Helen Reily, last resident of Fort Hunter Mansion notes the sinking of the Titanic and the national attention it received in her diary.  Read these excerpts from her entries:

April 15, 1912 Monday – Horrible shipwreck.  The “Titanic” new steamer of White Star Line ran into iceburg on maiden trip & was sunk.  Annual meeting of Civic Club.  I was elected President.

April 16, 1912 Tuesday – People talk of nothing but shipwreck.  Not much news yet.  Meeting of Y.W.C.A. in morning.  Warm day.  Came home at noon utterly tired out.

April 19 1912 Friday – The “Carpathia” landed last evening with “Titanic” survivors 705.  1654 people lost.  Eleven prominent Philadelphians.  Elected president of Y.W.C.A.

April 21 1912 Sunday – Went to town as usual.  Will Bailey died here.  He & J.W.R. walked over the Dauphin Mountains.  George Widener & son lost on “Titanic.”