Illini 411: Where did the sledding hill by Orchard Downs come from?

A: A wintertime zip down Hackberry Hill is one heck of a good time, and like most of the finer things in this world, the hill’s origins are mysterious and much debated. Here’s what we know for sure: In 1964, the university added 30,000 cubic feet of dirt to an existing knoll west of Orchard Downs, transforming it into a first-rate sledding hill that’s been enjoyed by legions of students and locals. As for where the dirt came from, no one’s exactly sure. According to Illinois’ campus historic preservation officer, Dennis Craig, ’79 FAA, MARCH ’82, MBA ’82, the documentation is fuzzy. My best guess is that the dirt came from the construction of the Illinois Street Residence Halls (1964). If anyone has information about the hill’s origins, please email us!
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