SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 23 May 1914 | Atlantic Transport Line New York to London
Front Cover, SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, Departing Saturday, 23 May 1914 from New York to London, Commanded by Captain E. G. Cannons. | GGA Image ID # 12fbe89ee3.
🚢 Review and Summary: SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 23 May 1914
🌍 Ship, Route & Voyage Context
On Saturday, 23 May 1914, the SS Minnetonka of the Atlantic Transport Line departed from New York for London, commanded by Captain E. G. Cannons. This sailing occurred during a pivotal historical moment—just weeks before the outbreak of World War I (July 1914). Transatlantic crossings at this time carried not only wealthy tourists but also diplomats, academics, entertainers, and families who would soon find themselves navigating a drastically altered world.
The Minnetonka, launched in 1902 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast, was part of the ATL’s famed “M-class” liners, designed for exclusive First Class travel (no steerage accommodations). Luxurious yet intimate, these ships catered to society’s elite and well-connected passengers, making this passenger list a reflection of early 20th-century high society on the eve of global conflict.
⚓ Key Features of the SS Minnetonka
- Launched: 1902 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast.
- Operator: Atlantic Transport Line, part of the International Mercantile Marine Company (IMM).
- Route: New York – London.
- Passenger Accommodation: Exclusively First Class, no steerage.
- Special Features: Fitted with Marconi wireless and submarine signaling apparatus for safety.
Explore the 23 May 1914 First Class Passenger List from the Atlantic Transport Line SS Minnetonka, New York to London. Featuring actor Eric Mayne, impresario J. B. Pond, instrument maker August Weymann, and prominent families, this list captures elite travel on the eve of World War I. A valuable resource for historians, genealogists, and researchers.
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain E. Q. CANNONS
- Purser: Basil C. Evans
- Surgeon: Dr. E. S. Perkins
- Chief Steward: William Sismey
- Chief Engineer: Carl Schneider
First Class Passengers
List of Passengers, Part 1 (Mr. Walter E. Addison-Mrs. Hobart Duvall)
- Mr. Walter E. Addison
- Mrs. Addison
- Mr. Charles Ailing
- Mrs. Ailing
- Mrs. M. L. P. Barker
- Mrs. L. D. Barrett
- Mr. Krank M. Bartram
- Miss Ida V. Beck
- Miss Elizabeth Becket
- Miss Alice Bingham
- Mr. R. G. Blackie
- Mr. Henry Bolton
- Mrs. Bolton
- Miss Mary Bowman
- Miss F. Brookes
- Miss Laura Brown
- Miss Edith B. Burns
- Mr. William H. Carpenter
- Mr. F. J. Carrigan
- Mrs. Carrigan
- Mr. Walter George Case
- Mrs. M. R. Church
- Miss Church
- Miss Florence L. Clark
- Miss M. V. Clark
- Miss E. D. Colson
- Miss Andree Corday
- Mr. W. H. Copeman
- Mrs. Copeman
- Master Jack Copeman
- Miss Blythe Copeman
- Dr. Alfred B. Danby
- Mr. Benjamin Dohlin
- Miss Una Drummond
- Mrs. M. B. Drew
- Mrs. Hobart Duvall
List of Passengers, Part 2 (Mr. Dan Folan-Miss L. Wyman)
- Mr. Dan Folan
- Miss Maude M. Frank
- Miss Katherine Gladstone
- Madame Nicolai Golejewski
- Miss Sofia Golejewski
- Miss Kyra Golejewski
- Mr. H. Goodwin Green
- Mrs. Green
- Mrs. Vernon Hemming
- Miss N. Homans
- Miss Edith Hoyt
- Dr. Joseph Jacobs
- Mr. R. W. Johnson
- Miss J. B. Jones
- Mr. James S. Keith
- Mr. John C. Kirby
- Mrs. Kirby
- Mr. William Armistead Lane
- Mrs. Lane
- Miss Helen Lewengood
- Mr. Wm. Lustgarten
- Mrs. W. R. H. Martin
- Mr. Eric Mayne
- Mr H. McKenzie
- Mr. Frank A. McLaughlin
- Miss F. A. Mera
- Mr. T. S. Moise
- Mrs. Moise
- Mr. John J. Murphy
- Miss Ffolliott Paget
- Mr. W. H. Pett
- Mrs. Pett
- Mrs. E. Baxter-Pinkney
- Mrs. L. B. Plunkett
- Mr. J. B. Pond
- Mr. J. Norment Powell
- Mrs. Powell
- Mrs. Saba Raleigh
- Mr. Leon Rennay
- Miss H. B. Rich
- Mr. E. W. Robinson
- Mr. Joseph Russo
- Mr. E. P. Sands
- Mrs. Sands
- Miss L. M. Schodts
- Mr. R. L. Schuyler
- Mrs. Schuyler
- Mr. Frank Spaight
- Mr. E. M. Spink
- Mrs. F. L. Stratton
- Mr. H. Vance Swope
- Mr. J. A. Thunder
- Mr. F. S. Warren
- Mrs. Warren
- Mrs. Roger Watts
- Mr. A. R. Wendell
- Mrs. Wendell
- Miss Eleanor S. Wendell
- Mr. August Weymann
- Miss Esther White
- Mrs. P. B. Whitmarsh
- Miss L. Wyman
Notable First-Class Passengers 🌍
👩🎓 Professors & Academics
Dr. Alfred B. Danby – His presence suggests the transatlantic exchange of ideas in medicine and science. Academic travelers like Danby often lectured or conducted study abroad, and his voyage just before the war hints at the importance of cross-cultural academic ties during a fragile moment in history.
🏛️ Diplomats, Leaders & VIP Travelers
Mrs. Saba Raleigh – Saba Raleigh was the pseudonym of Isabel Pauline Rowlands, née Ellissen (1862–1923), an English actress. On 31 March 1894 she became the second wife of Abraham Cecil Francis Fothergill Rowlands, the actor and playwright Cecil Raleigh, and was often billed as "Mrs. Cecil Raleigh" - A prominent socialite and likely connected to cultural circles in both Britain and the U.S., representing the elite nature of Minnetonka’s clientele.
Mr. August Weymann – A.C. Weymann secretary and treasurer of H. A. Weymann & Son, Inc., connected to the prominent Weymann family of Philadelphia, known for their pioneering musical instrument company (makers of banjos and guitars), linking this passenger list to the entertainment industry. He was a co-author of "Flowers of Youth" a Caprice/Idylle Published by H. A. Weymann & Son, Philadelphia. Note: A musical caprice, also known as capriccio, is a lively, often short, and free-form musical composition, typically characterized by a playful or whimsical style and virtuosic elements. It often features contrasting musical ideas and improvisational passages. Idyll refers to a scene or event of rustic simplicity and beauty, or a happy and carefree period. 🎶
🎭 Writers, Artists & Entertainment Industry Figures
Madame Nicolai Golejewski with Miss Sofia [Sonia] Golejewski (1912-2000) and Miss Kyra [Kira] Golejewski (1913-?) – This family group stands out as possibly tied to artistic or diplomatic circles in Europe. The inclusion of “Madame” suggests aristocratic or cultural prominence. Madame Nicolai Golejewski (Honor Grove Golejewski) (1883-1944) was the Wife of Col. Nicolai Golejewsky (?-1958), military attache of the Russian Embassy at Washington circa 1913.
Mr. Eric Mayne (1865-1947)– was an Irish born American actor. A known actor in British theatre and later film, Mayne’s career bridged the Edwardian stage and early cinema, giving this voyage direct ties to the entertainment industry. 🎬
Mr. J. B. Pond – James Burton Pond (1889-1961) -head of the Pond Lecture Bureau in New York City, managed lecture tours of the United States by many prominent American and British speakers and performers. Almost certainly related to the noted lecture bureau impresario James B. Pond, famous for arranging tours for writers such as Mark Twain and Winston Churchill. His inclusion adds cultural significance to this voyage.
Harry Vance Swope (1879-1926) was active/lived in Indiana, New York / France. H Swope is known for Landscape, genre, coastal view and figure painting.
🎖️ Military & National Service Passengers
While this particular list does not include many explicit uniformed military officers, several passengers—such as Mr. William Armistead Lane and Mr. H. Vance Swope—belonged to families with military traditions. Their presence so near the beginning of World War I suggests that some passengers may have been en route for duties related to the growing tensions in Europe.
🙏 Religious & Humanitarian Travelers
The passenger list notes Divine Service on board every Sunday, a reminder of how faith was interwoven with travel. Religious observance at sea lent voyages a sense of continuity and comfort, especially in a year overshadowed by looming conflict.
⭐ The Most Engaging Aspects of This List
Timing Before World War I – This voyage captures a unique snapshot of elite travel just before the outbreak of the Great War. Many passengers may have had their plans altered or lives dramatically affected within months of arrival.
Entertainment Connections – With Eric Mayne (actor), August Weymann (musical instruments), and J. B. Pond (lecture tours), this passenger list is unusually rich in cultural figures.
Transatlantic Social Ties – Families like the Golejewskis reflect the blend of aristocracy, diplomacy, and society that characterized elite travel in this era.
Information for Passengers
Meals
- TEA and COFFEE at 7 a. m.
- LUNCH at 1 p.m.
- BREAKFAST at 8.30 a. m.
- DINNER at 7 p.m.
Meals for Nurses and Children:
- BREAKFAST at 8 a.m.
- DINNER at 12 p.m.
- TEA at 5 p.m.
Please apply to Second Steward for seating accommodation at Table.
LIGHTS in the Saloon are extinguished at 11 p.m., and in the Smoking Room at 11.30 p. m.
BAR closes at 11 p.m.
SMOKING is not allowed in the Saloon or State-rooms.
THE SALOON STEWARD will supply Stamps, Telegraph Forms, Books of Reference, and Railway Time Tables of the Principal Companies.
DIVINE SERVICE.—Intimation regarding Divine Service will appear on the Notice Boards every Sunday morning.
DECK CHAIRS and STEAMER RUGS can be hired at a charge of $1.00 each for the voyage.
VALUABLES.—The Atlantic Transport 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.
For the convenience of passengers the Purser is prepared to exchange a limited amount of English and American money. The rate of exchange will be $4.80 to the £1 when giving American in exchange for English currency, and to $4.95 when giving English money for American.
BAGGAGE.—Only hand-bags and trunks which will fit underneath the berths are allowed in the State-rooms; all large or heavy baggage must be placed in the Baggage Room, to which access can be gained by applying to the Officer in charge of Baggage, Passengers will greatly expedite the disembarkation if they will have their State-room Baggage packed ready for removal directly on arrival, so that the transfer may at once be proceeded with.
ELECTRIC BELL CALLS.—For Steward, one ring; for Stewardess, two rings.
THE SURGEON IS AUTHORIZED to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for treating any 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 provided free in all circumstances.
PASSENGERS’ ADDRESSES should be placed on the back of their contract ticket before collection of same in order that any letters sent to the care of the Company may be forwarded.
LETTERS.—Passengers may have their letters addressed to any of the Company’s Offices given below, where they will be retained until called for, or forwarded according to instructions.
BAGGAGE INSURANCE.—As the Company’s Liability for BAGGAGE is strictly LIMITED, the ATLANTIC TRANSPORT LINE strongly recommends «-hat passengers insure their baggage whenever practicable, as in event of loss or damage to baggage, the ATLANTIC TRANSPORT LINE cannot underly circumstances accept any liability beyond the amount specified on their steamer contract ticket
TRAVELERS CHECKS, payable in all parts of Europe, can be purchased at all the principal offices of the Atlantic Transport Line. These Checks are accepted on board the Atlantic Transport Steamers in payment of accounts, but the Pursers do not carry funds to enable them to cash same.
The principal office for passenger business of the Atlantic Transport Line in London, is located at No. 1 Cockspur Street, S. W., to which address letters and telegrams may be directed, to be disposed of according to instructions, and where the latest editions of the leading English and American papers are kept on file.
Passengers’ baggage will be received and stored at this office if required.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES WITH BOOTHS AND OPERATOR ON NEW YORK PIERS.
🖼️ Noteworthy Images
Front Cover – An elegant design showcasing the prestige of Atlantic Transport Line voyages 【12fbe89ee3】.
Title Page – Listing the senior officers and the first roster of First Class passengers 【22ea0ec1d5】.
Passenger List (Part 2) – Featuring names such as Eric Mayne, J. B. Pond, and Madame Golejewski 【22ea288cc1】.
Information for Passengers – Detailing daily life at sea, meal times, luggage rules, and services, giving a fascinating window into travel etiquette in 1914 【15916dad50】.
ATL Sailing Schedule – Displaying regular departures of the Atlantic Transport Line fleet, emphasizing its reliability and luxury 【22e9ffa216】.
📚 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians & Genealogists
Teachers & Students – Useful for understanding travel culture and social history in the months before World War I.
Historians – Reveals connections between elite American families, the arts, and Europe’s cultural scene.
Genealogists – Provides detailed passenger names, family groups, and social connections, crucial for family history research.
💭 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters
The 23 May 1914 SS Minnetonka Passenger List is more than a record of names—it is a snapshot of international society on the eve of war. It features cultural leaders such as Eric Mayne (actor), J. B. Pond (literary impresario), and August Weymann (music industry innovator), alongside families of social and aristocratic standing.
As one of the last peaceful summer crossings before the Great War, this document captures the grace, privilege, and cultural exchange of an era about to vanish forever. 🌍✨
ATL Sailing Schedule, New York-London Service, from 16 May 1914 to 10 October 1914. Ships Included the Minneapolis, Minnehaha, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska. Steamers sail from Pier 58, North River, foot of West 16th Street. Embarkation Notice will be sent out one week before sailing, giving station and exact hour at which special train for steamer will start. The “Minnewaska”, “Minneapolis”, “Minnehaha”, “Minnetonka” and “Mesaba”, are fitted with the Marconi System of “Wireless”, also the Submarine Signaling Apparatus. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 23 May 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22e9ffa216
Title Page, Listing of Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Mr. Walter E. Addison-Mrs. Hobart Duvall). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 23 May 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22ea0ec1d5
List of Passengers, Part 2 (Mr. Dan Folan-Miss L. Wyman). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 23 May 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22ea288cc1
Information for Passengers. The Relatively Condensed Information was Typical for the Early 1900s. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 23 May 1914. | GGA Image ID # 15916dad50
📜 Research note: Some names and captions were typed from originals and may reflect period spellings or minor typographical variations. When searching, try alternate spellings and cross-check with related records. ⚓
Curator’s Note
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