In This Issue

Here we are at the end of a year again. This year, 2016, flew by. It seems only a few weeks ago that I was enjoying tomatoes picked fresh in my garden.

Among the selected articles featured is an enjoyable record: Third, Second and First Class as described by Dr. C. H. Beaumont, Surgeon on RMS Majestic (II). It is an entertaining read and amazing how times have changed. Dr. Beaumont was for many years one of the principal medical officers of the White Star Line. In his trips over decades on Cretic, Celtic, Majestic (I), Oceanic (II), Olympic, Britannic (II), Cymric, Cedric, Megantic and Majestic (II), he made many friends. Excerpted from his book, Ships and People, published circa 1927, Dr. Beaumont’s experiences and his own observations of passenger habits, immigrant cultures and customs that he encountered in all classes is fascinating. Nothing has been edited or revised to be politically correct. His take on the first few decades of the 20th century provides a glimpse into the social history of that era.

The Rise and Fall of Pier 54 and the Chelsea Piers — The 1908 Annual Report, City of New York stated: The Chelsea Piers were distinctive — the most modern structural and mechanical innovations combined with ornamental pier shed facades. “More elaborate from an architectural point of view than any other built in the city of New York…”

A huge lake extends across the borders between Bolivia and Peru high in the Andes — Lake Titicaca — one of the largest lakes in South America, more than 115 miles in length and over fifty miles across at its widest point. Although over 12,500 feet above sea level and at least 200 miles from the coast, it is also home to a small fleet of ships which makes it the highest navigable waterway in the world. Steamer Sails on Lofty Mountains, Built in England and Carried Up the Andes describes how it was done.

On the subject of the THS, since the death of our founder, Ed Kamuda, the THS is transitioning which means adding more officers, expanding our operations and asking members for suggestions. We have a unique email address: thsfuture@earthlink.net for you to send in your ideas. Our thanks to those who have offered their proposals. As an invitation and description, we are repeating Our THS: A Future of Endless Possibilities.

Noting how time flies, THS’s 55th birthday is in 2018. Our next convention is planned for August 2018. Mark that on your calendar. Details will follow as they develop.

Contents

Third, Second and First Class
By Dr. J. C. H. Beaumont
Third Class
Second Class
First Class

Book Reviews
RMS Olympic, Titanic’s Sister By Mark Chirnside, reviewed by Tad Fitch.
RMS Titanic: The Wider Story By Patrick Mylon, reviewed by Ray Lepien.

Race Point — A Picture in History

Steamer Sails on Lofty Mountains
Adapted from Everett’s Encyclopedia of Useful Knowledge

The Rise and Fall of Pier 54 and the Chelsea Piers
From Ed Kamuda’s files

Sea Poste: Reply to Senan Molony re: article about photo; support THS with Amazon Smile; Thank You letter for the THS convention; information about a chapel in Back Bay, Boston; what is the average length of service for an ocean liner?

Our THS: A Future of Endless Possibilities
By Paul Burns

Vintage Vignettes: Baltic Cutaway

Covers: Front and Back cover: Sailing Day in New York: Photos by Dean Porter