The Post-Journal

Dr. Harold Blaisdell

No death in many years has shocked this community with such a sense of loss as the sudden passing yesterday of Dr. Harold A. Blaisdell, 66, outstanding surgeon, beloved citizen and veteran of two wars.

It was tragic irony that this man who contributed so much to his fellows, who had survived critical wounds in France in World War I, who had served with distinction as a medical officer in World War II, whose skilled hands had saved many hundreds of lives during his 40 year medical career, should become a traffic fatality while turning into his own driveway on the Hunt Road.

Dr. Blaisdell was far more than one of the most outstanding surgeons ever developed in this area. He was a man with a charming personality, a warmth of understanding of the problems of others, a ready smile and a community servant whose activity in many circles leaves a host of friends in all walks of life.

His life was a reflection of the finest traditions of our society. Born in Cherry Creek he worked on his father's farm and then enlisted as a private in the Army in World War I in 1917. He served overseas with the famous 27th Division as an artilleryman, going through the hell of St. Mihiel and Meuse Argonne where he was severely wounded.

After the war he enrolled in the medical college at the University of Buffalo, later serving internships in Rochester, New York and at Yale University Hospital in New Haven. He opened practice in Jamestown in 1925, first as a general practitioner and then as a surgeon. Few medical men in this area have ever earned the confidence and respect of both the general public and his fellow practitioners as Dr. Blaisdell.

In community life he was an active worker and officer in the Chamber of Commerce, Y.M.C.A., First Baptist Church, American Legion, all Masonic bodies and promotion of high school athletic activity.

His zest for living had many facets. He was one of Jamestown's early aviation enthusiasts, holding a pilot's license since 1930 and owning his own plane many years. He was a leader in the movement that resulted in Jamestown's airport. Few adults were more concerned or more loyal to the fortunes of JHS football teams than Dr. Blaisdell.

In many hundreds of homes in this area, for many different reasons, the tragic death of this outstanding citizen has produced profound sorrow.


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.