The ol' homestead

   This October during our annual trip to the Ozark area arts and craft shows, we are planning to go to Branson to see the new Titanic exhibit there. My sil Susie and I have our hearts set on it and I can't wait! Here is something interesting that I ran across in a facts book...

John Jacob Astor IV was an heir to an enormous fur-trading and real estate fortune and was one of the wealthiest men in the U.S. in the early 1900's. He died on the Titanic but one measure of Astor's social stature was the way he learned the Titanic was doomed-the captain warned him privately before the general alarm. According to the accounts of several Titanic survivors, Astor and his wife waited until the last lifeboat was loading, then Madeline climbed aboard. When it appeared there would be enough room for him, Astor climbed in and joined her. But just as the boat was about to be lowered into the water, some women appeared on deck. Astor gave up his seat, telling his wife, "the ladies have to go first." He gave up his seat, telling his wife, "Good-bye dearie. I'll see you later."

Astor's body was found floating in the ocean 10 days later, his pockets filled with more than $2,500 in cash.

mmmm....Interesting huh?