by Benedict Carrizzo
SS United States, which once hosted celebrities, world leaders, tourists and immigrants, welcomed guests passionate about saving the ship. Although rarely seen by the public, six supporters of the SS United States Conservancy from six states came onboard the historic ship for a tour led by author and illustrator, David Macaulay.
Macaulay, the best-selling author of The Way Things Work and dozens of other titles, recently released Crossing on Time: Steam Engines, Fast Ships, and a Journey to the New World. After five years in the making, this illustrated book depicts Macaulay’s childhood voyage to America on board the fabled SS United States and explores the ship’s technological significance as the fastest ocean liner ever built.
Every supporter on the tour received a signed copy of Macaulay’s book and participated in a champagne toast on board where Duke Ellington once performed. American icons such as Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Harry Truman, Marlon Brando and others rode the ocean liner.