There is another ‘H’ in the Hormel family history. Thanks to Steve Rowe, Hormel family member, we have a thorough compilation of the family that brought the Hormels to America. The other H refers to the Heiser family that includes Elizabeth Heiser, George Hormel’s paternal grandmother. It was Elizabeth’s brother Godfrey who encouraged her and her husband, Christian Hormel, to come to America.

Godfrey had been in the northeastern part of America for several years before convincing five of his 11 siblings to join him in the wonders of America. The History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County dated 1884 includes Godfrey in the Early German Settlers section with the following excerpt.

“Godfrey Heiser, who now lives at 209 Seneca St., came to Philadelphia from Germany in 1819 and to Buffalo in 1828. He first engaged in the lime business on Exchange Street, when it was ‘woods nearly all around him.’ He afterwards began the first pottery business in Buffalo, on the site of his present residence, where his son also conducts a grocery business. At a still later date Mr. Heiser was engaged in brewing at the same location, in connection with his brother. He retired from active business seventeen years ago [in 1867].”

It is the above reference to pottery that is now relevant to the Hormel Historic Home collections. With great generosity, Steve Rowe recently donated two pieces of original Heiser pottery dating to the 1830s or 40s which we have displayed in the historic home kitchen. According to the book American Stoneware by William C. Ketchum, Jr., Godfrey Heiser made stoneware from 1835 to 1848 in Buffalo. Godfrey’s brother Henry was also in the business as was a J. Heiser who is assumed to be the brother or nephew of Godfrey.

 Through marriage the pottery business became known by the names of Mugler and Braun which were still active until 1896. For those familiar with Buffalo, the various locations for the pottery business were situated on or near Seneca Street near Michigan Ave. in downtown Buffalo.

 The pieces we have on display include a 2 gallon stoneware ovoid form (egg shaped) jug with a cobalt blue wash featuring a large tulip. The other is a three gallon crock with a floral image done in the signature cobalt blue color. We are proud to display these relics of fine craftsmanship from Hormel family ancestors.

 What’s Happening at the HHH

March 16-23: HHH closed to tours only during the sunroom renovation. Office will be open for business between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Hearth & Home Series: Positive Social Media Practices for Beginners: 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 20 – Free

ASD Parent/Caregiver Network Event: 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, April 2 – Meet Mary Barinka, community autism resource specialist, and connect with other families affected by autism. Includes taco bar. Childcare available with pre-arrangement. Register by e-mailing autism@hormelhistorichome.org. Free

Pizza Ranch Tip Night for Autism Camps: Thursday, April 12 – Support the Hormel Historic Home Autism programming by dining at Pizza Ranch. Campers and their families will be onsite to describe the camps.