Fabre Line Archives: Mediterranean Passenger Lists & Transatlantic Travel History

(Compagnie Française de Navigation à Vapeur Cyprien Fabre)

The First Cabin Service maintained by the Fabre Line between New York and Providence and the Azores and Lisbon, and the Mediterranean ports, Algiers, Naples, Villefranche (port of Nice, Riviera) and Marseilles is, without doubt, the most unique and attractive afforded by any regular Mediterranean Line.

The steamships that comprise the present express passenger fleet have all been constructed since 1902 with particular regard to the requirements of Mediterranean travel are all staunch, trim and fast, and equipped with all modern safeguards.

History of the Fabre Line

Fabre Line, inaugurated in 1881, is the oldest steamship line in the Mediterranean Trade. Our safety record has been exemplary, as we have not had a single loss of life or injury to any passenger due to accidents of the sea, the Company's steamers, or the officers in charge.

The success and present popularity of the Fabre Line has been due entirely to the service provided towards its patrons at all times. The high standing attained has been realized because of the actual quality and merit of services rendered.

Testimonials from satisfied patrons have been the only advertisement for the Fabre Line for many years. Their testimate of their pleasant experiences on the Company's steamers have been spread by word-of-mouth to their friends.

It has always been a constant endeavor of the Fabre Line to give its new patrons the same impressions received by their friends. In return, we have received high praise from our passengers.

All servants of the Company are well trained with implicit instructions on providing the highest level of service, both aboard and ashore, striving to give their best efforts towards perfection.

The administration feels that its efforts have been highly successful, with its rapidly growing popularity proves its modern ideas have been understood and appreciated.

-- Fabre Line (1913)

Recap and Summary of the Fabre Line Archival Collection

The Fabre Line Archival Collection presents a remarkable historical account of one of the most unique Mediterranean transatlantic shipping lines. Founded in 1881, the Compagnie Française de Navigation à Vapeur Cyprien Fabre (commonly known as the Fabre Line) played a crucial role in connecting North America with Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. This collection offers a wealth of historical documentation, including passenger lists, travel routes, and promotional materials, which make it an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, teachers, students, and maritime enthusiasts.

 

This archive is especially useful for:

• Genealogists – The passenger lists provide vital records of immigrants traveling from France, Italy, Greece, and the Middle East to North America, making it an essential tool for family history research.
• Historians – Documents the growth of Mediterranean transatlantic travel, emphasizing migration, commerce, and early 20th-century tourism.
• Teachers & Students – A primary source for studying early passenger experiences, maritime safety, and immigration patterns between Europe and the Americas.
• Maritime Enthusiasts – Highlights the evolution of Mediterranean ocean liners, showcasing their routes, safety records, and onboard experiences.

 

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Notable and Most Interesting Content

1. Passenger List – TSS Sant Anna (June 17, 1913)

• Why it’s interesting: This document records a pre-World War I transatlantic journey, offering a snapshot of passenger demographics before global conflicts reshaped migration patterns.
• Relevance: Essential for genealogical research, especially for those tracing Southern European ancestors who immigrated to the U.S. before the restrictive Immigration Act of 1924.

 

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2. Special Winter Voyage – TSS Canada (April 16, 1914)

• Why it’s interesting: This seasonal luxury voyage from New York to the Mediterranean highlights the era's fascination with ocean travel as a leisure activity, catering to wealthier passengers.
• Relevance: Provides a cultural perspective on elite winter cruising traditions before commercial aviation made such journeys more accessible.

 

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3. Passenger List – SS Patria (February 11, 1928)

• Why it’s interesting: This ship sailed from Marseilles to New York via Naples and Palermo, making it significant for Italian and French immigrants during the 1920s immigration wave.
• Relevance: Helps genealogists and immigration historians understand migration flows from Southern Europe to the U.S. in the years following World War I.

 

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4. Passenger List – SS Providence (July 2, 1929)

• Why it’s interesting: The most extensive route in the collection, covering stops in Boston, Lisbon, Naples, Piraeus (Athens), Beirut, and Malta, reflecting the Fabre Line’s Mediterranean reach.
• Relevance: Offers insight into the economic and cultural exchanges between Mediterranean ports and North America, useful for both economic historians and genealogy researchers.

 

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5. Passenger List – SS Alesia (June 19, 1930)

• Why it’s interesting: This far-reaching transatlantic route included stops in Ponta Delgada, Madeira, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Haifa, and Beirut, serving passengers from Greece, the Middle East, and North Africa.
• Relevance: Demonstrates the Fabre Line’s role in Middle Eastern migration, particularly among Jewish, Lebanese, and Greek immigrants relocating to North America.

 

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Historical Importance of the Fabre Line

The Fabre Line was one of the most distinct transatlantic steamship companies, offering both immigrant transport and luxury travel. The company:

• Operated with an exemplary safety record, never losing a passenger due to maritime accidents.
• Focused on passenger comfort and Mediterranean tourism, competing with larger lines while maintaining a boutique, personalized service.
• Played a crucial role in immigration, particularly for French, Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern migrants traveling to North America in the early 20th century.

 

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Final Thoughts

The Fabre Line Archival Collection is a priceless historical resource for those researching transatlantic migration, Mediterranean tourism, and the evolution of passenger steamships. The detailed passenger lists, unique routes, and maritime history make this collection an indispensable tool for genealogists, historians, and educators alike.