Encyclopedia Titanica

Vanderbilts' Close Call

New York Tribune

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Cancelled Passage on Titanic at Insistence of Mrs. Dresser

By Telegraph to The Tribune

Asheville, N.C., April 29. - Mr. and Mrs. George W. Vanderbilt escaped death or the hazard of life on the Titanic because they heeded the request of Mrs. Vanderbilt's mother, Mrs. Dresser, not to sail on any ship making its first voyage.

The Vanderbilts had engaged rooms on the Titanic, and had sent part of their baggage on board in charge of their footman Frederick Wheeler, when Mrs Dresser was informed of their plans, she declared that an untried ship was dangerous, and was so insistent that the Vanderbilts cancelled their booking and came over on another ship.

Wheeler remained on the Titanic and was lost.

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  1. Susan W. Howard Susan W. Howard
    Since both of Edith Vanderbilt's parents died in 1883, I find it impossible that Edith's mother could have warned her and George Vanderbilt not to sail on the Titanic, and untested ship. Mrs. Dresser had been dead for 29 years.
  2. Richard C Elliott Richard C Elliott
    Since both of Edith Vanderbilt's parents died in 1883, I find it impossible that Edith's mother could have warned her and George Vanderbilt not to sail on the Titanic, and untested ship.Very true. I think the error is that the article is about George W Vanderbilt and most authorities state that it is unknown why he cancelled his voyage. The story about the mother's warning actually refers to his nephew, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt who, according to some accounts, was also originally booked to travel on Titanic but was warned by his mother. His mother didn't die until 1934 so that would be possible.Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt is better known for having died in the sinking of the Lusitania.
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Encyclopedia Titanica (2013) Vanderbilts' Close Call (New York Tribune, Tuesday 30th April 1912, ref: #19312, published 13 February 2013, generated 6th February 2025 06:02:20 PM); URL : https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/vanderbilts-close-call.html