The Heiress Stowaway: How a Society Girl Escaped Hawaii’s Post-War Travel Crisis (1919)

Stranded in Hawaii after World War I, Josephine Well, a wealthy socialite, took matters into her own hands—by stowing away on the S.S. Venezuela. Rather than disgrace, her bold move earned her admiration and celebrity status. Discover this incredible true story of privilege, rebellion, and trans-Pacific travel in 1919.

Miss Well, Marooned in Hawaii, Hides Herself in Steamer Venezuela. Iron County Register, 1919. GGA Image ID # 19f7eeaa35

Appears Out at Sea

Daughter of Illinois Lawyer is Heroine of Remarkable Experience -- Appeals for Relief Failed to Secure Passage for Her.

Peoria, Illinois

Playing the unique role of society girl stowaway, Miss Josephine Well, daughter of Joseph Well, prominent in legal and political circles here, gave the brilliant set a distinct shock when she related her extraordinary experience following her arrival home from San Francisco.

Stories of travel among the languorous islands of the southern Pacific Ocean always have an appeal. Still, the interpolation of a society girl stowaway is so far out of the ordinary that even the most captious and story-surfeited globe trotted will give attention to the remarkable narrative of the Peoria maiden.

Mrs. Well and her daughter left Peoria in May for California and, after a short stay on the coast, sailed for Honolulu.

All Large Steamships Commandeered

When they were ready to return to the States, they were startled by the information that the United States government had commandeered all of the larger steamships for the return of troops. The smaller steamships had reached the limit of their accommodations, and reservations were made months ahead.

Diligent efforts upon Congressman Ireland of the Peoria district followed cabled appeals for relief. He was advised that 670 Americans, including Mrs. Well and her daughter, were anxious to return home to Honolulu.

The only response was a message from Governor McCarthy of Hawaii stating that they could not procure passage much before October.

Miss Josephine was much disturbed by this situation. She is a student at an eastern college and is anxious to commence her school duties.

Decides on Stowaway Role

Becoming convinced that it was impossible to obtain a passage before fall, Miss Well, with the approval of her mother, decided upon the role of a stowaway.

She was well supplied with money and seized an opportunity to enter the hold a few hours before the steamer Venezuela cast off. She appeared much begrimed and proffered the captain the money usually required for passage across.

She hid in a nook until the vessel was out of sight of land, and there was no chance to set her on shore again.

There was nothing to do but accept the money and the situation with the best grace possible. The captain gave Miss Well quarters with the purser's wife, and the journey was agreeable.

The other passengers lionized her for her nerve and originality. They believed she had the distinction of being the first society girl stowaway in the history of ocean-going vessels.

Miss Well will be the heroine at the round of social events here before she leaves for the eastern school. Her mother was apprised of her daughter's safe arrival home, and the former cabled that she expects to sail from Honolulu sometime in September.

"Society Girl As Stowaway," in the Iron County Register, Ironton, Missouri, Thursday, 25 September 1919, p. 7, c. 3.

Recap and Summary of "Society Girl as Stowaway (1919)" 🎭🚢💃

This extraordinary story follows Josephine Well, the daughter of a prominent Illinois lawyer, who found herself stranded in Hawaii after all major passenger steamers were commandeered for the return of U.S. troops after World War I. Frustrated by the lack of available transport and unwilling to wait months for a proper passage, Josephine made the bold decision to stow away aboard the S.S. Venezuela—making her one of the most daring high-society stowaways of her time.

Josephine’s story is particularly engaging because it challenges the traditional image of a stowaway. Unlike many cases where stowaways were desperate immigrants or fugitives, she came from wealth and privilege, making her adventure more of a rebellious act of defiance rather than one of necessity.

Relevance to Ocean Travel and Historical Significance 🌊🚢

This article is valuable for multiple audiences, including:

Teachers & Students 📚 – Showcases the post-World War I travel crisis, gender expectations, and the resourcefulness of women in an era where independence was limited.

Genealogists 🧬 – Provides insight into wealthy American families' travel patterns and trans-Pacific migration in the early 20th century.

Historians 🏛️ – Highlights the impact of military priorities on civilian ocean travel, illustrating how wartime resource allocation affected global mobility.

Maritime Enthusiasts ⚓ – Offers an intriguing look at stowaways on passenger ships and the role of captains in handling unexpected passengers.
Most Engaging Content ✨

🔹 Stranded in Hawaii Due to War Efforts 🌺 – The commandeering of ocean liners for returning U.S. troops left hundreds of Americans marooned in Hawaii. This gives a unique perspective on how war affects civilian travel.

🔹 A High-Society Stowaway? Unheard Of! 🎭 – Unlike typical stowaways, Josephine was not running from poverty or persecution. Her boldness and privilege make her story a fascinating deviation from the usual stowaway narratives.

🔹 The Captain’s Dilemma ⚓ – Once at sea, the captain had no choice but to accept Josephine as a passenger. Her offer to pay for passage challenges the very notion of what a stowaway is—was she truly breaking the rules if she intended to pay all along?

🔹 Instant Celebrity Status 🌟 – Rather than being scorned or punished, Josephine was celebrated by fellow passengers for her daring move. She returned home as a heroine, proving that social class shaped how acts of defiance were perceived.

Noteworthy Images🖼

📷 "Miss Well, Marooned in Hawaii, Hides Herself in Steamer Venezuela." – This evocative image highlights the contrast between her refined background and her unexpected predicament, reinforcing the drama of her escape from Hawaii.

📷 "Daughter of Illinois Lawyer is Heroine of Remarkable Experience." – The wording in the caption reflects how her privileged background shaped the public’s reaction, turning what might have been a scandal into a celebrated adventure.

This unconventional stowaway tale offers a fresh perspective on post-war travel restrictions, gender roles, and social class dynamics—making it a must-read for history and maritime enthusiasts alike. 🚢💃✨