Just outside of the southern borders of Morningside, there is a small triangular park we always make a point to visit during the springtime. This little intersection on Broadway and 106th Street or Duke Ellington Boulevard has a memorial statue that was made possible by the citizens of New York City 100 years ago in memory of Isidor and Ida Straus who were millionaire philanthropist that perished on the Titanic. On the night of the tragedy, Ida Straus was offered one of the few lifeboats seats available for women and children in first class but refused to take it.
Reports have it that Isidor's wife told him that she had been by his side for 50 years and would not leave him even at this moment. The lady instead gave the seat to their new maid along with a fur coat for warmth and both watched on deck while the few survivors were rowed away to safety in the dark night. The small lions head fountain flows during the springtime when the park is in bloom and the caretakers today have put up a lovely garland around the neck of the elegant tribute to a remarkable love story that will be remembered for centuries to come.
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