There is no record of yellow fever ever having occurred in Rochester or in the Genesee River Valley. Why then a yellow fever collection in Western New York?
Its origin lies in the experiences of Rochester businessman, Edward G. Miner, during a trip to South America in 1908. In a letter written 36 years later, Miner reminisced, "One could only faintly realize how dreadful had been the devastation in life and property from this disease, but the tales of survivors and the evidence of former precautions which still remained, left an indelible impression upon my memory." This impression was translated into an enduring interest that took the form of book collecting.
Miner's bibliographic interests were extended to the library of the School of Medicine and Dentistry when the medical school opened in 1925. In April 1927, Miner presented to the Medical Library 41 titles on yellow fever - the first of many donations which he would make to the collection until his death in 1955. (The Library, of course, added to the collection simultaneously, and has continued to do so.) In recognition of his services to the University of Rochester and its libraries, the Medical Library was named in honor of Edward G. Miner in December 1952.

Yama Farms was an inn established by Frank Seaman and Olive Sarre in the early twentieth century. Both Olive and Frank traveled widely and were greatly influenced by the culture of Japan. They shared a vision for society which they were able to manifest in the unique resort which ultimately became Yama Farms, renowned for its Japanese style architecture and gardens. This idyllic setting provided a respite for artists, writers and captains of industry, as well as a place for reflection and innovation. Yama Farms was a model of sustainability for its day, with its own dairy, vegetable gardens and trout hatchery.

Beginning in February 1936, the Gallery was the center for Rochester-area Federal Arts Projects (FAP) funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).  

World’s fairs are large public exhibitions of items that can vary, depending on where the fair is held. The fair originated in France during the mid-nineteenth century and spread to other countries as time went on. The first era of the World’s Fair was known as the Industrial Era (1851 - 1938) and showcased new inventions made during this time period, such as the telephone. During this time, the World’s Fair took place in multiple cities around the world, including cities within the United States: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Buffalo, St. Louis, and San Francisco.

Virgil Deyo (1923-1944) was a soldier from Prattsville, NY who fought in World War II. He served as a Staff Sergeant & Waist Gunner in the 498th Bomb Group for the U.S. Air Force. Virgil was killed in action in July of 1944.

World War I was a global war that took place between 1914 and 1918. It is also known as the Great War. World War I originated in Europe and was fought between two sides, the Allies and the Central Powers. The Allies included Great Britain, France, Russia, and eventually the United States and Japan. The Central Powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The Allies were the victors of World War I, and the war became known as one of the deadliest conflicts in history.