York, demonstrating his ongoing connection to this significant historical event.

Final Years

Washington Dodge Jr. passed away on December 3, 1974, in New York at the age of 67 (sixty-seven). He was cremated at Garden State Cemetery in North Bergen, New Jersey on December 5, 1974.

His life journey, from a young Titanic survivor to a successful businessman, serves as a testament to the resilience of those who lived through one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.