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Along the Waterfront.... S.S. United States

Ron J

Active member
Here is an old photo, circa mid 1950, showing the S.S. United States Liner cruising by the Nantucket Lightship. A Lightship was a stationary vessel, anchored at most likely a dangerous Shoal, similar to a Lighthouse, but unable to build a Lighthouse on that location. The Lightship was manned by a crew of 10 to 12 on average, and NOT allowed to leave position, regardless of Weather. Quite a few were struck and even sunk. As this photo demonstrates how close Vessels came into striking distance, and the difference in size. This Lightship is 149 ft in length.... The Ocean liner is a little longer...wouldn't you say??
This was a time, with no GPS. When Ocean liners left Europe, they would set their course to the Nantucket Lightship, off the Coast of the United States. Once the destination was seen, (Lightship), the Liner would continue to Boston, or head South to New York Harbor. So you see, The Nantucket Lightship was actually like a "Gateway" to the United States. Of course We only hear of the Statue Of Liberty, being the first thing passengers remember seeing of the U.S.
By the way, The S.S. United States held the Speed Record for ocean liners, crossing the Atlantic. The Vessel still exists by a non profit group hoping to keep it afloat as a museum and Hotel? The Nantucket Lightship LV 112, also is still around, also a floating Museum, berthed in East Boston.
Rj :usaflag:
 
The type of ships we have now are always breaking down and folks get sick riding on them. I am glad that museums are being made from them. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
i have relaitives who were on the ship to cross the atlantic...in fact im sure we have the same exact postcard at my mom's...
we crossed on the french ship Liberte...i recall it took like 6 days and we were mostly seasick....did see flying fish alongside the ship....and i do recall watch a movie on board (huck Finn i think) never saw the statue of liberty...too foggy....we did see the lightship during the day and the tugboats parked the ocean liner in NYC....
 
most of us were born in Marseille, France and of Armenian ancestry...dad was born in Armenia and was an orphan of the geneocide..Look up Armenian Genocide sometimes.
 
of the Armenian Genocide, that this could be made mention of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Genocide This is a sad story and not much is ever said about it. Kelley (Texas) :(
 
didnt mean to get the Digital Photograply forum sidetracked.
 
I dont wish to take space here......ill send you a PM about it
 
When I first looked at the photo Ron I thought the boat was in front of the cruiser, then thought it was hidden behind it, and finally, after looking away for a second, saw it in the upper left. :biggrin: And with the distance between the 2, it must have been a ride for the SS United State's crew when a big ship like the one in the photo passed by.
 
i may be totally wrong,but i think the ss united states is presently docked on the delaware river in philadelphia pa just north of the walt whitman bridge... or there is one there that looks identical to it....
 
Trying to save it, possibly making it into a hotel. Years ago, they auctioned off all Her furniture, and hardware.
 
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