Robert N. Abbott Collection, 1934-1968

Summary

Abstract:
The Robert N. Abbott Collection consists of Abbott's personal papers, speeches, a 1934 yearbook, a scrapbook, testimony and correspondence regarding his time as a prisoner of war in Korea, court documents pertaining to his death in a 1964 helicopter crash, Monroe County Civil Defense newsletters, newspaper clippings, documents pertaining to WWII service, photographs.
Extent:
1.6 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Robert N. Abbott Collection, [Box#, Folder#], Local History & Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

Contains Robert Abbott's personal papers, speeches, yearbook, scrapbook, testimony and correspondence regarding his time as a prisoner of war in Korea, court documents, Monroe County Civil Defense newsletters, newspaper clippings, documents pertaining to WWII service, motion picture film, photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Though his life was cut short in its prime, devastating his beloved native city of Rochester as well as his family, the legacy of Robert Noe Abbott (1915-1964) is no less remarkable for its brevity. Known as "Rochester's most decorated soldier," Abbott served in both the Second World War and Korea, rising through the ranks from Private First Class to become a Lieutenant Colonel. After a distinguished service record, and after enduring an excruciatingly long stint as a prisoner of War, Abbott worked as a civil defense leader from the mid-1950s through the early 1960s. He firmly subscribed to a number of American Cold War beliefs about the "Red Menace" and worked actively to convince his fellow Rochesterians about the dangers posed by communism at home and abroad. Abbott died from injuries sustained from a tragic accident while monitoring Rochester's 1964 race riots.

Custodial history:

The Robert N. Abbott collection was given to the library by Roberta Abbott Buckle.

Physical description:
Approximately 75 moldy documents were scanned and have been segregated in a separate box.

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to this collection. However, researchers wishing to access the mold-damaged documents in box 2 should be referred to Betty Spring, who will provide access to digital versions of these documents.

Terms of access:

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 & Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

Robert N. Abbott Collection, [Box#, Folder#], Local History & Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org