'La Belle Vie'
Third Class passengers dancing, 1906. Peabody Essex Museum, 13729.
Deck life was the most exciting part of the transatlantic voyage. When on deck, guests could go for a stroll, catch a breath of fresh air or engage in discussions with other passengers.
On a pleasant day, the decks were filled with guests playing shuffleboard or quoits, an earlier version of horseshoe. Stewards planned large group games and activities for passengers in each class as well. Organized activities included skipping or whistling competitions, as well as tug of war and apple bobbing games. While each class was entertained, they did not interact with one another.
Indoor activities included reading in the library, writing letters or playing cards. In later years, passengers enjoyed a cinematograph, or film, that was shown using a hand- cranked projector.
Each class was treated to light concerts by the Empress' professional musicians and passengers. Performances included songs and recitations and ended with the singing of national anthems.
Deck scene, 1906. Peabody Essex Museum, 20798.
Playing games on board, 1906. Peabody Essex Museum, 20858
Second Class promenade, 1906. Peabody Essex Museum, 13725.
Third Class Music Hall, 1906. Peabody Essex Museum, 13724.
Passengers spend leisure hours at sea in deck chairs on the upper promenade deck of a Canadian Pacific Steamship, 1912. Glenbow Archives, NA-4474-11.
Concert program cover with art-nouveau inspired design by E.A Walker, October 6, 1908. Royal Alberta Museum, Western Canadian History collection.
last review/update: Feb. 6, 2009
