William F. Quinn papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2019-035

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection includes letters, manuscripts, typescripts, advertising cards and a photograph from the personal papers of William F. Quinn. Quinn, a resident of Rochester from 1925 to his death in 1981, was a long-time employee of the Department of Public Works. This collection documents Quinn's interest in and writings on esoteric subjects, what he called "Great Things." His ideas were rooted in telepathic communication and the ability of individual people to use it to influence the world at large.

Dates

Creation: 1950; undated

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

William F. Quinn was born on Prince Edward Island on February 21, 1907. His childhood included periods of living both on Prince Edward Island and in Rochester, New York. He permanently moved to Rochester in 1925. Despite only attaining a fifth-grade education, Quinn entered the Mechanics Institute in Rochester in April of 1925, taking the three-year Cooperative Electrical Course, Upon its completion in December of 1928, Quinn found work on railroads in Colorado, Texas and Kansas for a brief period before returning to Rochester in September of 1929. In Rochester, he found work with the Department of Public Works, and spent the rest of his career there. William F. Quinn passed away in Rochester in March of 1981.

The origins of Quinn's interest in esoteric thought are unclear from his writings. An avid reader, it appears that he believed in some form of universal politics or leadership communicated through telepathy. This fundamental operation of the universe he called the "Playing of Great Things." Quinn wrote at least one book-length work on the subject, a typescript of which can be found in this collection. He also wrote several letters seeking support for his ideas from both intellectuals and business leaders. It is unclear if Quinn actually sent any of these letters, nor has any evidence been found that his book was published.

Extent

.06 Cubic Feet (1 letter-size folder, housed in letter-size document box along with another collection.)

0.06 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of the papers, including autobiographical and esoteric writings, of William F. Quinn. Quinn, who resided for most of his life in Rochester, New York, did not date many of his writings; those that are dated come from 1950.