Holly M. Miller Retires After 49 Years As Carrier

[genealogynut]

(Note: This article contains both historical and biographical content, and could easily fit into either the Good Old Days board or Genealogy)

Howard Courant Citizen
Thursday, November 7, 1957

A mail wagon was used in the early days of Holly's life as a carrier, in 1910.  (A carriage type vehicle with a team of horses was the deluxe method of handling mail at that time.  A number of automobiles ran up many thousands of miles on the route while Holly was serving his patrons, after disposing of his horses and mail wagon)

Last Thursday, October 31, 1957, Holly M. Miller closed a chapter in his life, when he made his last trip as rural mail carrier on Route 2 out of Howard.  It was really a sad day for Holly and for his patrons, some of whom are fifth generation of those whom he first served.  He has truly been a wonderful friend and helper to those folks on Route 2.

The rural route service was established September 1, 1902, in Elk county with six routes out of Howard.  Holly was appointed substitute carrier in 1908 and the service at that time was just six years of age.  Then on July 16, 1909, he was appointed regular carrier for Route 6, and later, on May 1, 1910 assigned to Rural Route 2.  In 1939, Rural Route 5 was combined with Rural Route 2, and since that time Holly has remained as carrier for the citizens of this route, serving altogether 49 years.  This is the longest record for any carrier of this county and we are sure that it is one of the longest records in the state of Kansas.

During these years Holly has been a part of the great change that has taken place in our methods of travel and in the road improvement.  Until three years ago, part of his route was dirt roads.  Many times he has waded through mud and water to deliver important mail to his patrons.  He carried the war news of 1917-1918, of 1942-45, and 1950-53.  Horses were used until 1915 and occasionally for the next ten years, when muddy roads and bad weather made it hard for the car to get through.

Holly's son, Elwood Miller, has been his substitute for the last 18 years and he, too, served in the same kind, understanding, and generous way that his father served.

A long-time patron of the route brought in the following:

"We wish here to pay tribute to you, Holly.  First, we wish to say that your coming was looked forward to.  In the early years, it was the most important part of a farmer's day.  You gave so much of yourself to your patrons.  Your happy "hello" and the wave of your hand left a warm, delightful feeling.  You were the public relations man, the connecting link between the rural patrons and the government postal service.  Before the advent of TV, it was you who opened up the events of importance in the world to us.  Now your days of traveling are over and after 49 years of going over the same road, the same territory, you have earned your retirement.  In closing we say "Well done thou good and faithful servant".  We shall miss your gracious smile and warm greetings, but wish your happiness, as you enjoy your home, your granchildren, your family, and your community."

On Thursday evening, October 31, the patrons of Rural Route 2 were hosts at a social evening at the Antioch church, honoring Holly M. Miller, veteran carrier, who that day was retiring, after more than 49 years as a rural mail carrier.  The other carriers and the Howard postoffice force were also special guests.

The program was opened with a song, "Smiles," by the audience and prayer by E.B. Ginn, after which a story in verse and music, "This is Your Life," giving the highlights of Holly's life since 1909 to the present time, with Mrs. John Heater reading the story and Mrs. Arthur Cummins playing the appropriate piano music throughout the reading.

There were short talks by friends and gifts from Route 2, and a response from Holly, who introduced our new carrier, Don Hobson.  Raymond Anderson, carrier on Route 3, representing the carriers and the post office force, presented a gift from that group.

Holly, his wife, Hazel, and all of their family, consisting of their son, Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Miller and son, Robert, (the other son, Fredrick, being unable to be present) and their daughters, Miss Agnes Miller, all of Howard, and Mr. and Mrs. Verlan Dean (Helen) and sons, Jimmie and George of Winfield were present.

At the close of the evening, all enjoyed refreshment of sandwiches, pie and coffee.  It was an evening long to be remembered by all present.  About 180 signed the guest book, which was presented by the route patrons.

(Route 2 was northeast of Howard)

[Teresa]

Everyone knew Holly Miller.
He was a funny little old man. I am sure that he wasn't old when I was young.. but he always seemed old. 
Probably the way every small child sees me..

[Janet Harrington]

I loved that article.  I knew that Howard used to have at least 4 rural routes, but had no idea there were 6 rural routes.  And Ms. T, by the way, yes, every child looks at you as old.

[Teresa]