Developer Kimball Hill was founder of Rolling Meadows

Developer Kimball Hill is widely touted as the man behind Rolling Meadows coming into existence 60 years ago.

Hill was the one who came up with the city's name, thinking it aptly described the terrain of the 1,200 acres he bought and developed.

He also came up with the idea to build houses in an assembly-line fashion, turning out 20 a week for World War II veterans of limited means.

Two-bedroom houses were advertised for $11,390; three-bedrooms were said to cost $12,890.

The first homes were built along Campbell Street and Wilke Road in 1953, two years before the city was incorporated.

Hill, who built and equipped the first school, also was instrumental in pushing residents to seek incorporation in a Feb. 19, 1955, election. The city incorporated Feb. 26.

• Celebrating 60 is a daily feature in Neighbor marking 60 of the things that make Rolling Meadows a great place to live.