Lorna Yost - The “Wee-Wee” Queen!
So far, you will have read of the commitment that everyone aboard the “Green Goddess” gave to the passengers whilst they were travelling. If you think that all this probably ended at the gangway, then you are in for a bit of a surprise!
I've mentioned elsewhere that Social Directress Lorna Yost was one of the people most travelled aboard the Caronia. The story below comes from Brenton Jenkins, Staff Purser on board during this period, and despite the headline title, it gives some food for thought when compared with today's rush for the quick buck.
Brenton Jenkins writes…
LORNA YOST from West Virginia, was the Social Directress on the Japan & South Pacific Cruise amongst
many others. A lovely, lovely lady with a delightful Southern drawl. She was the No.1 Hostess (American)
for Cunard at that time and for many years.
I loved to hear her say in her distinctive tone, “How yew awl today?” as she floated past the Purser's Office front desk in the morning. She was extremely popular with the passengers and a great asset to Cunard.
[Left:]
Lorna Yost seen standing beside Capt. Donald McLean, prior to the Captain's reception on 1959 Great World Cruise
[Photo: Caronia - Courtesy of Brenton Jenkins]
Among us staff, she was known as the “Wee-Wee” Queen. All the Shore Excursions on Caronia's cruises were operated in the most deluxe manner possible, with either a fleet of chauffeur-driven limousines or the best possible transport available provided at each port of call.
It was part of Lorna's job to go off in a car well in advance of the excursion group to inspect the rest-facilities provided at each stop. She'd check that all was thoroughly sanitary, with plenty of soft toilet-paper, along with soap and lots of clean towels, etc.
It was a big deal, and Lorna's car was loaded with all manner of extra supplies - tissues, toilet-paper, towels, wash clothes, aspirin, etc. She always said that she would write a book one day: “The Johns I Have Known.” I don't know if she ever got around to it. A great character - they don't make them any better!
If you can contribute any information, do please get in touch…
Henry explores Okinawa
