Miller and Sons Records,, 1918-1971

The Miller and Sons Records contain primarily textual records documenting the business pursuits of C.L. (Clarence L.) Miller, his brother Percy Miller, and C.L.'s son, Clarence Miller. The collection spans the dates 1918 to 1971, and includes administrative material, correspondence, equipment and operational records, financial records, payroll and personnel documents, photographs, advertisements, and union records.

Administrative records are dated 1938-1958, and document various business partners' stock options and investments in Miller and Sons companies. Furthermore, there are records of legal disputes and agreements, contracts for the acquisition, sale, release, and transfer of property throughout Whatcom County, as well as records of real estate taxes paid on those properties. Specific individuals referenced in these documents include P.K. Knutson, A.F. Kynell, and Oscar J. Olsen of the Olsen-Miller partnership.

Correspondence dates from around 1918 to 1963, and documents Miller and Sons' business and legal activities, as well as equipment and machinery purchasing and sales. Some of the correspondence contains formal paperwork associated with those transactions.

Equipment records span the dates 1939-1956, and contain records related to the value and sale of mill machinery, as well as contracts and agreements with other individuals and businesses regarding the use and exchange of equipment.

Financial Records date from 1936-1963, and contain balance sheets, financial ledgers, reports, statements, and logbooks from jobs involving Miller and Sons and other companies. The bulk of the records consist of account cards documenting accounts payable and receivable for items such as goods, labor, services, employees, taxes, etc. Some of the account cards are restricted until 2075.

Operational records are dated 1936-1971, and comprise materials documenting the day-to-day functions and activities of various Miller and Sons entities. They include documents relating to auto usage, manufacturing and sales statistics, permits, licenses, shipment information, and supplies records.

Payroll and personnel records date from around 1939 to 1964, and include wage information, tax records, time books, Unemployment and Social Security forms, and other official documentation from various state and federal departments. Most of these records are restricted until 2075.

Photographs depict mill buildings, employees, and equipment dating from the 1920s to around the 1940s. Additionally, there are a few advertisements from early-twentieth century industries, including the shingle business. There are also some short historical writings authored by Ivy German, wife of John German, who was an occasional partner in the Millers' business pursuits.

Union records span the dates 1949-1953, and document labor organizations and workers' unions involved with the twentieth century lumber and shingle industries.