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Collection contains materials related to the Camp Peary, Virginia, military installation and Singer's time there with his stepfather, Cmdr. Arthur C. Linden, USNR, and mother, Barbara E. Linden, during World War II.
Includes a portrait of Singer painted by German prisoner of war, H. Koeling; 11 photographs of officers and nurses; photocopies of 3 identification cards; invitation to commissioned officers mess; 22 copies of camp newsletter, Peary-scope, dating from 5 July 1943 through 25 May 1946, with no issues for 1944.
Cmdr. Arthur C. Linden, USNR, spent his entire tour of duty at United States Naval Training Center (USNTC) Camp Peary in York County, Virginia. Singer was Linden's stepson who also lived at Camp Peary with his mother, Barbara E. Linden, and their nanny/housekeeper, Lena Roessel. Both Barbara Linden and Roessel were fluent in German.
During World War II, German prisoners of war were sent to Camp Peary where they often performed work at officer residences. H. Koeling [signed 'Kolliug' on painting] was one of these German POWs who painted Singer from a photograph provided by Roessel.
Oil painting of Kenneth H. Singer as a young boy, painted by German prisoner of war, H. Kölling, [Singer spells his name 'Koeling'] and dated 1945. According to information provided by Singer, the painting was done from a photograph provided by Lena Roessel, Singer's German-speaking nanny/housekeeper. Kölling may have performed work around Singer's household.
Three issues, from 5 July 1943 - 2 August 1943, of "Bee Lines" Camp Peary's newletter and the official publication of the Seabees. The newsletters contain information about camp events, trainings, sports, inspections, as well as items lost and found. There are several black and white photographs, cartoons, and editorials.
11 issues, dating from 25 June 1945 - 24 November 1945, of the Camp Peary NT & DC (Naval Training and Detention Center) newsletter "Peary Scope." News items include camp socials, sporting events, award ceremonies, recruitment efforts, USO events, and other Navy news. Each issue contains photographs from Camp Peary and around the world. There are also cartoons and illustrations.
8 issues, dating from 12 January 1946 - 25 May 1946, of the Camp Peary NT&DC (Naval Training and Detention Center) newsletter, "Peary Scope." Items include sports, camp honors, recuitment efforts, cartoons, prisoner of war experiences (U.S. POW in Japan), Red Cross activities, and other local interest. Each newsletter contains black and white photographs.
Invitation to the Commissioned Offices Mess for a "Wetting Down" Party at "1730 and continue until..." Includes a black and white drawing of men singing and drinking.
11 photographs of Naval officers, nurses, and their families at Camp Peary, Virginia. Several photographs are labeled and signed by the officers included in it. Photos are taken in the camp chapel, dining hall, as well on outdoor picnic tables.
Also includes one photocopied page of Camp Peary identification cards for Singer and a satisfactory service card for his stepfather, Cmdr. Arthur C. Linden.