Posted on Monday, October 1, 2012 by Peter Knego
Peter Knego continues with his tour of the famed SS UNITED STATES during his recent visit to Philadelphia, with a look at the ship’s exterior and classic MidCentury Ocean Liner forms.
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All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2012 unless otherwise noted.
Monday, September 17, 2012, ctd.
Today, the UNITED STATES is the ultimate maritime “My Fair Lady” awaiting her transformation. Looking beyond the obvious superficial decay, she is an apparition of symmetry, grace and power. Bound by her shackles and streaked by time, she nonetheless appears to be racing forward — and hopefully, not just metaphorically — towards a brighter future.
Stateliest stern.
Aft superstructure.
After disembarking, I had some time to take photos from various vantages around her berth. I began at the stern, with its gracious curves, rounded plating and lovely cruiser spoon.
Under the wing.
Port bow view.
From there, I worked my way along her port side for views of her superstructure and powerful bow.
Utter prowess.
The razor’s edge.
Under the bow, itself, it was easy to imagine the ship at full speed, slicing through the Atlantic.
Wing and fins.
Bow tied.
Although the sun was still illuminating her port side, the exposed starboard side offered the most dynamic, unencumbered views.
3/4 view.
And the ultimate 3/4 perspective of one of the handsomest liners to ever grace the seas.
Ship of wonder.
After leaving the terminal, I wandered the region across from the terminal for various views that Philadelphians can take in at any time. At the Ikea store, which did not exist when I last visited, some very clever people put up signs explaining what “the big ship” across the street is.
Ikea dining area.
While I don’t have much of a need for new furniture, I would make a frequent ritual of dining or having a coffee at Ikea were I a Philadelphian.
Fins over Philadelphia.
And one more peek, up close and magnificent.
Stacks and tracks.
Afterwards, I walked down I-95 and took a few more photos before packing up my gear.
In March of 2011, philanthropist Gerry Lenfest contributed 20 month’s worth of docking fees to allow the Conservancy to find a new home for the ship. In tandem with the SS US Redevelopment Project, proposals have been submitted to key waterfront cities to make the UNITED STATES a viable attraction, hotel and convention hall.
Here is an excerpt from the latest news post on the Conservancy’s website by Dan McSweeney, head of the SS US Redevelopment Project:
“Over 200 firms were contacted with news of our intention to re-purpose the SS United States as a permanently moored adaptive mixed-use development. Out of the dozen serious respondents, we have selected two finalists to submit full proposals and we are working closely with each to ensure comprehensive plans are presented to our Blue Riband Panel for review. A recommendation on the winning proposal will then be sent to the Conservancy’s board of directors for their official selection.
SS United States as part of a multi-use redevelopment plan. Rendering by Stephen Varenhorst Architects.
A proposal to site the ship next to the highly successful Harrah’s Casino in Chester, PA offers a synergistic approach to the preservation of the ship. In this plan, the SS United States would house a hotel, dining facilities, event spaces, and a world-class museum. The ship would feature significantly in larger, ongoing community and economic development efforts in this historic city.
A proposal to site the ship on the Hudson River in Midtown Manhattan could tie into other major development projects occurring in this neighborhood. This plan would return the SS United States to her original home port in a complex featuring hotel, dining, retail, event space, state-of-the-art experiential museum, and other uses. The plan calls for maximizing green energy systems.
Please stand by for more details as we complete our assessment and selection process. Needless to say, this is an exciting time and we are very fortunate for the vision, commitment, and talent of our two potential development partners. They clearly understand both the historical and cultural significance of the SS United States and the incredible commercial potential offered by the vessel’s more than 500,000 square feet of usable space…”
In the meantime, you can do more than sit, wait and worry. Get involved with the Conservancy and if you can, make a donation.
You can even purchase a square inch of the ship with proceeds going to support the Conservancy’s efforts (Mac users, Firefox is not much up to the task on this, so I suggest trying Safari). I am now the proud owner of 250 prime virtual inches of aluminum in the forward funnel. I hope to match that with the aft funnel soon.
Ironically, after forty years of dormancy, the UNITED STATES seems more now on the verge of “something wonderful” than ever before. But whatever happens, no one should later ask, “Was there anything I could have done?”
End of SS UNITED STATES Pilgrimage, Part Three: Elegant Exterior
Very Special Thanks: Mike Alexander, Robert Brieschaft, Martin Cox, Rob Di Stefano, Susan Gibbs, Dan McSweeney
Paul Goodwin
October 1, 2012 at 5:53 pm
The most enjoyable series of articles I’ve read in a long time, I could read these daily for months. Kudos, Peter, fantastic work, as usual.
Mage Bailey
October 1, 2012 at 6:53 pm
You said all that I was thinking. Thank you. What a heart break if there were not hope.
Kenneth Eden
October 2, 2012 at 5:55 am
Peter
Up close and personable, is what yuo have lovingly captured.
Perfect.
Mike Morin
October 2, 2012 at 5:55 am
Just look at the outstanding job they did with SS Rotterdam. Altho the Rotterdam was in a complete state, the fact that this ship is structually still sound , should allow it to be slowly refurbished, hope that they can make a go of it !
Kenneth Eden
October 2, 2012 at 8:38 am
All this hooopla over the SS ROTTERDAM being so perfectly rennovated. She sailed as the SS REMBRANDT after her sale from Holland America, a sail which sited high fuel costs and escalating operating costs.These same costs plagued the new owners, and so, she again was for sale. There was little to do in preserving her . One area that was pristine, her exterior.
One area, and one so many here overlook, were her interiors. They were perhaps the most elegant of her era, sailing past the vintage liners, and with a singular richness the new ships will not share, they have their own special touches, as well as ofer new venues an older ship could never enjoy.
Hank
October 2, 2012 at 9:57 am
It’s so wonderful the SS ROTTERDAM was preserved. It is also wonderful that we still have the QUEEN MARY, QUEEN ELIZABETH 2, KUNGSHOLM (1966), GREAT BRITAIN, HIKAWA MARU. And then several others scattered throughout Asia. Then we have the MV AURORA in San Francisco, although it is in a spot of trouble now. I plan to be donating to the AURORA. You can do so on their website. It is listed on the article with the AURORA. Everyone please check it out and see what you can do! And donate to the SSUSC. It’s great to buy your own square inches to be restored.
Brad Harris
October 2, 2012 at 11:21 am
This report has to be one of the best series I’ve read from you Peter. It was truly captivating, and to see the amount of work the Conservancy has put into cleaning her up, revealing just how structurally sound she is, is simply heart warming for me. I actually went recently and purchased a few square inches on the forward funnel next to a very large purchase. Perhaps it was yours Peter?
I truly do look forward to seeing this great American treasure developed into something wonderful (and profitable, so that she doesn’t fall into the same position she’s in now). Were I to have it my way, I’d love to see her docked near her former rival in my city of Long Beach. What a truly impressive and captivating site would it be to have a view across Long Beach harbor with the RMS Queen Mary and SS United States in the same Vantage. But I guess that would just be greedy of me, lol.
Peter Knego
October 2, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Thanks, everyone, for your incredibly kind words. I’d love to bask in the glory but it is really the subject, not the “messenger”, that has been resonating so strongly in these posts. I wish I had more such vintage ships to cover on a regular basis but those days are long since passed. Glad I did them when I could and now I can only hope there will be many more potentially positive UNITED STATES stories to come. Again, thank you! — Peter
Scott Himowitz
October 2, 2012 at 5:10 pm
I had the pleasure of going aboard the United States in June 2001. A truly great experience. Loved the second picture in this set. I vividly recall standing on that aft bridge wing overlooking the pier, but easily imagining doing the same as the sea rushed past down below, on one of her transatlantic runs.
Hank
October 2, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I loved the report! I also liked your comment that you were talking about the ship being in good hands! Things do seem much brighter! At least a lot brighter than in 2010.
Thierry Dufournaud
October 3, 2012 at 12:08 am
Hello from Paris!
Wonderful story and pictures as usual. Thank you!
Jeroen
October 3, 2012 at 4:20 am
It’s a little bit offtopic here but I dont know how to post it elsewhere on this site.
Yesterday the owner “Woonbron” of the Rotterdam (they must sell the ship) said there was a highest bid for the ship from …. Oman. There are no higher bidders only far lower from some Dutch bidders.
This is very bad news at least for the city of Rotterdam because in that case the ship will be towed or transported (via a floating dock?) to Oman where she will again be berthed as a floating VIP ship. Also in that case there will be no possibility anymore to visit the ship or book a hotelroom on it which is currently possible for anyone.
(only dutch press releases so far https://www.google.com/news/story?ncl=dwr-qGgIFasYA5MhI7q_d7y0xdjFM&q=ss+rotterdam+oman&lr=Dutch&hl=nl )
captgeo
October 3, 2012 at 7:22 am
Some 20 or so years ago, we were visiting the North Carolina Outer Banks and had dinner at some restaurant where the bar area was completely furnished with tables,chairs and much memorabelia from the SS United States. I’ve long ago forgotten the name and location of the restaurant — anybody know?
Jeroen
October 3, 2012 at 7:40 am
Windmill Point Restaurant, Nags Head.
Sadly gone:
http://outerbanksvoice.com/2011/03/01/windmill-point-set-to-go-out-in-a-blaze-of-glory/
Kenneth Eden
October 3, 2012 at 8:32 am
The imminent salil of the SS ROTTERDAM has been tossed about for some time. What do people think when they try to pull off a business venture like Rotterdam Hotel?
- not enough people, not enough money, and lack of support- it was a valiant effort, and for her short tenure there, we must praise the effort.
There have been many restaurants and bars that have used the UNITED STATES themes, and many have long since gone away. We had Nicks in Yorktown, VA until hurricane Isabel washed it away, then there was Isle de France in Boston, with more of an effort depicting the FRANCE, not the Isle, and a few prints of the NORMANDY. I love these places, I enjoy the chosen decor, as it presents it to an other wise aclueistic audience.
Sadly, most of these are gone like the shps they proudly represented.
Hank
October 3, 2012 at 9:53 am
Kenneth, what do you mean the ROTTERDAM hotel didn’t work? I thought it was pretty popular?
Hank
October 3, 2012 at 9:55 am
And to the best of my knowledge is still there. Actually, I don’t think shes going anywhere.
Hank
October 3, 2012 at 10:10 am
Nevermind, saw the news.
Hank
October 3, 2012 at 10:24 am
I had heard before that the ship was in financial problems. Although I hadn’t really heard anything since until now. It is really popular. Although popularity alone cannot determine economic success. It came as a bit of a shock to read that. But it isn’t surprising. It’s sad though. I hope they can find a Dutch buyer.
captgeo
October 3, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Thanks Jeroen: At least the artifacts didn’t get burned up.
Kenneth Eden
October 5, 2012 at 9:11 am
The song without end continues.
Last night at 11pm one of our local tv stations aired a brief mention of the SS UNITED STATES and plans that would bring the ship here to Newport News VA and be docked with the USS WISCONSIN. The station is:
WTKR Channel 3, Norfolk/VA
Now, today, at 12noon, an update for the abopve wil be aired tonuight on said station at 11pm, this time with a local reporters filming of the ship insie in Philadelphia.
So, this looks better each day, cross fingers that there is hope here.
I will fill you in after tonights episode airs.
Kenneth Eden
October 6, 2012 at 4:35 am
Nothing really in the way of facts or dates, here is the site
http://www.wtkr.com
There is a video attached at the site, the one culled from the 11pm show on tv, however, it – like so many things – does not work – ther was an adv on it that would not click away -
Kenneth Eden
January 2, 2013 at 4:19 am
Hope springs eternal, and the new year is looking brighter!
In this mornings paper, Dailey Press, daileypress.com, yet another article was presented about the iconic SS UNITED STATES. More hopeful and with more facts, at least possible, hope springs eternal for the venerable ship.
The article is nicely presented by Michael Welles Shapiro, a staffer with the DP.
Outlined are two proposals, one as an adjunct to a casino, in Chester ,PA, the other, permanent placement on the Hudson in Mahattan.
As well as the article, there are several vintage and current photos of the vessel. Mr. Shapiros e-mail site accompanies the article.
To access the full article, $.99 is the fee, however, you may be able to see the article without paying, and, find it at other web sites.
This is spendid news.
Kenneth Eden
January 13, 2013 at 8:45 am
One week from today, Jan. 20th, CBS will have some sort of tribute for the ship on its CBS Morning Show, Sunday edition.
It airs on the east coast of the USA at 9:00am, and is a 90 minute program.
Content and length involving the ship I do not know, however, they did a preview this morning of her, vintage footage, and she at sea looked glorious.
Anyone interested in seeing it can log on to CBS or watch it on tv