From Nobels to Notables: Cabin Class on the SS Hellig Olav, 22 July 1926 – A Voyage Across the Atlantic's Social Landscape

Front Cover, SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List from the Scandinavian-American Line, Departing Thursday, 22 July 1926 from New York to Copenhagen via Christiansand and Oslo, Commanded by Captain L. F. Peronard. GGA Image ID # 232b3d375d

🛳️ Review and Summary: SS Hellig Olav – Cabin Class Passenger List (22 July 1926)

🚢 Ship Overview

• Vessel Name: SS Hellig Olav
• Operator: Scandinavian-American Line
• Route: Departed New York for Copenhagen via Christiansand and Oslo
• Departure Date: Thursday, 22 July 1926
• Captain: L. F. Peronard
• Built: 1903 by A. Stephen & Sons Ltd., Glasgow
• Tonnage: ~10,000 GRT
• Notable Features: Known for its elegance and Scandinavian hospitality, the Hellig Olav served as a mainstay in transatlantic travel for Northern European immigrants and elite travelers between New York and Denmark.

🧭 Voyage Context & Historical Significance

In the summer of 1926, the SS Hellig Olav embarked on a quintessential transatlantic voyage reflective of the interwar travel boom. As steamship travel rebounded after WWI, this route—linking America’s bustling melting pot with Northern Europe’s cultural heart—carried both returning Europeans and American tourists. The list includes Scandinavian professionals, American doctors, musicians, cartoonists, university professors, and more—many of whom left handwritten annotations in this document, offering rare glimpses into onboard social dynamics.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain L. F. Peronard
2. Chief Officer: F. C. Madsen
3. Chief Engineer: Troels Lund
4. Physician: Dr. Aage Krarup Nielsen
5. Purser: Ole Petersen
6. Chief Steward: K. K. Koefoed

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 1 (Askensay-Carlson)

1. Miss Betty Askensay
2. Mrs. O. Andersen
3. Mr. Halfdan Anderson
4. Miss Nana Braska Andersen
5. Miss Iris Andreasen
6. Mr. Jens Peter Andersen
7. Mr. Elling Andersen
8. Miss Karen M. Andersen
9. Miss Olga C. Andersen
10. Miss Ingeborg Bohr
11. Mrs. Anna F. Brile
12. Mr. Mads P. Bredder
13. Mr. F. S. Barnes
14. Miss Thora Clemmensen ("The Pelican")
15. Mrs. Ludovica Christensen
16. Mr. Geo. Cotterill
17. Mrs. Elva Catanzaro
18. Master Carmino Catanzaro
19. Mr. Conrad Christensen
20. Mrs. Conrad Christensen
21. Mr. Magnus Carlson
22. Mrs. Alida Carlson

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 2 (Emilsen-Houlberg)

1. Mrs. Laura Emilsen
2. Mrs. Margaret Fromm
3. Mr. Eric Fromm
4. Mrs. Eric Fromm
5. Miss Ida Fangel
6. Dr. Herbert S. Gasser
7. Miss Inga Gabrilsen
8. Mr. Richard Gruner (“The Gummer?”)
9. Mrs. Tora Hansen (“The Captain’s Fave?”)
10. Mr. H. Hanatschek
11. Mrs. H. Hanatschek
12. Miss Hermine Hanatschek
13. Dr. Ernest L. Hayford
14. Mrs. M. Isabel Hansen-Husted
15. Mrs. Marie S. Halonen
16. Mr. Hans Hansen
17. Mr. Hess
18. Mrs. Hess
19. Mr. Marius Hall
20. Mr. C. Houlberg
21. Mrs. C. Houlberg

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 3 (Ireland-Marcher)

1. Mr. David Ireland
2. Mr. Lorenz Johnson
3. Mrs. Frida Jacobsen
4. Mr. M. Jörgensen
5. Mr. J. P. Jantzen
6. Mrs. J. P. Jantzen
7. Miss Jennie A. Jaeger
8. Mrs. Signe Jensen
9. Miss Edith Jensen
10. Mr. Viggo B. Jörgensen (“Cates Cigar Man”)
11. Miss Ane Kjargaard
12. Mr. Svend A. Lövengren
13. Mrs. Larson
14. Miss Rebecca Lewenthal
15. Miss Ernestine Lewenthal
16. Mrs. Johanne Lauritzen
17. Mrs. Ulla Larson
18. Master Walter Larson
19. Mr. Carl Marcher
20. Mrs. Gerda Marcher

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 4 (Meek-Petersen)

1. Dr. Walter J. Meek
2. Mr. C. Riborg Mann
3. Mrs. C. Riborg Mann
4. Miss Adrienne Mann
5. Mr. Harold Moshus
6. Mr. Louis V. Meyer
7. Mrs. Olga Miller
8. Mrs. Carlo Maas
9. Miss Dolares Maas
10. Mr. Chas. F. Neergaard (“Delightful”)
11. Mrs. Chas. F. Neergaard (“Delightful”)
12. Master Eugene Nielsen
13. Mr. Holder Nielsen
14. Mr. Jens Norgaard
15. Mrs. Mattie Norgaard
16. Master Kenneth Norgaard
17. Miss Ida Nylund
18. Mr. Leo A. Nielsen
19. Mr. J. C. Peden (“Illegible Comment”)
20. Mrs. J. C. Peden (“Yes Maam”)
21. Miss Olga Petersen

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 5 (Pokrywka-Slesicka)

1. Miss Maria Pokrywka
2. Mr. Carl Peters
3. Mrs. Nellie M. Peters
4. Mr. Jens Petersen
5. Mrs. Anna Petersen
6. Mr. Wilford F. Petersen
7. Mr. Hans Rode
8. Miss Isabelle A. Reimer
9. Mrs. Sofie Römer
10. Mr. Max Ree (“Dane Cartoonist”)
11. Dr. Francis O. Schmitt
12. Mr. George Sönderhoff
13. Mrs. Anna Sönderhoff
14. Mr. Engwal Stevenson
15. Mrs. Theresa Stevenson
16. Miss Ellen Stevenson
17. Mrs. Marguerite Schou
18. Mrs. Caroline Stiansen
19. Mrs. Helena Slesicka
20. Miss Slesicka (First name not provided)

List of Cabin Class Passengers, Part 6 (Sandmann-Watnee)

1. Mrs. Karen Sandmann
2. Mrs. Olga Sörensen
3. Miss Lillian Sörensen
4. Master Paul Sörensen
5. Mr. E. Smith
6. Mr. George Schultze Jr.
7. Miss Karen Steffensen
8. Mr. Thorwald Sakariasen
9. Mr. Max Schauer
10. Mrs. Ida Toonk
11. Mr. A. L. Williston
12. Mrs. A. L. Williston
13. Miss Marie Wedel
14. Mr. Jens S. Willum
15. Mrs. Eli Wilhjelm
16. Mr. Harold Weiss
17. Mrs. Harold Weiss
18. Infant Weiss (First name not given)
19. Mr. Samuel Watnee

List of Cabin Class Passengers, Part 7 - Addendum (Bergh-Samuelsen)

1. Mr. Arne Bergh
2. Mr. Leif Bryde
3. Mrs. Edith Christophersen
4. Mr. Harry Hansen
5. Mrs. Emily Hansen
6. Miss Elise Hangar
7. Mr. Einar Halle
8. Mr. Thorvald E. Mortensen
9. Miss Anna Nielsen
10. Mr. Richard Rasmussen
11. Mrs. Sylvia Rasmussen
12. Hilda Rasmussen (Title not specified; likely Miss or Mrs.)
13. Luther Rasmussen (Title not specified; likely Master or Mr.)
14. Wojciech Ragowski (Title not specified; likely Mr.)
15. Mr. Ingemann Samuelsen

👤 Notable Individuals & Highlights

🎓 Academics & Scientists

Dr. Herbert S. Gasser – Later recipient of the 1944 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (shared with Joseph Erlanger), he was a pioneering neurophysiologist. Born to German-Swiss parents in Wisconsin, this voyage could have been linked to family or academic travel.

Dr. Ernest L. Hayford – Professor at Northwestern University, notable for work in theology and history.

Dr. Walter J. Meek – Likely connected to the University of Wisconsin, contributing to medical education.

🎭 Artists & Entertainers

Mr. Max Ree – Annotated as a “Dane Cartoonist”; he was a costume designer and art director in Hollywood and Academy Award winner for “Cimarron” (1931).

Miss Thora Clemmensen – Referred to as “The Pelican,” possibly referencing a performance name or a playful nickname known among fellow travelers.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Annotated Personalities & Onboard Gossip

Mrs. Tora Hansen – Marked as “The Captain’s Fave?”, suggesting noted social presence onboard.

Mr. Richard Gruner – Nicknamed “The Gummer?,” possibly referencing a quirk or comedic trait.

Mr. Viggo B. Jörgensen – Known as “Cates Cigar Man” – hinting at a business connection or strong brand identity onboard.

Mr. & Mrs. Chas. F. Neergaard – Both labeled “Delightful,” indicating popularity or charisma.

These annotations were made by Mr. George Schultze, Jr., the apparent original owner of this passenger list, adding a human layer to historical records—making this document an exceptional primary source.

🚨 Probable Errors Box

📝 Entry 🚩 Issue

📝 Miss Slesicka 🚩 First name missing

📝 Infant Weiss 🚩 Name not given

📝 Mr. Hess & Mrs. Hess 🚩 First names not provided—may affect identification

📝 Hilda & Luther Rasmussen 🚩 Titles unspecified—may be Miss/Mrs. or Master/Mr.

📝 Wojciech Ragowski 🚩 Title unspecified—assumed to be Mr.

Information for Cabin Passengers

A bugle is sounded half an hour before and at the beginning of each meal

• Breakfast from 8 to 9.30 a. m.
• Bouillon at 11 a. m. (served on deck)
• Luncheon at 12.30 p. m.
• Dinner at 7 p. m.
• Coffee at 3.30 p. m. (served in dining room)
• Tea at 9.30 p. m.

Lights are extinguished in the Saloons at 11 p. m. and in the Smoking Room 12.00 p. m.

Seats at Tables can be arranged for through the Chief Steward in charge. If two sittings are necessary, children paying half fare take their meals at the first sitting.

Baggage. Questions relating to baggage should be referred to the Deck Officer in charge, who is the Ship’s Baggage Master. Baggage marked “Wanted” is placed in the Baggage room, where Passengers will have access to it from 10 to 11 a. m. and from 3 to 4 p. m. daily.

Valuables. In the Purser’s Office the Company has provided a safe in which Passengers may deposit money or other valuables for safe-keeping. As the Company makes no charge for taking care of such articles during the voyage, no responsibility can be accepted for possible loss or damage however such may arise, but Passengers can protect themselves by insurance. The Company is not liable to the Passengers for the loss of valuables kept in the cabins.

Exchange of Money. For the convenience of the Passengers the Purser is prepared to exchange a limited amount of Foreign Money and will give due notice when the Exchange will be open.

Travelers Cheques are accepted in payment of accounts, but the Pursers do not always carry funds to enable them to cash same.

Deck Chairs can be rented from the Deck Steward at a charge of $1.00 each for the voyage.

Steamer Rugs can be rented from the Deck Steward at a charge of $1.00 each for the voyage.

Library. Books can be obtained on applying to the Library Steward.

Physician and Nurse. A Physician and Trained Nurse are in attendance during the voyage. Medicine will be provided free. The Doctor’s office is open from 11 to 12 noon and from 4 to 5 p. m.

Baths. Baths for ladies can be ordered from the Stewardess; baths for gentlemen can be ordered from the Barber.

Telegrams to be dispatched from the first port of call are accepted by the Purser or Chief Steward.

🖼️ Noteworthy Images

📌 Front Cover – Elegant typography and Scandinavian-American Line branding

📌 Senior Officers & Staff – Lists key crew: Commander, Chief Officer, Purser, etc.

📌 Onboard Info Panel – Covers baggage policies, deck chair rentals, dining hours, medical availability, and banking services

📌 Passenger Annotations – Multiple pages marked with handwritten commentary, revealing shipboard life

📌 Route Map – North Atlantic track showing northern/southern transatlantic routes

📌 Condensed Time Table – Valuable for tracing inland connections post-disembarkation

📌 Back Cover – Shows scrapbook removal marks, evidence of a cherished personal keepsake

📚 Relevance for Researchers & Educators

For Teachers & Students

Social Studies & Immigration Units: Highlights social mobility, post-war travel patterns, and the role of ocean liners in shaping transatlantic relationships.

Medical & Scientific History: Notable scientists like Gasser and Meek offer entry points into Nobel Prize history or academic diaspora.

For Historians & Genealogists

Handwritten Annotations reveal onboard social circles, interactions, and impressions.

Scandinavian-American Line connection is vital for those tracing Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish heritage.

Cross-Class Patterns: Some families and individuals (e.g., repeat appearances or unknown titles like “Infant Weiss” and “Miss Slesicka”) offer rich mystery-solving opportunities.

📝 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

This 1926 SS Hellig Olav passenger list goes far beyond a static name ledger. It becomes a social document, enhanced by humor, status markers, and real-life impressions penned directly into the margins. The inclusion of future Nobel laureates, Hollywood professionals, and professors makes this list not only genealogically rich but culturally significant.

Moreover, the visual condition and annotations point to this list as a cherished keepsake—offering a rare, intimate snapshot of transatlantic life at a pivotal moment in history.

Title Page Including List of Senior Officers and Staff. SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232b5baf4c

Information for Cabin Passengers, Part 1 (Bugle Sounded, Meals, Seats at Table, Baggage, Valuables, Exchange of Money, Travelers Cheques, Deck Chairs, Steamer Rugs, Library, Physician and Nurse, Baths, and Telegrams). SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232b757171

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 1 (Askensay-Carlson), SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232bbceea8

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 2 (Emilsen-Houlberg), SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232bdbea99

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 3 (Ireland-Marcher), SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232bff6a27

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 4 (Meek-Petersen), SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232c0b87df

Annotated List of Cabin Passengers, Part 5 (Pokrywka-Slesicka), SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232c58f3d1

List of Cabin Class Passengers, Part 6 (Sandmann-Watnee). Name Underlined, Mr. George Schultze, Jr., Apparently Was the Original Owner of This Passenger List and Made Annotations About His Fellow Passengers. SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232c770ad3

List of Cabin Class Passengers, Part 7 - Addendum (Bergh-Samuelsen), SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232c7990ce

Route Map of the North Atlantic Ocean Showing the Northern and Southern Tracks. SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232c9043e7

Connection and Condensed Time Table (From Christiansand, Oslo, and Copenhagen) Daily Unless Otherwise Stated, Part 1. SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232cafe543

Connection amd Condensed Time Table, From Copenhagen: Train to Oslo, Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Danish Points. Steamers to Malmö, Aarhus, Aalborg, Rónne, Danzig, Memel, Pillau, and Riga. SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232cc471fd

Scandinavian-American Line Offices and Agencies, SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232ce54e99

Back Cover Showing Renments of Being Extracted from a Scrapbook. The Design Replacates the Front Cover. SS Hellig Olav Cabin Class Passenger List, 22 July 1926. | GGA Image ID # 232d252a93