Mike Miller on the Georgetown Line 12-15-37 to 06-16-11

By Dan Gauron; posted January 5, 2022

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I met Mike Miller shortly after I became interested with insulators back in 2004. Mike had already been collecting Denver bottles, artifacts, and insulators for many years before I met him, and had amassed one of the most comprehensive collections of Denver bottles, insulators and associated historical data on them by that time. Mike was a true historian, who gathered most all of his knowledge regarding Denver glass from fellow collectors, local lineman, the Denver library and most importantly, through exploring Colorados back country and most every old street and back alley he came across. As far as I know, he never did own a computer or high tech cell phone so most of his knowledge came as a result of hands on experiences. He lived a very modest lifestyle, yet was known to dig deep in his pockets for a special piece he couldn't live without. I feel very privileged to have met, become friends with, and spend many hours with Mike early on in my collecting days. I just wish that I could have retained a tenth of all the history and stories that he shared with me back in the day. I will never forget our hiking the Georgetown line, cruising the back alleys of Colorado Springs with his street map in hand, putting on the backyard get-togethers at his house, and the hours spent talking Denver glass. Nothing brought a smile to his face quite like talking Denver history or the first sight of a newly acquired piece of Denver history. Ken Roberts and I had the pleasure of accompanying Mike on his last visit to the Tie- Siding Wyoming area of the Transcontinental just days before he passed away. Though he couldn't walk the line with us that day, he waited patiently for our return and the anticipation of what we might have found. He was a true explorer at heart to the very end. Mike and I never exchanged money for insulators, so the few pieces that I do have from him were traded for something the other wanted. The old Georgetown line pole standing behind my house, and the one in my shop are constant reminders of the good times spent together. There are several long time Denver area collectors who have a much longer relationship with Mike than I do, and could contribute much more to the Mike Miller story. Hopefully a few will chime in. The photo is one of many capturing what Mike liked doing the most.

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