Moose antlers are one of the most unique donations the Hormel Historic Home has ever received.

Several months ago a couple ladies visited the HHH and as I walked around with them they noticed some of the more unique items we have in our collection. One photo on display shows Mrs. Jay C. Hormel resting casually on the arm of an upholstered Victorian chair in the Historic Home library.  In the background you can see the fireplace mantle which is covered in an elaborate display of greens and flowers.

Hanging above the fireplace is an impressive set of moose antlers. The visiting ladies found this amusing and an interesting conversation piece. One of them vowed to keep her eyes open for a set to donate to the HHH so we could recreate the historic photo.

She found some, and she donated them.

We do not have the exact chair or the other elements in the photo, but we’ve tried to match the scene with what we do have. There are a few other photos of Germaine posing throughout the house which allows us to see a little of how the furnishings were arranged. Of course the photos are in black and white, but we can see some details and furniture placement. Mrs. Hormel, Germaine, lived in this home from the time of her marriage to Jay C. Hormel in 1922 until the completion of the couple’s own home in 1925. Now known as Gerard Academy, the house was also a fine home that included Germaine’s French taste and sophistication, and it showed in both the interior and exterior design.

The holiday season allows us to showcase many donations made to the HHH. Last year I wrote that we had 27 decorated trees throughout the house. Since the 2014 event we have received at least 10 trees in donation and one beautiful life-size St. Nicholas. With these gifts and the monetary donations made toward the lighting of the garden, our holiday decor will be even more spectacular than in the past.

The best way for you to see the antlers, our most unique donation, and the HHH in all its holiday splendor is to attend one of the upcoming holiday events. They make quite an addition to our already ornate holiday décor and pay respect to the Hormels decorating flair.

Holiday Card Party

12 p.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19

All area card groups are invited to visit the HHH for a day of food and fun. Tour the home elaborately decorated for the holidays and have lunch served by the Y’s Women. Stay for the card game of your choice. Must pre-register by Tuesday. $10 per person

Holiday Open House

1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21

Enjoy tours of the decorated home, cranberry cake, entertainment, and shopping. Austinaires at 1 p.m., Edition II at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the HHH in advance or at the door.

 Light It Up. Celebrate

the lighting of the Peace Garden

5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21

Enjoy a visit from Santa, crafts for the kids, soup and cookies, family photo opportunities, and music by Elvis Tribute Artist, Brad Boice at 7:15 p.m.  Support the Welcome Center by bringing an unwrapped winter weather item. Tickets are $5 per person or $25 per family. Available in advance at the HHH or at the door. Seating will be limited.