White House Recognizes SS United States as National Treasure

News Release

Washington DC--The White House Millennium Council has officially recognized the American flagship, SS United States as a national treasure. In a letter to Robert Hudson Westover, Chairman of the SS United States Foundation, Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, Director of the Millenium Council wrote, "As a colleague in the cause of historic preservation, I share your concern and the concern of your foundation to ensure the survival of this national treasure for future generations."

For nearly two decades from 1952 to 1970, the SS United States, or the "Big U" as her supporters often refer to the ship, was America's floating ambassador to the world. She carried four Presidents including Harry S. Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Anyone who was anybody booked passage on this mighty ship--the fastest ship in the world. Walt Disney, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Salvador Dali and John Wayne were just a few of the hundreds of rich and famous who "crossed" the Atlantic on this great ship.

Also, the SS United States Foundation is to announce its nonprofit status later this month. This should help garner donations, which the Foundation wishes to use to purchase the ship itself and fund the restoration.

The SS United States Foundation is now officially accepting members. The Foundation has achieved 501c3, or non-profit, status, meaning that all contributions are tax-deductible. Of course, this only applies to US citizens. It is suspected that the Foundation, by way of member contributions, intends to raise enough money to buy and restore the ship itself.

It was yesterday, March 5. I had taken a small excursion to the New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden, NJ, which is just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. As I entered the building I could see her, roughly 3 miles to the south on the Philadelphia bank, her mighty funnels towering above even the roadway level of the neighboring Walt Whitman Bridge. Yet even from there, I could see that she had faded; the red was, well, pink now, and the blue was similarly washed out.

We finished our visit to the aquarium, my wife and I, and then proceeded back to the car for our quick trip to Philadelphia. It was not long before we had crossed the river and were on our way southwards towards the ship. From time to time, her funnels would appear magically between the buildings along the waterfront, only to disappear as quickly with the interference of yet another building as we drove along.

And then suddenly, there she was! It felt like my heart stopped for just a second as I saw her up close for the first (first? Had I possibly seen her once before as a child?) time.

We drove a bit further on so that we could make a U-turn to get to her side of the road. We pulled off the road in front of her right near a loading dock. Unfortunately, as I'd expected (and as Mr. Westover had forewarned me), the gate was closed since it was still within business hours at the dock. Therefore I could not get very close to her. But I could see her plainly just the same.

We got out of the car and as I gazed upon her, it hit me. An incredible range of emotions ran across me, from being awestruck, to pitiful, to hopeful. She was huge, longer than the Grand Princess (but not nearly as tall) and possessed of the beautifully classic form of the liner that I have grown to love.

And I could almost feel, not hear, but feel her calling out for help. She is indeed a mess, unfortunately. An enormous rusted patch adorns her port bow and there are countless small rusty areas along the sides of her superstructure.

At the time, I was quite completely at a loss for words (no small feat that!), struggling between the awe and the pity of the sight, and it took some time before I had recovered enough to think about her possible future. I believe that if enough people come to her aid, she WILL be restored to her former glory.

In today's news, the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board has officially nominated the SS United States for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. All that remains to be done to have her listed is the formality of delivering the nomination to Washington, where it is expected to pass with overwhelming approval. What is significant here is that in order to merit this listing, the candidate must be at least 50 years old or have enormous national significance. The SS United States apparently bears this significance.

The bad news is that although she is listed, she is still unprotected. Her current owner could still sell her to some commercial interest which might invariably include a scrapyard. We're hoping that this isn't the case, but the only thing right now that assures that she can't be sold again is a Presidential declaration that she is in fact a national monument.

Haven't heard anything of substance lately, however, since the Foundation had its organizational meeting and press conference nearly a month ago. One point I received today from Bob Westover was that a story was broadcast on the BBC regarding the fight to save her. Clearly this is an international affair, and it's wonderful to see that so many people around the world dearly wish to see the Big U sail again.

A good place to start is at ss-united-states.com. This is Mike Alexander's site, and it contains links to other sites which have some pictures of her interior. The page in particular is http://www.ss-united-states.com/ku1.html.

Firstly, the Foundation now has its own website at www.ssunitedstates.org. At this time, there's little more than a welcome page, but it gives you a reasonably good idea as to what the Foundation's goals are, and how the plight of the Big U has become famous around the world.

In other news, CNN, the Cable News Network (I'm not sure if the network is international), will be airing a 3-minute story on the ship and the Foundation's fight to save it. It was supposed to be aired last night, but unfortunately was postponed until further notice. More on that when it becomes apparent as to when the story will air.

tg_lindo,
Interior photos are very difficult to find. The source of this photo is from the Archive of Gibbs & Cox, the designers of the United States. Perhaps contacting them would be a good start if you haven't already?
fluctuant nec mergitur

Today, June the 3rd, 1999, we have made history. The SS United States was given the highest recognition as a National Treasure, by placement on the National Register of Historic Places. This has been a year and a half battle on the part of the foundation. No less than three historic commissions were involved and hundreds of hours of time were dedicated to this effort. To be recognized by the National Register for any site is an honor, but for the site to be less than 50 years of age, and recognized, is a statement. She had to meet the highest criteria of national significance and therefore was given the closest scrutiny. What this says for us is that we as admirers of this great ship were not over stating her importance to our nation's history.