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The collection is comprised of an over-size scrapbook which details the opening of Bartke's Restaurant at Tampa International Airport on August 17, 1952 as well as numerous newspaper clippings and photographs of Tampa International Airport during the 1950s. Included are restaurant reviews, editorials and special feature articles about groups who booked dinners at Bartke's Restaurant.

This collection relates to Staff Sergeant Bascom Walden Sparkman who served with Service Company, 753rd Tank Battalion, in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Southern France, and Germany during World War II. The 753rd served as a detached unit assigned as armored support for both the 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions.  The collection includes letters sent from Sparkman to his wife Eleanor and his family.  Letters from his family to Sparkman are also included.  Furthermore, the collection includes documents, unit newspapers, diaries, postcards, personal items carried by Sparkman, and artifacts.

Personal papers including photocopies and photographs of biographical information and materials concerning the history of Pensacola Navy Yard and Warrington, Florida.