Albert C. Johnston facts for kids
Albert C. Johnston (born November 2021–1988) was a doctor whose family's unique story became a famous book and movie. He and his family lived as white people in towns like Gorham and then Keene, New Hampshire. This was a way for them to avoid the unfair racial barriers common at the time.
In 1948, a short book called Lost Boundaries was published about the family's experiences. It was based on an article by William Lindsay White in Reader's Digest. A year later, in 1949, a film based on the book was released, also titled Lost Boundaries. Later, in 1989, a follow-up film called Lost Boundaries Reunion was made. This film included interviews with family members, sharing more of their story.
Contents
Dr. Johnston's Life and Career
Albert C. Johnston came from Chicago. He studied at Rust College, which was a college for African American students. He then completed an internship at Maine General Hospital.
Challenges and Success
It was hard for Dr. Johnston to find work as a doctor because of racial discrimination. To overcome these challenges, he decided to live as a white person. This allowed him to get a job as a doctor. He became a country doctor and also a radiologist, which is a doctor who uses X-rays and other imaging to diagnose illnesses. He worked in Gorham and Keene, New Hampshire.
Military Service
Dr. Johnston tried to join the Navy as an officer. However, the offer was later taken back. He found out that this decision was made because of his racial background.
The Johnston Family
Dr. Johnston had four children. His son, Albert C. Johnston Jr., was a talented musician. He composed music, including some songs that were used in the film about his family. After his career, Dr. Johnston Sr. retired and moved to Hawaii.
The Film Lost Boundaries
The movie Lost Boundaries mostly used white actors, except for some supporting roles. This was done to tell the story of a family living as white. The film helped people understand the challenges faced by families like the Johnstons.
Legacy and Recognition
The story of Albert C. Johnston and his family has continued to interest people. In 2001, a high school student wrote about Dr. Johnston and his home. Later, in 2013, a professor from Stanford University, Allyson Hobbs, wrote about the Johnstons in her book A Chosen Exile: A History of Racial Passing. These works help keep their important story alive.
