Felix Riesenberg facts for kids

Felix Riesenberg (born April 9, 1879 – died November 19, 1939) was an American sea officer and a talented writer. He wrote many books about the sea, including true stories, history, and exciting fiction. He lived and worked in the early 1900s.

Felix Riesenberg's Life Story

Felix Riesenberg was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He loved the sea from a young age. He went to the New York Nautical School and graduated in 1897. After school, he became an officer on merchant ships. He worked for the Coast and Geodetic Survey. He also served in the Naval Reserve until 1909.

Exploring the North Pole

In 1906, Felix joined Walter Wellman on an exciting adventure. They tried to reach the North Pole using an airship. This first attempt was not successful. The next year, in 1907, Wellman asked Felix to come back. Felix became the navigator on the airship America. They tried again to reach the North Pole, but it was still too difficult.

Becoming an Engineer and Administrator

After his adventures, Felix went back to school. He studied at the Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science. He graduated in 1913. He then worked as a civil engineer for New York State for several years. He also became the Chief Officer of the United States Shipping Board.

Felix Riesenberg also led the New York Nautical School twice. First, from 1917 to 1919, he was the Commander of the ship "Newport." Then, he was the superintendent again from 1923 to 1924.

A Gifted Writer

Felix Riesenberg was a very busy writer. He wrote a textbook called Standard Seamanship for the Merchant Service. This book became very popular for sailors. He also wrote many books about sea history and exciting novels. His articles appeared in a magazine called The Nation. In 1937, he wrote a book about his own life called Living Again.

Felix Riesenberg passed away on November 19, 1939, in Scarsdale, New York. His funeral was held in Bronxville. His ashes were later scattered at sea. He had four children: Felix Jr., William, Margaret, and John. His son, Felix Jr., also became a writer of sea books.

Today, the New York Nautical School is known as "Maritime College." It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). Students there still learn a famous quote from Felix Riesenberg. It is called the 'Riesenberg Saying': "The sea is selective; slow at recognition of effort and aptitude, but fast in sinking the unfit." This means the sea tests sailors and only the best succeed.

Honoring Felix Riesenberg

Felix Riesenberg was honored in many ways for his contributions.

The SS Felix Riesenberg

A special ship was named after him. It was called the SS Felix Riesenberg. This was a type of ship known as a Liberty ship. It was built in Brunswick, Georgia, in 1944. It was used by the United States Merchant Marine. After World War II, the ship was sold in 1947. It was finally taken apart in 1972.

Other Tributes

In the 1940s, a sail training schooner was renamed the Felix Riesenberg. This ship was at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, New York. It was used to train new sailors.

On May 6, 1965, a building at the State University of New York Maritime College was named Riesenberg Hall. This building holds the college's sports department. It has a gymnasium and a swimming pool. It is where basketball, volleyball, and swimming events take place.

In 2001, Felix Riesenberg was recognized for his achievements. He was inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame at Kings Point.