SS Independence Passenger List (August 14, 1954): A Transatlantic Voyage of Diplomats, Scholars, and Migrants
📌 Explore the August 14, 1954, Cabin Class passenger list of the SS Independence, featuring diplomats, academics, military officers, and post-war immigrants on a journey from Naples to New York. Discover the stories of those crossing the Atlantic in the golden age of ocean travel.
Front Cover, Cabin Passenger List for the SS Independence of the American Export Lines, Departing 14 August 1954 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar, Commanded by Captain Ernest H. Nelson. GGA Image ID # 19f4b2d27c
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson
- Chief Engineer: Harvey G. Shriner
- Staff Captain: John P. McKenna
- Staff Engineer: Louis T. Smallwood
- Chief Officer: Charles A. Alcorn
- First Assistant Engineer: John Gardella
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Cabin Class Purser: Fred Sanders
- Chief Steward: Charles Regis
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. William Kenny
- Assistant Surgeon: Dr. Nicholas F. Abodeely
- Cabin Class Steward: Charles Horak
- Chief Radio Officer: James M. Teagarden
- Maitre d'Hotel: Gaetano Mele
- Chef de Cuisine: Rudolph Kressevich
Cabin Passengers
Embarked at Naples
- Mr. Luigi Adduci
- Mrs. Maria Adduci
- Mr. Edgard Adduci
- Mrs. Benjamin Akzin
- Mstr. Michael D. Akzin
- Miss Susan Z. Akzin
- Mr. Dwinght W. Allen
- Mrs. Carole J. Allen
- Mr. Benjamin C. Altschul
- Miss Margaret P. Augustine
- Mrs. Lenora M. Ballard
- Mrs. Walter Barret
- Mr. Emil W. Bauman
- Mrs. Emil Bauman
- Mr. Tommy K. Beutner
- Mr. Frank Bifurco
- Mrs. Grace Befurco
- Mrs. Mary E. Biles
- Mr. Harrington Bischof
- Mr. George P. Bischof
- Miss Laura Blank
- Miss Martha B. Borsodi
- Mr. David B. Bowes
- Miss Dorothy A. Bruson
- Miss Marguerite Burns
- Mrs. Barbara N. Cant
- Miss Ginevra Capocelli
- Mrs. Lora A. Capone
- Miss Theresa A. Capone
- Miss Katherine W. Carson
- Mr. R. M. Carter, Jr.
- Mr. Pietro Castronovo
- Miss Castronovo
- Mrs. Carmelina Ceraldi
- Mrs. Agnese E. Carmela Ciotti
- Mrs. Marian L. Cooley
- Miss Cynthia R. Copeland
- Mrs. Caroline Costa
- Mrs. Allen H. Cox
- Mr. Andrew Crafa
- Mrs. Mary Crafa
- Miss Harriet Crisler
- Miss Kate Crossley
- Mr. Frederick B. Danziger
- Miss Catherine Davis
- Miss Judy Dawson
- Mr. Joseph F. De Mayo
- Mrs. Antonetta Di Augustine
- Mr. Francesco P. Di Bartolomeo
- Miss Elaine B. Dies
- Mr. Gaetano Di Prima
- Mrs. Celia E. Di Prima
- Mrs. Irene J. Dyer
- Miss Mary E. Eagan
- Prof. Roy P. Fairfield
- Mrs. Maryllyn R. Fairfield
- Miss Donna Fairfield
- Mrs. Teresa Fatigato
- Mstr. Roberto P. Federico
- Miss Rosa Federico
- Miss Suzan Feidelson
- Mr. Nicholas P. Fiduccia
- Mr. Alfred W. Fields
- Mrs. Marie T. Fields
- Mstr. Wayne G. Fields
- Miss June M. Fields
- Mstr. Bruce M. Fields
- Msir. Russell A. Fields
- Miss Lois Fishstein
- Mr. Kenneth J. Fox
- Mrs. Evelyn E. Fox
- Miss Cheryl L. Fox
- Miss Nancy K. Fox
- Miss Linda J. Fox
- Miss Ruth M. Fox
- Miss Ann Futch
- Mrs. Joseph H. Gilmore
- Miss Madelyn M. Gilmore
- Miss Joann L. Gilmore
- Mr. Harry Goldberg
- Mrs. Rose F. Goldberg
- Miss Helen M. Grace
- Mrs. Angela Grazzo
- Mrs. Henry Hader
- Mrs. Elisabeth Hadlioannides
- Miss Dagmar Hayden
- Mrs. Clara E. Hildenbrand
- Mr. Harvey S. Holt
- Mrs. Jean W. Holt
- Mr. John C. Hunt
- Mrs. Teresa G. Hunt
- Miss Jean E. Hunt
- Mstr. William D. Hunt
- Miss Helen M. Hunt
- Miss Carla E. Hunt
- Miss Betty J. Hurst
- Mr. George E. Kailas
- Miss Norma I. Katz
- Rev. Thomas J. Kelly
- Miss Clara B. Kelly
- Mr. Anthony C. Klatt
- Mrs. Norma M. Klatt
- Mstr. Phillip J. Klatt
- Miss Mary J. Klatt
- Miss Peggy Klotz
- Mr. Harry S. Kowalewski
- Mrs. Jean M. Kowalewski
- Miss Suzzie L. Kowalewski
- Mrs. Lena Kurland
- Miss Carmela M. Labadessa
- Miss Vincenza Lanzano
- Mr. Raffaele Lanzetta
- Mr. Allen Ledbetter
- Miss Elizabeth M. Lee
- Mr. Harold F. Lindergreen
- Mrs. Emilia Loretoni
- Miss Anne MacDermot
- Sister Mary Gregory MacKey
- Mrs. Eleanor S. Marriott
- Mrs. Theresa M. Marsocci
- Miss Dolores Martinez
- Mr. Antonio Menacho
- Miss Gloria Menacho
- Mrs. Freda S. Meyer
- Mr. Floyd H. Miller, Jr.
- Mrs. Doris M. Miller
- Mstr. Burt G. Miller
- Mr. Raymond A. Miller
- Mrs. Elna M. Miller
- Mrs. Gloria Montero
- Mrs. Elena I. Moresi
- Miss Janice A. Moresi
- Mr. Thomas R. Newsom
- Mrs. Elaine F. Newsom
- Mstr. Robert N. Newsom
- Miss Marcella P. O'Leary
- Mrs. Grace C. Palmer
- Mrs. Rose M. Paranzone
- Miss Liza P. Parkinson
- Mr. Peter Perpignano
- Mrs. Norma L. Perpignano
- Miss Annette Perpignano
- Mstr. Peter R. Perpignano
- Mr. Michael S. Piccolo
- Mrs. Marion E. Piccolo
- Mrs. Herbert S. Pierson
- Miss Helen R. Pierson
- Miss Margaret R. Pierson
- Miss Dodie Platt
- Miss Helen E. Pope
- Miss Ella T. Poppe
- Mr. Ralph N. Pressley
- Mrs. Dorothy H. Pressley
- Mstr. A. Pressley
- Mr. William Pucci
- Miss Victoria Pucci
- Miss Helen C. Quinn
- Mr. Frank Rays
- Miss S. Emily Reeder
- Miss Betty A. Reinach
- Mrs. Pia C. Ricciardi
- Mrs. Clarice Richardson
- Mr. Joseph Richter
- Mrs. Rebecca M. Richter
- Mr. Dwight Roberts
- Mr. Philip R. Salvatore
- Mrs. Claire M. Salvatore
- Mr. Angelo Scalzitti
- Mrs. Ann M. Schiear
- Miss Pudge S. Schorr
- Miss E. Helene Sherman
- Miss Marcia R. Silver
- Miss Seber Simsek
- Mr. John J. Smith
- Mrs. John J. Smith
- Mr. Thomas Soulos
- Mrs. Agiri Soulos
- Mr. Mario Stefanelli
- Mrs. Eva Stefanelli
- Mrs. May D. Thruelsen
- Miss Patti A. Thurston
- Mr. Aniello Tomasino
- Mrs. Matilde Tomasino
- Mr. Alfred Tomasino
- Mr. Charles Tomasino
- Mrs. Clarence Urling-Smith
- Mr. Arley E. Vickers
- Mrs. Marcella G. Vickers
- Miss Pamela A. Vickers
- Mstr. Larry Q. Vickers
- Miss Deborah J. Vickers
- Mstr. Bruce J. Vickers
- Miss Denise A. Vickers
- Mr. Francesco Volpe
- Mrs. Addolorata Volpe
- Mrs. Doris G. Wallace
- Miss Agnes B. Waller
- Miss Barbara J. Warner
- Miss Audry Wheeler
- Miss Betsey Wilson
- Mr. Michael N. Yenchick
- Miss Jean L. Yenchick
- Mrs. Willetta L. Yenchick
- Mrs. Nicolina Zicca
- Mr. Angelo Zuccaro
Embarked at Genoa
- Delphina Adami
- Mrs. Soave Allaire
- Miss Flora Jo Alston
- Maj. Charles W. Audet
- Mrs. Annabel C. Audet
- Mstr. Charles C. Audet
- Mr. Umberto Baidocchi
- Mr. Michele Battaglia
- Mrs. Rosa Battaglia
- Capt. Norman J. Bauman
- Mrs. Barbara J. Bauman
- Mstr. Norman J. Bauman
- Mstr. Leslie J. Bauman
- Miss Lucy Bergland
- Mr. Kurt Blohm
- Mr. George W. Blueglass
- Mrs. Cecily C. Blueglass
- Miss Katherine S. Blueglass
- Miss Pamela A. Blueglass
- Mr. Hans G. Bohm
- Mr. James A. Breslin
- Mrs. James A. Breslin
- Mrs. Helen M. Brownell
- Mr. Johannes Brunn
- Dr. Hansmartin Buchmann
- Mr. Kinloch Bull
- Mr. Marvin D. Burgin
- Miss Floreine G. Burgin
- Miss Lana R. Burgin
- Miss Tara L. Burgin
- Mr. Ardelio Capecchi
- Mrs. Romilda Capecchi
- Mrs. Barbara Castellengo
- Mr. Joseph A. Cianciarulo
- Mrs. Florence Cianciarulo
- Mr. Frank L. Conley
- Mrs. Edith M. Conley
- Mrs. Ines B. Cortopassi
- Mr. Giuseppe Cortopassi
- Miss Charlette M. Covelli
- Miss Kathy L. Covelli
- Miss Florence B. Craig
- Mr. Giuseppe Cuneo
- Mrs. Giulia M. Cuneo
- Mr. Valerio Cuneo
- Mrs. Lorene M. Cuneo
- Miss Valerie A. Cuneo
- Dr. Philipp Eberhard
- Dr. Helmut Ehmer
- Mr. Wendel Erhard
- Mrs. Margarete Erhard
- Mstr. Walter L. Erhard
- Mrs. Mary Fiore
- Mr. Angelo Firpo
- Mrs. Esther C. Firpo
- Mr. William Fister
- Mrs. Esther Ghitis
- Mstr. William Ghitis
- Miss Lillian Ghitis
- Mr. James Gillio
- Mrs. Camilla Gillio
- Mstr. Aldo Gillio
- Dr. Peter Haasen
- Mr. Ernest Hackspiel
- Mrs. Ann Hackspiel
- Dr. Harold Huener
- Mr. Emile E. Julian
- Mrs. Claire E. Jutkowitz
- Mstr. Robert S. Jutkowitz
- Mstr. Joel M. Jutkowitz
- Mr. James H. Keefe
- Mrs. Nicole R. Keefe
- Miss Marlelle K. Keefe
- Miss Audrey N. Keefe
- Mr. Charles E. Klappert
- Mrs. Dorothy B. Klappert
- Mr. Arnold Kusters
- Mr. James Kutsukian
- Mrs. Angela La Porta
- Miss Lois Latham
- Mr. Sollie Levin
- Mrs. Elizabeth Levrero
- Mr. Henry W. Lowe
- Mrs. Ruby B. Lowe
- Mstr. Gregory A. Lowe
- Mstr. Michael C. Lowe
- Mstr. Patrick M. Lowe
- Mr. Carlos D. Luria
- Mrs. Martha R. Luria
- Mstr. Scott D. Luria
- Miss Gemma Maddalena
- Miss Gwendolin Mason
- Mrs. Neva M. McCully
- Miss Mary M. McCully
- Miss Janet A. McCully
- Mr. William E. McCully
- Dr. Robert F. Multhoff
- Mr. John Munerati
- Mrs. Maria D. Nodari
- Miss Agnes B. Offenhauser
- Mrs. use W. Pohlmann
- Mr. Friedrich E. Priewe
- Lt. Col. Milton D. Purvis
- Mrs. Neva R. Purvis
- Miss Linda F. Purvis
- Mstr. Nickey J. Purvis
- Dr. E. S. Ramirez
- Mrs. E. S. Ramirez
- Mrs. Petra Ramirez
- Mr. Benjamin A. Ramirez
- Col. J. B. Rasbach
- Mrs. J. B. Rasbach
- Miss Brune Rezzonico
- Dr. Oscar Rodin
- Mrs. Oscar Rodin
- Miss Elizabeth A. Rodin
- Miss Suzanne Rodin
- Miss Antonie Rottgermann
- Mr. Jack Romann
- Mr. Vito Sabini
- Mr. Karl F. Schlenk
- Dr. Hans H. Schober
- Capt. Arthur C. Schroeder
- Mrs. Elizabeth S. Schroeder
- Miss Susan C. Schroeder
- Mstr. Stephen C. Schroeder
- Miss Elisabeth Seither
- Mr. Raymond J. Seittle
- Mr. John A. Talamini
- Mr. Orest Tallia
- Mrs. Virginia Tallia
- Mrs. Carmela B. Tortorella
- Mstr. Michael J. Tortorella
- Mr. Giuseppe Tuccori
- Mr. Anton Vatavuk
- Mr. John S. Viero
- Mrs. Lena L. C. Viero
- Mr. Thomas B. Walker
- Mrs. Cornelia B. Walker
- Miss Nancy Walker
- Mstr. Thomas Walker
- Mstr. Samuel R. Walker
- Maj. Barton H. Watson
- Mrs. Barton H. Watson
- Mstr. Barton M. Watson
- Mrs. Floy L. Watson
- Miss Antonia R. Weiss
- Miss Ingeborg Weiss
- Mr. Michael Zimic
- Mrs. Amelia E. Zimic
Embarked at Cannes
- Miss Marie M. Anthonioz
- Sister Mary Brown
- Mr. Victor J. Boulin
- Mrs. Stephanie A. Boulin
- Mrs. Evelyn A. Budabin
- Miss Helene Budabin
- Mstr. Gordon R. Crosby
- Miss Felicia J. Deyrup
- Mrs. Marion J. Dietrich
- Mrs. John J. Ewart
- Dr. Samuel Fisher
- Mrs. Bertha Fisher
- Miss Rona B. Fisher
- Mstr. Yale L. Fisher
- Mrs. Kate Goodman
- Mr. Michael B. Grosso
- Mrs. Michael B. Grosso
- Mrs. Betty J. Kazen
- Miss Miriam V. Mannix
- Miss Adelle J. Martin
- Prof. J. Dean McCrary
- Mrs. Dean McCrary
- Miss Ladean McCrary
- Mstr. Frank McCrary
- Mrs. Frances W. Michaelson
- Miss Adeline Mikula
- Mr. Frank Paroni
- Mrs. Regina Paroni
- Miss Katherine H. Pryce
- Mrs. Gustave Rees
- Mr. Denis L. Ricard
- Mrs. Erika Y. Ruas
- Mstr. Charles E. Rues
- Mstr. Henri A. Rues
- Mr. Rollin L. Schwab
- Mr. Frederic L. Schwab
- Miss Fanny L. Segalla
- Mr. Harry Vinograd
- Mrs. Bertha Vinograd
- Sister M. Raphaelita Whalen
- Mr. Robert B. Williams
- Mrs. Irene Williams
Embarked at Gibraltar
- Miss Gail Callanan
- Mr. Robert R. Granucci
- Miss Mary I. Hannigan
- Miss Ellen F. Hannigan
- Miss Martha MacDonald
- Miss Shirley M. Robinson
- Rev. William J. Rooney
- Rev. William H. Shannon
- Mr. Carl B. Shpiner
- Mrs. Reva Shpiner
- Rev. Victor F. Wright
American Export Lines, Inc.
39 Broadway, New York
Offices
- Baltimore 203 Keyser Bldg
- Boston 40 Broad Street
- Chicago 110 So. Dearborn Street
- Philadelphia 12 South 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
Back Cover Showing Red Flag Logo of the American Export Line, Cabin Passenger List for the SS Independence, 14 August 1954. GGA Image ID # 19f446a75f
Review & Summary of the SS Independence Passenger List – 14 August 1954 🚢📜
A Grand Transatlantic Journey Aboard the SS Independence 🌊✨
The SS Independence, one of the premier transatlantic ocean liners of the American Export Lines, set sail from Naples on August 14, 1954, on a voyage to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar. This voyage, commanded by Captain Ernest H. Nelson, provides a historical snapshot of mid-century travel, featuring a diverse list of immigrants, business elites, religious figures, military officers, academics, and cultural personalities.
For genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts, this passenger list is an invaluable resource, reflecting post-war European migration, diplomatic travel, and the role of luxury liners as essential conduits of international movement.
Key Voyage Details
- Ship Name: SS Independence
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Voyage Date: 14 August 1954
- Route: Naples → Genoa → Cannes → Gibraltar → New York
- Passenger Class: Cabin Class
- Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson
- Chief Purser: Gleason T. Marquise
- Cabin Class Purser: Fred Sanders
- Chief Surgeon: Dr. William Kenny
- Social Directress: Ann Dickson
This voyage marked a time when ocean liners were still a prestigious means of travel, accommodating both luxury-seekers and emigrants on their way to a new life in the United States.
Notable Passengers & Historical Context 🌟
The passenger list is a fascinating collection of individuals, including government figures, military officers, religious leaders, academics, and notable civilians.
🛡️ Military & Government Officials
🔹 Maj. Charles W. Audet (USA) – A distinguished major in the U.S. Army, indicating possible diplomatic or post-war European military engagements.
🔹 Capt. Norman J. Bauman (USA) – A high-ranking officer, potentially linked to military intelligence or post-war strategic operations.
🔹 Col. J. B. Rasbach (USA) – His rank and presence aboard suggest involvement in transatlantic military affairs or diplomatic missions.
🔹 Lt. Col. Milton D. Purvis (USA) – Another high-ranking military official, reinforcing the ship’s role in government travel.
These individuals highlight the importance of transatlantic travel for U.S. military operations, diplomacy, and post-war European engagement.
🎓 Academics & Religious Figures
🔹 Prof. Roy P. Fairfield – Likely an esteemed American professor, contributing to international academic exchange.
🔹 Prof. J. Dean McCrary – His presence suggests cross-cultural collaboration between Europe and the U.S.
🔹 Rev. William H. Shannon – A religious leader, potentially traveling for missionary work or theological studies.
🔹 Rev. Victor F. Wright – Another notable religious figure, possibly engaged in ecclesiastical affairs in Europe.
🔹 Sister M. Raphaelita Whalen & Sister Mary Brown – Representing the Catholic Church, likely traveling for humanitarian missions or religious duties.
The presence of clergymen, nuns, and scholars highlights the religious and intellectual exchanges occurring between Europe and the U.S. during the 1950s.
🎭 Cultural & Entertainment Figures
🔹 Hansmartin Buchmann – Likely a European musician, artist, or cultural scholar, representing transatlantic cultural exchanges.
🔹 Helene Budabin – Possibly a literary or theatrical figure, indicative of the era’s growing artistic collaborations between the U.S. and Europe.
These names underscore the ship’s role in fostering artistic, cultural, and intellectual exchange.
🌍 Immigration & Post-War Migration Trends
A significant number of Italian and Eastern European names suggest post-war migration and family reunification.
Jewish and Eastern European names reflect the continued movement of Holocaust survivors and displaced persons seeking new lives in America.
The presence of academics, military personnel, and immigrants encapsulates the era's defining characteristics—Cold War tensions, diplomatic travels, and mass European migration to the U.S.
The SS Independence: A Mid-Century Ocean Liner Icon 🚢💎
The SS Independence was one of the most elegant and technologically advanced ocean liners of the post-war era.
- Launched: 1950
- Operator: American Export Lines
- Capacity: Over 1,000 passengers
Notable Features:
🔹 Fully air-conditioned cabins – A rarity for the time.
🔹 Elegant art deco interiors with plush furnishings.
🔹 Luxury-class accommodations with gourmet dining options.
🔹 Multiple classes, including Cabin Class, catering to elite and middle-class travelers alike.
This passenger list illustrates the SS Independence’s adaptability—accommodating wealthy vacationers, intellectuals, and immigrants alike.
Noteworthy Images from This Passenger List 📸
1️⃣ Front Cover of the Passenger List
🔹 Featuring the American Export Lines red flag logo, symbolizing mid-century maritime prestige.
🔹 GGA Image ID # 19f4b2d27c
2️⃣ 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 # 19f446a75f
Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians, and Genealogists 📚
This passenger list serves as an essential historical document, capturing a pivotal moment in transatlantic travel.
🔹 For Teachers & Students –
🔹 Illustrates Cold War-era migration and diplomacy.
🔹 Offers insight into the role of ocean liners in global history.
🔹 For Genealogists –
🔹 Provides detailed records of individuals, helping trace family histories.
🔹 Documents key figures from religious, academic, and military backgrounds.
🔹 For Historians –
🔹 Highlights the evolution of transatlantic travel before the jet age.
🔹 Reflects post-war migration patterns and international relations.
🔹 For Maritime Enthusiasts –
🔹 Offers a glimpse into the final golden age of luxury ocean liners.
🔹 Showcases the technological innovations of mid-century passenger ships.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters ⚓✨
The SS Independence’s Cabin Class voyage on August 14, 1954, stands as a historical marker of a transitional era—one where ocean travel was still dominant but beginning to be challenged by the rise of commercial aviation.
✔ Highlights the increasing affordability and accessibility of ocean travel.
✔ Features a diverse range of passengers, from diplomats to immigrants.
✔ Captures a moment in time before the decline of ocean liner dominance.
✔ Offers historical context for Cold War-era migration and diplomacy.
This passenger list is an invaluable artifact, providing a firsthand look at the global movement of people in the mid-20th century. ⚓✨
