I’m sure any ocean liner devotee could tell you about some of the most infamous passenger ships. When the term “Big U” comes into play, there ain’t no question about it. Images of sleek shining finery - strong robust elegance – and intricate innovation bring a stirring contentment to heart.
While sentimentality plays a fond role for this epic creation, however, there is something at stake here.
The “Big U” is not a memory. In fact, it is more than some intangible ideal. This intricate innovation of refinery sits safely at a dock in Philadelphia, Pa. You couldn’t tell it was very safe what with the prickled paint, the rusting hull, and the barren deck space. But you can definitely tell it’s been places.
You may have gotten the circumstances figured. This is the SS United States. For you fellow American’s out there, this is your nation’s flagship; the one that still holds the all-but-novelty-now Blue Riband, given to the vessel that could make it the fastest between continents. The one that infamously had hardly any wood aboard because William Francis Gibbs, the designer, was so worried about a fire aboard. The one that the U.S. government took charge of in case the Cold War escalated and our country needed a troop carrier ready within 48 hours of peacetime service. I can give more highlights but it wouldn’t change the ships current status, of which the SS United States Conservancy is prepping to reinvent.
Well, there’s not always a golden horizon, and many beautiful palaces of the sea have had to retire and be recycled into cat food cans. This ship, however, is under some interesting circumstances. Yes, the old lady, fist debuted in 1952, looks tired and decrepit, a strangely mighty/ brittle sight one would either shrug their shoulders at or lower their brow and smirk their lips to. Save a sad rust bucket like that?
Consider the potential.
Polish the paint and rid the rust, which would no doubt cost a pretty penny, and what do we have? A stimulating piece of art shaped on a massive scale, with enough yesteryear-echoed space to fit the likes of a city. There is 650,000 square feet of deck space, according to the conservancy website. Everything from spas, to restaurants, to bars, to various vendors, even an educational institution, could fit inside this massive piece of lingering history.
Nowhere can one take a gasp at such characteristic craftsmanship, with a 1950s swagger and intriguingly animated shapes and curves. Some of the interior spaces that still retain something of their original shape (like the long, breezy promenade deck, or the once celebrity-filled ballroom) could be returned to their fancy states and give the modern day visitor a magical experience they never thought possible.
Now there is a lot to take into consideration. The expense of the project is only one factor that contributes to one of the most prevalent problems. What potential developer is going to look at the floating bulk and see past the rust and grime before grinding their teeth over the needed budget? Studies of the ships condition have proved it is strong and sturdy despite a few minor though all too noticeable rust stains aboard. It even passed the 2010 SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations for Norwegian Cruise Lines (who took possession for a period during that year).
There is also consideration as to the marketing it would take for a piece of past buried so deep in the history books that hardly anyone recognizes the ship enough to count her worthy of its countless possibilities. For some reason, classic passenger ships do not enthuse very many, which include a vast number in the United States alone. This vessel is no exception. She may be an engineering marvel and a major investment to the U.S. government’s history, but her relevance today does not seem to hold water…so to speak.
In contrast, the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben are fascinating landmarks that everyone can relate to. Millions of people visit them every year because they are historic, and thought to many as beautiful and unique. They represent a culture, a country, a sense of grandeur, and even a heightened sense of self.
The SS United States…. What is the SS United States?
It’s a technological wonder…it’s a unique work of art…it has a history of romance and excitement. Couples could walk the decks today and kindle a nostalgic sense of emotion they may never have recognized if not for such a classy style. There is the long and characteristic boat deck with its animated portholes, countless doors and windows crafted with care and character, shapely organized rivets lined so very meticulously; surely a ship can open the imagination of minds from all walks of life. The patriot could look proud on a sturdy piece of American history, culture, and pride. The tourist can enjoy the leisurely atmosphere, the cultural activities, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The local may take fellow chums aboard and have a night on the equally local city of historical seamanship. The movie buff and history connoisseur can marvel at being in the same place as many celebrities and cocooned in an elaborate style that cannot be found in today’s modern world. At night, the ship would be a stunning display of majestic tranquility and romantic reverence.
Her two towering smokestacks will gleam. Her sleek hull will glimmer. And her many lights will reflect off the cold sea with a warm reminder that America is an endearing country that can take on a challenge and accomplish a seemingly insignificant goal with thriving, productive results.
For more information about the Conservancy’s efforts, follow this link (they also have a Twitter and a Facebook): http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/.
CBS will be doing a special on the ship sometime in February.
PICTURES ARE CREDITED TO THE UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
PETER KNEGO VIA MARITIME MATTERS
[http://maritimematters.com/2012/09/ss-united-states-pilgrimage-part-two-upper-decks/]
ROBERT J. MILLOY VIA STEVEN UJIFUSA
[http://www.stevenujifusa.com/2012/06/june-23-1952-the-ss-united-states-arrives-in-new-york-harbor-for-the-first-time/]
SS MARITIME
DILIFF and VISITINGDC.COM
