Representative of Those Who Serve Fellowmen

In 1935, The Times Picayune Loving Cup, first awarded in 1901, was presented to Warren Kearny. In his remarks, Times-Picayune president L.K. Nicholson stated, "To list in detail Mr. Kearny's contributions to civic betterment would, I am sure, prove burdensome to him we honor today. The motivating force in Mr. Kearny's life has been his sense of civic duty. He has, in the deepest and most significant meaning of the word, been a servant of his fellowmen. At times, his service was discharged in public office - office which he filled with dignity an distinction. More typical of this service, I believe, has been his quiet and unassuming dedication to the ways of right and his unfailing sympathy with the lot of simple men."

The sterling silver cup, measuring 12 3/4 inches wide x 9 3/4 inches tall, is hand engraved on both sides.  One side reads, "The Times-Picayune Loving Cup. Every year the Times Picayune presents a loving cup to that citizen who during the previous year renders the greatest service to the City of New Orleans."

The opposite side reads, "For the year 1935. Awarded to Warren Kearny for his untiring efforts toward the betterment of New Orleans and in recognition of his unselfish service to his fellowman."

Warren Kearny (1870-1947) was the father of Ellen Lee Sloo Kearny Watters, mother of Alfred Adair Watters, Jr. and Warren Kearny Watters. 

Southward on Fair Tide

I'm sharing another sailing story, but this time it's a Walker tale, it took place only sixty five years ago, and it has a happy ending.

Florence Letitia Dale Walker (mother of Natalie) joined her friend Mary Edwards, Captain Theodore Marceau and woodcut artist Fiske Boyd in Charleston, SC for the last few weeks of a trip that began in New York on October 31, 1931. Joining the crew for this adventure was Chuck, the seagoing parrot and ship's mascot.

Captain Marceau wrote a book about the journey but could not find a publisher so he self-printed, binding copies for his travel mates. It consists of 100 pages of carbon copies typed on onion skin paper.

How Florence came to be friends with Mary Edwards is unclear, but Florence and Arch met Fair Tide in Charleston on November 14 and from all accounts, Arch and Theodore had a grand time enjoying the official drink, "Fair Tide Special", which they followed with Old Crow and ginger ale, and then Arch Walker's corn liquor brought from Spartanburg. After two nights, Arch headed home and Fair Tide sailed out of Charleston Harbor with Florence as part of the crew.

The Fair Tide had an overall length of forty feet and a five person capacity. The description of the journey down the east coast of the United States is fascinating. Historically, I found one small tidbit that stuck with me and put the timing of the trip into perspective. As Fair Tide left its mooring in New York to begin the journey, Marceau writes "Passed under the gigantic George Washington Bridge twenty minutes later. It is the world's largest suspension bridge, spanning the Hudson River at 170th St., and was opened for traffic last week."

On Sunday, November 29, Fair Tide sailed into Biscayne Bay. Captain Marceau's last order to his crew - "A double ration of grog for all hands!!!".

The Tragedy of The Evening Star

Going back to the Watters branch of the family through the Kearny line, these five souls were lost on the morning of October 3, 1866 when the Evening Star sank after sailing into a hurricane 180 miles east of Tybee Island, GA. Of the approximately 300 aboard, 283 perished. The ship contained lifeboats for only 60 people and not enough life vests for all on board. One group of survivors were picked up by a passing vessel and taken to the port of Savannah, GA while a second group drifted for days and came ashore on the north end of Amelia Island, FL.

William Henry Palfrey

On a more humorous note, an article from a New Orleans source states, "The passenger list was right out of a novel. Besides Civil War veterans, businessmen and families, there was a wide assortment of 'entertainers' (circus performers, magicians, comedians, French opera singers, a ballet troupe and 'ladies of the evening'). The New York Times reported that as many as ninety-five prostitutes perished including a Mrs. King of 'New Orleans notoriety' who 'owned a mansion on Basin Street valued at $75,000'. Her mission was described as an 'unholy errand'. One of the Star madams had a beautiful pair of ponies on board and a fine new carriage."