Staff Writer
Cody Moutinho, a fourth-grade student at Teague Park Elementary School, is interested in the usual things most nine-year-olds are with perhaps one exception, he is an avid Titanic buff who doesn’t hesitate when asked trivia question regarding the history of the ship. “1,008 people died and there were 705 survivors,” he offered without even pausing.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Cody Moutinho: a Titanic buff with a special piece of history.
Moutinho’s infatuation with the mystery and history of this infamous ship all began after viewing the movie, based on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic, said his father, Joe. “When Cody saw that movie, for the first time, he was hooked and since then he has had to have every book available on this ship and has seen the movie over and over.”
Given the deep curiosity regarding the Titanic that Moutinho has, imagine the excitement that resulted when, as his father was remodeling his grandmother’s house in New Sweden and as some old boards were pulled away, a sheet of old newspaper, used as insulation, revealed an advertisement, printed in Swedish, for the Titanic and the cruise line White Styleline, which the ship was a part of.
“I saw that little corner of the ad,” said Moutinho,” and I knew it was advertising the Titanic.” Joe Moutinho, under the strict supervision of his son, proceeded to peel away as much of the advertisement as possible, without having it crumble.
When Cody went to school with his treasure the next day, the word spread and with the help of Lois Brewer, principle at Teague Park Elementary the mission continued. Brewer contacted a history professor at UMPI who offered ways to preserve the document.
The advertisement rescued from a house in Northern Maine is now properly framed and under careful scrutiny by its young owner.
When asked what he thought he would like to do after he finishes his education, one might think Moutinho would reply that a career in some type of history or the preservation of historic artifacts might be in order, however the young Titanic fan quickly replied, “I’m going to be an actor, I like both comedy and horror.”
