Crossing Continents Before Conflict: The 19 August 1938 Voyage of SS California

Front Cover of a Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List for the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 19 August 1938 from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin and Cobh, Commanded by Captain Robert W. Smart.

🌊 Overview of the Voyage

• Ship Name: TSS California
• Line: Anchor Line (Cunard-Anchor Service)
• Commanded by: Captain Robert W. Smart
• Voyage Route: Glasgow → Dublin → Boston → New York
• Departure Date: Friday, 22 July 1938
• Purpose: Summer transatlantic voyage transporting Cabin and Tourist Class passengers, including families, religious leaders, professionals, and students

🛳️ Key Features of the SS California

• Launched: 1923 by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co.
• Operator: Anchor Line, part of the Cunard Group
• Gross Tonnage: ~16,792 tons
• Length: 553 feet
• Passenger Capacity: Over 1,200 (Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin)
• Amenities & Services: Barber shop, ladies' hairdresser and manicurist, wireless news service, lending library, divine services, children's dining schedule, and formal dining with multiple sittings
• Document Highlights: Embossed front cover, detailed listing of shipboard policies, Anchor Line fleet information, and clear class distinctions

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Captain: Robert W. Smart
2. Chief Officer: James McGill Brown
3. Chief Engineer: John Henderson
4. Surgeon: John H. Hurll, M.B., Ch.B
5. Purger: John H. Hughan
6. Sen. Assistant Purser: Andrew Porter
7. Chief Steward: William Dickson

Cabin Passengers

1. Mrs. J. L. Abbott
2. Mrs. Frank Ahern
3. Miss Catherine Ahern
4. Mr. John Aitken
5. Miss Miriam Ames
6. Miss Winifred Ames
7. Dr. F. P. Anderson
8. Mrs. Anderson
9. Miss Mary Aylward
10. Miss Bertha M. Baehr
11. Mr. Alexander W. Baird
12. Mr. Danforth Ball
13. Mrs. Ball
14. Mr. Alfred N. Barber
15. Mr. S. W. Baxter
16. Mrs. Baxter
17. Miss Josephine Besaw
18. Miss Mai A. Bowe
19. Miss Christine L. Boyd
20. Miss Sabina Brennan
21. Mrs. Ernest Brown
22. Mr. Carl Buchmann
23. Mrs. Amelia Buchmann
24. Miss Amelia Buchmann
25. Mr. Andrew Burnett
26. Mrs. A. T. Carter
27. Miss Julia Case
28. Miss Geraldine Chandler
29. Mr. J. H. Maurice Clark
30. Rev. Michael J. Clarke
31. Mrs. L. D. Cleveland
32. Miss Marian Cossitt
33. Rev. Denis Courtney
34. Miss Faith R. Cox
35. Miss Emma Creed
36. Miss Jane Crofute
37. Miss Dorothy Disney
38. Dr. R. I. Little
39. Mrs. Benjamin T. Dryden
40. Miss Nellie M. Lombard
41. Miss Pauline Fihe
42. Miss Dora Fuchs
43. Miss Caroline Fuchs
44. Mr. Wm. D. Fyffe
45. Mrs. Fyffe
46. Mrs. Cecil Gabbett
47. Miss Edna Gafney
48. Miss Sheila Gerety
49. Mr. F. H. Gilchrist
50. Mrs. Gilchrist
51. Miss Nellie Gilmore
52. Miss Margaret Gordon
53. Prof. Warren Green
54. Mrs. Green
55. Mrs. George F. Hamlin
56. Mr. Worth H. Hanks
57. Mrs. Hanks
58. Miss Nancy Hanks
59. Miss Emily Hargan
60. Miss Kathryn Harris
61. Mrs. Mary Cobb Harris
62. Mrs. Ruby Harveson
63. Mrs. Robt. W. Haynes
64. Miss Ann Herrick
65. Mrs. Frank Hill
66. Mrs. Belle West Hoyt
67. Mr. W. J. Kearns
68. Mrs. Kearns
69. Miss Regina Kelly
70. Mr. James A. McCurdy
71. Mrs. McCurdy
72. Miss Ethel McHardy
73. Miss Lee MacPherson
74. Mr. Crawford M. Maclehose
75. Miss Jean Marshall
76. Dr. Alexander R. Martin
77. Mrs. Martin
78. Master Roger Martin
79. Master Gordon Martin
80. Mrs. R. E. Meade
81. Mr. John Meenan
82. Mrs. Meenan
83. Mrs. B. J. Miller
84. Mr. Gregor Moormann
85. Miss Helen M. Morgan
86. Miss Mary Moynihan
87. Mrs. R. M. Nichols
88. Mr. Ronald W. Northridge
89. Mr. John S. O'Leary
90. Mrs. O'Leary
91. Mrs. G. H. Pearson
92. Mr. Howard R. Pugh
93. Miss Charlotte Ramey
94. Mr. John F. Ramsay
95. Mrs. Ramsay
96. Rev. Thomas Reddin
97. Mr. Wm. F. Robertson, Jr.
98. Miss C. C. Robertson
99. Mrs. M. P. Robinson
100. Miss Margaret Rushton
101. Mrs. John E. Ryon
102. Mr. J. H. Sherrill
103. Mrs. Sherrill
104. Miss Polly Sherrill
105. Mr. John Sherrill
106. Mr. Allan Sherrill
107. Mr. A. J. Simpson
108. Mrs. Simpson
109. Mr. Joseph Smith
110. Mrs. Smith
111. Mrs. Mary E. Smolt
112. Mrs. Christina Spence
113. Mr. George A. R. Spence
114. Mr. Wm. H. Stewart
115. Mr. W. H. Stewart, Jr.
116. Mrs. Stewart
117. Miss Mary L. Stewart
118. Mrs. W. C. Stripling
119. Miss Emma Terrell
120. Mr. Wm. H. Tew
121. Mrs. Tew
122. Miss Myra Tyson
123. Miss Demitrius Van Landingham
124. Miss Joan Walker
125. Mrs. F. R. Walker
126. Miss Mary Weldon
127. Mrs. George F. White
128. Miss Edith M. White
129. Mrs. W. T. Wintringham
130. Miss Lois Wray
131. Mr. Delos H. Wray

🌐 Notable Individuals Onboard

⛪ Religious Figures

Rev. Michael J. Clarke (Cabin Class) – His first-class accommodations suggest a distinguished status, likely in high-ranking Catholic ministry.

Rev. Denis Courtney (Cabin Class) – Possibly engaged in ecclesiastical work or migration-related ministry.

Rev. Thomas Reddin (Cabin Class) – Another Catholic clergy member reinforcing the notable religious presence onboard.

Rev. Samuel J. Abrams (Tourist Class) – Traveling with Mrs. Sarah Abrams, likely Protestant clergy involved in pastoral or missionary work.

Rev. Patrick Coffey (Tourist Class) – Suggestive of transatlantic clerical service to Irish-American congregations.

Rev. Michael McNerney (Tourist Class) – May have served Irish immigrant communities or rural parishes.

Rev. James O'Flynn (Tourist Class) – Potentially connected to religious education or community outreach.

Msgr. John M. Molloy (Tourist Class) – The title Monsignor signifies a senior position within the Catholic Church.

Sister Boniventure, Sister Lucia, Sister Placida, Sister Thecla, Sister Urban (Tourist Class) – These Catholic nuns likely belonged to missionary or teaching orders.

🎓 Professors and Educators

Prof. Warren Green (Cabin Class) – Likely a senior academic figure from a U.S. or British institution.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctors and Medical Professionals

Dr. F. P. Anderson (Cabin Class) and Dr. Alexander R. Martin (Cabin Class) – Likely distinguished medical professionals, perhaps involved in academic medicine.

Dr. Nathan H. Fink (Tourist Class) and Dr. Alfred Fisk (Tourist Class) – Representing the continued exchange of knowledge and services in the transatlantic medical community.

🎭 VIPs, Legal and Social Notables

Mr. Wm. F. Robertson, Jr. (Cabin Class) – Possibly affiliated with law or finance.

Mr. Alfred N. Barber (Cabin Class) Author of Technical Books

Information for Passengers

Meals.—Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am; Luncheon, 1:00 pm; Dinner, 7:00 pm
When two sittings are necessary, meals will be served as follows :-

• Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am;
• Lunch, First sitting, 12:30 pm; Second sitting, 1.30 pm
• Dinner, First sitting, 6:15 pm; Second sitting, 7.30 pm

Children's Meals—Breakfast, 9:00 am; Dinner, noon; Tea, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Passengers may reserve seats at table for the voyage on application to the Chief Steward.

Boat Muster and Fire Stations for Passengers.—A muster of Passengers will be held as soon as possible after leaving port, and in the interests of discipline all Passengers are requested to attend.

Lifebelts must not be removed from staterooms, except in cases of extreme danger and for official Boat Muster.

Divine Service will be held, weather permitting, on Sunday morning. Requisites are provided for the celebration of Mass. Episcopalian and Anglican clergy may, on applying to the Purser, have the use of plate and linen for the purpose of holding Communion.

Additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board.—Passengers should obtain official receipt on the Company's form.

Baggage.—Enquiries regarding baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Baggage-Master.

To facilitate examination and identification of bag-. gage on landing, all packages should have an official label affixed. These labels are supplied on board on application to Bedroom Steward.

Wardrobe Trunks.—The attention of Passengers is called to the fact that the steamer has a Baggage Room where trunks may be stored during the voyage. It is not always possible to have large wardrobe trunks placed in an accessible position in passenger staterooms.

Storage.—The Company will undertake to store steamer trunks belonging to Passengers at owner's risk until they are required for returning. Trunks should have owner's name printed on them, and they will not be re-shipped without instructions being sent to Baggage Master, Anchor Line, Yorkhill Quay, Glasgow. A description of the articles should be given, also name of steamer from which they were landed and date. No charge for storage is made if the owners return by the Company's vessels. If trunks are forwarded by rail this is done at owner's risk and expense.

Kiosk.—Passengers can obtain confectionery, fruit, toys, souvenirs, novels, postage stamps, etc., in the Kiosk.

Barber's Shop.—There is a fully equipped barber's shop on board for the convenience of Passengers.

Clothes Pressing.—Application should be made to the Barber, from whom rates and other particulars can be obtained.

Ladies' Hairdresser and Manicurist.—There is a well-appointed Ladies' Hairdresser and Manicurist's shop on board. For convenience appointments may be arranged.

Changes in Accommodation.—The Purser alone is authorized to make changes in accommodation and may only do so on payment of any difference in fare which may be required according to Company's tariffs.

Information.—If Passengers are in doubt on any point appertaining to their ocean voyage, or railroad journey, they are advised to consult the Purser.

Landing Cards.—Passengers must obtain from the Purser a Landing Card. The hours at which these cards are obtainable will be posted on notice board. It should be noted that before leaving the vessel the holder must present this landing card to an Immigrant Inspector for endorsement.

The Anchor Line News, containing the latest news by wireless and closing prices on the various Stock Exchanges, is published on board and distributed free to Passengers at breakfast time during the voyage.

Library.—Library books may be obtained on application to the Librarian. The books are issued free of charge.

Deck Chairs, Rugs and Cushions are available for hire and may be obtained on application to the Deck Steward.

Port-Holes.---Passengers are requested not to open the ports. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.

Dogs and Cats.—Passengers are notified that Dogs and Cats should be handed over to the livestock attendant on board and are not allowed in Staterooms, Public Rooms, or on Passenger Decks.

Dogs and Cats cannot be landed in Great Britain and Ireland unless a licence has been procured from the Ministry of Agriculture, London. Forms of licence and particulars of quarantine period can be obtained by direct application to the Department before the animal is taken on board. Dogs and Cats can only be carried by special arrangement being made with the Company prior to embarkation.

Postage Stamps are on sale at Writing Rooms and Kiosks. A notice will be displayed stating the latest time for posting mail matter on board.

British stamps must be used for correspondence posted on the High Seas. Rates :—Letters to United Kingdom and United States of America, lid. for the first ounce and ld. for each additional ounce. Postcards, lid. each.

Redirection of Mail.—Passengers who expect letters or parcels to be delivered to the ship after they have disembarked should leave their full names and addresses at the Bureau in order that their mail may be forwarded to them.

Railway and Steamer Time Tables may be consulted on application to the Purser.

Recovery of U.S. Head Tax—Temporary Visitors. A Certificate of Exemption will be issued by the U.S. Immigration Inspector to all Passengers who can satisfy him that their stay in the United States Will Not Exceed Sixty Days. On presentation of these Certificates to the Purser on board steamer prior to disembarkation Passengers who have paid Head Tax will receive refunds.

Passengers should note that, unless these Certificates of Exemption are obtained, no refund of Head Tax can be made, even though Passengers eventually leave the United States less than sixty days after their arrival.

The decision of the United States Immigration Inspector with regard to the assessment of Head Tax and issuance of Certificates of Exemption is final.

Return Bookings.—The Purser and his staff will at all times be pleased to assist Passengers to arrange their return passages.

Smoking.—Passengers are requested to be careful when smoking on deck to see that cigarettes and cigars are extinguished before being thrown away. Children are not allowed in the Smoking Room.

The Surgeon is authorized to make the following charges for his services :—

• Cabin Class.-5/- for the first visit and 2/6 per visit thereafter
• Tourist Class.-2/6 per visit

In the case of sea-sickness or the consequences thereof, no charge will be made. Prescribed medicines are provided by the Company free of charge.

Nurse—A trained and qualified hospital Nurse is carried. Her services, under the direction of the Surgeon, are at the disposal of Passengers.

Valuables.—Money or valuables should not be exposed in staterooms. For the convenience of Passengers the Company has provided a safe in the Purser's Office in which money, jewels, ornaments, documents, or other valuables may be deposited by Passengers. A receipt for any articles so deposited will be issued by the Purser, but the Company does not, having regard to the ticket conditions and to the provisions of Section 502 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and of Section 4281 of the revised Statutes of the United States, accept any responsibility for the safe custody of any such articles.

Passengers are warned that they should not on any account part with money or valuables to any persons representing themselves as members of the ship's staff.

The Purser deals with these at his office only. Money Exchange.—Facilities are available on Steamers for Passengers to change sterling and American currency at favourable rates.

Intimation will be made on the notice boards when transactions may be effected.

In their own interests Passengers should obtain an Exchange Voucher on the Company's Printed Form for each transaction.

Cheques.—Passengers are respectfully informed that the Purser is not authorized to accept private cheques.

Complaints of incivility, carelessness or inattention on the part of any of the ship's staff should be immediately reported to the Purser or Chief Steward, and failing satisfaction to the Captain.

Wireless Telegraph and Telephone Rates

Ship To Shore Radiotelegrams

Rate to the British Isles, 8d. per word, for full rate radiotelegrams. Telegraphic addresses and Telephone numbers are acceptable in address.

Rates to the United States and Canada vary, and may be had on application at the Radio Office.

Direct communication is maintained with any country in Europe, North and South America, etc., at all times throughout the voyage, and radiotelegrams are accepted at any time at minimum rates.

Ship To Ship Messages

The minimum rate on ship to ship radiotelegrams is 8d. per word.

Ship Letter Telegrams

These messages are accepted at any time throughout the voyage for delivery in the British Isles. Messages are despatched by post from the coast station to destination and therefore require postal address. Delivery is normally effected within 24 hours Rate is 5/- for 20 words; each additional word 3d.

Ship To Shore Telephone Service. (Caledonia and Transylvania) Passengers in these vessels may telephone by radio to anywhere in the British Isles, United States and Canada. A service is also available to all points reached by the International Telephone Service.

Rates to the United Kingdom :

Within 500 miles, 36/- per 3 minute call. Beyond 500 miles, 72/-

Rates to United States (Eastern States);

Within 500 miles, $9.00 per 3 minute call,
Beyond 500 miles, $18.00 per 3 minute call.

Ship To Ship Telephone Service

(Caledonia and Transylvania)

An inter-ship telephone service is also available with certain of the larger British and foreign liners. Rate is 24/- per 3 minute call.

Hotel Reservations. By arrangement with certain hotels, messages reserving accommodation may be sent by Passengers free of charge. A list of these hotels is kept in the Radio office.

🎯 Most Engaging Aspects of This Voyage

Robust Religious Delegation – Catholic clergy and nuns appear in large numbers, pointing to missionary, educational, or diaspora-related travel.

Diverse Social Classes – The manifest includes upper-class passengers, professionals, and solo travelers in both Cabin and Tourist Classes.

Historic Legal & Academic Ties – From high-ranking judges to future professors, this voyage mirrors the intellectual and legal networks of the Atlantic world in 1938.

🌎 Relevance for Educators, Genealogists, and Historians

Genealogists: Ideal for tracing family movements from Ireland, Scotland, and England to America during the interwar period.

Historians: Captures the sociopolitical climate just before WWII and the changing nature of transatlantic travel.

Educators: Rich source for classroom discussions on immigration, clergy, social structure, and travel culture.

Religious Studies Scholars: Offers insight into the mobility and mission work of the Catholic and Protestant clergy during this era.

📕 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The 19 August 1938 Passenger List of the SS California is more than a shipping manifest—it is a microcosm of late interwar society. It features esteemed clergy, legal professionals, scholars, and immigrants navigating a world on the brink of dramatic change. The ship itself, with its rich amenities and global routes, reflects the height of pre-war maritime travel. This list offers educators, historians, and genealogists a rare and detailed glimpse into a pivotal chapter of transatlantic life.