SS New York (1927): Third-Class Passenger Contract & Transatlantic Migration on the Hamburg-America Line

📌 Explore a rare 1927 third-class passage contract from the Hamburg-America Line for the SS New York. This historic document reveals the costs, conditions, and challenges faced by European migrants traveling to America. 🇩🇪➡️🇺🇸 Ideal for historians, genealogists, and educators interested in transatlantic migration.

Third Class Contract With Terms and Conditions, SS New York, Hamburg-American Line, 16 September 1927. Translated from the German Text. GGA Image ID # 1fa727c7c4

Summary of Passage Contract

• Date of Purchase / Voyage: 16 September 1927
• Steamship Line: Hamburg-America Line
• Steamship: SS New York
• Route: Hamburg to New York
• Ticket Type: Passage Contract
• Voyage Class: Third Class
• Name on Contract: Emma Muessigbrodt
• Etnicity of Passenger(s): German
• Contract Terms: Translated from German

Passage Contract Details

View the Original German Text and Images of the contract

Emma Muessigbrodt, a 37 year-old German woman traveling from Hamburg to New York on the Hamburg America Line.

• Hamburg-America Line, Hamburg
• Non-transferable
• Transportation contract No. Third Class. 001975
• Chamber No. 599
• Paper No. 1 --
• List 11 No 19

Between the Hamburg-America line, and signed the visitors (with families as a family Board) is the following transportation contract has been:

§ 1 The Hamburg-America Line, the transportation of Section 3 of this contract designated traveller in the third class of their steamer New York from Hamburg to New York and from New York by train or steamer on to: ___ State: ___

§ 2 While the maritime receive travellers by the statutory provisions prescribed meals. The board will begin on departure days after the board of travellers and ends with its overseas Vonbordgehen in izkrcanja.

3rd The fare is warden agreed as follows:

1. First and Surnames Emma Muessigbrodt
   The traveller with him and the family traveling with members
2. Age: 37
3. Marital status: Female, Single
   (Whether father, mother, son, daughter, etc. For single travellers, whether married, single)
4. Former Residence: Breslau, Hubenstr. 91 (now the Polish city Wroclaw)
5. Fares for
   1. Voyage from Hamburg
   2. Next Carriage

By the American government demanded bounty of dollars 8.-- 1 is for travelers paid with US dollars

§ 4 In addition to the aforementioned prices for transportation, lodging or meals from Hamburg to the outside izkrcanja nothing more to pay, unless that transfer cargo baggage, according to Section 13 of this Agreement or transport fees from the railway baggage verladestelle to pay. The subsistence costs in Hamburg, the arrival of travellers to the contract in this hour of fixed departure of the ship are charged to the traveler.

§ 5 The embarkation held in Cuxhaven. . The departure from Hamburg via special train will take place on 16, SEP 1927 from the main railway station, platform 5 at 6:40 am.

The travellers have time for embarkation einzufinden; the lack of a traveler to set departure leads to a loss of half a shipping money with it. Continuation of the contract on the reverse side!

Continuation of Third Class Contract Terms and Conditions, SS New York, Hamburg-American Line, 16 September 1927. Translated from the German Text. GGA Image ID # 1fa70bf0cf

§ 6 Should preceding departure delayed or fail, or should have inherited onward, in the onward from outside izkrcanja without fault of the traveller a delay occur, it is either the traveler on board the ship or in a emigrants lodging home or, where such does not exist, in a suitable guest house, while preventing without special accommodation and meal allowance granted. If the delay is more than 7 days, the traveler has the right of the contract and the refund of the still unused stretch paid fare to demand, without prejudice to him after the civil rights claims are entitled to damages.

§ 7 If the traveller or one of the family members accompanying him face families before the voyage dies or demonstrably due to illness or any other except his power lying incidents on the inaugural voyage prevented, the fare paid unabbreviated refunded. If the traveler before the voyage for other reasons from the contract back, it can only half of the fare returned.

§ 8 If the traveler, or one of his accompanying family members before the start of the agreed onward, except European izkrcanja dies or demonstrably due to illness or any other except his power lying incidents at the inaugural prevented further travel, is responsible for the onward price paid to the traveler or his survivors at the request unabbreviated repaid and does this contract in such a case only for the carriage of Hamburg to the outside izkrcanja closed. If the overseas travellers landing in the port of the onward promotion for other reasons want to resign, he is responsible for the onward journey amount collected minus ten percent returned.

§ 9 During the voyage, each over 10 years old traveller (or 2 per children under 10 years) a bed in a two-to six-bedded chamber to use money. It will be shipping during at least 3 daily meals administered, including the necessary dining and drinking utensils travellers free of charge. The required drinking and washing water, and washing will also be delivered.

§ 10 During the maritime about sick travelers, the necessary medicines and care free of charge.

§ 11 The luggage of travelers is to the luggage department of the Hamburg America Line, Hamburg, or submit a supply, in sufficient time that it no later than three days prior to departure in the luggage store is ready for release. Against presentation of the transport contract and payment of any excess freight is the traveller at the baggage hall a luggage ticket issued, and receipt of the latter is the loading causes. The responsibility for the loading of baggage with the same steamer, which the traveler uses, in the Hamburg America Line only when a luggage ticket, as above, has been obtained.

§ 12 The company transported for each traveler paying 100 kilograms of luggage during shipping free for children aged 1-10 years, the half, but held liable in these circumstances for damaged or lost luggage gekommenes in no case more than $ 25 - that the same lot whether any loss or damage caused by any Vey debt of the company, one of their representatives or employees or by any other cause should arise. If the traveler a $ excess liability desired, the travelers through a special insurance cover.

§ 13 Any baggage transfer cargo on the sea-going vessels is $ 3.25 pr. 100 kilograms.

§ 14 The American railways carry 150 pounds of luggage English on the ticket by an adult free; far any excess freight is the price-fixing of the railway to pay. The company has the baggage on the outside izkrcanja also not accepted.

§ 15 The Hamburg-America Line agrees to, if desired, the luggage at the expense of the travelers against any damage insurance.

§ 16 All baggage must be with the full name of the traveller clearly and permanently designated.

Kaufmann goods, money, securities, jewelry or other valuable or dutiable goods must not be in luggage, and explains the company for such articles free of any responsibility wortlichkeit. Valuables can be sealed with the full and clear written versehen behalf of the owner, the purser for storage during the trip will be given, but without the liability of the company. Wine, beer, spirits and beverages like-nobody can bring; soiche are to be offered fixed prices for everyone on board to buy. Likewise, the transportation of inflammable, easily flammable and similar objects is strictly prohibited. Alien offenders are liable to damage and judicially responsible.

The traveler is urgently anempfohlen, while leaving the ship during its Hand to retain and to ensure that sic their luggage immediately Rest properly recover.

Any baggage claims, loss or damage claims are no later than 14 days after the landing of the traveller in New York at the dock or inspector in the office of the Hamburg-America Line, 26 Broadway, in writing omejijo rich. If the traveler to do such unterIäßt, the company of any responsibility far loss or damage to baggage, which its cause may be, it explicitly exonerated.

Should the traveler by any circumstance forced to luggage with one of the ships coming forward to leave, they must immediately after their arrival in New York at the dock landing inspector at the place of the steam ships or in the office of the Hamburg-America Line, 26 Broadway, sign and abandon what after the arrival of the luggage to happen soil. -- It is pointed out that only really used travel items, as clothing, household appliances, beds, clothes, tools, books, etc. duty in New York may be introduced, but on the other hand, all new items to the usual entry and subjected therefore before arriving in New York to the purser in any precise and must be conscientiously so it on the manifest with perform. If the traveler false statements about it or conceal dutiable items, they are exposed to the risk that their stands against all confiscated.

§ 17 When the ship by a marine casualty, or any other circumstance at the continuation of the trip prevented or in a longer intermission forced to be the same, the traveler without special allowance adequate accommodation and meals provided in the transportation of passengers and their luggage by de destinations once achieved as possible.

§ 18th Complaints about poor performance of this contract, etc. claims for compensation / claims by the travellers are soon after arrival at the port of landing overseas in the office of the Hamburg-America Line, 26 Broads way, New York, to install. If an agreement can not be reached, the statement of the German consul izkrcanja resident decisive, whose decision is both parts forgoing appeal to the ordinary courts subordinate.

Section 19 This Agreement shall remain in the hands of the traveler.

§ 20 The travellers agree that, during the sea voyage the orders of the captain or his representative necessarily followed.

§ 21 Each traveller has teamed up with sufficient funds to provide to assist in the non-arrival in izkrcanja during the investigation by the authority for its maintenance to be able to pay for itself.

Section 22, this contract is a sign the consent of the traveller unterschricben and by the Hamburg-America line with a signature stamp equivalent.

Hamburg, 16. 9 1927

Hamburg-America Line.

/ S / Eurma Uirjsig brodt |U | i| C| H| s|I |Z |B |R |O |D |T |

uichsizbrodt

(Signature of travellers)

(For families of the families orstandes).

Passenger Record

• First Name : Emma
• Last Name : Muessigbrodt
• Place of Birth : Germany
• Date of Arrival : 1927
• Age at Arrival : 37
• Gender : Female
• Ship of Travel : New York
• Manifest Line Number : 19
• Passenger ID : 901730052544
• Frame : 126
• Line Number: 19

Left Side, SS New York Passenger Manifest, US Immigration Service, 26 September 1927, Line 19, P. 69. GGA Image ID # 1a1b96b421

Right Side, SS New York Passenger Manifest, US Immigration Service, 26 September 1927, Line 19, P. 69. GGA Image ID # 1a1bd438ba

• Name: Emma Muessigbrodt
• Gender: Female
• Ethnicity/ Nationality: German
• Marital status: Single
• Age: 37
• Birth Date: abt 1890
• Birth Place: Germany
• Other Birth Place: Breslau
• Last Known Residence: Breslau, Germany
• Departure Port: Hamburg, Germany
• Arrival Date: 26 Sep 1927
• Arrival Port: New York, New York, USA
• Final Destination: New York, New York
• Years in US: Permanently Citizenship
• Intention: Yes
• Height: 5 Feet, 4 Inches
• Hair Color: Blonde
• Eye Color: Green
• Complexion: Fair
• Money in Possession: 50
• Person in Old Country: Hedwig Muessigbrodt
• Person in Old Country Relationship: Mother
• Person in Old Country Residence: Breslau
• Person in US: Alexander Paczensky
• Person in US Relationship: Friend
• Mother: Hedwig Muessigbrodt
• Ship Name: New York

Source Citation

Year: 1927; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 19; Page Number: 69

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

🛳️ SS New York Passage Contract - 16 September 1927

(Hamburg-America Line, Third-Class Passenger Agreement)

📜 Introduction: A Glimpse into 1920s Transatlantic Travel

The SS New York Passage Contract from 16 September 1927 is a historically significant document that provides an in-depth look at third-class transatlantic travel aboard the Hamburg-America Line. This contract, issued to Emma Muessigbrodt, a 37-year-old German woman traveling from Hamburg to New York, outlines the terms, conditions, and logistics of ocean travel in the late 1920s.

For historians, genealogists, educators, and students, this document serves as a valuable primary source to understand the migrant experience, economic conditions, and bureaucratic processes involved in immigration during this era.

🔑 Key Highlights & Insights

1️⃣ Hamburg-America Line: A Leading Transatlantic Carrier 🚢

The Hamburg-America Line (HAPAG) was a dominant force in transatlantic passenger transport, particularly for European emigrants bound for America.

The SS New York, the ship for this voyage, was part of a fleet that transported thousands of migrants seeking a new life in the United States.

Third-class passengers like Emma Muessigbrodt experienced basic but structured accommodations, with contracts ensuring a set standard of service and obligations.

2️⃣ Passenger Profile: Emma Muessigbrodt from Breslau 🇩🇪➡️🇺🇸

🔹 Name: Emma Muessigbrodt

🔹 Age: 37

🔹 Marital Status: Single

🔹 Occupation: Clerk (Schreiber)

🔹 Last Residence: Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland)

🔹 Destination: New York, USA

🔹 Contact in the US: Alexander Paczensky, 36 East 66th Street, New York

🔹 Possessions at Arrival: $50 USD

🔹 Physical Description: 5’4” tall, blonde hair, green eyes, fair complexion

Emma’s case reflects the realities of migration for single women during the 1920s, demonstrating how women navigated transatlantic journeys independently.

3️⃣ Ticket Price & Costs 💰

Exact ticket price not recorded, but likely between $30–$50 (third-class fare).

Mandatory US Head Tax of $8.00 applied to the fare.

Adjusted for inflation (2020), this fare would be around $770–$1,000 USD.

4️⃣ Voyage Itinerary & Departure Process ⏳

🔹 Departure Port: Hamburg, Germany

🔹 Boarding Location: Cuxhaven

🔹 Departure Date: 16 September 1927, 6:40 AM via Special Train from Hamburg Main Station (Platform 5)

🔹 Estimated Arrival in New York: 26 September 1927 (10-day journey)

🔹 Embarkation Rule: Latecomers forfeited half of the ticket price.

This highly structured process highlights the strict organization of transatlantic migration, ensuring that thousands of passengers could efficiently board large ocean liners.

5️⃣ Contract Terms & Passenger Rights ⚖️

🔹 Meals: Passengers were guaranteed three daily meals, including water for drinking and washing.

🔹 Medical Care: Sick passengers received free medicine and treatment on board.

🔹 Accommodations: Third-class cabins were 2- to 6-person shared rooms.

Refund Policy:

• If a passenger died or was medically unfit to travel, a full refund was given.
• If a passenger canceled for personal reasons, only half the fare was refunded.

This contract ensured standardized conditions for passengers, which was crucial given the risks of ocean travel and the challenges of migration.

6️⃣ Baggage Regulations 🎒

Each adult passenger could bring 100 kg of baggage for free.

Children (1–10 years) had a reduced baggage allowance of 50 kg.

Lost baggage liability was limited to $25 unless extra insurance was purchased.

Prohibited items included money, securities, jewelry, flammable goods, alcohol, and other valuables.

US Customs Regulations:

Only "used" personal items were duty-free.

New goods had to be declared or risk confiscation by customs.

Passengers were advised to personally handle hand luggage during disembarkation.

These stringent baggage rules reveal the practical challenges migrants faced in transporting their possessions across the Atlantic.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Their Significance

1️⃣ Front Side of the Passage Contract 📜

A rare and detailed third-class travel agreement from the Hamburg-America Line.

Includes passenger name, ticket number, departure details, and contract terms.

2️⃣ Reverse Side of the Passage Contract 📑

Outlines the complete travel regulations, passenger rights, and refund policies.

A fascinating insight into the bureaucracy of ocean travel.

3️⃣ US Immigration Arrival Manifest (SS New York, 26 September 1927) 📂

Official documentation confirming Emma Muessigbrodt’s arrival in New York.

Lists physical characteristics, residence, and final US destination.

🌍 Relevance for Historians, Genealogists & Educators

📖 For Historians & Migration Researchers

🔹 A detailed look into third-class passenger travel and Hamburg-America Line operations.

🔹 Illustrates immigration policies, shipboard experiences, and the bureaucratic structure of transatlantic migration.

🔹 A valuable comparison to modern-day immigration processes.

🧬 For Genealogists & Family Historians

🔹 Helps descendants trace European ancestry and migration routes.

🔹 Provides key personal details like residence, relatives, and intended US contacts.

🔹 Can be cross-referenced with US naturalization records and census data.

🎓 For Teachers & Students

🔹 A tangible case study for classroom discussions on migration history.

🔹 Encourages students to compare historical and contemporary immigration policies.

🔹 Reveals the realities of third-class travel versus today’s transportation standards.

🏆 Conclusion: A Journey of Hope & Challenge 🌊

The SS New York passage contract from 1927 provides an intimate look at the realities of transatlantic migration. Emma Muessigbrodt’s journey from Breslau to New York is just one of thousands of similar stories from this era—each one filled with anticipation, challenge, and the hope of a new life.

By examining documents like this, we gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of early 20th-century immigrants. This historical contract not only sheds light on ocean travel logistics but also connects us to personal migration narratives that continue to shape our world today. 🛳️✨