The Queen Mary (Long Beach, California)
By Angel Summitt

History:

The Queen Mary was once considered one of the world's longest luxury liners. It was built during the Great Depression. Legend has it that a spokeman for the Cunard board said to King George, "We have decided to name our new ship after England's greatest Queen," meaning Queen Victoria. King George responded, "My wife will be delighted that you are naming the ship after her." Therefore, the ship was named The Queen Mary. It was launched for the first time on September 26, 1934.

In September of 1939, The Queen Mary was called up to duty by the British Government. It was painted a camouflage gray and then used as a troopship. The Queen Mary carried military personnel at the beginning of WWII. It has been known to have carried up to 15,000 troops at one time. It also was used to return the wounded to the U.S.

The Queen Mary earned the nickname "The Grey Ghost" because of its wartime grey camouflage livery and elusiveness. In fact, Adolf Hitler offered an equivalent of $250,000 and the Iron Cross to the U-boat commander that could sink it. However, no one ever succeeded.

On July 31, 1947, The Queen Mary resumed regular passenger service. On October 31, 1967 she departed on her "Last Great Cruise" arriving in Long Beach on December 9, 1967. It was here that it was officially removed from British registry and turned over to the City of Long Beach, California. It is in Long Beach where The Queen Mary is now permanently docked.

During the 33 years of service the ship was actually at sea there were many famous passengers. Some of these passengers were Winston Churchill, the Duke of Windsor, Bob Hope, and Clark Gable.
For more information go to www.queenmary.com.

Hauntings:

There are many different stories that passenger and crew members have sighted. Mostly from five different areas of the ship: the swimming pool, the engine room/door #13, the Queen's Salon, first class suites, and the 3rd class children's playroom.

The Swimming Pool: Wet footprints have been seen even though no water has been in the pool for a long time. Women in vintage bathing suits have been seen ready to go for a dip. Keep in mind that the pool has been closed for more than 30 years.

The Engine Room/Door #13: A young bearded man in blue coveralls has been seen walking the length of Shaft Alley, disappearing by door #13. Fact: An 18 yr old man was crushed in doorway #13 of the Engine Room on July 10, 1966 wearing blue coveralls.

The Queen's Salon: A beautiful young woman, wearing an elegant white evening gown has been seen dancing alone in the shadows.

First Class Suites: It has been reported that running water is heard in the middle of the night, lights turning on by themselves, heavy breathing can be heard, and someone tugging on the covers.

3rd Class Children's Playroom: Late at night a baby's cry can be heard. Fact: Leigh Travers Smith died hours after birth here.

Again The Queen Mary is docked in Long Beach, California where it is now a famous tourist attraction. For more information on tours, dinner, or even a night in one of the haunted rooms go to www.queenmary.com.