We are now 10 days into the New Year and time is already going by quickly.

Based on the following clipping from the Austin Daily Herald dated January 2, 1933, I am sure Jay and Germaine Hormel were having an exciting New Year in 1933.

“Another “butcher boy” is the way Jay C. Hormel, president of the Hormel Company, announced the birth at St. Olaf Hospital of a son, who came to the House of Hormel at 2:30 Sunday morning, New Year’s Day. The “Butcher Boy” gets more of an announcement than his father or his grandfather received when they arrived. The new “Butcher Boy’s” daddy is receiving the congratulations of all his friends and the great plant’s operatives as well as the business world in which he plays so important a part.”

Another article regarding the New Year’s baby wrote “Little James Catherwood Hormel was first to cross the time wire on Jan. 1, 1933, according to the most authentic information available today, being born at St. Olaf Hospital at 2:30 Sunday morning. According to that report he is entitled to the prizes, goods, and services offered by Austin merchants in a full page advertisement Saturday, but his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Hormel have decreed that it shall all be turned over to the Girl Scout Auxiliary for disposition.”

“Accordingly, orders covering all the prizes will be sent to Mr. Hormel today for transference to the above organization and the newest member of the J. C. Hormel family will have only the newspaper record that he was the first baby born in Austin after the ringing of bells welcoming in 1933.”

Three years earlier his brother’s birth was announced in the Feb. 4, 1930, Austin Daily Herald. “Born Monday night February 3 at St. Olaf Hospital, a son to Mr. and Mrs. Jay C. Hormel.  This is the second child, the first taking his grandfather’s name of George.  The newcomer had not been named at 2:30 this afternoon.”  We now know this child as Thomas Dubois Hormel who will soon celebrate his 85th birthday.

Nineteen months before Thomas, came George A. Hormel II, Geordie, on July 17, 1928. Little mention of his birth was made in the paper of the day. It seems being born on New Year’s Day is a great way to get attention.

History Happy Hour

5:30-7:30, Monday, Jan. 12, 2015

John Haymond, Mower County Historical Society, will present on the various architectural structures in Austin. Free for members of the MCHS, Friends of the Library, or the HHH. $5 for non-members. Light snacks and cash bar offered.

 Social Concerns

10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015

Austin Aspires is a spin-off of Vision 2020, formed to meet the goals of Educational Leaders’ vision. Jennifer Lawhead, executive director, will discuss the full cradle-to-career education system in our community.

This is a free event. Free childcare will be provided for this event but we must know in advance.

Please call 507-433-4243 to register.

 Austin Wedding Showcase

Noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015

$4 per person

 Midwinter Musicale

3 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Featuring Sam Stacy on guitar and MarySue Hormel Harris on piano. Come hear these Hormel family members share their musical talent at a free concert in the Historic Home living room. Enjoy coffee and cookies following the performance. Please call 507-433-4243 to reserve a seat.