Text and photo from April 8, 1976, Tri-County News. The original “Meet Your Neighbor” column was by Robin Hasslen. How does Bernie Hilary, at age 91, account for his longevity? “Why, I had a good life and a good wife. Had to have my meals right on time (6 – 12 – 6), and was into bed at 9 p.m. But the real reason is … I had ladies looking after me.” Bernie was born in Wisconsin and moved to this area when he was young and helped on his father’s farm. He reflects on old-time farming with a smile: “We had a better time, knew everybody, had house dances, oyster suppers, thrashing bees.” Beginning in 1925, Bernie drove a school bus … with a team of horses. It was a covered wagon model which could “go through the fields and everywhere.” He remembers getting up early to heat the foot warmers before he started out at 6 a.m. After four years with the team, Bernie graduated to the motorized transport and continued to drive until he was 61. Another occupation which Bernie enjoyed was that of mail carrier – from the railroad to the post office. For 20 years he made four trips a day and earned $29 a month. Having suffered a stroke, Bernie finds it difficult to recall many aspects of his past, but he does remember with fondness his wife Mae. “She could do ANYTHING. Yep, I had a good cook. She always wanted to go into the restaurant business but I wouldn’t let her. She even helped me milk … A good woman. One winter we roomed up to six teachers upstairs.” (Would that our husbands remember us so graciously!) If you ask Bernie how he keeps busy today, he may grin and reply that he just “holds down the rocking chair,” but those who see him walking daily downtown for a cup of coffee or eating a noon meal with the senior citizens, know better. Both of Bernie’s sons died of cancer, but his grandson Neil and granddaughter Lilian Petty are available and ready to meet his needs. Mrs. Bates takes him to watch some bowling every Monday night, and Archie Tanberg faithfully transports him daily to the senior citizens’ lunch. Although his eyes are not as good as they once were, Bernie continues to read the Bible. I asked Bernie what he thought about what’s going on in the world today. “Why, I can’t even guess. Things are getting out of hand. People are spoiled. I’m glad I grew up when I did.” But despite the shape of our world, Bernie continues to smile and exhibit a unique sense of humor, and if you are around him it all rubs off on you … enough to make you want to make the best of this world and be able to say, “I’m glad I grew up when I did.” [Bernie Hilary died June 26, 1981 at age 96.] Improving community life with heritage preservation You just stepped back in time and walked in Bernie Hilary’s shoes through his life story. We want to hear from YOU, because you or your family also have a story to tell that we all want to read. History preserved … Become a member … Give a gift membership. Your partnership can help preserve history. 148 years old and plenty of new things to do. Our official non-profit status means your memberships are tax-deductible. For your convenience, a form is included on this page. Rave reviews have been received for Brenda Newman’s simple and delicious “Morning Coffeecake” on page 64 of our Historical Society cookbook. Upcoming events include the annual supper-in-the-park and history exhibit during Kimball Days – watch for more details. For family research, cookbooks, information and stories for this column, please contact the Kimball Area Historical Society at P.O. Box 100, Kimball MN 55353, or call (320) 398-5743, 398-5250 or (800) 252-2521 from out of the area.
