The Paris Passenger Ship
The Paris
The Paris was began in 1913, but delayed due to the Fisrt World War. It was not completed until 1919! Carrying 2,132 people, she was 764 feet long, and was 34,569 gross tons. Driven by steam turbines, powering 4 propellers, she achived a speed of about 22 knots. The French did not try and compete with the British, Germans and others, chasing the Blue Ribbon speed records. Instead they went for luxury. America had tightened its immigration laws after WW1 and the Paris tried to attract the rich and famous, with great accommodations, telephones and wonderful food.
In 1923, Josephine Burgum, a French woman (married and aged 26) from Monzbromn, travelled from Le Havre (France) to New York, arriving at Ellis Island on 11th August 1923. (Josephine is an interesting mystery. Who was she?).
In 1929 the Paris went aground on the Brooklyn shore and then was badly damaged by fire at Le Havre four months later. In 1939 another fire was to prove fatal to the Paris again at Le Havre. Water was poured onto the blaze on board, but the Paris became top heavy and keeled over, trapping the Normandie beside her. Her masts and funnels had to be cut away to free the Normandie. The Paris remained in the harbour throughout the Second World War. In 1946 she damaged another ship, sinking the Liberté! She was finally removed in 1947.
Back to Ellis Island Records
The Paris was began in 1913, but delayed due to the Fisrt World War. It was not completed until 1919! Carrying 2,132 people, she was 764 feet long, and was 34,569 gross tons. Driven by steam turbines, powering 4 propellers, she achived a speed of about 22 knots. The French did not try and compete with the British, Germans and others, chasing the Blue Ribbon speed records. Instead they went for luxury. America had tightened its immigration laws after WW1 and the Paris tried to attract the rich and famous, with great accommodations, telephones and wonderful food.
In 1923, Josephine Burgum, a French woman (married and aged 26) from Monzbromn, travelled from Le Havre (France) to New York, arriving at Ellis Island on 11th August 1923. (Josephine is an interesting mystery. Who was she?).
In 1929 the Paris went aground on the Brooklyn shore and then was badly damaged by fire at Le Havre four months later. In 1939 another fire was to prove fatal to the Paris again at Le Havre. Water was poured onto the blaze on board, but the Paris became top heavy and keeled over, trapping the Normandie beside her. Her masts and funnels had to be cut away to free the Normandie. The Paris remained in the harbour throughout the Second World War. In 1946 she damaged another ship, sinking the Liberté! She was finally removed in 1947.
Back to Ellis Island Records