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Sister
ship reaps benefits from Queen Mary
By Heather Clarke
Summer On-line Forty-Niner
“We’re not just
saving a ship we’re saving part of America” read the exhibit
sign.
The Queen Mary unveiled a new exhibit on June 14 to raise
funds for the restoration of the S.S. United States, a sister
ship to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. The display includes
photographs, a video and recreations of the captain’s quarters
with authentic clothing and furniture.
The S.S. United States Foundation joined with the RMS Foundation,
which opened the Queen Mary, to raise money for the S.S. United
States.
The S.S. United States sailed the seas at the same time as
the Queen Mary and took the speed record from the Queen Mary
in 1952. The S.S. United States still holds the Atlantic westbound
record after 50 years, according to the RMS Foundation.
“I think it’s such a worthy thing for the Queen Mary to be
doing,” said Mike Eggert, director of attractions operations.
Robert Westover, chairman and CEO of the S.S. United States
Foundation, would like to send the ship back to its birthplace
in New York City as a memorial for Sept. 11.
Miss United States Rachel Gage opened the event because of
her family’s connection to the Queen Mary. Her grandmother,
Mary Stewts, came over on the ship from England in 1953 at
the age of 19 to marry Gage’s grandfather.
“It’s a very eerie feeling my whole family started from here,”
said Gage about her first visit to the Queen Mary.
Gage remarked that her grandmother still has her menu and
boarding pass from her life-changing trip. Gage said her grandmother
remembers it very vividly and is excited to return to the
Queen Mary for the 50 year anniversary of her voyage.
Mary Stewts was one of the thousands of immigrants who came
to the United States on board the ship. Westover said he wanted
to highlight the fact that we are a nation of immigrants.
The Queen Mary brought over many to our country and Westover
said he is happy that the Queen Mary can help out her sister
ship.
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