I recently came across a couple holiday news articles pertaining to activities at the historic YWCA. Below is a reprint of a Saturday, Dec. 16, 1961, Austin Daily Herald article.

“A Christmas program was presented for the Collectors Club Friday afternoon at the YWCA.

It was preceded by a luncheon with the following committee in charge: Mrs. Curtis Kraby, Mr. Miles Chaffee, Mrs. George Stahl, Mrs. John Scallon, Mrs. Julia Buadler, Mrs. Warren Plunkett.

Mrs. D.A. Hormel read the story, ‘When I Was a Little Girl,’ by Mrs. Esther Carlson. It told of the life of Mrs. Carlson from the time of the family moved from the East to Minnesota at the turn of the century, her early education with her mother as the teacher, and [the] tragedy of [seasonal] blizzards at that time.

‘Christmas Decorations and Holiday Parties’ was Mrs. E.G. Anderson’s subject. She told of entertaining in other countries and native traditions and also discussed Christmas in Colonial times.”

Two items in the article caught my eye- the presence of Mrs. D.A. Hormel (Olive) and the similarity to our recent Hearth & Home series program.

Olive was married to George Hormel’s nephew, Donald, who was a Realtor in Austin. His father, Herman Hormel, ran the Hormel Provision Market on Main Street.

During Hearth & Home, Ramona Swenson told about the holiday traditions commonly observed in the Scandinavian culture. She explained the tradition of celebrating St. Lucia’s Day and described how young people in Scandinavian countries celebrate this time of year.

Another article printed in the Herald on Dec. 17, 1957, described the holiday party of the Young Matrons group who met regularly at the YWCA. “The program included a Christmas reading by Mrs. P.J. Holand and bells played by Mrs. Donald Lee, of Dexter, accompanied by Barbara Fredericks, accordionist. Santa Clause and Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Mrs. Robert Plantikow and Mrs. Dean Fossey, distributed gifts as punch and cookies were served.”

Many organizations continue to utilize the Hormel Historic Home for their holiday celebrations. They include activities such as music, games, gift exchanges, and, of course, eating. Santa often makes an appearance and much laughter and joy is shared.

It gets pretty quiet around the HHH after Christmas, but there are things to look forward to like the Austin Bridal Showcase on Jan. 24 and the Foodie Throwdown on Feb. 27.

 Hearth & Home Series

10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 5, Free

“Chauncey’s Place: A Pictorial History of Austin MN 1854-2014.” Presented by Dawn Taylor who will discuss the history of Austin with a focus on Chauncey Leverich, the city’s founder.