Cuba Photo Archive of US Army Solder Harold Howard 1909-1913

US Army, Cuba

Photo Archive

U.S. Cavalry Soldier Harold Howard, including deployment to Cuba of 1909-1913, Photo Archive. Archive of nine vintage silver gelatin photographs, documenting U.S. Army cavalryman Harold Howard, his unit, and deployments including to Cuba during the early 20th century. The collection comprises large formal unit portraits, military camp scenes, candid group shots, and at least one identified location in Pinar del Río, Cuba, annotated 1908. The principal figure, Harold Howard, is named in two annotated photographs—one showing "Sgt Harold Howard" and another identifying him as "Great Uncle Harold" with a handwritten arrow pointing to a seated soldier in full dress uniform.

Photographs overall range from approx. 10 x 13 in. to 3.5 x 5 in. Most mounted to original photographer boards, a few with annotations in ink or pencil. General edge wear, one or two with pinholes or adhesive remnants; a few mounts toned or chipped at corners. The two largest images are professional group portraits of Troop K, 11th U.S. Cavalry at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia in 1913. The 11th Cavalry was ordered to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, after returning from Cuba in 1909. A formal group portrait in full uniform. Each measures approx. 10 x 13 in. and is mounted to original photographer board. These strikingly crisp photographs show a multi-tiered arrangement of uniformed soldiers posed on the steps of a frame building, all in full dress with white gloves, cap visors, and epaulettes. In both images, a regimental flag bearing "11" and "K" is visible. Close inspection reveals Harold Howard marked by name in one photograph. Two photo postcards double as personal correspondence, with versos bearing handwritten messages from Howard, dated April 1, 1913 and September 9, 1913, both addressed to "Mrs. A.L. Howard" of South Brewer and Bangor, Maine. In the first letter, Howard writes, “Pretty bad weather here now, rain nearly all the time... It is better than in the city.” The second provides further insight into his military duties and mobility: “Expect to leave here before the first of the month... we go down to Winn. for exhibition drills tomorrow.”

Among the smaller images is a rare group portrait taken in Pinar del Río, Cuba, dated 1908. It depicts around two dozen U.S. cavalrymen in campaign hats, khaki shirts, and white trousers, gathered outdoors with a stable and horse at left. This image likely reflects one of the many post-Spanish-American War deployments in which U.S. forces remained in Cuba to supervise elections, secure infrastructure, and reinforce American political interests under the Platt Amendment. U.S. troops were stationed in Cuba until 1909 and returned in 1912-1913 during the second occupation. Other prints show informal camp life: one features soldiers on porch steps with camp cookware, another shows a white-washed army kitchen with laundry strung overhead, and a further image shows a group of Black cubans, including women and children, posed beside a thatched hut. The inclusion of one cabinet card of two soldiers standing in uniform before a stone building completes the set. A vivid photographic record of an enlisted American cavalryman serving during a critical period of U.S. imperial expansion and military activity in the Caribbean. Very good condition overall.

Item #22467

Price: $750.00