Thislisting is for a large group of original early 20th-centuryphotographs, documents, and related material associated with CaptainJohn L. Hughes of the U.S. Army Ordnance Department and WatervlietArsenal in Watervliet, New York.The group includesnumerous period photographs of Watervliet Arsenal buildings, grounds,residences, gardens, industrial facilities, and related locations,along with correspondence and other documentary material.Ahandwritten envelope is addressed to:Captain John L.Hughes
Ordnance Department, N.Y.Research on this groupidentified a May 5, 1920 memorandum concerning Captain Hughes fromWilliam I. Westervelt. Military records from the period also placeCapt. John L. Hughes at Watervliet Arsenal under Lt. Col. William I.Westervelt.Several locations shown in the photographshave been identified during research, including the WatervlietArsenal commander's residence, arsenal buildings, formal gardens andgreenhouse, cannon-and-fountain grounds, and other portions of thehistoric military complex. The commander's residence is aparticularly historic structure and has served as the arsenalcommander's residence since 1842.At least one photographin the larger group was also identified as relating to AberdeenProving Ground.Additional technical photographs appear todocument ordnance-related work, including damaged or sectioned metaland artillery components, and are being kept with the archive becauseof their apparent connection to Hughes's Ordnance Departmentservice.Some duplicate photographs are included. Somephotographs are printed on textured linen-finish photographic paper,while others have a smoother photographic finish. Thisgroup offers an unusual combination of military, industrial,architectural, and local-history material connected directly to anidentified U.S. Army Ordnance officer during the World War I /postwar period.Condition varies throughout the lot. Itemsshow scratches, scuffs, discoloration, staining, toning, dirtiness,bends, dents, bumps, creases, curling, edge and corner wear, surfacemarks, and other general signs of age and handling.Pleasesee pictures for more details.
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