Toronto Star (24/Mar/1990) - Queen Mary in '39: did you sail on her?
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- article: Queen Mary in '39: did you sail on her?
- newspaper: Toronto Star (24/Mar/1990)
- keywords: Alfred Hitchcock
Article
Queen Mary in '39: did you sail on her?
The Queen Mary is trolling the world for passengers and crew members who sailed aboard the legendary liner in 1939.
"Every story they have to tell about their voyage is priceless, and some may still have keepsakes that can, in some way, become part of the 'Voyage to 1939,' a year-long entertainment extravaganza commemorating America's 'last innocent year,' " says Queen Mary historian Bill Winberg.
"Our search will continue all year in the United States, England, France, and however far the word gets out.
"Former passengers and crew, with their families, are invited to write or phone us about their memorable days when the Queen Mary was the pride of Britain, the glory of the Cunard White-Star line and of all British shipping."
Queen Mary spokesperson Jennifer Nestegard says that more than 20 people have been located so far. Early in 1991, a draw will be held, and the winner will receive a week's stay and VIP treatment aboard the Queen Mary, now docked in Long Beach, Calif.
Since 1969 known as the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose Entertainment Center, the complex includes 360 hotel rooms, convention facilities, a museum, restaurants and shops. Admission costs $17.50 U.S. for adults; $14 for people 55 or over; and $9.50 for kids.
The "Voyage to 1939" promotion will feature historic radio broadcasts, costumed crew members, re-creations of actual meals and menus, exhibits and entertainment.
Among the famous people aboard during 1939 were comedian Bob Hope and many now-deceased celebrities including Alfred Hitchcock, Gloria Swanson, Fred Astaire, George M. Cohan, Adolf Zukor, Sergei Rachmaninoff and industrialist J. P. Morgan.
Winberg and his staff have enlisted various people to assist with the search, including Ocean Pictures, a company in the business of taking cruise passenger photos. The firm worked aboard the Queen Mary in 1939 and still has the old negatives.
If you sailed aboard the Queen Mary in 1939, send a brief letter with your reminiscences to P.O. Box 8, Long Beach, Calif. 90801, or telephone (213) 435-3511 for more information.
