The Hills Brothers' Historic Legacy in Edinburgh, Indiana

Introduction:

The town of Edinburgh, Indiana, is steeped in coffee-making history, thanks to the renowned Hills Brothers Coffee. Founded in 1879 by Reuben E. and Asa H. Hills, the company has played a pivotal role in the lives of Edinburgh residents for generations. This article delves into the fascinating story of the Hills Brothers, their lasting legacy, and the profound impact they have had on the community.

The Founding of Hills Brothers:

In 1879, Reuben E. Hills, a prosperous grocer, and his brother Asa H. Hills, a coffee roaster, joined forces to establish Hills Brothers Coffee in Edinburgh, Indiana. The brothers pooled their expertise and resources, creating a small-scale coffee roasting operation.

Innovation and Expansion:

The Hills Brothers quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality coffee. In 1888, they purchased a larger roasting plant and invested in state-of-the-art equipment. Their innovative approach to coffee-making, including the use of the vacuum-pack process, allowed them to deliver fresh, flavorful coffee to customers.

By the turn of the century, Hills Brothers had become a major coffee supplier in the Midwest. The company's iconic packaging, featuring the trademark red can with the gold label, became synonymous with quality coffee.

The Edinburgh Plant:

The Hills Brothers coffee plant in Edinburgh was the heart of the company's operations. It employed hundreds of local residents and was a vital economic driver for the community. The plant underwent several expansions over the years, reflecting the growing popularity of Hills Brothers Coffee.

Community Involvement:

Beyond their coffee business, the Hills Brothers were deeply involved in the Edinburgh community. They donated generously to local schools, churches, and charities. The company also sponsored youth sports teams and community events.

The Sale of Hills Brothers:

In 1998, after over a century of family ownership, the Hills Brothers Coffee Company was sold to the Sara Lee Corporation. Despite the change in ownership, the Edinburgh plant remained in operation, continuing to produce the iconic Hills Brothers coffees.

The Legacy of the Hills Brothers:

Today, the Hills Brothers Coffee Company is still a household name across the United States. The company's products are sold in grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops around the country.

While the Hills Brothers family is no longer directly involved in the company, their legacy lives on in the historic Edinburgh plant and the enduring popularity of its coffees.

Why It Matters:

The Hills Brothers' story is not just a tale of entrepreneurial success; it is a testament to the power of community involvement. The company's commitment to innovation, quality, and community building has had a lasting impact on Edinburgh, Indiana, and beyond.

Benefits:

The Hills Brothers' legacy has benefited Edinburgh, Indiana, in numerous ways:

• Economic growth: The Hills Brothers coffee plant has been a major economic driver for Edinburgh for over a century, providing employment and revenue.
• Community pride: The Hills Brothers Coffee Company is a source of pride for Edinburgh residents, who recognize the company's long history and commitment to the community.
• Preservation of history: The historic Hills Brothers coffee plant is a reminder of Edinburgh's industrial past and the importance of preserving local landmarks.

Tips and Tricks:

Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Hills Brothers Coffee experience:

• Store your coffee in an airtight container: This will help preserve its freshness and aroma.
• Use filtered water when brewing: Filtered water will remove any impurities that could alter the taste of your coffee.
• Experiment with different brewing methods: There are many different ways to brew coffee, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the method that you like best.

Interesting Stories:

Over the years, the Hills Brothers Coffee Company has been the subject of many interesting stories and anecdotes. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Friendly Ghost of the Edinburgh Plant: Some employees claim to have seen the ghost of a former Hills Brothers employee wandering the halls of the plant at night. The ghost is said to be friendly and harmless, but it always enjoys a good cup of coffee.

The Hills Brothers Coffee Bandit: In the 1950s, a local prankster stole a truckload of Hills Brothers Coffee and distributed it to the town's residents. The bandit was never caught, but the incident became a legend in Edinburgh.

The Hills Brothers Time Capsule: In 1964, the Hills Brothers Coffee Company buried a time capsule in front of the Edinburgh plant. The time capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2064, and it is said to contain a variety of artifacts from the company's history.

What We Can Learn:

These stories not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable lessons:

• The importance of community involvement: The Hills Brothers Coffee Company's success was built on its strong ties to the Edinburgh community.
• The power of a good story: The Hills Brothers Coffee Bandit story has become a legend in Edinburgh, demonstrating the power of a well-told tale.
• The value of history: The Hills Brothers Time Capsule is a reminder of the importance of preserving our history for future generations.

Conclusion:

The Hills Brothers Coffee Company has been an integral part of Edinburgh, Indiana, for over a century. The company's commitment to innovation, quality, and community involvement has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the town today. The Hills Brothers Coffee Company is a reminder that even the smallest of businesses can have a profound impact on its community.

Useful Tables:

Table 1: Growth of the Hills Brothers Coffee Company

Table 2: Hills Brothers Coffee Plant Economic Impact

Table 3: Hills Brothers Coffee Awards and Accolades