Grand Opening of Hills in Sandusky – August 14, 1963

Yesterday’s post featured photographs of Lorain at night, circa August 1963. Let’s stay in that era for one more day.

Here's a two-page spread from the Lorain Journal on August 13, 1963 announcing the Grand Opening of the Hills Department Store in Sandusky – 56 years ago yesterday.

I love the photograph of what was then considered to be the stereotypical American family in the ad. Dad's wearing a fedora, and Junior has a buzz cut and is clutching a football. Mom has Dad’s arm, and li’l Sister stares blankly ahead.

I like those prices too.

Hills was a regular stop for the Brady family. It was interesting to head out to South Lorain, where we could get a glimpse of the train in Oakwood Park, or the National Guard Armory. Best of all, if it was a Saturday, Mom might buy us a treat, like a Frozen Coke or some popcorn, when we were done shopping.

Shopping at Hills was pretty memorable too. I remember how much fun it was to wander around the toy department. Mom put a lot of things in layaway, such as Christmas presents and winter coats. And I still remember those low white tables on which many items were displayed.

I guess Hills is sort of a symbol of the Lorain of my youth – the Lorain of the 1960s that was still vibrant and thriving.

I wonder if today’s kids will grow up and feel nostalgic about shopping at Target or Walmart someday? Probably not, unless those particular stores go out of business.

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Hills has been a favorite topic on this blog for almost its entire run. (Click here for an ample sample of some of those posts.)

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UPDATE (August 19, 2019)
The Hills Store on Route 57 in Lorain closed on July 31, 1982.

Ad from Chronicle-Telegram of July 18, 1982