In Memory: Carl Weber, Loyal Friend of the SS United States
The Conservancy is incredibly saddened to report the passing of our friend and colleague, Carl Weber—a longtime champion of the SS United States.
Carl proudly served as a member of the Conservancy's Advisory Council and, earlier in our organization's history, on our Board of Directors. No matter what formal role he held, he was always a tireless advocate for America's Flagship. In recent years, he played an invaluable role in the Conservancy’s efforts to methodically identify and catalogue extant artifacts aboard the ship by graciously lending his unparalleled knowledge.
Along with Carl's various leadership roles in the Conservancy, he also moderated the "SS United States Yahoo Group" — which was a trickier role than it sounds, as Big U aficionados can be extremely spirited and hold passionate opinions on all topics related to the SS United States.
Carl Weber (right) poses with Glenn Lappin, Co-Chair of the Conservancy's New York chapter.
Photograph courtesy of Glenn Lappin.
Carl recently generously donated a set of fabulous harlequin pattern curtains from the ship's Cabin Class Smoking Lounge to the Conservancy's permanent curatorial collection. We look forward to hanging them in their full glory aboard the restored SS United States, where they belong.
After hearing of Carl's passing, the Conservancy's Executive Director Susan Gibbs said,
"I'm shocked and saddened to learn of Carl passing. His passion for the SS United States is a key reason the ship remains afloat. We were incredibly fortunate to know and work with Carl. He has, for many years, been vital to the SS United States' preservation effort. He found every facet of the ship fascinating, from her aluminum rivets to the memoranda prepared by United States Lines officials about fireproofing to the ship's remarkable propulsion system. He never lost faith that we could — and would — save her. We will continue to draw strength from Carl's memory as we continue our work to bring his beloved ship safely home."
Pictured, on either side of the bar: the harlequin curtain panels, as they appeared on the ship.
The SS United States has created unforgettable memories for countless people from all over the globe. Help us honor Carl Weber's memory, as we work to preserve America's Flagship for future generations.
