There is much for which to be thankful this time of year. Although Christmas comes early at the Hormel Historic Home, I still try very hard to focus on Thanksgiving and this special time of gratitude before completely embracing the Christmas season. A few of the blessings I hold dear at the HHH are the dedicated staff, the willing volunteers, the stories within these historic walls, the beautiful environment in which I get to work, and the warmth that a space heater generates in our cold little office.

Based on a section from “A Business is Born,” a manuscript about George Hormel but with no identified author, I think Mr. Hormel would have considered the Thanksgiving of 1893 to be a very special one.

“Mr. Hormel was facing the panic of 1893, which was already being felt. Soon after he started his business, banks tightened up on loans. He had no collateral. His market and equipment at the creamery took more cash than he estimated would be necessary, and there was only a little left for business. It behooved him to do all the business he could on a quick turn-over. He was able to draw on Oberne Hosick & Co. for the purchase of hides and wool. He also arranged with R. E. Cobb, then the leading poultry man of St. Paul, to advance money for the purchase of poultry.  For Thanksgiving that year Mr. Cobb contracted to pay a certain price for all the turkeys Mr. Hormel could deliver to the railway express on a certain date.  He immediately employed the livery men to drive out in all directions from Austin to buy turkeys, and he was able to keep forty pickers busy for ten days. Mr. Cobb was overwhelmed. He didn’t think there were so many turkeys in the country. The purchase of hides and poultry gave Mr. Hormel a quick turn-over and the profit made on the side was sufficient to finance the retail market.”

Whatever it is that makes you feel grateful this season — turkeys or space heaters — I hope you will remember it and celebrate it next week.  Happy Thanksgiving from the HHH.

Champagne Brunch

11 a.m., Dec. 6

A Saturday brunch is planned for all to attend. Over 20 items will be on the buffet and mimosas will be served. More than 50 auction items will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event support the Historic Paramount Theatre and the Hormel Historic Home. If attending the Veldman Matinee, a free shuttle will be provided between the HHH and the Paramount before and after the show.

Tickets are $50 for the show and brunch and may be purchased at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Tickets for brunch only are $35 and may be purchased at the HHH.

 History Happy Hour

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8

Happy Hour-Museum Style. The Mower County Historical Society, the HHH, and the Austin Public Library present a time for history lovers to socialize and learn in a historic setting. December’s presentation will take a look at Mower County’s big band history. Peter Jacobs will also play Christmas carols and share the history of traditional music of the season.

Free for members, $5 for non-members. Cash bar and light snacks available.