Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Robert H. Miller papers

Abstract

The Robert H. Miller papers (dated 1925-1972; 0.11 cubic feet; 6 folders) comprise letters, booklets, and order forms that document the personal and business life of a magician and entertainer in Ohio in the mid-twentieth century.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Robert H. Miller papers
Date
1925-1972 (inclusive)
Creator
Miller, Robert H.
Extent
0.11 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Entertainment events
Letters.
Magic -- United States
Arrangement
Collection is arranged by subject, and within each subject arranged chronologically. The Wade Hall Collection of American Letters has been processed into discrete collection based on provenance.
Finding Aid Author
Sarah Coblentz
Preferred Citation
2009ms132.0115: [identification of item], Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Robert H. Miller, 1925-1972, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Robert H. Miller of Bellefontaine, Ohio was a magician and entertainer who performed shows for community organizations, churches, and schools around Ohio. He would refer to his program as "The Land of Make-Believe" and when with his wife would refer to it as either "The Millers: Magical Entertainers" or "The Millers: World Famous Magicians". No additional biographical information available.
American Letters collector Wade Hall (1934-2015) was a native of Union Springs, Alabama. Starting in 1962, he lived in Louisville, where he taught English and chaired the English and Humanities/Arts programs at Kentucky Southern College and Bellarmine University. He also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Florida. He held degrees from Troy State University (B.S.), the University of Alabama (M.A.), and the University of Illinois (Ph.D.). He served for two years in the U.S. Army in the mid-fifties. Dr. Hall was the author of books, monographs, articles, plays, and reviews relating to Kentucky, Alabama, and Southern history and literature. His most recent books include A Visit with Harlan Hubbard; High Upon a Hill: A History of Bellarmine College; A Song in Native Pastures: Randy Atcher's Life in Country Music; and Waters of Life from Conecuh Ridge.
Scope and Content
The Robert H. Miller papers (dated 1925-1972; 0.11 cubic feet; 6 folders) comprise letters, booklets, and order forms that document the personal and business life of a magician and entertainer in Ohio in the mid-twentieth century. The business materials and letters make up the majority of the collection. Miller received letters inquiring about his magic shows and entertainment programs from various schools, churches, and community organizations in Ohio. The personal items contain newspaper clippings, two letters, and a photograph.
The Robert H. Miller papers are part of the Wade Hall Collection of American letters, which includes correspondence and diaries from all over North America covering the time period of the Civil to Korean Wars. The materials were collected by Wade Hall and document everyday men and women.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

General business, 1925-1935

  • Box 86, folder 12
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Business inquiries - community organizations, 1930-1936

  • Box 86, folder 13
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Business inquiries - churches, 1931-1935

  • Box 86, folder 14
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Business inquiries - schools, 1933-1936

  • Box 86, folder 15
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Business newsletters, prop order forms, and booklets, 1934, 1965, 1972

  • Box 86, folder 16
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Personal letters and newspaper clippings, 1932-1933, 1965

  • Box 86, folder 17
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If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.

UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.