Treasures from Our West: Ship-christening champagne bottle

Originally featured in Points West magazine in Summer 2011

Ship-christening champagne bottle

On June 19, 1920, Mrs. William F. Cody—Louisa—christened the freighter S.S. Cody at Hog Island, Pennsylvania, located on the Delaware River and home of the American International Shipbuilding Corporation (AISC). The ship was a steel cargo carrier and the 111th ship to be launched at that ship yard.

To christen the ship, Mrs. Cody swung a brown glass bottle, which was suspended in the air near her, against the hull. As she did so, she proclaimed, “I christen thee Cody, in honor of my late husband and the war work of the citizens of Cody, Wyoming.” The bottle broke as it was designed, only at the neck. Because it was covered in gold-mesh, the rest of the bottle remained intact.

The workers who built the ship attended the festive ceremony and cheered for Mrs. Cody. According to the Hog Island News, Louisa looked “picturesque.” Members of the Cody family and friends from Wyoming were present as well.

The champagne bottle retains its original ribbons and the case that brought it safely to Cody. Printed on the red ribbon is “S.S. Cody” and on the blue ribbon is “A.I.S.C. HOG ISLAND, PA.” The white ribbon is blank. A gold bar pin set with pearls and onyx also commemorates the occasion. The pin’s inscription reads “Mrs. W.F. Cody, sponsor, S.S. Cody 6-19-20, from USSB employees, Hog Island, Pa.” All of these items are listed on Louisa Cody’s 1921 estate inventory. She passed away on October 21, 1921.

Garlow collection. 1.69.180B

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