Luggage Tags
Brief Overview
Luggage tags, Norwegian American Line
1960.1991.003.096 and .109 – Gift of the Anna Sorensen estate
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Primary SourcesThe Norwegian American Line was founded in 1910 as a cargo and passenger route across the Atlantic. Almost all its ships were named after fjords (the famous
Norwegian rivers). At the time the three passenger ships Berengsfjord, Stavangerfjord and Kristianiafjord were considered comfortable and modern. First
class included a promenade deck, smoking rooms, a music and reading and writing room. Cabins had a private bath and sitting room attached.
Third-class passengers could enjoy having wash basins and mirrors in the somewhat cramped cabins that accommodated 4-6 people. Stewards served every
meal in the dining room which, however, could only seat 354 of the 860 passengers in third class. These luggage tags were attached to the luggage of
Severt Sorensen, who made the crossing in cabin class in 1960.
Luggage tags can give information about the year of departure, the destination and country of origin and of course the shipping line, which can be useful when tracking one's immigrant ancestors. Immigrants are generally recorded on shipping manifests and information about the date of immigration and the shipping line can be the next step in the investigation.