[Archive]: U.S.S. Nautilus

[EISENHOWER, Mamie]

Published by General Dynamics Electric Boat, New London, Connecticut, 1953

About this Item

A collection of 50 black and white press photographs of the U.S.S. Nautilus measuring 8" x 10". Additionally included are a newspaper clipping and two programs discussing the ship. All items near fine with some edgewear. An archive of photographs and programs following the construction and later christening of the U.S.S. Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine. The photographs are part of the public relations branch of General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division which was responsible for constructing the ship. A brochure from 1952 when construction began is entitled "The Beginning of an Era" and according to a printed note from the Chairman, was "prepared to commemorate an occasion significant in history - the first application of atomic power to propulsion - in a submarine now to help preserve the peace." It continues, "I am sure you share my pride that the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation was selected for this most important undertaking, and I hope that you will find interest and pleasure in this brochure as a memento of the keel laying." The earliest photographs depict the keeling process and early construction, including a photo of President Truman from the keel laying ceremony. In 1954 when the submarine was completed the christening ceremony was conducted by Mamie Eisenhower. A program from this ceremony is also featured here along with professional photographs from the event. The introduction of the program reads, "January 21, 1954 lives in history as the launching day of the world's first atomic powered vessel, the submarine "Nautilus.'" It continues, "we are particularly honored to have as our sponsor the First Lady of the Land, Mrs. Dwight David Eisenhower." The photos show Mamie arriving by train, the crowds surrounding the submarine, and Mamie holding a bottle of champagne for the christening. One of these photos shows Mamie in a fur coat with the president of the Electric Boat Division showing her where to break the champagne bottle. Other images show the launched submarine departing the dock and Mamie touching the hands of people in the crowd and handing roses to children. The use of nuclear propulsion allowed the vessel to stay submerged longer and thus it was able to travel to places "previously beyond the limits of submarines." In August of 1958 it was the first vessel to complete a "submerged transit of the North Pole." According to the National Park Service, "Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982." An interesting collection detailing the early days of the first atomic powered submarine.

Seller Inventory # 425891

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Archive]: U.S.S. Nautilus
• Publisher: General Dynamics Electric Boat, New London, Connecticut
• Publication Date: 1953
• Binding: Unbound
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Photography
  • Ephemera