He was born on the Fourth of July – and we’re not talking about Yankee Doodle Dandy here but Robert Miller Jr., born in a Catholic-run hospital in post-World War II Germany. Bill Miller, owner of the beloved Linger Longer cottage, saw his son, Robert Miller, join the U.S. Army and fight in World War II. Robert’s proficiency in German made him an essential part of the forces tasked with occupying and restoring normalcy to the war-torn nation.
At the conclusion of the war, Bob Sr., his German war bride Lily, and their newborn son returned to the United States. The Linger Longer cottage became their sanctuary as they transitioned back to civilian life. Bill and Florence, with their Pennsylvania Dutch heritage (where “Dutch” is a variation of the German “Deutsch,” meaning German) and lifelong fluency in a German dialect, played a crucial role in helping Lily adapt to her new American life.
The next generation began with the arrival of Robert Jr. (Bob), followed by Gary, the son of Harry and Shirley, as well as Bob’s siblings, Steve and Donna. The birth of grandchildren was a joyous occasion for Bill and Florence, who from then on were affectionately known as “Pappy” and “Memmy” to their growing family. As the first grandchild, Bob quickly became the center of attention, leading to more frequent gatherings at the cottage.
Bob Jr. fondly recalls, “People were always carrying on. It was a free-for-all; I don’t think anybody ever slept.” Donna adds, “It felt like Memmy’s sisters were there almost every weekend, and every visit was filled with laughter to the point of tears!” Florence’s sisters often enjoyed the lake, either swimming or taking out a boat. “That boat was as heavy as a battleship,” remembers Bob. “It must have been made out of steel. It took six or seven men to lift it out of the water.”
The Fourth of July is a special time at Silver Lake. Nearly every cottage hosts visitors, and the lake comes alive with cookouts, swimming, and kayaking. Canoeing has given way to the more popular kayaks these days. An “If It Floats-tilla Parade” is organized, offering a light-hearted competition where spectators can vote for the most creative floating contraptions. And while we love our waterfowl and raptors, Silver Lake is hardly a bird sanctuary on the Fourth of July, as sparklers, bottle rockets, and fireworks light up the sky. With many family members involved in military service, there is a deep sense of patriotic appreciation and respect for this day.
Happy Fourth of July from Silver Lake! May your celebrations be filled with family, laughter, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
You can learn more about York County’s Silver Lake and it’s rich history in the narrative history The History of Silver Lake as Told Through Its Deeds.
