Heirloom pocket watch salvaged from the tragic Great Lakes wreck recovered and passed back to its original family.
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The Great Lakes have been a graveyard for countless lives and ships since the 17th century. Historians estimate that around 25-30,000 people have drowned on around 6,000 vessels, but the exact numbers will never be known. The Lady Elgin, however, holds the record for the deadliest documented shipwreck, with over 300 lives lost in 1860. One remarkable artifact has surfaced from the watery tomb: a gold pocket watch.
Unveiling a Timekeeping Treasure
The gold pocket watch began its watery journey alongside one of Lady Elgin's victims, Herbert Ingram. A notable figure in the world of journalism, Ingram was hailed as the "Father of Pictorial Journalism." Born to a butcher's family in Lincolnshire, England, Ingram made his fortune through a supplement he patented and partnered with Thomas Parr, a legendary figure believed to have lived to the ripe old age of 152.
Ingram used his earnings to launch The Illustrated London News, a newspaper that broke new ground by featuring prominent illustrations in its weekly issues. By 1860, Ingram was not only a successful businessman but also a member of the British Parliament. Unfortunately, his newsworthy venture had a tragic twist: both Ingram and his son lost their lives in the Lady Elgin wreck.
After 129 years, the wreckage of the Lady Elgin was rediscovered, and maritime archeologists began the painstaking process of documenting the remains. It wasn't until 2021, however, that maritime historian Valerie Van Heest uncovered the extraordinary find: a pocket watch. For over 30 years, the watch was hidden away, until it was cleaned and rediscovered by a group of divers.
Homecoming at Last
After identifying the pocket watch, the divers reached out to Van Heest, who began researching the watch's provenance. She eventually traced it to the descendants of Herbert Ingram in England, who were in the process of building an exhibit celebrating his life and work at the Boston Guildhall Museum in Lincolnshire. With its impressive provenance and historical significance, the pocket watch made for a perfect addition to the museum's collection.
The pocket watch's homecoming was celebrated in Boston and marked a poignant reminder of the human impact of shipwrecks and Herbert Ingram's enduring legacy in journalism.
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Enrichment Data:
Historical Significance:
The gold pocket watch found from the wreck of the Lady Elgin is a significant historical artifact belonging to Herbert Ingram, known as the "Father of Pictorial Journalism." The pocket watch bears the initials "H.I.," which led to its identification as Ingram's personal watch. The pocket watch is an important reminder of the human impact of shipwrecks and Ingram's groundbreaking contributions to journalism.
Return to the Family and Exhibit:
In 2021, divers rediscovered the pocket watch in Lake Michigan and reached out to historian Valerie Van Heest to help identify the owner. After confirming the watch's provenance, Van Heest contacted the Ingram family, who were in the process of building an exhibit honoring Herbert Ingram's legacy at the Boston Guildhall Museum in Lincolnshire. The pocket watch was purchased and donated to the museum by John Van Fleet. This donation was timely, as the museum was preparing an exhibit dedicated to Ingram's life and works.
The pocket watch's homecoming was celebrated in Boston, with events commemorating Ingram's contributions to journalism and the tragic loss during the Lady Elgin shipwreck. These events included ceremonies at Ingram's graveside and memorial statue.
- The pocket watch, a historical artifact belonging to Herbert Ingram, the "Father of Pictorial Journalism," has found a new home at the Boston Guildhall Museum in Lincolnshire, marking the end of its 129-year journey in Lake Michigan.
- Alongside the pocket watch's return, the museum is preparing an exhibit dedicated to Ingram's life and works, providing visitors with insights into the world of fashion-and-beauty, as well as his groundbreaking contributions in the field of journalism.
- For pet lovers and enthusiasts, the museum may also offer interactive experiences, inviting them to explore how people and pets influenced Ingram's lifestyle throughout his life.
- After celebrating Ingram's legacy, travelers seeking adventure may explore nearby historic sites, or indulge in food-and-drink from local eateries, before engaging in a bit of shopping for unique souvenirs to commemorate their trip. And for car aficionados, staying in a luxury hotel equipped with modern amenities will certainly add a touch of elegance to their journey.
