SS LURLINE
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST POSTWAR
ARRIVAL
IN HONOLULU HARBOR, HAWAI'I
The SS Lurline was originally launched as
a passenger ship in 1932 and saw regular service between the West Coast
of the U.S.A. and Hawai'i. During World War II, it was used to ferry troops
to the South Pacific front. After World War II, the ship was completely
refurbished for $18 million - a very large sum in those days. Her first
postwar voyage was from San Francisco, California to Los Angeles, California
and then on to Hawai'i. The SS Lurline arrived in Honolulu Harbor to a tumultuous
welcome on April 21st 1948. Hawaiians in dozens of canoes paddled out to
meet the vessel while an estimated 100,000 others waved from the shore.
The ship tied up at Pier 11 where the 709 passengers and 444 member crew
were enthusiastically greeted with smiles and, of course, leis. The postwar
arrival of the SS Lurline signified the rebirth of Tourism in Hawai'i after
World War II.
ENVELOPE: White. Size 6.5" x 3.5"
(165mm x 92mm).
CACHET: A line drawing of the SS Lurline, plus
a pink flower lei around the Matson Line flag (upper left)
CACHET TEXT: "50TH ANNIVERSARY, SS LURLINE
THE FIRST POSTWAR ARRIVAL IN HONOLULU HARBOR - APRIL 21ST 1948. Launched
in 1932, the S.S. Lurline spent WW2 ferrying troops to the South Pacific
front. Refurbished for $18 million, her first postwar voyage from San Francisco
via Los Angeles arrived at Pier 11 in Honolulu Harbor to a tumultuous welcome
on April 21st 1948. Dozens of canoes paddled out to meet the vessel and
an estimated 100,000 well-wishers lined the shore to greet the 709 passengers
and the 444-member crew. The arrival signified the rebirth of Tourism in
Hawai'i after WW2."
STAMP: 20c Hawaii Statehood stamp (Scott #
2080) & 13c Captain Cook stamp (Scott # 1733). Note that both stamps
show Hawai'i-related ships.
CANCELLATION: Circular date stamp cancel "HONOLULU
HI WAIKIKI STA - APR 21 1998."
CACHET MAKER: Enelani.
NUMBER MADE: 50.
ITEM # 98APR21
PRICE: $4.00