Endearing Navy Mascot: A Slice of Maritime History

This photograph, produced by Bain News Service between 1910 and 1915, showcases a Navy mascot. During this era, naval mascots played a pivotal role in boosting morale among sailors and fostering camaraderie aboard ships. Often, these mascots were animals—like dogs, cats, or even chickens—that accompanied the crew on deployments. They became symbols of good luck and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the Navy during challenging times.

The image, captured as a glass negative, exemplifies early 20th-century photographic techniques. This method was widely used at the time due to its ability to produce sharp and detailed images. The choice of a mascot highlights a unique facet of naval culture, where even the smallest member of the crew could have significant impact on the daily life aboard ships. By documenting this aspect of naval history, the photograph contributes to our understanding of life at sea during a significant period in American military history.