 |
Photographer
unknown,
Throwing
streamers from the SS Monowai, 24th June 1958, Darling Harbour,
Sydney, NSW, Australia[T328]
|
Others stand in their Sunday best in the warmth of the afternoon sun. Some wear hats their heads tilted up as they watch the ship pull away. Amongst the crowd, a lady holds a baby, perhaps a crew member’s wife saying goodbye. Two hold each other close oblivious of the noise aware more of each other than those departing.
The metal flight of stairs that passengers had used from the pier to get on board has been pulled away and become stairs to nowhere. Unseen the crew are busy, the ships lines are pulled in, the horn blasts, the vessel shudders as it slowly begins to pull away from the pier and pick up steam. The noise of the engines, the smell of the billowing smoke and diesel fumes begins to replace the noise of the receding crowd.
The only link that remains is the tangle of multi-coloured paper streamers, that connect the well-wishers below with the departing ship. Judy leans on the guard rail of the upper open deck, she looks down to the people below as the streamers become tort and snap.
 |
Photographer
unknown,
Heading out of Sydney Harbour on the SS Monowai, 24th June 1958, Darling Harbour, Sydney,
NSW, Australia
|
This post is part of Sepia Saturday 505 : 1 February 2020
The photo of the streamers captures the excitement of departure, followed by the serene photo of heading out into the open water. Very evocative of travel and its possibilities.
ReplyDeletethe jusaposition of the two photos does add to the story. Up until I came to write this post I hadn't realised how well the two photos communicated the mood of the time & event.
DeleteWhen we boarded the Island Princess in Alaska for our cruise to Vancouver, it was windy and raining so we never had a chance to go outside and watch ourselves leaving. Not only that, but no sooner were we aboard then we had to go through an emergency drill before we could even unpack. But my family used to go over to San Francisco and watch passenger ships leave for wherever they were bound and I remember the streamers and everyone waving - from the ship and from shore. We didn't know anyone on the ships, but we waved gaily anyway.
ReplyDeleteI believe now that only passengers are allowed on the docks (and staff) before a ship leaves because of security reasons - it sad really.
DeleteBeginning any trip always gives me a sense of excitement. I seldom sleep well the few days before leaving home. But once I'm under-way, I settle into a traveler's routine. I'm not inclined to go on a cruise, wanting to not be confined and afloat with so many other people. But these people seemed very thrilled.
ReplyDeleteIn 1958 planes were flights wee very expensive & sips presented a cheaper form of travel. I think it might be the opposite way around now.
Delete