Robert E. Hilts, Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce Collection,1930-1941, 1930-1941

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Robert E. Hilts, Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce Collection,1930-1941
Dates:
1930-1941
Creators:
Hilts, Robert Edwin, 1904-1989 United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (1920-1965) Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce
Abstract:
Extent:
0.42 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Robert E. Hilts, Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce Collection,1930-1941. Wilmington Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

The Robert E. Hilts, Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce Collection documents his activities as a charter member of the Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce, between 1930 and 1941. This includes beautification projects, sponsorship of holiday events, engagement with local political issues, school improvement projects, social events, fundraising for community development, and attendance at local, regional, state, and national conventions. The collection primarily consists of Junior Chamber of Commerce publications, memorabilia associated with convention attendance, and newspaper clippings assembled into scrapbooks.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Edwin Hilts was born on March 11, 1904 in Herkimer County, New York to parents Arthur J. and Laura J. Hilts (née Roberts). Sometime between 1915 and 1920, the family relocated to Long Beach, California. Robert attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he excelled in language arts and was editor of the school yearbook, graduating in 1922. He married Juanita R. Dickinson on October 15, 1923. The couple made their home in the Wilmington area and had one daughter. Robert E. Hilts began his career in the fishing industry, where he started as a traffic manager for the Coast Fisheries Company. By 1930, he had been promoted to the sales department. Coast Fisheries became a division of the Quaker Oats Company about 1953, and was primarily engaged in the sale of Puss’n Boots cat food. Around this time, Hilts was promoted to sales manager. He was an active member of several civic organizations, including the Wilmington Chapter of Freemasons, Wilmington Lions Club, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), and was a charter member of the Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC). Hilts was elected first vice-president of the JCC in 1932, elected president in 1934, and appointed as Councilor of the National Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1936. Robert Edwin Hilts retired in 1968 and passed away in Long Beach, California on February 7, 1989. The Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce was formally organized on September 16, 1930. R. L. Greene was chosen first president; Maxwell Thayer, first vice-president; Herman Moomaw, second vice-president; and John E. Sadler, secretary-treasurer. Nine additional men were elected to the Board of Directors, including Robert E. Hilts. The organization began its civic activities with a city beautification project aimed at improving business and residential areas. Other activities included a community Christmas program and toy drive, lectures and educational programs, involvement in local infrastructure projects, and sponsorship and program planning for community festivals, including the Wilmington Fiesta.

Acquisition information:
The source and date of acquisition is unknown.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Wilmington Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1930-1941
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator of this collection has not been transferred to the Wilmington Historical Society. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

Robert E. Hilts, Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce Collection,1930-1941. Wilmington Historical Society

Location of this collection:
309 W. Opp St.
Wilmington, CA 90744, US