As evidenced by the following articles, music and theater were an important part of Lillian Hormel’s life.

Austin Daily Herald, Jan. 14, 1903:

“Among those who will go to Albert Lea this evening to attend the opening of the Opera House are Mr. and Mrs. F.I. Crane, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Cook, Mrs. A.E. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Banfield, Mrs. J.X. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Gleason, Dr. and Mrs. A.M. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Geo Hormel.”

The list continued with the names of other prominent Austinites.

An article dated Dec. 19, 1902 had announced the opening of the new theater.  Jan. 14 of 1903 was to be the second day of the grand opening which would feature “Blanche Walsh supported by a company of 66 others, including Chas. Dalton, in a new play by Stanislaus Strange.”  The play, Daughter of Hamilcar, was promoted as a romantic tragedy which would be as successful as Ben Hur.

Special trains were arranged to take people to the special event on the C.M. and St. Paul Railway for 75 cents round trip.

Austin Daily Herald, June 3, 1904: Under the headline “Prof. Steffens’ Reception”, the column described a celebration for local voice teacher, E.F. Steffens, who taught lessons in rooms above Cressey’s furniture store located at 30 Main St.  He also directed the Choral Society’s annual shows to great reviews.

“The Choral Association gave a pleasant reception for Prof. Steffens Thursday evening at the George Hormel home on West Water Street.  Nearly all the members of the association were present and games and music made the evening a very enjoyable one.  Many of the favorite choruses and musical selections were again enjoyed by the class.  Refreshments consisting of ice cream and cake were served.  The event marked the close of the musical year for the class.”

The Choral Society was credited with fostering a love and taste for good music in Austin and for training and cultivating the voices of many singers. The Austin Daily Herald Pot Pourri writer proclaimed that “A town without music would be a dull, dead place. We should not want to live in such a town.  We should miss music more than paving.”

Lillian Hormel appreciated and participated in the progress of music and theater in our little part of the state.

History Happy Hour — Southern MN Railroad

5:30 p.m. social; 6 p.m. presentation, Monday

Railroad enthusiast Paul Spyhalski will discuss the development of the Lyle Gateway. Free for members of the HHH, Friends of the Library, and the Mower County Historical Society. $5 for non-members.

Hearth & Home Series — Drumming for Life and Mind

10 a.m. Tuesday, March 21

Presented by the Austin Drumming Circle. Drumming can be done anywhere, with anyone; it is very universal and utilized by many cultures, intended for community, healing, and increased energy. Free.

Kids Music In Motion

10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25

Explore and interact with music performed by the Silver Winds Flute Quartet. Doors open at 10 a.m., music begins at 10:30 a.m. $2 per child ages 2-8.

Please register at www.hormelhistorichome.org/events or at the HHH.