I have previously written about the cars the Hormel family owned, but I recently found reference to another car they purchased in 1918.

On June 17, 1918, George Hormel wrote a letter to his son, Jay, who was in France serving during World War I. In the letter he detailed the purchase of a new Packard.

“Our new Packard was delivered to us Saturday morning, and about 11 o’clock your mother and I got chummy and took the Chummy Roadster to the lake, and it sure drove down fine. I kept warning your mother for several weeks before I got the car that she would not be permitted to drive it because she was always a little close about my driving the other car. I was particular to inform her that I wanted the car always handy when needed so that I could pick up and run over town, or down to the Dam, or over to the Mill where work is going on at a moment’s notice. But the car runs so lightly and is easily handled I fear I will have to change this firm ruling because your Ma sure does love the car which is a show car. [It] was on exhibition in the show room in their Chicago office, and then was sent out to St. Paul. The fine painting of the car cost $60 extra, besides another charge of $20 extra for the gold stripes. The color is a beautiful maroon, and it sure has some class, that is, we think so, but perhaps it would not appeal to you, with your army ideas. You no doubt would want battleship grey or olive drab.”

Apparently, the family had also owned a Marmon automobile at one time. In the letter he told Jay that they had figured out that its mechanical issues were due to crossed wires. Upon being fixed, the car ran perfectly and George expressed his regret for having traded it in. He wrote:

“I never fully appreciated the beautiful lines it had until after it was painted, and I always claimed it was the easiest car I ever rode in because of the fine upholstering, the shape of the seats and the long wheel base.”

In 1909 the Hormels owned a White Steamer car and in 1910 they owned a Welch.

It seems that George Hormel not only valued quality in the product line that he produced but also that of other industrialists of his era.

History Happy Hour: “Dialogue with Walt Whitman”

Social at 5:30 p.m., presentation at 6 p.m.,

Monday, Oct. 8

Presented by Regional Historian, Author, and Actor Terry Mesch, Director Pepin County Historical Society. Mesch will present a monologue using only Walt Whitman’s own words giving listeners a unique perspective into the world of the famous author and poet. Light snacks included. Cash bar available. Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library. $5 nonmembers