Over the Years

50 YEARS AGO
December 13, 1956 — Hillsboro American Legion members “voiced marked concern and displeasure” over the 18-month ordeal in obtaining a new National Guard armory for the city. The post commander was instructed by a vote of the members to “demand” action by the city commission to obtain a building site.
A new fire alarm system was installed in Hillsboro. Since an operator was no longer on duty on the local phone lines, residents were instructed to call 6-5555 to report a fire. The call would be routed to the homes of the fire chief Alvis Rhoman and the assistant fire chief Allen Spittler, city hall and the community hospital. The siren would sound and summon volunteer firefighters. Two long blasts would signal rural fires while three short blasts of the siren would signal city fires.

40 YEARS AGO
December 14, 1966 — The state tax commissioner warned county officials that property value assessments in the county were well below the state average, ranking 47th of the state’s 53 counties.
John and Mavis Nelson planned to re-open the Traill Theatre in Hillsboro on Christmas Day, under a lease agreement with owner Orville Overmoe.
Future Homemakers of America at Central Valley school baked cookies for U.S. servicemen in Vietnam. The girls packaged 63 dozen cookies along with packets of Kool-Aid mix for the soldiers.

30 YEARS AGO
December 16, 1976 — Hillsboro school district voters turned down a $795,000 bond issue for construction projects at the elementary and high schools. The vote was 386 yes to 322 no, not enough for the 60-percent majority needed for passage. Less than 50 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in the special election.
In their first year of competition, Hillsboro wrestlers walloped the Lakota “B” squad 56-12, pinning eight of their 10 opponents. Winning for the Burros were Paul Geray, Jay Boeddeker, Les Anderson, Larry Anderson, Jim Meyer, Ernie Vettel, Tod Polson, Dave Meyer, Rob Diehl and Mike Paulson. The Burros forfeited two weight classes, giving the Raiders their 12 team points.

20 YEARS AGO
December 15, 1986 — Willard McDonald’s winter wonderland was ready for another holiday season. More than 1,000 people were expected to venture to the farmstead between Cummings and Caledonia for a glimpse of the lighted display, a 20-year tradition for the woodworking farmer.
The Hillsboro FHA hosted a Cabbage Patch tea for young girls and their dolls.
Mildred Walkinshaw won $10,000 in a Bingo game in Fargo.

10 YEARS AGO
December 16, 1996 — Hillsboro was ranked 4th in the state high school wrestling poll. The Burro boys basketball team opened their season with an 82-54 win over Dakota-Cass Valley North.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church basement was filled with all sorts of Christmas goodies as part of the WELCA’s fourth annual Cookie Fest.
The Hillsboro Business Association sponsored a Christmas lights contest with a $50 prize for the winner.

— compiled by Michelle McLean