The Flintstones premiers on TV. A gallon of gas is 25 cents. In a campaign that features the first televised debate, John F. Kennedy wins the U.S. Presidential Election after defeating Richard Nixon. Chubby Checker and The Twist start a new dance craze.

1960 was a memorable year, not only for the culture at large, but also in Hillcrest Academy’s history. That was the year when then-cook, Elta Burkholder took a popular school lunch meal and, along with the Class of ’60, started what would become a longstanding tradition: the Chili Supper.

Mrs. Burkholder was head cook for 18 years, from 1955-73.

“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 the school carries on the tradition of The Chili Supper,” her son Roger said.

Members of the first class to serve the popular meal remembered how things were back in 1960. 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 three to four 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 three or four 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.”

Now with the Class of ‘25, Hillcrest Academy celebrates what began 65 years ago. On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Chili Supper will be served from 4:30-7 p.m. in Hillcrest Union (gymnasium). Cost per meal is Adults $12, Seniors 65+ $10, Children aged 4-12 $6, age 3 and under free. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from a Hillcrest Academy senior or at the door.

The traditional menu of chili, cheese sandwiches, potato salad, and pie or other dessert varieties will be served as a dine-in event, but the entire meal will also be available for takeout. And again, Hillcrest will be serving the Mexican soup, Pozole [po'sole], with all the fixings.

Buy tickets online and more info at hillcrestravens.org/chilisupper.