Re-visiting The Hilltop Club, 54 Years Later!
SFC David Hack (CEO of US Wings) and his family recently took a trip back in time to the former site of the Hilltop Nightclub in Louisville KY. Sgt. Hack owned the popular nightclub back in the 1960s (prior to joining the US Army). Once out of the Coast Guard, Hack invested his money in the Hilltop Nightclub. His crowed nightclub was very popular and brought in enough money to attract the attention of law officials. It was a local hotspot that featured live music, including performances by the Everly Brothers and Jimmy Dean, and was visited by many celebrities including Jayne Mansfield.
One evening a fight broke out in which numerous people were involved. Unfortunately a customer was seriously injured. The vultures moved in, and the law officials had Hack in a uncompromising position. With a judge in their corner and plenty of ways to put him behind bars for a very long time, they cut a deal with Hack to let him walk. Hack had to sign over his nightclub to the authorities. The club mysteriously burned to the ground in 1963; on April 1, 1964, Hack enlisted in the US Army. This marks Sarge’s first visit back to the site since the club was destroyed 54 years ago.
The now-overgrown site is located on Mitchell Hill, and is part of the Jefferson Memorial Forest. A portion of the foundation, some brickwork, and a section of what used to be the dance floor is all that remains. Sarge’s son Brenton retrieved a brick (with visible burn marks) from the site as a “souvenir” for Sarge; it is now a treasured keepsake. The full story can be found in Sgt. Hack’s free book, The Life Of A Warrior.
I was also at Lai Khe from Jun 68 until Nov 69. Was also in Phu Loi from Mar 68 until Jun 68. I was also a Recruiter in Amherst NY in 1979. Only stayed on Recruiting Duty a year. I am sure we must has passed each other in Lai Khe. I was with B Company 168th Engineer Battalion (Combat). Left the Army in 69 upon returning home. 1969 until 1973 are somewhat of a haze, you know what I mean. Came back in the Army in 1973 (Signal) and retired in 1992. I am happy to see you have succeeded so well. A friend of mine CSM Tom True retired as the CSM for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command also lives in Kentucky. He is also a Big Red One guy. Maybe your paths have crossed? Take care and welcome home.