“One of the most delightful social events of the summer occurred at the Country Club last night, when Mr. and Mrs. George A. Hormel entertained more than a hundred guests at a dancing party given at eight-thirty o’clock in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jay C. Hormel.  The event further served to introduce Mrs. Jay C. Hormel to Austin people.”

That is the first line in an article dated July 1, 1922, in the Austin Daily Herald. The event occurred on June 30, 1922, and was a celebration of Jay and Germaine’s marriage.

“Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Hormel and Mr. and Mrs. Jay C. Hormel received the guests in the clubhouse which was prettily and profusely decorated with flowers. The fireplace was banked with white daisies and ferns, and larkspur and black-eyed Susans were placed around the room.

The guests danced on the veranda as well as in the clubhouse, the music being provided by the Bebe Daniels Orchestra, of Hollywood. Punch was served throughout the evening by four girls: Miss Adelaide Hummel, Miss Lolabelle Cory, Miss Ruth Nockleby and Miss Lois Hormel (the daughter of Ben F. Hormel).

At 11 o’clock salad and coffee was served. The Misses Olson, of Albert Lea, catered. Those who assisted in the serving were Mrs. F.E. Gleason (Lillian Hormel’s sister-in-law), Mrs. J. G. Hormel, Mrs. B.F. Hormel, Mrs. George Burnham (Lillian’s sister), Miss Grace Sherwood, Miss Helen Banfield and Miss Elizabeth Hormel. Following the luncheon, dancing was resumed until after midnight.”

I was confused by the reference to the word “luncheon” in the article, but I found a definition from the Merriam-Webster Unabridged dictionary that might clarify. The word luncheon was once defined as “a light meal taken at any time of the day or night at a selected place.”

By 1922, the Austin Country Club had become a social playground and popular golf course in southern Minnesota. George A. Hormel was one of the original officers of the club when the permanent charter was established in 1919. He served as president until 1921 so when it came time to host a party for his son the Country Club was the obvious choice.

It sounds like it was an enjoyable evening on the property that would end up being in Jay’s front yard when he built his own estate (now Gerard Academy) in 1925.

Free Peace Garden Concert

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

The Austin Community Jazz Band will perform for the third year.  Led by Brian Koser this group of local musicians will entertain with traditional jazz favorites.

Free Peace Garden Tour

July 8, 10 a.m.

Vicki Trimble will guide us on a lovely walk through the HHH Peace Garden identifying the various plants and features. Call 507-433-4243 to register

Business After Hours for Austin Chamber of Commerce Members

July 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a picnic in the Peace Garden.  If it rains the event will be held inside the banquet hall.  We will have music, drinks and entertainment.