Over the Years

50 YEARS AGO
March 28, 1957 — City commissioners asked Hillsboro residents what they were willing to pay for future street improvements.
Druggist Nels Brakke celebrated 20 years in business at the Rexall Drug in Hillsboro.
William Johnson took over duties as director of the Traill County welfare board.
After being out with a back injury for a couple weeks, police officer Ed Hill returned to duty in Hillsboro.
Warm spring weather prompted a group of local boys to play a spirited game of baseball on the front lawn of the courthouse in Hillsboro. The unusually pleasant weather and the spontaneous game were worthy of a photograph in the Banner. (more…)

50 YEARS AGO
March 21, 1957 — Hillsboro city commissioners discussed highway safety at the intersection of Hwy. 81 and Caledonia Ave, addressing concerns about children crossing the highway on the way to school. Commissioners suggested hiring another policeman for morning patrol at the crossing and installing caution signs at the intersection.
Hillsboro city commissioners indicated they would soon abolish a mill levy in support of the high school music program. For many years, the school band had served as city representatives for parades in other towns and as performers for events within the city during the summer months. The school board and city leaders decided the summer band program and the mill levy should be the option of the school district.
The executive director of the United Temperance Movement of North Dakota spoke at the Wesley Methodist Church in Hillsboro. (more…)

50 YEARS AGO
March 14, 1957 — An open meeting to discuss the routing of a planned interstate highway between Grand Forks and Fargo was scheduled in Hillsboro. Hillsboro Civic and Commerce Association arranged the meeting with state and local leaders after learning that early plans routed the new north-south road east of Hwy. 81 between Grand Forks and Argusville. The plan had the highway running one-half mile east of Hillsboro. Another plan proposed by Nodak REA officials urged that the highway also run parallel of Hwy. 81 but three or four miles west of it. There was some local concern that a new interstate would prompt the state to abandon Hwy. 81, forcing counties to maintain it. (more…)

50 YEARS AGO
March 7, 1957 — Ray Matchke was hired as the new park caretaker for Hillsboro’s Woodland Park. There were 12 applicants for the job. The park board also approved the planting of evergreens and rosebushes in the park. The board was asked to consider an application from Mrs. Bill Hunking to set up a concession stand near the park’s swimming pool to sell soft drinks and hot dogs during the summer.
Jardine Bridge Co. of Fargo began dismantling the old Traill County Jail in Hillsboro. The demolition cost $3,044.25. The jail’s south granite wall would remain standing since it formed the north wall of a lean-to used as a garage by the county. (more…)

50 YEARS AGO
February 28, 1957 — Fredrick Lien, a Hillsboro druggist for 54 years, died. He was a member of the first graduating class of Hillsboro High School. After earning his degree in pharmacy, he joined the family business with his father A.L. Lien, a local pioneer who had opened the drug store in 1881. The drug store was sold to Allen Collins in 1950.
Grove’s Market advertised potatoes, 25 pounds for 55 cents; ground beef, three pounds for 98 cents; and oranges, two dozen for 95 cents.
Hillsboro Cleaners advertised Easter suits for sale, “styled and tailored by J.C. Field & Son.” Prices ranged from $40.75 to $66.75 for men’s and women’s suits. (more…)