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Before Any Were Willing. George S Benson story. 1991 book by Stevens.

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage

benson book harding college

Book Discovered.

George S. Benson was president of Harding College for years and years, approximately 1936 to 1965.  The book was written in 1991 by John C. Stevens.  I am sad to say that I never knew that it was written and published.  How about you?  

Just a few days ago I found it at a Searcy AR estate sale and now own it and can put it in my collection of publications by Searcy-interested folks.  And now I wonder how the book escaped me.  I even graduated from Harding back in the early 1970s.  I have not had time to read it but it says that "The Conflict" begins in 1936 when he came to Searcy. 

So, Searcy Sleuths, do you have or have you read this book????

Comments(5)

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Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hi Barbara,

The book sounds like an invitation to uncover intriguing truths of the past within the captivating story of this book’s title. 

May 18, 2025 09:10 AM
Barbara S. Duncan

It does, doesn't it!

May 18, 2025 11:04 AM
Don Thompson
Donthomp Associates - Sunnyvale, CA

After you have read the book, please let us blog readers know what you think of George S. Benson. I only know what I have read in Wikipedia.

There is another book available on Amazon - Sometimes in the Wrong, but Never in Doubt: George S. Benson and the Education of the New Religious Right Hardcover – January 1, 1995 by L. Edward Hicks. 

 

 

May 18, 2025 10:20 AM
Barbara S. Duncan

Don, look it up on bookfinder.com.  You buy yourself a copy and interpret what you find out.  LOL  It will cost you quite a bit......

May 18, 2025 11:06 AM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Don, it's interesting you bring up George S. Benson and his impact. After Barbara reads "Before Any Were Willing," her insights will be valuable. The book you mentioned, "Sometimes in the Wrong, but Never in Doubt," suggests a potentially complex figure. Exploring both books could offer a more complete understanding.

May 18, 2025 11:19 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thank you for the great information in your blog today to share with us here on the Rain. Make it a terrific day! bill

May 18, 2025 12:45 PM
Don Thompson
Donthomp Associates - Sunnyvale, CA

George S. Benson is interesting for the many years he spent in China educating and trying to convert the Chinese to Christianity.

He apparently did a lot for Harding and other colleges.

His views on segregation  gives him a black mark. He did do a lot for Black colleges however.

May 18, 2025 06:15 PM
Barbara S. Duncan

He did a lot but also he was not in favor of equality for girls when I went  to college there, I had to wear skirts and now we see girls in short, short pants all over the campus. Times have greatly changed.

May 19, 2025 04:56 AM