By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

“The Fine Home on Water Street: A history of the George A. and Lillian Hormel Family and Their Life at 208 Water Street, Now the Hormel Historic Home.” This is the lengthy title for a book full of historical accounts of the Hormel’s life and the Hormel Home that was created by Sharon Jensen, long-time supporter of the facility and the Y’s Women.

The book was originally compiled in 2005, and in it’s acknowledgments it states that “Mrs. Jensen is not a historian by trade but she approached the project with passion, integrity and dedication, and we appreciate her efforts.”

In 2010, the publication was updated with a new cover and revised, and in 2013 Mrs. Jensen applied to have this edition accepted into the library of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C.

She has recently received confirmation that her application was approved.  An active member in the D.A.R. organization, she thought it would be appropriate to place the book there, as Lillian Hormel was also a member.

Mrs. Hormel joined the Red Cedar Chapter of the D.A.R. on Feb. 6, 1925. Because her Patriot, (ancestor) Samuel Rice, had served in the Revolutionary War, Mrs. Hormel was qualified to be a member.

The following is a portion of an article that appeared in the Austin Daily Herald on Oct. 27, 1927. This article commemorates the presentation of the Hormel Home by Mrs. Hormel to the Y.W.C.A. and her involvement in the D.A.R.:

“At three o’clock (on the day of the presentation) the local chapter of the D.A.R., of which Mrs. Hormel is a member, came in a body to the home. Mrs. Havens (Y.W.C.A. President) called an executive session of the Y.W.C.A. Board and called on Regent Mrs. H.W. Hurlbut, who presented Mrs. Hormel with a life membership card in the Y.W.C.A., showing the appreciation of the D.A.R., for the splendid gift to Austin and Mower County’s women and girls. A life membership is $100, and this amount was given to President Mrs. Havens, to be used in the creation of an endowment fund.”

According to their website, “the DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. “

Many thanks go to Mrs. Jensen for ensuring that the history of the Hormel family will now be preserved in print in the D.A.R. library.  Copies of the book are available for $10 at the Hormel Historic Home.

September: Membership Party month

All members are invited to stop in for coffee and a treat during regular business hours.

Peer Power Partners Community Presentation

6:30 to 8 p.m., Oct. 7, at the Hormel Historic Home

This free presentation will introduce a new program starting in Austin developed to be a mentoring program model which partners youth with special needs and same aged peers to promote friendships, understanding and advocacy.

Social Concerns

Oct. 15

Randy Kramer, a certified financial planner, will be presenting on Responsible Charitable Giving. Explained in plain English, he will discuss who, what, when, where, how and how much — issues surrounding charitable giving.

The event is free and coffee and snack will be provided. Please give us a call to let us know you are planning to attend. Call 507-433-4243 for more information.

The event is free and coffee and snack will be provided. Please give us a call to let us know you are planning to attend. 507-433-4243.