Seventy-six years ago, Bruno Richard Hauptman was found guilty of kidnapping and killing the Lindbergh baby on Feb. 13, 1935. In what was known as the “Crime of the Century,” Hauptman allegedly abducted 20-month-old Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr. on March 1, 1932.

The boy’s body was found two months later near the Lindbergh home in East Amwell, New Jersey. He died of a massive skull fracture. Hauptman, who maintained his innocence, was executed by electric chair at the New Jersey State Prison on April 3, 1936.

The tragedy was notable in that the Lindberg family had been targeted because of their wealth and fame. It surely made an impression on the Hormel family, then nationally known for owning and operating George A. Hormel& Co Meatpacking.

In 1932, when the crime occurred, George and Lillian Hormel were living in California. Jay C. and Germaine Hormel lived in Austin in their mansion east of Austin, now known as Gerard. The Hormels had two boys at that time: Geordie (age 3) and Tom (age 2). Their youngest son, Jim, would be born in 1933.

Many locals remember that the Hormel family took precautions to keep their children safe including a bodyguard escort to elementary school each day.

This week at the HHH

Monday: Floral Club, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Social Concerns. Yes, that Really Happened: Humorous Stories from Mower County History, 11 a.m.; Board of Trustees, 4 p.m.