Photograph and service ribbons

The collection contains the journal, photograph, and service ribbons of James T. Tate, a young sailor aboard the USS Alabama in the years preceding the United States' entry into World War I. The diary begins with several pages of Navy and patriotic songs and poems, as well as pencil and pen sketches of women. Following these is an autobiographical sketch of Tate's family, his early work life, and his days on the Alabama. In his description of Navy life, he merely records the ports of call and what he did on shore leave. Only once or twice does he mention any specific duties.