George Swede Photograph Collection (1970.01)

Biographical note

During World War II, George Swede attended a diesel training school, preparing students for engine room work on diesel powered ships. This led him to his first marine job, on a Grace Line tug in New York. He subsequently worked for many other New York companies: Meseck, Circle Line, McAllister, and Moran being among his employers. As he acquired the necessary experience, he advanced in grade, eventually holding a Chief Engineer's ticket.

Swede's camera, a 4x5 Speed Graphic, always went aboard with him. During his years afloat, 1943 to 1967, he took some 2,000 pictures from the engine room door. His greatest interest was always the working craft of New York Harbor, but he captured many ocean liners from the best possible viewpoint. Many "human interest" shots of waterfront workers showed his skill. He was also commissioned to take a series of pictures of stripped down diesel engines for training manuals. Swede passed away in 1980.