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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images
-- ART TOPICS -- Artworks & Photographs Listed by Title --
"A Sailor's Prayer"
During the 1920s, several photographs were made for sale to
Navymen that included a satiric poem entitled "A Sailor's
Prayer". These views featured a sailor in his hammock, musing
about the woes of Navy life, but with a remarkable change in sentiment
as the end of his "hitch" drew near. Copies of these
photos are frequently found in contemporary Sailors' photo albums.
This page features photographs embellished with the poem "A
Sailor's Prayer"
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 86250
"A Sailor's Prayer"
A hammock-bound Sailor's reflections on Navy lower deck life,
with second thoughts as re-enlistment time nears.
Taken in a 5"/51 gun casemate on board USS Nevada
(BB-36) by A.E. Wells, the ship's photographer, during the early
1920s.
Note ready-service shells on the casemate bulkhead, gun at left,
shoes tied to hammock lashings and tattoo on the man's left leg.
Donation of the Montana Historical Society. Collection of Philip
Barbour, Jr., 1958.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 135KB; 740 x 590 pixels |
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Photo #: NH 82909
"A Sailor's Prayer"
Photograph of a Sailor in his hammock aboard ship, with sentiments
on the Navy and changes in those feelings as re-enlistment time
nears.
The original view was published by P. Wischmeyer, Seattle, Washington,
circa 1923. The photographer, or author of the text, was G. A.
Pickard, USN.
Donation of Mrs. Kelly Green, 1974.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 110KB; 740 x 460 pixels |
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Page made 19 October 2000
Coding updated 31 October 2001