Handkerchief with Hand-Drawn Images

During Richard Safran’s service aboard USS Cowanesque (AO-79), a fleet oiler, he drew artwork on white cotton handkerchiefs to send back to his family. This example is addressed to his mother and father and depicts his trip overseas to Oman, Spain, Britain and Bermuda. His artwork served as a way to document his trip and share his experiences with his family, and it provided him with a diversion while off duty. Shipboard service was often monotonous, and some sailors found creative outlets using whatever materials they had on hand.