Where Did This Collection Come From?
In 1954, the Trinity University library gained a unique collection of early manuscripts within its walls, some of which date back to the 14th century. The Special Collections library holds these manuscripts in its collection because of the intervention of one man: C. W. Miller. An influential member of the Trinity community since the university’s move to San Antonio from Waxahachie in 1942, Mr. Miller made many contributions to Trinity during his life, such as Miller Fountain. With his assistance, Trinity’s library was able to take on this collection and house it as a part of its overarching rare books collection. The collection consists of manuscript leaves as well as twenty-two books from Europe and Mexico on a variety of topics, ranging from government documents to translations of novels to political pamphlets. These books support Trinity’s liberal arts mission as students can explore the text found within as well as learn more about the history and process of bookmaking.
C. W. Miller’s Relationship with Trinity
In his role as chairman of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, C.W. Miller played an important role in convincing the Trinity Board of Trustees to move the university from Waxahachie to San Antonio. He continued to play a role in the university by serving on the Board of Trustees for many years, acting as its chairman from 1957-1960, and later as honorary chairman. He gave the commencement speech in the summer of 1963. Trinity also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree, recognizing his service to the Trinity community in 1950. The university named Miller Fountain after his wife, Eugenia, after they gifted it to the university in 1966 and named Miller Residence Hall after C.W., further instilling his strong relationship and legacy with the university.
A Renaissance Man
C.W Miller was born in Sullivan, Illinois in 1895 and lived a full 89 year life before his passing in January of 1985. Mr. Miller was a renaissance man, having experience in book and poetry writing, banking and business, and politics. He had a tremendous impact not only in the city of San Antonio but also on Trinity University. Mr. Miller was a trustee and board member for a multitude of organizations, including the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Medical Foundation, providing wisdom and guidance in their endeavors. He was even awarded the “Golden Deed Brotherhood Award” by The National Conference of Christians and Jews. At Trinity, he served on the Board of Trustees, was an honorary chairman and even gave the commencement speech in the summer of 1963. C.W Miller was transformative in everything he did, whether it was increasing sales at his companies, establishing new companies and organizations, or investing in the community around him.