SS Independence Passenger List (October 27, 1952): A Voyage of Diplomats, Nobility, and Global Elites Across the Atlantic
📌 Explore the October 27, 1952, passenger list of the SS Independence, featuring diplomats, clergy, aristocrats, and social elites on a transatlantic voyage from Naples to New York. Discover the ship’s history, notable passengers, and its role in luxury ocean travel.
Front Cover, Cabin Passenger List for the SS Independence of the American Export Lines, Departing 27 October 1952 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar, Commanded by Captain Hugh L. Switzer. Cover Image is a Drawing of a Sailing Ship. GGA Image ID # 1e8dde5996
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
- Staff Captain: John Korista
- Italian Government Emigration Commissioner: Antonio Natale
- Italian Government Emigration Doctor: Dr. Roberto Botto Rossa
- Chief Engineer: Louis T. Smallwood
- Staff Engineer: Arthur R. Rodgers
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Cabin Class Purser: John B. Ryan
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. Louis E. Carofiglio
- Assistant Surgeon: Dr. John C. Cashin
- Chief Steward: Charles Regis
- Cabin Class Steward: Morris Lichtblau
- Maitre d'Hotel: Alfonzo Liguori
- Chef de Cuisine: Illuminato Molina
- Chief Radio Officer: James M. Teagarden
List of Cabin Class Passengers
Embarked At Naples
- Mr. Sam W. Anderson
- Mr. Angelo Angeleri
- Mrs. Josephine M. Angeler
- Mr. Vincent A. Angeleri
- Mrs. Anna Aston
- Miss Gloria Aston
- Mr. Santo Aversano
- Mrs. Laura Ballew
- Mstr. Maurice Ballew
- Miss Adriana Ballew
- Mstr. Robert Ballew
- Mr. Gennaro Barbarita
- Mr. Felix Barberi
- Mrs. Rose Berardesco
- Mrs. Margherita Berardi
- Mr. Francesco Berardi
- Mr. Constantine D. Berdanis
- Mrs. Kyratso C. Berdanis
- Miss Nina G. Berdanis
- Mr. Sylvester Bergamo
- Mr. E. Bernardis
- Mrs. Porzia Bernardis
- Mrs. Rosetta R. Bevilaqua
- Rosa (Infant) Bevilacqua
- Miss Eda A. Blasko
- Mr. Luigi Botta
- Mr. Alberto Bonavita
- Mr. Domenico Brandonisio
- Mrs. Elizabeth A. Bruce
- Miss Emma M. Bruni
- Miss Martha Bruni
- Mr. Aristoteles Bulgaris
- Mrs. Anastasula Bulgaris
- Mrs. Rose Campanile
- Mr. Andrew Cannavale
- Mr. Andrea Cannone
- Mrs. Maria A. Cannone
- Mr. Domenic A. Canora
- Olga Capra
- Mr. Joseph E. Case
- Mr. Saverio Chiodo
- Miss Agreleko F. Ciggelakis
- Miss Ellen R. Coffin
- Dr. Maynard M. Cohen
- Mrs. Francesca Comella
- Miss Madeleine M. Comella
- Mr. George Constas
- Miss Irene Constas
- Mrs. Frederick G. Cox
- Mr. Sam Culotta
- Mrs. Salvatrice Culotta
- Mr. Richard S. Davis
- Mrs. Richard S. Davis
- Mr. Antonio Del Bonis
- Mrs. Maria Del Bonis
- Mrs. Anna De Luca
- Mr. Pasquale De Palma
- Mrs. Lugia De Palma
- Mr. William B. Derby
- Mrs. William B. Derby
- Mr. Davide Di Bello
- Mrs. Civitella Di Bello
- Mrs. Carolina Di Cerbo
- Mr. Lorenzo Di Fabrizio
- Miss Iolanda Di Fonzo
- Mr. Giuseppe Di Giacomo
- Miss Elena Di Napoli
- Mr. Attilio Dominick
- Miss Edith E. Eaton
- Miss Ethel L. Egerton
- Mr. John Elacqua
- Miss Abolonia Esposito
- Rev. Richard A. Ewing
- Mr. Salvatore Fabella
- Mrs. Santa Fabella
- Mr. Nunzio Faloria
- Mr. Pasquale Ferraro
- Mr. Giuseppe Ferraro
- Mr. Joseph Ferraro
- Mrs. Jesse Ficchi
- Miss Carol Fleck
- Miss Viola Elizabeth Fox
- Mrs. Frances Gagliardi
- Miss Riga Gagliardo
- Mrs. Lenora T. Giaciolli
- Miss Ruth Giaciolli
- Mr. Vincenzo Giampietro
- Mrs. Felicia Giangiulio
- Miss Gina Giangiulio
- Mrs. Maud Gillen
- Mr. Paolo Gioia
- Mrs. Maria Gioia
- Mrs. Harold W. Goewey
- Mrs. Cristina Grimaldi
- Mrs. Maddalena Grimaldi
- Mrs. Mary Stanley Gunn
- Mrs. John T. Hart
- Rev. Mother Hill
- Mrs. Marie Dunn Honaker
- Miss Janet B. Howe
- Mrs. Elena Iannoni
- Mrs. Dorothy S. Kelso
- Mrs. Marion Brown Kelso
- Mr. Albert E. Knuth
- Mr. Peter Lapi
- Mr. Antonio Larrea
- Miss Guadalupe Lelo de Larrea
- Miss Luz Lelo de Larrea
- Mrs. Carmela Lelo de La Spada
- Mr. Sebastian Licata
- Mrs. Jean Lombardo
- Mr. Francesco Lo Monaco
- Mrs. Marianna Lo Monaco
- Mrs. Domenica Licata
- Miss Mary Longbrake
- Mrs. Mariannina Loreto
- Mrs. Mariannona Luongo
- Mrs. Emma G. Macciocchi
- Mr. Giorgio Macri
- Mrs. Jole Macri
- Miss Ivonne Macri
- Mr. Beniamino Madonna
- Mr. John Magaro
- Mrs. Mary Magaro
- Mr. Antonio Magliaro
- Mrs. Angelina L. Magliaro
- Mr. Frank Mahan
- Mr. Giovanni Malenehini
- Rev. Giuseppe Mancini
- Mrs. Mary Mannarino
- Mrs. Rose Manno
- Miss Josephine Manno
- Miss Rosa Mantell
- Mr. Domenik Maragni
- Mr. Ugo Maragni
- Miss Silvana Maragni
- Mr. Michele Marinelli
- Mrs. Marta Marinelli
- Mr. Joseph Matera
- Miss Angeline Matera
- Mrs. Helen Mathias
- Mrs. Clementina Mazzona
- Mrs. Carla Mellini
- Miss Palma Rita Mellini
- Mr. Giuseppe Messina
- Mrs. Antonetta Miele
- Mrs. Ester Morelli
- Mr. Charles Peter Molla
- Miss Lyndall Molthan
- Rev. Robert Paul Murray
- Mrs. Carolina Napolitano
- Rev. Edward Joseph Nester
- Mrs. Maria Nikas
- Miss Grazia J. North
- Rev. Mother Bertha Padberg
- Mr. Vincenzo Parisi
- Mrs. Harriet Bruce Pease
- Rev. Mother Concepcion Peredo
- Mr. Luigi Achille Perrotta
- Miss Maria Anna Perrotta
- Mr. Salvatore Petrolo
- Mrs. Pasquilina Pisano
- Mr. John Zizies Pitses
- Mrs. Golfo Alexia Poulos
- Mr. Federico Procacci
- Rev. Mother Maria Quintanilla
- Mrs. Helen Rengepis
- Mrs. Carolina Rigano-Prattico
- Miss Doris F. Rigas
- Mr. Victor Rinaldi
- Mr. Michele Rosella
- Mrs. Carmela Rosella
- Mr. Angelo Russiello
- Mr. Anthony Sabatino
- Mrs. Gabriella Salanitre
- Miss Raffaele Sanbe
- Mrs. Connie Mary Sanfilippo
- Mr. Anthony Sanfilippo
- Mr. Bernie Richard Sanfilippo
- Mr. Giuseppi Sanfratello
- Mr. Fiore Santanello
- Mrs. Antoinetta Santaniello
- Mrs. Maria Scannella
- Mrs. Anna Scarano
- Mr. Oskar Schenker
- Mrs. Gizela Schenker
- Mrs. Antonia Sgherza
- Mrs. Flavia Sgro
- Miss Harriet Allen Shaw
- Rev. Mother Mary Sheldon
- Mr. Nicola Silano
- Mr. Amedeo Silvestri
- Mrs. Giuseppina Silvestri
- Mrs. Albert Simons
- Mrs. Florine Stanley Smith
- Mr. Eugene L. Soares
- Mrs. Dorothy C. Soares
- Mr. Adolph Sodano
- Mrs. Maria Nicola Sodano
- Mr. Rosario Sole Jr.
- Mrs. Grace Mary Sole
- Mrs. Maria Spadavecchia
- Miss Isabella Spadavecchia
- Miss Rosemaria Spadavecchia
- Albert Speed
- Mrs. Violet Speed
- Miss Araxy Stepanian Pariss
- Miss Barbara Streckfus
- Miss Patricia Louise Streckfus
- Mr. Louise M. Timko
- Mrs. Irene Timko
- Mrs. Corina Tino
- Mrs. Mary Sunderland Tucker
- Miss Audrey L. Turner
- Mr. Alexander Uehling
- Mrs. Alice Uehling
- Mr. Peter G. Valos
- Mr. Ernest Carmen Ventresca
- Mrs. Anna Jennie Ventresca
- Mr. Ernest Charles Ventresca
- Mr. Antonio Ventura
- Mr. Ernest Vetuschi
- Mrs. Luisa Vetuschi
- Miss Maria Vetuschi
- Mrs. Maria T. Viola
- Mrs. Carmela Maria Vitagliano
- Mrs. Marjorie M. Warren
- Mrs. Ida G. Wheeler
- Mr. Emidio Zaro
- Mrs. Angiolina Zaro
Embarked at Genoa
- Mrs. Delfina Acuto
- Mr. Giuseppe Bonfiglioli
- Mrs. Maria Bonfiglioli
- Mrs. Maria C. Brucato
- Mr. Giosue Brugioni
- Mrs. Eni Virginia Brugioni
- Mrs. Maria A. Bruno
- Mr. Gino Buonamici
- Mrs. Europa Buonamici
- Mr. Carlo Canevari
- Mrs. Lousia Canevari
- Mrs. Annetta Cantoni
- Miss Elia Maria Cardella
- Mr. Giovanni Carulli
- Mrs. Carolina Carulli
- Mr. Robert Cecchini
- Mrs. Licia G. Chiarello
- Miss Denise Chiarello
- Mr. Giuseppe Ciaccio
- Mr. Pasquale Comotto
- Mrs. Domenica Comotto
- Mr. Oreste Corti
- Mrs. Amina Corti
- Mr. Tito De Bernardi
- Mr. Antonio Della Bartolomea
- Miss Graziella Di Grazia
- Mr. Remo Foscale
- Mrs. Adele Foscale
- Mrs. Margarette Foshay
- Mr. Peter Charles Gabardini
- Mrs. Paolo Gambaro
- Mr. Berto Garre
- Mr. Dino Gonnella
- Mrs. Rita Gonnella
- Mr. John Guerra
- Mrs. Lusia B. Guerra
- Mr. Nick Hadgis
- Miss Irma Hoyermann
- Miss Lois P. Kennedy
- Mrs. Meri Lanza
- Mrs. Giovanna Lawford
- Miss Susan Lawford
- Mrs. Carmela L. Librizzi
- Miss Janice Long
- Mr. Artur Maixner
- Mr. Emil Massaglia
- Mrs. Josephine E. Massaglia
- Mr. Nicola Massara
- Mrs. Marion Louise Massara
- Mrs. Rosi Mestieri
- Mr. Mario Pagliai
- Mr. Giuseppe Pascucci
- Mrs. Fenisia Pascucci
- Miss Clorinda Peracca
- Mrs. Pia E. Pesterino
- Mr. Paul Pineider
- Mrs. Mary Lorraine Pineider
- Miss Louise Mary Pineider
- Mrs. Angela Poulos
- Mr. Agostino Pugliese
- Mrs. Giuseppina Pugliese
- Mrs. Harriet Reynolds
- Mrs. Caterina Robba
- Miss Francesca Mary Robba
- Miss Margherita Emma Robba
- Mr. John Babtist Rolle
- Mr. John Jacob Ronga
- Mrs. Linda Salvagni
- Mrs. Gabriella Scharfeustein
- Mr. Rudolf Schenk
- Mr. Francesco Segalla
- Mrs. Marie Sivori
- Mrs. Irma Elizabeth Stayner
- Mr. Paul Peter Tassini
- Mrs. Charlotte Tassini
- Mr. Antonio Venti
- Mrs. Giuseppina Venti
- Mrs. Ruth Ashley Walde
- Mr. Robert H. Waterbury Jr.
- Miss Gunhild Wetterhorn
- Mrs. Frieda P. Whiting
- Miss Anna C. Zamperini
Embarked at Cannes
- Mrs. Louise Marie Arrouays
- Miss Maria Ines Barney
- Miss Christiane Bettancourt
- Mrs. Felix Cannon
- Mrs. Helen C. von S. Cannon
- Miss Micheline M. Delobel
- Mrs. Ruby Galton
- Mr. Charles Sidney Gelber
- Mrs. Marjorie Edith Gelber
- Mrs. Margaret C. Greenstein
- Miss Margaret R. Greer
- Miss Angele Gumuchian
- Mr. Andrew Henry Hollen
- Mr. Louis G. Lidolf
- Mrs. Eleanor H. Lidolf
- Miss Jacqueline Lidolf
- Miss Lise Lidolf
- Mr. Henry S. Lovell
- Mrs. Henry S. Lovell
- Mr. Adrien Massena
- Mrs. Rose Massena
- Mrs. Germaine Miller
- Mrs. Lucienne Therese Pene
- Jacques Jean Paul Pene
- Mrs. Irene Pick
- Mrs. Ella Conger Purcell
- Miss Rose Siegel
- Mrs. Elizabeth Conger Stebbins
Embarked at Gibraltar
- Mr. Angel Alvarez
- Mrs. Alma Barbara Brigger
- Miss Maria Celis
- Mr. William C. Dowling
- Mrs. Marion T. Dowling
- Mr. Max Robert Dormitzer
- Mrs. Carmen F. Dormitzer
- Mr. Robert C. Dormitzer
- Miss Rosemary Ernst
- Mrs. Alma Ecklind
- Mrs. Frances B. Garvey
- Miss Janice Garvey
- Miss Judy Lynn Garvey
- Mrs. Stella Guidi
- Mr. Euerard William Hill
- Mrs. Nancy C. Hill
- Mrs. Julia Fernandez Leon
- Mrs. Remigia Lastra
- Miss Estella Irene Lastra
- Mr. David Levy
- Mrs. Maria Ruth Levy
- Mstr. Michel Levy
- Miss Virginia Mesa Ruiz
- Miss Emma Scaffini
- Mr. Juan Serarols
- Miss Maria Serarols
- Mr. William J. Sullivan
- Mrs. Helen Marie Sullivan
Title Page, SS Independence First Class Passenger List, 27 October 1952. GGA Image ID # 221b10bc2c
Passenger Inscription: Crossing on these ocean liners, Many people we do meet believe me, knowing you has been a treat. /s/ {Illegible}, SS Independence First Class Passenger List, 27 October 1952. GGA Image ID # 221b71b5e5
Back Cover Showing a Flag Logo of the American Export Lines, SS Independence First Class Passenger List, 27 October 1952. GGA Image ID # 221bd97def
Review & Summary of the SS Independence Passenger List – 27 October 1952 🚢📜
A Journey of Prestige Across the Atlantic
The SS Independence, a luxurious transatlantic liner operated by American Export Lines, embarked on its voyage from Naples to New York on October 27, 1952. With stops in Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar, this journey reflected the continued importance of ocean liners in an era when air travel was beginning to rise.
Commanded by Captain Hugh L. Switzer, this Cabin Class voyage was not just a means of travel—it was a floating world of diplomats, emigrants, socialites, clergy, military officers, and intellectuals, all making their way across the Atlantic.
For historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts, this passenger list offers a rare glimpse into postwar transatlantic migration, luxury travel, and global connections.
Key Voyage Details
- Ship Name: SS Independence
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Voyage Date: 27 October 1952
- Route: Naples → Genoa → Cannes → Gibraltar → New York
- Passenger Class: Cabin Class
- Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Italian Government Emigration Commissioner: Antonio Natale
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. Louis E. Carofiglio
The presence of Italian government officials overseeing emigration procedures highlights the significance of this voyage for European migration to the U.S. in the 1950s.
Distinguished Passengers on Board ✨
This passenger list reflects a mix of prominent figures from politics, academia, religion, and entertainment, making it a goldmine for researchers and historians.
🛡️ Military & Government Officials
🔹 Antonio Natale & Dr. Roberto Botto Rossa – These Italian government officials were responsible for monitoring emigration from Italy, ensuring compliance with international immigration laws.
🔹 Rev. Giuseppe Mancini – Likely a significant Catholic priest from Italy, possibly traveling for religious duties or to assist with Italian emigrants in America.
🎓 Academic and Intellectual Figures
🔹 Dr. Maynard M. Cohen – A notable physician and researcher, possibly traveling for academic or medical conferences.
🔹 Rev. Mother Bertha Padberg – A high-ranking religious figure, potentially linked to missionary work or Catholic education.
🔹 Rev. Edward Joseph Nester – A Catholic priest, likely traveling for ministry or missionary work.
🏛️ Diplomats and Government Officials
🔹 Rev. Mother Hill & Rev. Mother Maria Quintanilla – High-ranking nuns, possibly leaders of an international Catholic mission.
🔹 Rev. Mother Concepcion Peredo – Another prominent religious traveler, likely involved in church administration or education.
🏰 Aristocrats & Business Leaders
🔹 Aristoteles Bulgaris – A prominent Greek businessman or nobleman, potentially involved in transatlantic commerce.
🔹 Sebastian Licata – A likely figure in European business and trade, reflecting the ship’s role in facilitating commercial connections.
🎭 Influential Socialites & Entertainers
🔹 Miss Gloria Aston & Miss Adriana Ballew – These names suggest Hollywood connections, possibly actresses or socialites.
🔹 Miss Angele Gumuchian – A French fashion icon or socialite, possibly traveling between Europe and America’s elite circles.
These passengers represent a diverse mix of emigrants, professionals, and influential figures, making the SS Independence a microcosm of transatlantic society in the 1950s.
Noteworthy Features of the SS Independence 🚢
The SS Independence was one of the most luxurious American-built ocean liners of its time, known for its speed, modernity, and grandeur.
🔹 Launched: 1950
🔹 Operator: American Export Lines
🔹 Capacity: Approximately 1,000 passengers
🔹 Voyage Type: Luxury liner, catering to transatlantic emigrants and high-class travelers
🔹 Route: Regular service between New York and Mediterranean ports
🔹 Legacy: The ship remained active until the early 2000s, becoming one of the longest-serving ocean liners in history.
With a sleek design and elegant accommodations, the SS Independence provided an unmatched travel experience, making it a preferred choice for diplomats, business leaders, and luxury travelers.
Noteworthy Images from This Passenger List 📸
1️⃣ Front Cover - Passenger List
Illustration of a sailing ship, capturing the essence of transatlantic travel.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 1e8dde5996
2️⃣ Title Page - SS Independence First Class Passenger List
Includes voyage details and confirms its high-class passenger accommodations.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221b10bc2c
3️⃣ Passenger Inscription (Handwritten Note from a Traveler)
“Crossing on these ocean liners, many people we do meet, believe me, knowing you has been a treat.”
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221b71b5e5
4️⃣ Back Cover - American Export Lines Flag Logo
Represents the prestigious and global reputation of American Export Lines.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221bd97def
These images enhance the historical significance of this passenger list, offering a visual glimpse into 1950s ocean travel.
Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians, and Genealogists 📚
This passenger list is an invaluable document for multiple fields:
🔹 For Teachers & Students –
🔹 Provides real-world primary sources for studying postwar transatlantic migration and diplomacy.
🔹 Offers insights into Cold War-era travel and migration policies.
🔹 For Genealogists –
🔹 Helps trace family migration patterns from Italy, Greece, and France to America.
🔹 Documents elite transatlantic travelers of the 1950s.
🔹 For Historians –
🔹 Preserves details on key religious, diplomatic, and aristocratic figures.
🔹 Reflects postwar European emigration and American international influence.
🔹 For Maritime Enthusiasts –
🔹 Highlights the luxury and engineering of the SS Independence.
🔹 Showcases transatlantic travel before the dominance of air travel.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters ⚓✨
The SS Independence’s passenger list from October 27, 1952, is more than just a record of travelers—it’s a historical window into the world of transatlantic migration, diplomacy, and elite travel in the postwar era.
✔ Features high-profile diplomats, business leaders, clergy, and aristocrats.
✔ Illustrates the role of ocean liners in postwar migration and global commerce.
✔ Offers a genealogical treasure trove for researchers and family historians.
✔ Documents the enduring legacy of American ocean liners before air travel took over.
The SS Independence remains an icon of luxury transatlantic travel, and this passenger list captures its golden age. ⚓✨
