A journey through The Pacific Steam Navigation Company

The society was treated to another display from the wonderful Mike Roberts, who started his presentation with details of how the Pacific Steam Navigation Company came into being.

The founder was an American, William Wheelwright, who came to London to secure the finance for the venture in 1839.

Mike brought many fabulous covers to illustrate the progress of the Company, but it was the ephemera that made the story and stole the show.

There were prints, photographs, route maps, timetables, tickets, menu cards, buttons and even a telegram relating to the removal of the coffin of Ramsey MacDonald who had died on board ship in 1937.

At the close, the vote of thanks was given by Alan Totten.

As always, we took some photos of the evening and you can enjoy them here.