You may know that the view from my office window allows me to enjoy the garden and all its seasonal changes. I also see walkers, runners, strollers, and life going on in Austin. It’s a great view, usually. However, last week I kept my window blinds closed for most of one day. I didn’t want to see Brad Lee, of Brad’s Tree Service, toppling the stately old pine that was leaning ever closer toward the historic home. The tough (and very sentimental) decision was made to remove the tree as it was losing branches and posing a threat to the architecture of the house.

We have no record of when the tree was planted, but it had stood for many years as a part of the lovely landscape. With pictures and some remaining wood, we will remember the tree, but now we won’t worry through every storm wondering if it would withstand the elements. When I did open my window blind that day, I saw that the area around the tree was large, open, and full of potential. We are now in a garden development stage and hope to enhance the area for the enjoyment of all.

Just a few days after the tree removal, I was watching a very large crew of roofers begin the process of replacing shingles on our historic structure and the event center. Those same storms that made us worry about the tree caused damage to the roof, so we had it replaced. The Hormel Historic Home mission states that we will preserve the home of the George A. and Lillian Hormel family, and we are bound by that declaration.

Soon, I hope we will be seeing concrete and masonry work being done at the front entrance to the home as the sidewalk and brick pedestals are in need of repair. The pedestals are decaying and the concrete has cracked in several areas. For aesthetics and safety the area needs attention. All this work is made possible by grants and donations, and we are grateful for the generous support of many.

Change and progress are sometimes messy, and sometimes inconvenient, but they are also necessary for long term preservation. Please excuse our mess while we make some updates and keep your local historic house museum in a condition of which you can be proud.

What’s Happening at the HHH

Harvest Fest Participant-Packed with Protein Event

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. , Saturday, Sept. 15

Presentations for all ages by Jen Haugen, R.D., at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Hands on snack making throughout event. Free for all.