Gene Robinson

In 2006, Walter Eugene Robinson passed away. Since Gene had no children his widow Valene donated her husband’s vast genealogical collection to our library. This collection containing over 1500 books/notebooks dominates a 55-foot hallway of floor-to-ceiling shelves. Most of these notebooks are complete books. However, some notebooks contain only photocopies of pages pertaining to the names Robinson/Robison/Robertson. This is must-see collection for anyone researching those names.

Some of Gene’s personal mementos are located in the museum. One of his neckties is on display because as a youth Gene never dreamed he would have a job at which he would be required to wear a tie. Two of his Commemorative Medals are also on display. A note from his wife concerning one of the medals says, “Gene was in all 3 wars so this is one of his ribbons he got to replace one of his older ones.” Buena Bishop was a close friend of Valene and Gene. It took her years to prepare and accession this donation for public availability.