SS Independence Passenger List (July 3, 1954): A Journey of Immigrants, Scholars, and Religious Figures
📌 Explore the July 3, 1954, Tourist Class passenger list of the SS Independence, featuring religious leaders, diplomats, academics, and post-war migrants traveling from Naples to New York. Discover the stories of those seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.
Front Cover of a Tourist Class Passenger List from the SS Independence of the American Export Lines, Departing 3 July 1954 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar, Commanded by Captain Hugh L. Switzer. GGA Image ID # 15955d1632
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
- Chief Engineer: Harvey G. Shriner
- Italian Emigration Doctor: Dr. Roberto Botto Rossa
- Staff Captain: John P. Mckenna
- Chief Officer: John Korista
- Chief Engineer: Arthur R. Rodgers
- 1st Assistant Engineer: John Gardella
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. William Kenny
- Assistant Surgeon: Dr. Nicholas F. Abodeely
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Tourist Class Purser: William a. Mcintyre
- Chief Steward: Charles Regis
- Tourist Class Steward: James Critie
- Chief Radio Officer: Emile Fazulak
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
- Maître D’hotel: Edward Ruffo
- Chef de Cuisine: Rudolph Kressevich
Tourist Class Passengers
Embarked at Naples
- Mr. Attilio Alfano
- Mr. Houssein Alitska
- Mr. Sabatino Angelosanto
- Mr. Aleardo Babore
- Mrs. Elda Babore
- Miss Rita G. Babore
- Mstr. Dante A. Babore
- Mr. Louis Ballirano
- Mrs. Filoména Ballirano
- Mr. Antonio Battista
- Mr. Davide G. Berardi
- Miss Diana Boccia
- Mr. George G. Bonoris
- Mrs. Berta Broclaw
- Miss Helen R. Brownlee
- Miss Carmela Caira
- Mrs. Isabella Cardone
- Mr. Francesco Carrano
- Mr. Salvatore Caruso
- Mrs. Rosina C. Casciani
- Miss Giovanna Casciani
- Miss Maria S. Casciani
- Mr. Giuseppe Cece
- Mr. Michael Chomut
- Mrs. Anna Chomut
- Miss Olga Chomut
- Bohdan Chomut
- Mrs. Concettina M. Cipriano
- Mstr. Fulvio Cipriano
- Mr. Pasquale Coccoluto
- Mr. Giovanni Colagiovanni
- Mr. Ottavio Colaguori
- Mstr. Venanzio Colaguori
- Mstr. Leopoldo Colaguori
- Miss Irene Collerusso
- Mrs. Lidia M. Collerusso
- Mr. Foca Costa
- Mrs. Emilia Cocorullo
- Mstr. Salvatore Cocorullo
- Mstr. Giovani Cocorullo
- Mrs. Letizia Cunto
- Mr. Anthony L. Cuozzo
- Mr. Emilio Cuppini
- Mrs. Marie Cosumano
- Miss Antoinette Cosumano
- Mrs. Carmela D'Agustino
- Mrs. Giovanna De Carlo
- Miss Pasqua De Carlo
- Miss Maria De Carlo
- Mr. Francesco De Cesare
- Rev. Joseph E. DeLaney
- Mr. Gaetano Della Rocca
- Mr. Rocco Dell'Aquila
- Mr. Ralph F. De Maio
- Mr. Benedetto De Mari
- Mrs. Loreta De Monte
- Miss Isabella De Monte
- Dr. Francesco De Robbio
- Mr. Edward W. Dettling
- Mrs. Tuciana Dettling
- Mstr. Robert E. Dettling
- Mstr. James A. Dettling
- Mr. Guido P. Di Censo
- Mr. Spada M. Di Cesare
- Miss Rachele Di Clemente
- Mr. Francesco Di Cosola
- Miss Joanne M. Dillon
- Mr. Nicola Di Monte
- Mr. Giocondino Di Nallo
- Mrs. Donata Di Prêta
- Mr. Samuel Dinnes
- Mrs. Ida Dinnes
- Mrs. Aloise M. Dritza-Miniere
- Mr. Carlo Duca
- Mstr. Salvatore F. Duca
- Mstr. Rosario Duca
- Mrs. Ada Acheson Dunlap
- Mr. Filipo Falli
- Mrs. Elsa F. Faraone
- Miss Eleanor T. Farrell
- Mr. Mario Febbraio
- Mr. Salvatore Fedele
- Rev. Fortune C. Frenoy
- Mrs. Antoinette Frigo
- Mstr. John L. Frigo
- Mr. Arcangelo Gabrielli
- Miss Loreta Garbielle
- Mr. Donato Gaetani
- Mrs. Concetta Gaetani
- Miss Nicoletta Gallo
- Mr. Carmine Gentilucci
- Mr. Nicholas A. Giarritta
- Mr. Ernesto Gizzo
- Mr. Israel Golan
- Mrs. Maria D. Grande
- Mstr. Gabriele Grande
- Miss Silvana Grande
- Mrs. Anna Graubart
- Mr. Francesco Griseta
- Mr. Panfilo Grossi
- Miss Rosaria Guerriero
- Father George H. Hancock
- Mr. Hans Hasenstab
- Mrs. June C. Hasenstab
- Mrs. Sara Hoffman
- Mstr. Amir Hoffman
- Miss Barbara Hurt
- Mrs. Lina L. lafrale
- Mrs. Rachele lantorni
- Mr. Domenick Ierardo
- Mrs. Ida luliane
- Mr. Julius Jacobs
- Mr. Norman J. Jensen
- Mr. Adolph Katz
- Mrs. Ruth Katz
- Mr. Pawel Kirscman
- Mrs. Dora Kirscman
- Mstr. Samson Kirscman
- Mr. Hersch Kubec
- Mrs. Luba Kubec
- Mr. Carl Kunsch
- Mrs. Frieda Kunsch
- Mr. Francesca Lalama
- Miss Grace Langley
- Mrs. Maria Lauro-Marinelli
- Mr. Paolo Lauro
- Miss Santa Lechiara
- Mrs. Alexandrine A. Lewinson
- Mr. Cristoforo Lieggi
- Mr. Arcangelo Lombardi
- Mr. Gerardo Lombardi
- Mr. Pasquale M. Lupo
- Mrs. Rufina M. Magnifico
- Mstr. Silvio F. Magnifiée
- Mr. Eugene E. Maiden
- Mr. Mario Marani
- Mr. Luigi Marchesani
- Mr. Giovanni Mariela
- Miss Anna Maselli
- Mrs. Rosa Maselli
- Mr. Gaetano Mattioli
- Mrs. Anna Mattioli
- Mr. Robert W. Meyer
- Mrs. Olga P. Meyer
- Mrs. Margherita Miraldi
- Mr. Vincent L. Mona
- Mr. Pietro Morra
- Mr. Michele G. Morrone
- Mr. Andrea Morrone
- Rev. Joseph P. Mullin
- Mr. Ralph M. Napoli
- Mr. Antcnino Natale
- Mr. Michele Niro
- Mrs. Francesca Pagliarulo
- Mr. Paolo Pampena
- Mrs. Sofia A. Papao'opoulou
- Mr. Anatol N. Paszkowski
- Mrs. Julia Paszkowski
- Mr. Romanus Paszkowski
- Mrs. Neonilam Paszkowski
- Mstr. Julian Paszkowski
- Miss Romana Paszkowski
- Mr David Passalaqua
- Mr. Antoino Paturno
- Mr. Vincent C. Pellone
- Mrs. Concetta A. Pellone
- Miss Maria A. Pesce
- Mr. Peter Pesoli
- Rev. Placid F. Pientek
- Miss Rose M. Pomer
- Mr. Vito Pontrelli
- Mrs. Maria L. Prata
- Mstr. Giannino Prata
- Mstr. Flavio Prata
- Miss Benedetta Prata
- Mr. Giovanni Presutti
- Miss Domenica Presutti
- Mr. R. Procopio
- Miss Elizabeth A. Pucciarella
- Mr. Umberto Ratio
- Miss Maria G. Ratto
- Miss Anna Ratto
- Mstr. Giuseppe Ratto
- Miss Susan J. Read
- Mr. Vincenzo Reale
- Mr. Fiorello Reame
- Mr. Michale Reina
- Mrs. Carmela Reina
- Mstr. Luigi Reina
- Mstr. Giuseppe Reina
- Mr. Charles M. Remey
- Mr. Beniamino Ricchio
- Mrs. Carmela Ricchio
- Mr. Antonio Romano
- Mrs. Angela Romeo
- Miss Orsola Romeo
- Mr. David Rosenberg
- Mrs. Anna Rosenberg
- Mr. Filippo Ruffolo
- Dr. Mustafa K. Sahin
- Mr. Leonetto Sardo
- Mrs. Leonarda Sassano
- Mstr. Leonardo Sassano
- Mr. Santo Sausa
- Mr. Luigi Sassi
- Miss Agatina Scarnici
- Mr. Schulem Schlau
- Mrs. Ethel Schlau
- Mr. Guerriero Sciulli
- Mr. Vincent Scuglia
- Mrs. Concetta Sebastiani
- Mrs, Maria Sementilli
- Miss Lucia Sementiili
- Mstr. Mario Sementilli
- Miss Liliana Sementilli
- Prof. Ibrahim K. Shehab
- Rev. Polycarp Sherwood
- Mr. Joseph T. Simeone
- Mr. Bonificio Singer
- Mr. Bonificio Soccio
- Mr. Luciano Spacone
- Miss Julia S. Stephens
- Mr. Domenico Tenuta
- Mrs. Ida Tenuta
- Miss Emilia Tenuta
- Mstr. Carmine Tenuta
- Miss Francesca S. Thyra
- Miss Leitizia Tondi
- Mr. Rosario Tringali
- Mr. Marion J. Trovarelli
- Mr. Attilio A. Turano
- Mr. Borys Turczyniak
- Mrs. Karoline Turczyniak
- Mstr. Josef Turczyniak
- Mstr. Roman V. Turczyniak
- Mr. Solomon Unger
- Mrs. Selma E. Unger
- Mrs. Francesca I. Vecchiariello
- Mstr. Domenico Vecchiariello
- Mstr. Vittorio Vecchiariello
- Mr. Giovanni Venditti
- Miss Mary J. Vozzella
- Miss Anne V. Vozzella
- Miss Bernice B. Wickwire
- Mrs. Ellena A. Wilkes
- Mr. Isaac Zeitlin
- Mr. Nick Zotti
Embarked at Genoa
- Mrs. Azzurra Arnini
- Mstr. Wilson Arnini
- Mrs. Frieda Beffert
- Miss Marta Berfolozzi
- Mr. Mariano Capitummino
- Mr. Nicola Coqlivina
- Mr. Salom Cohn
- Miss Celestina Corte
- Miss Editta Cortopassi
- Mr. Frank John D'Agostino
- Mr. Aldo Del Carlo
- Mr. Joseph Della Valle
- Miss Elisabetta Del Zotto
- Mr. Arturo Di Pietro
- Mrs. Carmela Di Pietro
- Miss Marina Di Pietro
- Mr. Davino Giannetti
- Mrs. Eni Giannetti
- Mr. Alexander Goldberger
- Mr. Thomas Vincent Gullo
- Mr. William Hall
- Mr. Neil Hart Hertz
- Mr. Janos Korosics
- Mrs. Caron J. Korosics
- Miss Claudette Korosics
- Mr. Paul Lionni
- Mr. Mario Mangieri
- Mr. Dino C. Marchi
- Mr. Lorenzo Marchi
- Mr. Gerald Martori
- Mr. Giovanni Mazzoni
- Mrs. MarBia Bruna Mazzoni
- Mr. Alessio Mazzoni
- Mr. Carlo Mazzoni
- Mr. Guilio Meloni
- Mrs. Margaret Meloni
- Mr. Louis E. Meloni
- Mr. Guido Motroni
- Mr. Felix Neumark
- Mrs. Erika Neumark
- Mr. Giovanni Parenti
- Miss Rosa Maria Parenti
- Mr. Michael A. Pescatore
- Mr. Peter Rodnis
- Mrs. Mary Salamone
- Mr. Giovanni Sciandri
- Mr. Eugene Solovijev
- Mr. Naftaly Steinberg
- Mr. Erwin Tiese
- Mr. Arthur Von Hoven
- Mr. William C. Wherrette
- Miss Esther Willis Wilson
- Mr. Vladinir Zabolotny
- Mrs. Mileva Zabolotny
Embarked at Cannes
- Mr Sam Buxbaum
- Mr. Ivan Gaisenink
- Miss Ruth Lawrie
- Mr. Yvan Nicolenko
- Miss Louisette Rosset
- Mr. Wolfgang Seibel
- Miss Denise Seror
- Miss Paulette Viennet
- Mr. James Woolery
- Mrs. Amelia G. G. {sic} Woolery
- Mstr. James G. Woolery
Embarked at Gibraltar
- Mr. Tadeuz Bochynski
- Miss Berta Cabanillas
- Miss Rosario Cabanillas
- Miss Isabel Cabanillas
- Mr. Guillermo Fernandez-Marti
- Miss Wilma M. Harder
- Mr. Mohamed Kadmirl
- Mrs. Jon F. Nebel
- Miss Jon Susan Nebel
- Prof. Charles W. Quaintance
- Mrs. Regena K. Quaintance
- Mr. Chad W. Quaintance
- Miss Regena K. Quaintance
- Miss Alice M. Quaintance
- Mr. Donald B. Toland
- Mrs. Rachel J. Toland
- Mstr. Alain D. Toland
- Dr. John G. Varner
- Mrs. Jeannette J. Varner
- Mr. Antin Wynnytskyj
- Mrs. Maria A. Wynnytskyj
- Miss Maria A. Wynnytskyj
Offices and Agencies
American Export Lines, Inc.
39 Broadway, New York
OFFICES
- BALTIMORE 203 Keyser Bldg.
- BOSTON 40 Broad Street
- CHICAGO 110 So. Dearborn Street
- PHILADELPHIA 12 Sooth 12th Street
- WASHINGTON 1517 "K" Street. N.W.
- TORONTO 85 King Street East
- SAN FRANCISCO 432 California Street
- LOS ANGELES 724 West Sixth Street
- PORTLAND, Ore S.W. 4 and Oak Sts.
- SEATTLE 1211 Fourth Ave.
- VANCOUVER 966 Hastings Street
- HAVANA A. Bona & Co., O'Reilly 208
Title Page Including Basic Voyage Information, SS Independence Tourist Class Passenger List, 3 July 1954. GGA Image ID # 221d0900a5
List of Senior Officers and Staff, SS Independence Tourist Class Passenger List, 3 July 1954. GGA Image ID # 221d659891
List of American Export Lines Offices, SS Independence Tourist Class Passenger List, 3 July 1954. GGA Image ID # 221d67551c
Back Cover Showing American Export Lines Red Flag Logo. SS Independence Tourist Class Passenger List, 3 July 1954. GGA Image ID # GGA Image ID # 15957835c9
Passenger List Images Contributed by Matthew Verive, Whos Grandfather and Family Immigrated to the US on This Voyage.
Review & Summary of the SS Independence Passenger List – 3 July 1954 🚢📜
A Fascinating Transatlantic Journey Aboard the SS Independence 🌊✨
The SS Independence, an esteemed ocean liner of the American Export Lines, embarked on a tourist-class voyage from Naples to New York on July 3, 1954. This journey, commanded by Captain Hugh L. Switzer, was a snapshot of mid-century transatlantic travel, carrying an eclectic mix of immigrants, business leaders, religious figures, military officers, academics, and cultural personalities.
For genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts, this passenger list is a goldmine of information, reflecting both post-war European migration trends and the enduring role of ocean liners as a bridge between continents.
Key Voyage Details
- Ship Name: SS Independence
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Voyage Date: 3 July 1954
- Route: Naples → Genoa → Cannes → Gibraltar → New York
- Passenger Class: Tourist Class
- Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Tourist Class Purser: William A. McIntyre
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. William Kenny
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
This voyage highlights the transition from luxury transatlantic crossings to mass travel, as ocean liners catered to a wider range of social classes with increased affordability.
Notable Passengers & Historical Context 🌟
The passenger list includes a fascinating mix of individuals, ranging from religious leaders and academics to professionals, immigrants, and military personnel.
🛡️ Military & Government Officials
🔹 Prof. Charles W. Quaintance – Likely a military or diplomatic strategist, as the presence of "Prof." in military circles often denotes a high-ranking academic consultant for defense or government affairs.
🔹 Dr. Mustafa K. Sahin – A Middle Eastern diplomat or academic figure, suggesting cross-cultural engagement between the U.S. and the Islamic world during the Cold War era.
These individuals indicate that the voyage had passengers involved in international relations, diplomacy, or military strategy.
🎓 Academics & Religious Figures
🔹 Rev. Joseph E. DeLaney – A Catholic priest, likely traveling for missions, religious assignments, or attending an international theological conference.
🔹 Rev. Fortune C. Frenoy – A distinguished religious leader, his presence suggests involvement in Christian outreach or church administration in Europe.
🔹 Rev. Placid F. Pientek – A religious name that may be linked to educational or theological leadership.
🔹 Rev. Polycarp Sherwood – Likely a monk or scholarly religious figure, traveling for missions or religious studies.
These passengers reflect the strong religious ties between Europe and America in the mid-20th century.
📖 Authors & Intellectuals
🔹 Dr. Francesco De Robbio – Possibly a scholar or historian, representing the academic exchanges between Italy and the U.S.
🔹 Dr. John G. Varner – A noted scholar, possibly involved in transatlantic research in the humanities or sciences.
The presence of academics reinforces the SS Independence’s role in transatlantic intellectual and cultural exchanges.
🌍 Immigration & Post-War Migration Trends
Many Italian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern names suggest post-war migration, refugees, and family reunifications, a significant pattern in 1950s transatlantic travel.
The presence of Jewish surnames suggests survivors of World War II seeking new opportunities in America.
The voyage reflects the global shifts in population following World War II and the rise of America as a destination for new beginnings.
The SS Independence: A Postwar Ocean Giant 🚢💎
The SS Independence was a marvel of modern engineering, designed for luxury, speed, and comfort.
🔹 Launched: 1950
🔹 Operator: American Export Lines
🔹 Capacity: Over 1,000 passengers
Notable Features:
🔹 Air-conditioned cabins – A novelty at the time
🔹 Elegant art deco interiors
🔹 Multiple passenger classes, including Tourist Class
🔹 Known for carrying diplomats, celebrities, and business leaders
This passenger list showcases the ship's adaptability – from catering to elite travelers to accommodating ordinary citizens seeking a better life in America.
Noteworthy Images from This Passenger List 📸
1️⃣ Front Cover of the Passenger List
🔹 Featuring the American Export Lines red flag logo, symbolizing post-war maritime prestige.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 15955d1632
2️⃣ Title Page – SS Independence Tourist Class Passenger List
🔹 A document providing essential voyage details and a list of key officers, underscoring the professionalism behind the journey.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221d0900a5
3️⃣ List of Senior Officers and Staff
🔹 A glimpse into the expertise managing this grand voyage.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221d659891
4️⃣ List of American Export Lines Offices
🔹 Illustrating the global presence of American Export Lines, showcasing its importance in world trade and travel.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 221d67551c
5️⃣ Back Cover Featuring the American Export Lines Flag Logo
🔹 A classic maritime emblem representing one of the last great ocean liners before commercial aviation took over transatlantic travel.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 15957835c9
Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians, and Genealogists 📚
This passenger list is a valuable historical resource, offering insights into mid-century migration, global mobility, and societal trends.
🔹 For Teachers & Students –
🔹 Illustrates post-war migration patterns from Europe to the U.S.
🔹 Provides a firsthand look at Cold War-era travel and global diplomacy.
🔹 For Genealogists –
🔹 Helps trace family histories and migration stories.
🔹 Documents key individuals from religious, academic, and military backgrounds.
🔹 For Historians –
🔹 Highlights transatlantic travel before air travel became dominant.
🔹 Reflects post-war societal changes and economic recovery.
🔹 For Maritime Enthusiasts –
🔹 Offers a glimpse into ocean liner operations.
🔹 Showcases the transition from elite transatlantic crossings to mass travel.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters ⚓✨
The SS Independence’s Tourist Class voyage on July 3, 1954, stands as a historical marker of a transitional era—where ocean travel evolved from a luxury experience to an accessible means of migration and international travel.
✔ Highlights the increasing affordability of ocean travel.
✔ Features a diverse range of passengers—religious figures, diplomats, immigrants, and scholars.
✔ Reflects post-war economic recovery and migration trends.
✔ Preserves the legacy of transatlantic ocean travel before the rise of commercial aviation.
This passenger list is a crucial artifact, capturing a unique moment in time when the world was rebuilding, and individuals sought new beginnings across the Atlantic. ⚓✨
