Vincent M. Love Collection
Acc#: L2021.003.050
Old Dominion Line: “Short Sea Trips, New York and Norfolk”
Poster for the Eastern Steamship Lines, advertising services on Old Dominion Line between New York and Norfolk, Virginia, with an illustration of a ship to represent both the George Washington and Robert E. Lee, and scenes of a city skyline and lighthouse on either side. These vessels were launched in 1925 and provided passenger services on routes primarily along the east coast of the US. The design is signed “Hoertz” for the maritime artist Frederick J. Hoertz.
The Eastern Steamship Company was founded in 1901 by Charles W. Morse. It was initially a consolidation of shipping the Boston and Bangor Steamship Company, the Portland Steam Packet Company, and the International Steamship Company, with others that Morse acquired over the course of the subsequent years. The company went into receivership due to Morse’s speculation, and he was convicted of violating banking laws in 1908. Nonetheless, he remained in control and was the president of the company once it was reincorporated in 1909 as Eastern Steamship Lines.
Eastern Steamship Lines, c.1925