Naval History and Heritage Command

Finding Aid (PDF, 117KB)

Biographical Note

Albert F. Speedwell enlisted in the Navy from New York, serving in the Spanish-American War. Appointed a permanent Chief Carpenter's Mate in September 1918, he had duty at Hampton Roads, Virginia, Key West Naval Station in Florida, onboard USS Hannibal, and from 1929-1930 at Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone. Speedwell was transferred to the inactive Naval Reserve on 23 May 1930.

Scope and Content Note

This collection holds a scrapbook and miscellaneous personal papers of Chief Carpenter's Mate Albert F. Speedwell. The scrapbook contains numerous cartoons, including "Salt Shakers" by Walt Munson and Jack Watson's "Fore and Aft," many of which have a Navy theme. Also in the scrapbook are clippings, postcards, memorabilia, product/liquor labels, and scattered correspondence. There is no hand-written or personal correspondence in the scrapbook. Speedwell appears to have been stationed at Sub Base Coco Solo, CZ, as much of the various passes and station newsletters/fliers reflect this.

In the Miscellaneous series are Christmas cards, newspaper clippings, postcards, and four matchbook covers. This series also holds several official documents, including a certificate for service in the Spanish-American War from the New York Adjutant General's Office and the order transferring Speedwell to the inactive Reserve. This series is arranged alphabetically.

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as Papers of Albert F. Speedwell, Archives Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C.