We’re taking a break from exploring the big names in Austin history to go back to the Cy Thomson story.

Readers Ron and Lois Peters were able to track down Thomson’s obituary from the Montana Standard. Thomson’s given name was Ransom but he was known as “Cy” in Austin and he went by “Rance” in Boulder, Mont. and later Butte, Mont. where he moved after being released from Stillwater prison in the mid 1930s.

From the Jan. 17, 1955, Montana Standard:

“Rance J. Thomson, 68, of 241 E. Broadway, Grand Hotel clerk, was stricken and died suddenly Sunday evening in his home. Mr. Thomson had been at his duties Saturday.

Mr. Thomson came here four years ago. He was a native of Iowa, where he was born in 1886.

The body is in the Daly-Shea Mortuary, where arrangements are pending.

Mr. Thomson is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Thomson of Butte, sister-in-law, Mrs. John S. Hopkins of Butte; brother, Harry Thomson of Minneapolis; brothers-in-law and sisters, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Brocon of LeRoy, Minn., and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Terry of Austin, Minn., and two grandchildren, Howard and Deanna Thomson of Butte.”

The Peters also brought me a copy of Thomson’s death certificate which lists the cause of death as “Heart Coronary?” and states that his wife, Maude Thomson, was deceased.

This Week at the HHH

Monday: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Hormel Family, presented by Laura Helle and Dustin Heckman, director of the Mower County Historical Society at 7 p.m. at the HHH. This presentation is free to members of the HHH or MCHS and $5 to non-members. Register at the HHH office at 433-4243.

October 29: Kids Costume Dance and Spooky Mansion Tour from 3 to 5 p.m. $1 admission, concessions available. Costume contest at 4 p.m. Hosted by the HHH and Mower County 4-H Ambassadors; Haunted House from 8 to 11 p.m., $5 admission. Rated PG-13. Hosted by the HHH and Mower County 4-H Ambassadors.

Coming Soon to the HHH

New: Home For The Holidays on Nov. 10, 11 and 12 featuring 20 areas decorated for the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve—and a salute to Veterans. Tickets are $7 and include our famous Cranberry Cake and Butter Sauce. Friday evening will feature live music and a holiday dinner by Hy-Vee Catering. Saturday will offer two trend demonstrations, included in the ticket price. Please go to www.hormelhistorichome.org for much more information.