Henry Mylin Kieffer Scrapbook, 1907-1911: Finding Aid

Biography of Henry Mylin Kieffer

Henry Mylin Kieffer was born April 21, 1890 in Easton, Pennsylvania, the son of the Rev. Dr. Henry M. Kieffer. Appointed to the United States Naval Academy from New Jersey, Kieffer graduated with the Class of 1912. While at the Academy, Kieffer participated in football and track, and was captain of the undefeated gymnastic team. He also served as art editor and cartoonist for the Lucky Bag Yearbook, and was a member of the Class Crest Committee.

Kieffer’s post-Academy naval career spanned from 1912 through 1933, with various shipboard and shore assignments. He took part in the seizure and occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico. He also commanded the Lower Yangtze Patrol and negotiated a truce between warring Chinese factions. His temporary rank of Lieutenant Commander (1918) was made permanent in 1921. Kieffer retired from the United States Navy in 1933.

During World War II, Kieffer served as routing officer (Merchant Ship Control) for Delaware Bay and River shipping, before retiring again in 1945. Henry Mylin Kieffer died March 23, 1984 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and was buried in Washington Memorial Chapel Churchyard in Valley Forge.

Description of Contents

The Henry Mylin Kieffer Scrapbook spans from 1907 until 1911. The scrapbook focuses primarily on Kieffer's athletic, social, and religious activities while a midshipman at the Naval Academy.

The scrapbook is composed of photographs, press clippings, correspondence, event programs, visiting cards, invitations, original artwork, and diary entries.

The bulk of the scrapbook consists of photographs and ephemera pertaining to various social and athletic events from Kieffer's time as a midshipman at the Naval Academy. Events covered within the scrapbook include football, track, and gymnasium (gymnastics) events; Masqueraders performances; local theater productions; midshipman dances; Bible studies; and the activities of the Naval Academy Practice Squadron. Located throughout the scrapbook are several original drawings by Kieffer, as well as photographs featuring Kieffer.

Located in the midst of the scrapbook's ephemera, beginning on page 75 and lasting for twenty-eight pages, is a diary kept by Kieffer spanning from August 8, 1908 until September 30, 1908. The diary, started during Kieffer's Plebe Summer, includes descriptions of drills, inspections, rifle practice, fencing lessons, seamanship instruction, French recitations, intra-battalion athletic competitions (such as track meets and regattas), and recreational activities. Also described in the diary is a confrontation between the member's of Kieffer's class and two candidates for admission to the United State Military Academy, one of whom was the son of the Mayor of Annapolis (September 21- 24).

Arrangement

The Henry Mylin Kieffer Scrapbook is a single volume. Beginning on page 75 and lasting for twenty-eight pages, is a diary kept by Kieffer spanning from August 8, 1908 until September 30, 1908.

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Henry Mylin Kieffer Scrapbook is the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Richard F. Kieffer, M.D. in August 1999. Accession No. 99-68.

Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

The Henry Mylin Kieffer Scrapbook has been digitized in its entirety. In addition to following the links in the Container List, the materials can be accessed through the USNA Digital Collections at: https://usna.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01USNA_INST/ik5eus/alma991006285529706751

Related Archival Material

The Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College (https://www.fandm.edu/phillips-museum) is home to a collection of paintings by Henry Mylin Kieffer.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Henry Mylin Kieffer Scrapbook, MS 351

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was originally processed by Mary R. Catalfamo and reprocessed by David D'Onofrio in January 2010. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in January 2010.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Kieffer, Henry Mylin, 1890-1984
• Midshipmen -- United States -- Conduct of life
• United States Naval Academy -- Students
• United States Naval Academy. Class of 1912

Genre Terms

• Drawings (visual works)
• Manuscripts
• Photographs
• Printed ephemera
• Scrapbooks