On July 8, 1895, a steerage passenger aboard the steamship St. Louis (traveling from Southampton to New York) gave birth to a baby boy.
The passenger, Marie Sillanpau,* named her son St. Louis “in honor of the ship.”
She was also given a gift of $69.50, collected from the saloon passengers.
*Her surname may have actually been the Finnish Sillanpää.
Sources:
- “Celebrated the Fourth.” New York Times 14 Jul. 1895: 8.
- St. Louis, American Line – Norway Heritage
Image: Adapted from SS St. Louis
