Hormel Historic Home: Wisdom to be handed down
Published 5:56 am Saturday, October 19, 2019
Holly Johnson
In 1909, George Hormel wrote a heartfelt letter to his son, Jay, who was enrolled at Shattuck Academy in Faribault, Minnesota. Jay was 17 at the time and in his final years of high school at the Episcopal/military boarding school. At today’s rate of transportation, Faribault is only about an hour away, but 110 years ago it probably seemed a lot longer.
My husband and I are currently in a similar phase as our oldest son started at the University of Minnesota at Duluth in August. The words of wisdom we want to share with him cover a range of topics, and we are trying to dole them out at appropriate times. It’s a new chapter for us and for our son, so I can empathize with the message and lessons that George sent to Jay.
“It behooves anyone to be modest and ordinary-show what you can do and say nothing about it. Action speaks louder than words.”
“Was pleased to hear your voice over the phone. No doubt by this time you have gotten over your homesick period and are reconciled to you position. It makes your ma weep when I tell her she must be without her darling boy six years if you go through the University. It seems a long time, but the years will pass quickly.”
“Hope you will take plenty of exercise, be careful not to get all perspiration and then sit down to cool off, get chilled and catch cold. If you can take a bath after exercising and take a good rubbing you will be benefited. Will be pleased to see good reports in your studies. Don’t neglect your church duties and you always will be happy.”
“A clear thought, a clear mind, and a clear heart and body will make you a blessing to your fellow men.”
These words follow the pattern of advice that George offered to Jay while the young man was serving in World War I. As parents we worry, we anguish, and we second guess.
We try to instill every good lesson into our children in hopes they will live up to their potential and thrive. George and Lillian were normal parents and good parents, and I can relate to Lillian’s missing her son.
History Happy Hour: 100 Year Anniversary Of the Volstead Act
5:30 p.m. Social/6 p.m. Presentation, Monday, Oct. 21
Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, or Friends of the Library. $5 for nonmembers.
Kids Music In Motion
10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26
Featuring music and activities with the Austin High School Marching Band. Appropriate for ages 2-10. Free.
Also enjoy trick or treating in downtown Austin from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
