Over the years - May 9, 2008

60 YEARS AGO

April 23, 1948 —  Flooding along the Goose River in Hillsboro broke all records for sustained volume as the flood stage held for seven consecutive days. Even old timers didn’t recall floodwaters flowing this high for this long, reported the Banner.

A lilac planting program that was expected to be an annual event was set for mid-May with plans for a tree-planting ceremony, lilac queen pageant and a talent show on the courthouse lawn in Hillsboro. A.G. Arvold, founder of the Little Country Theater at NDAC was arranging for an NDAC student from each of the 53 counties in the state to coordinate the project in their home county. 

50 YEARS AGO

April 24, 1958 — The Hillsboro Hospital Auxiliary opened a gift shop in the community hospital lobby.

As the Hillsboro area worked on a school reorganization plan, officials heard word that other school districts had approved plans of their own, including Finley, Lisbon and Sheldon. The favorable vote in Sheldon was a unanimous 138 to 0. In Finley the margin was 137 to 7.  Hillsboro area voters were to go to the polls in less than two weeks.

40 YEARS AGO

April 25, 1968 — George Christians was hired as a code administrator and inspector for the City of Hillsboro to oversee a $382,000 HUD project. Infrastructure improvements include curb and gutter, blacktopping, residential lighting and sidewalks.

A new city welcome sign was erected by the Hillsboro FHA chapter. Local artist John Pederson had painted the sign that listed the city’s attributes: county seat, municipal airport, two modern schools, nursing home, museum, six churches, heated swimming pool, free campground, lighted athletic fields and a grass greens golf course. Industrial and home building sites were also advertised.

30 YEARS AGO

April 27, 1978 — Gary and Peggy Wright took over as publishers of the Hillsboro Banner. The couple planned to continue as publishers of “Our Land,” a regional farming tabloid distributed to eight counties in the Red River Valley. The Wrights had served as the Banner’s editorial staff for the past 10 months, working for publishers Tom and Faye Ellingsworth.

20 YEARS AGO

April 25, 1988 — Terry Reed opened his own insurance office in Hillsboro. Reed Insurance was located in the Wright Repair building.

Pizza Pantry opened its kitchen on Caledonia Avenue in Hillsboro. The business was owned by local businesswoman Elizabeth Pribula, who also operated Hillsboro Floral and Garden Center, EJ’s Flowers and the Jean Shop.

10 YEARS AGO

April 25, 1998 — HHS math teacher Bruce Moen was set to retire after 37 years as an educator — all in Hillsboro.

Health and Humanities Foundation proposed construction of a 16-unit senior congregate living apartment building in Hillsboro. Called Kelleher Manor, the building would be located south of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Hillsboro city commissioners considered a new ordinance to toughen rules and punishment for unkempt property.

— compiled by Michelle McLean