Bob Miller and his son Steve, who has managed Miller's since the mid 1990's.
The Museum’s dear friend Bob Miller passed on July 17, 2024. He will be remembered for his civic contributions to the town he so loved, and for his signature smile. Bob was as much of a Winter Park institution as the iconic hardware store he operated.
In the early years of establishing the Museum, Bob served as the WPHM treasurer. It was the 1970s, and Bob was part of the struggle to sustain and grow the Museum. He was twelve years old when his family moved here from Pennsylvania in 1939. From the time he arrived, the family embraced Winter Park and Bob was a sponge, soaking up the details of town life. Have a question about Winter Park in 1950s, or town life during WWII, he was your guy. Bob served as an advisor on many of our exhibitions, including the WWII exhibition.
Today when you stroll into Miller’s you get a whiff of nostalgia that clings to
this venerable building. Bob is now part of the store's history and will be fondly
remembered by the many thousands of customers he welcomed to his store.
In the mid 1950's, a cake-bake fundraiser was held at Miller's to raise money for the Winter Park Hospital, now Advent Hospital.
I think Bob Miller is the main reason I love hardware stores. As a child my
father would take me to Miller’s on Saturday mornings and, like many other
children, I passed the time weaving through the aisles, fascinated by the
variety of items. It was the early 1960s and Miller's served as a department
store to Winter Park. It featured giant mouse traps, underwater weed cutters,
cushioned toilet seats in an array of pastels, a plethora of TV trays, appliances
and fancy fireplace accessories. Instead of feeling self-conscious, Bob’s
approving smile granted permission to roam. Great salesman as he was, it also
brought these kids back when they became adults!
-Linda Kulmann, WPHM Archivist
THE WPHM recorded an interview with Bob in February 2021.
Listen to the discussion below.
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