When a winter storm warning was issued for March 23, it was not certain if many people would attend the planned 10 a.m. dedication ceremony of the historic marker recognizing the Great Fire of Hilton. The colossal event destroyed 80% of the Hilton’s business district on Main Street and East Avenue on Sunday, March 21, 1965.
Happily, about 68 people arrived in time for the marker’s unveiling. Sr. Fireman Ken Mullen did the honors. Seven of the original firefighters who battled the blaze as young men in 1965 were on hand to reminisce and regale members of the community with stories of what that day was like 59 years ago. It was 13 degrees F, with freezing rain, wind, snow, ice, and a raging fire.
Tom Ban, owner of the Arlington Restaurant, hosted the event. He had the firepit going on the patio and offered a special fireman’s menu of beef on weck with a small bowl of chili in the restaurant. Tops market donated coffee and donuts for the early arrivals. A few guests were even spotted having an early morning “eye-opener” at the fire pit.
Overall, it was a memorable morning for the community to usher in a new historical marker, pay respects to its firefighters, and just enjoy being outside socializing on a cloudy Saturday.
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