Anchor-Donaldson Line History and Ephemera
Anchor-Donaldson Line offered transatlantic steamship passenger services between the ports of Glasgow, Moville, and Liverpool in the UK and the Canadian ports of Quebec and Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, St. John and the US Port of Portland, Maine. Their Sister Ships of Letitia and Athenia offered both Cabin and Third Class accommodations of the intermediate class.
The Anchor-Donaldson Line was formed on October 20, 1916, when the Donaldson Line absorbed the Anchor Line, creating a new company to be known as the Anchor-Donaldson Line. Sir Alfred Booth, of the Cunard Line, was named as chairman of the new company.
The Donaldson Line operated a service between Glasgow and Liverpool and the River Plate, touching the more important South American ports. At the beginning of 1916, its fleet consisted of 25 vessels, of an aggregate tonnage of 89,992 tons and an average tonnage of 5,293.
The fleet of the Anchor Line, which had been mainly under Cunard influence for several years, included 15 vessels, with an aggregate tonnage of 114,222 tons and average tonnage of 7,615. The Anchor Line operated services from New York to Glasgow, from New York to the Mediterranean, and from England to Egypt and India. (Note 1)
Anchor-Donaldson Line Ephemera
1921-05-08 RMS Cassandra Passenger List
- Steamship Line: Anchor-Donaldson Line
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 8 May 1921
- Route: Montreal to Glasgow
- Commander: Captain James Black
1925-05-08 Athenia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 8 May 1925
- Route: Glasgow to Quebec and Montreal
- Commander: Captain James Black
1926-11 Brochure: Anchor-Donaldson Line - Letitia and Athenia
Profusely illustrated brochure on the cabin class accommodations available on the SS Letitia and SS Athenia of the Anchor-Donaldson Line. Published during November 1926, this rare booklet documents the two sister ships with interior and exterior photographs.
1930-08-22 Letitia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 22 August 1930
- Route: Glasgow to Quebec and Montreal via Liverpool and Belfast
- Commander: Captain David Taylor
1930-08-21 RMS Athenia Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Tourist Third Cabin Bill of Fare from 21 August 1930 featured Boiled Salmon, Cucumber Tartare, Bouchées de Homard, and Plum Pudding-Brandy & Hard Sauce for dessert.
1930-08-23 RMS Athenia Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare from Saturday, 23 August 1930 featured Shoulder & Haunch of Mutton—Red Currant Jelly, Roast Duckling—Savory & Apple Sauce, and Bachelor Pudding for dessert.
1930-08-24 RMS Athenia Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare from Sunday, 24 August 1930 featured Prime Ribs & Sirloin of Beef — Yorkshire Pudding, Quarters of Lamb - Mint Sauce, and Plum Pudding-Brandy & Hard Sauce for dessert.
1930-08-29 RMS Athenia Breakfast Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare from 29 August 1930 featured Arbroath Smokies, Broiled Weakfish, and Shirred Eggs and Roquefort.
Note 1: Information Annual 1916: A Continuous Cyclopedia and Digest of Current Events, New York, Cumulative Digest Corporation, © 1917, Page 13.
