Auction of Dr. Harry Haddon. Jr.'s Estate

Online, May 13, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Chambersburg, PA - When Dr. Harry Haddon, Jr. decided to retire from medicine in 1991, it didn't stop him from making his rounds - visiting friends, checking in on neighbors, and doing what he could for others.

Haddon refused to sit back and watch the world pass by. There was too much history to learn, stories to be told.

Haddon was a doctor by profession and a story teller by nature. His daughter Diane recalled of her father, who died in December 2010 at age 86; that he had a passion for history, for learning not just about things but the people and places behind those things. "My father delighted in sharing history; in going around town, meeting with others and listening to their stories." She continued "He was, especially, interested in early medical history of the county and surrounding counties."

Haddon collected all things medical and was instrumental in establishing the Archives at the Chambersburg Hospital. When he came across an early photograph of the hospital or a local doctor; he would go to great lengths to identify who and what was pictured. Once he figured it out, he enjoyed quizzing people to see who they recognized.

Visitors to the Haddon residence could find evidence of his collection throughout the house - from medical instruments to apothecary jars, to anatomical models, books, photos and medical equipment. "He got a kick out of chocolate coated pills and herbal remedies like peppermint and lavender" said daughter Diane.

With Haddon's passing last year, the family is selling the contents of the home along with his medical collection at auction.

Gateway Gallery Auction of Chambersburg is handling the sale. "Dr. Haddon enjoyed collecting early medical books. His children tell me he was often surprised by both the accuracy of the descriptions and fascinated by the changes in procedures and understanding of how the human body works" says Auctioneer John F. Kohler, Jr.

Born in 1924 in Sunbury, PA, Haddon studied medicine at Bucknell and graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in 1948. He went on to serve in the Navy as the medical officer on the USS Corregidor during the Korean War. "He felt his was a support role (while in the Navy) and held a great deal of respect for those who went to battle and were willing to give their life for their country" said daughter Diane.

Haddon went on to spend his lifetime helping others including making sure that Veterans were recognized for their bravery and courage. He was an active advocate for the Chambers Fort Park in Chambersburg, which preserves the site of Fort Chambers and memorializes veterans.

Haddon's passion for historic preservation was a natural fit with his interest in antique automobiles. He spent time attending various antique auto shows and finding out from the owners the history of their vehicle and how they came to own it. Daughter Diane remembers Haddon's 1934 Plymouth Rumbleseat car, "He liked to take people on rides in that car. He really enjoyed it. It gave him a sense of history."

The family is keeping his antique cars and other personal mementos, but does not have room for everything including a ladies secretary desk with three secret compartments and beautiful inlay. The desk was a favorite of Haddon's "He enjoyed inviting friends to see if they could figure out where the compartments were and how they worked" said his daughter.

Kohler says it's difficult to estimate the value of the auction lot because Haddon left more than just objects, he left the stories they held. "Through his volunteer work, Dr. Haddon helped keep the history of our community alive. He strengthened the community by connecting us to our history, to other people and to ourselves."

The auction of the Haddon Estate will be held Monday, May 30th at Gateway Gallery Auction located at 643 Kriner Road in Chambersburg. For more information call (717) 263-6512 or visit the company's website GatewayAuction.com.