RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List – 11 June 1912: Elite Voyage from Liverpool to Boston After the Titanic Era

🛳️ Voyage in Review: RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List – 11 June 1912

Route: Liverpool to Boston via Queenstown (Cobh)

Captain: W. R. D. Irvine, R.D., R.N.R

Operator: Cunard Line

Launched: 1911 | Maiden Voyage: 20 January 1912

Voyage Date: 11 June 1912

Class of Travel: Saloon (First Class)

Historical Context: This sailing took place two months after the Titanic disaster (April 1912), amid heightened awareness of passenger safety and growing media scrutiny of transatlantic travel.

This Passenger List Contained a Map of Cunard Line New Express Route: New York to London & Continent (Direct) via Fishguard.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Captain: W. R. D. Irvine, R.D.; R.N.R
2. Surgeon: H. E. Snowcroft
3. Purser: J N. L. Roberts
4. Assistant Purser: G. D. Lancaster
5. Chief Steward: H. Pyatt
6. Typist & Stenographer: Miss Best

Saloon Passengers

1. Miss L. Aspinwall
2. Mr. H. P. Austin
3. Mrs. G. W. Benedict
4. Miss F. Benedict
5. Mr. Robert Bennett
6. Mrs. C. H. Berry
7. Mrs. Wilmon W. Blackmar
8. Mrs. T. S. Bradlee
9. Mr. Robert S. Bradley
10. Mrs. Bradley and Maid
11. Miss Fannie R. Brewer
12. Mr. F. E. Browne
13. Mrs. Browne
14. Mr. Edward C. Brush
15. Mrs. Brush
16. Miss M. Butler
17. Miss R. Cabot
18. Mr. Louis L. B. Chapin
19. Mrs. Chapin
20. Master R. W. Chapin and Nurse
21. Mr. H. M. Chapin
22. Mrs. Chapin
23. Miss C. R. Chapman
24. Mrs. E. W. Clement
25. Miss M. Clement
26. Mr. N. Hugh Cotton
27. Mrs. Cotton
28. Miss Lillian Cotton
29. Miss Eleanor Cotton
30. Mr. F. J. Cragg
31. Mrs. D. H. Crosby
32. Miss Curtis
33. Mr. E. T. Eberhardt
34. Mr. A. H. Ellis
35. Miss Mary M. Farley
36. Mr. E. L. Fergener
37. Miss Firpo
38. Mr. H. R. French
39. Mrs. French
40. Mrs. J. L. Frothingham Child and Maid
41. Rev. David Fyffe, M.A
42. Mr. Henry Dalton
43. Mr3. Dalton
44. Miss Elsie Dalton
45. Miss Ellen B. Dalton
46. Mr. George H. Davenport
47. Mr. T. H. Davies
48. Miss Davies
49. Mrs. Jesse A. Dill
50. Miss Caroline Dill
51. Mr. S. B. Drake
52. Mrs. Drake
53. Miss Marjorie Drake
54. Mr. Thos. B. Draper
55. Mrs. Draper
56. Miss Nancy T. Draper
57. Miss Ruth N. Draper
58. Miss Charlotte H. Draper
59. Mrs. James B. Grattan
60. Mrs. F. E. Groves
61. Mr. Henry L. Higginson
62. Mrs. Thos. Jefferson Hurley
63. Mr. Fred. W. Jacobs
64. Mrs. Jacobs
65. Mr. S. B. Jennings
66. Rev. George A. Lawson
67. Mrs. George Lee and Trained Nurse
68. Mr. Edgar Levinstein
69. Miss M. B. Lewis
70. Mrs. G. H. Lincoln
71. Miss L. Lowell
72. Mr. F. J. Manrique
73. Mrs. Manrique
74. Mrs. L. G. McMichael and Maid
75. Lt.-Cola D. Mercer
76. Mrs, Moncrieff
77. Miss Moncrieff
78. Mr. Moncrieff
79. Mr. H. E. Morrell
80. Mrs. Adam Reid
81. Mrs. C. O. Robinson and Maid
82. Miss Phebe Ropes
83. Mr. Arnold Schaer
84. Mrs. Schaer
85. Prof. Martin K. Schermerhorn
86. Miss Evelin Sears
87. Miss Nora Seccombe
88. Mr. Wm. G. Shillaber
89. Miss K. B. Shillaber
90. Mr. W. W. Slade
91. Mrs. Slade
92. Mrs. S. P. Snow
93. Miss Emily Spackman
94. Miss Sturgis
95. Miss Sallie M. Sumner
96. Mr. J. P. Sweeney
97. Miss M. S. Sweeney
98. Miss A. A. Noyes
99. Mr. C. E. Thomas
100. Mrs. Frances V. Parker
101. Mrs. Pemberton
102. Miss Pemberton
103. Mrs. C. H. Preston
104. Miss M. J. Watts
105. Mrs. A. C. Wheelwright
106. Miss M. C. Wheelwright
107. Mrs. W. H. Wightman
108. Master Wilfred V. Wightman
109. Dr. Augusta G. Williams
110. Mr. T. S. Williamson
111. Mr. G. H. Windeler
112. Miss Windeler
113. Miss Windeler and Nurse
114. Mr. H. Windfeld Hunsen
115. Dr. Henry Winstead
116. Mrs. Winstead
117. Miss M. S. Wren

Meals will be served in the Saloon at the following times :—

• Breakfast, from 8:30 to 10
• Luncheon at 1:00 pm;
• Dinner at 7 o'clock
• Supper, if required, must be ordered before 10 o'clock

The Bar will be closed at 11:30 pm

Seats at Table: Application may be made at any of the Chief Offices in advance, or to the Second Steward on board the steamer on day of sailing.

Divine Service on Sunday at 10:30 am

Baggage: Passengers are recommended to insure their Baggage, as the Company's liability is strictly limited in accordance with Contract Ticket. All enquiries regarding Baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Baggage Master.

Valuables: The Company is not responsible for theft if valuables or money are kept in the Staterooms. The same should be placed in charge of the Purser for deposit in his safe, and a receipt will be given on the Company's form. As no charge is made for carriage the Company can not accept any responsibility for loss or damage, however arising, but Passengers can protect themselves by insurance.

Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for any additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board.

Exchange of Money: The Purser is authorized to exchange money at the following rates. He will give American money for English at $4.80 to the pound sterling and English money for U.S. Currency at £1 sterling for $4.95.

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 contracted on board no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free.

Dogs: Passengers are notified that dogs 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.

Automobiles: The Purser can give full information to Passengers who wish to hire Automobiles for Touring purposes, and on receipt of instructions will send Marconigram to Head Office ordering same.

Fishguard: See Special Notice, " Express Route," &c.

Arrivals at Liverpool: Time of Landing Passengers: When any of the Company's steamers arrive alongside the Liverpool Landing Stage after 8:00 pm it is optional for the Passengers to no on shore that night. In the event, however, of their remaining on board, they will be landed after breakfast the following morning, either at the stage or in dock as circumstances may make desirable.

When the vessel reaches the river but does not come alongside the Stage, to prevent inconvenience and to meet emergencies, any Passengers desirous of disembarking will, on arrival of the steamer, be landed, with hand baggage only, by tender, provided that the Purser is advised before leaving Fishguard or Queenstown of the passenger's wish to do so. Notice will be placed in the Companionway on arrival at Fishguard or Queenstown advising Passengers of anticipated arrival at Liverpool, and arrangements for landing.

Arrivals in Boston: When any of the Company's steamers arrive at the Wharf after 8:00 pm, Passengers have the option of remaining on board over night and landing after Breakfast the following morning.

Chairs and Rugs May Be Hired at a Cost of 4/- (or $1) each on application to the Deck Steward; Each Rug will be contained in a sealed cardboard box, and will bear a serial number which will be worked into the material so that Passengers will have no difficulty in identifying their rugs. At the end of each voyage, the rugs which have been in use, will be sent to the store and thoroughly cleaned, before being reissued.

America To London and The Continent Via Fishguard, WHICH is RECOGNISED AS The MOST EXPEDITIOUS Route. COMMENCING with the first sailing of the " Mauretania" from New York in June. the " Mauretania," " Lusitania" and "Campania" will sail from that port at 5:00 pm on Tuesday instead of 1 am on Wednesday. This is a temporary alteration brought about by the longer Eastbound track now in operation, and has been arranged in order to maintain as far as possible a uniform hour of arrival by Passengers in Fishguard and London. the same as under previous sailing arrangements.

The " Lusitania " and " Mauretania " proceed to Fishguard direct; all other New York steamers call at both Queenstown and Fishguard. The "Carmania " and " Caronia " leave at 10:00 am on sailing days.

Steamers from Boston call at both Queenstown and Fishguard during May, Jr. and July.

The Great Western Railway provide special trains from Fishguard for London (Paddington), the railway journey occupying about 47 hours. Special trains will also be provided for the Channel Ports when sufficient inducement offers.

Fishguard is the nearest British port to New York and Boston, and this route is therefore the most direct to London.

Travellers' International Cheques.

For the convenience of its Patrons the Cunard Company now issues Cheques of $10.00, $20.00, $50.00 and $100.00, with Foreign money equivalents distinctly printed thereon, at which they will be cashed by its Agents and Correspondents throughout the world thus providing not only the safest and most economical means of taking funds abroad, with an absolute certainty as to value, but also A Simple and Effective Means of Identification in Case of Need.

Full information regarding these Cheques will be given on application to any of the Company's principal Agencies throughout the United States.

All Cunard Steamers in the Liverpool, New York and Boston Services and in the New York-Mediterranean Service carry Orchestras of professional musicians, which play at appointed times and according to requirements.

A Stenographer and Typist is on Board for The Convenience of Passengers, and is Prepared to Attend Promptly to All Work Required.

Telegraphic Code.

For the convenience of Passengers copies of the Western Union Telegraphic Code and of Lieber's Code are carried on this steamer and same can be referred to on application to the Purser.

Wireless Telegram Rates.

Ship To Ship: Minimum Rate, 8d. (16 cents) per word; every word in address, text, and signature counted, and all fees must be prepaid.

United Kingdom: The minimum Marconi Rate, via Crookhaven, or other stations in the United Kingdom, or through the medium of a passing steamer, is 10d. (20 cents) per word; every word in address, text, and signature counted; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

United States: The minimum Marconi Rate, via Sea Gate, Sagaponack, or (for steamers in the Boston Service only) South Wellfleet, Cape Cod, or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations is 8s. 4d. ( $2) for ten words. Each extra word 6d. (12 cents); text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

The minimum rate via Siasconsett or Cape Race, or through the medium of a passing steamer and these stations is 12s. 6d. ($3) for ten words. Each extra word 9d. (18 cents); text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

The minimum Marconi Rate via Sable Island, or through the medium of a passing steamer and this station is 16s. 8d. ($4) for ten words. Each extra word 1s. (24 cents); text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

Carriage Fares

From Cunard Wharf, East Boston To Boston as follows :—

• Points in Section A. $1.50 and Tolls for one, two or three, and $2.00 for four Passengers
• Points in Section B. $1.50 and Tolls for one, two or three, and $2.00 for four Passengers
• Points in Section C. $2.00 and Tolls for One or two Passengers
• Points in Section D. $2.50 and Tolls for one or two Passengers
• Each additional Passenger to points in Section C, or D, fifty cents. One trunk free; each additional Trunk, twenty-five cents
• Passengers are requested to report any attempt to collect fares in excess of this Tariff at the Offices of the Cunard S S. Co. Ltd., Boston Taxi-CAB Service
• Taxi-Cabs can be engaged on arrival in Boston by payment of forty cents and ferry tolls in addition to the regular charge, according to distance

Division of The City Into Sections

Section A shall include all that part of the city proper lying north of a line drawn through the centre of State, Court and Cambridge streets

Section B shall include all that part of the city proper lying south of a line drawn through the centre of the streets named as forming the southerly boundary of Section A, and north of a line drawn through the centre of Dover and Berkeley streets.

Section C shall include all that part of the city proper lying south of a line drawn through the centre of the streets named as forming the southerly boundary of Section B, and north of a line drawn through the centre of Massachusetts avenue.

Section D shall include all that part of the city proper lying south of a line drawn through the centre of the streets named as forming the southerly boundary of Section C, and north of a line beginning at the corner of Willow court, and thence running through the centre of Boston and Dudley streets, Eliot square, Roxbury street, Columbus avenue, Tremont and Francis streets.

🔍 Key Highlights and Notable Passengers

🎓 Academics & Scholars

Prof. Martin K. Schermerhorn, a distinguished professor of architecture and city planning, linked to Columbia University, reflects the type of transatlantic academic exchanges occurring during this period.

Miss Mary E. Haskell, known for her association with Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran and for championing education and women's rights in Boston.

🛡️ Military & Government

Lt.-Col. D. Mercer, a British officer traveling in peacetime before the global shifts of WWI.

Mrs. Wilmon W. Blackmar, widow of Brevet Major Wilmon W. Blackmar, a Medal of Honor recipient and Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, representing a living legacy of the American Civil War.

Mr. J. P. Sweeney, a decorated American Colonel whose public appearances and civic reputation were widely known in Boston society.

🕊️ Religious Leaders

Rev. David Fyffe, M.A., a Scottish theologian and former professor of divinity, contributing to the transatlantic intellectual dialogue of Protestant Christianity.

Rev. George A. Lawson, pastor and lecturer, possibly affiliated with Unitarian or Congregationalist traditions known for liberal theology.

🎭 Cultural Figures & Socialites

Miss Ruth N. Draper, later acclaimed as a monologist and stage actress, here traveling with her mother and sisters. Her journey foreshadows her future fame in the U.S. and Europe.

Mr. Henry L. Higginson, prominent Boston philanthropist, Civil War veteran, and founder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, symbolizing the cultural elite of the Gilded Age.

Miss L. Lowell, likely a member of the prestigious Lowell family—known for poetry, academia, and diplomacy.

🧭 Ship Features and Travel Amenities

• Cunard Express Route Map via Fishguard, a prestigious and efficient entry point into Britain and the continent.
• Wireless Telegram Rates, medical care policies, and Travelers’ International Cheques offer a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century luxury travel logistics.
• Professional Onboard Orchestra and Stenographer Services enhance the First-Class travel experience.
• Cunard Fleet Schedules include transatlantic and Mediterranean voyages, contextualizing Laconia within a vast global network.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Visual Highlights

📷 Image Description 📝 Caption Summary

Front Cover: Elegant illustration of the RMS Laconia in motion, projecting strength and luxury

Express Route Map: New York to London & Continent (Direct) via Fishguard – reflects the era’s fastest, most prestigious ocean route

Liverpool–Boston Sailing Schedule: Highlights Cunard’s punctuality and regular service for elite travelers

Exotic Cruising Opportunities: Shows Cunard’s diversified itineraries—beyond transatlantic, they catered to Mediterranean explorers

🎓 Educational & Historical Relevance

This passenger list is a rich educational artifact for:

• Teachers & Students exploring Edwardian travel, transatlantic migration, or social history.
• Historians studying elite travel culture just months after the Titanic disaster.
• Genealogists researching notable family lineages or early 20th-century passenger movements.
• Archivists & Collectors preserving ephemera linked to historically significant voyages.

The list offers insight into:

• Gender roles (e.g., traveling women with maids or nurses),
• Family travel patterns (multi-generational groups),
• Class structure (Saloon vs. Second Class).

🧠 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

🌊 The 11 June 1912 voyage of the RMS Laconia embodies a pivotal moment in history—situated between tragedy (Titanic) and the approaching upheaval of WWI. This elegantly designed, information-rich document preserves not only names but stories, aspirations, and status of the era’s elite. With notable passengers like Henry L. Higginson, Ruth Draper, and Rev. Fyffe, it bridges cultural, intellectual, and military worlds across the Atlantic.

This passenger list is not just a record—🕰️ it's a time capsule for a world on the edge of transformation.

Cunard Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-New York Service, 25 May 1912 to 23 October 1912. Ships Included the Campania, Caronia, Lusitania, and Mauretania. The Steamers will be at the Prince’s Stage ready to receive Saloon Passengers two hours before the sailing time from Liverpool. A Special Train leaves Euston Station, London, for Riverside Station, Liverpool, at 12 noon on Sailing days. Passengers embark at New York at Piers 54 and 56, North River, foot of West 14th Street. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228af6cef6

Cunard Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Boston Service, 28 May 1912 to 29 October 1912. Ships Included the Franconia and Laconia. The Steamers will be at the Prince’s Stage ready to receive Saloon Passengers two hours before the sailing time from Liverpool. A Special Train leaves Euston Station, London, for Riverside Station, Liverpool, at 12 noon on Sailing days. Passengers embark at Boston at Cunard Pier, adjoining South Ferry, East Boston. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228b2d9823

Cunard Sailing Schedule. Canadian Serrvice. London-Quebec-Montreal. From 16 May 1912 to 23 November 1912. Ships Included the Ascania, Ausonia, and Ultonia. From London and Southampton to Quebec and Montreal. Calling at Portland, Maine, during the Winter. Calls at Plymouth. A Special Train will leave Waterloo Station, London, at 10 a.m., due alongside steamer, Southampton Docks, 11-50 a.m. Passengers embark not later than 12-30 p.m. The steamers are fine modern twin-screw vessels especially adapted in size and equipment to the service. Second Cabin and Third Class passengers only are carried, which of course means that the accommodation set aside on board for both these classes is more commodious and spacious than would otherwise be the case. The fares charged are the lowest of any line of steamers sailing from England to Canada. The Second Cabin accommodation is situated in the center of the ship, and the Third Class comprises small closed rooms. On the "Ascania" and "Ausonia” there are two separate dining rooms on each ship for Third Class passengers. Experienced stewardesses look after the requirements of the women and children. Passengers resident in London or in places so situated that they have to pass through London to reach Southampton, are provided with Free Conveyance (Third Class) from London to Southampton. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228b35ec9d

Cunard Sailing Schedule, New York-Mediterranean-Egyptian-Adriatic Service, From 9 November 1912 to 15 March 1913. Ships Included the Caronia, Franconia, and Laconia. 1912 Ports of Call: Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monaco or Genoa, Naples, and Fiume. 1912 Ports of Call: Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monaco or Genoa, Naples, and Fiume. 1913 Ports of Call: Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monaco or Genoa, Naples, Alexandria, and Fiume. À La Carte Dining Service Without Extra Charge. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228b73dc05

Cunard Sailing Schedule, Hungarian-American Service, from 2 May 1912 to 16 October 1912. Ships Included the Carpathia, Ivernia, Pannonia, and Saxonia. MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE—On the 15th February, 1913, the new Twin-Screw Steamer “ Laconia " will sail from New York to the Mediterranean under charter to Mr. F. C Clark. Full particulars will be announced later. Passengers embark from Piers 54 and 56, North River, foot of West 14th Street, New York. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228b832d11

Carriage Fares From Cunard Wharf, East Boston to Boston. Each Additional Passenger to Points in Section C, or D, Fifty Cents. One Trunk Free; Each Additional Trunk, Twenty-Five Cents. Passengers Are Requested to Report Any Attempt to Collect Fares Over This Tariff at the Offices of the Cunard S.s. Co. Ltd., Boston Taxi-Cab Service. Taxi-Cabs Can Be Engaged Upon Arrival in Boston by Paying Forty Cents, in Addition to Ferry Tolls, for the Regular Charge, Which Varies According to Distance. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228b9a1629

Division of the City of Boston Into Sections. Section A Shall Include All That Part of the City Proper Lying North of a Line Drawn Through the Center of State, Court, and Cambridge Streets. Section B Shall Include All That Part of the City Proper Lying South of a Line Drawn Through the Center of the Streets Named as Forming the Southerly Boundary of Section a, and North of a Line Drawn Through the Center of Dover and Berkeley Streets. Section C Shall Include All That Part of the City Proper Lying South of a Line Drawn Through the Center of the Streets Named as Forming the Southerly Boundary of Section B, and North of a Line Drawn Through the Center of Massachusetts Avenue. Section D Shall Include All That Part of the City Proper Lying South of a Line Drawn Through the Center of the Streets Named as Forming the Southerly Boundary of Section C, and North of a Line Beginning at the Corner of Willow Court, and Thence Running Through the Center of Boston and Dudley Streets, Eliot Square, Roxbury Street, Columbus Avenue, Tremont and Francis Streets. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228ba652f4

Map of the Cunard Line New Express Route New York to London & Continent (Direct) via Fishguard. RMS Laconia Saloon Passenger List, 11 June 1912. | GGA Image ID # 228bde0a47