I often try to imagine how the modern Hormel Historic Home was utilized in the past.

There are many detailed accounts of YWCA meetings and functions and we know the Hormels hosted social and business events. I imagine family dinners, ladies coffees, and business talks taking place in the various rooms.

I have recently found an article from the Austin Daily Herald dated Aug. 24, 1906, detailing an elaborate event hosted by Lillian Hormel at her home.

“The George Hormel home on west Water Street was the scene of one of the most pleasant social affairs Austin has ever known when Mrs. George Hormel, Mrs. A.L. Eberhart and Mrs. George S. Burnham gave a reception to nearly two hundred friends Thursday afternoon.

Everything seemed to favor the event. The weather, which was so excessively hot for a week past, turned cool and pleasant for the afternoon. A number of out of town guests were in Austin visiting friends, and it gave an opportunity to many to meet them.

The guests began to arrive about 3 o’clock. They were met at the door and ushered in by Catherine Lobb, Josephine Catherwood, and Gertrude Gleason. The receiving party was stationed in the drawing room. The floral decorations of the house were exceedingly beautiful and in closest harmony. In the drawing room white roses and white hydrangea were used. The dining room entrance was closed with a massive rope of sweet peas and the same flower was used exclusively in decorating the dining room. The breakfast room was in phlox and asters while the library was brightened with masses of golden glow. The house was a bower of beauty and ideal for entertainment. Though the company was large, none realized it until they reached home and thought over the number of friends they had met.

One of the most pleasing features of the day was a delightful musical program which was given informally. Not only were some of Austin’s favorite singers heard but a number from away whom it was joy again to hear.”

Refreshments were served in the dining room and on the east veranda by Mrs. John Hormel, Mrs. Herman Hormel and Mrs. Fred Gleason.

Many of the guest names and hostesses are prominent figures from Austin’s past:  Catherwood, Banfield, Todd, Gleason, Crane, and Bassler to name a few. It sounds like a lovely day was had by all.

 

Free Garden Concert, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 1

The Austin Community Jazz Band will perform an entertaining set of traditional jazz favorites that all will enjoy.

 

History Happy Hour, 5:30 social, 6 p.m. Presentation, Monday, July 13

Snapshots of Austin’s Baseball History, presented by Paul Spyhalski. Free for members of the HHH, Friends of the Library, and the Mower County Historical Society. $5 for non-members. Refreshments included; cash bar available.