Photographs of harness races , 1971-1983

This collection contains a photograph album that documents the life and career of a noted African American horse racing jockey, trainer, and self-taught veterinarian, James Palmer Morgan (1916-2002).He was sought out across the country for his knowledge and was ranked as the 12th driver in the United States in 1955.

The album has ten leaves, containing thirteen photographs, assorted newspaper excerpts, and ephemeral items. Tipped into the front of the album are roughly sixty loose photographs, most 8 x 10 inches, and some newspaper excerpts and ephemera.

The album includes pictures of horses, race scenes, and Morgan's family members. Also included are newspaper clippings of his accomplishments, his grandchildren's schoolwork and report card, and Morgan's obituary. The loose photographs in the front of the album, are a mix of professional and family photographs. About a half dozen black-and-white photographs feature Morgan's forebears and other family, including "Mrs. Morgan", "Sis Burke," (his sister Dorothy Burke), and "Aunt Cad." The remainder are primarily black-and-white, although a few are in color, and depict Morgan and others during races. Many are photo-finish shots featuring Morgan finishing races at the win, show, or place positions. Others show training exercises, the horses in stables, and posed shots of Morgan with one horse or another. These photos sometimes include the names of the horses and other information, like dates, on the verso, and occasionally the photographer's or studio's name. They show Morgan and other racers at tracks across Ohio, such as Mt. Vernon, Canton, Painesville, and Northfield Park.