Commissioned by the Italians, built by the Irish, and the Scottish, torpedoed by the Germans while illegals were flying the Austrian flag on the way to the Americas. This was the fate of the U.S.S. Ancona.
Originally built as a stream liner especially designed as a ship specializing in transporting emigrants from Italy to the United States. It was able to transport over 2,200 third class passengers and 60 first class passengers. Even at $30/ticket, the going rate in 1915, the profitability was staggering. The third-class passenger was placed in steerage, the term used to identify the central portion of the ship.
According to the historic documents and photographs, each passenger was given 2 square feet of space on which to sit or lie down on. This was a poor quality common meal considered to be the standard. Despite the hardship ordeal by Frank, he did not complain but celebrated meeting people he knew and taking the help and support that they offered. It was through these friendships and relatives that the trip was tolerable. This was amazing given his situation and the five days of seasickness which he endured.
After all, getting there is half the fun!
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