The Chili Supper
The Year Was 1960
The Flintstones premiers on TV, a gallon of gas was 25 cents, in a campaign that featured the first televised debate John F. Kennedy wins the U.S. Presidential Election after defeating Richard Nixon, and Chubby Checker and The Twist start a new dance craze.
1960 was also a memorable year in our school’s history. That was the year when then cook, Elta Burkholder took a popular school lunch meal and along with the Class of 1960 started what would become a longstanding tradition.
The Chili Supper is Full of Memories
Elta Burkholder cooked at (then Iowa Mennonite School) for 18 years from 1955-73. Her son Roger Burkholder said, “It really made her feel good when she saw people eating and enjoying her food that she prepared. She took a lot of pride in her cooking. I am glad that Hillcrest carries on the tradition of The Chili Supper”
Lynn Yoder ‘60 who was in charge of ticket sales along with Jane (Marner ‘60) Kopsa for the first Chili Supper said they sold 1,000 tickets at $1 each. He said he will always remember that because he said they made a profit of $1,000.
Ron King ‘60 when asked about the (first) Chili Supper remembered, “I was in charge of running the projector for showing the film that evening. As I recall the screen was set up on the stage and a platform about 3-4 feet high was assembled (somewhat unstable and set on the basketball courts) to set the projector and a chair on. This allowed me to operate the projector, rewind the film after each showing and start it up again. The film was shown either 3 or 4 times, the last time being rather late but a few wanted to see it who had missed it on earlier showings due to having been tied up with other duties during the dinner.”
The annual Chili Supper is hosted by the Hillcrest Academy senior class and has been a tradition since 1960. This year, on Saturday, February 17 2024, the meal will be served from 4:30-7:00 PM in Hillcrest Union (gymnasium). Cost per meal is Adults $10, Seniors 65+ $9, Children age 4-12 $5, age 3 and under free. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from ANY Hillcrest Academy student or at the door. The historic menu of chili, cheese sandwiches, potato salad, and pie or other dessert varieties will be served. We will also be serving the Mexican soup, Pozole [po’sole] with all the fixings. Takeout is available.
Saturday, February 17 from 4:30-7:00 PM
Adults $10 | Seniors 65+ $9 | Children age 4-12 $5 | 3 & under are free
Pre-orders are not available, but you can prepay for tickets here.