John Hilty, D.C., 15th Keeler Recipient

My introduction to Chiropractic was through a catalog which I received from a Chiropractic School in 1912.  It was ten years before I met a Chiropractor or had an opportunity to see at first hand the real nature of Chiropractic Practice.  The simple basic explanation the catalog gave, sold the Chiropractic premise with its reason and logic.  I was always wishing for an opportunity to investigate more.

The first Chiropractic I learned to know was Dr. Paul Johnson of Hutchinson, Kansas, who further convinced me of the merit of Chiropractic, while adjusting my daughter.

In 1924 I went to Davenport, Iowa and spent considerable time around the Palmer school.  I was constantly becoming more favorably impressed with Chiropractic until in October, 1925, I enrolled as a student at the Palmer School.  I graduated from that school in June, 1927 and began the practice of Chiropractic in December of that year in what was then the city of Harrisburg, Texas, but is now a part of Houston, Texas. My practice has been continuous in this area.

The first years, because of the on-coming depression, were not so profitable and a bit of Medical harassment, in the nature of an arrest and conviction in 1930, did not add to my popularity nor prosperity.

My membership in the local Chiropractic Organization dates from 1929 and a membership in the State Organization from 1932.  For two terms I had the honor and privilege of serving as President of District #1, now District #11.  During the time when Defense Committee Members were also members of the State Board of Directors, I served two terms as a Defense Committeeman.  When the Defense Committee was abolished, each District was given two Directors.  I served one term as State Director from District #1 and another term beginning in 1949. From 1945 to 1947 I had the privilege of serving as President of the Texas State Chiropractic Association.  The Keeler Plaque was awarded to me in 1948.

I was Chairman of the Educational Committee of T.S.C.A. 1948-50.  This Committee directed our TSCA Legislative efforts during the 1949 Session of the Legislature, when the law legalizing and regulating the practice of Chiropractic in Texas was passed.  The Educational Committee was later renamed and replaced by our present Public Health Committee.

Other T.S.C.A. Committee assignments have been:

Public Relations                                                        2 years

Screening Committee                                               2 years

Chairman of Planning Committee                             2 years

Good Posture                                                            2 years

By-Laws Revision.

I have been a member of the Houston Outdoor Nature Club and Ornithological Group.  Providing weekly entertainment for neighborhood children was for several years our favorite Civic Project.