On July 3, 1952 (sixty years ago today), the S.S. United States ocean liner began its maiden voyage, from New York to England.
The historic passenger ship, which went out of service in 1969, has been docked on the Philadelphia waterfront since the 1990s.
As I have noted, in previous posts, the S.S. United States plays a part in my book about early television.
On June 28, 1952, five days before the ship's maiden voyage, the last telecast of Your Hit Parade, for the 1951-1952 season, took place on the ship. (It was my mother's last appearance on the program. She sang the song "I'm Yours" from the ship's wheelhouse.)
The S.S. United States Conservancy is an organization devoted to the ship's preservation. The group took ownership of the ocean liner in 2011, with the assistance of Philadelphia philanthropist H. F. "Gerry" Lenfest.
For more information about the Conservancy (and to learn more about the ship, and its history), please click on the following link:(Black and white photograph, above, of NBC cameraman, and S.S. United States, June, 1952; used by permission of Lost Gold Entertainment, Inc. Color photograph of S.S. United States, Philadelphia waterfront, January, 2008; copyright Jenny Lynn)
