Dr. McCash Had The Audience Captivated

The Friends of Linebaugh (FOL) sponsored a wine and cheese party Saturday evening (4/12/2014) in Maney Hall at Oaklands Historic House Museum. Dr. June Hall McCash shared fascinating stories of research she had done into the lives of Isidor and Ida Straus. This coupled perished in each other's arms as the Titanic slipped into the Atlantic. 

Dr. McCash retired from MTSU, but her love for history and her native Georgia not only earned her the Peachtree state's author of the year award twice, but when she discovered the Isidor Straus family started in Georgia--she became enthralled in this unique love story. 

The Sraus family started in a rural shack in Talbotton, Georgia near Columbus. They were merchants and climbed the social ladder. Once in New York City, they had the idea of selling crockery as vendors in major retail outlets. Their first venture was in the Macy company. After awhile, the Straus' department outsold the rest of the store. 

R. H. Macy died and two others who were involved in the business attempted to run it, however--after their deaths, Isidor Straus was offered the opportunity to purchase the store. The rest was history. 

The couple raised their six children in the Big Apple, but enjoyed taking cruises. Their last voyage was aboard the Titanic. After this giant vessel hit an iceburg in the North Atlantic, it began to sink. Women and children got on the lifeboarts. When Ida was getting on the small vessel, Isidor was held back. She gave her place on the lifeboat to her maid, saying, "I don't want to live without Isidor". The two went down together. 

Dr. McCash's book "A Titanic Love Story--Ida and Isidor Straus" is available at area bookstores. 

Electronic Library

Past Friends of Linebaugh President Carlton Miller told those attending the wine and cheese party that proceeds of the evening will help to locate a 5,000 square foot electronic library in the area around Mercury and Middle Tennessee Boulevard. It will have  WiFi and a and coffee shop, along with electronic books and computers.

Carlton told WGNS News . . .

As Linebaugh Public Library officials negotiate for the site, Murfreesboro moves closer to being the second city in the United States with such a facility. 

The first is in San Antonio, Texas, and has become so popular that the Lone Star State is seeking to build a second all-electronic facility. 

Stay tuned to WGNS for news on the progress of the Linebaugh Public Library's first Community Technology Center.