H. D. Miller to Owen C. Lewis
Mr. Owen C. Lewis
The Board of Public Education
Pittsburgh - 13 - PA.10 August 1962
Dear Mr. Lewis
Yours of the 9th - referring to my note to Mr. John Stewart, Radio Station KDKA, has been received.
You say you need more information on the Prospect School - I have it - I think - from the time it first opened - Sep. 13, 1872 up to the present. Can give you data on Mt. Washington Schools from 1848 - the first school opened here. You let me know just what you want - if I do not have it - I know where to get - failing that - it can't be had.
I realize your records are - as you told me in your letter of Apr. 22, 1960 incomplete prior to 1912.
Your interest in our efforts to have a re-union of all Prospect students is gratifying and I am giving you a resume of just what has been done. An item appearing in the Mount Washington News June 15, 1962 - June 22nd 1962 and June 29th 1962 then these two other items appearing Aug. 11, 1961; December 1, 1961.
The response was very good - letters from Florida - California - Michigan - and many other distant points - people who really want to attend a re-union and there is no reason that I know of why this should not be - but it does not look promising. Such a set-up - if started and with proper promotion, etc. could develop into a program of not one - but several re-unions every year - 10 year - 25 year etc. Naturally every year produces a new group but try and get enough interested to help and I just can't do it all and won't even try - I'll do my share - this I have done.
Some 25 years ago I made this effort - when Old Prospect was torn down to make way for our present set-up - lots of talk but that was all then. ... some now and I am no Milholland. I doubt if I'll be here to tackle this job 25 years from now.
As you can see from the last item in the News I have closed this out in such a way that should anyone else want to tackle this job they can start right in where we leave off - I've mountains of data up ... etc. and will gladly turn this over to anyone who shows a real interest and will really try to do something - Will go still farther - will do all I can to help make it work - It seems, to me, a shame to let this go by the board - it represents a lot of work believe me.
I intend writing about half a dozen people who may wish to carry on - should you really be further interested if you will let me know I'll advise you just what is going on.
Let me know how you make out on this Milholland deal please. I gave this name and address to Miss Flora B. Good - Mount Washington News - yesterday - if you wish you could give her a call - she may have it checked out by the time you get this.
Again - thanks for your interest.
H. D. Miller
100 Republic Street
Pittsburgh 11, PA.Geo. Alpha Milholland - Haberman Avenue & Industry Street - Everglade 1-2583
Information I have indicates Mr. Milholland graduated from Prospect School - Class of 1884. This has not been authenticated - if true he could be the oldest living graduate of the Pittsburgh Public Schools. If you verify this would like to be advised on what you learn. H. D. Miller - 100 Republic Street - Pittsburgh 11, PA. - Aug. 10, '62.
Last updated: 16 March 1999.