helenkeller

Helen Keller (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller), s. also www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/3085258648/

This is the launch of the Steamer West Arvada at San Pedro, California on October 17, 1918: "SHIP LAUNCHED, HELEN KELLER SPONSOR With Miss Helen Keller, famous for her accomplishment after having been born deaf, dumb and blind, acting as sponsor, the 8800-ton steamer West Arvada was launched for the emergency fleet corporation at the Los Angeles Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.’s plant at San Pedro today. The launching was private and was attended only by Miss Keller, officials of the company and the hundreds of employees who built the vessel." cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19181017.2.311&... Los Angeles Herald Same photo in National Archives: catalog.archives.gov/id/533716

The West Arvada had a short life, sunk by a mine in September, 1919 off the coast of Holland: www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?13207 wrakkenmuseum.nl/west-arvada

www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2909004787/ and www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2850356157/ are at the same event. Mrs Macy is Anne Sullivan Macy

I wonder if this might be the International Flower Show in New York City. The inaugural show was held in April 1913 and Helen Keller was reported to have visited there, as she was doing a speaking tour (her first in NY) at the time. (source, NY Times March 31, 1913, Monday ... "Helen Keller...appeared on the lecture platform for the first time in New York last night at the Forty-eighth Street Theatre.")

Further digging, and yes, this was in April 1913, per this story/photo in The Indianapolis Star, 14 April 1913, page 10, col 2 Famous Blind Girl Honored at Flower Show. Mrs John Macy, Miss Helen Keller -Copyright, International. "Miss Helen Keller, the famous deaf, dumb and blind woman, was one of the prominent visitors at the international flower show held in New York. She was presented with the prize American Beauty roses. She is shown with Mrs. John Macy of the presentation committee."

Swang - Is "Mrs. John Macy of the presentation committee" the same Mrs. John A. Macy who was previously known as Anne Sullivan?

I'm sure it is... and I'm not 100% convinced that the Indianapolis Star was correct in their caption of "Mrs John Macy of the presentation committee". It is indeed Mrs John (Ann Sullivan) Macy, but was she really on the presentation committee?

"Mrs. Macy" was Helen Keller's teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy.

wow

The story of these to women is simply incredible. Their bond must be very strong. I wonder how accurate "The Miracle Worker" tells their story. This is a wonderful moment in time. I am glad someone was there to photograph it.

great!

Beautiful women.