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Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection, 1906-1973: Finding Aid

Published in August 2018

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 466
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection
  • Dates: 1906-1973
  • Size: 0.21 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 1 half-manuscript box
  • Creator: Sweeney, Edwin C., 1915-1985
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: Edwin C. Sweeney was a doctor and officer in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. The Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection spans from 1906 until 1973. The collection focuses on Sweeney's research and writings on the history and design of Chinese and Vietnamese junks.

Biography of Edwin C. Sweeney

Edwin Cornelius Sweeney was born on October 31, 1915. On June 22, 1942, Sweeney joined the United States Navy Medical Corps, achieving the ranks of Lieutenant (junior grade) on June 27, 2943, Commander on September 4, 1949, and Captain on July 1, 1958. He retired with the rank of Captain on August 1, 1968. Edwin Cornelius Sweeney died on December 8, 1985.

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Description of Contents

The Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection, comprising 0.21 linear feet of documentation, spans from 1906 until 1973. The collection focuses on Sweeney's research and writings on the history and design of Chinese and Vietnamese junks.

The collection consists of handwritten notes, articles, newspaper clippings, photographs, bibliographies, correspondence, and design drawings.

The Edwin C. Sweeny Junks Collection is arranged alphabetically by document type into a single series with no subdivision. The bulk of the collection consists of research materials and Sweeney's resulting unpublished bibliography and article on the history and design of junks. The research materials are composed largely of Sweeney's handwritten notes and associated articles and clippings regarding junk history and design. Also included among the research materials are design drawings for junk pleasure craft. The remainder of the collection consists of photographs of Chinese junks taken by Sweeney, as well as U.S. Navy photographs of Vietnamese junks engaged in anti-smuggling operations during the Vietnam War.

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Arrangement

The Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection is arranged alphabetically by document type.

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Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection 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.

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Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Mrs. Edwin C. Sweeney in April 1987. Accession No. 87-18.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Material

There are no other known collections of papers of Edwin C. Sweeney.

Materials Cataloged Separately

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

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Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Edwin C. Sweeney Junks Collection, MS 466

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

United States. Bureau of Naval Personnel. Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1942-1968.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in August 2018. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in August 2018.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Junks
  • Sweeney, Edwin C., 1915-1985
  • Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- Riverine operations

Genre Terms

  • Articles
  • Bibliographies
  • Clippings (information artifacts)
  • Correspondence
  • Manuscripts
  • Photographs
  • Research notes
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Contents List

Box  1 Folder  1

Bibliography and Manuscript, undated

Hand and typewritten manuscript on junk design and history, as well as a bibliography of sources in the English language.

Box  1 Folder  2

Photographs, 1947, 1966

Slides and negatives of junks in Hong Kong.

Box  1 Folder  3

Photographs, 1964-1966

Primarily images of South Vietnamese junks in search of North Vietnamese smugglers during the Vietnam War.

Box  1 Folder  4

Photographs, 1973, undated

Includes images from the M. Etienne Sigaut Collection in Venice.

Box  1 Folder  5-7

Research Files, 1906-1966

Notes, journal articles, newspaper clippings, specifications, and additional photographs.

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