W. Benson Harer papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS 474
Scope and Contents note
This is a collection of papers of W. Benson Harer which includes drug evaluations, correspondence, appointment books and accounting records, certificates, and patient records. The drug evaluation reports (1955-1960) include reports for Schering; Smith, Kline and French; Squibb; Merck and others. There are individual patient records c. 1930s-1960s. Collection contains 18 volumes (1948-1967) of appointment and meeting logs, as well as accounting records. Collection also contains a paper authored by H.C. Carpenter and a photograph of Wilbur Flannery, M.D.
Dates
- 1924-1967
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open for research. Some portions of the collection are restricted due to personally identifying information.
Conditions Governing Use
Some restrictions may apply. Please fill out the Collections Request form to request reproductions of materials and for authorization to publish or reproduce material.
Biographical/Historical note
William Benson Harer (1896-1968), was a gynecologist and obstetrician. Harer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1921. After completing his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1927, he joined the School of Medicine faculty as an instructor (1927-1941), before becoming an associate professor (1941-1955) and professor (1955-1963).
Dr. W. Benson Harer was the chief obstetrician and gynocologist at the Thomas M. Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital in Upper Darby, PA. He was also the chief obstetrician and gynecologist at the St. Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
Over the span of his career, Harer served as president of the Delaware County Medical Society, president of the Delaware County Unit of the American Cancer Society, and president of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania. He was founder and chairman of the Community Y.M.C.A. of Delaware County board. Harer was the director of Medical Affairs of Blue Cross Association Hospital Service of Philadelphia (1963).
W. Benson Harer was a life member of the Governors of Pennsylvania Hospital Study Commission, and a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. He was married to Letitia Burke, and had two children, William Benson Jr. and Marian Elle.
Dr. W. Benson Harer was the chief obstetrician and gynocologist at the Thomas M. Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital in Upper Darby, PA. He was also the chief obstetrician and gynecologist at the St. Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
Over the span of his career, Harer served as president of the Delaware County Medical Society, president of the Delaware County Unit of the American Cancer Society, and president of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania. He was founder and chairman of the Community Y.M.C.A. of Delaware County board. Harer was the director of Medical Affairs of Blue Cross Association Hospital Service of Philadelphia (1963).
W. Benson Harer was a life member of the Governors of Pennsylvania Hospital Study Commission, and a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. He was married to Letitia Burke, and had two children, William Benson Jr. and Marian Elle.
Extent
1.46 Linear feet (1 half document box, 18 volumes, and 1 oversize folder)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Provenance: transferred from museum to library; originally gift of Marian H. Fetterman
Accession number: 1992-003
Original gift numbers retained on folders for reference.
Accession number: 1992-003
Original gift numbers retained on folders for reference.
- Title
- W. Benson Harer papers 1924-1967
- Author
- Ashten Vassar-Cain
- Date
- 2026
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
- Sponsor
- The 2012 collection-level EAD record is a product of the Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL) Consortial Survey Initiative, which was funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
- Edition statement
- Second edition of finding aid completed in March 2026.
Revision Statements
- 2026 March 16: Collection reprocessed into series. Drug evaluations (series 1) described in greater detail. Certificates removed from frames and placed in oversize folder.
Repository Details
Part of the Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Repository
Contact:
19 S. 22nd Street
Philadelphia PA 19103 United States
19 S. 22nd Street
Philadelphia PA 19103 United States
