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gstuler
Starting member
USA
10 Posts |
 Posted - 05/08/2015 : 21:59:47
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Someone coming in 1872 (e.g), second-class...........what would cabin be like; fit how many; communal meals?, bath facilities, minimum age one could trtavel along (if at all).
Could two 16 yr old girls travel alone? Any particular provisions for minors? |
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jwiborg
Norway Heritage Veteran
Norway
4961 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2015 : 23:18:38
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Interesting question!
Many books have been written on the subject., and I recommend you read some of those.
I guess there is no easy answer to your question. The quality of the ships varied, and over the years the situation improved. But I have seen this, which is applicable for the 1870's:
The emigrants were divided into 3 groups; Families, single women and single men.
Each group were given their own sleeping quarter, which was a big room that could hold up to 300 persons.
Bed bunks with a height of 2 ft 6 inches between each bed. In the early days of emigation, you had to bring your own bed clothes. No space for hand luggage, so whatever you had as handluggage, you had to keep it in the bed. No hooks to hang your clothes on.
Bath facilities were small and few, and the water they got there was often only cold saltwater. There could be one water tap with hot water in some bath rooms.
Since there were not many "public lounges", they often had to stay in the sleeping quarter for most of the journey.
When food was served, they queued in front of the personell that handed out 1 portion of potatoes, 1 portion of bread, meat, soup etc...
There was a fight to get a good place in the queue.
If this was the situation on "your" ship in 1872 I dont know, but the above decription was applicable for many of the old school emigrantships still after 1900. |
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gstuler
Starting member
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2015 : 15:15:25
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| Thank you for speedy reply and the comprehensive information. Will take your advice and explore further as it relates to "my" ships. |
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jwiborg
Norway Heritage Veteran
Norway
4961 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2015 : 19:02:40
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See this, especially Step Two: On Board.
This article describes the situation on The Hamburg America Line.
From the article: The Steerage is situated directly below the Second Cabin. It is spacious, light and well ventilated, and has separate compartments for single men, women and families. An efficient corps of stewards and servants, speaking several languages, is ready under the superintendence of experienced Chief Stewards and Stewardesses to attend the wants of the passengers. The Kitchens are on the upper deck, thereby avoiding odors generally so obnoxious to passengers. An experienced physician is attached to every steamer. For medical attendance and medicines no charge will be made. During preceding years the Steamers of the Hamburg-American Packet Company have maintained their splendid record for safety, speed and comfort, and proved themselves worthy of high repute in which they are held by the traveling public. (From a booklet issued by the line about 1876)
Two other articles:
www.historyplace.com
www2.webster.edu |
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Accommodations
