Volunteer Historian Pushes for Riverside Preservation

Carol McDoniel has spent the last several years safeguarding Riverside's architectural and social history.

The retired higher education professional serves as historian for First Congregational Church of Riverside. She took over the position from long-time members who had dedicated years to the church's records. The role allows her to detail the building's Spanish architecture, a style linked to Frank Miller, the original owner of the Mission Inn. McDoniel also documents the church's function as a public auditorium, a space where Booker T. Washington spoke twice during visits as Miller's guest.

McDoniel has expanded her preservation work beyond the church. She has volunteered with the Old Riverside Foundation for several decades and has served on its board of directors for more than ten years. For the past six years, she has also served on the city's Cultural Heritage Board. With her term nearing its end and multiple seats open, she encourages residents interested in community preservation to submit applications.

Her volunteer efforts align with a push to make historical archives more accessible. The church maintains a substantial collection that is currently difficult for the public to access. McDoniel aims to improve that availability. She also highlights the environmental and economic benefits of maintaining existing structures. She cites the principle that the greenest building is the one already built and argues that new construction rarely offers affordable rental prices.

McDoniel believes that preserving neighborhoods and local businesses gives residents a sense of place. She notes that hearing from community members, she finds that history and the built environment help people feel at home. She views the Harada House as the most beautiful building in Riverside, citing the story it tells rather than its appearance.

In addition to her preservation duties, McDoniel volunteers at the Riverside County Animal Services shelter in Jurupa Valley. She cares for cats and kittens at the facility on Van Buren Avenue. She describes the staff as dedicated workers who care for hundreds of animals in need of homes. She encourages prospective owners to adopt from the shelter rather than purchase from other sources.