Celebrating 80 Years of the Iconic Hills Hoist: A Nostalgic Journey
With you then... with you now.
Eighty years ago, a simple backyard invention changed the way Australians do their laundry. In 1945, Lance Hill returned from World War II and, inspired by his wife Sherry’s struggle with a crowded backyard clothesline, set out to create something better. With a few old pipes and a welder, he built the very first Hills Hoist: a rotary clothesline that could be raised and lowered, making laundry day easier, faster, and a whole lot more fun for generations to come.
From Humble Beginnings to a Household Staple
What started as a clever solution in a South Australian backyard quickly captured the imagination of friends, neighbours, and soon, the entire nation. By 1946, Lance and his brother-in-law Harold Ling had officially founded Hills Industries, moving production from the backyard to a bustling workshop. The Hills Hoist’s innovative design – spacious, sturdy, and able to catch the breeze – became a must-have for the booming post-war suburbs, symbolising the dream of a home with a big backyard.
More Than Just a Clothesline
The Hills Hoist is more than a practical invention; it’s a cultural icon trusted by Aussies for generations. It’s been the centrepiece of countless family photos, backyard cricket matches, and birthday parties. Many remember swinging from its arms as children, or decorating it with fairy lights for celebrations. It has appeared in works of fine art, stamps and coin collections, even making appearances in classic films like Muriel’s Wedding and The Castle, and took centre stage at the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, celebrating the spirit of the Australian backyard.
A Testament to Durability and Ingenuity
The Hills Hoist’s reputation for toughness is legendary. After Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin in 1974, one family reported that their Hills Hoist was the only thing left standing in their yard – a testament to its robust design. Over the decades, Hills has adapted to changing lifestyles, with modern versions that fold down or lift out of the ground, catering to everyone from large families to apartment dwellers.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
Ask any Australian, and you’ll hear stories of the Hills Hoist: from makeshift tents and backyard games to the simple joy of sun-dried sheets. It’s a fixture in the collective memory, a symbol of resilience, resourcefulness, and the everyday moments that make a house a home.
Looking Forward: The Next 80 Years
Today, Hills Home Living continues to innovate, offering a wide range of clotheslines, laundry and garden products built on the same commitment to quality and convenience that made the Hills Hoist a legend. While the brand has grown beyond its original roots, the Hills Hoist remains a cherished part of family life, trusted by Aussies and celebrated around the world.
As we mark 80 years since the first Hills Hoist spun in a suburban backyard, we invite you to share your own memories and celebrate the legacy of an invention that’s dried millions of loads of laundry – and brought just as many smiles.