Treasures of the BOA Archive Collection – Foundation Dinner 28th November 1917

Ian Stephen

On 28th November 1917 a pivotal event in the history of the BOA occurred when fifteen surgeons met to dine at the Café Royal in London, and we hold in the archive several important related artefacts.

They were invited in a letter signed by E Muirhead Little, who became the first BOA President, T H Openshaw and Sir Robert Jones (Figure 1). The stated aim was the formation of a British Orthopaedic Association, although the moving spirit behind the proposal was in fact an American from Boston, Robert Osgood.

All those invited were men, as was the way in those days. Although this was the fourth year of war, the menu shows that they dined well. It was signed by all those present (Figure 2). We hold several original versions, including one in a frame that came from the Family of Robert Osgood, inscribed in his handwriting (Figure 3).

The event was recorded by Harry Platt (Figure 4) who, as Temporary Honorary Secretary issued invitations on 14th January 1918 to become Original Members of the Association (Figure 5).

The first meeting was held on 2nd February 1918 at Queen Mary’s Convalescent Auxiliary Hospital at the Roehampton Limbless Hospital in London, where Muirhead Little was on the staff. Thirteen surgeons attended and appear on the photograph taken at the time (Figure 6). They are identified on the accompanying key (Figure 7).

These artefacts form an important part of the history of our Association and show why it is important to maintain a functioning archive so that there is a corporate memory of events that might otherwise be forgotten.

Figure 1: Invitation to dine November 1917.

Figure 2: Signed Café Royal menu 28 November 1917.

Figure 3: Signed menu from the Osgood Family.

Figure 4: Record of Founding Dinner.

Figure 5: Invitation to become Original Member 14 January 1918.

Figure 6: Photograph of First Meeting 2 February 1918.