RMS Olympic Archival Collection
White Star Line RMS Olympic Guided into Port by Tugboats K. Kirkham and Dowmer, 21 June 1911. Detroit Publishing Company. Library of Congress # 2016797108. GGA Image ID # 1d5609de12
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- The "First Lady" of the Sea
- Olympic (1911) White Star Line
- Passenger Lists
- Programs
- Immigrant Documents
- Excerpts from Information for Passengers
- Route Maps, Track Charts, Abstract of Logs
- Sailing Schedules
- Photographs
- Illustrations and Paintings
- Deck Plans
- Books
- Advertisements
- Services
The "First Lady" of the Sea
People are known by the company they keep. Ships are known by the people they attract.
The Olympic is the aristocrat of the sea—not only because of her proud record of accomplishment but also because of her patronage. Experienced travelers prefer this 46,500-ton ship of the Channel Squadron of the White Star Line.
The Olympic is typical of the ships of the White Star and associated lines in the complete range of her accommodations. She is distinctive in her uniformly high standard of service throughout—a service at the traveler's disposal at a minimum rate and of the occupant of her most palatial accommodations.
Olympic (1911) White Star Line
Built by Harland & Wolff, Ltd., Belfast, Ireland. Tonnage: 45,324. Dimensions: 852' x 92' (882' o.l.). Triple-screw, 23 knots. Triple expansion engines and one low pressure steam turbine. Two masts and four funnels. Laid down on December 16,1908. Launched, October 20,1910. Notes: From keel to top of funnels 175 feet. Navigating bridge was 104 feet above keel. Displacement of 60,000 tons. Draft of 34 feet. The promenade deck had an extreme breadth of 94 feet. The tower anchors weighed 7 1/2 tons each. The center anchor weighed 15 tons. Cost $7,500,000 to build. Passengers: 1,054 first, 510 second, 1,020 third. Crew numbered 860. Maiden voyage: Southampton-New York, June 14, 1911. Mishap: Rammed and holed by the British cruiser Hawke, September 20,1911, but was not seriously damaged. Post Titanic Changes: After the sinking of the Titanic, her construction was altered. The changes increased her tonnage to 46,439. WW1 Service: Served as a troopship in World War I. Post WW1 Service: Thoroughly reconditioned in 1921, including conversion to burning oil fuel. Mishap: She rammed and sunk the well-known lightship Nantucket off the New England coast, May 16, 1934, during a thick fog. The seven members of the lightship crew were lost. Fate: The great liner was withdrawn from service in March 1935 and sold to British shipbreakers later in the year. The scrapped hulk was finally dismantled in 1937. Sister ship: Titanic.
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Passenger Lists
1920-09-08 RMS Olympic Passenger List
Second Class Passenger List for the RMS Olympic of the White Star Line, Departing Wednesday, 8 September 1920 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Capt. Sir Bertram Hays.
1922-08-23 RMS Olympic Passenger List
Second Class Passenger List from the RMS Olympic of the White Star Line, Departing 23 August 1922 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain A. E. S. Hambelton, CBE, RD (Lt. Cdr. RNR, Retd.).
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Programs
1920-11-01 Grand Concert Program - RMS Olympic
Sister Ship of the RMS Titanic, The Olympic presented a Grand Concert to passengers in the Second Class to aid various seaman’s charities. It was held in the Second Class Saloon at 8:15 pm on Monday, 1 November 1920.
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Immigrant Documents
1921-09-29 Transmigrant Certificate, Third Class Passenger
Transmigrant Certificate, issued in 1921 to a third class passenger on the White Star Line RMS Olympic. It is intended as a health certificate notifying anyone that the carrier had been inspected, vaccinated, examined and vermin-free.
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Excerpts from Information for Passengers
The Bar opens at 8:00 am, and closes at 10:30 pm
Lights are extinguished in the Saloon at 11:00 pm, Library and Smoke Boom at 11.30 pm.
Baggage. Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Ship's Baggage Master. Trunks, Chairs, etc., which Passengers may desire to leave in charge of the Company, should be appropriately labeled and handed to the Baggage Master on the Wharf at New York, and such articles will he stored entirely at owner's risk. It is for Passengers themselves to see all their Baggage is passed by the U.S. Customs Authorities on landing.
Deck Chairs can be hired at a charge of 7/6 each for the voyage.
Steamer Rugs can be hired at a charge of 7/6 each for the voyage
The Surgeon is Authorized to Make Customary Charges, Subject in Each Case to the Approval of the Commander, for Treating Passengers at Their Request for Any Illness Not Originating on Board the Ship. In the Case of Sickness Developed on Board, No Charge Will Be Made, and Medicine Will Be Free in All Circumstances.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in any of the Staterooms, Library or Dining Saloon.
Postage Stamps can be obtained from the Saloon Steward in the Dining Saloon who will take charge of Cable Dispatches and Telegrams for Transmission.
Meals are not permitted to be served in the Library.
Second Class Passengers are not allowed in First or Third Class quarters.
Valuables. The White Star Line has provided a safe in the office of the Purser, in which Passengers may deposit money, jewels or ornaments for safe keeping. The Company will not be liable to Passengers for the loss of money, jewels, or ornaments by theft or otherwise not so deposited.
Exchange of Money. The Purser is prepared. for the convenience of Passengers, to exchange a limited amount of English and American money. at rates which will be advised on application.
The "Olympic" carries an Orchestra of skilled musicians, which will play daily at the undermentioned times and places :
- 10:00 am to 11:00 am : Second Class Companionway
- 7:30 pm to 8.30 pm : (outside Lounge)
All Public Telephones, With Booths and Operators, on our New York Piers.
RMS Olympic Passenger List -- 8 September 1920
SMOKING is strictly prohibited in any of the Staterooms, Reading and Writing Room, or Dining Saloon.
SEATS AT TABLE. Passengers who have not previously arranged for seats at table to be reserved should apply for same to the Saloon Steward.
LETTERS, ETC., FOR PASSENGERS will be brought on board before the passengers land. Passengers should personally ascertain whether there is any mail for them before disembarking and they are invited to leave their addresses with the Saloon Steward for any later dispatches to be re-directed. Postage Stamps can be obtained from the Saloon Steward, who will take charge of Cable Dispatches and Telegrams for transmission.
DECK CHAIRS and STEAMER RUGS can be hired on application at a charge of 7 /6 each for the voyage.
VALUABLES. The particular attention of passengers is drawn to the ticket conditions regarding the carriage and custody of articles specified in Section 4281 of the revised Statutes of the United States, but passengers can, and are accordingly advised to, protect themselves by insurance. The Line has provided a safe in the office of the Purser in which passengers may deposit money, jewels, ornaments, documents or other valuables for safe keeping and a deposit receipt will be issued by the Purser.
BAGGAGE. Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Ship’s Baggage Master. Trunks, Chairs, etc., which Passengers may desire to leave in charge of the Company should be properly labelled and handed to the Baggage Master on the Wharf at New York, and such articles will be stored entirely at owner’s risk. It is for passengers themselves to see all their Baggage is passed by the U.S. Customs Authorities on landing.
TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES, payable in all parts of Europe, can be purchased at all the principal offices of the White Star Line. These Cheques are accepted on board White Star steamers in payment of accounts, but the Pursers do not carry funds to enable them to cash same.
DECK GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS. Deck Quoits, Shuffleboard, Bull Board and other games are provided on deck under the charge of a Quartermaster. Chess, Draughts, Dominoes, etc., may be obtained on application to Saloon Steward.
PASSENGERS’ QUARTERS. Second Class passengers are not allowed to enter First or Third Class compartments, or vice versa, as complications might arise under the Quarantine Regulations.
PICTURE POSTCARDS. Picture Postcards of the steamer can be obtained gratis on application on Board.
HIGH SEAS MAIL. On all British steamers British Postage Stamps and rates are used when mailing letters for European points, and such letters should be posted in the ship’s letter box in the ordinary way. The mail bag is closed a few hours previous to arrival. Full particulars can be obtained at the Enquiry Office upon application.
LONG RANGE WIRELESS SERVICE. This vessel is fitted with special long range wireless apparatus which will enable the ship to communicate with the shore throughout the voyage across the North Atlantic Ocean.
UPPER BERTHS
Passengers Occupying Upper Berths Can Obtain Steps for Getting in or Out of Same on Applying to the Steward or Stewardess.
INNOVATION TRUNKS.
Passengers are advised that it is not always possible to arrange for the placing of Innovation Trunks in the passenger accommodation in a position where they are easily accessible, also that there is frequently difficulty with regard to the landing of such packages owing to their exceptional size. They are therefore recommended to use steamer trunks in preference.
LANDING ARRANGEMENTS AT NEW YORK
Should the Steamer arrive at the New York Wharf after 8 p.m., Passengers may land if they wish to do so and have their baggage passed by the Customs Authorities immediately on arrival, but those who prefer to remain on board may do so and have the whole of their Baggage passed the following morning not earlier than 7 o’clock. Breakfast will be served to those who remain on board overnight.
Uniformed representatives of the American railroads meet all steamers on arrival at New York. Railroad tickets may be purchased, and baggage checked from the Steamship Pier to any point along the Lines of the Pennsylvania, New York Central, Erie, Lehigh Valley, and connecting railroads.
RMS Olympic Passenger List -- 23 August 1922
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Route Maps, Track Charts, Abstract of Logs
Track Chart and Memorandum of Log, Back Cover, Second Class Passenger List from the RMS Olympic of the Cunard Line Sailing 23 August 1922. GGA Image ID # 12bc2244eb
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Sailing Schedules
White Star Line Express Mail Service Between Soutampton, Cherbourg, and New York from 9 August 1922 to 3 January 1923. Service Maintained by the RMS Majestic, RMS Olympic, and RMS Homeric. RMS Majestic Passenger List, 6 September 1922. GGA Image ID # 1dd4b5c677
Sailing Schedule, Express Mail Service Between Southampton-Cherbourg-New York, from 22 August 1923 to 2 February 1924. Ships Included the Canopic, Homeric, Majestic, Olympic, and Pittsburgh. RMS Homeric Passenger List, 5 September 1923. GGA Image ID # 1f0ab3dab9
Sailing Schedule, White Star Line Express Mail Service, Southampton-Cherbourg-New York, from 30 April 1925 to 26 September 1925. Ships Included the Arabic, Belgenland, Homeric, Lapland, Majestic, Olympic, Pittsburgh, and Zeeland. RMS Celtic Passenger List, 30 May 1925. GGA Image ID # 1e5245b658
Proposed Sailings, White Star Line, Liverpool-Queenstown (Cobh)-New York, from 3 July 1926 to 27 November 1926. Ships Included the Homeric, Majestic, and Olympic. RMS Belgenland Passenger List, 26 June 1926. GGA Image ID # 1df234cffb
Sailing Schedule, Southampton-Cherbourg-New York and Liverpool-New York, from 1 August 1928 to 10 November 1928. Ships Included the Adriatic, Baltic, Cedric, Celtic, Homeric, Majestic, and Olympic. SS Lapland Passenger List, 31 August 1928. GGA Image ID # 1ebe71055b
Westbound Sailings of the White Star Line from 6 October 1934 to 2 February 1935. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Lancastria, Laurentic, Letitia, Majestic, Olympic, Samaria, Scythia, and Transylvania. The Schedule Includes Originating, Calling, and Destination Ports for Each Voyage. RMS Britannic Passenger List, 6 October 1934. GGA Image ID # 1e3159e0ee
Eastbound Sailings of the White Star Line from 6 October 1934 to 14 February 1935. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, Doric, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Lancastria, Laurentic, Letitia, Majestic, Olympic, Samaria, Scythia, and Transylvania. The Schedule Includes Originating, Calling, and Destination Ports for Each Voyage. RMS Britannic Passenger List, 6 October 1934. GGA Image ID # 1e3178f51a
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Photographs
Interior Photographs
The White Star Line RMS Olympic Grand Stairway, Second Landing, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau (1855-1920). Library of Congress # 2002721297. GGA Image ID # 1d53b9ca29
First Class Lounge on the RMS Olympic, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721298. GGA Image ID # 1d54179862
RMS Olympic First Class Reading Room, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721299. GGA Image ID # 1d544715e5
RMS Olympic First Class Dining Saloon, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721354. GGA Image ID # 1d55220e09
White Star Liner Olympic First Class Gymnasium, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721358. GGA Image ID # 1d554c724e
RMS Olympic First Class Smoking Room, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721360. GGA Image ID # 1d55acac0f
The Palm Court on the RMS Olympic, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721362. GGA Image ID # 1d55ba0932
Exterior Photographs
Deck Showing Second Class Entrance on the RMS Olympic, 1911. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721351. GGA Image ID # 1d549f1913
Fore Deck of the RMS Olympic While Docked in New York Harbor. Photo by William Herman Rau. Library of Congress # 2002721352. GGA Image ID # 1d54acb1ca
The White Star Line RMS Olympic Enters New York Harbor on Her Maiden Voyage, 21 June 1911. Detroit Publishing Company. Library of Congress # 2016800142. GGA Image ID # 1d565a631d
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Illustrations and Paintings
The White Star Line RMS Olympic, Triple-Screw, 46,359 Tons. The Largest British Steamer, 1914. GGA Image ID # 1d61a32c42
White Star Line RMS Olympic Triple-Screw - 46,439 Tons. RMS Majestic Passenger List, 6 September 1922. GGA Image ID # 1dd125d119
White Star Line RMS Olympic, Triple Screw, 46,439 Tons. SS Canada Passenger List, 18 September 1925. GGA Image ID # 1ea56e4c9e
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Deck Plans
Plate III. Deck Plans for the RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic for the Longitunal, Boat Deck, and Promenade Deck A. The Shipbuilder, June 1911. GGA Image ID # 1dcbbb6990. Click to View Larger Image.
Plate III. Deck Plans for the RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic for the Forecastle Deck, Shelter Deck C, Saloon Deck D, and Upper Deck E. The Shipbuilder, June 1911. GGA Image ID # 1dcbd8058b. Click to View Larger Image.
Plate V. Deck Plans for the RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic for Middle Deck F, Lower Deck G, Orlop Deck, Lower Orlop Deck, and Tank Top. The Shipbuilder, June 1911. GGA Image ID # 1dcb3e2a46. Click to View Larger Image.
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Books
The First Great Ocean Liners in Photographs 1897 - 1927
Sumptuous volume recalls the glorious early years of elegant transatlantic travel. Over 190 historic photographs depict exterior and interior views of 101 great ocean liners, including the Virginian, Imperator, Vaterland, Bismarck, Lusitania, Mauretania, Balmoral Castle, Titanic, Olympic, Aquitania and dozens more. Full captions.
The First Great Ocean Liners in Photographs - 1983
Sumptuous volume recalls the glorious early years of elegant transatlantic travel. Over 190 historic photographs depict exterior and interior views of 101 great ocean liners, including the Virginian, Imperator, Vaterland, Bismarck, Lusitania, Mauretania, Balmoral Castle, Titanic, Olympic, Aquitania and dozens more. Full captions.
The book profiles the opulent lifestyles aboard such floating palaces as Normandie, Rex, Olympic, Amerika, Queen Mary, France, Mauritania, Queen Elizabeth II, Imperator, and Titanic. "Perhaps the most readable book on the subject ever to have appeared" --Country Life. Black-and-white photographs.
Distinguished Liners from The Shipbuilder - 1906-1914 Volume 1
An authentic replication to the smallest detail of the best of The Shipbuilder magazine, 1906-1914, including articles on the Titanic, Olympic, Lusitania, Mauretania, and more. This encyclopedic collection contains original text, photographs, and advertisements, as well as 22 fold-out blueprint plans, five color plates, a two-color Titanic cutaway folding advertisement and even two facsimile subscription forms.
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Advertisements
Advertisement: The Largest Vessels Afloat, White Star Liners RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic (45,000 Tons). The Whole of the Tank Tops Throughout the Boiler Rooms and Passages Coated with Wailes, Dove & Co.'s Patent "Bitumastic" Covering. "Bitumastic Holds the World's Record as an Anti-Corrosive. The Marine Engineer and Naval Architect, March 1912. GGA Image ID # 1e352a104e
White Star Line 1923 Express Service Between Southampton-Cherbourg-New York by the Big Three: RMS Majestic at 56,551 Tons The Largest Steamer in the World. (Record Trip from New York to Cherbourg), RMS Olympic (Triple Screw), 46,439 Tons, and the RMS Homeric at 34,356 Tons, Maintain a Weekly Mail Service. RMS Homeric Passenger List, 5 September 1923. GGA Image ID # 1f08fc590e
Advertisement for the Majestic, Olympic, and Homeric Offering Weekly Sialings in Tourist Third Cabin between New York, Cherbourg, and Southampton, c1930. GGA Image ID # 1ea438846f
The Olympic, 46,439 Tons Carries Tourist Third Cabin On All Sailings.
THE TOURIST DINING SALOON is a most attractive room finished in dignified oak paneling. Located on D deck, high in the ship, and furnished with fine linen and silver, it provides exactly the environment to make the meal time a pleasure.
THE TOURIST SMOKING ROOM. also on C deck, provides an atmosphere of solid comfort in which to enjoy the company of one's fellow passengers. Here you will find contestants worthy of your skill at chess, checkers, dominoes, bridge, or other games.
Much of the pleasure of the ocean crossing is found on deck. The OLYMPIC'S broad decks provide ample space for chairs, promenading and a variety of interesting sports devised for the entertainment of passengers at sea.
THE TOURIST LOUNGE, a bright cheerful apartment on C deck, is an attractive gathering place for the many social activities of the crossing. Games of many kinds are available and books from its well-stocked library may be used without charge.
The MAJESTIC, OLYMPIC, and HOMERIC Offer Weekly Sailings in Tourist Third Cabin between New York and Cherbourg - Southampton.
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Services
White Star Line RMS Homeric, 34,356 Tons, Sailing in Conjunction with the RMS Majestic and RMS Olympic Maintaining a Weekly Express Mail Service Between Southampton, Cherbourg, and New York. RMS Majestic Passenger List, 6 September 1922. GGA Image ID # 1ea503074d
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