Voyage of the SS Excalibur (March 18, 1938): A Transatlantic Passage of Influential Travelers, Academics, and Socialites

📌 Explore the March 18, 1938, passenger list of the SS Excalibur, a luxurious transatlantic liner of the American Export Lines. Discover notable individuals—academics, doctors, socialites, and cultural influencers—traveling from Genoa to New York during a time of political unrest in Europe.

Front Cover for a One Class Passenger List for the SS Excalibur of the American Export Lines, Departing 18 March 1938 from Genoa to New York, Commanded by Captain S. N. Groves. The Image Depicts a Person Related to the Theme of Travel. It Includes the Text “Passengers List” and “American Export Lines,” Indicating a Connection to Transportation or a Maritime Context. the Artwork Features Drawing and Illustration Elements, Showcasing an Artistic Style That Appears Cartoonish or Sketch-Like. GGA Image ID # 1593157008

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain S. N. Groves
2. Chief Officer: E. S. Stevens
3. Second Officer: L. F. Nagel
4. Third Officer: A. W. Fallis
5. Jr. Third Officer: L. R. Smith
6. Chief Engineer: H. Shriner
7. 1st Asst. Engineer: W. H. Clay
8. 2nd Asst. Engineer: J. Feinstein
9. 3rd Asst. Engineer: W. H. Clayton
10. Jr. 3rd Asst. Engineer: J. Young
11. Purser: A. Canavan
12. Asst. Purser: W. T. Coates
13. Surgeon: T. J. Cockerill
14. Chief Steward: M. Parman
15. Second Steward: T. J. Taylor
16. Cruise Director: Louis C. Larsen

List of Passengers

1. Miss Edith E. Allen
2. Mr. Kenneth E. Agee
3. Mrs. Louise D. Ambrose
4. Mrs. Marguerite P. Armes
5. Mrs. Anna M. Armstrong
6. Mr. Lewis T. Bennet
7. Mrs. Lewis T. Bennet
8. Mrs. Coralyn D. Bertie
9. Mrs. Florence G. Bishop (Note 1)
10. Mrs. Clara G. Blumenthal
11. Mrs. Hilda R. Bowen
12. Miss Emily R. Bowen
13. Miss Mary H. Bowen
14. Mr. Francis X. Cassera
15. Mrs. Mary C. Chapman
16. Miss Rose Cohn
17. Mr. Dana Corbin
18. Mrs. Dana Corbin
19. Mr. Randolph Currin
20. Mrs. Randolph Currin
21. Master Randolph Currin, Jr.
22. Mr. Howard C. Davis
23. Mrs. Howard C. Davis
24. Miss Rose G. Dee
25. Mrs. Effie K. Dodgen
26. Mrs. Erma D. Elliott
27. Mrs. Martha R. Flinn
28. Miss Carolyn Franke
29. Miss Katherine Franke
30. Mr. Charles R. Gardner
31. Mrs. Charles R. Gardner
32. Mrs. Leonora T. Genung
33. Mr. Erminia Grassi
34. Mrs. Alice A. Gulda
35. Miss Louise Gulda
36. Mrs. Katharine J. Haddad
37. Mrs. Kathleen Hand
38. Mr. Samuel Harris
39. Mrs. Samuel Harris
40. Mrs. Gratia B. Harrison
41. Mrs. Hedwig M. Hellmann
42. Mrs. Mary McK. Hunt
43. Mrs. Helen R. Kakoyannis
44. Miss Tarsih Kapetonidu
45. Mr. William Khachadoorian
46. Miss Edith D. Lamme
47. Mrs. Lucy A. W. Leischow
48. Dr. Isaac E. Levitas
49. Mrs. Isaac E. Levitas
50. Mr. Botho Lilienthal
51. Mrs. Botho Lilienthal
52. Mr. Robert G. McGregor, Jr.
53. Miss Alta McIntyre
54. Mr. Victor Misrachi
55. Mrs. Victor Misrachi
56. Miss Mary E. Mosher
57. Mr. Robert Mountsier
58. Mrs. Emma L. Nason
59. Mrs. Dorothy Olin
60. Dr. James A. O’Reilly
61. Mrs. James A. O’Reilly
62. Mrs. Sara M. Orton
63. Dr. Harry P. Packard
64. Mrs. Harry P. Packard
65. Master Linzee W. Packard
66. Miss Margaret J. Packard
67. Mr. Swen F. Parson
68. Miss Edna S. Pierce
69. Miss Sarah R. Rader
70. Mrs. Hilda P. Robbins
71. Miss Eloise F. Roe
72. Miss Elaine J. Ross
73. Miss Amalie P. Scharnberg
74. Mrs. Beatrice W. Sherman
75. Miss Mary F. Shirley
76. Mr. A. D. Sittler
77. Miss Gertrude E. Starks
78. Miss Birdie R. Sunstein
79. Mrs. Carolyne J. Swift
80. Mr. William C. Theleman
81. Mrs. William C. Theleman
82. Miss Caroline H. Trautwein
83. Mrs. Mary H. Trautwein

Notes

1. 1938-03-18 Passage Contract No. 23247 American Export Lines For Mrs. Florence Gardner Bishop, From Genoa to New York on the SS Excalibur, Voyage 47 Sailing 18 March 1938 at 6 PM Room A51, Berth C, Basis 2. Passage Paid $160 +$4 Tax Total Fare $164.

List of Senior Officers and Staff, SS Excalibur Passenger List, 18 March 1938. GGA Image ID # 2219ee1b6f

Review and Summary of the SS Excalibur Passenger List – 18 March 1938 🚢📜

A Journey Across Continents: The SS Excalibur’s Voyage

The SS Excalibur, an esteemed vessel of the American Export Lines, set sail from Genoa, Italy, to New York, USA, on March 18, 1938. Commanded by Captain S. N. Groves, this transatlantic journey took passengers through key Mediterranean ports before crossing the Atlantic. The Excalibur was among the Four Aces, a group of ships celebrated for their luxury, efficiency, and service connecting the United States with Europe and the Middle East.

This voyage was historically significant as it took place on the eve of World War II, a period of escalating tensions in Europe. The passenger list, featuring scholars, medical professionals, high-society travelers, and expatriates, provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals traveling during this uncertain time. Many passengers were likely seeking new opportunities, escaping political unrest, or simply returning home from extended stays abroad.

Notable Individuals & Social Context

This voyage carried an eclectic mix of professionals, expatriates, and socialites, making it particularly intriguing for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts. Some of the notable individuals aboard included:

Academia & Medical Professionals 🎓🏥

🔹 Dr. Isaac E. Levitas & Mrs. Isaac E. Levitas – Dr. Levitas was likely a respected medical professional, and his presence on board highlights the importance of transatlantic travel for the exchange of medical knowledge.

🔹 Dr. James A. O’Reilly & Mrs. James A. O’Reilly – A name associated with academia and medical research, Dr. O’Reilly may have been involved in teaching or practicing medicine in either the U.S. or Europe.

🔹 Dr. Harry P. Packard & Family – His travel with Mrs. Packard, Master Linzee W. Packard, and Miss Margaret J. Packard suggests an extended stay abroad, possibly for research or diplomatic work.

Socialites & Wealthy Travelers 💎✨

🔹 Mrs. Florence Gardner Bishop – Documented with a passage contract, she paid $164 for her voyage, a significant sum in 1938, reflecting the upper-class nature of many of these passengers.

🔹 Mr. Swen F. Parson – A figure possibly associated with the arts or international business, his presence aboard the ship highlights the continued role of transatlantic travel in professional networking.

Cultural Influencers & Notable Travelers 🎭📚

🔹 Mr. Robert Mountsier – A name linked to literature and journalism, suggesting that he may have been traveling for work or a writing assignment.

🔹 Miss Eloise F. Roe & Miss Elaine J. Ross – Young women traveling alone, possibly entertainers, writers, or students heading to the U.S. for professional opportunities.

The SS Excalibur – Ship Overview & Key Features

The SS Excalibur was one of the Four Aces of the American Export Lines, known for its luxurious passenger accommodations and cargo capabilities. Launched in 1931, the Excalibur and its sister ships (Exeter, Excambion, and Exochorda) were designed for long voyages and catered to a high-class clientele, including diplomats, business leaders, and socialites.

Key Features of the SS Excalibur:

🔹 Operator: American Export Lines

🔹 Launched: 1931

🔹 Typical Route: New York – Mediterranean (Italy, France, Greece, Lebanon, Egypt)

🔹 Capacity: Passenger-cargo combination, designed to carry travelers in comfort while transporting commercial goods.

🔹 Significant Wartime Role: Like its sister ships, the Excalibur was later requisitioned by the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a troop transport vessel.

The ship was synonymous with elite transatlantic travel before the war and played a crucial role in maintaining diplomatic, cultural, and economic connections between the U.S. and Europe.

Noteworthy Images from This Passenger List

📸 These images provide valuable insights into the ship, its voyage, and maritime traditions:

Front Cover of the Passenger List – Featuring artistic elements related to travel and the maritime experience, this cover represents the golden era of transatlantic liners.

🔹 GGA Image ID #1593157008

List of Senior Officers and Staff – Capturing the crew’s expertise, this list details the ship’s officers, including Captain S. N. Groves and Chief Engineer H. Shriner.

🔹 GGA Image ID #2219ee1b6f

These images serve as historical records, helping maritime historians and genealogists better understand the structure and personnel behind the SS Excalibur.

Relevance for Teachers, Historians, and Genealogists

This passenger list is a vital document for multiple disciplines:

📚 Teachers & Students – Offers insight into international travel before WWII and the role of ocean liners in global movement.

🕵️‍♂️ Genealogists – A treasure trove for tracing family migration patterns, social status, and global mobility.

📖 Historians – Sheds light on the increasing transatlantic travel during an era of political tension in Europe.

🚢 Maritime Enthusiasts – Provides a deeper understanding of the Four Aces, a famous class of pre-WWII ocean liners.

Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters 🌍⚓

The March 18, 1938, voyage of the SS Excalibur is a fascinating snapshot of pre-war transatlantic travel, filled with distinguished individuals, cultural influencers, and professionals making their way across the ocean during an era of change.

At a time when Europe was heading towards war, these passengers were likely embarking on life-changing journeys—some returning home to America, others escaping uncertain futures in Europe. This list is more than just names; it is a record of movement, history, and humanity.

Summary of Key Points 📝

✔ Ship: SS Excalibur (American Export Lines)

✔ Route: Genoa → New York

✔ Date: March 18, 1938

✔ Notable Passengers: Doctors, socialites, academics, and cultural influencers

✔ Historical Significance: Pre-WWII transatlantic travel, elite social class mobility

✔ Ship Features: One of the "Four Aces," luxury accommodations, later used in WWII

This passenger list is a valuable artifact for those studying the intersections of maritime history, migration, and global events leading up to WWII. 📜⚓🌍