After reading about the 1931 open house at the First National Bank in Austin, I couldn’t resist sharing some of these charming details, from the Mower County News on Feb. 26, 1931:

“When the new First National Bank opened its doors to the public last Saturday afternoon in dedication and celebration of the completion of its lovely new structure, more than 12,000 visitors passed thru the Colonial portals to view this splendid achievement.

Several prominent bankers visited our city to attend the reception as did a number of managing officers of the First Bank Stock Corporation with which the merging Austin banks are affiliated. Many people came from the various villages of the country and several delegations from Albert Lea, Owatonna and Rochester.

During the reception hours which were from two to five o’clock in the afternoon and from seven to nine o’clock in the evening, mementos were passed to each visitor who passed thru the building. It is estimated that 5,000 roses were distributed to the ladies while 4,000 cigars were given to the men.

The Boy Scouts gave their efficient assistance in guiding the throngs about the new bank structure thus avoiding any confusion as the people filed thru orderly in rows. A company of charming ladies, employees of the banks, gowned in quaint Colonial costumes in harmony with the Colonial type of architecture and furnishings greeted us with a smile and presented us with souvenirs.”

 This Week at the HHH

Monday: All Access Community Exploration program for 6-12th grade students with Autism Spectrum disorder starts, runs through Aug. 22

Tuesday: ASD Family Respite Night at 6:30 p.m. at the HHH; Free concert in the Peace Garden by Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Bring your own lawn chair. Children must be chaperoned. Rain location is Paramount Theatre.

Wednesday: Free piano concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre unveiling the new Mason & Hamlin grand piano that is owned by the HHH and will be housed at the Paramount. Public is warmly invited to enjoy performances by Scott Blankenbaker, Peter Jacobs, Peter Jacobs Combo, Shane DeSilva, Kalle Akkerman, Ezekiel Peters and Brian Johnson.

Thursday: Media Relations for Community Leaders free workshop offered by Blandin Leadership Austin Cohort at 2 p.m. at the Austin Public Library Meeting Room

 Coming Soon

Pizza Ranch Tip Night: Please plan to eat at the Pizza Ranch on Monday, July 30. All tips plus 10 percent of sales will benefit the HHH Autism programs such as Circle of Friends Day Camp and All Access Community Explorations.

Arts Triathlon: Offered by the Austin Public Library, Historic Paramount Theatre and the HHH on Wednesday, Aug. 22. This free event is a chance to ‘exercise your arts’ at three locations and have fun will experiencing visual arts, poetry and performance. Call the library at 433-2391 for details.