Donovan Shilling Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2024-025

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection consists of diverse materials created and collected by Donovan Shilling. Shilling, a historian, story teller and antiquarian, assembled extensive personal collections of documents, ephemera and realia to support his research into and writing on the history of the Rochester, New York area. This collection consists of the documentary and ephemera portions of his collection, along with notes and typescripts for his books and presentations on local history. The collection consists of 29 cartons and boxes of material.

Dates

Creation: Circa 1826 to 2020

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 / Historical

Donovan Shilling, born in 1934, is a Fairport, NY, native. He graduated from high school and attended what is now known as the College at Brockport. Shilling served in the US Army. After being honorably discharged, Shilling taught at Rush Henrietta and later the Brighton School District. Shilling ended his career as the principal of French Road Elementary School in 1991. Upon retiring from teaching, Shilling began writing, lecturing, and educating about Rochester’s history. Shilling and his wife Yolanda moved to Penfield where they currently reside.

After discovering an interest in the Erie Canal, Shilling wrote a book called A Towpath Tale, which details the tale through the eyes of a thirteen year old boy based on Joshua Ford, a distant relative of Shilling. Through this story, Shilling shared how the canal became a gateway for wealth and a connection to the west. Shilling collected Rochester artifacts and taught classes at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Shilling also dressed up as Dewitt Clinton while telling his stories about the Erie Canal. His books included Rochester Lakeside Resorts and Amusements and They Put Rochester on the Map: Personalities of Rochester’s Past. Shilling continues to collect Rochester artifacts and looks forward to sharing them with the public.

Extent

40 Cubic Feet (Delivered in 62 plastic cartons.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection consists of 26 cartons and 3 boxes.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Donovan Shilling, 2024.

Bibliography

Hare, Mark. “Erie Canal Explores Historical Path” Democrat and Chronicle [Rochester,[N.Y]], October 21,2010.

Hare, Mark. “Sharing Area’s Past is His Passion” Democrat and Chronicle [Rochester,[ N,Y.]]. September 24, 2006.

Memmott, Jim. “Penfield Writer Bring History to Life” Democrat and Chronicle [Rochester, [N.Y]]. November 18, 2018.

Condition Description

Generally good.

Processing Information

The Donovan Shilling Papers were received in original order as organized and stored by Shilling for his research use. The collection did not have any internal organization by subject or otherwise, and, thus, could not be broken down into series while retaining original order.