October 7, 2015
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
October 7, 2015
Lake Naomi Clubhouse
Attendees: 91
Speakers: Dr. William V. Lewis Jr. and Mae Thomas, “Pennsylvanians on the Titanic”
The 6th Annual Dinner Meeting of HATT was met with enthusiastic attendance.
Rick Bodenschatz welcomed the attendees, and introduced HATT member Mike Gondell, who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rick announced the November 12, 5:30 p.m. HATT meeting, with the programs “Fishing Creek Confederacy” and “Lincoln’s Friends and Foes,” at the Clymer Library.
He also announced that HATT’s sponsored “Home for the Holidays … a Community Musical Celebration” is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m., being presented at the Pocono Lake United Methodist Church. Tickets are free and ticket-issuing sessions will be announced soon.
Also, two free books were given to each attendee written and donated by a Harrisburg resident, covering stories of the Civil War.
The attendees then enjoyed a wonderful meal of prime rib, pan-seared salmon or chicken Cardamuro, topped off with a decadent chocolate ganache cake desert.
Before the introduction of our program speakers, Rick recognized Director and Program Chair Fred Lehrer, for his three years of service to HATT. Rick noted that Fred has provided HATT with both his wisdom as well as his talents. A gift certificate was presented to Fred and Holly for one of their favorite restaurants in Jupiter, Fla.
Rick then introduced Dr. William V. Lewis Jr. who then introduced Mae Thomas, both then presenting the evening program of “Pennsylvanian’s on the Titanic.”
Dr. Lewis gave an interesting and fact-filled presentation of the background and tragedy of the Titanic, as well as some of the famous passengers who went down with the ship.
Mae Thomas, whose mother and infant brother were passengers and survived, captivated the audience with stories of family remembrances associated with the sinking. This included the unfortunate loss of other relatives who were onboard the luxury liner. Mae spoke in length of her memories of her family and how those all related to the overall story.
Her stories were so interesting that this was one of the longest audience Q&A sessions HATT has experienced.
Following the questions, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Rick Bodenschatz, Immediate Past President
