I am hoping by now that you have had a nice Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, food, fun, and shopping … or whatever it is that makes you feel thankful.

It is easy for me to make a list of all that I am grateful for. It includes my family, friends, good health, space heaters in a drafty (but lovely) office, motivated and passionate co-workers and volunteers, donors, program partners, and the Austin Daily Herald for encouraging my weekly column and covering our events. In being thankful for the rich Hormel family history that I have the privilege of being immersed in, I wondered what George Hormel would have been grateful for.

George wrote with gratitude of his wife, Lillian.

“Of New England descent, she brought into our partnership a love of music and books, rare sympathy and good sense, an understanding of human nature, and the great patience necessary to surmount the problems and uncertainties of our first years together.”

He wrote of his appreciation for a community that gave him a chance.

“The little town of Austin, Minnesota, came nearest my idea of where I should like to locate. It was small — around 3,000 — very active and growing. Although it was not much to look at in the 1880’s when its streets, lighted by smoking coal oil lamps, were quagmires in wet weather and ankle-deep in dust in summer, and the courthouse square was a tangle of hazel brush, I liked the people and the countryside.”

George’s family bond was very important to him. In a letter home to his family in 1887 he wrote:

“No doubt, I realize the wonderful change in the family as it grows older, more than any other member of it; and you ought to be proud of one another. I am sure I am very proud indeed of you all. How fortunate you are to be all together. I envy you all and only wish I could be with you also.”

Of his son, Jay, George seemed grateful for the opportunity to have raised him and watch him grow into a fine man.

“My major satisfaction is that I have watched my son carry into practical demonstration the basic principles which my father held so dear, and himself put into practice wherever opportunity offered – as I in my way have tried to do, likewise.”

Based on his own words, George held dear many of the same things people do today.

A Handmade Christmas Craft Event

December 2 and 3

Tickets available at https://www.facebook.com/handmadechristmas/events/ or at the door.

History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m. Social., 6 p.m. Presentation, Dec. 12

Holiday Stories and Songs, and the history behind them. Presented by Lisa Deyo, owner of Sweet Reads Book and Candy Store and Morgan Dickman, President of the Austin Symphony. This event will take place in the historic living room and space is limited. Free for members of the Mower County Historical Society, Friends of the Library, and the HHH. $5 for non-members

Hearth & Home: Holiday Memories and Traditions

10 a.m., Dec. 20

Presented by a variety of community members who will share stories and treats from their past. Stories from the German, Pennsylvania Dutch, Hispanic and Minnesota cultures will entertain and bring memories to life. Free.