[Western Photographica]

[Vernacular Photograph Album of the U.S.S. Saturn, with Images of Mexico, Hawaii, and California]

[Various locations]: 1915. 288 original, sepia toned photographs, measuring 1.5 x 1.5 to 3.5 x 5.5 inches. Oblong large octavo album; photos affixed directly to album leaves, with manuscript captions in pencil. Occasional minor wear. Very good. Item #3536

An expansive photo album kept between the early 1900s and the 1920s of various trips in California, Alaska, and Mexico both touristic and military, many were taken by a sailor, probably from Napa, California, while cruising on the U.S.S. Saturn. Many of the photos not taken on shipboard show groups of people posing around 1920s model cars and their homes in Napa. The family is featured on beaches throughout California and various other locations in Napa including Napa State Hospital. One member of the family was involved with shipbuilding and was part of the crew and maintenance of multiple vessels including the U.S. S. Milwaukee and the U.S.S. Saturn. The latter was deployed to Mexico as a means of protecting the United States while Mexico was in the midst of its civil war. There are numerous photos throughout the album of the mission including Mexican generals, towns, and onboard activities of the crew. The Saturn was later sent to Alaska as communications support providing radio service to keep Alaska in touch with bases in the continental United States. These photos include the working of the radio station, along with exterior shots of the building, a photo of a band playing on board dubbed the Saturn's "orchestra," and a silly photo of men falling from a rail car which reads, "end of a joyride." The Saturn also made stops in Honolulu, seen here with shots of palm trees and beaches, as well as a trip through the Panama Canal.

Price: $1,250.00