July 1, 1939 (Saturday) Departing Hoboken/New York area
Helen’s Diary
Our big day! Weather perfect. Breakfasted well here. Mrs. Western noted the weight of our bags and had her friend give us a free right to Hoboken. A porter took our bags and that was the last we saw of them until we found our staterooms. Ruth’s sister and her husband came to see us off. After Franz arrived with our tickets, we got on board and hunted up our rooms-mine is 406-Ruth is in 405-almost below sea level.
Sailed at noon. Had great difficulty in finding our dining room but finally, with the aid of others in the group, managed to locate it in the bow-Afternoon.-Seasick all afternoon.
Ruth’s Diary
No entry
To: Miss Helen Gould
SS Volendam
Sailing July 1
Holland American Line
Hoboken, NJ
When you see this statue you will get a big thrill. Nothing like it. Have a wonderful time in the boat and all summer.
News from Europe
Relative Calm but Growing Unease
While no substantial international confrontation was reported, the sense of tension and anticipation was palpable in European political circles. Newspapers across Britain disseminated both evidence and speculation of military preparations in Germany and Poland, while society displayed a mixture of anxiety and resignation. British press, aware of the threat, increasingly discussed defense readiness and explored the implications of Britain’s bipartisan pledge to protect Poland.