PARIS — Harry L. Harper has been named the Veteran of the Month at the Maine Veterans’ Home. He served in the Army from 1943 to 1945.
Harper was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 26, 1919, and grew up with two older sisters.
He graduated from Frankford High School in Pennsylvania, then went to Pennsylvania State University and earned his B.S. in premed in 1941. Harper then went to Temple University in Philadelphia for basil metabolic studies and earned his master’s degree. In 1950 he graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia with his medical degree.
Harper enlisted in the Army in August 1943 and was honorably discharged on Oct. 31, 1945, serving during World War II. He was stationed at Camp Grant, Illinois, and he was also stationed in Needles, California. He worked as an assistant laboratory officer.
Harper met Evelyn Small, an Army nurse from Gardiner, while stationed in Taunton, England, at the 67th General Hospital. After they left the service they married on Oct. 17, 1945. They have three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Harper worked as an intern at CMMC in Lewiston, then he opened a general practice in August 1951 in South Paris and practiced for more than 50 years.
He liked writing so he decided to write a book and called it “Dr. Iodine.” After 10 years he decided to write his second book, “The 50-Year History of Stephens Memorial Hospital.” Harper wrote a third and final book, “Thoughts While on a Treadmill Going No Where.” His granddaughters, Joanna 0f Conway, New Hampshire, and Carri of Norway, edited his third book.
Harper enjoys listening to music, exercising and doing his therapy services.
Harry L. Harper
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