SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 17 December 1927 | Atlantic Transport Line Tilbury & Boulogne to New York

Front Cover, SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927 From Tilbury to New York via Boulogne. It Features Elegant Typography and a Large ATL Company Flag in the Center. " Atlantic Transport Line” Appears Above the Flag, and “Passenger List” Appears Below. Tilbury Is Part of the Port of London. | GGA Image ID # 1737c033f4

🚢 Review and Summary: SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 17 December 1927

🌍 Ship, Route & Historical Context

On 17 December 1927, the SS Minnetonka of the Atlantic Transport Line sailed from Tilbury (Port of London) to New York via Boulogne, under the command of Captain Thomas F. Gates, C.B.E. The Minnetonka was one of the ATL’s M-class luxury liners, notable for carrying First Class passengers only.

By late 1927, transatlantic travel was at a high point of interwar prosperity, combining business, leisure, and society connections. The Minnetonka catered to a well-heeled clientele who valued exclusivity, comfort, and direct London–New York service without steerage.

This sailing, just before Christmas, would have carried families and business leaders returning home for the holiday season. The passenger list reveals socialites, military men, and professionals, while the shipboard services—including an orchestra, dancing floor, professional barber, and a Times Book Club library—reflect the elegance of interwar Atlantic crossings.

⚓ Key Features of the SS Minnetonka

• Launched: 1902, Harland & Wolff, Belfast.
• Operator: Atlantic Transport Line (part of IMM).
• Route: London – New York, occasionally via Boulogne or Cherbourg.
• Special Design: Exclusively First Class accommodation, no steerage.
• Technology: Fitted with Marconi long-range wireless and submarine signaling apparatus.
• Voyage Date: 17 December 1927 – highlighting holiday-season transatlantic travel at its most luxurious.

Explore the 17 December 1927 First Class Passenger List of the Atlantic Transport Line SS Minnetonka, Tilbury to New York via Boulogne. Notable passengers included Major Thomas McCreery, Captain Thomas Gates (C.B.E.), and Surgeon Rear-Admiral F. W. Parker (O.B.E.). A vivid record of interwar luxury travel, with shipboard orchestras, long-range wireless, and society figures crossing the Atlantic before the holidays.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain Thomas F. Gates, C.B.E.
2. Chief Engineer: V. E. Ward
3. Purser: H. R. BOWDEN Smith
4. Surgeon: F. W. Parker, O.B.E., Surgeon Rear-Admiral, R.N. (Retired.)
5. Assistant Purser: J. H. GRAY
6. Chief Steward: W. J. Palmer

List of Passengers, Part 1 (Mr. Ledyard Avery-Mrs. J. Anderson Hawley)

1. Mr. Ledyard Avery
2. Mrs. Avery
3. Mr. Theodore A. Bassin
4. Mr. Charles Campbell
5. Mr. C. Arthur Coati
6. Mrs. Coan
7. Mr. Merrill James Dorcas
8. Miss E. B. Grigsby and Maid
9. Mr. Stenley Harrison
10. Mrs. Bannister Hawkes
11. Mrs. J. Anderson Hawley *

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Mr. Gordon L. Leake-Mr. J. E. Ryan)

1. Mr. Gordon L. Leake
2. Mrs. Ormiston Leanly *
3. Mrs. E. M. Mackie
4. Major Thomas McCreery
5. Mrs. G. A. Ormsbee *
6. Mrs. E. H. Prindeyille *
7. Mr. J. E. Ryan

🎓 Professors & Academics

Unlike some earlier voyages, this passenger list is light on major university professors, but the presence of learned passengers underscores the cultural prestige of the Minnetonka’s clientele. The most distinguished officer, however, reflects academic and naval standing:

Dr. F. W. Parker, O.B.E. – Surgeon Rear-Admiral, Royal Navy (Retired). His dual role as ship’s surgeon and decorated naval medical officer exemplifies the intersection of medicine, academia, and military service.

🎖️ Military Figures

Major Thomas McCreery – A British Army officer, his presence reflects the ongoing tradition of military officers traveling between Britain and America for professional or personal reasons. His journey symbolizes the interwar military connections that persisted even in peacetime.

Captain Thomas F. Gates, C.B.E. – The ship’s commander, honored as Commander of the Order of the British Empire, illustrates the prestige of ATL captains who often had distinguished Royal Navy service before or after their commercial careers.

🙏 Religious & Social Context

Although no clergy appear on this voyage’s passenger list, the daily program included Divine Service every Sunday at 11:00 am, ensuring that faith life remained central aboard. The company also discouraged gambling by issuing a notice about professional gamblers, which reveals the social concerns of the time.

🎭 Cultural & VIP Passengers

Several passengers stand out as representatives of social standing and transatlantic society:

Mrs. J. Anderson Hawley (embarking at Boulogne) – From a prominent American family, her presence reflects the social elite who made regular seasonal crossings.

Mrs. Ormiston Leanly, Mrs. G. A. Ormsbee, Mrs. E. H. Prindeyille – Boulogne embarkees often represented cosmopolitan society figures who lived or traveled extensively on the Continent.

Mr. Ledyard Avery – Likely connected to the influential Avery family of New York, his inclusion adds weight to the social caliber of the voyage.

The voyage’s entertainment roster also added a cultural dimension:

Orchestra – Performed daily, with a special dancing floor in the Reception Room, illustrating the blending of leisure and luxury that defined First Class life in the 1920s.

Times Book Club Library – Supplied a steady flow of current literature for passengers, reflecting the ship as both a place of leisure and intellectual engagement.

⭐ The Most Engaging Aspects of This Voyage

Interwar Prestige – With an orchestra, dancing floor, daily concerts, and literary offerings, the voyage epitomized the elegance of First Class-only service.

Naval & Military Prestige – With Captain Gates (C.B.E.) and Surgeon Rear-Admiral Parker (O.B.E.), this voyage highlights the prestige of decorated officers serving civilians at sea.

Social Elites Embarking at Boulogne – Adds an international flavor, showing the Minnetonka’s role in connecting London, continental Europe, and New York society.

Information for Passengers

Breakfast from 8:00 am until 10:00 am
Lunch at 1:00 pm
Dinner at 7:00 pm

The Bar opens at 8:00 am, and closes at 11:30 pm

Divine Service will be held on Sundays at 11:00 am

Smoking.—Passengers are kindly requested not to smoke in either the Dining Saloon or in the Reading and Writing Room.

Seats at Table.—Passengers who have not previously arranged for seats at table to be reserved should apply to the Second Steward.

When the steamers sail with full lists, children under the age of ten years not paying the adult fare are provided with meals at separate sittings in the Dining Saloon.

Upper Berths.—Passengers occupying upper berths can obtain steps for getting in or out on applying to the Steward or Stewardess.

Medical Attendance. The Surgeon is Authorised 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 The Voyage. in The Case of Sickness Originating On The Voyage No Charge WILL Be MADE, and MEDICINE WILL Be PROVIDED Free in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

The Purser's Office is situated on Deck B, where Letters, Cables, Telegrams and Marconigrams are received or delivered, and Postage Stamps can be purchased.
None of the ship's staff other than those on duty in the Purser's Office are authorized to accept Letters or Telegrams for despatch.

Charges Collected on Board. Passengers are requested so ask for a Receipt on the Company's Form for any additional Passage Money, Chair or Steamer Rug Hire, charges collected for Marconigrams, Cablegrams or Telegrams or Freight paid on board.

Deck Chairs or Steamer Rugs can be hired on application to the Deck Steward, at a charge of 6/6 (or $1.50) each for the voyage.

Deck Chair Cushions. A limited supply of Cushions, with loose covers, for Deck Chairs is available for hire at a charge of 616 (or $1.50) each for the voyage.

Valuables. For the convenience of Passengers, the Line has provided in the Purser's office a safe 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 Line 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 accordingly advised to protect themselves by insurance.

Precious Stones or other similar articles of merchandise may not be taken as baggage, but all Passengers must deliver such goods to the Purser of the vessel. The Pursers are instructed to furnish Passengers with a receipt for merchandise so delivered, and place-the goods in the safes aboard their vessel until a customs permit is presented to the Inspectors ordering the goods into the U.S. appraiser's stores for examination.

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.

Baggage. Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Second Steward, who is the Ship's Baggage Master.

Wardrobe Trunks. Passengers are advised that it is not always possible to arrange for the placing of Wardrobe 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.

Baggage Room. For passengerS' special convenience all heavy baggage not placed into state rooms is stored in the baggage room, where it is available to the owner twice daily at hours as stated on the ship's notice board.

Dogs. Passengers are notified that dogs should be handed over to the care of the live-stock attendant, and cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has previously been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of license must be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board.

Travellers' Cheques. I. M. M. Company's Travellers Cheques payable in all parts of Europe can be purchased at all the principal offices of the Atlantic Transport Line. These Cheques in ' small denominations are accepted on board Atlantic Transport steamers in payment of accounts, but the Pursers have not sufficient funds to enable them to cash these or any other Cheques.

Deck Games and Amusements. Deck Quoits, Shuffleboard, Bull Board and other games are provided on deck under the charge of the Deck Steward.

Chess, Draughts, Dominoes, Mah Jongg, etc., can be obtained on application to the Lounge Stewara.

Boots and Shoes. These will be cleaned if left outside the Stateroom door.

Barber. The Barber is authorized to make the following charges :—

His hours are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, but for the general convenience of the greater number, passengers are requested not to apply for hair-cutting or shampooing except between the hours of noon and 5.30 pm.

The Barber is allowed the privilege of selling various souvenirs and small articles on his own account.

Directories of London and New York are kept on the steamers for the convenience of Passengers.

Picture Postcards. Picture Postcards of the steamers can be obtained on board gratis.

Passengers' Addresses should be left at the Purser's Office, in order that any letters received after Passengers have left the steamer may be forwarded.

Wireless Telegram Rates.

This Steamer is fitted with Marconi's system of Wireless Telegraphy and also with Submarine Signalling Apparatus.

Long Range Wireless Service.

This vessel is fitted with special long range wireless apparatus which will enable Passengers to communicate with their friends or business houses on shore throughout the voyage across the North Atlantic Ocean.

The wireless charge for messages directed through the long distance wireless station at Devizes, England, is Md. per word; through Chatham, Mass. and Louisbourg, N.S., 9d. per word.

Orchestra. An Orchestra of skilled musicians will play daily.

Lounge and Reception Rooms. These rooms are respectively situated on Deck A and at the entrance to the Dining Saloon on Deck D. They are intended for the use of both Ladies and Gentlemen, and afternoon • tea and after-dinner coffee will be served here.

A special Dancing Floor has been fitted in the Reception Room on Deck D.

Reading Room. Books may be obtained from the Bookcase in the Reading Room on Deck A on application to the Steward in charge, between the hours of 10:00 am and 12 noon, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm

By special arrangement with the " Times Book Club," a supply of recent books is placed on board each voyage, as a supplement to the permanent collection of standard works.

Smoking Room. This Room is situated at the after end of Deck A.

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 at the Purser's Office for any later despatches to be re-directed.

Special Notice (Professional Gamblers)

The attention of the Managers has been called to the fact that certain persons, believed to be professional gamblers, are in the habit of traveling to and fro in Atlantic Steamships.

In bringing this to the knowledge of travelers the Managers, while not wishing in the slightest degree to interfere with the freedom of action of patrons of the Atlantic Transport Line, desire to invite their assistance in discouraging games of chance, as being likely to afford these individuals special opportunities for taking unfair advantage of others.

Recovery of U.S. Head Tax

This tax, if paid, can be recovered by Passengers, provided they inform the U.S. Immigration Inspector on arrival at New York of their intention to leave the United States within 60 days (the time prescribed by U.S. Law), and obtain from him Transit Certificate Form 514.

It is also necessary after leaving the United States for Transit Certificate Form 514 to be handed to the transportation company when completed, in time to allow it to be placed before the Immigration Authorities in Washington within 120 days of the passenger's arrival in the United States.

Unless this regulation is complied with the Tax cannot be recovered.

Note.—Passengers who have not paid the Head Tax in consequence of their being in transit to points outside of the United States, should kindly complete Form 514 (which must be obtained from the Immigration Officials at New York) and forward it to the Atlantic Transport Line, 1, Broadway, New York, as soon as possible after their departure from the United States, or hand it to the Purser of the steamer in which they return to the United Kingdom.

Landing Arrangements at New York

Should the steamer arrive at New York Wharf after 8:00 pm, all Passengers who have been passed by the U.S. Immigration Authorities may land or remain on board overnight at their own option. Those Passengers who have been passed by the Immigration Authorities and desire to remain on board may have all their baggage passed by the U.S. Customs that night or the following morning at their own option. No baggage will be passed before 7:00 am the day following arrival. Breakfast will be served to those who remain on board overnight.

In the event of the steamer arriving at Quarantine after the hours mentioned hereunder, Passengers, other than United States citizens, may be required by the U.S. Immigration Authorities to remain on board over night and to have their passports examined the following morning :-

• October to December, inclusive, 5.30 pm
• January to March " 6.00"
• April to June If 7.80
• July to September " 7.15 ,.

Breakfast will be served in the usual course.

Upon landing at New York and upon application to the uniformed representatives of thill railroads, who meet all steamers, railroad tickets may be purchased and baggage checked from the Steamship Pier to any point along the Lines of the Pennsylvania, New York Central, New York, New Haven, and Hartford, Erie, Lehigh Valley, and connecting railroads.

Passengers destined to New York City, or nearby points, will find on the Pier representatives of the Hendrickson Transfer Company, who will arrange for the expeditious transfer of baggage to Hotels, railroad terminals or residences.

The Minnetonka and Minnewaska carry First Class Passengers only, and call at Cherbourg eastbound.

The Minnekanda and Minnesota carry Tourist Third Cabin Passengers only, and call at Boulogne eastbound. For rates see separate booklet. The Minnekanda also calls at Plymouth eastbound.

🖼️ Noteworthy Images

Front Cover – Featuring elegant typography and the ATL company flag, a symbol of exclusivity 【1737c033f4】.

Title Page – Listing Captain Gates and senior officers 【22ee5aaf42】.

Passenger Lists (Parts 1 & 2) – Featuring Mr. Ledyard Avery, Major McCreery, and Mrs. Hawley 【22ee602dac】.

Information for Passengers – Covering meals, baggage, gambling notices, and shipboard services 【22ed127573】【22ed793d03】.

Wireless Telegram Rates & Long-Range Wireless – Showcasing advanced communication technology 【22ed9a624e】.

Map of New York City and Pier Locations – A practical feature for arriving passengers 【22ecddcdd1】.

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart – Detailing routes and unused log 【22f030b1e5】.

Back Cover – Featuring ATL’s motto as “the connecting link between London and New York” 【22f046269d】.

📚 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians & Genealogists

Teachers & Students – Provides insight into interwar luxury travel, maritime technology, and social culture of the 1920s.

Historians – Captures a moment when transatlantic liners were both floating hotels and cultural institutions, bridging Anglo-American society during the “Roaring Twenties.”

Genealogists – Offers valuable personal details for families of prominent American and European travelers who maintained strong social and economic ties.

💭 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The SS Minnetonka Passenger List of 17 December 1927 represents a high point of interwar transatlantic luxury. With its First Class-only service, refined clientele, and distinguished officers (including decorated Royal Navy veterans), this voyage captures the glamour, prestige, and comfort that defined the Atlantic Transport Line.

What makes this list particularly engaging are the social elites embarking from Boulogne, the holiday-season timing, and the ship’s array of cultural amenities—an orchestra, ballroom floor, library, and refined dining service. It stands as a vivid document of a world poised between the prosperity of the 1920s and the looming challenges of the 1930s. 🌍✨

Map of New York City Showing Atlantic Transport Line Pier and Head Office in Relation to The Hotel Area. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ecddcdd1

Information for Passengers, Part 1. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ed127573

Information for Passengers, Part 2. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ed1bc959

Information for Passengers, Part 3. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ed793d03

Wireless Telegram Rates, Long Range Wireless Service, Information for Passengers, Part 4. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ed9a624e

Letters for Passengers, Professional Gamblers Onboard Notice, Recovery of US Head Tax. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ede0d576

Recovery of US Head Tax. New York Landing Arrangements. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22edf77c86

Title Page, Listing of Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Mr. Ledyard Avery-Mrs. J. Anderson Hawley). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ee5aaf42

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Mr. Gordon L. Leake-Mr. J. E. Ryan). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ee602dac

Time on Shipboard. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22eef093eb

ATL Fleet List, ATL Sailing Schedule, London-New York Services, from 5 November 1927 to 2 June 1928. Ships Included the Minnekahda, Minnesota, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ef610928

Table of Approximate Distances inNautical Miles. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ef648086

Map of English Channel and Inset of Long Island, NY Map. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22ef8a572f

WSL, RSL LEY Sailing Schedules, Southampton-Cherbourg-New York and Liverpool-Queenstown (Cobh)-New York, from 2 November 1927 to 19 March 1928. Ships Included the Adriatic, Albertic, Arabic, Baltic, Belgenland, Calgaric, Cedric, Celtic, Devonian, Doric, Homeric, Lapland, Laurentic, Majestic, Olympic, Pennland, and Winifredian. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22efd4054b

White Star Line Sailing Schedules, Canadian Services, from 4 November 1927 to 9 August 1928. Ships Included the Albertic, Baltic, Calgaric, Cedric, Cletic, Doric, Laurentic, Megantic, and Regina. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22efdefc89

ATL Company Offices in America. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22f00c86bd

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean Showing the Northern, Southern, and Extra Southern Tracks (Routes) and a Memorandum of Log (Unused). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22f030b1e5

Back Cover, featuring a variant of the Chain Link Graphic with Atlantic Transport Line the Connecting Link Between London and New York.SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 17 December 1927. | GGA Image ID # 22f046269d