Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1497

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.4 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

George Morehouse papers and memorabilia relating to travels to the Holy Land, Ms. Coll. 1497, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1928-1929, after 1974 (inclusive)

Form:

Writings (document genre) and Postcards

Abstract:

This collection of hand written notes, photographs, postcards and publications, details the cruise George Morehouse (1854-1931) embarked on through the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Sailing from New York on January 10, 1929, this 46 day cruise aboard the S.S. Adriatic made ports of call in Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monte Carlo, Naples, Athens, Constantinople, the Holy Land and Egypt.

George W. Morehouse was born on June 18, 1854 in Modena (a hamlet in Ulster County), New York. He married Georgianna Horton (1855-1924) in 1873. They moved to Danbury, Connecticut where George worked as a stereotyper for a local newspaper. He died on December 16, 1931.

This collection of postcards, photographs, publications and writings documents George Morehouse's travel to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land aboard the S.S. Adriatic. Morehouse set sail aboard the White Star Liner, S.S. Adriatic on January 10, 1929. This winter Mediterranean cruise was advertised as a special 46 day tourist class cruise in which the vessel would become a home for the tourists during the voyages. Travelers would be independent of all travel responsibilities. All expenses, except tips, were included and ship to ship stop-overs were arranged. This would allow travelers to estimate their costs before leaving home. Rates for this cruise started at $695.00. Ports of call included Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monte Carlo, Naples, Athens, Constantinople, the Holy Land and Egypt. Shore excursion at each destination were included in the overall price.

Morehouse's personal reflections of his trip were recorded in two separate journals. He details what he sees during some of the shore excursions, with a mix of facts and personal impressions. The majority of his writing is spent on his tours of Israel and Palestine and is written within the context of his Christianity. More information regarding the cruise can be found in two publications written by passengers aboard the same cruise. Mediterranean Cruise including Palestine and Egypt, 1929 written by journalist Charles M. Meredith, includes photographs and details life aboard the S.S. Adriatic, while A Tour of Bible Lands by G.F. Taylor, focuses on the shore excursions. Beyond the two journals recording Morehouse's experiences, there are purchased photographs, postcards and memorabilia that further document his trip.

Two other publications contained in the collection may have belonged to other family members. Inscribed on the front page of the Album Souvenir Jerusalem, Plaestine is "Mrs. W.E. Wilcox." Harriet Glover Wilcox McLean (1887-1962), was Georgianna Morehouse's niece and lived with the Morehouse's while attending college. Harriet's daughter, Elizabeth Wilcox Fribance (1920-2016) may have contributed the Pictorial Guide to the Model of Ancient Jerusalem at the Time of the Second Temple, since this was published after 1974.

Sources: EXPECTS MORE TRAVEL TO WINTER RESORTS: J.W. BORING SAYS THE OUTLOOK FOR EUROPEAN AND CRUISE BOOKINGS IS BETTER THAN LAST YEAR. (1927, Sep 11). New York Times.

Ancestry