Laura Funnell McQuillan collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RITArc-0051

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Laura Funnell McQuillan collection contains several items related to McQuillan and her time at the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (now named the Rochester Institute of Technology). This includes ten receipts from the institute, as well as two student schedules and receipt cards. Additionally, there is a copy of the Mechanics Dormitory senior "class will" from 1941 and a clipping on McQuillan's life and career. The collection also contains two photographs of McQuillan, including one taken by Virginia A. Moesel, a fellow retailing student.

Dates

Creation: 1938-1941

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Laura Marie Funnell McQuillan grew up in Trenton, Ontario, the eldest daughter of Jessie (née Peister) and Jesse Funnell. Having always had an interest in fashion, McQuillan decided to attend the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (now named the Rochester Institute of Technology), where she majored in retailing. While at the Institute, McQuillan belonged to the Delta Omicron sorority. In a "class will" from the Mechanics Dormitory senior dinner, her classmates left "Laura Funnell's quiet contended nature" to a fellow student.

After graduating in 1941, McQuillan moved to Toronto, Canada to work at Eaton's department store. She started at Eaton's as the ladies made-to-measure suit department manager and was eventually promoted to assistant buyer. After six years, McQuillan left Eaton's to open her own shop in Toronto. For 28 years, she sold ready-to-wear designer gowns and dresses. In 1976, McQuillan partnered with Lil O'Connor to open Lilaura Fashions, which remained in business until McQuillan retired in 1990.

McQuillan married William Kingston McQuillan, a fellow worker at Eaton's department store. The couple had one child.

Extent

1 Folder(s) (1 folder in box with collections 2007:086 and 2009:009)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Collection of items related to Laura Funnell McQuillan, a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) retailing program. The collection includes two photographs of McQuillan, receipts from the school, and several other items related to McQuillan's time at the university.