The R.C. Miller Memorial Library was a gift to the people of Beaumont from Mr. R.C. Miller. His wish was “to provide an adequate library which can be used to the greatest possible advantage for the people of this area.”
A native of Navasota, Mr. Miller came to Beaumont in 1904. He established the Josey-Miller Feed Company, helped organize the Tyrrell Rice Milling Company, and was the first president of the company that built the Beaumont Hotel. As well as managing his varied business interests, he was also active in efforts to attract industry to Beaumont. He died in 1973 at the age of 100.
His will, co-signed by his wife, Byrdie Goodman Miller, established the R.C. Miller Community Fund to be administered by the Texas Commerce Bank Trust Department. The Trust Department directed every phase of the 14,000 square feet Library’s development and construction. On May 16, 1982, they gave the deed for the Library to the City of Beaumont.
Twenty years later, on May 16, 2002, the Library opened a new reference room. Funds from the R.C. Miller Community Fund were used for this expansion which added 2,000 square feet for this reference and computer room.
