"My Time With Frank Miller"

In June 1965 I placed an advertisement in the Tulsa World, "...collect telephone insulators, please contact if interested."

Frank Miller called. I showed him my amethyst 121's WGM from Colorado and he opened my world to insulator collecting. 

Being a pioneer collector he was very detailed. He shared his exact shadow drawings, measuring and cataloging of his collection, describing color and where found. 

We were a perfect match. I didn't smoke, one of his requirements. I had perfect sight for spotting insulators and I had no fear of heights for climbing up the poles. Frank and I actively collected insulators from 1965 to 1970. He would always get permission to go after insulators and his Bronco was so well equipped, a number of times he had the Bell people out to see his inventions, which all worked.

Frank's basement was lined with barrister bookcases filled with insulators. We traveled Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas and had a great time. Frank was always generous, sharing in collection purchases at his costs and I delighted in giving him the best of insulators found on our trips. He was like a kid, but of course an older mature person. I was with him when he bounced off the idea of a commemorative insulator. I was present during his trips back from the glass manufacturer when he bought the commemoratives. I saw all of the "amber" straw insulators - he was so disappointed with them. I pleaded to have him at least give me one of each year. He always made sure I got the best embossed ones and he gave me one of the four cats from the first run.

Frank's wife Margaret was a jewel. She was bright and pleasant and always tolerated Frank. She had a wonderful Blue Bell collection. I left late in 1970 to travel for eleven years. Frank and I stayed in touch and when close to Tulsa I went to see them. One day he told me he was selling his collection. I felt a little left out not being able to bid for it, but when I saw the smile on his face as he explained the buyer would continue the commemorative, it seemed so right.

Frank was genuine. He loved insulators and the people who collected. It was a special time for me and I know he was proud of the McDougald's strong desire to continue the commemoratives.