I'm a fan of Walter Lord, and read the thread from his interview in 1997. Is there any current information on him? His writings stirred me as a young boy and still do. I would like to write to him and tell me how much I appreciated his ability to put me there at the sinking at the Titanic.

-- David Shows (dshows@cblink.com), December 03, 1998

Answers

Hello David: I wish I could give you some updated info but I really can't. I know Walter Lord still resides in New York and does suffer from Parkinson's disease which has prevented him from doing any more writing.As you saw in the story you read, his doorman refers to him as Mr. Titanic and that is certainly fitting! If you do find anything on this magnificent man, please post it, as I have been a true fan of him for over 40 years.

Regards, Peter

-- Peter Nivling (pcnivling@capecod.net), December 03, 1998.

Hi Peter, Thanks for the reply; I'm like you, the man influenced me greatly. I did another extensive search and found that he did a lecture July 16th of 1998 at the National Archives building in Washington D.C. You can find this info at http://www.nara.gov/nara/pressrelease/nr98-92.html. It's great to hear he was well enough to lecture. Anyone else out there have any other info?

Sincerly, David

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-- David Shows (dshows@cblink.com), December 04, 1998.

My father is a member of the Ocean Liner Society, a national club devoted to the study of famous passenger liners. About 8-9 months ago, at the height of the Titanic-mania, the Society had a Titanic related gathering in NYC which he went to, where the guest of honor was...Walter Lord.

The event lasted two or three days, during which the attendees went to several maritime museums, visited the old Cunard Line dock where the Carpathia brought the Titanic survivors, and walked by the old offices of the White Star Line. The big final dinner, where they honored Mr. Lord, was clearly the hit of the conference, though. My father sat very near Mr. Lord, and helped him with his wheelchair in and out of the dining room. I think he also got his copy of "A Night to Remember" autographed.

As noted on above, Mr. Lord is not is good health, but he is still very much alive and very sharp, mentally.

-- Thomas Shoebotham (cathytom@ix.netcom.com), December 05, 1998.

Tom,

I am very grateful for your response. It's wonderful to hear that he is alive and well enough to attend the gathering. I envy your father and his chance to chat with the man; I would think a conversation with your father would be just as interesting. Again, thanks very much and the best to you and your family.

David Shows

-- David Shows (dshows@cblink.com), December 10, 1998.