The S.S. United States, the 'Greyhound of the Seas'
The S.S. United States, the 'Greyhound of the Seas'
This vessel was a source of real national pride, especially after her Atlantic crossing record of 41 mph. She fell on hard times with the advent of jet air travel.
When we moved to Virginia in 1991, I remember my first glimpse of her tied up at the Newport News Coal Terminal, still beautiful but neglected, her paint faded. Shortly thereafter, she was auctioned at the courthouse steps and later towed to the Black Sea for asbestos removal. She's been layberthed at Philadelphia for many years now awaiting restoration.
The Newport News Daily Press has a good article on her current status.
http://www.dailypress.com/business/ports/dp-nws-ss-unitedstates-update-20141215-story.html
This vessel was a source of real national pride, especially after her Atlantic crossing record of 41 mph. She fell on hard times with the advent of jet air travel.
When we moved to Virginia in 1991, I remember my first glimpse of her tied up at the Newport News Coal Terminal, still beautiful but neglected, her paint faded. Shortly thereafter, she was auctioned at the courthouse steps and later towed to the Black Sea for asbestos removal. She's been layberthed at Philadelphia for many years now awaiting restoration.
The Newport News Daily Press has a good article on her current status.
http://www.dailypress.com/business/ports/dp-nws-ss-unitedstates-update-20141215-story.html
This interests me. I recently found an old piece of my parents' mail with a postmark from the ship. I need to look at it again now!
ReplyDeleteNow that is interesting, Ann Kennedy! There are a lot of interesting resources about the ship to be found online, including photos of the "Big U" in service. Who knows, you might find your folks dining at the Captain's Table!
ReplyDeleteMike Martin No, the mail was sent to my parents from friends who were on the ship:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this historic old ship has not been scrapped. Maybe the SS United States can serve as a tourist attraction and hotel like the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.
ReplyDeleteAnn Kennedy - Even so, your parents had interesting friends!
ReplyDeletecatman916 - Susan Gibbs, daughter of the ship's designer is leading a conservancy effort for the ship: http://www.ssusc.org/