The following appeared in the Rock County Star Herald on July 1, 1965.
Record Crowd Attends Hills 75th Jubilee
Biggest crowd to gather in Hills during its 75-year history was on hand for the Diamond Jubilee cele-bration Tuesday night.
Parking space for late comers could be found only at the village’s extreme limits. Weather cooperated, and now it was a day of fun and interest for all in attendance.
The big evening parade proved to be one of the best seen in this area in a long time, with nearly 100 units taking part. Lively music by the Hills, Luverne, Brandon-Valley, Jasper and Magnolia marching bands added to the enjoyment of the big crowd of parade watchers.
Prizes Awarded
Prizes were awarded for the best nine floats. Steen Reformed church placed first; Trinity Luther League, Hills, placed second, and Bethlehem Lutheran church, third in the religious category. Most original float was made by the West side group of Hills. A 4-H group placed second in this category, and the Recreation Development group of Hills placed third. In the humorous category, the North Side group of Hills placed first; Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Goehle and girls placed second, and the “Has been Band,” led by Henry Nowka, former Rock countian, now of Sioux Falls, placed third.
In the whisker contest, Bud Griffin, Hills, won the prize for having the heaviest beard. Henry Ueke, Hills, won the award for the “best effort” beard. Other beard winners were Jake Haan, Hills; Ray Delfs, Steen; C. B. Sjolseth and Ervin Johnson, both of Hills.
Costume Contest
In the costume contest, the Delmar Larson family won first place in the family group category. Mrs. Pete De Jongh, her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Preston DeJongh and her children placed second, and Mrs. Arie Fikse and daughter, placed third. In the children’s division, Connie Leenderts placed first and Lori Leenderts, second. In the replica costume, Ada Uhley was first and Mrs. Sam Sundem, second. Prize for the oldest dress went to Carol Bowman, Mrs. Don Boysen placed second.
One of the impressive features of the parade, both for participants and spectators, were the residents of the Tuff Memorial Home, who rode in cars in the parade. All of them were senior citizens, many of whom could remember Hills as it was in the early days.
The celebration concluded yesterday with a kiddie parade, a tractor pulling contest, go-cart races and a dance in the evening.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.