With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I dug out this story about World War I, which ended with a ceasefire on November 11, 1918. This was first published in 2007:

Perhaps a sense of unity again prevailed by Nov. 29, 1918 when Austin celebrated a “Victory Thanksgiving.” This description of the day comes from an Austin Herald article.

“A year ago things looked dark for this old world of ours. Civilization and humanity were all but crushed by the Hun and his war machine. This holiday found the Hun crushed… Thanksgiving dawn came this year to Austin to find the earth white with snow. Yet, of a city of 10,000 people, only 2, 500 assembled to offer praise for the greatest victory that had come to the American soldier and his Allied comrades in arms. It was the greatest that had ever been celebrated in Austin. Eight of the protestant churches of Austin set aside their religious differences and forgot for the nonce their creeds, and united for a service at the Methodist Church. The interior was profusely hung with American flags, and across the quarter rail hung the flags of our Allies. St. Augustine Church, that seats 1,000 people, was crowded by worshippers at their Thanksgiving patriotic service.”

Thursday: Office closed — Thanksgiving

Friday: Office closed — Thanksgiving

Coming soon to the HHH

Paramount Presents “5 by Design”

Plan to attend the Radio Holly-Days show by vocal group 5 by Design at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, Dec. 16 and enjoy a dinner package at the Hormel Historic Home before the show.

The VIP package is $45 per person and includes your show ticket ($15) and a unique chef-created multi-course dinner at the HHH before the show. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. A shuttle will be provided to the theater, or take the short stroll to the Paramount if the weather permits. The Radio Holly-Days show will feature 1930s and 1940s-era holiday hits including classics by Bing, the Andrew Sisters, Betty Grable and Glenn Miller—heartwarming music that made Christmas special to the boys overseas during World War II. Purchase your VIP Package through the Paramount box office at 434-0934.

 Meet “Mr. Vegas Man” for Holiday Show

The HHH and the Austin Public Library will present a free show to the public to celebrate the fun of the holiday season.

Entertainer Mr. Vegas Man will appear at the HHH on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The “Sensational Christmas Holiday Show” is free and open to the public with no registration required.

Mr. Vegas Man will present songs from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s including some sing-along tunes. His Las-Vegas-style act will also inject comedy and impressions into the musical fun.