I have exciting news (At least, in my own head it is)!!!
I may have a possible explanation for the reoccurring Titanic happenings around here. I was visiting with some friends today who gave me a booklet that has a short story that might explain the "Titanic Craze" around here:
Did you know there was one black man on board the Titanic and it was a Haitian?!?!
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!!
His name was Joseph Phillipe Lemercier Laroche, born on May 26, 1889 in Cap-Haitien (North Coast). He came from a fairly well-to-do family and left Haiti at the age of 15 to pursue his studies in engineering in France. While he was there, he met Juliette Lafargue (a white woman) and they married and had two children. However, due to the color of his skin, Joesph was unable to find work in France. So, he decided to return to Haiti, bringing his family with him...aboard the Titanic. They were second class passengers on that fatefull crossing.
When the Titanic hit the iceburg and began to sink, Joseph put his pregnant wife and 2 small kids onto a life boat. They survived, but Joseph did not. His body was never recovered.
Shortly after Christmas 1912, Juliette Laroche gave birth to a baby boy whom she name Joseph Laroche Jr. She never remarried.
I am not sure if this is widespread information around these parts, but it's fascinating to me nonetheless. Now, whenever I hear the music from the movie in Haiti, I will remember the name Joseph Laroche.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment