The Woolworth’s store on Austin’s Main Street lives on in the memories of many residents. The first store opened in 1937. Twenty-six years later a major remodeling project was carried out. Some of the details from an article in the Austin Daily Herald on Sept. 6, 1963:

“Austin’s new Woolworth Store will be open for business about the middle of October, C. W. Wilson, store manager said today…

Wilson, who has been assigned temporarily to the firm’s store in Albert Lea, returned to managerial duties in Austin this week. He said that Del Aharam, St. Cloud, previously assigned to the Milwaukee store, has moved here and will begin work as assistant manager.

Two former employees, Mrs. Inga Larson, stock clerk, and Mrs. Marion Waldron, bookkeeper, came back to work here this week…

The old Woolworth store was closed Jan. 26 and the building torn down. The new, modern, fireproof structure will have two selling floors, a lunch counter, and a floor for offices, stockrooms and public restrooms.

Wilson left here Feb. 4 and has been working in Albert Lea, except for a period in June when he assisted in opening a new Woolworth store in Fergus Falls.

“That store was very similar to our new one in Austin, and I gained a lot of valuable experience there,” he said…

Wilson said that he was especially proud of the new 48-seat lunch counter. He said only two other Woolworth stores in a six-state area would feature such modern equipment.”

Coming soon to the HHH

•Home for the Holidays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 8-10. Join us for the 25th annual event at the Hormel Historic Home with 16 areas decorated by local merchants and collectors. Check out nine new vendors this year with inspiration for your holiday decorating. Ticket is $9 in advance, $10 at the door and includes our famous Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce and coffee. Lunch is also available for an additional charge.

•Harris Piano Competition Concert: 4 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Free concert to hear the top 8 finalists from the Harris Piano Competition followed immediately by awards ceremony.

•Social Concerns: Benefits of Yoga: 10 a.m. on Nov. 20. Sign up to attend at 433-4243.