Seven Days in the Shadows: A Former German Stewardess Stows Away to America (1922)

In 1922, Christiana Wilhelmina Ida Klingemann, a former German stewardess, survived seven days buried in a ship’s ballast while stowing away to America. Fleeing post-WWI hardship, she hoped to reunite with relatives but faced deportation upon arrival. Discover this astonishing true story of resilience, migration, and maritime daring.

The pluck and cleverness shown by Miss Christiana Wilhelmina Ida Klingemann, 41 years old, of Berlin, Germany, in digging herself in among 200 tons of gravel ballast down No. 7 hold aft on the White Star Liner Pittsburgh and remaining below for seven days and nights were related yesterday to the reporters when the liner arrived at Pier 59, North River, from Bremen.

During that time, the woman subsisted on black bread and sausages and quenched her thirst with a large bottle of vinegar and water. When the supply was exhausted, and the stowaway felt that the vessel was well on her way to New York, she knocked at the hatch covers with the empty bottle until one of the steerage passengers heard the noise and called the attention of the stewards, who reported it to the Chief Officer.

The German woman could walk on deck and tell her story despite having been practically a week down in the hold. She had a canvas bag with a change of linen, some extra stockings, and a man's suit, in which she had expected to make her escape after the Pittsburgh had arrived at her pier in New York.

Miss Klingemann, who appeared to be an intelligent woman, said that she had served eight years as a stewardess on the Hamburg-American liners in the New York service before the war. Since the armistice, she said things had gone from bad to worse in Germany, and it was difficult to earn enough money to buy food and clothing.

She had to support an invalid widowed mother and brother. She had decided to come to America to join relatives living in California. There are three cousins, she added, one of these, Emil Masserbach, a school teacher at Petaluma, had promised to pay her fare across the continent if she could reach Ellis Island and be admitted.

She made a previous attempt when she stowed away on the Hamburg-American liner Wuerttemburg and was sent back to Germany. She carried no passport but had an identification card and a book showing her service as a stewardess.

Several people have taken an interest in her case and will endeavor today to get the Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island, Robert E. Tod, to permit her to land. They will also find her work so she can send money to her family.

"Former German Stewardess Turned Stowaway on Steamship," in The New York Times, December 13, 1922

Recap and Summary of "Former German Stewardess Turned Stowaway on Steamship (1922)" 🚢🕵️‍♀️💼

This remarkable and daring story follows Christiana Wilhelmina Ida Klingemann, a 41-year-old former German stewardess, who stowed away in a ship’s ballast hold for seven days to reach America. Her story is not just one of survival but a testament to the extreme lengths people went to escape post-World War I hardships in Germany.

Unlike many stowaways, Klingemann had once worked on transatlantic liners and was well-versed in ship operations. Her prior experience enabled her to hide strategically among 200 tons of gravel ballast aboard the White Star Liner Pittsburgh. Armed only with black bread, sausages, and a bottle of vinegar and water, she endured nearly a week in the dark hold before finally knocking on the hatch covers to signal for help.

Her case drew sympathy from passengers and crew, particularly as she had relatives in California willing to support her. However, having previously been deported after stowing away on another ship, she risked being sent back to Germany again—a fate that hung in the balance as immigration officials deliberated over her future.

Relevance to Ocean Travel and Historical Significance 🌍🚢

Klingemann’s bold attempt to reach America offers valuable insights into migration patterns, maritime travel, and post-war economic desperation. Her story is particularly relevant for:

Teachers & Students 📚 – A real-life case study of post-World War I immigration struggles, gender roles in maritime work, and transatlantic migration challenges.

Genealogists 🧬 – Provides insight into less-documented stories of German immigrants and deportation cases, particularly those who attempted multiple times to enter the U.S.

Historians 🏛️ – Highlights the aftermath of WWI in Germany, including the dire economic conditions that drove many to extreme measures to seek a better life.

Maritime Enthusiasts ⚓ – Showcases the ingenuity and knowledge required to successfully stow away on a transatlantic liner, especially by someone familiar with ship operations.

Most Engaging Content ✨

🔹 Seven Days Buried in a Ship’s Gravel Ballast ⏳ – Klingemann hid among 200 tons of gravel for a full week, surviving on minimal rations in total darkness. This highlights the extreme conditions stowaways endured and her incredible determination.

🔹 A Former Ship Stewardess Becomes a Stowaway 🛳️ – Unlike most stowaways, Klingemann was highly experienced in maritime operations. Her knowledge of ships likely helped her evade detection, making her one of the most resourceful stowaways of the era.

🔹 A Previous Failed Attempt at Stowing Away ⚠️ – This was not her first attempt—she had previously been deported after trying to enter the U.S. aboard the Hamburg-American liner Wuerttemburg. Her persistence and desperation make this story even more compelling.

🔹 A Disguise Plan That Never Happened 🎭 – She had brought a man’s suit in her bag, intending to blend in and escape once the ship docked in New York. However, she was discovered before she could carry out her plan.

🔹 A Fight for Compassion at Ellis Island 🏛️ – Klingemann’s story drew sympathy from passengers and crew, and several supporters attempted to convince immigration officials to allow her to stay. Would the U.S. make an exception, or send her back once again?

This thrilling and deeply human story showcases the resilience of those seeking a new life, while also highlighting the strict immigration policies that often crushed those dreams. It remains a powerful historical account for anyone interested in maritime history, migration struggles, and daring escape attempts. 🚢🌍📜