New Midshipman's Quarters at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. is depicted under construction, with visible scaffolding characteristic of campus building campaigns during the early 20th century. The structure reflects Beaux-Arts influences common to institutional architecture of the period and represents part of the Academyโs physical expansion to support growing programs in military education and officer housing.
The item is a Printed Postcard produced by George W. Jones, Annapolis, Md. and marked Printed in Germany, indicating transatlantic postcard printing practices that were widespread before World War I. As a contemporary photographic record, the card documents construction methods and campus development at the United States Naval Academy during a phase of modernization for training and accommodation.
๐ In-Scene Text
Not visible
๐ข Publisher Information
Printed in Germany.
George W. Jones, Annapolis, Md.
๐ฌ Captions
ANNAPOLIS, MD. NEW MIDSHIPMAN'S QUARTERS โ NAVAL ACADEMY.
โ๏ธ Messages
We have moved to the north side. Are among the Blue Bloods now. Charlotte S.
๐ฎ Address
Miss Gertrude Loesch
25" St. N.W.
Cleveland
Ohio
Cor. Carroll Ave.
๐
Postmark & Stamp
**Annapolis Postmark:**
* Location: ANNAPOLIS, MD.
* Date: APR 27, 1906
* Time: 4-AM
**Baltimore Postmark:**
* Location: BALTIMORE, MD.
* Date: APR 27, 1906
* Time: B 930 AM (The 'B' likely indicates a specific postal machine or shift)
**Stamp:**
* Denomination: One Cent (1ยข)
* Design: Benjamin Franklin, facing right.
* Series/Details: Part of the Washington-Franklin issue (specifically shows "1706 FRANKLIN 1790" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA POSTAGE ONE CENT"). Color is green.
โ๏ธ Message
Not visible (the message area on the left side is blank).
๐๏ธ Publisher & Postal Note
* **Publisher:** Raphael Tuck & Sons' Post Card Series No. 2178. "ANNAPOLIS, Md." ART PUBLISHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN.
* **Postal Note:** "POST CARD" and "THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE".
๐ Context
This postcard was mailed on April 27, 1906. It bears two postmarks from Maryland on the same day: one from Annapolis at 4 AM, and another from Baltimore at 9:30 AM. This indicates that the postcard was likely posted in Annapolis, processed there, and then sent to Baltimore (a larger postal hub) for further processing before being dispatched to Cleveland, Ohio. The 1-cent stamp depicting Benjamin Franklin was standard for domestic postcard postage in the United States from 1898 to 1917, consistent with the 1906 date.
Raphael Tuck & Sons was a very prominent international publisher of postcards and other printed materials, known for their high-quality chromolithography. Their mention of being "ART PUBLISHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN" refers to their Royal Warrant from the British monarchy, underscoring their prestige and global reach. The specific "Series No. 2178. 'ANNAPOLIS, Md.'" suggests that the front of the postcard would feature a scene or image from Annapolis, Maryland, aligning with the origin postmark.
The address, "Miss Gertrude Loesch, 25" St. N.W., Cleveland, Ohio, Cor. Carroll Ave.", provides a detailed, albeit somewhat unconventionally written, recipient location in Cleveland. The "Cor. Carroll Ave." likely specifies a building at the intersection with Carroll Avenue. The "25" St. N.W." is an interesting annotation, possibly indicating "Number 25 Street N.W." or a unique addressing style of the time.
Note: Postcard information is read by AI and may contain errors. Please review images for accuracy.