The Hormel Historic Home is excited to have begun the restoration of the historic kitchen in the 1871 home.

With the addition of the commercial kitchen in 2009, the need for the mostly 1990’s kitchen has lessened. Returning the space to the early 1900’s décor has been a goal of mine because it would complete the historic atmosphere of the home. Our guests already enjoy the period woodwork and furnishings of the other rooms, but seeing the kitchen has been something of a letdown as it was a typical 1990’s kitchen with modern appliances. Thanks to a donation from Gary and Pat Ray we are now in a position to create a space that is typical to the time when the Hormels lived here.

 

So far we have uncovered the floor tile dating to at least 1913. We have also discovered wood flooring and plumbing holes that lead to both questions and answers regarding the home’s construction.  The walls are covered in plaster, two shades of paint and wallpaper remnants that date back many years.

It has been both fun and challenging searching for period articles such as a sink, a stove, light fixtures and an icebox. We are still looking for some items, but have already purchased and received a beautiful icebox that was restored to its 1900’s appearance.

Ironically, I have a letter in the HHH collections dated July 17, 1933, from local attorney S.D. Catherwood to Mrs. J.G.W. Havens, the then Director of the YWCA, referring to an icebox issue. Apparently the YWCA was seeking to have the appliance electrified.

Mr. Catherwood wrote,

“A representative of the Kearns Electric Shop has called upon me several times in regard to electrifying the icebox at the Y.W. building.  I don’t know who has instigated this movement.  Neither do I know whether the proposal is one that should be considered at this time.”  He goes on to list other items being funded.

Decorating                $1450

Heat                            $805

Painting                       $260

Parapet Wall               $370

Roof repairing             $195

Total                            $3080

“All of the foregoing have been sanctioned by Mr. Hormel but as far as I know nothing has been said to him about the refrigerator expense.  Under the circumstances, would it not be more tactful to postpone electrifying the refrigerator until another season?”

Mr. and Mrs. Hormel were very generous to the YWCA and supported its basic needs.  I am not sure when they did approve modernizing the icebox, but it is now appropriate to replace our 1990 electric refrigerator with a non-electrified piece that they would approve of.

History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. presentation, Monday

The Legacy of Jesse James in Minnesota presented by Hays Scriven, Executive Director of the Northfield Historical Society. Free to members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library. $5 for nonmembers.

 Hearth & Home Series (Rescheduled)

10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 16

Truths and Myths of a Gluten Free Diet, presented by Hy-Vee Dietitian, Courtney Kremer.