Inmate 651 was Michael Coll – a 5-year-old when he was taken from the "Home."
Michael Johnson was born Michael Coll in the Stranorlar County "Home" in County Donegal, Ireland, where he was registered as Inmate 651. At the age of 5, he was flown from Belfast to New York City (on a work Visa) in a TWA Constellation, then on to Los Angeles to meet his new family. He grew up a Southern California kid; went to the University of Southern California; served in the Marine Corp., before getting his CPA license and his Juris Doctor degree. An athlete himself, Michael eventually made a career in sports management, mostly for players in Major League Baseball. But there's more to the story.
Photography courtesy of the Ireland Transportation Authority, the U.S. Marines, and Rik Peirson.
Page 2 – Sister Ignatius
There was never a question of who was in charge.
Page 2 – Sister Ignatius
There was never a question of who was in charge.
This series of images shows the "Home" in Stranorlar, from Sister Ignatius to the Laundries . . . and more. Hover the images to see their captions.
Page 3 – TWA Page
In 1949, Michael flew from Belfast to New York City –
then on to Los Angeles.
Page 3 – TWA Page
In 1949, Michael flew from Belfast to New York City –
then on to Los Angeles.
This is a TWA Tri-Tail Constellation . . . like the one that flew Michael Coll from Belfast, Northern Ireland to New York in 1949
Page 4 – Sierra Madre
Growing up in Southern California.
Page 4 – Sierra Madre
Growing up in Southern California.
The period included finishing at USC and joining the Marine Corps.
Page 5 New Home Today
The "Home" in Stranorlar, County Donegal today.
Page 5 New Home Today
The "Home" in Stranorlar, County Donegal today.
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