Another feature of the Hormel Historic Home that is frequently asked about is the white cat that lazily rests on various pieces of furniture throughout the home.

To set the record straight, it is not now, nor was it ever, a living animal.

There is common misperception that the cat was once alive. There is even a story that Mrs. Jay Hormel had her pet cat stuffed and then kept her night clothes inside accessed by a zipper. In my interview with Tom and Jim Hormel they indicated that they thought the storage cat came from Macy’s.

The story behind the white feline at the HHH is less dramatic. Apparently it was brought to the home to be sold in a rummage sale, but instead found its place amongst the cozy furnishings.

For a reason I cannot explain the cat attracts a great deal of attention. Kids like to pet it and adults are either intrigued or startled by its presence. For a few, it invokes memory of a similar piece from their past. All the attention garnered by the cat has made me curious.

Apparently mixing taxidermy into a home’s décor was rather popular in Victorian times and into the 1900s. Much like today, a family’s home was a place to express their interest in the outside world. Parlors of high society homes were venues for social gatherings such as teas, funerals and parties.

Families wanted their modern views and refined taste to be on display for all to see. The historic home of the “unsinkable” Molly Brown in Denver features many pelts and animal heads which were meant to represent her love of animals and nature.

A more creative, and somewhat disturbing showcase of one’s love for preserving animals is seen in the eccentric work of Walter Potter. His use of animals to depict scenes from human life was preserved in a museum in England until the 1970’s and was then sold by the piece. His most famous piece “The Death and Burial of Cock Robin,” sold for $31,720.

In a photo of the Hormel’s library both moose antlers and a bear skin rug are visible. It seems they were inspired by the Victorian trend as well. Although our cat, commonly referred to as George the Cat, is not an original Hormel family artifact, based on historical decorating trends, he does belong here.

Meow!

Autism Emergency Preparedness Workshops

9-11 a.m.; 2-4 p.m.; 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2

Free at the Arc; 401 2nd Ave. NE

Register at www.thearcmc.org

History Happy Hour: History of Oakwood Cemetery

5:30 p.m., social; 6 p.m. presentation, Monday, Oct. 9

Presented by Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society curator. “The History of Oakwood Cemetery” will discuss how the cemetery got its start, explore its location as one of Austin’s oldest claims, and look at a few of the people buried on its grounds. Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. $5 non member. Snack and cash bar available.