A Guide to the Seth B. Perry Collection , 90.Dec.37

VCU Health Sciences Library

Special Collections and Archives 509 N 12th St
Box 980582
Richmond, Virginia 23298
Business Number: (804) 828-9898
libhssca@vcu.edu
URL: https://www.library.vcu.edu/research-teaching/special-collections-and-archives/locations/

Jody Romero

Administrative Information

Use Restrictions

Access Restriction

Collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Seth B. Perry Collection, Accession #90/Dec/37, Special Collections and Archives, Health Sciences Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Thomas Winston III

Biographical / Historical

Dr. Seth Bridgman Perry was born in Williamston, North Carolina on 16 December 1888. Originally a student at the University College of Medicine, Perry transferred to the Medical College of Virginia. Perry was the president of the Masonic club, as well as a member of Kappa Psi fraternity. He earned his MD in 1914. Perry served in the Army in World War I, rising to the rank of Captain. While in the service he was able to attend the University of Edinburgh where he first studied surgery. Perry moved to Hopewell, VA after the war joining the Hopewell Medical Society. In 1915, he was one of the founding doctors in establishing Hopewell Hospital, now known as the John Randolph Medical Center. During all his years of practice, Perry was a member of the hospital administration as well as a staff doctor. Perry was active in the Hopewell community as well. From 1928 to 1955, he served as a member of the City Council and several years as vice-mayor. After many years of service to his community, Perry suffered a heart attack in his office and died on 27 July, 1955 in Hopewell, VA.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of various items from Perry's life that show his vast array of interests, from a college textbook to the analytical breakdown of a soybean farm. The collection focuses mostly on Perry's medical work and not on his political or civic duties.

Container List

Medical Papers

1928-1950

Mixed Materials Box-folder: 1.1
Minutes of the Hopewell Medical Society.
1928-1950
Scope and Contents
This folder contains the minutes of the Medical Society, later the Hospital Board. Some topics include expansion plans for the Hopewell hospital, hospital finances, and general election of officers.
Mixed Materials Box-folder: 1.2
Gynecology textbook
1912-1913
Scope and Contents
This folder contains the instructor's gynecology typescript notes used by Perry while in medical school. Text originally used by an earlier student in 1912.
Mixed Materials Box-folder: 1.3
Professional material.
1941-1947
Scope and Contents
This folder contains a prescription pad from Perry. It has been used as a pad for other notes and a certificate of service from the Selective Service System.

Personal papers and photographs.

Mixed Materials Box-folder: 2.1
Farming notes
1947
Scope and Contents
This folder contains a cost breakdown of a 125 acre soybean farm as well as a letter regarding the shipment of a pig.
Mixed Materials Box-folder: 2.2
Photographs.

Scope and Contents
This folder contains photographs. One of Perry, the other unknown.