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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Photo # NH 86250: 'A Sailors Prayer', A hammock-bound Sailor's reflections on Navy life. Taken on board USS Nevada, early 1920s

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"


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions.

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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

 
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

 


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions.


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Page made 19 October 2000
Coding updated 31 October 2001