I know I have written a lot about her lately but I am excited to tell you MarySue Hormel Harris will be back in Austin on Monday.

She always visits the Hormel Historic Home when she is in town and this time she will be performing for the public.  I’m even more excited about this visit because her great nephew, Sam Stacy, will join her for the concert.

Sam is a junior at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and is an accomplished guitarist, so the two are sure to put on a wonderful show.

The concert will be at 4 p.m. on Monday and is free. If you have never heard or met MarySue, a wonderful supporter of the HHH and Austin, now is your chance.

Music has been a tradition in the Hormel family since they emigrated from Germany and still continues to inspire the newer generations. We are looking forward to welcoming Sam into the HHH and are grateful he is willing to share his musical gifts with our community.

During this week in 1929, another fun event was hosted at the HHH (then, YWCA). In a Jan. 24, 1929, Austin Daily Herald article, details of a newly created group were given.

“Nineteen young women, all in business or professions in Austin, met last night at the YWCA to organize a ‘Travel Club’ under the auspices of the Yong Women’s Christian Association. A ‘Travel Party’ was carried out and plans were made for four months of study.”

A creative scene was set when characters acted as ticket salespeople, train conductors and entertainers for the guests. The living room became a Pullman car where a friendly trainman greeted them.  “The dining room was converted into a temporary ship where guests were fortunate in hearing some famous orchestra leaders who were included in the list of voyagers on board,” according to the article.

“In the business meeting, which followed, plans were completed for the programs of meetings for the four months to come. The Club will study the North, East, West, and South sections of the United States, in turn, and will also discuss some practical suggestions for future outing trips.”

What a creative way to utilize the Home. We continue to strive to share the HHH with the people of Austin in unique ways including the musical concert offered on Monday.

Hope to see you here.

 Austin Wedding Showcase

12-3 p.m., Jan. 26, 2014

Area wedding specialists will be showcasing their unique products and services. Fashion show presented by Belles and Beaus at 2 p.m. Admission is $3 per person.

 Valentines Day Dinner

5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14

Hormel Historic Home and Hy-Vee present a night of great food and entertainment to help you celebrate with your Valentine.

As the kick-off event for the Paint the Town Pink activities, this will be a great event and will support the Hormel Institute’s breast cancer research efforts.

$10 of each ticket sold will be donated to the Institute. Dueling Pianos by the River Rats, will be the entertainment.

Tickets are $50 if purchased before Feb. 1 and $55 after.  Get your tickets online at www.hormelhistorichome.org or call 507-433-4243.