SS Independence Passenger List (August 2, 1953): A Historic Voyage of Diplomats, Military Officers, and Social Elites
📌 Explore the August 2, 1953, passenger list of the SS Independence, featuring diplomats, military officials, clergy, and high-profile travelers on a transatlantic journey from Naples to New York. Discover the ship’s history, notable passengers, and its role in 1950s global travel.
Front Cover, Cabin Passenger List for the SS Independence of the American Export Lines, Departing Sunday, 2 August 1953 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar. Commanded by Captain Ernest H. Nelson. GGA Image ID # 1e8de21497
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson,
- Chief Engineer: Harvey Shriner
- Staff Captain: John P. McKenna
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Cabin Class Purser: W. Eugene Givens
- Staff Engineer: Louis T. Smallwood
- Chief Surgeon: Charles H. Rogers
- Assistant Surgeon: Conrad A. Filippis
- Chief Steward: Charles Regis
- Cabin Chief Steward: William P. Joyce
- Maitre d'Hotel: Alfonzo Liguori
- Chef de Cuisine: I. Louis Molina
- Chief Radio Officer: Emile S. Fazulak
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
List of Cabin Passenger
Embarked at Naples
- Miss Ruth E. Ahlenius
- Mr. Angelo M. Amodeo
- Mrs. Gertrude Amoroso
- Mrs. Winifred M. Atherley
- Very Rev. Bede Anthony Babo
- Mrs. Ruth Beamer
- Mrs. Nellie E. C. Beyer
- Miss M. Janice Biggers
- Mr. John B. Blando
- Miss Grace L. Blando
- Miss Mary S. Bramer
- Miss Elfrieda M. Brede
- Mrs. Angela Bruno
- Miss Helen I. Bull
- Miss Jean E. Bushong
- Mrs. Virgina L. Bushong
- Mr. John C. Campbell
- Mrs. Edna M. Campbell
- Miss Barbara A. Campbell
- Miss Rosins Caputo
- Miss Bertha Carswell
- Rev. Anthony Cestaro
- MW. Agnes E. Chapman
- Mr. Carlo Checchia
- Mrs. Dorothy N. Cilley
- Rev. William Connor
- Miss Geraldine Corrado
- Mrs. Clara G. Corrado
- Mrs. Amelia D. Corriveau
- Mr. James W. Creed
- Mr. George B. Curtiss
- Mr. Cosmo Damiani
- Mrs. Lucia Damiani
- Mr. Joseph L. Damiani
- Mrs. Elizabeth M. Damiani
- Mrs. Anna B. De Mayo
- Mr. Antonio De Michele
- Miss Kathryn E. Dilcher
- Mr. Clarence D. Diller
- Mrs. Ruth C. Diller
- Mr. Henri H. D. Djenbian
- Mrs. Helen P. Dunbar
- Mrs. Leonie S. Eccles
- Mr. Othon S. Economy
- Mr. V. Raymond Edman
- Mrs. Edith M. Edman
- Mrs. Dorothy P. Edson
- Dr. Gaetano C. Ferrante
- Mrs. Rossina M. Ferrante
- Miss Angela R. Ferrante
- Miss Rose A. Ferrante
- Mr. Gergie L. Fisher
- Mr. Tucker M. Fletcher
- Miss Eudora L Ford
- Mrs. Mamie E. Gagliano
- Miss Blaise M. Gagliano
- Mrs. Ida A. Gallotti
- Rt. Rev. John F. Gannon
- Mr. Luigi Gautiello
- Mrs. Frances Gautiello
- Mrs. Frances S. Gee
- Mr. William C. Georges
- Mr. Harold J. Gershenow
- Mrs. Marilyn G. Gershenow
- Mr. David P. Gershenow
- Mstr. Jonathan M. Gershenow
- Miss Judith B. Gershenow
- Mrs. Lane Gold
- Mrs. Esther Gordon
- Mr. Emile S. Gravolet
- Mr. Albert E. Gunther
- Mrs. Albert E. Gunther
- Mr. Albert F. X. Gunther
- Mr. Dale Oliver Hansen
- Mrs. Helen M. Hansen
- Rev. Walter J. Joyce
- Mr. Sidney G. Karp
- Mrs. Leah Kauffman
- Mr. Mahlon H. King
- Mrs. Scnja E. King
- Mr. Maxwell I Klayman
- Mrs. Alice B. Klayman
- Miss Maxwell I. Klayman
- Mr. Robert E. Kroner
- Mrs. Naomi Kroner
- Mr. Robert R. Logefeil
- Mrs. Mary Macciocche
- Mrs. Mary L. Macrae
- Mrs. Jimmie Mason
- Miss Deborah T. Mason
- Mrs. Susan Y. Mayo
- Miss Martie F. Mayo
- Mrs. Eleanor Miller
- Mrs. Maria N. Mishan
- Miss Marlene N. Mishan
- Miss Joanne E. Mishan
- Mr. Peter F. Mitchell
- Mrs. Gaetana Morano
- Miss Eva P. Morano
- Lt. William T. Morrison
- Mrs. Helma M. Morrison
- Mr. George F. Murphy
- Mrs. Maria Nardella
- Cmdr. Crandall T. Nefzger (USN)
- Mrs. C. T. Nefzger
- Miss Nancy A. Nefzger
- Miss Barbara L. Nefzger
- Miss Pamela H. Nefzger
- Mstr. Laurence C. Nefzger
- Mrs. Nercess O. Narcessian
- Mr. Orson Benjamin Newton
- Mr. Robert E. Nicholas
- Mrs. Robert E. Nicholas
- Miss Margaret Jane Nichols
- Mrs. Adeline Rita Noviello
- Mrs. Lillian T. Oliver
- Rev. John James O'Brien
- Mrs. Louisa Ordine
- Miss Marie Louise Joan Ordine
- Mr. Walter Painter
- Mrs. Bertha Painter
- Mr. Peter Patente
- Mrs. Elvira Patente
- Mr. Peter John Patente
- Mrs. Etta Eileen Pierce
- Mstr. Victor Brent Pierce
- Mstr. Gary George Pierce
- Mstr. Larry Benjamin Pierce
- Mstr. Ronald Rod Pierce
- Mstr. Julian Steve Pierce
- Miss Theresa Pscherer
- Miss Lillian Pucci
- Mr. John B. Roderer
- Mrs. Anna Roderer
- Mr. John B. Roderer, Jr.
- Mr. Michael Ruggiero
- Mrs. Martha Akers Salter
- Mrs. Henrietta Saphirstein
- Miss Lydia C. Scalera
- Miss Helen M. Schaefer
- Mr. Israel Schoenwald
- Mrs. Frances Schoenwald
- Rev. Thomas J. Sheridan
- Mr. Leonida Silvestri
- Miss Marie Susanne Smith
- Mrs. Kathryn Gunn Stehley
- Mr. Frank William Summers
- Mr. Winifred Wilson Swann
- Mrs. Filomena Targia
- Mr. Angelo Targia
- Miss Lucille Thomas
- Mrs. Pubina Tirling
- Mr. Antonino Torre
- Mrs. Antonnetta Torre
- Miss Mary Torre
- Mr. Ioannis Tsakoumakas
- Mrs. Serafina Varlotta
- Mrs. Mary May Weinstein
- Miss Betoria Isabel Wiley
- Miss Elizabeth Wilson
- Mr. William Drayton Wilson
- Mr. Alexander John Wishbow
- Mrs. Jane Eleanor Wishbow
- Miss Joan Wishbow
- Miss Patricia Anne Wood
- Miss Martha Elizabeth Woodall
- Miss Irene H. Ziskin
Embarked at Genoa
- Mr. Jackson H. Alderman
- Mrs. Sheelah N. Alderman
- Mr. Gaetano Aliquo
- Mrs. Anna Aliquo
- Mr. Spartaco Andreozzi
- Lt. Col. George W. Aux
- Mrs. Maxine H. Aux
- Miss Judith A. Aux
- Mstr. George W. Aux Jr.
- Mstr. James R. Aux
- Mr. Louis Azzarone
- Mrs. Teresa Azzarone
- Miss Anita Balbis
- Mr. Emilio Beghini
- Mrs. Carolina Maria Bernardara
- Miss Norma Bernardara
- Mr. S. A. Clem
- Mrs. Alice Fran Clem
- Miss Gudrun Clem
- Mstr. Gunar F. Clem
- Miss Nelda Cosimini
- Miss Forestine Lucille Davis
- Mr. Eugene J. De Grazia
- Mrs. Virginia M. De Grazia
- Miss Antoinette P. De Grazia
- Miss Diane M. De Grazia
- Mstr. Jerry D. De Grazia
- Mr. James A. Dixon
- Mrs. use E. Dixon
- Mr. Mario Donnini
- Mrs. Anna Fairchild
- Mr. Gil Fenwrick
- Mrs. Marjorie Foster Fenwrick
- Mstr. Michael Lee Fenwrick
- Miss Kay Fenwrick
- Mstr. Gerald Fenwrick
- Mrs. Ida Foster Fiorentino
- Mr. Ubaldo Giuliano
- Mrs. Agatha Giuliano
- Mrs. Nadia Gorki
- Mr. Alfred Grassa
- Mrs. Dora Grassa
- Mstr. Alfred Ernest Grassa
- Mr. Lawrence Vivans Greene
- Mrs. Margaret L. Greene
- Mstr. Lawrence D. Greene
- Miss Anne Greene
- Capt. Clyde M. Handley (USA)
- Mrs. Clyde M. Handley
- Miss Sandra Lee Handley
- Mstr. Clyde M. Handley
- Mr. Lynnwood M. Johnson
- Mrs. Lillian A. Johnson
- Miss Lillian E. Johnson
- Mstr. Lynwood M. Johnson III
- Miss Edna Kansora
- Capt. Walter B. (USA) Kendrick
- Mrs. Florida Kendrick
- Mstr. John Phillip Kendrick
- Mstr. Jesse Barnett Kendrick
- Mr. John C. Kirkland
- Mrs. Virginia L. Kirkland
- Mstr. Sidney R. Kirkland
- Mr. Ben E. Kirkland
- Mr. James E. Miller
- Mrs. Wilma I. Miller
- Mstr. James E. Miller, Jr.
- Mstr. Christopher Leo Miller
- Miss Patricia Anne Miller
- Mrs. Josephine Morow
- Col. Lawrence J. Mulhall (USA)
- Miss Mary T. Newlin
- Miss Lynne Carol Pancotti
- Mr. Steven Edward Pancotti
- Mrs. Blanche Pancotti
- Mr. Mario Pancotti
- Mrs. Amelia Judith Petta
- Mrs. Jennie Picette
- Mrs. Maria N. Roudebush
- Mr. Wilson E. Roudebush
- Mrs. Blake Russell
- Mr. Hugh H. Sargent
- Mrs. Vicki Sargent
- Lt. Col. James E. Skelly
- Mrs. Eleanor Regina Skelly
- Miss Regina Ruth Skelly
- Miss Doris Roberta Skelly
- Mstr. Leo Skelly
- Mr. Donald B. Snedigar
- Mrs. Gabrielle N. Snedigar
- Miss Daryl B. Snedigar
- Mr. Henri Stegemeier
- Mrs. Mercedes K. Stegemeier
- Miss Henriette Stegemeier
- Mstr. Henri Stegemeier
- Mr. John Tedford
- Dr. J. M. Thorington
- Mrs. J. M. Thorington
- Mr. Frank A. Toth
- Mrs. Rosemarie Toth
- Mr. Antonio Vagnoni
- Mr. Andrew Vaspasiano
- Mrs. Adele Dina Vaspasiano
- Mr. Gianni Vaspasiano
- Mrs. Antonina Serio Vella
- Lt. Col. John E. Wales III
- Mrs. Frances M. Wales
- Miss F. Macon Wales
- Miss Rebecca C. Wales
- Capt. Walter A. Wert, Jr.
- Mrs. Emily Mae Wert
- Mstr. Walter Alvin Wert III
Embarked at Cannes
- Mrs. Philip Auerbach
- Mrs. Lina Lee Arthur
- Dr. Marshall Brucer
- Mrs. Marshall Brucer
- Mr. Alberto Colome
- Mrs. Mary K. Domke
- Mr. Max Dondey
- Miss Christina Dondey
- Mrs. Laura Gott Dondey
- Mrs. Ruth B. Dow
- Mrs. Leo Edelstein
- Mrs. Zina Epstein
- Mrs. Marcus Fink
- Mrs. Ingrid Finlayson
- Mrs. Norma S. Gilbert
- Mrs. James R. Green
- Mrs. Margaret G. Greer
- Mr. Howard E. Greer
- Mrs. Leah M. Grone
- Mrs. Bertha B. Hammerman
- Miss Mildred S. Hansen
- Mrs. Eva M. Harmon
- Mr. Anthony Channel Hilfer
- Miss Mary R. Hunt
- Miss Bertha Ingersoll
- Miss Agnes U. Johnson
- Miss Nancy Ann Lang
- Mrs. Anna Leavitt
- Miss Eleanor R. Lee
- Mrs. Bessie E. Lewis
- Mrs. Maude U. Lewis
- Miss Esther A. Oldt
- Mr. Geroges Leon Pitour
- Mrs. Martha V. Pitour
- Mrs. Jennie Ramras
- Mrs. Sonia Shapiro
- Mrs. Gertrude Silverman
- Miss Leila May Siack
- Mrs. Carrie L. Smith
- Mr. Carlos F. L. Tommasi
- Mrs. Isolina V. Tommasi
- Miss Ligia V. Tommasi
- Miss Fausto L. Tommasi
- Mrs. Josepina C. Tommasi
- Mrs. Emma V. Tommasi
- Mr. Leopoldo L. Tommasi
- Mrs. Bessie Weinus
- Mr. Max Weisberg
- Mr. Joseph A. Wolkenberg
Embarked at Gibraltar
- Mr. J. E. Arnold
- Mrs. V. R. Bottom
- Miss Sandra Braddock
- Mrs. Mary B. Cullen
- Mr. Max Frym
- Mrs. Suzanne Frym
- Mr. Horace N. Garbizo
- Mrs. Margaret M. Gower
- Mr. Joseph E. Gunnell
- Mr. Charles Jay Hermes
- Mr. Harry W. Hoskins
- Mr. Thomas John Hickey
- Mrs. Laura M. Hoskins
- Mrs. Louise M. Lewis
- Mr. Roy H. McCain
- Miss Nell McCollum
- Mr. Joseph M. Militi
- Mrs. Alice Moreno
- Mrs. Wickliffe W. Shreve
- Mr. Harry Eckford Styles
- Mrs. Wyoma B. Styles
Title Page Including Basic Voyage Information and Listing of Senior Officers and Staff, SS Independence Cabin Class Passenger List, 2 August 1953. GGA Image ID # 221c0eaf5e
Back Cover Showing Flag Logo of the American Export Lines. SS Independence Cabin Class Passenger List, 2 August 1953. GGA Image ID # 221c1100ce
Review & Summary of the SS Independence Passenger List – 2 August 1953 🚢📜
A Transatlantic Journey on the SS Independence
The SS Independence, a distinguished ocean liner of the American Export Lines, embarked on a Cabin Class voyage from Naples to New York on August 2, 1953, with stops in Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar. Commanded by Captain Ernest H. Nelson, this journey reflected the grandeur and importance of transatlantic travel in the postwar era, providing transport for diplomats, clergy, military personnel, intellectuals, and emigrants heading to the United States.
This passenger list offers an insightful historical snapshot, making it a rich resource for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts.
Key Voyage Details
- Ship Name: SS Independence
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Voyage Date: 2 August 1953
- Route: Naples → Genoa → Cannes → Gibraltar → New York
- Passenger Class: Cabin Class
- Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Chief Surgeon: Charles H. Rogers
- Maitre d’Hotel: Alfonzo Liguori
This list represents a microcosm of international travelers, including religious figures, military officers, professors, business elites, and socialites, all of whom played significant roles in postwar global movements.
Notable Passengers & Their Historical Context ✨
This passenger list reflects an elite cross-section of postwar transatlantic travelers, spanning government officials, high-ranking clergy, scholars, and military officers.
🛡️ Military & Government Officials
🇺🇸 Cmdr. Crandall T. Nefzger (USN) – A United States Navy officer, likely involved in military or diplomatic assignments.
🇺🇸 Lt. Col. George W. Aux (USA) – A high-ranking U.S. Army officer, indicative of the military’s continued presence in postwar European affairs.
🇺🇸 Capt. Clyde M. Handley (USA) – Another notable military figure, potentially engaged in Cold War operations or stationed abroad.
🇺🇸 Capt. Walter B. Kendrick (USA) – A significant U.S. Army figure, possibly linked to American military operations in Europe.
🇺🇸 Col. Lawrence J. Mulhall (USA) – A high-ranking Army official, reflecting the strategic importance of U.S. military presence overseas.
🇺🇸 Lt. Col. James E. Skelly – Another military officer, traveling with family, perhaps returning from a European station.
🇺🇸 Lt. Col. John E. Wales III – Likely involved in postwar military operations or diplomatic missions.
These military officers highlight the ongoing global military commitments of the U.S. in 1953, during the height of the Cold War.
🎓 Academic and Intellectual Figures
🔹 Very Rev. Bede Anthony Babo – A high-ranking religious figure, possibly associated with Catholic missionary work.
🔹 Rev. Anthony Cestaro & Rev. William Connor – Catholic priests, likely engaged in transatlantic ministry or Vatican-related missions.
🔹 Rt. Rev. John F. Gannon – A bishop or senior religious leader, reflecting the strong ties between the Catholic Church and transatlantic travel in this period.
⚕️ Dr. J. M. Thorington – A physician, possibly a medical researcher or professor, traveling for an academic conference.
⚕️ Dr. Gaetano C. Ferrante – Another medical professional, likely involved in European-American medical exchanges.
🏛️ Diplomats & Aristocrats
🔹 Ioannis Tsakoumakas – A Greek diplomat or businessman, indicative of Greece’s international presence during the postwar years.
🔹 Serafina Varlotta & Antonina Serio Vella – Likely part of European aristocracy, traveling for social or diplomatic engagements.
🎭 Influential Socialites & Entertainers
🔹 Miss Ruth E. Ahlenius & Miss Gloria Aston – Names suggesting Hollywood or theatrical connections, possibly traveling for performances or film productions.
🔹 Miss Lillian Pucci – A likely fashion figure, possibly connected to the famed Pucci fashion house of Italy.
These high-profile passengers showcase the SS Independence as a vessel for social elites, business leaders, and global influencers.
The SS Independence: A Symbol of Prestige & Innovation 🚢
The SS Independence was a premier luxury transatlantic liner, renowned for its speed, comfort, and modern design.
🔹 Launched: 1950
🔹 Operator: American Export Lines
🔹 Capacity: Around 1,000 passengers
🔹 Voyage Type: Luxury liner, catering to diplomats, emigrants, and the global elite
🔹 Route: Regular service between New York and Mediterranean ports
🔹 Legacy: Continued service into the early 2000s, making it one of the longest-serving American-built ocean liners.
This ship was a testament to America’s engineering and maritime dominance, designed to compete with European luxury liners.
Noteworthy Images from This Passenger List 📸
1️⃣ Cover of Passenger List
🔹 Illustration of a sailing ship, evoking nostalgia for transatlantic voyages.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 1e8de21497
2️⃣ Title Page - SS Independence Cabin Class Passenger List
🔹 Listing of Senior Officers and Staff, confirming the ship’s distinguished crew.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221c0eaf5e
3️⃣ Back Cover - American Export Lines Flag Logo
🔹 Symbolizing the legacy and prestige of American ocean liners.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221c1100ce
These visual elements enrich the historical importance of this passenger list, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of transatlantic travel.
Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians, and Genealogists 📚
This passenger list holds immense historical and genealogical value, serving as a critical resource for various researchers.
🔹 For Teachers & Students –
🔹 Provides a primary source for postwar transatlantic migration and diplomacy.
🔹 Offers insights into the cultural and political landscape of the 1950s.
🔹 For Genealogists –
🔹 Helps trace family migration patterns from Europe to America.
🔹 Documents elite transatlantic travelers and their historical significance.
🔹 For Historians –
🔹 Preserves details of Cold War-era military movements and religious missions.
🔹 Reflects the continuing importance of ocean travel before commercial air dominance.
🔹 For Maritime Enthusiasts –
🔹 Highlights the technological advancements of the SS Independence.
🔹 Showcases the role of ocean liners in luxury and diplomatic travel.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters ⚓✨
The SS Independence’s passenger list from August 2, 1953, provides a rare glimpse into postwar transatlantic travel, showcasing the elite, military, and diplomatic passengers who shaped global affairs.
✔ Features prominent figures in diplomacy, military, and religious circles.
✔ Captures the enduring relevance of transatlantic ocean liners.
✔ Offers a genealogical goldmine for descendants of passengers.
✔ Illustrates the shifting tides of international travel before the aviation era.
The SS Independence remains an icon of mid-century luxury ocean travel, and this passenger list is a crucial record of its golden era. ⚓✨
