Jimmy Osborn newspaper clippings and photographs collection

Creator:

Captain John O’Connell; Perkins School for the Blind

Date Range:

1945-1951

Call number:

AG24

Abstract:

This collection documents how James Osborn, known as “Jimmy,” performed for and befriended members of the American Ninth Air Force. It also documents their efforts to get him an education at Perkins. Jimmy arrived at Perkins in 1945 and the collections documents this story, which got national attention. It also includes mention of his family’s immigration to the United States.

Extent:

1 linear foot, 2 half-size document cases

Language:

English

Processed by:

Jen Hale, 2013, updated 2019 Jen Hale

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 of 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.

Sources of information:

1945 Annual Report of the Trustees of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind

The Lantern from September 15, 1945

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:

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

Scope/Contents:

This collection documents how members the American Ninth Air Force met Jimmy Osborn, sought out education for him, and his subsequent arrival at Perkins in 1945.  The bulk of the collection are clippings. The bulk of the photographs document Jimmy’s initial arrival to the United States. The story got national attention.

Arrangement:

2 Series, 2 boxes arranged chronologically

• Series 1: Clippings, 1945-1951
• Series 2: Photographs, circa 1945

Related collections:

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

Container List:

Box 1: Clippings and photographs, 1945-1951

• B1:F1: Collier’s clipping with handwritten note from the author, 1945
• B1:F2: Clippings sent from Capt. John F. O’Connell of the United States Strategic Air Forces (USSTAF), 1945
• B1:F3: Clippings, 1945-1951
• B1:F4: Clippings, 1945-1951
• B1:F5: Clippings, 1945-1951

Box 2: Photographs, circa 1945

• B2:F1: Pan American Photographs, circa 1945
• B2:F2: Photographs, circa 1945

Subject Headings:

• Perkins School for the Blind.
• Perkins School for the Blind–History.
• United States. Army Air Forces.
• World War, 1939-1945.
• Blind musicians.
• People who are blind–Education.