Lots of talk about weddings occurs this time of year. The Hormel Historic Home held its sixth annual Austin Wedding Showcase last weekend, and more than 60 brides (and a few grooms) were here in search of services that will make their special day an unforgettable one.

We also recently welcomed our faithful friends MarySue Hormel Harris and Anabeth Hormel Cox, granddaughters of Ben F. Hormel (George’s youngest brother). You have read lots about them and their visits to Austin, but I couldn’t pass on another opportunity to acknowledge them and their continued support of the HHH.

This time they brought a couple more generations of Hormel descendants: MarySue’s son, Ben, and Anabeth’s grandson, Sam Stacy. Sam shared his incredible musical talent by playing guitar and singing during a free concert, and his great-aunt MarySue entertained with a couple selections on the piano. More than 40 people attended to hear them play.

Combining the two themes of weddings and Ben F. Hormel, I have included Ben’s wedding announcement as printed in the July 4, 1906 Austin Daily Herald.

“Miss Flora Mae Kaufmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kaufmann and Benjamin F. Hormel of Austin were married at high noon Thursday June 28 at the home of the bride’s parents in Tracy, Minnesota. Only the immediate families of the bride and groom were present. The bride wore her going away gown and was unattended. Rev. William Henry Hormel of Ottumwa, Iowa brother of the groom officiated. Mrs. George Hormel of Austin played the wedding march. The ceremony was performed in an alcove in the parlor, under a large wedding bell of asparagus ferns. The other decorations were roses and smilax. After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served and the bride and groom left on the 1:50 train for Minneapolis and the lakes. The groom and his winsome bride will be at home after July 15th, in the C.J. Sargent house on Mill Street in this city. Both are very popular here where they have lived for years.” Mill Street is now Third Ave. NW so Ben and Flora would have lived very close to brother George on Water Street (now Fourth Ave. NW).

We had another exciting week at the HHH. Weddings and Hormel family member visits are special occasions to celebrate.

 History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m., Feb. 9

John Haymond will present on the U.S. Dakota War of 1862. Free to members of the HHH, the Mower County Historical Society, and the Friends of the Library. $5 for non-members. Light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available.

 Valentine’s Day Concert:

Hot Blues and Sweet Desserts

Feb. 14

Acoustic Duo Sena Ehrhardt and Cole Allen will perform with guest artist, Ken Valdez. Dessert bar included. Tickets are $25 each. Doors open at 7:30.

 Social Concerns:

The Value of a Musical Education

10 a.m., Feb. 17

Presented by Brad Mariska, Austin High School band director. This is a free event, refreshments served. Please call to reserve a seat.