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Jay Lloyd's Getaway: Memories of the 'Normandie'

It's been 100 years since the sinking of the "unsinkable" Titanic. But another, more recent maritime disaster is observing a 70th anniversary this year and KYW's Jay Lloyd was a young witness.

By Jay Lloyd

The Titanic was before my time.  The Normandie, considered one of the most attractive ocean liners, wasn't.

In 1942 the ship caught fire in New York Harbor as it was being converted to a troop ship for World War II.  Through a series of firefighting missteps, the ship capsized even as it continued to burn.

I was seven when my dad took me to the New York City pier where the great liner, still shrouded in smoke, lay capsized at its berth.   If you've ever embarked on a cruise ship from Manhattan, you've probable been on or near the spot.

Harry Brownes
(The ornate, zodiac-themed globe chandeliers salvaged from the Normandie now grace a restaurant in Annapolis, Md. Photo provided)

Many years later, I was amazed to arrive with two sailing buddies for dinner at Harry Browne's restaurant in Annapolis, Md., to find the spectacular zodiac globe chandeliers salvaged from the Normandie.

It's worth a getaway to the Maryland capitol and Harry Browne's to reserve a window table with a view of the classic state house, and enjoy a dinner while gazing at a luxurious piece of the Normandie legend.

We've been back many times. If you go, don't miss the crab bisque, the rack of lamb, or ciopinno.

In a nautical environment, just blocks from the US Naval Academy, memories of great ships can easily dominate the conversation.

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