American Merchant Lines Archival Collection

In the fall of 1923, the Shipping Board disposed of several United States Lines vessels, including some sold to the Dollar Line. To replace these, the Shipping Board acquired five transport ships from the Army Transport Service. These were reconditioned and run as the American Merchant Lines under the management of J. H. Winchester and Company.

American Merchant Lines operated transatlantic services between the ports of New York, Plymouth, and London They uniquely named their vessels -- all starting with the word "American" followed by other common merchant terms including Banker, Farmer, Merchant, Shipper, Trader.

They sailed from Chelsea Piers, Pier 7, North River, New York, every Thursday direct from New York to London. These Piers were close to Pennsylvania Railroad and Grad Central Stations at the Foot of 18th Street.

Passengers were met at the Royal Albert Docks in London by Saloon Motor Coaches and Baggage Lorries that convey the passengers and baggage to Hearns Motor Coach Station, 234 Gray's Inn Road, London W.C.1 where luggage was sorted.

In 1924, services previously operated by five managing agents and the United States Lines from North Atlantic ports to the United Kingdom were consolidated under the management of two companies, one covering the east coast of the United Kingdom and the other the west coast of the UK and Irish ports.

The services to the east coast of the UK were given the trade name "American Merchant Lines" and those to the west coast of the United Kingdom and Irish ports the name "Oriole Lines." (Note 1)

During 1930, The United States Shipping Lines advertisements offered New York to London weekly service by five well-made ships of the American Merchant Lines for $100.

The Five Ships were the American Banker, American Merchant, American Importer, American Shipper, and American Trader.

Explore the American Merchant Lines, a transatlantic shipping service that operated between New York and London (1923–1938). Discover passenger lists, vintage menus, brochures, and ephemera from ships like the SS American Banker, American Trader, and American Shipper. Learn about budget-friendly ocean travel, luxurious farewell dinners, and weekly sailings for just $100.

Recap and Summary of the American Merchant Lines Archival Collection

The American Merchant Lines was a significant transatlantic shipping service operating between New York and London from the early 1920s through the mid-1930s. Established in 1923, it was created when the United States Shipping Board restructured its fleet, acquiring five transport ships from the Army Transport Service and repurposing them for commercial passenger and cargo service. Managed by J. H. Winchester and Company, this line provided affordable, weekly transatlantic crossings, making it a favored choice among travelers looking for a budget-friendly way to cross the Atlantic.

Key Features of the American Merchant Lines

1. Route and Service Excellence
   • Operated weekly direct sailings from Chelsea Piers (Pier 7, North River) in New York to Royal Albert Docks in London.
   • Provided seamless transportation for passengers from the dock in London to the city via Saloon Motor Coaches and Baggage Lorries.
   • The "Oriole Lines" operated alongside the American Merchant Lines, serving the west coast of the UK and Irish ports.
2. Fleet and Naming Tradition
   • The American Merchant Lines fleet followed a unique naming convention—each ship’s name started with "American", followed by a merchant-related word, reinforcing the line’s connection to trade and commerce.
   • The five primary vessels were:
     • SS American Banker
     • SS American Merchant
     • SS American Importer
     • SS American Shipper
     • SS American Trader
   • These ships were reconditioned former transport vessels, outfitted to provide a comfortable yet economical transatlantic experience.
3. Affordable Travel for All
   • In 1930, American Merchant Lines offered transatlantic crossings for just $100, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel between New York and London.
   • The service was especially popular among students, emigrants, and budget-conscious travelers.
4. Passenger Experience & Onboard Life
   • The ephemera collection includes passenger lists, menus, brochures, and passage contracts, providing a glimpse into the experience aboard these ships.
   • The menus reflect the cuisine of the time, with elegant multi-course meals, including:
     • Broiled Bluefish, Sauce Tartare and Baked Meat Pie (1929)
     • Prime Ribs of Beef, Saddle of Lamb, Green Apple Pie à la Mode (1929)
     • Long Island Duckling, Spaghetti à la Caruso, and Chocolate Éclairs (1934)
   • Farewell dinners were a highlight, featuring autographed menus from guests and a carefully curated meal before disembarkation.
5. Most Interesting Historical Aspects
   • The merging of five separate shipping services under American Merchant Lines in 1924 showcases the economic and logistical challenges of post-WWI transatlantic travel.
   • The brochures and advertisements (1932) emphasized the comfort and affordability of an "economical way to Europe," marketing the line to cost-conscious travelers.
   • The first voyage of the SS American Shipper in 1929 was an important milestone, marking the maiden journey of one of the fleet’s most distinguished vessels.