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Arrive Hampton Roads February 22, 1909
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On February 22nd, 1909, Washington's
Birthday, the fleet arrived at Hampton Roads. It
was met by President Roosevelt and their families and
friends at the piers of Hampton Roads.
Souvinor
of the Cruise Around the World sold in Hampton Roads
upon the fleet's arrival. The scarf is approximately 20"
x 20" and includes the fleet composition after
it left San Francisco for the Pacific. Images
include Roosevelt, Sperry and his Division Admirals.
(Select image to see
large photo)
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At Left a return postcard from Will on the USS Georgia, " Dear Gilla, We arrived home all OK. I received your letter and was delighted to hear froom you. Will write you a letter later. We go to Phila. to dry-dock. Arrive Soon or Sooner, Lovingly Will"
At Right a postcard sent by Smether of the USS New Hampshire dated March 16, 1909 showing the fleet firing saluting batteries as it enters Hampton Roads 2/22/09.
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PEACE
VOYAGE
This
was a great card issued for the fleet's
return showing the admirals and the President,
the port visits and the fleet.
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Many of the cards I have
found are from previous port visits or from the Chamberlin
Hotel. Since the fleet now had ship
cancellations, they are easy to spot!
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I haven't found many items
to celebrate this event. I'm sure if I lived in
the Tidewater area I'd be doing better, so I'm
hoping I'm going to mee someone to trade my Pudget
Sound duplicates.
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Welcome to the Fleet
A poem to Jack, "Jackk! Jack! Jack! We're glad to see you back!
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At left: A poem from the Turkish Baths and Stag Hotel of Norfolk, Virginia hails the fleet's return.
At right: A special luncheon at the Jefferson of Richmond for Admiral Sperry that was planned for February 23rd to celebrate the fleet's return.
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The
fleet's arrial was met by Roosevelt on the presidenital
yacht. It was an event that thoustands of people
came to experence, the return of the fleet as they came
to anchorages in Hampton Roads. The Mayflower
was rigged for dress ship as shown in the photo to the
right.
At
left: a watch fob issued for the return of the fleet.
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Wishing you many more birthdays. Fred Natchican. A nice "glitter card" made especially for the return of the USS Nebraska and dated on the arrival date, "Washington's Birthday" after the competion of the voyage around the world.
(select to see larger image)
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select
image to see foll-out
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These
cards were available for the fleet sailors and the visitors
upon their return. Uncle Sam played a prominent
roll in the advertisement of the fleet on several of
these cards. At left Admiral Sperry Joins President
Roosevelt, at right Admiral Evans.
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The above cards were mailed by sailors upon their return to Hampton Roads shortly after their arrival on the 22nd.
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