Part 2 Lyndonville (VT) Hill’s Department Store

Chain: Hill’s Department Store

Date Opened: March 1941

Date Closed: unknown

Street Address(es) when open (Building name/block) [Current Address]:

Original Location: Depot Street (Realty Block). 1941 – 1950
New Location: 101 Depot Street (Where First National Store was) 1950 –

Former Store(s) in Location(s): Willoughby’s Department Store

Original Location: Willoughby’s
New Location: First National Store

Later Store(s) in Location(s):

Original Location:?
Second Location: (oldest to newest) Northeast Computing, H.O.P.E Thrift Store, Robing Rustics, R&R Trading Post (2021)

Do buildings still exist?:

Original Location: Yes, see the picture
Second Location: Yes, see the picture

Pictures of Store:

Hill’s Lyndonville -Realty Block sold – location of Hill’s (The Caledonian-Record Jun 26 1948 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Realty Block (Google Earth 2019)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Robing Rustics- Reality Block – Hill’s was in this location at the left end of the block (Google Earth 2019)

Hill’s Lyndonville – HOPE Thrift Store in Reality Block – Hill’s was in this location at the left end of the block (Google Earth 2014)

Owners, Managers, Employees:

Owners: Originally owned by Isadore Kropsky and Harry Kropsky. Eugene Aronoff and his wife Sheila (Kropsky) Aronoff, the daughter of Harry and Mary Mendelsohn Kropsky, bought the store in the late 1970s. The store was sold by Aronoff’s in 1983 or 1984.

Managers and Employees:

Harry Kropsky, owner and first manager
Miss Maugerite Fontain, Clerk – 1941
Miss Meriday Webb, Clerk – 1941 to 1943
Miss Josephine Ross, Clerk – left Jan 27, 1943 to go to Nursing School
Mrs. Lyle Boulrisse, Clerk – hired March 1943
Mrs. Earl Bennett, Clerk – hired October 1943
Miss Mildred Holcomb, Clerk – December 1943
Miss Ethel Gale, Clerk – 1944
Arlene Lesperance, Clerk – new hire Nov 1945
Longee Begin, Clerk – new hire Nov 1945
*Edward Leonard, 1947 – 1949
*Georgette Grenier, 1946 – 1949, married Edward Leonard in 1948
*Edward Leonard opened Hill’s Barton in 1949, Edward and Georgette Leonard went to Hill’s Morrisville in 1950. Edward was a co-owner of Hill’s Morrisville
Miss Rachel Smith, Clerk – 1949
Laurence LaPerle, Clerk – 1949
Miss Shirley Rexford, Clerk – 1949
Marilyn Charron, Clerk – Summer 1949
Barton Gershon, Clerk – Summer 1950
Miss Gwendolyn Eastman, Clerk – 1950
Mrs. Loretta Brooks, Clerk – 1950
Miss Avis Gilson – Clerk – 1950
Mrs. Ronal Brooks, Clerk – 1950
Mrs. Marion Wheeler, Clerk – 1951
Paula Ruggles, Clerk – 1951 (Cousin of Edward Leonard)
Mrs. Auldis Hill, Clerk – 1951
Miss Rena Rhodes, Clerk – 1951
Miss Gisele St. Hilaire, Clerk – 1951
Mrs. Alice Chase, Clerk – 1952
Miss Lucille Gero, Clerk -1952 on, worked after school, weekends and summers (Later Lucy Casteel)
Miss Maralyn Bailey, Clerk -1952

Subsequent Owners if sold: Unknown

Articles, Pictures, Ads:

Hill’s Lyndonville – Harry Kropsky, former manager, opening a new store in Lyndonville (The_Caledonian_Record_Mar 22 1941 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Aug 19 1941 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Prefontain, Webb (St. Johnsbury Republican Nov 28 1941 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Feb 21 1942 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Mar 5 1942 p7)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record May 28 1942 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Jun 18 1942 p10)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Jul 28 1942 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Aug 25 1942 p12)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 24 1942 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 31 1942 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Josephine Ross (The Caledonian-Record Jan 27 1943 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Meriday Webb leaves (The Caledonian-Record Mar 19 1943 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Lyle Boulrisse (The Caledonian-Record Mar 23 1943 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record April 20 1943 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record May 25 1943 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Lyle Boulrisse resumes work (The Caledonian-RecordAug 18 1943 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record April 20 1943 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Oct 12 1943 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Earl Bennett (The Caledonian-Record Oct 13 1943 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Nov 02 1943 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 14 1943 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-RecordDec 22 1943 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Mildred Holcomb (The Caledonian-Record Dec 28 1943 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Earl Bennett returns (The Caledonian-Record Apr 18 1944 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad War Loan (The Caledonian-Record Jun 07 1944 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad War Loan (The Caledonian-Record Jun 14 1944 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad War Bonds (The Caledonian-Record Aug 30 1944 p5) JICNote: Ads like this ran from June to August 1944 following D-Day

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Ethel Gale (The Caledonian-Record Aug 13 1944 p7)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Harry Kropsky in NYC (The Caledonian-Record Oct 24 1944 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Mildred Holcomb (The Caledonian-Record Oct 27 1944 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kropsky and daughter Sheila in NYC (The Caledonian-Record Feb 15 1945 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad 7th War Loan (The Caledonian-Record Jul 11 1945 p5) JICNote: Note slogan under Hill’s Department Store name in an inset below.

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad 7th War Loan (List of businesses) (The Caledonian-Record Jul 11 1945 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Harry Kropsky in NYC (The Caledonian-Record Aug 28 1945 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Palmer Bros. Laundry pickup (The Caledonian-Record Sep 01 1945 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Lesperance, Begin (The Caledonian-Record Nov 17 1945 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-RecordDec 24 1945 p11)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Apr 02 1946 p12)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Apr 16 1946 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Attend the Church of Your Faith Sunday (The Caledonian-Record June 05 1946 p3 JICNote: A full page like this one ran every Wednesday from June 5, 1946 to April 30, 1947

Hill’s Lyndonville -Attend the Church of Your Faith Sunday – List of Businesses (The Caledonian-Record June 05 1946 p3

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 19 1947 p13)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 24 1947 p21)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Kropsky Chicago Americans bowling team (The Caledonian-Record Feb 19 1948 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Kropsky Chicago Americans bowling team 2nd match (The Caledonian-Record Feb 28 1948 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Mar 26 1948 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record May 07 1948 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Isadore Kropsky, Ida Kropsky in Lyndonville (The Caledonian-Record Jun 01 1948 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Realty Block sold – location of Hill’s (The Caledonian-Record Jun 26 1948 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Realty Block sold – location of Hill’s- article (The Caledonian-Record Jun 26 1948 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Clara Bennett (The Caledonian-Record Ju 26 1948 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Lyndonville merchants (The Caledonian-Record Oct 02 1948 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Oct 15 1948 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Merchants Spruce Up with Xmas (The Caledonian-Record Dec 14 1948 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 24 1948 p13)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Rachel Smith (The Caledonian-Record Jan 07 1949 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Harry Kropsky in Barton – new Hill’s store (The Caledonian-Record Jan 07 1949 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Clara Bennett ill (The Caledonian-Record Jan 29 1949 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Portrait ad (The Caledonian-Record Feb 07 1949 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Congrats to new Plaza Theatre (The Caledonian-Record Feb 10 1949 p11)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad with Barton (The Caledonian-Record Mar 15 1949 p11)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Fireman’s Ball prize (The Caledonian-Record Mar 18 1949 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Marilyn Charron (The Caledonian-Record Jun 29 1949 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Estate of Philo Lang Sale (The Caledonian Record Jun 28 1949 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Philo Lang Estate sale (The Caledonian Record Aug 11 1949 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -LaPerle, Rexford (The Caledonian-Record Aug 24 1949 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Rachel Smith returns from vacation (The Caledonian-Record Oct 07 1949 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Lyndon Teacher’s College Fundraiser (The Caledonian-Record Oct 28 1949 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad (The Caledonian-Record Dec 24 1949 p16)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Marilyn Charron assisting (The Caledonian-Record Feb 20 1950 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Clara Bennett returns – (The Caledonian-Record Mar 02 1950 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Fireman’s Ball (The Caledonian-Record Mar 18 1950 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Charles Hill visits (The Caledonian-Record Apr 07 1950 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Lapearl – Manager Barton store (The Caledonian-Record Apr 07 1950 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Clara Bennett returns – (The Caledonian-Record Apr 21 1950 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Avis Gilson (The Caledonian-Record May 31 1950 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Barton Gershon working summer (The Caledonian-Record Jul 10 1950 p7)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Clara Bennett vacation – (The Caledonian-Record Jul 14 1950 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Move to First National Store location (The Caledonian-Record Jul 29 1950 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Ronald Brooks (The Caledonian-Record Sep 07 1950 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Eastman, Brooks – new hires (The Caledonian-Record Sep 09 1950 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Open Nov 11 (The Caledonian-Record Nov 09 1950 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Marion Wheeler (St. Johnsbury Republican Jan 12 1951 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Mrs. Clara Bennett returns (St. Johnsbury Republican Mar 23 1951 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Gisele St. Hilaire (The Caledonian-Record Apr 30 1951 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Paula Ruggles (The Caledonian-Record Jun 13 1951 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Paula Ruggles, Auldis Hill (The Caledonian-Record Jul 21 1951 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Marion Wheeler vacation (The Caledonian-Record Aug 06 1951 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Photo ad (The Caledonian-Record Apr 23 1952 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Rena Rhodes (The Caledonian-Record Jul 18 1952 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Alice Chase (The Caledonian-Record Jul 28 1952 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Coupon Day ad (The Caledonian-Record Jul 31 1952 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Coupon (The Caledonian-Record Aug 01 1952 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Lucille Gero (The Caledonian-Record Aug 14 1952 p9)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Sally Gershen (The Caledonian-Record Aug22 1952 p7) JICNote: Note misspelling of the last name. Sally is Harry Kropsky’s sister.

Hill’s Lyndonville -Child’s photograph (The Caledonian-Record Sep 24 1952 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Maralyn Bailey (The Caledonian-Record Sep 27 1952 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Clip Coupon (The Caledonian-Record Sep 29 1952 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Vote (The Caledonian-Record Nov 01 1952 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Show Them The Way ad (The Caledonian-Record Nov 08 1952 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -1st Christmas Coloring Contest (The Caledonian-Record Nov 28 1952 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Coloring Contest (The Caledonian-Record Nov 29 1952 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Christmas Greetings (The Caledonian-Record Dec 24 1952 p11)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Coloring Contest Winners (St. Johnsbury Republican Dec 26 1952 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Check Forger (The Caledonian-Record Feb 20 1953 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Check Forger (The Caledonian-Record Feb 25 1953 p1,8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Charmalne Ward (The Caledonian-Record Feb 28 1953 p7)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Open Saturdays (The Caledonian-Record Mar 23 1953 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Easter (The Caledonian-Record Apr 03 1953 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Easter (The Caledonian-Record Apr 03 1953 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Free Photograph (The Caledonian-Record May 15 1953 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Father’s Day ad (The Caledonian-Record Jun 18 1953 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Street Bazaar prizes (The Caledonian-Record Jul 11 1953 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Street Bazaar article (The Caledonian-Record Jul 14 1953 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Earl Bennett vacation (The Caledonian-Record Jul 13 1953 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Mrs. Harry Kropsky in NYC (The Caledonian-Record Oct 08 1953 p2)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Open Friday and Saturdays (The Caledonian-Record Nov 25 1953 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -2nd Annual Coloring Contest (The Caledonian-Record Nov 28 1953 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -2nd Annual Coloring Contest Winners – Hill’s(The Caledonian-Record Dec 19 1953 p8)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Christmas (The Caledonian-Record Dec 24 1953 p9)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Paula Ruggles (The Caledonian-Record Jan 14 1954 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -LOC Carnival Prize (The Caledonian-Record Feb 06 1954 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Red Cross Campaign(The Caledonian-Record Mar 03 1954 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville – May Sale ad (The Caledonian Record May 24 1954 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Miss Joan Bengston (The Caledonian-Record Jul 12 1954 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Free Photograph (The Caledonian-Record Sep 10 1954 p5)

Hill’s Lyndonville -Open Friday and Saturday Nights (The Caledonian-Record Nov 30 1954 p6)

Hill’s Lyndonville -ad Christmas (The Caledonian-Record Dec 10 1954 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville – American Legion above Hill’s (The Caledonian-Record Jan 17 1955 p3)

Hill’s Lyndonville – VFW Basketball (The Caledonian Record Jan 20 1955 p7)

Hill’s Lyndonville – FIfth Annual Kiwanis Radio Auction (The Caledonian Record Apr 16 1955 p10)

Hill’s Lyndonville – American Legion above Hill’s (The Caledonian-Record May 10 1955 p1)

Hill’s Lyndonville – VFW Girls game (The Caledonian Record Feb 3 1956 p4)

Hill’s Lyndonville – Free Photograph (The Caledonian Record Nov 15 1956 p12) JICNOte: First ad with a street number.

Hill’s Lyndonville -Grand Union (from Facebook post)

Recollections: