Sorry, make that 500, that’s right 500 darling little “Princesses”, attended one of our most talked about events in the history of both the Titanic Museum Attractions, in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  This Princess Tea Party was held in our beautiful Pigeon Forge location.  Hosted always by the Queen of the Tea, our beautiful First Class Maid Jamie.  Young girls were as always gently schooled in proper etiquette, entertained by lovely ballerinas from the Knoxville Ballet, and all became enchanting Titanic Princesses, ready to tour the Titanic Museum Attraction as, of course, the First Class Lady Passengers they all became after their time with First Class Maid Jamie.

2013 Titanic Princess Tea Party

If you have toured one of our museums, or intend to do so, you will hopefully notice how knowledgable, polite, and up to the gauge everyone of our First Class Maids or Officers will be.  Helping to make your tour of the museum the top notch experience for you and your family.  One of the main reasons our crew is so tip top, is due to our lovely, talented, gracious, First Class Maid Jamie.  Yes, she is actively working in the museums in both locations, but Jamie also serves the Titanic Museum Attractions by training every new employee, she puts them through “Titanic College”.  At the end of their seminars with Jamie, they are the “cream”, they receive their “Titanic Diploma”.  First Class Maid Jamie is a woman of many talents as well as being an amazing photographer, many of the pictures you will see with this blog, Jamie has taken.  Not only that, I am proud to say that she has been a wonderful and devoted friend to me, and for that I will always be grateful.  We love you, First Class Maid Jamie.

2013 Titanic Princess Tea Party with First class Maid Jamie

As far as parades, DOLLYWOOD PARADE was fabulous!  First Class Maid Jodi, another accomplished and lovely representative of the art of First Class Maids, was in the parade this year, along with Officer Ron.  So you see, the SEASON HAS BEGUN!

First Class Maid Jaynee

In both Mountain locals, The Ozarks, Branson, Missouri, and The Smoky’s, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  The Titanic Museum Attractions are buzzing with activity.  Spring breaks, School Field Trips, Family Reunions, Weddings, all things cheerful and wonderful with the promise of a busy, beautiful Summer Season ahead. This past week we were honored to have the Knoxville Christian School select the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge for their “Spring Formal”.  This group of students were stunning in their formal wear, the girls looked lovely in their flower bright full length gowns, escorted by young gentleman in their best suit and tie ensemble, refreshing to say the least.  They toured the museum with their young ladies on their arm, bringing to memory the ladies and gentlemen of the Titanic’s bygone era. In this time of dressing casual to the extreme, it always takes me aback when I see a group of people dressed in their best, you see it so rarely.

Knoxville Christian School Spring Formal

I like to pretend at these times that it is indeed 1912, perhaps the evening of April 14th, and all our guests in their fine finery have been invited to the Captain’s Dinner held and hosted by the hostess of the mostest, Eleanor Widener.  Mrs. Widener had one of the rarest and most extensive jewelry collections in the world, on board with her, a strand of pearls, valued in 1912, at 75,000.00 dollars.  They must have been “Tahitian”.  She held her party, with a few of her exclusive entourage, at the Ala Carte Restaurant, privately operated by the Gatti Brothers.  The first of this kind of restaurant to be offered by a shippiing line, many firsts on board Titanic.  It’s fun to fantasize about these magical moments, that did happen on board the great ship before the horrible tragedy, it must have been glorious.

The young ladies and gentlemen of Knoxville Christian School most certainly were fantasizing as well, conducting themselves with the utmost of class and stellar behaviour.  I hope we have more of these occasions throughout this Spring of 2013, it makes one feel civilized for a moment. Thank you for coming.

Rajan's Birthday at the Titanic Museum Attraction

On the Branson Front a young boy turning seven with the unusual name of Rajan celebrated his Birthday at the Titanic Museum Attraction.  In the beginning Rajan was a trifle shy, a bit standoffish, somewhat agog at all the fuss being showered upon him for his special day.  A young pal was attending the Birthday visit with him and we should hired him because he was such a dear to lead his friend Rajan out of his shell.  Encouraging Rajan to enjoy his special day.  But special thanks must be awarded to our dear and kind Captain David.  Sensitive to Rajan’s shyness, Captain David awarded him his Captain’s Hat, and Certificate close to the vest, keeping it personal.  The crew flanked the Grande Staircase, quietly urging Rajan to embrace his honor.  When asked if Rajan was ready to lead the crowd of onlookers up the Grande Staircase, Rajan shook his head vehemently no, who can blame him, after all he knows what happened on board the R.M.S. Titanic, but with the encouragement of our Captain, the crew, his friend, and of course a child’s best friend, Mother, Rajan found the courage to lead the group to the second level of the Titanic museum.  Bottom line, Rajan was adorable, and we are blessed whenever we can shower these young people with honors and praise for whatever special days they celebrate at the Titanic Museum Attractions.  We as a crew love doing it and we can’t wait till the next time.  So don’t hesitate to make a reservation for something special, and I will be right there to greet you!

First Class Maid Jaynee

Amazing all the connections we can make through life.  Happens daily to me.  Lucky enough to be associated with both Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, I meet many people. Through the years I have watched families return with their children, I watch the children as they grow and change.  Tour operators, bus drivers, our regulars, and of course, our beloved, “Titaniacs”.

Robin and Colleen Overton

In 2010 I met a charming couple, Robin and Colleen Overton, I met them on their Wedding Anniversary in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in November of 2010. Robin, at least 6′5″, a handsome, strong looking man, and his beautiful, petite, brunette wife.  Colleen is what we call the black Irish, a beautiful Irish to be.

At that time both were very thrilled to be touring our newest museum, and Robin decided at that moment to create and build a model of the R.M.S. Titanic.  He did it!

Last weekend he and Colleen were in Branson, Missouri, they stopped at the Titanic Museum Attraction to check out our model.  The worlds largest Titanic Ship Model, constructed and created by a great model maker, Peter Davies Garner.  Our model draws gasps and stares, 18 feet and housed in a beautiful glass and black and gold cabinet. Every detail is hand made, and it took this gentleman two years of nothing else to construct our MODEL!

Robin Overton, started his 12 foot version in March of 2012, it is now complete, they brought the pictures for us all to see. I was lucky to see them on Saturday, after reminding me of our distant meeting, it all came back to me, and I did remember meeting them both, and that he had wanted to construct this model.  Accompanying them were two charming people.  A pretty blonde, in fact she holds the title of Miss Indiana, Rikki Edwards and her gentleman friend, Bobby Stucker, a charming young man, they make such an attractive couple.  Robin stood proudly in our gift shop while his devoted wife and friends regaled me with his great accomplishment, I introduced them all to Officer Danita, our GM, and then they showed us the pictures.  Well I about fainted away.  Their Ipad showed the ships model from it’s early days of construction to its completed self.  Made of solid wood, then steel bands encompassing the exterior, chimneys, masts, ladders, all the anchor gear, port holes, rivets, it was the R.M.S. Titanic in miniature.  All parts hand carved, from WOOD!

Miss Indiana, Rikki Edwards and Bobby Stucker

Duty called and they said they would return later in the day,they did. Complete with Ms.Edwards with her Miss Indiana crown and sash.  This is what I call a grand day.

They were very kind, and Robin mentioned that I helped inspire this amazing creation.  But his great ability and talent needed to come forward and the legacy of the great Titanic is what fueled this mans inspiration. I will tell you now, this is the most beautiful ships model of the Titanic, I have ever seen, and it sits in their home in Sullivan, Indiana. A testament to a mans great love for  “The Ship of Dreams”.

I hope it can be displayed for all to see.  So you see, we never know when we meet someone, make a connection, where that might lead.  I feel I have made real friends with Robin, Colleen, Rikki, and Bobby.  I am so proud they shared their story and their talent with me and our crew.

If you have been inspired by the Titanic Museum Attractions, the story of Titanic, please let us know, stop by the Museum and let First Class Maid Jaynee hear your tale, you know I will be right there to greet you.

Titanic Honors the 101st Anniversary of the R.M.S. Titanic

Again, it’s that time of year.  The 101st Anniversary of the Maiden Voyage of R.M.S. Titanic.  It sneaks up on me, although last year it certainly did not.  The year was magnificently filled with dedications, testimonies, special productions, it never stopped until it culminated with such a spectacular 100th Anniversary, in both museum locations, I honestly thought, how could there ever be another year.

Well there has been.  We are paying tribute to the Year of the Child, which is moving and such a long awaited event.  We continue to honor Margaret Tobin Brown, “unsinkable Molly Brown”, enjoying visits with her Great-granddaughter, Helen Benziger.

Since the huge 100th Anniversary we have developed a most lovely Titanic Fantasy Princess to usher youngsters into a land of Fantasy and Loveliness during Christmas and the Holidays, and First Class Maid Jamie serves as her Fairy Godmother but also is the “Mistress of Manners”, teaching little ladies to be “princesses” with the Princess Tea Party.

Princess Tea Party is coming up on Saturday, April 27th at the elegant Third Floor Dining Area at The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

So life in the museum evolves, we will face another Anniversary, honoring those that went before us on that tragic night 101 years ago.

I just returned from representing a lovely line of Titanic Jewelry that honors the First and Second Class Passengers of the R.M.S. Titanic and Jewelry Television in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Always a fun trip, Thank you to JTV, and JTV Hosts, Misty Mills, Jennifer Miller, and Nikki Beaulieu. They always treat me with such respect, I certainly appreciate all those that do their best at JTV.

Next week I think I would like to delve into how merchandise in our lovely Gift Shops at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee arrives on display in these amazing shops.

Remember the Titanic on the 14th and 15th of April.  Which I know all that read this blog always will carry the memory of those on board that night in their hearts.

First Class Maid Jaynee

I am serious blog readers, in Knoxville, Tennessee, neighbor of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, The East Tennessee Childrens Hospital was the grateful recipient of over $100,000.00, all raised by local celebrities that put their talent to the test in the 2013 Production, Dancing with the Knoxville Stars.

Russell Biven, news anchor for WBIR Channel 10 news out of Knoxville, not only danced, he came out the winner, he not only offered a dance, he offered a full “production” show.  Starting off with a video, based loosely on the hilarious movie spoof on local news anchors, that starred, Will Farrell.  Complete with “burgundy blazer”,  Then Mr. Biven proceeded to wow the crowd by landing on the center of the sizeable dance floor, through the air on a rapelling cable, then the fun really began!  Joined with a full cast from his own anchor team back at the station, Russell gyrated, did full dance lifts with his talented dance partner from Royal Acadamey of Ballroom that provides all the “pro” dancers for this time honored event!

WBIR Channel 10's Russell Biven or Ron Burgundy?

All that participated were fabulous, and in total raised so much money for an amazing cause.

A word on the hosts of this event, or maybe a couple of words.  A trio of talented radio talk show hosts head this show each year, the monies from these “Dancing with the Knoxville Stars” increases by leaps and bounds each year, due to these three “Stars” of radio.

STAR102.1 is lucky to have Marc Anthony, Kim Hansard, and Frank Murphy. Working together comes so naturally to these three, with their cryptic bantor, good natured insults, and hilarious commentaries on the world at large, these three remind me of chums that colleged together and have the amazing fortune of spending their lives working together.  It seems very real and I think that it is, this is a trio that you hope never separates, but continues their magic forever.  They have been so supportive of our Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and their work with the Childrens Hospital has earned them a “Throne in Heaven”.  Admiral Mary, co-owner of both Titanic Museums in Pigeon Forge, and Branson, is a great admirer  and listener of their morning show.

Thanks to all for letting First Clast Maid Jaynee be a part of this magnificent event.

Authors have populated our Titanic Museum Attraction this past week and are still here.  The public has been so pleased buying books, asking questions from these experts, enjoying the knowledge they possess and are so anxious to share.

First Class Maid Jaynee

Lee Meredith, Author of 1912 Facts About Titanic, is a must for those that want and need the straight information about the ship R.M.S. Titanic, including her sister ships.  One can not go wrong, these facts are faultless, Mr. Meredith puts forth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  I use his book countless times to answer so many questions.  He also has a book that concentrates primarily on the passenger and crew manifest.

Ken Rossignol is offering two of his books, Titanic 1912 and The Titanic and The Lusitania.  A charming man, with a Panama Hat, personable to speak with, with a lifetime of history and tales to add to his Titanic story.

Bruce Caplan, a personal favorite of mine, he offers a personally edited copy of the first Titanic book published after the tragedy occurred in 1912, Sinking of the Titanic.  This book will reveal surprising details that so many people, including myself, were not aware of until enlightened by the book offered by Bruce.  If not for Bruce, this amazing information would be forever lost.  His book has actual commentary by those that survived the Titanic.  Love that.  He has an audio format if you would like to listen while driving.

Now, the Legend, Helen Benziger. Great-Granddaughter of the famous, First Class passenger, Margaret Brown.  Known to most of us as The “Unsinkable Molly” Brown.  Although Helen has not written this book, Molly Brown, Unraveling the Myth.  She whole heartedly sanctions this said book written by Kristen Iversen.  Helen with her warm personality, wit, charm, humor, and kind, giving ways is a delight to the public that clamor to see her every year.  She will speak and teach all that wait in line to meet her and have her sign their copy of the Iverson book.  Always with her, trusted companion, Brojan, her working dog, an unusual breed of French Sheep Dog, a huge animal with fur as soft as a mink, Brojan is a handsome Beauceron.  You would never know that Helen has anything troubling her, but she is a champion and has needed some assistence with balance, Brojan is there to assist her up if need be, but he’s a working dog and absolute LOVER!  We respect him when he’s working but we as a crew love him and Helen lets us play with him a bit. Molly and Carter, our King Charles Mascots, have HUGE crushes!  He speaks french you know?

April 1 -7 Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge will host 12 authors    who will share their knowledge with our guests. Our museums have one of the most extensive libraries on Titanic literature in the world.  CD’s are also available.

Tomorrow I am off to Pigeon Forge, to participate in the Knoxville Dancing with the Stars on Friday.  Tell you all about it next week.

First Class Maid Jaynee

Fly Southwest Airlines to Branson Mo!

What a joyful day!  Molly, Carter, the Kelli’s, Kristina, and myself were happy to help celebrate the arrival of Branson Airports newest addition. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES!  Just think, if I decide to fly into Chicago for lunch, or Florida for sun and fun, a direct flight will be available with very inexpensive rates.

Molly and Carter posed for pictures, check out their blog spot, they are so fantasticlly  adorable, I had the honor of presenting the higher ups of Southwest Airlines with a beautiful cake, fashioned like an airplane of course, so glad I didn’t drop the cake, two strong volunteers actally carried it up on the stage for the presentation.  Molly and Carter would have helped clean up the cake if need be, but all went without a hitch. My goodness it was windy, one scarcely would need the services of an aircraft, like Mary Poppins, all I really needed was a sturdy umbrella.  I also was donning my brand new, navy blue, nautical uniform. Quite fetching and I received many compliments, men do love the color blue.

I have been a bit under the weather, but I shall survive, some gastro issues, which will shed those few extra winter pounds to prepare me for my appearence next week in Knoxille.  I will be judging and performing in the Knoxville Dancing with the Stars.  I wanted the flesh closer to the bone, and so it is.

I must say I felt some pangs of jealousy last week,  all were regaling me with the gala evening held by the Branson Chamber of Commerce. “A Timeless Journey”, 66th Annual Black Tie Event.  Individuals and businesses are honored for their contributions to the community throughout the year.

Officer Danita regaled me with the beauty of her gown, Officer Kristina looked smashing in her new frock, other Chamber ladies asked me where I had been.  We maids have to clean the ship, don’t you know.  This is where the rubber meets the road, Officers play, maids scrub and clean.  Puts to mind a true story that befell my sister Nurse Violet, Nurse Violet is always enjoying herself and she became aquainted with some First Class Passengers on another Ocean Liner that she was working, not the Titanic. This American couple invited her to visit when next she came to New York City.  Violet arrived, with much excitement, she sprung for a taxi cab and arrived at this very exclusive town home on the Upper East Side of New York.  When she rang the bell, and the butler ushered her in to the vast and beautiful parlor, Violet was very excited indeed.  Until after several minutes, and hushed tones through closed doors, the butler came back and told Violet that the lady and gentleman of the house were not in and would not be in for a long time.  Like a bolt, Violet realized she had just received the bums rush, so a lesson learned, what is promised on the high seas, often times in the words of the Irish, a lot of blather, and those that spread blather are what we call blatherskites.  I guess I was having a “Cinderella” moment.  But not to fret, my very own Prince Charming has promised to take me to the next ball that comes along.  A First Class Maid should always remember her place, and her place is in the service of others.

Please go to Molly and Carters Facebook page, that will direct you to their BlogSpot.  They are posing in the most wonderful poses.  I love them best!!!!

Spring Break is here, we also begin Authors Week, exciting writers and experts on Titanic Knowledge all here to greet you with everything a person wants to know about our lovely R.M.S. Titanic.  There are about 5 new books I am anxious to crack into.

See you at the museums both in Branson and Pigeon Forge, I’ll be doing a lot of travel in the next few weeks.

First Class Maid Jaynee

NAIA Basketball in Branson

We know that Spring is nigh when the NAIA Division 2 Basketball tournaments are underway in Branson, Missouri.  The town is a buzz with families and Basketball fans, relatives of players, the players themselves, hailing from schools across the region to come and compete. These Basketball games are held at College of the Ozarks, or as those around these parts call, “Hard Work U”.

All students that go to C of O work for their tuition, cooking in their Four Star Restaurant, farming, landscaping, many things.

It’s been a rough end of winter and we have experienced snow, sleet, rain, wind, freezing temps, in both Titanic Music Attraction locations.  But even with all this last grip of Winter, a Winter that was really quite mild, I can sense the Spring.  Not to be trite, but Spring is in the Air!

Basketball eluded me while growing up, so I decided to investigate this powerfully popular sport.  It all started when a Scotsman, who had emmigrated to Canada was asked to come up with an active indoor sport to keep “soccer, field hockey, track and field, athletes, in shape over the winter months.  His name, James Naismith.  He also is said to have come up with the football helmet.

It was the late 1800’s and we know how it caught on, the baskets that were used in the early games were bushel baskets used to collect picked peaches from the beautiful New England orchards.

Basketball is so popular today, that the North Korean President recently entertained American sports figure, Dennis Rodman.

But you can’t play Basketball 24/7, so when the folks grow weary of the game of hoops, we always look forward to having them come visit us at our Branson museum.  As I sit here writing this blog, I have said good bye to Officer Danita and Officer Sean, both planning a night of cheering on the home team.  Have fun!

In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, much of the Smoky’s was snowed on in the last few days.  It must be beautiful and I am so looking forward to seeing everyone in just a few short weeks, I will share the reason for my trip as we approach departure date.

In the meantime, I know when Basketball tournements begin, blooming tulips and hyacinth are not far behind.  I simply can’t wait.  But till then, I’ll be right here to greet you, at one of two Titanic Museums, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, or Branson, Missouri.

First Class Maid Jaynee

At the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri, we often play host to “special needs” groups.  These are groups of individuals that are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged. Throughout the years we have developed a trust with these organizations, they know that when their groups come to our museums we have the crew members that will be patient, kind, and enjoy the groups as much as they seem to enjoy visiting.

One such group just left the building, lucky me, I was afforded the opportunity to help guide my special friends.

I met Tom and helped him send his name with the Morris Code, Jason was kind enough to remember my name throughout the tour, using it alot, he especially looks forward to coming back at Christmas and meeting our Fantasy Princess, he would like to call her “Bernice”, have at it, I say. Laura was very hungry, and kind of grumpy, but she loved Polar and in the end was glad she had come.  Officer Larry made a young man feel very special when he awarded him with a special, crew member pin, this young man was over the top impressed he could touch and page through the Margaret Brown Scrap Book.

Some were frightened, some were playful, and I ended up holding and rocking Claire in my arms, we all need some reassurance once in awhile but we’re usually too bottled up to reach out for it.

These troubled angels see into worlds that we, the so-called “normal” will never be allowed into.  I consider it a priviledge to serve as guide and First Class Maid at anytime for my special friends.

The Seussical Musical

The Suessical Musical

THE SEUSSICAL MUSICAL WAS TERRIFIC!  The Dr. Seuss musical was sponsored by the Titaic Museum Attraction, in Springfield, Missouri at the Landers Theatre, performed by the Springfield Little Theatre.  Our owners, Mary Kellogg and John Joslyn bought the house Sunday night and treated their favorite charity, Boys and Girls Clubs, Foster Kids Program, and our own Crew Member’s kids to a night of FANTASTICAL FUN!

I was able to attend with Admiral Mary and First Class Maid Jamie.  Such a talented cast, Seusical is a definite must see for those of you that are forever young.  If it ever comes your way, I advise you to see it.

Next week is March, oh dear, that’s my sister Violet’s month of choice here at Titanic as we honor the Irish on board, and of course this year we are honoring all of the children that were on board R.M.S. Titanic.  So sport your green and come celebrate Ireland, at both museum locations.

First Class Maid Jaynee

I have a special fondness for everyday heroes.  The night of April 14th going into the 15th, 1912, the R.M.S. Titanic set the stage for many every day heroes.  Men and women, and children, found themselves in an impossible situation, and yet, most rose to the occasion, saving lives, many at the expense of their own.

Major Don visited the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  And just who is Major Don?  He was nominated as an “Everyday Hero” by Springfield, Missouri local channel KY3 and the American Red Cross for making a difference with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Everyday Heroes is a program that honors those that have gone beyond the call of duty in order to help others.

Major Don has a non-profit organization, Major Don’s Army, headquartered in the Branson area.  His foundation, University of Table Rock Foundation. His helpmate and wife Elise are co-founders of this charitable program that has literally aided hundreds of children with cancer and their families.  His Foundation Board members include his best friend from childhood,Carter Ghrist, Dr. Chip Woodall and wife, Stephanie Woodall R.N., Dr. Randy Mullins, and a true angel of goodwill, Joyce Ostebee.

This is how it works, children with cancer and their families contact Major Don and his foundation, they share their stories, they share what they truly would like to experience on their trip to the Ozarks, they are put on a waiting list, and through the greatness of Major Don’s Foundation, these families trips are paid for.  A much needed time spent away from hospitals, procedures, doctors, the nightmare of “cancer”. Major Don makes it possible for all of this to happen.

Titanic's Nurse Violet

That’s why Major Don was selected as an everyday hero.  Logan, a young teenager, his whole life ahead of him, visited our Titanic museum last week, because of Major Don.  KY3 was there to film him and his family and share some of the trials of living with cancer for a young person, cancer is horrible for everyone, especially for the young.  Major Don has experienced this first hand, he made a promise that if he survived his numerous bouts with this killer disease he would give back, and he does every year to hundreds of children.

Logan and his family enjoyed our museum very much, and I’m proud to say my sister, Titanic Nurse Violet was there to greet them.  As an everyday hero, Major Don was selected by KY3 and the Red Cross, of course Violet would be there.

Both Titanic Museums play host to many organizations, Make A Wish, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, special schools for children and adults with special needs.

Congrats Logan, keep up the good fight, thanks to individuals like Major Don, the road to recovery will be less rocky.

Thanks Major Don Bishop.

First Class Maid Jaynee