Something from Merrill was found at the Titanic wreck site, what was it? What kind of beer were they drinking on the Titanic? Who was Popcorn Dan? What was he doing aboard the Titanic? Who was he going to see when the ship docked in Brooklyn, NY? Find all this out and more on Sunday at the Sawmill Brewing Company (1110 E. 10th Street, Merrill) beginning at 2 p.m. Step back in time over 100 years ago, to learn about Dan “Popcorn Dan” Coxon, It was Sunday night, April 14, 1912, one man was on his way home to Merrill aboard the world’s most incredible & ill-fated ship ever.
An immigrant from England, Popcorn Dan lived practically around the corner from where Sawmill Brewing Company stands today in Merrill. He painstakingly hauled a horse-drawn, bright red and yellow Cretor popcorn cart , never letting his left arm- which was withered- slow him down. For a time Dan was even the caretaker of the TB Scott Mansion in Merrill, a house that is believed by some to be haunted. Dan was one of the 537 men in Third-Class who drowned aboard Titanic. Days later the world learned who he was planning to see in Brooklyn when the Titanic docked, another historic figure from Central Wisconsin. During these events, you will also hear about the exciting and wonderful pre-prohibition styles of the Titanic; drinking, dining, fashion & more.
“The Last Night on The Titanic” author, Veronica Hinke, will tell about these exciting Central Wisconsin connections Sunday afternoon. Veronica has been researching the Titanic for as long as she can remember. While growing up in Central Wisconsin she often heard tales of “Popcorn Dan” and was amazed by how he was a passenger aboard the Titanic. In seventh grade at Horace Mann Middle School, her English teacher, Carol Reichenberger, read the book “A Night To Remember” to the class, and Veronica’s book project began.