Arthur W. Evans collection

Creator:

Arthur Evans

Date Range:

1946-1948

Call Number:

AG101

Abstract:

Correspondence, manuscripts, and clippings collected by Arthur W. Evans related to Jimmy Osborn, a 10 year old British blind pianist. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence written by Evans in 1946. Evans was director of Camp Wonalancet for Boys at Eaton Center, New Hampshire. This collection also includes correspondence written to Evans, clippings, handwritten notes, and an incomplete typewritten manuscript detailing Osborn’s time at the camp. Correspondents include Osborn’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Osborn; John B. Butler; Victor C. Lovejoy; and Perkins director Dr. Gabriel Farrell. Some correspondence related to John Richards, a student at Perkins who attended camp with Osborn, is also part of this collection.

Extent:

0.25 linear feet

Language:

English

Processed by:

Jennifer Hale, 2015 ; Biography updated by Susanna Coit, 2022

Biographical/Historical notes:

James Osborn, known as Jimmy, became widely known in the United States as the British blind pianist who was “adopted” by members the American Ninth Air Force. While stationed in England during World War II, the 9th raised money so that 10-year-old Jimmy could get an education in the United States. In 1945, James was enrolled at Perkins School for the Blind. James was from Romford, England. In 1947, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Osborn moved to the United States, settling in Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

Arthur W. Evans (1890-1975) was the founder, owner, and director of Camp Wonalancet in Eaton Center, New Hampshire. The camp was in operation from 1921 until 1972.

Restrictions:

None

Copyright:

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Perkins School for the Blind, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Credit line/Citation:

AG101 Arthur W. Evans Correspondence and Other Material Collection. Perkins School for the Blind Archives, Watertown, MA.

Scope/Contents:

This collection primarily documents the planning and eventual attendance of Jimmy Osborn at Camp Wonalancet in the summer of 1946.  Correspondence highlights topics including acquiring funding for his stay and reports on his daily activities at camp. There is also mention of the positive effects inclusion for children with disabilities and their peers. Two clippings related to Osborn highlight the family’s move to Massachusetts in 1947 and his life in Plymouth 1948. Correspondence from the Osborn’s to Evans discusses the process of getting a visa to make this move. While this collection primarily focuses on Jimmy Osborn, also mentioned briefly is John Richards. Richards, a partially sighted Perkins student, was selected to attend Camp Wonalancet with Osborn to be of assistance and a comfort to him. Richards’ material includes a letter Evans wrote to his father regarding this matter. A few manuscripts include informal notes about camp and a typed, incomplete manuscript about Osborn’s summer at Wonalancet.

Arrangement:

1 box arranged by format and chronologically within. 

B1:F1 = Box 1: Folder 1

Related collections:

AG24 Jimmy Osborn Clippings and Photographs Collection. Perkins School for the Blind Archives, Watertown, MA.

Container List:

• B1:F1: Correspondence and manuscripts, April-June 1946
• B1:F2: Correspondence and manuscript, July 1946-March 1947
• B1:F3: 2 Clippings, 1947, 1948
• B1:F4: Photograph of campers and counselors at Camp Wonalancet, 1946

Subject headings:

• Perkins School for the Blind
• Perkins School for the Blind–History
• Camp Wonalancet
• Children who are blind
• Summer camps
• Farrell, Gabriel