New Ferndale Homeowner
Hopes to Return American Flag & Other Items
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 2, 2016)
Ferndale, MI – When TJ Harris bought his house in Ferndale, he had no idea there were treasures left in side, including an old American flag stored inside a dusty envelope. Now Harris has taken to social media to try and track down the family it may belong to.
Along with the flag were Navy pea coats. In the crawlspace were some dresses and an antique suitcase.
“[I have] the name on the envelope Herman F. Miller – which I have confirmed was the home owner, Herman Fredrick Miller, until he passed in 2012. I had a background ran on Mr. Miller in an attempt to find any family members unsuccessfully. So I’m hoping the community can help me find the family of Mr. Miller so I can return these heirlooms to the family,” Harris posted on Facebook.
Others have chimed in with info, including a link to the former homeowner’s obituary. According to the obit, “Herman F. “Bud” Miller Jr., age 86, a resident of Ferndale, died February 5, 2012. He was born October 5, 1925 in Detroit. Mr. Miller was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Pacific Theater. He owned Miller Motor, a trucking company in Ferndale. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police in Ferndale and enjoyed flying his twin engine plane. He is survived by his son, Frederick Miller of Royal Oak; and grandson, Peter Deller of Shelby Township.”
Harris said when he is in the area next he’ll be stopping by an address in Royal Oak that may belong to Miller’s son. “I feel really lucky to have found this house because I am lucky enough to have the resources to help get these items back to the family,” he said.
Harris had searched for over two years and looked at over 100 houses before deciding to purchase on Channing Street in Ferndale. He is a Senior Consultant with a Xerox-owned firm in Novi, and had his heart set on moving to the 9 Mile and Woodward area.
“I love Ferndale,” he said. “I’ve put over 15 offers and had 3 accepted that fell through for inspection or appraisal. I felt like Ferndale was the “your neighbor is your buddy” type of town which I loved.”
The oc115 will post an update once the family members have been found. If you are the relative Harris is seeking, please contact editor@oc115.com and we can make sure you connect!