The Officer’s Salon is where the ship’s officers ate their meals and relaxed while off duty. This salon was better appointed and offered more comfort than the crew’s eating area as it featured cushioned settees and armrests on the wooden chairs with adjustable fiddle boards that kept plates from sliding off the tables in heavy seas.
Like the crew, the officers were served by a mess man, but even on a Liberty ship rank had its privileges. The mess men also turned down the officers’ bunks and kept their quarters clean. The Captain and Chief Engineer had the luxury of a call button in their cabins to alert the stewards if they required anything. A similar call button is in the salon above the captain’s seat.
The captain and senior officers traditionally sat at the center table, with the junior officers at the adjacent tables. The fourth table located opposite was used by the US Merchant Marine cadets during their six months of sea duty.
If you look at the wall adjacent to the cadet’s table, you will see the only portrait of Jeremiah O’Brien. Admiral Patterson, who was responsible for saving the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is pictured on the starboard wall.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Exit the Officer’s Salon through the port side passageway. On the immediate right are additional crew quarters. Turn left and continue down the passageway to see the Crew Messes on your right.