Sightseeing Sailors

I'll never tire of the wonders to be found in the collections of the Library of Congress. I was looking up an unrelated photograph by photographer Esther Bubley-- and discovered what a wonderful eye she has for all sorts of apparently ordinary subjects. I found this series especially swell-- photographs of sailors and soldiers on their way through Washington DC in World War Two, taking the chance to sightsee, and naturally to take their own snapshots. The quality of these photos isn't terrific, but I feel they're endearing enough to be worthwhile nonetheless!

Taking pictures in front of the Capitol. Source

A couple sitting in front of the Capitol building. Source

Soldier taking a picture of his girlfriend in front of the National Gallery. Source

Sailors and civilians on the Capitol grounds. Source

Soldiers looking at the statue in front of the Federal Trade Commission Building. Source

Taking pictures on the Capitol lawn. Source

Sitting in the grounds of the Capitol. Source

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Soldier taking pictures of his girlfriend. Source

On the steps of... the Capitol Building? I'm not sure. Source

Sailors sitting in front of a monument. Source

Posing for a picture under the cherry blossoms. Source

A sailor at the Lincoln Memorial. Source