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Captain C. H. E. Judkins

The Late C. H. E. Judkins

The Late Catain C. H. E. Judkins. From a photograph by Manchester Brothers, Providence. GGA Image ID # 12e76fba23

Some of them never make friends, and others always do. Of the latter class many instances might be given. Of the former there has never been a better illustration in the service than the late Captain Judkins, of the Cunard Line.

He was highly esteemed by the company, but the bane of nine-tenths of the passengers who crossed in his day. Anecdotes innumerable are told of him, and all illustrative of his singular gruffness of manner. Perhaps the best known of all is this:

Lady passenger (advancing toward the captain, who, leaning over the rail of the Scotia, is looking toward Newfoundland) : "Oh, captain, do tell me, is it always as foggy and nasty as this off the Banks ?"

The captain (glancing briefly at his questioner, and then resuming his attitude), " How the devil do I know, madam? I don't live here."

Certain it is that the memory of this capable old salt is not cherished with much affection by transatlantic voyagers.

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The Folks Behind the GG Archives

The GG Archives is the work and passion of two people, Paul Gjenvick, a professional archivist, and Evelyne Gjenvick, a curator. Paul earned a Masters of Archival Studies - a terminal degree from Clayton State University in Georgia, where he studied under renowned archivist Richard Pearce-Moses. Our research into the RMS Laconia and SS Bergensfjord, the ships that brought two members of the Gjønvik family from Norway to the United States in the early 20th century, has helped us design our site for other genealogists. The extent of original materials at the GG Archives can be very beneficial when researching your family's migration from Europe.