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.
Subject: #18,#103 and #119 Name: Mary (Buhrman) Starks E-mail address: KACHINDY [at] MSN [dot] COM Location: Arizona Homepage:
#200 Comment (Jan 29 2008, 20:14 EST):
Would like to be in contact with any former co-workers
Subject: Hills 48 Name: Debbie Ditter (Martin) E-mail address: Dmcd1976 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Homepage:
#199 Comment (Jan 28 2008, 19:34 EST):
Worked Hills # 48 West Mifflin from 6/76- around 6/86. Alot of good times, alot of good people. No
other store will ever be like Hills. Miss the good times like every 4 of July partys in the parking
lot.
Subject: Hello Name: Dave Fitzgerald E-mail address: dfitzge52 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Mechanicsburg, Pa. Homepage:
#198 Comment (Jan 27 2008, 14:46 EST):
Just found out about this site from Steve Jones and Tom Weber. What a great site. Great
memories!
Subject: #48 ROCKED!!! Name: Laura Kelly Ackerman E-mail address: lack726 [at] comcast [dot] net Location: West Mifflin Homepage:
#197 Comment (Jan 26 2008, 13:31 EST):
I absolutley loved working at Hills #48 (1984 to 1989). We had the best crew, great
managers, and even greater Christmas parties!! Oh how I miss those parties!!!! I have wonderful
memories from my Hill's days. Would love to hear from some of the old managers (Benny Don
T etc etc) and anyone else. Haven't had another job where the people I work with are truly
family.
Subject: Hello everybody! Name: Michael Palm E-mail address: mikesmarquis [at] aol [dot] com Location: Port vue Pa. Homepage:
#196 Comment (Jan 25 2008, 22:08 EST):
I was just checking out my mail and decided to do a search for Hills,And what do I find?This
wonderful site that brings back so many memories.Fun times working for Hills from 1981 until Ames
destroyed everything by 2002.I sure do miss working for that company.I was in alot of different
stores and met so many people and will never forget all the great times I had there.
So hello to everyone that I worked with for all the years I was there.
Subject: Hey store #48!! Name: Kathy Alexa E-mail address: Galexa1 [at] comcast [dot] net Location: West Mifflin, PA Homepage:
#195 Comment (Jan 25 2008, 21:36 EST):
Thanks to Scott for letting me know of this site. A lot of familiar names in this AND the old book.
I agree with almost all of the past employees that we miss Hills. That was family and hard to get
that type of atmosphere again in another company. Was there from 1985 to 2000 when we went to Ames.
BI---ed all the time about the job but miss it and all the people, customers and staff. And
weren't those snack bar hot dogs the best?!! Would love a reunion of 48.
Subject: Hello Name: Laurie Schulte E-mail address: l.schulte [at] att [dot] net Location: West Mifflin, PA Homepage:
#194 Comment (Jan 25 2008, 21:07 EST):
Scott Harvey - great to see you made it here too! Still miss ole '48. Hope you've been
doing well.
Subject: Hello Name: SCOTT HARVEY E-mail address: SJHARVEY9 [at] AOL [dot] COM Location: WEST MIFFLIN, PA Homepage:
#193 Comment (Jan 25 2008, 12:59 EST):
Jeff Dolan and Laurie Schulte. Nice to see you guys on here.
Subject: HELLO Name: SCOTT HARVEY E-mail address: SJHARVEY9 [at] AOL [dot] COM Location: WEST MIFFLIN, PA Homepage:
#192 Comment (Jan 25 2008, 12:46 EST):
WORKED AT HILLS FROM 1986 - 1995
Subject: Name: penny allen E-mail address: pennnnny [at] yahoo [dot] com [dot] uk Location: Homepage:
#191 Comment (Jan 19 2008, 5:39 EST):
wow the memories. looking for people who worked at #52 in austintown oh.
Subject: hills memories never die Name: Cody Phillips E-mail address: ey_bay_bay_67 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Belington, WV Homepage:
#190 Comment (Jan 16 2008, 17:09 EST):
i come across this site and its fantastic. im pretty young (24) and my favorite memory of hills was
going there as a kid and checking out row after row after row of toys. i still remember the
commercial....'hills is where the toys are.' not walmart, not target, no place can
compare
to the old hills stores. even though hills has been gone for quite some time now, it doesnt take
away what we all know was and still is true to this day...hills was the s***!
Subject: All Hills Name: George Swisher E-mail address: tuaz1 [at] alltel [dot] net Location: Twinsburg,OH Homepage:
#189 Comment (Jan 14 2008, 12:58 EST):
I just found out about this site 2 days ago. Read the msg's, many names remind me of the
"Hills Days"; great with fond memories. I was the LPC at #21, #42, #37, #06, then DLPM in
N OH/PA/NY from '72 until '80. Was sorry to hear of the passing of Jim O'Neil, but
noted nothing about my friend Larry Peace passing away some years ago. Anything about Mike Goricki,
Jack McAllen, Mike Simboli, Tom Miller, Terry Asad, Elizabeth Cook, Don Speigel? Thanks to Sco
#188 Comment (Jan 13 2008, 15:50 EST):
I used to work at the Hills store in Ithaca, NY from 1981 to 1988. Is there anybody else out there
who used to work there? Please contact me. Would love to hear from you.
Subject: 25 years ago Name: craig mccartney E-mail address: craigmccartney [at] excite [dot] com Location: younstown ohio Homepage:
#187 Comment (Jan 8 2008, 10:26 EST):
it was a great ride...where else in retail could you have open bar the night before grand
openings!!!worked in 9,49,98,156,and the home office.still get told we had the worlds greatest
pretzels.
Subject: Ex-Employee Name: Carmen Turner E-mail address: kyred39 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Lex., Ky. Homepage:
#186 Comment (Jan 5 2008, 21:31 EST):
Store #51, anyone out there from Store 51 or 45? I'd like to hear from you, miss you guys
and would like to hear from you.
Lexington, Kentucky will never be the same without Hill's.
Subject: Great job Name: Chris Przybylak E-mail address: cprzybylak [at] robarfunding [dot] com Location: Depew, NY Homepage:
#185 Comment (Jan 5 2008, 20:19 EST):
I happen to come across an old retirement statement and went on the web and found this site. This
is great. I started working at Hills in 1988 and lasted 10 years. It was a great place to work and
to shop. I miss the people. I am also going to miss my old manager Jeff Smith who passed away a
couple of months back. Gonna miss ya "DOG".
Subject: best friends Name: maxine kirkpatrick E-mail address: maxandbernie [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: store#10 uniontown ,Pa. Homepage:
#184 Comment (Dec 27 2007, 18:26 EST):
loved working at hills met my very best friends there and we're still best friends today
Subject: I survived Chapter 11 Name: David Metz E-mail address: dmetz [at] cscc [dot] edu Location: New Concord, OH Homepage:
#183 Comment (Dec 24 2007, 16:02 EST):
I was hired by Hills as a LPNT at #129 in Lima, Ohio (Lima stands for "Lost in Middle
America") and then transfered to #158 in Cambridge, OH as LPM/CSM. I was there when we won the
President's Trophy (which was more darn trouble than it was worth!). Brian Jackson and Joe Kiel
taught me how to be a manager and I'm forever grateful. I'd love to hear from or about
either of them as well as Andrea Portka and Teri Hurley.
It was the hardest job I&
Subject: Hi everyone Name: frank duff store #19 E-mail address: faduff[at]aol[dot] com Location: Pittsburgh Homepage:
#182 Comment (Dec 23 2007, 22:14 EST):
does anyone know the whereabouts of Dick Hammond? or Wayne Strohacker?
Subject: Sprite Door at Chistmas Name: Victor Yakin E-mail address: victoryakin [at] gmail [dot] com Location: North Huntingdon, PA Homepage:
#181 Comment (Dec 23 2007, 20:53 EST):
Worked store's 49, 50, 154, 115, 126 1984 to 1992
Good times.....I remember the trap door for Christmas that we would bolt down and getting ready for
the day after returns. I feel sorry for the K-Mart opened until 10pm tomorrow night. Does not seem
right. If you can't get your shopping done by 5 or 6pm and spend the rest of the time with
family why bother!
Subject: Name: Tira Smith Vest E-mail address: tira42 [at] live [dot] com Location: Decatur Alabama Homepage:
#179 Comment (Dec 19 2007, 20:11 EST):
Hello everyone! I worked at Hills in Decatur Alabama from '82 til '89. My brother, Mike
Smith, also worked there. Anyone from this store please email me, I would love to hear from you.
Subject: Beautiful site Name: Eric Baker E-mail address: eric [at] non-filters [dot] com Location: Harrodsburg, KY Homepage:http://www.non-filters.com
#178 Comment (Dec 17 2007, 0:09 EST):
This is great. I happened by cause I had been reading about Roses discount stores which I grew up
with and still love, if any of yall remember them (they're still around some places). I
thought, what about Hills? We had two in Lexington til about 1996 and I shopped there all the time.
Wonderful smell of popcorn as you walked in the lobby I remember. All my great memories have been
replaced by cookie cutter WMs! Check out my band's website if you get time [link http:/
Subject: hey all Name: paula E-mail address: jraddict [at] aol [dot] com Location: florence ky Homepage:
#177 Comment (Dec 15 2007, 23:08 EST):
seeing this website, brought back so many memories! I worked for hills right out of high school
untill i moved to kentucky. I worked cashier/service desk and i loved that store. I'm so sad
its no longer around, i sure do miss it!
Subject: Hello!!!!!!! Name: FRANK VILLELLA E-mail address: villellabf2 [at] verizon [dot] net Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Homepage:
#176 Comment (Dec 14 2007, 22:52 EST):
I miss our great company.. We all worked very hard, and we were very proud of what we accomplished..
I worked for Hills for 23 years, and it was the best expeience of my life because of the assocaites
that worked with me...
Subject: Store #85 Name: Michael Lennie Smith E-mail address: mlsmith1963 [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Kenosha, WI Homepage:
#175 Comment (Dec 14 2007, 14:19 EST):
Hey Joey. Hi to all my fellow Toy Dept. friends
Subject: Changes... Name: Jack E-mail address: qwert78 [at] earthlink [dot] net Location: Heath, Ohio Homepage:
#174 Comment (Dec 12 2007, 17:30 EST):
This site is really nice!
I was a frequent shopper at the Heath Store (not sure what number) at Indian Mound Mall. It
eventually became Ames and then closed a couple years later when Ames went under. Now it is a Steve
& Barry's University Sportswear and may undergo more changes soon as it is rumored that
S&B is going to leave.
The times are changing...
Subject: Blast from the past Name: Kevin Jedele E-mail address: kevlincal [at] frontiernet [dot] net Location: #151 Adrian, Mi. Homepage:
#173 Comment (Dec 9 2007, 10:43 EST):
We had some fun times working at Hills. My mother, my wife to be and I were there at store opening.
We opened with Rick Weissert as store manager. Met a bunch of nice people and our families now best
friends there. Our store was always a family type bunch, working and playing and celebrating
together.
Subject: I miss Hills!!!! Name: Anita M Policicchio E-mail address: mommyandcubs [at] aol [dot] com Location: McKnight Road PGH, PA Homepage:
#172 Comment (Dec 8 2007, 21:37 EST):
I worked for Hills Department store from 1994-1996 and I loved it. The reasonable prices, the people
who worked there, and oh yes the snack bar! Ever since they closed there doors, there has never been
another store like it at all. I loved shopping there as a kid with my mom and grandma every Saturday
and I really wish that I could have had the great opportuntity to take my own children there to go
shopping. BRING BACK HILLS!! It was and always will be the very best store!
Subject: Old Hills Stores---memory lane! Name: Trish E-mail address: honeybearfur [at] juno [dot] com Location: South Carolina Homepage:
#171 Comment (Dec 5 2007, 8:31 EST):
I enjoyed shopping at the Hills stores we visited when I was a kid. Mostly, we shopped the Hills in
KY, Ohio, and WV. Just to reenter those old stores and hear that loud air conditioner running and
that wonderful smell of popcorn would be a welcome reminder of days past. Many many Christmas was
spent going to Hills and shopping. In my mind I can see a small little girl shopping with her mommy
and grandparents for hours inside the snow to emerge with bags and bags of goodies.
Subject: Aliquippa #28 is now Big Lots Name: Keenan Shaffer E-mail address: theereverend2 [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Store #28 - Aliquippa, PA Homepage:
#170 Comment (Dec 3 2007, 13:57 EST):
Hello, I'm Keenan Shaffer, 2nd shift Toys and Hardlines customer service guy from '89 to
93. If you're trying to picture me, I had about 100 different hair colors. Does anybody out
there remember Christmas time at #28 in Aliquippa? I remember helping the custodian, Alan Potts
(RIP), return carts. #28 is now a half-rate Big Lots. What a shame. I can still taste my hot
pretzel and frozen cherry Coke on my lunch break. Good luck to anyone reading this from #28 and m
Subject: Thanks for Hills site! Name: Doug Antonacci E-mail address: daantonacci [at] sbcglobal [dot] net Location: Springfield IL Homepage:http://www.daddyosmusicshack.com
#169 Comment (Nov 28 2007, 21:14 EST):
Hey thanks for making a site dedicated to some of the best times in my life!
Started out as an employee in #140 (Springfield, IL the farthest west Hills ever got!) then on to
mgt. in #112 Lafayette, IN, #69 Kokomo, IN and finally #135 Danville, IL.
Met so many great people and always had fun. Except of course when there was a DM visit from Dennis
Denney or an RM visit from all those who held that job in the 5 years i was employed (1987-1992).
Hey To Peggy Rector!!
Subject: wow what a site Name: michelle page E-mail address: berettalady13697 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: massena n.y Homepage:
#168 Comment (Nov 28 2007, 16:00 EST):
hi hills famil!!y i worked at hills for 12 yrs.it was the greatest job i ever had.went to work for
ames too but it just wasnt the same.i still miss the clothes cant find nothing like it here anymore
Subject: SEEKING OLD FRIENDS Name: BOB JAGOE E-mail address: bobjagoe [at] aol [dot] com Location: MIDDLETOWN OH.-CINCY OH.-DANVILL Homepage:
#167 Comment (Nov 22 2007, 23:14 EST):
hello all. i too miss hills. i managed middletown, danville il ansd was part of the gold circle turn
over. does anyone hear from, mike willis, don miller,michelle descanio, dave testa, wanda stewart,
steve teeter,lee monar or carol wyman. please email me at bobjagoe@aol.com. i worked for hills from
1985 till 1991.
Subject: Name: Jeanne Torok Atkinson E-mail address: ratkinson37918 [at] roadrunner [dot] com Location: Herimitage, PA-- store #87 Homepage:
#166 Comment (Nov 22 2007, 17:04 EST):
I worked at Hills for 7 years. I still get people that recognize me from my time there. I met many
good friends that I still talk to while working there. In my 7 years I was a cashier, Layaway, Night
time head cashier and office personnel.
#165 Comment (Nov 21 2007, 4:23 EST):
worked for hills 19 years.the best family oreinted store.miss the people.
Subject: Name: Ray Stefanacci E-mail address: iseburgh2 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Irwin, PA Homepage:
#164 Comment (Nov 20 2007, 22:11 EST):
I was a Hardlines Mgr in Washington, PA from 86-90 and in North Versailles, PA 90-91
Met some GREAT people, even recognized a few in the old pictures.
As we head into the Christmas season, remember HILL'S IS WHERE THE TOYS ARE
WalMart can't compete with what we used to do.
Subject: Name: Felicia Stewart E-mail address: fpainter77 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Kanawha City, Charleston, WV Homepage:
#163 Comment (Nov 20 2007, 0:45 EST):
I worked there in 1998 for a breif time but I liked it..I miss the people that I worked with...when
I was a child I had the spryte with the big plastic feet...I loved that thing..I was wondering if
anyone knew where I could find one...if anyone knows you can email me...thanks
Subject: how do i apply for my pension Name: steve elberger E-mail address: stevie_hatch [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: new york city office Homepage:
#162 Comment (Nov 19 2007, 7:10 EST):
hello,
i am a former employee of hills dept stores in the old new york office. i will be turning 65 in nov
of 2008. i would like to know how i can apply for my pension benefits. can you give me a contact i
can reach? thank you very much. please e-mail me @ stevie_hatch@yahoo.com
thank you
Subject: Name: Janice Lewis E-mail address: sarahclark90 [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Lexington, KY Homepage:
#161 Comment (Nov 18 2007, 11:05 EST):
I worked at Hills for 18 years. It was the best and worst of times. I miss all the people.
Subject: Hills Name: Jeff Dolan E-mail address: jdolan [at] cfl [dot] rr [dot] com Location: Orlando, FL Homepage:
#160 Comment (Nov 15 2007, 0:51 EST):
I started at store #48 while I was still in high school back in 1979 and worked there for 10 years
before, during and after college until I moved to Florida. Not only was it a great place to work, I
worked with alot of really wonderful people. I miss Hills!
Subject: e-mail address Name: Russ Jones E-mail address: russjones [at] and [dot] lib [dot] in [dot] Location: Indiana Homepage:
#159 Comment (Nov 12 2007, 9:54 EST):
My e-mail address is incomplete on my previous note (comment #160) my full adress is
russjones@and.lib.in.us
Look forward to hearing from past co-workers
Subject: Hills #48 Name: Laurie Schulte E-mail address: l.schulte [at] att [dot] net Location: West Mifflin, PA Homepage:
#158 Comment (Nov 11 2007, 11:20 EST):
I just stumbled across this site. It is so nice to see folks sharing memories of the place I still
consider to have been my best work experience. To this day, i still run into former customers who
love and miss both Hills and its wonderful employees. If anyone from store #48 is out there, give me
a shout!
Subject: Field Maintenance & #90 Name: Russ Jones E-mail address: russjones [at] and [dot] lib [dot] in [dot] Location: IN & IL Homepage:
#157 Comment (Nov 9 2007, 22:59 EST):
I Hired in at #90 in 1981, was there for 10 years and was a FMS for 8 years in stores 23, 62, 69,
90, 91, 108, 112, 119, 120, 135 & 139. I miss the good old days. Wish Hills hadn't closed,
I would still be there. Has anyone heard from Russ Scarff. Look forward to hearing from any of those
I worked with over the years.
Subject: what a great idea Name: alan gray E-mail address: ascottgray1 [at] aol [dot] com Location: agawam, ma Homepage:
#156 Comment (Nov 3 2007, 23:18 EDT):
Unbelievable to see some of the names and places mentioned here...Truely, brings back some
incredible memories...Great fondness for Store 35 Harrisburg Pa and even more so with our home
office or (store support center). It was a wonderful ride for 15 years...Would be great to hear from
some of my old friends...
Subject: Hills Plaza in State College, PA Name: Beth E-mail address: dallazia [at] psualum [dot] com Location: Marion Heights, PA Homepage:
#155 Comment (Nov 2 2007, 0:18 EDT):
Interesting note... while I attended Penn State University in State College, PA, I worked at Rite
Aid, which was located in the "Hills Plaza." I started working there in 2001, and I'm
not sure exactly when the Hills store closed but I think it's funny to note that despite the
fact that there hasn't been a Hills in the Plaza for some time, it is STILL known as the
"Hills Plaza." I miss Hills, I used to go to the store in Bloomsburg with my mom all t
Subject: I miss Hills Name: Jeff E-mail address: eriecountyjeff [at] aol [dot] com Location: Sandusky, Ohio Homepage:
#154 Comment (Nov 1 2007, 10:08 EDT):
I miss Hills. It was my favorite place to shop. I remember so many shopping trips there when I was
a child. Wish Hills was still around.
Subject: I miss Hills Name: Jeremy Gloff E-mail address: jeremygloff [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: Tampa Florida Homepage:http://www.myspace.com/jeremygloff
#153 Comment (Oct 31 2007, 14:12 EDT):
Some of my fondest childhood memories was of shopping for toys at the Hills in Dunkirk, New York.
Life was never the same as is was in the 1980s. It has such a warm wonderful feeling in that store.
Anyone else remember how wonderful it was there?
Subject: Hills Name: Wilma Lincoln E-mail address: wjlincoln53 [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Hills 10 Uniontown PA Homepage:
#152 Comment (Oct 19 2007, 9:48 EDT):
I worked in RTM(Return To Manufactor) and receiving and also registers, in other words everywhere.
I had a great time working at Hills and love working with all the other employee's. We had some
good times. I meet a lot of wonderful people and I am still in touch with some of them still today.
I worked for Hills and Ames for 24 years.
Subject: State College Hills Name: Amy Hedrick E-mail address: hrshbar [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: State College, PA Homepage:
#151 Comment (Oct 8 2007, 23:07 EDT):
I helped put myself through college by working at Hill's in State College. I forget the store
number, for some reason 19 or 27 stick out in my mind.
I have alot of fun memories from that store. The rubberband fights, redneck jokes, and my favorite
customer "frenchy". I could go on and on. Hill's was a great place to work. I would
love to hear from any of my old co-workers.
#149 Comment (Oct 3 2007, 11:16 EDT):
Hello all X Hills personnel.
As the song says "Those were the Days"
I started in Chillicothe Ohio as a Floorwalker
Moved to Bristol and Johnson City TN and was promoted to Operations and the the FO as an LP
investigator.
Met some great people.
Now 3 retailers later I am still working with some X Hills people.
Take care!!
Subject: LONG LOST FRIENDS Name: JANET (LAUFFER) GRAN E-mail address: OURFOURGRAN [at] AOL [dot] COM Location: YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO Homepage:
#148 Comment (Oct 1 2007, 16:39 EDT):
Recently found this site and reunited with a wonderful friend from those long hour, crazy, new store
set ups. Would love to catch up with all my other long-lost friends/co-workers.....Where are you?
Subject: Bring Hills Department Stores Name: Beth E-mail address: genrrbs [at] ptd [dot] net Location: cressona pa Homepage:
#147 Comment (Sep 30 2007, 14:06 EDT):
i agree with one of the emails below--they should bring back Hills Department Store--i remember
shopping there at the store in the Cressona Mall-remember going to the store for the last time=when
it turned to ames-and one of the employees telling me that Hills was the #1 income in the mall
Subject: Just found, looking to reaquaint Name: Betty Terlesky-Garhamm E-mail address: bettyjgarhammer [at] aol [dot] com Location: Youngstown, Oh 44511 Homepage:
#146 Comment (Sep 25 2007, 23:42 EDT):
Hill's employee from July 1957 to July 1992 Retired before the bottom fell out. Second career
currently in the Food & Beverage field, I.E. T&G Lounge and Theodore's Banquet Centre
in Austintown. So happy to find that Hill's is still Alive & Well. Brings back many, many
fond memories. Would like to hear from all my old friends, & a reunion would be great. How
many remember "We Are Family"?
#145 Comment (Sep 25 2007, 17:26 EDT):
worked at Hills 06 from 1976 to 1994. I worked at the Service desk and in the office. I
haven't been able to find a job that I like since!!
Miss everyone (especially the little "PIPSQUEAK' you know who you are!!!
#144 Comment (Sep 25 2007, 17:22 EDT):
Hi to everyone!! Sure do miss the good old days when Hills was Hills!!
I am now retired and living on my 401K!!!
Subject: Name: jean ann grimm E-mail address: wjgrimm21 [at] aol [dot] com Location: uniontown, pa. l540l Homepage:
#143 Comment (Sep 22 2007, 15:55 EDT):
I was so happy to see this information about Hills. I really
liked the store and my job there. I was head receiver at
store 10 for quite a while. when I saw the note from Bill
Flanegan, it really brought back nostalgia. I used to call him
to try to persuade him not to send us another truck, when we
just had one. He was always so nice, but we got the truck!
There were so many nice people at Hills.
Subject: Name: Candy Riggin Hawk E-mail address: candyhawk [at] atlanticbb [dot] net Location: Smock, PA Homepage:
#142 Comment (Sep 22 2007, 1:17 EDT):
I worked at store 10 in Uniontown, Pa. for 7 years until they changed to Ames and worked there for 2
more years. I still miss the store and the great people I worked with.
Subject: Name: DEBBIE MULLARKEY E-mail address: DETAZTIME2 [at] WMCONNECT [dot] COM Location: STORE #14 LIBERTY/YOUNGSTOWN Homepage:
#141 Comment (Sep 19 2007, 19:50 EDT):
I WAS THE OFFICE SUPERVISOR AT THE ABOVE STORE FOR
12 YEARS
Subject: Name: bili castello E-mail address: bilik_76 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: springfield,ohio Homepage:
#140 Comment (Sep 15 2007, 19:17 EDT):
i worked at hills dept store and ames from 1995-2000 i enjoyed hills i have great memories and made
some good friends and had lots of fun actually it was probably my favorite place of employment
Subject: Store #88 Nashville,TN Name: Judy Bruce E-mail address: judy-bruce [at] comcast [dot] net Location: Nashville,TN Homepage:
#139 Comment (Sep 13 2007, 21:51 EDT):
I worked at Hill's #88 in the 1980's. Remember the M*A*S*H clothes, and Cabbage Patch
Dolls? WOW! Does anyone know where Phil Hummer is? He was a manager here and went back up North to
one of their stores. Working at Hill's was one of the greatest memories from my past. I met
some truly wonderful people there and we had so much fun!
Subject: BRING BACK HILLS STORES TO PA. Name: SHEILA E-mail address: skeener58 [at] COMCAST [dot] NET Location: MCKEESPORT,PA. Homepage:
#138 Comment (Sep 12 2007, 12:45 EDT):
Please bring back the Hills Dept. Stores. I really miss that store. I did ALL my shopping there. I
was so upset when Hills closed their doors. I raised my son an everything from Hills. I don't
like to shop anymore because Hills was my favorite store. Wal-mart is too crazy and crowded. K-Mart
has gotten expensive. I really long for the Hills Stores to come back!!
Subject: Name: raymond e wright E-mail address: hrwright1 [at] cox [dot] net Location: San Diego Ca. Homepage:
#137 Comment (Sep 8 2007, 9:59 EDT):
Loved the store as a boy. This site brings back a lot of good memories for me. I can almost smell
the store as you first walked in and passed the food court.
Subject: we need hills department store Name: linda E-mail address: mitchslady [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: taylorsville n.c. Homepage:
#136 Comment (Sep 8 2007, 1:31 EDT):
we need a hills store in statesville nc or mooresville.its a great store to shop we had one in
bluefield wva.and it shut down years ago...
#135 Comment (Sep 6 2007, 20:42 EDT):
Trying to find people who workeed for Hills in Huntington, WV on 5th street.
Subject: Todd Twigg Name: jamie E-mail address: jamiemcg15 [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: New Castle,PA Homepage:http://www.myspace.com/jamclarks
#134 Comment (Aug 28 2007, 19:08 EDT):
Hey Lisa , how are you??
we havent heard anything about Todd in so long we always wonder about him...him and Al had some good
times back In the day!!
tryed to e-mail you back a long time ago and never heard back from you hope all is well,keep In
touch
hopefully putting his name up and asking will help find out were he Is.
Jamie & Al
Subject: looking for an old friend Name: LISA E-mail address: DAISY75 [at] COMCAST [dot] NET Location: CANONSBURG Homepage:
#133 Comment (Aug 26 2007, 20:36 EDT):
I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS ANY WORD ON TODD TWIGG. WE WORKED TOGETHER AT 49. I KNOW HE
LEFT DURING THE TRANSITION TO AMES, AND WENT TO WORK AT HERR'S SNACK FOODS. THE CHRISTMAS CARD
I SENT LAST YEAR WAS RETURNED. IF YOU KNOW OF HIS WHERE ABOUTS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS TO ALL.
LOVE AND GOD BLESS
LISA
Subject: fairmont wv hills Name: bj smith E-mail address: bjsmithwv [at] yahoo [dot] com Location: rivesville wv Homepage:
#132 Comment (Aug 11 2007, 16:51 EDT):
im not a former employee but a former shopperand i just want to say that i truly miss going to hills
everyday and ironically i work for wal-mart but if hills were still around i would definetely have
worked there. and if anyone has old pics of the fairmont hills whether it be from the one in
bellview or the one in middletown mall i would greatly appreciate it!!!
Subject: Hills 9 Name: Dan Curtis E-mail address: danman3 [at] localnet [dot] com Location: East Liverpool Homepage:
#131 Comment (Aug 10 2007, 18:08 EDT):
Store 9 was my first job when I was in High School and I worked 13 years there. I met alot of great
people over the years and built really good friendships. No job since has compared to the great
company that Hills was. We worked really hard and sometimes we fought, but we were family. Hi to
everyone at store 9(the best of the Hills stores)
Subject: Over the Hills! Name: John Sposato E-mail address: sposato [at] inmail24 [dot] com Location: Syracuse, NY Homepage:
#130 Comment (Aug 7 2007, 17:56 EDT):
Hills have a history where I live. One is now a Marshall's HomeGoods, another is Sports
Authority, one destroyed and replaced by Wal-Mart Supercenter (the horror!), and yet one is still a
shell, likely to be part of an auto mall.
A friend told me how she took her kids there for hot dogs and popcorn. I had a glass mug with the
logo, but it faded.
I remember Brett Butler (Grace Under Fire) in the commercials.
Makes us feel old, doesn't it?! The good ol days
Subject: Hello to a great bunch. Name: Terry Schuler E-mail address: n8ture [at] charter [dot] net Location: Loudon, Tn. Homepage:
#129 Comment (Aug 7 2007, 14:20 EDT):
Retired in 05. Living in East Tennessee, south of Knoxvile at a plece called Tellico Village.
How blessed I was to have so many great people to work with.
So many of you carried me through Hills for 20 years, truly your talents, not mine.
Please do not hesitate to E-mail me.
Subject: formerly Valerie Layton Name: Valerie Hammond E-mail address: gregvalerie [at] verizon [dot] com Location: King George, Va Homepage:
#128 Comment (Aug 6 2007, 18:24 EDT):
Just spoke with Edd Riley, he told me about this site. Great to see "We are Family"
still.
Subject: Hello to all my old friends Name: Bob Smith E-mail address: RSmith3046 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Niles, ohio Homepage:
#127 Comment (Jul 14 2007, 17:11 EDT):
Wow, i can't believe it's been almost 18 years ago. I started out in boardman oh working
for Steve Berman (who i feel is still the best boss i've had) and managed in Danville Illinois
and Amherst Oh. somewhere in-between i did more than my share of store sets and
"projects". I really miss the teamwork we all had.
Subject: lots of peple miss hills Name: tom dematteo E-mail address: jackstraw725 [at] aol [dot] com Location: vienna,oh Homepage:
#126 Comment (Jul 13 2007, 17:18 EDT):
i worked for hills for 10 years.stores 6(the best)52,186 and 188.
i'm still in retail and whenever someone finds out i was at hills
they all say how much they miss it.
Subject: Hill's Store Niles, OH Name: Carol Nicula E-mail address: cn48 [at] aol [dot] com Location: Niles Store Homepage:
#125 Comment (Jul 13 2007, 12:00 EDT):
Those were the good old days, our store was like family and i think most of us actually enjoyed
work!!! I have a lot of good memories and a lot of life long friend from there. A large group of
old employee's still get together for dinner, every month or two. Hope we hear from more of
them....
Subject: Hey good job ERIC FROM THE GREAT Name: Eldon Ives E-mail address: joekool59 [at] gmail [dot] com Location: Plattsburgh, New York 12901 Homepage:
#124 Comment (Jul 11 2007, 14:56 EDT):
Just up dating my email address. Frm the great white up north from Plattsburgh N.Y. Hills 145
Subject: Name: Carol Pennington E-mail address: penningto [at] hotmail [dot] com Location: Niles, OH Homepage:
#123 Comment (Jul 7 2007, 11:52 EDT):
When I was a child, my parents would take me to an aunt's house that was located behind the
original store to watch fire works on the fourth of July. Hills put on a great display. As an adult,
I work at the store from 1984 to 1999. That was just after the store relocated by the Eastwood mall
in Niles. I have a lot of good memories from working there. Some of the former employes still get
together for dinner and I keep in touch with several of them.
Subject: Name: judith darrigo E-mail address: k1610l [at] msn [dot] com Location: canton, ma Homepage:
#122 Comment (Jul 2 2007, 20:42 EDT):
hi to anyone who remembers me... i worked in traffic and in mens dept...
Subject: Bill Flanagan Name: William Flanagan E-mail address: wflanaga [at] columbus [dot] rr [dot] com Location: Columbus, Ohio Homepage:
#121 Comment (Jun 29 2007, 15:06 EDT):
I worked at the SSC from 1984 until 1993 in the traffic department. I transferred to our
Distribution Center in Columbus back in 1993 through the merge with Ames. I still live in Columbus
Ohio working as a Logistics Consultant.
Subject: JAMES O'NEIL Name: James and Robin E-mail address: lamantia934 [at] comcast [dot] net Location: Blairsville, PA Homepage:
#120 Comment (Jun 29 2007, 10:28 EDT):
My father passed in March. My youngest brother graduates today. I would like to set up a college
fund for him. If you would like to help you can mail donations to:
James O'Neil C/O Aaron O'Neil College Fund
934 Blaire Road
Blairsville, PA 15717
Please make checks payable to: James M. O'Neil. Please include your name and address and we
will mail you a receipt for taxes.
Thank you for all of your help. My dad truly loved his family at Hills!
Subject: Name: ken hayes E-mail address: haphaze [at] aol [dot] com Location: store 114 150 137 Homepage:
#119 Comment (Jun 18 2007, 19:48 EDT):
has anyone heard of where carol from the adrian michigan store has gone too, just curious, if you
know of her whereabouts please have her contact me at haphaze@aol.com. thank you all
Subject: Name: roy w eckman E-mail address: royweckman [at] msn [dot] com Location: pittsburgh Homepage:
#118 Comment (Jun 17 2007, 21:50 EDT):
gone but not forgotton