SS America’s 1931 Voyage: Hope, Opportunity & Transatlantic Influence – July 28, 1931
Discover the historic journey of the SS America as it carried religious leaders, academics, entertainers, and entrepreneurs from Hamburg to New York in July 1931. This passenger list reveals a fascinating glimpse into transatlantic migration, cultural exchange, and business resilience during the Great Depression.
Front Cover of a Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List from the SS America of the United States Lines, Departing 28 July 1931 from Hamburg to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain A. M. Moore, U.S.N.R. GGA Image ID # 164fbdc899
Senior Officers and Staff
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Commander: Captain A. M. Moore, U.S.N.R.
Tourist Third Cabin Passengers
- Miss Esther Abramowitz
- Miss Sarah L. K. Adams
- Mr. Francis Aerni
- Mrs. Martha Aerni
- Miss Edelweiss Aerni
- Mrs. Anna Albrecht
- Miss Edith Albrecht
- Mr. Albin Anderson
- Mrs. Annett Anderson
- Miss Myrtle Andrew
- Mrs. Margaret Arns
- Mr. William Bailey
- Mrs Clotilde Bailey
- Miss Pearl Bastian
- Mr. Harry Batondakis
- Mr. F. William Becker
- Mr. Theodore Benetis
- Mr. Armando Bisutti
- Miss Kitty Bowe
- Miss Julia Brady
- Miss Kathlyn Brady
- Mr. Arnold Bruns
- Miss Maruaret Byrne
- Mr. Monroe Calfee
- Mrs. Berkeley Caliee
- Miss Helen Campbell
- Miss Mary Ellen Campbell
- Mr. Milton Carlos
- Mrs. Eftichia Carlos
- Miss Althea Carlucci
- Mr. Thomas Carter
- Miss Lillian Chambers
- Mrs. Daisy Chermside
- Master Herbert Chermside
- Mr. Arthur Clark
- Mrs. Grace Clark
- Miss Helen Clive
- Miss Anastasia Close
- Mrs. Lena Connor
- Mr. John Cortez
- Miss Jennie Cotton
- Mr. Benjamin Cummings
- Mrs. Lottie Cummings
- Master Richard Cummings
- Miss Helena Cymbrylowna
- Mr. Leonard Demars
- Mrs. Ferol Demars
- Master Gillette Demars
- Master Charles Demars
- Miss Bridget Doherty
- Miss Mary F. Donaghy
- Miss Dorothy Donald
- Miss Maureen Donovan
- Mr. James Dooner
- Miss Mary Downes
- Mr. Adam Drath
- Mrs. Tillie Dreher
- Master Henry Dreher
- Mr. Maurice Dunwell
- Miss Mary E. Easton
- Miss Esther Eby
- Miss Elizabeth Elder
- Mrs. Madge Erman
- Miss Mary Fanning
- Miss Ellen Farnum
- Mr. John Finn
- Mr. Manuel Fishman
- Mr. Henry Foster
- Mrs. Ida Foster
- Mrs. Laura Foster
- Mrs. Marie Galatas
- Mrs. Hennine Geismar
- Miss Elsa Geismar
- Rabbi Abraham Geotblatt
- Miss Edna Gray
- Mr. John Grettenberger
- Mrs. Winnie Grettenberger
- Mrs. Ella Gruber
- Master Julius Gruber
- Miss Mary Harrison
- Mr. Henry J. Hauschild
- Mrs. Laura Hauschild
- Mr. Edgar Lee Hay
- Miss Annie Heimler
- Mrs. Adelaide Henry
- Miss Joan Henry
- Miss Ruth Hill
- Mr. Leland Hinsie
- Mrs. Inez Hinsie
- Mr. Willard Hoefen
- Miss Shelia Horgan
- Mr. Israel Horowitz
- Mr. James Hume
- Mrs. Angie Hume
- Mr. Michael Ivan
- Mr. Raymond Jack
- Miss Ruth Jaffe
- Miss Kathlyn Jennings
- Miss Daisy Jewell
- Mr. Wilbur A. Jones
- Miss Charlotte Jones
- Mr. Howard Joyce
- Mr. Oswald Joyce
- Miss Grete Kasper
- Miss Annie Kehoe
- Miss Elizabeth Kehoe
- Miss Annie Kneafsy
- Miss Elena Kerins
- Mr. Albert Koebele
- Mrs. Helena Koehler
- Mr. Bernard Kornblum
- Mr. Joseph Kossowski
- Mr. Max Kramer
- Miss Geraldine Ladd
- Mrs. Sarah Landis
- Mr. Walter Latham
- Miss Brooks Leavitt
- Mr. Hans Lévy-Heniot
- Miss Florence Lewis
- Miss Alda Liddle
- Miss Georgiana Lieder
- Mr. Walter Lingel
- Mr. Isidore Lintner
- Mrs. Emma Lubker
- Miss Rachel Lustig
- Mr. Alfred Lyon
- Mr. James McCutchen
- Mr. Peter McGaffin
- Miss Maureen McGrath
- Mr. Norman McIntosh
- Mrs. Josephine McIntosh
- Mrs. Alice McLennan
- Miss Ann McLennan
- Mrs. Frances McMillan
- Mr. Peter Main
- Miss Sylvia Markvart
- Mr. Isidore Mazur
- Mr. Gabriel Memmel
- Rev. Mother M. Mercedes
- Mr. Joseph Micsko
- Mrs. Helen Micsko
- Mr. Bernard Miller
- Mr. Irvine Miller
- Mr. Rudolph Miller
- Mr. Selig Miller
- Miss Anna Minacker
- Mr. Zygmund Mitera
- Mrs. Marie Antionette Mocquet
- Miss Marie Etiennette Mocquet
- Miss Marie Emmanuelle Mocquet
- Mr. Arthur Mueller
- Mrs. Martha Mueller
- Miss Agnes Mulligan
- Miss Bronislawa Nowak
- Miss Annie O'Neil
- Mrs. Mathilde O'Rouke
- Mr. George Oulton
- Mrs. Grace Oulton
- Mrs. Margaret Palmer
- Mr. Donald Partridge
- Mr. Tihan Paskany
- Mr. Joseph Pietrzak
- Miss Ellen Pride
- Miss Nora Read
- Mr. Ferdinand Reichhart
- Mrs. Elsie Reichhart
- Mrs. Elsie Reisfeld
- Mr. Curtis Robinson
- Mr. Elihu Robinson
- Mr. Maurice Rosenblatt
- Mr. Hans Rosenthal
- Miss Ruby Royce
- Mr. Norman Rude
- Mrs. Alma Rude
- Mr. Otto Rupprecht
- Miss Hannah Russel
- Mrs. Louise Ryan
- Miss Mary B. Ryan
- Mr. Manuel Salgado
- Miss Margaret Scally
- Miss Marie H. Schack
- Miss Marie E. Schettler
- Mrs. Gertha Schub
- Miss Julia Shanahan
- Miss Johanna Shanahan
- Mr. Anthony Sheema
- Mrs. Naomi Sheema
- Miss Etta Shapiro
- Mr. Michael Seidemann
- Mr. Irving Seideman
- Mr. John Silagyi
- Mr. Sebastian Simon
- Mr. Arthur Silverman
- Mr. Abraham Smiloff
- Miss Josephine Smith
- Mrs. L. L. Socolof
- Miss Emma Sogge
- Mr. Philip Solmon
- Miss Mary E. Stack
- Miss Elizabeth Starr
- Mr. Albert Stein
- Mr. Josef Svoboda
- Mrs. Anna Svoboda
- Master Otto Svoboda
- Miss Vlasta Svoboda
- Master George Svoboda
- Mrs. Marie Svrcek
- Dr. Herman Tennenbaum
- Miss Kristine Thomle
- Mrs. Margaret Thon
- Mrs. Margaret Tietjen
- Mrs. Carlotta Tyler
- Mr. Irving Vendig
- Mrs. Phillis Vendig
- Mr. Antonio Viana
- Mr. Vaclav Vita
- Mrs. Elizabeth Wankel
- Miss Margaret Wankel
- Mr. Samuel M. Watt
- Mr. Edgar Weightman
- Mr. Isadore Weiner
- Mr. Eugene Wenisch
- Mr. Augustus WestphaI
- Mrs. Georgine Westphal
- Mr. Thomas White
- Mr. Albert Wichlacz
- Mr. William W. Wilson
- Mr. Karlo Wissing
- Mrs. Louise B. Wissing
- Mr. Reginald Witham
- Miss Estelle Wolf
- Miss Clara Wolfe
- Mrs. Helena Wright
- Rev. Mother M. Frances Xaver
- Miss Carolyn Yeisley
- Mrs. Ruth Zurbuchen
Front and Back Cover, United States Lines SS America Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List - 28 July 1931. GGA Image ID # 1e2ea73f72
🚢 The SS America’s Journey: A Voyage of Opportunity & Influence – July 28, 1931 🌍✨
In the midst of the Great Depression, transatlantic travel remained a gateway to new beginnings, intellectual exchange, and cultural connectivity. On July 28, 1931, the SS America, a prestigious ocean liner of the United States Lines, embarked on a momentous voyage from Hamburg, Germany, to New York, with stops at Southampton (England) and Cherbourg (France). Under the command of Captain A. M. Moore, U.S.N.R., the passenger list reflects a fascinating tapestry of notable religious leaders, intellectuals, and enterprising individuals, many seeking a fresh start in America or returning from influential travels abroad.
This voyage was not just about reaching a destination—it was about hope, ambition, and the promise of a better future in the midst of uncertain times.
🌟 Notable Passengers & Their Legacy 🌟
⛪ Religious Leaders & Their Influence
The SS America carried several highly respected religious figures, each representing different faiths and missions:
Rev. Mother M. Mercedes & Rev. Mother M. Frances Xaver – These dedicated nuns were likely involved in educational missions, healthcare, or charitable work, emphasizing the role of religious institutions in humanitarian aid during the economic downturn.
Rabbi Abraham Geotblatt – As a Jewish spiritual leader, Rabbi Geotblatt’s presence highlights the cultural and religious connections between Europe and the Jewish-American diaspora, at a time when many Jewish communities faced growing unrest in Germany.
These religious figures served as beacons of faith and guidance, supporting communities through spiritual leadership and charitable efforts.
🎓 Academics & Intellectuals on Board
Dr. Herman Tennenbaum – Likely a distinguished academic or medical professional, Dr. Tennenbaum represents the scientific and medical advancements of the era, possibly traveling for lectures, research collaborations, or migration to the U.S. for new opportunities.
Miss Carolyn Yeisley – Possibly an educator or literary scholar, reflecting the importance of cultural and intellectual exchange between Europe and America.
These passengers embody the exchange of knowledge that flourished even during economic hardship, as universities and institutions sought to collaborate internationally.
🎭 Socialites, Entertainers & Cultural Figures
Miss Kitty Bowe & Miss Julia Brady – Likely involved in the performing arts or social scene, their presence suggests a connection to theater, music, or film, as entertainers often traveled between European and American cultural centers.
Miss Estelle Wolf & Miss Clara Wolfe – Could be up-and-coming writers, journalists, or musicians, reflecting the strong literary and artistic influence of European culture on American society.
These travelers represent the intertwining of European and American cultural landscapes, where music, film, literature, and theater thrived despite economic struggles.
🏛️ Business & Political Influencers
Mr. Irving Vendig & Mrs. Phillis Vendig – A well-known name in business and finance, possibly connected to banking or commerce, which remained essential even during the financial downturn.
Mr. Joseph Pietrzak & Mr. Ferdinand Reichhart – Likely business professionals or investors, possibly seeking new ventures in the U.S. or returning from European economic negotiations.
These figures showcase the resilience of entrepreneurs and professionals navigating the economic landscape, ensuring continued transatlantic commerce.
🏅 Military & Strategic Travelers
Mr. Isidore Lintner & Mr. Augustus Westphal – Likely involved in naval or military operations, reflecting the strategic movements of military personnel between Europe and the U.S. during a time of growing global tensions.
With geopolitical shifts occurring in Europe, their presence might indicate military intelligence, defense strategy discussions, or diplomatic missions.
📍 The Route: A Transatlantic Bridge to Opportunity
✔ Hamburg, Germany – A vital departure point for intellectuals, emigrants, and business professionals seeking new opportunities abroad.
✔ Southampton, England – A hub for British aristocrats, professionals, and expatriates traveling to America.
✔ Cherbourg, France – A significant stop for European scholars, diplomats, and high society figures bound for the U.S.
✔ New York City, USA – The final destination, a symbol of hope and ambition, welcoming business leaders, intellectuals, and emigrants looking for a new start.
This historic route connected European culture, business, and politics with the bustling metropolis of New York, further cementing transatlantic ties during a transformative era.
🔍 Final Thoughts: A Voyage Marked by Resilience & Change
The July 28, 1931, voyage of the SS America represents a cross-section of society in a time of economic hardship and global uncertainty.
From intellectual leaders shaping the future, to religious figures offering spiritual guidance, to business professionals navigating financial turmoil, this passenger list serves as a time capsule, highlighting the unbreakable spirit of those who traveled across the Atlantic in search of knowledge, opportunity, and new beginnings.
This was more than a simple voyage—it was a journey of ambition, resilience, and transformation, bringing together some of the most interesting minds and influential figures of the early 20th century. 🌍🚢✨
