Departing from our series on Austin landmarks this week with more information on Cy Thomson. From the Austin Daily Herald on April 13, 1934:

“R. J. (Cy) Thomson, who was convicted in 1921 for the embezzlement of $1,187,000 from the Geo. A. Hormel & Co., pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in connection with issuing of a worthless check for $11.35 in justice court here this morning.

Justice R. L. Stimson sentenced him to pay a fine of $25 and costs or serve thirty days in jail. Unable to pay the fine, Thomson was granted thirty days by the justice to raise the money.

The complaint, charging him with getting money under false pretenses by issuing a worthless check, was signed by H. P. Laslett, of the Austin Auto Company. The check was presented to the Austin Auto Company on April 8, 1933 when Mr. Thomson made a purchase there.

After he had pleaded guilty to the charge, Mr. Thomson stated that when he presented the check to the Austin Auto Company he had no intention of fraud and believed the check was good. He said he would try to raise the money to cover the check.

He was arrested this morning at Kasson by Sheriff Ira Syck on the complaint signed by Laslett.

Convicted of one of the most sensational embezzlement cases in the history of Minnesota, he entered Stillwater prison September 7, 1921. He was released on March 22, 1930 and was placed on parole. His parole expired April 11, 1932.”

 This week at the HHH

•Monday: Floral Club, 1 p.m.

•Saturday: Passport to Flavor Cooking Class – “Mardi Gras Feast” at 10 a.m. presented by Josh Diaz from Piggy Blues. Register through Community Ed at 460-1704. In cooperation with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Coming soon to the HHH

•Social Concerns: New Jobs in Austin by John Garry of the DCA at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Register at 433-4243 by Monday, Feb. 20.

•Foodie Throwdown (new): Cuisines of the World from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. Come sample food from around the world and vote for your favorite team. $30 ticket through the HHH. Only 200 tickets sold. Details at www.hormelhistorichome.org.