In remembrance of Jennings Osborne - Thank you for your beautiful lights

[DallastoDisney]

I will be making my 4th trip (Mother/Daughter) to Disney World the last week of November and am so excited to see the Osborne lights there for the first time. Jennings Osborne was a kind, generous man who loved his family, community, causes and Disney. I grew up in Little Rock, AR where Jennings Osborne first created his festival of lights on his home at the request of his young daughter, Breezy. I had the chance to meet the wonderful Osborne family many times and just thought that as we all enjoy the lights we should also remember their roots. When the AR supreme court put a halt to his house display due to the traffic congestion Disney approached him about having his lights at DW (later sponsored by Siemens). What many of you might not know is that Jennings, and his wife, gave so much of their time and money throughout his lifetime to charities, medical research, political support and to the community (huge bbq every year for police, firemen etc) that upon his death last year the family was largely in debt. The family was forced to auction most of their assets even down to a Disney Pin that Mickey Mouse gave to Jennings and that he was very proud of. On the day of the auction his now grown daughter came to buy back the pin. Upon hearing that she was there to purchase her fathers prized pin, no one else bid so that she was able to get it for a low price. So for those of us who are lucky enough to see the Osborne lights in DHS just take a minute to remember a great man, and his wonderful family and be thankful that there are people in this world who get enjoyment from giving to others. There is a solid white angel in the display in remembrance of Jennings.
Now back to planning!

 

[Valgoof]

Thanks for sharing!!!! The lights are AMAZING!!!!! We saw them for the first time last year and are going back this year.

 

[MrsJD]

Thanks for sharing. What a nice story and they sound like an incredible family. We have decided to add an extra park day just so we can see the Osbourne Lights. I have always been so fascinated by them and can't wait to be blinded by them in person this November!

 

[Tiffany507s]

I still miss seeing those lights in Little Rock. Dang AR Supreme Court!!

 

[DallastoDisney]

I still miss seeing those lights in Little Rock. Dang AR Supreme Court!!

So you remember sitting on Cantrell Road for hours in the late 80's/early 90's to see the beautiful lights around the fortress as well? lol It will be crazy to see those same angels in Disney World. Very excited!

 

[DisneyGayl]

Thank you for posting the story of Mr. Osborne. How sad that such a good man could end up so far in debt.

My family saw the Osborne Family Lights for the first time on Christmas Day last year. They were magical! I had never spent Christmas away from home before, so I wasn't feeling the joy of Christmas last year at WDW with the warm weather, the crowds and not being able to go to church. However, when we found the Osborne Family Lights, Christmas became real to me again! They were incredible! We loved the huge number of lights, the fake snow, and all the other Christmas decorations! But the best part was when they played the Mannheim Steamroller version of Carol of the Bells and made the lights dance in time to the music! I will never forget it!

We are going back to WDW for the first week of January. According to the Disney website, the lights will be up until January 6, so we may get a chance to see them again. However, nothing will beat my Christmas memory from last year!

Gayl

 

[ellie05]

I knew about the story before we ever went to see them the first time. I dind't know about him being in debt and having to sell his stuff that is is sad . I am glad his daughter was able to buy back his pin. Thanks for sharing!

 

[luvthemouse71]

I will be seeing the Osbourne lights for the first time this December. Very moving post.

 

[redheadedmermaid73]

Growing up near WDW I went every year to see the lights so I knew the story of how they came to WDW. I never knew that about his death and debt. Thank you for sharing your memories of the lights before they came to Central Florida.

 

[DallastoDisney]

Thank you for posting the story of Mr. Osborne. How sad that such a good man could end up so far in debt.

My family saw the Osborne Family Lights for the first time on Christmas Day last year. They were magical! I had never spent Christmas away from home before, so I wasn't feeling the joy of Christmas last year at WDW with the warm weather, the crowds and not being able to go to church. However, when we found the Osborne Family Lights, Christmas became real to me again! They were incredible! We loved the huge number of lights, the fake snow, and all the other Christmas decorations! But the best part was when they played the Mannheim Steamroller version of Carol of the Bells and made the lights dance in time to the music! I will never forget it!

We are going back to WDW for the first week of January. According to the Disney website, the lights will be up until January 6, so we may get a chance to see them again. However, nothing will beat my Christmas memory from last year!

Gayl

I am so glad that the lights helped boost your Christmas spirit. I have never been away from home for Christmas because I have worried that being at Disney or the beach just wouldn't feel right for our family but seeing the Osborne lights would definitely help.
As for the Osborne family, yes it was very sad that although I am sure he lost a lot of money with the failing economy he continued to give to the point that it left his family in debt. What brought tears to my eyes when I heard of the auction was that when word was passed around that Breezy was there to buy one of her Dads most prized possesions (a Disney pin nonetheless) they said the entire room just went silent when it went up for auction. I believe he said everyone applauded her as a tribute to her father when she won it on the opening bid.
I hope I have all the info correct but needless to say that he was a wonderful, eccentric man and we all have the chance to enjoy a bit of his Disney legacy.

 

[DallastoDisney]

I was worried that I might be giving false information so I googled the story of Breezy buying the pin and found a wonderful article. If you enjoy the lights, and have a few minutes, it is worth the read. Grab a tissue though!

http://issuu.com/arkansastimesvisitorsguide/docs/ar_times_6-13-12

 

[mom2princesses2]

Wow! I had no idea. His Christmas lights are just magical.