John A. Miller facts for kids

John A. Miller, born August John Mueller (1872 – June 24, 1941), was an American who designed and built amazing roller coasters. He was also an inventor and a smart businessman. Miller created over 100 important parts for roller coasters and got them patented. Many people call him the "father of the modern high-speed roller coaster." During his life, he helped design about 150 different roller coasters. He was also a key partner and teacher to other famous roller coaster designers, Harry C. Baker and John C. Allen.

Biography of a Coaster Creator

Early Life and First Jobs

Miller was born in Homewood, Illinois. He started building roller coasters when he was very young. At just 19 years old, he began working with LaMarcus Adna Thompson. Thompson was a pioneer in roller coaster design. Miller soon became Thompson's main engineer. By 1911, he was helping the Philadelphia Toboggan Company as a special advisor. He also worked with other well-known designers like Frederick Ingersoll and Fred and Josiah Pearce.

Miller's Big Inventions

In 1910, Miller designed a special device. This device stopped coaster cars from rolling backward down the lift hill. This was important if the chain that pulled them up ever broke. It was like a safety lock that clicked onto the chain. This invention is now called the safety chain dog or safety ratchet. It's the part that makes that famous "clinkety-clank" sound you hear on wooden roller coasters.

A roller coaster wheel assembly. The underfriction wheels are on the bottom. The three sets of wheels clamp onto the track.

But Miller's most important invention for roller coasters was the underfriction wheel. In 1919, he patented this "Miller Under Friction Wheel." It's also known as the "upstop wheel." This wheel runs under the track. It keeps the coaster cars from flying off the rails, especially during fast turns or drops. This invention changed roller coaster design forever. It allowed designers to create very steep drops, sharp curves, and super-fast rides. You can find these special wheels on almost every roller coaster today!

Working with Harry C. Baker

Besides inventing clever parts for coasters, Miller also built many exciting "scream machines." In 1920, Miller started a business with Harry C. Baker. Their company was called "Miller & Baker, Inc." For the next three years, they built popular roller coasters all over North America. Their roller coasters often had "camelback hills." These are multiple drops that go all the way to the ground. They also featured large, flat turns.

Miller & Baker didn't just build roller coasters. They also built other fun amusement rides and structures. Their company made "mill chutes," which are like water rides. They also built round, domed buildings for carousels and dance pavilions.

The John Miller Company

After 1923, Miller continued to design and build coasters with his own company, "The John Miller Company." One of his rides was the Dip-Lo-Docus (around 1923). It was called "The Jazz Ride" and had spinning cars with three seats. Another unique ride was the Flying Turns (1929). On this ride, cars with rubber wheels raced through a half-pipe track, like a toboggan.

One of his most famous rides was the Cyclone (1928–1958) at Puritas Springs in Ohio. This coaster was so special that it made it onto the Smithsonian Institution's list of Great Lost Roller Coasters. The ride was mostly hidden by trees, so riders could only see the loading area before they zoomed through a deep valley. This 1928 ride is considered one of the best classic coasters from that time.

Later Life and Passing

Even though many of his most famous roller coasters were built in the 1920s, Miller never stopped working. He kept traveling to check on new coaster installations. He also continued to advise on roller coaster designs until he passed away. John A. Miller died on June 24, 1941. He was 69 years old and was working on a roller coaster project at Playland Park in Houston, Texas at the time. He is buried in Homewood Memorial Gardens in Homewood, Illinois.

Roller Coasters Designed by Miller

During his life, John A. Miller designed or helped design about 150 roller coasters. Here are some of them:

Miller's Patents and Inventions

John A. Miller was a very active inventor. He received many patents for his roller coaster ideas. A patent is like a special license that protects an invention. It means no one else can copy it without permission. Here are some of the patents he was granted: