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Title: Natale Bellantoni papers
Date (inclusive): 1942-2006
Collection Number: 2019C21
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
6 manuscript boxes, 6 oversize boxes, 1 card file box, 1 oversize folder
(11.0 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Writings, correspondence, printed matter, sketches, paintings, photographs, other audiovisual material, and memorabilia, relating
to American military construction activities in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Creator:
Bellantoni, Nat, 1920-2012
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Boxes 10-12 may not be used without permission of the Archivist; there is digitized content from this collection available.
The remainder of the collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If
there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Materials were acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 2018.
[Identification of item], Natale Bellantoni papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Many items from this collection are on display in our galleries Fall 2024-2025 as part of the exhibition "The Battalion Artist."
These materials will not be available in our reading room for the duration of the exhibit. Some material from this collection
is available via the
Hoover Institution Library & Archives Digital Collections portal .
Natale Bellantoni was born December 21, 1920. He was raised in Boston's South End and attended Boston English High School.
From 1939-1942, he attended the Massachusetts School of Art, receiving formal artistic training, and meeting his fiancée,
Irene Sztucinski. Bellantoni enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942 and was assigned to the 78th Construction Battalion as
a Carpenter's Mate. The construction battalions, or "Seabees," worked their way across the Pacific Ocean, building the airfields
and bases that supported the United States' efforts against Japan. As a member of the 78th battalion, Bellantoni served in
New Caledonia, New Guinea, the Admiralty Islands, and Okinawa.
After the end of World War II, Bellantoni returned to Boston and married his fiancée, with whom he corresponded through the
course of the war. After his discharge from the Navy, Bellantoni worked as a professional artist and graphic designer, primarily
for Gunn Studios of Boston. Bellantoni died on June 23, 2012.
The Natale Bellantoni papers consists of six series:
Biographical Material,
Correspondence,
Artwork,
Photographs,
Audiovisual Material, and
Memorabilia. The collection focuses on Bellantoni's service in the U.S. Navy's 78th Construction Battalion as they fought and built their
way across the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The construction battalions, otherwise known as "Seabees," built the airfields,
bases, and other infrastructure necessary for the United States' offensive push towards Japan.
The
Biographical Material series contains clippings, pamphlets, posters, maps, notes, and other documents that Bellantoni collected regarding his service.
The
Correspondence series primarily consists of Bellantoni's letters to his fiancee Irene Sztucinski. Despite the need to pass the censors,
the letters present a lively and detailed description of Bellantoni's life as a Seabee. The
Artwork series includes original sketches, watercolors and drawings created by Nat Bellantoni, creating a visual journal of his life
on board ship and on the islands his battalion visited, especially New Caledonia, New Guinea, and Okinawa. The
Photographs series further provides a visual record of the 78th Battalion's activities, including scenes of work, life in camp, and informal
recreation for the Seabees. The photographs also extensively depict the landscapes of New Caledonia, New Guinea, and Okinawa,
as well as local inhabitants and their daily life. The
Audiovisual Materials series includes audio and video recordings of interviews regarding Seabee history, and the 78th Battalion's reunion.
Content from this collection has been digitized and is available via the
Hoover Institution Library and Archives Digital Collections portal . An online exhibition based on Bellatoni's life is also available
The Battalion Artist .
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Ocean
World War, 1939-1945 -- Engineering and construction
United States. Navy. Construction Battalion, 78th