We continue with the history of Austin Acres, a subsistence homestead project developed in Austin in the 1930s. The story takes a dramatic turn after a volunteer non profit corporation had worked on the project for over a year and selected 44 families to participate from over 350 applications. From “A Place on Earth: A Critical Appraisal of Subsistence Homesteads” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Economics published in 1942:

“Shortly after selection, the local vocational-agriculture teacher, a member of the corporation, generously established a class for these families, in which there was regular discussions of subsistence homesteading in general, gardening, cropping, and landscaping. This class continued for 3 years, was well attended, and is generally considered to have been really helpful to the homesteaders, most of whom had only general farming rather than gardening experience.

At this point in the development of the project the corporation was informed that it could no longer function in an administrative capacity and must be dissolved as a result of an Executive Order of Jan. 3, 1934 which required that trustees of government funds be Government employees. The members of the corporation were invited to act only as an advisory group. They declined to do so except informally as individuals. Most of the group and their friends felt that they had been dismissed without ceremony and without thanks. They were later critical of the development of the project under Federal direction, but were not obstructive.

But the local newspaper and other elements in the area began a series of attacks upon the project which continued for 5 years. The original sponsors are confident that with their guidance the project might have been a demonstration of the financial feasibility of such undertakings but that, as completed by the Government, it involved a  subsidy and so would never serve to attract private investors into the field. They doubted, also, that the project could meet the needs of low income people.”

Although I cannot be sure, I believe that this dissolution of the original corporation and take over by government officials is what was referred to in the “Progressive Austin 1935” booklet: “The idea carried out in this particular project is so definitely new and untried that it has been met with delays that have been exasperating to all concerned.”

Wednesday: Cooking Tips & Trends: Produce on the Grill and Beyond by Chef Jack Erwin of the Cedars with special guest from the Austin Farmer’s Market, 6 p.m. Vendor expo at 5 p.m. To register, call Community Ed at 460-1700. Cost is $15.

Coming Soon

The attractions of Austin, Austin CVB and Austin Area Chamber of Commerce present Austin Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 18. These attractions will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission: Mower County Historical Society, Paramount Theatre, Hormel Historic Home and The Hormel Institute. The SPAM Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free SPAM Samples. The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is offering free “Summer Solstice Ecoblitz” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required for Ecoblitz activities. Forms for registration are available at the Nature Center. For more information or questions contact the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau at 437-4563.

The Hormel Historic Home and Hy-Vee present Family Traditions Father’s Day Brunch on Sunday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the HHH. We will be serving a special brunch buffet including: Hawaiian bread French toast, hash browns, scrambled eggs, Hormel breakfast meats, fresh fruit salad, warm mini cinnamon rolls, coffee, milk, juice and water. Advance Tickets are available at the HHH office. Cost is $10 for adult, $5 for kids (5 to 12). Kids under 5 are free. Tickets will be available at the door for $12 adult, $6 for kids (5 to 12).