Hill Fire

03/21/2026

03/08/2026

Final performance of this wonderful show is today at 2:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center in Winona. Come on and help fill the seats as we remember the lives of some who lived during the Great Depression through drama, music, and humor.

03/07/2026

Looks like the worst of the storms will be gone by showtime. It's dry inside. Don't let the weather keep you from coming out and supporting this cast tonight.

03/03/2026

Something else caused by the Great Depression.

August 16, 1929

Winona Service Stations to Go on Cash Basis

The service stations of the city have agreed that on and after today, the 16th day of August, that all gasoline, oil, and everything sold in their places will be sold to everyone for cash. This has been done on account of the service stations having to operate on a small percent and losing a great many accounts causes them to operate at a loss. Coupon books will be sold to those who do not wish to write checks or pay cash every time they patronize the service station. Those who have gone on a cash basis are E. P. Tollison, Day and Night Service Station, W. H. Hammond, Start T. Service Station, Standard Service Station, J. A. Varnell, Minyard Service Station, Herring Motor Company, The Rexo, and W. L. Cross have agreed not to take any new accounts.

03/02/2026

The Montgomery County Arts Council will present an encore performance of Hill Fire’s “Wait for the Light” at the Performing Arts Center, 208 Summit Street in Winona on Friday, March 6 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 pm.

This season’s play is a heartfelt story that explores themes of hope, resilience, community, and overcoming adversity during challenging times. The play features vivid character interactions and dialogues that emphasize personal growth, the importance of supporting each other, and finding light amid darkness.

Set during the Great Depression, the narrative creates a richly textured story rooted in the struggles and triumphs of its characters. The interactions between the characters reflect collective resilience and the enduring human spirit. The story delves into historical and societal themes that impact events of the time period, indicating a strong commentary on perseverance and community support during hard times. The inclusion of playful scenes and humor offers a contrast to more serious moments, adding depth and balance to the play's tone.

Characters memorialized in this story are Henry Hart, Melzana Ward Hart, Mary Laura Hart Holmes, Mary Ward Whitehead, Edward Holmes, Charlie Carroll Pace, Lillian Shelton Pace, Jennie Pace Emerson, Clyde Pace, Sam Emerson, Jim Emerson, Alice Dodd, Willie Lee Dodd, Corrine Dodd, Dorris Dodd, Eula McVey, Caroline Hart, Charlotte Billingsley, Eliza Dantzler Mitchell, Era Mason, Vila Mae Mason, Alma Dantzler, Susie Staton, Clenton Frye, and James Frye.

The ensemble who will be bringing these stories to life are Steve Lester, Paul Lancaster, Calbrina Woods, Sara Evans, Cadence Hopkins, Gracie Kilburn, Lorayne Welch, Juanita Flowers, Dorothy Woods, Kay Emmons, Miriam Clark, Kyle Welch, Balinda Lancaster, Tonya Hopkins, Clayton Stevens, Mayson Noah, Jase Boyette, Anna Beth Mulconrey, Debra Hardin, Penelope Clark, Prince Mearett, Iyanna Meeks, Alivia Mearett, Jay Schiefer, and Jaron Welch.

03/01/2026

A "Wait for the Light" story.

October 16, 1931

Cotton Stolen from Montgomery County Farmer

Thieves Also Get Potatoes and Peanuts in Big Haul

The depression is taking its course as thieves have broken into C. C. Pace’s cotton house near Winona and stole 50 pounds of seed cotton, dug his potatoes, and pulled up all his peanuts .It looks as if things are getting pretty bad when a farmer works and then thieves come along and carry it off.

This is not the first time in Mr. Pace’s history of farming that he has had things stolen. It was only about two years ago thieves got all his chickens.

02/27/2026

A humorous newspaper advertisement from 1929 used in Wait for the Light.

September 6, 1929

Why Should I Advertise?

The press agent traveling ahead of a circus called on the owner of a general store in a little town. “Brother,” he said, “When the show gets to town, we’ll have the usual parade, and I want to rent you some advertising space during the parade.”

“Where?” the merchant asked.

“On the elephant. He’s the greatest thing in the procession. I’ll put your name on each side of the big boy, and there won’t be a man, woman, or child for miles around who won’t see your ad.”

“There’s not one of them who don’t know me already,” replied the storekeeper, “and what’s more, they all trade here. Why should I advertise? I don’t need to.”

The circus man reflected. He gazed across the street and felt stumped. Finally his roving eye fell upon the church. Then he turned to the merchant. “Nice church you have here. How long has that been there?” he remarked. “Forty-one years I reckon,” the merchant answer. “Most everyone around here is a member.”

“That church has been here for forty-one years,” said the press agent, “and most everybody in town belongs, yet they ring the church bell every Sunday morning.”

02/27/2026

02/27/2026

The Great Depression caused lots of changes. This is one of them .

August 16, 1929

Winona Service Stations to Go on Cash Basis

The service stations of the city have agreed that on and after today, the 16th day of August, that all gasoline, oil, and everything sold in their places will be sold to everyone for cash. This has been done on account of the service stations having to operate on a small percent and losing a great many accounts causes them to operate at a loss. Coupon books will be sold to those who do not wish to write checks or pay cash every time they patronize the service station. Those who have gone on a cash basis are E. P. Tollison, Day and Night Service Station, W. H. Hammond, Start T. Service Station, Standard Service Station, J. A. Varnell, Minyard Service Station, Herring Motor Company, The Rexo, and W. L. Cross have agreed not to take any new accounts.