The Biographical Material series contains a loose collection of curriculum vitae, bibliographies, and miscellaneous articles about Harry A. Towsley and his wife, Margaret Dow Towsley. The highlight of the series is a bound volume of letters of tribute from colleagues and friends given to Towsley at his retirement in 1971.
9.0 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 73 film reels — 26.25 GB
The papers of Harry A. Towsley provide a broad overview of the many facets of his career, including his medical education at the University of Michigan, his service with the 298th General Hospital during World War II, and his professional career as a pediatrician and educator. The collection is arranged in eleven series as follows: Biographical Material; Correspondence; Family History; Foundation Relations Committee Files; General Files; Iodine and Goiter Research; Pediatric Files; Student Notes; Reunion Files; 298th General Hospital Records; and Films.
Correspondence consists of chronologically arranged outgoing letters sent by Towsley to his wife and children while he was serving overseas with the 298th General Hospital. Due to censorship restrictions, these letters, covering 1944-1945, focus mainly on aspects of daily life rather than military activity. A single file of scattered incoming correspondence, 1975-1982, offers a modest glimpse into his activities during his active retirement.