By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

Why is music so important at the HHH?

Because it was important to the Hormel family.  It is widely known that many of the Hormel family members were musically inclined and that Lillian was a music teacher when George A. met her.  We have several pictures showing the Hormels gathered around a piano — all with smiling faces.

In Three Men and a Business George describes a time during his youth when music was a regular occurrence. Following their nightly reading and discussing of the Bible George’s father, John, would say to the family “Now how about a little music?”  He continues, “When I was a little fellow Father bought me a mouth harp which I thought quite grand.  Later, I graduated to a harmonica on which I became fairly expert.  But as the family grew up, he acquired more sophisticated instruments for our use.  My brother Herman played the violin; Susan the guitar; and most of the others learned to play the piano.  Everybody sang.  And Father, his bearded face wreathed in smiles, joined in the singing or listened to the lovely old American and European folksongs he loved so well.  Whenever he listened to music, he appeared to be enjoying the height of happiness.”

This appreciation of music was handed down to all of the Hormel children. Many generations have made it a hobby or a profession including Ben Hormel’s granddaughter, MarySue Hormel Harris.  Because of her affinity for the family history and her passion for music she gives the HHH a grant so we may offer music programs for the community.  We are grateful for her generosity and are excited about what we have to offer in 2013.

Families will want to join us in the garden on June 19 for a repeat visit by KooKooKangaRoo.  The Austin Community Jazz Band will entertain for the second year on July 1.  On July 11, Snapdragon Seeds will bring a fun, upbeat children’s educational music project to the HHH. Karibuni, an African Quartet featuring music from the Congo and Central Africa will perform on July 25. These concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. I am sure the weather will cooperate with us on these dates, but if not, the concerts will take place in our banquet area.

Our funding also allows us to offer special programs for youth with a Kids Korner concert, a drum workshop and the Piano Competition to be held in November.  Music appreciation is an important part of the mission of the HHH so mark your calendars and join in on the fun.

 Wednesday, June 19 6:30 p.m.

First of four free Garden Concerts in 2013. For the second year Twin Cities duo KooKooKangaRoo will perform their energetic blend of the Beastie Boys and Sesame Street. This will be fun for the entire family.