Pennsylvania National Guard album, ca. 1916-1918
1 volume
The Pennsylvania National Guard album contains approximately 250 images pertaining to an unidentified man’s service with the Pennsylvania National Guard Cavalry and his civilian life from circa 1916 to 1918. The vast majority of the photographs are snapshots primarily taken in Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Mexico.
A carte de visite and postcard are loose in the front of the album. The carte de visite of an unidentified man photographed in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The postcard depicts the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec.
The first few pages of photographs depict Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania and show the Pennsylvania National Guard’s encampment, a river (possibly the Susquehanna River), and three men identified as Captain Arthur C. Colahan, Lieutenant Edward Hoopes, and Lieutenant William P. Wattles. Only the first two pages include captions.
The next series of photos likely show the Pennsylvania National Guard's encampment near El Paso, Texas, which they occupied until early 1917. These photos show border patrol, artillery training, drills, supply wagon trains, a polo team, game of baseball, a dust devil, reconnaissance aircraft, cavalry maneuvers, and a cavalry charge.
Interspersed throughout are photographs of civilian and family life. These images include a woman and newborn child, likely the unidentified compiler's wife and child. Some of these photos show picnics, a bullfight, racehorse track, a ranch, and scenic landscapes. Many show small towns and vernacular architecture, specifically mission style which was common to the area. Of particular note is a parade with a large sign, "We're from El Paso Tex/ Berlin or Bust."
The remaining portion of the album contains images of Texas, showing scenes at a park, the Capitol Building, and more family photos. Other identifiable locations include the Alamo, Kern Place, Hotel Sheldon (El Paso, Texas), and Elephant Butte Dam and Reservoir.