S.S. City of Berlin, Inman Line

Below is a description of the ship extracted from the Illustrated London News 1875.

The City of Berlin was steered by a patent steam steering apparatus, invented by Mr. J. Macfarlane Gray, which was placed in front of the chart-room, immediately under the eye of the captain or other officer in charge. All directions and orders were given by an electric telegraph worked upon the bridge, communicating directly with the wheel-house or the engine-room, and furnished with a "tell-tale" which showed exactly how the order had been understood and acted on. In addition to the steam steering gear, there was a steering apparatus on the most approved principles in a wheel-house at the stem of the vessel. This was to be used in case of accident to the steam apparatus.

The City of Berlin had ample accommodation for 1700 passengers: 200 first-class or saloon passengers and 1500 intermediate and steerage passengers, besides a crew of 150, all told. The saloon was amidships, a position which experience had shown to add greatly to the comfort of passengers. This was a noble apartment, 44 feet, in length by 42 feet in width. It was divided into three spans by two ranges of handsome walnut columns surmounted by gilt Corinthian capitals. The ends of the saloon were fitted with mirrors, the sides paneled with walnut and richly decorated; the ceiling was white and gold, with an elegant cupola skylight. The vestibule, at the foot of the companion stair, was divided by a curtain, which formed a handsome apartment, lofty and well-lighted, with a circular end of polished teak enlivened with gold mouldings. There was a separate ladies' cabin and a comfortable smoking-room. The state-rooms or sleeping-apartments for saloon passengers were most commodious. Each berth had an electric bell, communicating with the steward's room, and with a numbered indicator showing from which berth the bell was rung. The accommodation, also, for intermediate and steerage passengers was of a superior description. The ship carried an experienced surgeon, and was fitted with two hospitals - one for each sex. She carried ten large boats, eight of which were life-boats of the most approved construction. She was furnished with water-tanks capable of containing 20,000 gallons, had two sets of distilling apparatus equal to the production of 100 gallons per hour. There was an unlimited supply of life-buoys. Altogether, the City of Berlin was in every respect a magnificent ocean-going steamship of its time.

Early picture of the S/S City of Berlin with her sails and steam up Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

City of Berlin - with sails Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

City of Berlin, Inman Line steamship Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

City of Berlin, Inman Line steamship Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

The City of Berlin as the S/S Berlin for the American Line Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy

City of Berlin - as the U.S. Army Transport Meade Support Norway Heritage: Purchase a copy