S.S. United States safe from scrap heap… for now
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
A view some Philadelphia shoppers take for granted every day, may soon change dramatically. The IKEA parking lot and surrounding areas in South Philadelphia offer a great view of the S.S. United States. Now the company that owns the ship is trying to sell it and has made promises to the group trying to keep the ship from the scrap heap.
(Photo credit: Flickr user nickherber. Creative Commons license.)
Transcript:
The S.S. United States set out on her maiden voyage in July 1952. Now Star Cruises says the ship will be sold to a U.S. buyer and will not be sold for scrap.
S.S. United States Conservancy Board member Steven Ujifusa says he's cautiously optimistic about the ship's sale. Given the economy, he says there's a real danger the boat could end up on scrap piles in India or China.
Ujifusa: "I can only imagine the irony or the impact of the headline 'S.S. United States towed to India for scrap.' The symbolism is all too clear so it would be a real shame. It would be the equivalent of destroying the Brooklyn Bridge and tearing it up for scrap value. It is a true national icon and completely irreplaceable."
Ujifusa hopes the S.S. United States will be turned into an attraction for visitors.
More information:
Join in the conversation at It's Our City as readers of the blog discuss the fate of the S.S. United States.
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Additonal Media:
Movie trailer for S.S. United States: Lady in Waiting
I am a SSU fan, The ship could be restored in Mexico or Brazil for reasonable cost. It needs someone with money and the get up and go to get it done.
Shortly after she came into port, my father was getting a hip replacement at Pennsylvania hospital. We looked at her from the window–it was almost surreal–you could imagine it being 1956.
When I joined Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard in the late summer of 1998, I drove down Delaware Avenue on my way to work specifically to stop and take a look at the UNITED STATES on the way. I spent over 30 minutes watching the rising sun gleam off of her faded paint. In that morning light, she looked radiant and new.
Perhaps, one day, she will sail again.