Subject: New Member Name: Jim Donato E-mail address: jimdonato [at] ymail [dot] com Location: #7, #52, #132?, Homepage:
#300 Comment (Dec 3 2008, 17:00 EST):
York, PA; Youngstown, OH; Watertown, NY
Subject: HI Name: Debbie Higgins E-mail address: Debbie86ELHS [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: #9 East Liverpool Ohio Homepage:
#299 Comment (Nov 26 2008, 19:57 EST):
Hi to everyone.
I really think they should do like the beginning of Hills and start all over with a couple of stores
in the Yongstown area and rebirth Hills!! This area could sure use hills now more than ever.
Subject: A decade has passed Name: Jim Deery E-mail address: JTigre99 [at] gmail [dot] com Location: Pittsburgh, PA Homepage:
#298 Comment (Nov 23 2008, 14:32 EST):
On my 40th Birthday (what an unwelcome present) on Dec 17th, 1998-Hills announced it was closing and
being bought out by Ames. It will be a decade since Hills is now gone. Time surely flies. I still
keep in contact with some of my old co-workers. A decade has passed and now Hills is just a memory
like one of the WQED-PBS specials in Pittsburgh. Things that aren't there anymore. The
way things are going-I think there will be many more businesses added to that list.
Subject: Hills Department Store #36 Name: Don Claypool E-mail address: dclay20209 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Horseheads NY Homepage:
#297 Comment (Nov 16 2008, 12:11 EST):
Well our Hills store is still standing but I have no idea how long.
It has been closed after aims went out. The store is full of mold because it is locked up(what a
shame). The whole plaza is closed whit the exception of a Dollar General store which was built in
front of the store. I can almost hear the bulldozers coming.
I workd at Hills for about 11 years in seasonal dept. Was fun, great memories.
Can anyone please write back I will write to you too.
Subject: Hills I visited Name: Mike E-mail address: mike [at] xmasdvd [dot] com Location: Florida Homepage:http://www.XmasDVD.com
#296 Comment (Nov 5 2008, 18:42 EST):
I visited Pennsylvania back in 1997 and visited my first Hills store. Nice place. I can't
believe they've closed down though. Too bad - hope everyone who worked there was able to find
new employment - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Subject: working for Hills Name: Pam M E-mail address: rosypeacock [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Uniontown, Pa Homepage:
#295 Comment (Nov 1 2008, 0:59 EDT):
I worked at Hills in 1976 for the summer, I was in high school at the time. I still remember the 2
words used on the pricing tag to hide the cost. PAINT BRUSH. My Mom misses Hills a lot. To this day
she will bring it up about the products that she could get no where else and still can't! I now
live in Montana where no one has heard of HIlls Dept Store. We remember the many antique car shows
that were held in the parking lots of the HIlls. What memories!
Subject: Hello again, everyone !! Name: Ted Wyman E-mail address: EEW7777 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Wayne, New Jersey Homepage:
#294 Comment (Oct 31 2008, 10:12 EDT):
I hope all of our associates are doing well in a tough economy. Hills was and will always remain a
unique beacon in the world of retailers, and I am quite proud to have contributed.
All the best
Ted
Subject: Where is everyone Name: Don McCullough E-mail address: bernicemax [at] aol [dot] com Location: Field Office Homepage:
#293 Comment (Oct 28 2008, 8:13 EDT):
I worked at the field office in Alliquippa, PA for ten years. I would like some information about
the pension plan. If Donna Luxner is reading this, hello and hope you are doing well. I have moved
to North Carolina, write.
Subject: Best Times and Best People! Name: Kim Sisson E-mail address: kdzabinski [at] aol [dot] com Location: stores 113, 140, 112 and 23 Homepage:
#292 Comment (Oct 27 2008, 21:45 EDT):
Twelve years of my life where I was able to work and hang out with the greatest people. None since
have compared!!!
Subject: OMIGOD how crazy are we?? Name: fka Cynthia Cannon E-mail address: kylegalgal [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: #72 Johnson City, TN Homepage:
#291 Comment (Oct 22 2008, 14:07 EDT):
I can't believe this site exists! I was hired after college as a Softlines CAP in Lynchburg,
VA (#32) and transferrred to store Johnson City, TN (#72 ) as Softlines Manager. Lots of crazy
memories. Got to work with some great people. I don't miss the 50+ hour work week. At the
time I was there Bill Lawson was GM at store #72 and Dick Lockwenz was GM at store #32. Bet you
thought I couldn't remember!? Love to hear from those of you who worked at either store aro
Subject: That was a LONG time ago ! Name: Mike Sutton E-mail address: mds62ms [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: #100 Maryville Tn Homepage:
#290 Comment (Oct 22 2008, 12:58 EDT):
What a great place to work just after graduating from college. I learned a lot and really enjoyed
getting to know the people there. I moved on to other things decades ago, but every year or two I
drive by the old store location on Hwy 129 and fondly remember those days.
Subject: Many memories Name: Gary Burris E-mail address: gary.burris [at] macys [dot] com Location: #112 Lafayette, Indiana Homepage:
#289 Comment (Oct 15 2008, 15:30 EDT):
worked from 1987-1997. Started as evening housewares and then into hba dept. head into css into
ops manager. So many great people and memories from those years. Also worked at new castle store
and bloomington store before leaving company right before Ames took over. With the right
leadership, Hills could have survived. Best wishes to all!
Subject: Hills in Amherst & Lorain,Oh Name: Sara Scarvelli E-mail address: Location: Lorain,Ohio Homepage:
#288 Comment (Oct 14 2008, 13:13 EDT):
I loved Hills Store back in the 70's and 80's. That's the only place where I shopped.
Wish it was still here.
Subject: Roanoke VA Hills store Name: Stacy E-mail address: caudlesa [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Dallas NC Homepage:
#287 Comment (Oct 12 2008, 16:15 EDT):
Wow, great memories! I never worked for Hills but my mom did. She worked for the Roanoke VA store in
the late 70's. I was 8 or 9 when she worked there. I remember the Easter Egg hunts and the Hot
Dog stand that my dad and I would help run during special occasions. The smell of popcorn when you
entered the store only meant that the toy isle wasn't very far away!
Subject: Life changing experiences ! Name: Steve Evinsky E-mail address: sevinsky [at] sbcglobal [dot] net Location: Niles, Ohio Homepage:
#286 Comment (Oct 2 2008, 11:47 EDT):
Started working at Store # 6 in Warren and really enjoyed it. Best managers you could ask for.
Used to be Head Cashier and met my wife there ( hence the life changing event ) - been married
26 years + and wouldn't change a minute. Miss all the fun times we had running buggies,
playing football in the parking lot, serving up green hot dogs and cokes on Holidays - GOOD TIMES
Subject: THOSE WERE THE DAYS... Name: PAMELA WALKER WILHITE E-mail address: wilhitepam [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: LEXINGTON KENTUCKY Homepage:
#285 Comment (Oct 2 2008, 4:27 EDT):
WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO WORK, NEVER A BORING DAY.
MY FAVORITE MANAGER WAS BOB SHUSTER. MADE MANY FRIENDS. WORKED THERE FOR 10 YEARS. STILL MISS THE
PLACE. I WOULD WORK THERE AGAIN.
Subject: Name: Mike E-mail address: michael_jones [at] lincolnelectric [dot] com Location: oHIO Homepage:
#284 Comment (Sep 30 2008, 12:45 EDT):
I will always remember the Easter egg hunts at our Hills store in Indiana, Pa. The Indiana, Pa.
store really knew how to treat people right. Growing up it just wasn't Christmas unless your
Mom
shopped at Hills. They had the best product for the best price.
Subject: I like these locations Name: stevejohnson E-mail address: stevejohnson008 [at] gmail [dot] com Location: virgina Homepage:
#283 Comment (Sep 29 2008, 17:38 EDT):
I have visited so many places around the world. I prefer the hilly areas to be in travel list. It
refresh my mind and i am very much happy living in this hilly mountain regions.
================================
steve http://www.shepelskylaw.com
Subject: I loved Hills.... Name: Suzette Scarbrough E-mail address: ETFDMOM [at] Gmail [dot] com Location: Elyria, Ohio Homepage:
#282 Comment (Sep 22 2008, 14:22 EDT):
I miss Hills...I loved it, it had great variety and prices that I could afford while growing up and
when I had young children of my own....I still miss it.
Subject: Name: jennifer huffman E-mail address: jennykaitlyn [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: muncie, in Homepage:
#281 Comment (Sep 20 2008, 22:57 EDT):
i loved your store, i truely miss the deals that you had. i wish there was a store nearby. all the
stores close to us are gone.
#280 Comment (Sep 19 2008, 18:22 EDT):
Alot of mustaches in those old photos
"With great mustache comes great responsibility"
Peter Griffin
Subject: Memories Name: Lee Rickett E-mail address: lrickett [at] nc [dot] rr [dot] com Location: Durham, NC Homepage:
#279 Comment (Sep 16 2008, 15:44 EDT):
I ran across this page by accident and it brought back a lot of memories. I worked at #51 in
Lexington, KY and helped set the store up. I worked there a little over 3 years and made a lot of
great friends! Anyone from #51 out there?
Subject: Hi Everyone Name: Tom Steele E-mail address: psuinnash [at] bellsouth [dot] net Location: Nashville,TN Homepage:
#278 Comment (Sep 15 2008, 22:09 EDT):
Hope all is well. I worked in #50,#98,#32,#118 and #22....Loved the time at Hills and cherish all
the memories.
Subject: Name: Shirley A. Hoover E-mail address: rnhov [at] verizon [dot] net Location: 15701 Homepage:
#277 Comment (Sep 14 2008, 17:33 EDT):
Today " Hills had their 13 th reunion at Indiana, Pa. 15701.
Trying to find old employees,there were 26 at the reunion.
Subject: Former Lebanon & York Employ Name: Gary Schaeffer E-mail address: gschaeffer1957 [at] comcast [dot] net Location: Mt. Gretna, PA Homepage:
#276 Comment (Sep 10 2008, 7:14 EDT):
Wow! I did a Google search on a whim and can't believe this site exists. Great to see photos of
Bill Twigg and Jim Eckenrode. I started at the Lebanon store # 31? as Temporary Christmas help at
the age of 16. Became Hardlines Manager @ W. York #33 4 years later.
Subject: Wish we were back at Hills Name: Peg Varholak E-mail address: pjdvar [at] floodcity [dot] net Location: Indiana,PA Store #19 Homepage:
#275 Comment (Sep 2 2008, 22:37 EDT):
Sure wish Hills would come back and show Wal-Mart how it is done right.
Subject: a great place Name: donna walton kesterson E-mail address: dgk1960 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: knoxville tn store 68 Homepage:
#274 Comment (Aug 28 2008, 15:12 EDT):
i worked at hills for 12 yrs and i loved it. i helped open the store and i helped close it down
Subject: Hello! Name: Tom Snyder E-mail address: b17z [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Indiana, PA Homepage:
#273 Comment (Aug 27 2008, 19:14 EDT):
Looking to say "Hi" to anybody from Store #19, please drop me a line!
Subject: Sure do miss Hills Name: Phyllis Alley E-mail address: ladyandmr1979 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Marion, In Homepage:
#272 Comment (Aug 25 2008, 18:47 EDT):
I worked at Store 62 in Marion, IN for almost 20 years. Man, we had some great times, made many new
friends.
Subject: Hello Hills Team ! Name: Charlie Chandler E-mail address: www.hotrodchuck62 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Marion Indiana Homepage:
#271 Comment (Aug 24 2008, 11:49 EDT):
Hello , worked at store #62 in Marion Indiana , from 1978-1998. Started when I was 16 . Met alot of
people made alot of friends. Miss the good ole days . Worked receiving....
Subject: Hello Hills! Name: Judy Dickerson E-mail address: jdickerson [at] va [dot] net Location: Christiansburg, Va Homepage:
#270 Comment (Aug 24 2008, 3:20 EDT):
What a great web site! i worked at Hills #24 from 1979-1997. It was the first job that I ever had.
Someone was asking about Gary Kitts, he is manager of Wal-Mart in Salem, VA. I have the district
trophy that our store won. When our store closed, it was headed to the dumpster and I asked for it.
Looking at it brings back great memories. Does anyone remember the award banquets we had for years
of services? Was it at 5 years that we started attending?
#269 Comment (Aug 22 2008, 16:32 EDT):
Enjoyed site. Brings back ......Hills is where the toys are!
Subject: Hi Everybody !!!!!! Name: Joyce (Johnson) Fladin E-mail address: jflading123 [at] verizon [dot] net Location: Hill #44 Benwood, WVa. Homepage:
#268 Comment (Aug 22 2008, 0:18 EDT):
Hi everyone, Gosh, miss all the friends i've made through the years. Time has sure flew by,
miss all the great people I worked with, and all the friends I made on those store sets. Loved
looking at all the pics, great job everyone. Kind of keeps it all alive. I am now working across
the street from the store, now at Value City. Keep in touch, as I will by reading and watching this
site. Great job to all that got, and kept this moving......
Subject: A nice trip down Memory Lane! Name: Justin E-mail address: metalmisfit [at] comcast [dot] net Location: Lansing, MI Homepage:http://metalmisfit.wordpress.com
#267 Comment (Aug 20 2008, 17:13 EDT):
Lots of great memories of Hills growing up in Lynchburg, VA, it was right down the street from us
and I always looked forward to their toy section. =)
#266 Comment (Aug 15 2008, 12:39 EDT):
I sure miss those days going to Hills every year to put school clothes and supplies on layaway. I
always had to go with my mother around this time of the year. I wish that Hills could come back
because they had the best prices in the world.
Subject: Great memories Name: Randy E-mail address: northview2470 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net Location: Columbus IN Homepage:
#265 Comment (Aug 8 2008, 11:57 EDT):
I remember the great days going to Hills and shopping for back to school supplies with my mom and
then later on my boys.
They had the best toy selection, even to this day! Thanks Hills for being a big part of my life...
Subject: Good Old Days Name: Michelle Bostanic E-mail address: mickigoestooz [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: #63 Baden Homepage:
#264 Comment (Aug 3 2008, 16:45 EDT):
The Baden store still lives on, a group of us get together every month for dinner. And we always
talk about the good old days. We got the website, too bad we can't get the company running
again.
Subject: Great times/Great friends: Name: Linda Combs E-mail address: teddybear1814 [at] comcast [dot] net Location: store #43 Homepage:
#263 Comment (Jul 30 2008, 20:34 EDT):
Hills was a great place to work. I really had a lot of enjoyable times working for hills, even
during the busy times like Christmas. the late night early morning shifts, to christmas layway
pickups! wow it all comes back to me. We were like a big family. I worked for some great
managers, and one especially, Greta Burkhart. She was the greatest. She never ask you to do
anything she wouldnt do. She was as tough as she was beautiful. and I might add a great
personality. S
Subject: Great Memories, Great Friends! Name: Greta Burkhart Huggins E-mail address: wvgreta [at] aol [dot] com Location: #74, #173, and #43 Homepage:
#262 Comment (Jul 30 2008, 17:32 EDT):
Hills was the best place to work. We had so much fun everyday! I made the best friends there. It
was never like work when you were at Hills. I worked for a lot of great managers like Ken Herchuck,
Jim Deweese, and Mr. Riley of course. Then when I became a manager, there were so many great
employees that I can remember. Everyone remembers Hills and how great it was. It is missed by many.
There are no stores that can compare.
Subject: Baden Hills Store PA Name: Lisa B. E-mail address: dippat2002 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Homepage:
#261 Comment (Jul 28 2008, 14:22 EDT):
Where is everyone?
Subject: Was a GREAT Place to work!! Name: Diann Stotler E-mail address: dstotler61 [at] aol [dot] com Location: York, Pennsylvania Homepage:
#260 Comment (Jul 15 2008, 12:06 EDT):
My mother retired from Hills East York store #7 after opening it in 1962 and staying as the
domestics Dept. manager for 25 years under Rudnick & Sons. My sister and I speny many good years
working at East york Hills #7 and I also worked at west York store #33. We all were one big happy
family of employees. We miss our hills gang!!
#259 Comment (Jul 13 2008, 19:27 EDT):
I was an employee of the Hill's in Benwood, W. Va. the last 5 or 6 years it was open. I really
miss the store and the people I worked with.
Subject: Fireworks at Hills Name: Devan Allen E-mail address: Location: Nashville, TN Homepage:
#258 Comment (Jul 3 2008, 22:13 EDT):
My mom used to take us to the Hills in West Nashville to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July
every year. They had the best free fireworks in town. Plus she shopped there all the time. I wish
they still had them here, I have fond memories of the store. I think it is funny that there is a
little fan club for the store, but here I am typing a message on it. HA! Long live Hills!
Subject: hills store Name: Bev Gamble E-mail address: massagelady1855 [at] aol [dot] com Location: smyrna del; now Homepage:
#257 Comment (Jun 27 2008, 15:07 EDT):
visited a hills store back in the day in the early 80s passing thru w v. was kool
#256 Comment (Jun 24 2008, 20:59 EDT):
boy i sure do miss shopping at hills
Subject: Hills Reunion Name: Don Claypool E-mail address: dclay20209 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Horseheads Store 36 Homepage:
#255 Comment (Jun 21 2008, 21:16 EDT):
I would be interested in starting a plan for a reunion of all former employees of Hills 36. Anyone
please write back.
Subject: Hey All Name: Mark Craig E-mail address: weisguys [at] verizon [dot] net Location: Harrisburg Pa. Homepage:
#254 Comment (Jun 7 2008, 19:27 EDT):
Started in store #95 and was Hardlines manager at store #35 and then store #39. Spent 12 years with
Hills!!!!
Subject: What's Up Knoxville Name: Pat Howerton Carson E-mail address: pat.carson [at] knoxcounty [dot] org Location: Knoxville, TN Homepage:
#253 Comment (Jun 6 2008, 13:09 EDT):
Just wanted to give a shout out to former employees from Store #67 in Knoxville, TN. Our store
closed its doors in 1991 and I worked there for eleven years. Would love to hear from anyone that
worked there. Hope everyone is doing well and God has blessed you with a good job. I loved the
employees, they were very sincere and caring people.
Subject: former employee Name: don claypool E-mail address: dclay20209 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Horseheads NY Homepage:
#252 Comment (Jun 3 2008, 22:38 EDT):
Boy I miss Hills Dept. Store so much I wish there was a way to get it back and to compete with
walmart. I am sure it will do good again. I worked from 1978 to 1989. was in charge of the sporting
goods dept, lawn n garden , seasonal departments. dept nos. 13, 24,75,72,73,86 and a few more but
cant remember them. NOW HERBERT GODBERGER SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME THE KEYS TO THE STORES INSTEAD OF
HIS SON. We would still have a Hills Dept. Store and it would be doing great.
#251 Comment (Jun 2 2008, 21:10 EDT):
The 2008 reunion is scheduled for Sept. 14 at Getty Heights Park in Indiana. Please keep that date
open to join us.
Subject: HILL'S #19 REUNION PICNIC Name: Frank Duff E-mail address: faduff [at] aol [dot] com Location: Hill's#19 Indiana, Pa Homepage:
#250 Comment (May 16 2008, 20:32 EDT):
Anyone associated with #19 is invited to our annual picnic at Getty Height's Park on Sept 24th.
pass the word along......any former mgrs and DM's out there??? we'd love to see you again
as well as all former employees. we've had a great time every year!!!
Subject: My grandfather worked for hills Name: Robert E-mail address: kg4zuo [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Toronto, Ohio Homepage:
#249 Comment (May 11 2008, 21:18 EDT):
I can still remember getting slushies and hot pretzels at Hills.
My grandfather worked for corporate in Mass. until the early 80's. He was a buyer, his name was
Harry Edwards. If anyone knew my grandfather I'd love to hear from you at the above email.
Thanks you.
Subject: Name: Tim Fox E-mail address: Timothyfox [at] aol [dot] com Location: Homepage:
#248 Comment (May 11 2008, 0:44 EDT):
Subject: Amazing! Name: Jim Severa E-mail address: JSevera [at] neo [dot] rr [dot] com Location: Hubbard, Ohio Homepage:
#247 Comment (May 10 2008, 23:33 EDT):
Wow - talk about a stroll down memory lane. It's great to read about the successes of former
Hills employees. And Kudos to Eric for starting this site - great pictures.
Subject: From Nashville Tennessee Name: Wanda Batson E-mail address: batsonw [at] crye-leike [dot] com Location: Madison District Office Homepage:
#246 Comment (May 5 2008, 18:12 EDT):
I would love to hear from some old friends from the Nashville Offices.
Subject: Horseheads, NY;Johnstown, PA. Name: Jim Dyer E-mail address: comtndyer [at] aol [dot] com Location: Ithaca,NY; Kokomo, In. Homepage:
Subject: Just saying Hi!! Name: Candy Hawk E-mail address: candyhawk [at] atlanticbb [dot] net Location: Uniontown Homepage:
#244 Comment (May 4 2008, 15:24 EDT):
I sure miss the store and all the people that worked there. I still have people tell me how much
they miss it everytime the name comes up. I work at Home Depot now. Sure do miss Hills!!!!!
Subject: Spritee the Sprite Name: Marmee E-mail address: marmee_01 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Charleroi Homepage:
#243 Comment (May 3 2008, 2:13 EDT):
I was a child during Hill's dept. store's hay day, but I fondly remember Spritee the
Sprite. My sister and I both had dolls and Christmas stocking with Spritee on them. Now my husband
who is only 2 years older than me has no recollection of this beloved character. If anyone has a
picture, or some kind of proof I would love to recieve an email. Cuz...Hill's is where the
toys are!!!
Subject: Old Hills Friends Name: Billy Gibson E-mail address: BILLYWGIBSON [at] WEBTV [dot] NET Location: Lexington, KY. Homepage:
#242 Comment (Apr 30 2008, 21:29 EDT):
Hi all!! Just found this site, and it's fantastic!!!! Does anyone know what happened to Gary
Kitts, Greg Monk, Richard Rouse, Kevin Hunter, Rich Ohno, and Pete Tannehill?? I was a manager in
Johnson City, TN., Roanoke, VA., Columbus, IN., and Terre Haute, IN. Sure miss the "good"
old days!! Write me if you're from one of those locales:)
#241 Comment (Apr 29 2008, 8:23 EDT):
Hi Laura
Thanks for the reply! and tell Chris I said hi!
I moved to virginia in 85 and have not been back but a few times. The pictures on this website do
bring back memories.
The ghost of my youth is there with that red paint!
Subject: Hills #48 Name: Laurie Schulte E-mail address: l.schulte [at] att [dot] net Location: West Mifflin, PA Homepage:
#240 Comment (Apr 28 2008, 19:39 EDT):
Leslie,
I am Chris Schulte's sister...she remembers you fondly. The store is still there. I worked
there till Ames closed. My sister left a few years before.
The space has been subdivided - a thrift store now fills the far right quarter of it. The rest are
still vacant. Eerily enough...the red Hills paint is now showing thru the green Ames in the store -
especially back in the layaway area...lol!
#239 Comment (Apr 28 2008, 8:20 EDT):
I worked at 48 from 81-84 while I went to college.
I did the 5-10 shift 3 times a week. Had a lot of fun after work
going out with the gang. I remember those burgandy smocks and I hated straightening the store after
it closed.
I wish this website had a photo of that store. What became of that location?
Subject: Great Memories Name: Marlana Heater E-mail address: lainamu [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: SDH-Aliquippa, PA (HR) Homepage:
#238 Comment (Apr 26 2008, 11:42 EDT):
This is like a blast from the past. I was amazed at all the familiar names. Hills was by far the
greatest place I ever worked. I dearly miss all of the people. This is a great site, thanks for
giving me the opportunity to go back and remember all the great people and times at Hills!!
Subject: Hills Department Store Name: mariam E-mail address: definitedoll [at] cox [dot] net Location: Connecticut Homepage:
#237 Comment (Apr 22 2008, 18:30 EDT):
The Hills Department Store i shopped at was located at Berkshire Mall in Lanesboro mass. It is just
off of route 9. The mall is easy to get to & used to have some really nice stores.
Hills had the greatest merchandise and a fantastic toy Depatrment. Last time i was up there was in
2000, and Hills had just turned into an Ames store. What a let down!! Boring merchandise boring
everything! Where Hills had the most interesting and wide variety of items, Ames did not. (4-22-08)
Subject: Former Employee Name: Brent Wanstreet E-mail address: brentdaref! [at] cox [dot] net Location: California Homepage:http://www.linkedin.com/in/bwanstreet
#236 Comment (Apr 18 2008, 18:26 EDT):
Great Store / Great People!
Hank was terrific and the company was really great while Hank was running it.
Too bad it went away.
Subject: meetings in Pittsburgh Name: ken hayes E-mail address: haphaze [at] aol [dot] com Location: Davenport Iowa Homepage:
#235 Comment (Apr 16 2008, 20:14 EDT):
Im sure that most of you would agree that the times that we all used to go into pittsburgh for the
annual ops, softlines or hardlines meetings were some awesome times and im sure that there are some
great stories out there about everyone having a great time. just brought back great memories
Subject: JUST HELLO Name: LISA F. E-mail address: DAISY75 [at] COMCAST [dot] NET Location: CANONSBURG Homepage:
#234 Comment (Apr 15 2008, 0:42 EDT):
It's been a while since I checked this site. I'm glad to see people still checking in. I
worked at 49 from '81 and left after 1 yr of Ames. I had a few more retail jobs since
then...now, I'm a cashier @ Meadowland Casino...still working w/ the public?!?! You could
always find me by my laugh, that still happens...everyone knows when Lisa's in the house...
Please keep signing in and keep this part of Hills alive...
love and God bless
Lisa
Subject: Great Memories Name: Victor V. Yakin E-mail address: vyakin [at] cochran [dot] com Location: North Huntingdon, PA Homepage:
#233 Comment (Apr 13 2008, 20:39 EDT):
I worked for Hill's from 1984 thru 1992. I worked at #49, #50, 154, 115 and 126.
I now work for #1 Cochran as a Internet Auto Sales for the Monroeville Store. I wish all the best
and miss those days! Special memories!
Great Web Site! So glad Eric set this up and great work! If I can ever be of help again in the
Automotive world let me know vyakin@cochran.com or victoryakin@gmail.com Take care all!!
Subject: Aliquippa Field Office Name: Donna Luxner E-mail address: deluxner [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Aliquippa, PA Homepage:
#232 Comment (Apr 13 2008, 13:16 EDT):
I worked at the Aliquippa Field Office for almost 25 years. Most of those were working for the
VP's of Operations; George Brown, Gentry Crosby, Dave Disque, and Ralph Nemeth (do those names
sound familiar). I also worked with a lot of the District Managers and Secretaries. Some of the
FOH girls still get together every year and keep in touch. I have worked at FedEx Ground for the
past 8 years for the Divisional VP. There are a number of ex-Hills people working there. Hel
#231 Comment (Apr 12 2008, 23:17 EDT):
WHAT HAPPENED? How did "THE BEST STORE IN THE WORLD"go out of business?
My heart aches for Hills.
PS: I love all of your comments. It's especially nice hearing from former employees of
Hill's Department Store.
Subject: Former employee Name: Shari Hedges-Hodges E-mail address: sharihodgesmt [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Erie, PA Homepage:
#230 Comment (Apr 10 2008, 4:48 EDT):
Former employee of the Hills Department store in Erie, PA back in 1985 through 1988.
Subject: Checking In Name: Don Burkett E-mail address: dtburkett[at]comcast[dot]net Location: Chicago, IL Homepage:
#229 Comment (Apr 10 2008, 0:21 EDT):
Just checking in and can't believe how active this remains or how many people I recognize.
Been with Sears the last 4 years and OfficeMax for 5 years prior, can't believe it's been
that long. If you remember Fred Kier, he's at Sears HQ as well. Take care and bless you all.
Subject: Home Office - Canton MA Name: Scott Weaver E-mail address: scowv [at] aol [dot] com Location: Rochester, NY (now) Homepage:
#228 Comment (Apr 9 2008, 20:05 EDT):
Great place to work! - miss the people and the get togethers after work at the local "watering
hole(s)!" Brenda Brown.....if you can read this from up above - you were the greatest! - miss
you.
Subject: store #86 Name: deanna mccarrison E-mail address: buttercup5295 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: pitcairn,pa Homepage:
#227 Comment (Apr 6 2008, 20:21 EDT):
Subject: We need Hills BACK! Name: Celeste Auen E-mail address: cauen1 [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Pittsburgh Homepage:
#226 Comment (Apr 6 2008, 16:43 EDT):
I loved Hills! They built a Lowes where Hills was. My husband is sick of me telling him how much I
miss Hills. The stores today just don't have the selection, quality, service and/or prices
that Hills had. Hills had mostly AMERICAN MADE products. I bought EVERYTHING there. Walmart
doesn't measure up to what Hills was. In this day and age, you mean to tell me that NO ONE can
revitalize HILLS - the way it WAS!!! We need HILLS back! We need it the way it was - PLEASE!!!
Subject: Name: Mary Penardi-White E-mail address: mkpenardi [at] comcast [dot] net Location: Hill Home Office Homepage:
#224 Comment (Mar 30 2008, 12:07 EDT):
I worked in HR at the Field Office.
Subject: Former Employee Name: Victor Potts E-mail address: victorpotts [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Field Office - Architectural Svc Homepage:
#223 Comment (Mar 30 2008, 1:08 EDT):
One of the best places I ever worked. Good people, all around, to work with. If Hills was still
here, I'd still be there.
Subject: Loved Hills Name: Jason E-mail address: avenger.sport [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Columbus In Homepage:
#222 Comment (Mar 25 2008, 23:38 EDT):
I was growing up in the 80's and remember where the toys are ! I miss hills and very sad it is
closed wish we had it back !
Subject: Greatest Department Store Ever! Name: Maria E-mail address: Location: Youngstown, Ohio Homepage:
#221 Comment (Mar 25 2008, 20:51 EDT):
I used to work at Hills #2 in Youngstown Ohio when I was in high school. The building no longer
exists but the memories still do!!
It is too bad this department store no longer exists. It truly had the best selections. Oh and the
best popcorn!
Subject: I remember Hills Name: Joy Williams E-mail address: bigkev3200 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Lexington, KY Homepage:
#220 Comment (Mar 24 2008, 18:15 EDT):
I remember evey time when came to Lexington to go shopping, we would always go to Hills. My parents
would do my school shopping there as well as hoilday shopping too. My dad would always buy me cotton
candy and popcorn. I was a liitle girl when there were 2 Hills in Lexington, KY. I really liked
Hills ans I miss it. I drive past the old Hills Location all the time in Lexington, KY. I always
think about Hills and how happy we were to go shopping there.
Subject: Hills is where the toys are!!! Name: Terri Parker E-mail address: tp1409mkl [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Homepage:
#219 Comment (Mar 23 2008, 20:20 EDT):
I can not believe that so many people miss HILLS the way I do. I started out there in 1986 till the
end. I said I would work in toys and they said you are hired. I ended up the dept head of toys and
loved every minute. We were a family and customer service was beyond any other retail store then and
now. Remember all the great times. We went through so many managers but we survived. Best of luck
to all.. Store 86 alumni keep in touch.
Subject: West Michigan Hills Name: Janet Mitchell E-mail address: JMitchell611 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net Location: Grand Rapids MI Homepage:
#218 Comment (Mar 21 2008, 20:26 EDT):
I never thought I'd hear some of these names again, Dean Whipple, Ken Hayes. I was the Dist.
Sec. for the West Mich. Hills from 1986 until they closed in 1991. Last I heard Don Miller was
selling carpet in Muskegon, Pete Cortese owns his own office supply store in GR, Dick Jacques was
selling cars in GR. Myself, I've been employed at the Dist. Court in GR & am now a
courtroom clerk, bailiff, and court recorder. Does anyone know anything about Dave Testa? How abou
Subject: We need a way to bring it back!! Name: BJ Smith E-mail address: bjsmithwv [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: rivesville wv Homepage:
#217 Comment (Mar 20 2008, 23:39 EDT):
Im sure someone can figure out a way to revive hills!!! Even if you start out with like 10 stores im
sure people would still shop there!!! And i seriously think that it could give Wal Mart a run for
its money!!!people are getting sick of wal mart and targe. They need another store to shop at and it
should be hills, i remember going there and thinking just seeing how nice everyone was to the
customer and to their fellow employee. People need a store like hills to come back!!!!!
Subject: Please come back Name: Brenda E-mail address: bvaughn595 [at] verizon [dot] net Location: Scranton PA Homepage:
#216 Comment (Mar 20 2008, 16:11 EDT):
I cannot remember a week that went by when I was not at Hills. 2 or 3 days a week. Now all of
these stores around me... strip malls have built chain stores, and the family style atmosophere we
once had was gone.
My first layaway was at Hills. In the building where Hills was, there has been about 3 other
businesses since. Not one lasted more than 2 years. I wish Hills would come back.
Miss you lots!
Subject: A missed friend . . . Name: Noreen Rachuba E-mail address: nrachuba [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Pittsburgh, PA Homepage:
#215 Comment (Mar 17 2008, 16:03 EDT):
There's not a day that goes by that I don't think to myself - I miss my Hills! When I got
my first job in high school, Hills was the place to spend that check! When I first got married,
Hills is where to pick up kitchen towels, detergent, etc. When I had my first baby, Hills is where
I bought my diapers and formula. The people that worked there were happy and friendly.
Subject: Miss You Name: C. Bishop E-mail address: cbishop3939 [at] myway [dot] com Location: Defiance, Ohio Homepage:
#214 Comment (Mar 13 2008, 7:14 EDT):
I am 32 years old and when I was younger our family would shop at Hills about once a week.We bought
so much stuff there! This last year I have had several dreams about shopping in my old familiar
Hills Department store. I wake up feeling very sad that I will never be in a good ole'
Hill's store again. Thanks for the pictures.
Subject: Wonderful times Name: Tom Jones E-mail address: tj [at] mknzsearch [dot] com Location: Brookfield, WI Homepage:http://www.mknzsearch.com
#213 Comment (Mar 6 2008, 12:18 EST):
Lots of great memories and wonderful people. Thanks for putting up the web site and great pictures.
Please stay in touch - my office number is 262-814-1003. After leaving Hills during the first
chapter 11 I worked for Kohl's and then went into the Executive Search business for the last 14
years. Thanks to Bill for providing many pictures [and memories].
#212 Comment (Mar 5 2008, 11:21 EST):
I started out at Store #60 in Monroeville, Pa in 1982 as a floor person. After 5 years (1987) I
went in to Management. I was tranferred to Cresson, Pa Store #38 for training. I was transferred to
Williamsport, PA (#40). I went on many store openings and sets. There are Greece , N. Y, Ebensburg,
Pa.,etc. I loved working for them and they were very good to the employees. In 1990 I develpoed
COPD and had to go on Disability from Hills.
Subject: Keeping in touch Name: Phil Collins E-mail address: phil [at] nationalcareer [dot] com Location: Cocoa Florida Homepage:http://nationalcareer.com
#211 Comment (Feb 28 2008, 9:06 EST):
Just a brief greetings to all former management and assoctaies at the once GREAT regional
discounter. The industy has not been the same since since HILLS LEFT/ If there is any MANAGERS
still out there give us a call 800-528-1101
Subject: i remember hills! Name: kristen laser E-mail address: kmlaser [at] gmail [dot] com Location: richmond, va Homepage:
#210 Comment (Feb 26 2008, 0:30 EST):
i cant believe i almost forgot about hills! i got my first bike at the store in chesterfield right
past the richmond city line across from cloverleaf mall. i loved that bike! and i think i remember
it being dirt cheap because they were going out of business.
wow, memories.
too bad theyre gone.
thanks for my first bike hills!! :)
Subject: hills home office Name: judy darrigo E-mail address: k1610l [at] msn [dot] com Location: canton ma Homepage:
#209 Comment (Feb 23 2008, 23:57 EST):
hey denise it's judy who took your place when you left dept 21 working for pete
mayer...remember may 11
you got married??? any children? email me with how you are and what's happening...looking
forward to hearing from you..
Subject: Hills Home Office Name: Lisa (Pistone) Rose E-mail address: lrose11 [at] verizon [dot] net Location: West Bridgewater, MA Homepage:
#208 Comment (Feb 23 2008, 19:53 EST):
I worked at Hills Home Office in Canton, MA from 3/86 - 7/94. I started in accounts payable but the
majority of time was in softlines working for boys buyer Ron Knox and infants buyer Patti
Zilokowski. Made so many friends and have so many great memories.
Subject: Hills was the best ever Name: Sharon Gminder E-mail address: prayingrammy [at] comcast [dot] net Location: Pittsburgh, PA. Homepage:
#207 Comment (Feb 23 2008, 17:39 EST):
I really miss Hills. I worked at #49 Heidelburg and # 58 Bethel Park PA. a total of 19 years. It was
a very sad thing when they closed.
#206 Comment (Feb 23 2008, 1:43 EST):
I remember shopping at Hills with my mother in the early 90's. It was a great place for
christmas shopping savings. They had a wonderful layway, organized store and fabulous
savings. I remember getting most of my shopping finished and still having money to spend. It
was a small deptarment store but great for us who hate shopping! It's sad to see a lot of the
nearby plazas, where Hills used to stand, just sitting empty.
Subject: Name: Denise (Mann) Keenan E-mail address: flowers324 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Rockland, MA Homepage:
#205 Comment (Feb 20 2008, 22:35 EST):
I worked at the SSC in Canton, MA from 09/85 to 06/96. So many wonderful memories there. The
majority of my time at Hills was working in Softlines. I worked for buyer Lisa Demarkis in the Team
Shop Dept. 59, and also worked for various buyers in boys and mens. Today I work as a legal
assistant for an attorney at a law firm in Boston. I've been doing this ever since I left Hills
in June of 1996. Hey Lisa Demarkis if you're out there, drop me a line. I'd love to hear f
Subject: HELLO TO ALL Name: Rich Mowry E-mail address: srmowry21 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Struthers Ohio Homepage:
#204 Comment (Feb 16 2008, 20:02 EST):
WORKED AT STORES CHAMPION, LIBERTY, NORTH HILLS, CENTURY 3 AND WAS STORE MANAGER OF LINCOLN KNOLLS,
KENNYWOOD, STEUBENVILLE, HERMITAGE, LANCASTER OH AND DISTRICT MANAGER OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO AND ALSO
STORE MANAGER ELYRIA ALL IN 14 OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE HILLS PEOPLE WERE THE BEST
Subject: Hello...Great Site! Name: Charlie Allen E-mail address: charlesa [at] epix [dot] net Location: Hazleton, Pa. #138 Homepage:
#203 Comment (Feb 8 2008, 15:41 EST):
Its nice to see other people miss Hills too. Not just employees but customers as well. I worked at
store 138 from Apr 87 to Dec88. I left to work at NADCO (now Quebecor Printing) and have been there
since. The memories and friendships forged at that store are immeasurable. My sweetheart (Chrissy
Massage) and I often try to think of the names of all the people but, after 20 yrs its getting
tough. Can anyone help us? Best Wishes everyone!
Subject: Hi Name: Elaine Rodgers E-mail address: erslinky3 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Pittsburgh Homepage:
#202 Comment (Feb 3 2008, 19:10 EST):
I worked at Hills for 12 years at the century III one in West Mifflin Pa. Like everyone else I
really miss Hills. I now work at Target.
Subject: Name: Dave Hine E-mail address: tazz5906 [at] roadrunner [dot] com Location: Hills 81 blasdell NY Homepage:
#201 Comment (Feb 2 2008, 20:41 EST):
Hello all Hiils former employees. Miss you guys. Im at Office Depot now for 7 years.