|
Frank Miller was born December 23, 1889. He
was the son of Frank James Miller and Mary Callahan Miller of Augusta.
Mr. Miller started in theatre as a program boy at
the Grand Opera House in Augusta, Georgia after his graduation from St. Patrick’s High School. Eventually he became an usher
and finally was made treasurer of the Grand Opera House. In 1907 he was selected as treasurer at the Wisteria Theatre. He
was not content and drifted to Savannah and joined the Bijou Theatre from where he was transferred to the New York office
of the Jack Wells Theatrical Company. In New York, Mr. Miller deserted the business side of entertainment for the “other side
of the footlights”. He formed his own Vaudeville show and then joined a carnival. After satisfying his desire for travel,
he returned to Augusta to open a restaurant and married Julia Mae Dillman.
In 1914, Mr. Miller returned to the theatre
after purchasing the Modjeska and began filling the 300 seats with play lovers like him. Bursting at the seams with audiences,
the Modjeska was abandoned, and a new one built. To please movie fans in Augusta, Mr. Miller and his associates opened the
Imperial, Dreamland and Rialto Theatres. He was appointed Vice President of Augusta Amusements and in 1940 opened the Miller
Theatre.
He was elected President and General Manager of Augusta Amusements in 1943. Mr. Miller also held positions such
as Secretary and Treasurer of the Augusta Broadcast Company, which owned WRDW radio station. He was also appointed Director
of Augusta’s National Exchange Bank.
At the time of Mr. Miller’s death, he had held the following positions:
* Director
of The Augusta Chamber of Commerce
* Director YMCA
* President Augusta Rotary Club
* Vice President Augusta-Richmond
Tuberculosis Association
* Director Salvation Army
* Advisory Board Member Wilhenford Children’s Hospital
* Member
Civil Service Commission for 10 years
* Mason Shriner
* Elk Member
* Governor of Augusta Country Club
According
to the Augusta Chronicle, “As a civic leader, Mr. Miller was outstanding and no enterprise was too great for him to undertake.
He was a kindly and charitable man and many an unfortunate was helped by his generosity. He did not seek publicity but went
about doing good for his fellowman and his city in a quiet and unassuming manner”.
Frank J. Miller Sr. died at 9:45
PM on August 11, 1944 at University Hospital after a three-week illness. Mr. Miller’s survivors included his wife, Julia Mae
Dillman Miller, two sons Frank J. Miller Jr. and John Haines Miller. Frank Miller is buried at Westover Memorial Park.
|
