Ahead is a special week of music at the Hormel Historic Home.

You may know that we are able to host many wonderful music opportunities due to the support and generosity of MarySue Hormel Harris. However, what means the most to us is that Ms. Harris has faith in our organization to invest her donation in ways that impact the community.

In 2018 we hosted 13 concerts, donated space for musical events, and held the sixth annual Harris Music Contest. We made donations to local school music programs and we sponsored music endeavors for other organizations. Plans are being made for another music-filled year in 2019 and we hope to see you at an upcoming event.

MarySue has always had a passion for music as have many other Hormel family descendants. George A. Hormel played the jaw harp. Lillian was a music teacher. Their son, Jay, played many instruments and sang in church programs.

Jay’ s sons were all musical. Geordie started the Zephyr record label and the Village Recorder in Los Angeles in addition to performing in many musical capacities at a variety of locations. Tom has written countless compositions and was recently honored when one piece, Legend of Bird Mountain, was performed by the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Jim recorded a CD with a few family members that featured his voice and talent on the piano, ukulele and banjo.

Musical passion has continued through many of the younger Hormel family generations including Sam Stacy, grandson of Anabeth Hormel Cox, who has played at the Hormel Historic Home on two occasions.

The YWCA carried on the Hormel family’ s interest in music as most of their events had a music component included. In May of 1942, the YWCA presented a forum entitled “Music Appreciation and its Necessary Place in Our Lives.”

The Austin Daily Herald reported that: “Mrs. Reuben Strand discussed the essentials and types of music, naming rhythm, melody and harmony as the three essentials. Mrs. Strand placed all music in four categories …As illustrations of the various types she played recordings of “In a Chinese Temple” by Ketelbey, “Garotte,” by Beethoven, “Afternoon of a Fawn” by Debussy and “William Tell Overture” by Rossini and recordings of folk music, art songs and operatic numbers.”

Please join us for a reception at 4 p.m. on Tuesday as we welcome MarySue and her family to Austin. Ironically, MarySue will entertain us by playing a selection of Debussy pieces. Join us in showing her our gratitude for her interest in seeing music add to the culture and quality of life in Austin.

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What’s happening at the HHH

Reception to welcome MarySue Hormel Harris and her family

• 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29
• Enjoy refreshments and the musical entertainment of MarySue.

Duets and Desserts

• 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31
• Bring a musical partner and play for fun in the historic living room. Refreshments included. Free

Harris Music Contest Awards Concert

• 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2
• Free at the Paramount Theatre.