Anchor Line Steamship Company History and Ephemera Collection
The Anchor Steamship Line operated transatlantic steamship passenger service between the ports in the United States, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore; Canadian Ports of Montreal, Quebec, and Halifax; to UK Ports of call including Southampton, Plymouth, Liverpool, London, Londonderry, Glasgow, Queenstown, Bristol; and, the European Ports of Cherbourg and Hamburg.
All the names of their Ocean Liners in their passenger and freight fleet ended with the suffix "ia." Research and learning about this transatlantic passenger and freight steamship line brought many immigrants to the North American Continent.
Advertisement from the Anchor Line (Henderson Brothers) Ltd . The Port of Liverpool, 1920. GGA Image ID # 1bb5e970a8
The Anchor Line owes its inception to the enterprise and industry, combined with an inherent love of the sea, of four brothers who lived in the early part of the last century in a little village on the coast of Fifeshire. David Henderson, the eldest of the young men, commanded his vessel when he had reached his majority.
During the sixteen or seventeen years they were at sea, he and his brothers, William, Thomas, and John, who also rose to be masters of their ships, turned their abilities to such good account that they could establish themselves in business in Glasgow. The firm of D. & W. Henderson & Co., marine engineers, was founded by David and William, while the other brothers entered into partnership as shipowners. The valuable knowledge of the world's markets gained when they followed the sea stood the brother Thomas in good stead.
For about 1852, he became associated with Messrs . N. & R. Handyside of Glasgow, trading with Russian and Baltic Ports and owning one or two small vessels. John Henderson joined the same firm later. The Hendersons fully recognized the possibilities of the Mediterranean trade.
Early in 1854, two small sailing vessels, the "Vision" and the "Dream," were placed on this route, orders being given at the same time for the building of the "Vasco da Gama" and "Ignez de Castro," steamers of 178 tons gross. The house flag of their vessels bore a red anchor, and the line was designated the " Anchor " line.
It was about this time that the sailing ship "Tempest" of 855 tons register was transformed into an auxiliary steamer. With the "John Bell" of slightly more tonnage which they had also converted into a steamer, were put into service between the Clyde and Canada.
The trade on the various routes continued to grow, and in 1856 the present Glasgow - New York service was instituted, opportunity being taken to employ the ships which would otherwise have been laid up during the closing of St. Lawrence in winter months. Soon, this service would require new and larger vessels, and the "United Kingdom," 1255 tons gross, 245 feet long by 32 feet beam, was built in 1857.
This was the largest vessel in the Anchor Line Fleet and one of the finest ships on the Atlantic. The Government chartered her on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny for the conveyance of troops to the East. In 1864 the Anchor Line extended the Mediterranean service to Alexandria.
The ships carried large numbers of pilgrims from Algiers and Tangier to the Egyptian Port, whence they journeyed on foot to Mecca. The emigration traffic from Southern Europe to the United States was specially catered for by the Anchor Line, the first to establish direct communication between Italy, France, Spain, and American Ports.
The Service was inaugurated in 1869 by the "Tyrian" of 1039 tons gross. The Anchor Line was the first to carry live cattle from the United States to Europe and the pioneer in the carriage of American chilled meat to Great Britain. It was a fitting distinction for a Company that had for many years traded to Egypt that the "Dido," flying the Anchor flag, should be the first British merchant steamer to enter the Suez Canal on the opening of that waterway in 1869.
The increase in the trade with India which followed led to the establishment in 1875 of a Bombay Service from Glasgow and Liverpool, and in 1881 this was supplemented by a direct line of steamers to Calcutta. Under the title of Anchor Line (Henderson Brothers Limited), the present Company was formed in the year 1899.
The following figures show the expansion of the Line, which give the total tonnage controlled at various periods of its history.
| Year | Number of Vessels | Total Gross Tonnage | Average Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | 5 | 2,406 | 481 |
| 1860 | 11 | 5,750 | 523 |
| 1880 | 30 | 74,519 | 2,484 |
| 1900 | 26 | 100,814 | 3,877 |
| 1910 | 19 | 107,178 | 5,641 |
The Anchor Line has always been noted for its independence. It and the Cunard Company were the only two British Lines trading with New York, which refused to join the International Mercantile Marine Combine.
The splendid progress that the line has made from the beginning is due entirely to individual enterprise, no Government subsidy of any kind ever having been received. The union of interests, which was affected by the Anchor and Cunard Lines in 1911 and more recently the amalgamation of the Calcutta service with that of Messrs. T. & J. Brocklebank under the style of the Anchor - Brocklebank Line, will serve to further cement the bonds between these concerns to their mutual advantage.
In 1916 the Anchor - Donaldson Line was formed, running steamers between Glasgow, Quebec, and Montreal.
When War broke out, the Government took over the Anchor Line steamers for various purposes - Armed Cruisers, Hospital Ships, Transports, Decoy Ships, etc., and unfortunately, through enemy action, the majority of the largest and finest ships were sunk, of a total of about 70,000 tons, and towards replacing these heavy losses, seven new vessels of 10,000 / 15,000 tons each are now building.
The Glasgow and Boston Service was inaugurated in 1920.
Anchor Steamship Line Ephemera in Date Order
1873-01-29 Certificate for Passage - Glasgow to New York
Certificate for Passage of Mrs. Andrew Fair from Glasgow to New York on board the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line. She arrived in New York on 11 June 1873.
1879-05-17 SS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 17 May 1879
- Route: London for New York
- Commander: Captain James Donaldson
1883-12-07 SS Furnessia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 7 December 1883
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain John Hedderwick
1884-08-23 SS City Of Rome Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 23 August 1884
- Route: Liverpool to New York
- Commander: Captain R. D. Munro
1887-09-01 SS Circassia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Second Class
- Date of Departure: 1 September 1887
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain A. Campbell
1888-08-23 SS Furnessia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 23 August 1888
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain John Hedderwick
1890-07-12 SS Circassia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 12 July 1890
- Route: New York to Glasgow via Moville
- Commander: Captain John Hedderwick
1896-08-20 SS City Of Rome Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 20 August 1896
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain Hugh Young
1897-08-12 SS Circassia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 12 August 1897
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain G. C. Boothby
1900-07-12 SS Furnessia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Second Class
- Date of Departure: 12 July 1900
- Route: Glasgow to New York
- Commander: Captain Hugh Young
1901-05-30 SS Furnessia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Second Class
- Date of Departure: 30 May 1901
- Route: Glasgow to New York
- Commander: Captain Hugh Young
1902 Brochure - Anchor Line Second & Third Class Accommodations
Six-Panel Flyer from the Anchor Line promoting their weekly service between New York and Glasgow. Brochure provided information pertaining to the Second Saloon and Third Class passengers only including rates of passage and rail rates to or from Glasgow to points in the UK.
1903-06-04 SS Anchoria Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: First and Second Cabin
- Date of Departure: 4 June 1903
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain F. H. Wadsworth
1903-06-08 Prepaid Passage Certificate - Anchor Line Third Class
Prepaid Passage Certificate for a family of three from Northern Ireland in 1903. They arrived in New York in August 1903 aboard the Anchor Line SS Columbia.
1903-08-08 SS Columbia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Second Class
- Date of Departure: 8 August 1903
- Route: Glasgow to New York
- Commander: Captain Walter Baxter
1904 Brochure - Anchor Line Transatlantic Steamships - Tours
1904 brochure produced by the Anchor Line focuses on most of the popular places of interest and principal cities of Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales. The booklet features beautiful color images, many reproduced on this page.
1905-07-01 SS Caledonia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: List of Passengers on Clark's Excursions to Europe
- Date of Departure: 1 July 1905
- Route: New York to Glasgow via Londonderry
1905-07-04 SS Caledonia Independence Day Dinner Menu
Fourth of July Bill of Fare from 1905 featured Green Turtle Soup, Mutton Cutlets à la Deplomate and Pudding à la Republic, Sherry Sauce.
1905-09-30 SS Minneapolis Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: First Class
- Date of Departure: 30 September 1905
- Route: New York to London
- Commander: Captain Thos. F. Gates
1907-10-12 SS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Second
- Date of Departure: 12 October 1907
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain James Blaikie
1908-08-10 TSS California Breakfast Menu Postcard
Vintage Bill of Fare from 10 August 1908 featured a limited selection including Halibut Steaks, Stewed Sausages and Mashed Potatoes, and Irish Stew. The attached postcard featured views of the Twin Screw Steamship (TSS) "California", and Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland.
1910-06-09 SS Caledonia Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Second Cabin Bill of Fare from 9 June 1910 featured Boiled Halibut, Hollandaise Sauce, Roast Sirloin of Beef, Baked Potatoes, and Plum Pudding, Brandy Sauce for dessert.
1912-08-17 SS Columbia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 17 August 1912
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain John Black
1910-06-18 SS Furnessia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Second Cabin
- Date of Departure: 18 June 1910
- Route: New York to Glasgow, via Moville (Londonderry)
- Commander: Captain John Black
1911 Brochure - Anchor Line Special Attractions For the Excursion Season
This brochure printed by the Anchor Line for the Tourist season in 1911 featured information for passengers, internal and external photographs of the ships and interior views and some information on destinations.
1912 Brochure - Anchor Line Information For Passengers
Exquisite brochure from 1912 offers an excellent glimpse of cabin class travel aboard steamships of that era. This booklet was produced after the Anchor Line's Newest steamship - The Cameronia in 1911.
1912-05-06 Steamship Agent's Receipt - Second Cabin
Issued by the New York Office of the Anchor Line Steamships Company, this Second Cabin Ticket receipt was purchased by Jessie Clerihew for a voyage on the SS California on 18 May, 1912 from New York to Glasgow, Scotland.
1913-11-29 Brochure - Anchor Line Second Cabin Accommodations
12-Page brochure on second cabin accommodations on transatlantic steamships of the Anchor Line offering weekly service between New York, Glasgow, and Londonderry. Published by Amsden-Kalbfleisch Co., Agents - Rochester, NY on 29 November 1913. Numerous photographs, Rates of Passage, and other information are included.
1913-09-06 SS Cameronia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 6 September 1913
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain Walter Baxter
1920-07-17 TSS Columbia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 17 July 1920
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain David W. Bone
1922-02-24 RMS Cameronia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 24 February 1922
- Route: Glasgow for New York via Moville, Liverpool, Queenstown (Cobh), and Halifax N.S
- Commander: Captain James Blaikie
1922-02-28 RMS Cameronia Royal Romance
Combination of a Menu and Souvenir of the Royal Wedding in this beautifully preserved dinner menu from 28 February 1922. The Cameronia was on a Westbound Voyage from Liverpool that arrived in New York on 8 March 1922.
1922-08-19 SS City of London Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 19 August 1922
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain Arthur J. Elliott
1922-08-26 RMS Assyria Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 26 August 1922
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain C. E. F. Osborne, R.D., R.N.R.
1923-08-23 TSS Columbia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 23 August 1923
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain G. B. Kelly
1926 Brochure - The New Anchor Line Fleet
Profusely illustrated brochure from 1926 documents the grand interiors of the Caledonia and Transylvania, the newest additions to the Anchor Line fleet with views of the California and Cameronia, transporting passengers between New York, Londonderry, and Glasgow.
1926-01-30 SS Transylvania Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cruise
- Date of Departure: 30 January 1926
- Route: New York to Funchal (Madeira); Lisbon; Cadiz, Spain; Gibraltar; Algiers; Tunis, Carthage; Phaleron Bay (Athens); Constantinople; Haifa; Alexandria; Naples; Villefranche (Nice); Monte Carlo; Cherbourg; and return to New York.
- Commander: Captain D. W. Bone
1926-07-31 TSS Cameronia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 31 July 1926
- Route: Glasgow for New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain Robert Smart
1926-08-19 SS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 19 August 1926
- Route: Naples to New York via Gibraltar
- Commander: Captain Alex. Collie
1927-02-14 RMS Transylvania Valentine's Day Dinner Menu
Large Format elaborate Saint Valentine's Day Dinner Menu from a 1927 Mediterranean Cruise featured menu items included Prime Rib and Sirloin of Beef, Corned Ox Tongue, and Roast Gigot of Mutton.
1927-07-02 SS Cameronia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 2 July 1927
- Route: New York to Londonderry and Glasgow via Boston
- Commander: Captain William Gemmeix
- Note: This passenger list included mostly students under the direction of the Students Travel Club
1927-07-11 RMS Cameronia Breakfast Menu Card
Vintage Breakfast Menu Card from 11 July 1927 on board the RMS Cameronia of the Anchor Line featured Oatmeal Porridge & Milk, Fried Fillets of Haddock, and Milk Scones.
1927-09-03 SS Transylvania Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Saloon and Second Cabin
- Date of Departure: 3 September 1927
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
- Commander: Captain David W. Bone
1929-07-03 SS Cameronia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 3 July 1929
- Route: New York to Londonderry and Glasgow via Boston
- Commander: Captain William Gemmeix
- Note: This passenger list included mostly students under the direction of the Students Travel Club
1929-09-14 TSS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 14 September 1929
- Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast
- Commander: Captain Frank M. Henderson
1930s Brochure - Anchor Line Cabin Class
For passengers who are accustomed to the amenities of good-living, the Anchor Line offers a truly delightful mode of travel, in the company of other passengers with the same substantial standards which characterize their own good taste.
1930-05-24 SS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 24 May 1930
- Route: New York to Belfast and Glasgow via Boston
- Commander: Captain Robert Smart
1935-11-01 TSS Caledonia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: First Class and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 1 November 1935
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Belfast
- Commander: Captain Alexander Collie
1930-06-01 TSS California Breakfast Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare for Sunday, 1 June 1936 featured traditional breakfast choices and Suate of Ox Kidney, Fried Smelts and Kippered Herring.
1930-08-20 TSS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 20 August 1930
- Route: Glasgow to New York via Belfast and Moville
- Commander: Captain Robert Smart
1931-02 Bermuda Suggestions - The National Tours
List of suggestions for passengers on board the SS California of the Anchor Line, on visiting Bermuda, a tour-stop coordinated by The National Tours, during February 1931.
1931-02-23 SS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cruise
- Date of Departure: 23 February 1931
- Route: New York to Bermuda and Return
- Commander: Captain Robert W. Smart
1931-02-24 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Tuesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 24 February 1931. Open Air Swimming Pool was the Program of the Day. Other activities were scheduled from 10:15 am concert through 10:00 pm's last showing of a motion picture.
1931-02-24 TSS California Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare from 24 February 1931 featured Boiled Salmon, Sauce Riche, Fried Fillet of Flounder, Sauce Tartare, and Soufflé Pudding, Chamois for dessert. Events for the Evening were included with the menu.
1931-02-25 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Wednesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 25 February 1931. Shipboard activities were scheduled from 7:45 pm Outdoor Motion Picture to 11:15 pm Rudy Valee Orchestra Concert.
1931-02-26 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Wednesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 26 February 1931. A Masquerade Ball with Grand March was the featured program.
1931-02-27 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Tuesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 27 February 1931. "California Follies" was the Program of the Day.
1931-02-27 The California Follies - A Musical Revue - National Tours
An adorable musical review concert program provided delightful entertainment to the passengers on board the SS California of the Anchor Line, during a Bermuda Cruise on 27 February 1931.
1931-07-11 TSS Cameronia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
- Date of Departure: 11 July 1931
- Route: New York to Glasgow via Londonderry
- Commander: Captain William Gemmell
1936-09-11 TSS Transylvania Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 11 September 1936
- Route: Glasgow for New York via Dublin
- Commander: Captain David W. Bone
1936-09-18 TSS Caledonia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 18 September 1936
- Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast and Londonderry
- Commander: Captain Alexander Collie
1938-07-22 TSS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 22 July 1938
- Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin
- Commander: Captain Robert W. Smart
1938-08-19 TSS California Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 19 August 1938
- Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin and Cobh
- Commander: Captain Robert W. Smart
1938-08-26 SS Caledonia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 26 August 1938
- Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast and Londonderry
- Commander: Captain Alexander Collie
1986 - Anchor Line - Merchant Fleets # 9
The ninth title in this widely collected reference series on the world's merchant fleets, past and present, is devoted to the Anchor Line. Commencing with a chronology of the main events in the company's history this is followed by a full list of all of the 174 ships owned together with technical details and the career history of each. The ship list is illustrated with 100 scale profile drawings the the author, covering 168 vessels.
Bibliography
Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, The Port of Liverpool, Third Edition, Liverpool: Littlebury Brothers, 1920.
