Submitted by LTC. Milton J. Long (AUS) Ret, Columbus, Ohio.
Cosi, in Columbus, Ohio, opens its display, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, on March 12, 2005, which reminds Milton Long that a relative of his, Milton C. Long, perished when the liner sank in the North Atlantic.
Milton C. Long was the son of Judge Charles L. Long of Springfield, Massachusetts, who was returning from a tour of Europe. Milton’s father was named after the judge’s son and his brother, after the judge.
Judge Long visited Milton’s grandfather, Henry Long, while his son was in Europe, and since Henry was a jeweler, had asked him to dispose of some precious stones his son was bringing home. Henry Long agreed to do what the judge had asked, but when he asked the judge why he couldn’t sell them in Springfield, he replied that too many people would ask questions.
The story of Milton C. Long’s last hours was told in the book, The Sinking of the Titanic, by John Thayer Jr, who was Long’s traveling companion.
The two men, standing by the starboard rail, had decided not to jump until the last minute, so they waited until the water was just a few feet below them. They shook hands and wished each other luck. Long climbed over the rail and slid down the face of the ship. Shortly after, Thayer jumped into the water and he never saw Long again.
The body of Milton C. Long was recovered and is buried with his family in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In 1996, they had a remembrance and dedication for Milton C. Long, at which time they dedicated a plaque in his memory. It was attended by the mayor of Springfield, Michael J. Albano, and members of the Titanic Historical Society.
The sinking of the Titanic will forever be remembered.
Submitted by LTC. Milton J. Long (AUS) Ret, Columbus, Ohio.
U.S. Legacies June 2005
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