15211.org

If you haven’t seen the article in Sunday’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the couple (now both 87 years old) that saved and preserved the Duquesne Incline, read it here. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Miller!

November 18, 2007

By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Every time I see the antique cars of the landmark Duquesne Heights Incline pass up and down the face of Mount Washington, I think of David and Ruth Miller.

There isn’t enough space in this column, or on this page, to sing praises that this couple deserves for unselfish, dedicated volunteer service.

For 44 years, they have spearheaded efforts to preserve a historic mode of public transportation that long ago became a Pittsburgh icon.

The Millers went to the rescue after the owner of the incline gave it up in 1963 because of extensive wear and tear too costly to repair, and after it was left out of the mix when the Port Authority was being organized and taking over operation of the Mon Incline, Pittsburgh Railways Co. and privately owned bus companies.

They raised $19,000 through raffles, card parties, bake sales and donations in their Mount Washington neighborhood to form the nonprofit Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline. They’ve been on a mission ever since.

Technically, the Port Authority still owns the incline and leases it back to the society for $1 a year. Fortunately, the Port Authority has kept its nose out of the society’s business.

With sweat, begging, borrowing and help from others who have shared the Millers’ enthusiasm and determination in saving this unique asset, the incline not only survives with virtually no government help but serves as a shining example of Pittsburgh pride.

As a world-class tourist attraction, as a working museum and as a billboard for the region on TV and in photos across the world, the Duquesne Heights Incline is priceless.

Mr. Miller, a retired engineer, has always been president of the society, leaning on people to donate everything from paint to nails, nuts and bolts. Mrs. Miller has always been the treasurer, tracking every penny from the farebox and gift shop as if it were her own.

Both moved from Mount Washington about six years ago to a retirement community in Upper St. Clair. Both are 87 years old.

I’ve always felt the Millers and the Duquesne Heights Incline would be here forever, so the news hit hard when I learned that David Miller has resigned. As of Dec. 31, Ruth Miller will end her equally amazing run.

I want to share the brief, humble thoughts that Mr. Miller wrote in the organization’s recent two-page quarterly newsletter to society members:

“PASSING THE TORCH: After 44 years, it is time for the rescuers of the Duquesne Incline to hand it over to (other) administrators and preservers.

“Now the transportation facility so desperately needed by residents of Duquesne Heights has become an historic remnant of the city’s past, appreciated by a great many Pittsburghers.

“With many thanks to all who have helped in so many ways with this intriguing and challenging project, I remain, yours sincerely, David H. Miller.”

On behalf of many people, thank you, David and Ruth Miller.

Your life’s work will be remembered every time those original 1877 cable cars scale the face of Mount Washington for generations to come.

The society’s longtime executive vice president, Robert Z. Fierst, is the new president; Jim Presken is the new vice president; and Patricia Smith will become treasurer.

“[They] have served long internships and are well qualified to continue the successful operation of the incline,” Mr. Miller said.