I have been talking about the variety of people that visit the Hormel Historic Home today.

We recently welcomed a youth group from the Steele County 4-H Club and before that we had a Red Hat group from South Dakota.

 In 1906 another visitor spent about five weeks in the Hormel family home. The Rev. William A. Sunday, commonly known as Billy, brought his evangelistic program to the people of Austin. Having gained some fame as a baseball player, Sunday turned his passion to preaching after he became a Christian in 1887. He attended the Jefferson Presbyterian Church in Chicago where he met his future wife Nell Thompson. He gave up his baseball career in 1891 and his journey in ministry began.

 Being from Iowa, Sunday spent the first 12 years of his new career sharing his message primarily in Iowa and Illinois. Sunday referred to these towns as the “kerosene circuit” because, unlike Chicago, most were not yet electrified.

 A measure of success for Sunday’s programs was how many people were converted to Christianity after hearing him preach. According to the Austin Daily Herald, during his time in Austin, Sunday brought 1,388 people to Christ. George Hormel was one of those people on Easter Sunday, 1906, according to a letter written by his sister.

 Lizzie wrote of George’s response to Rev. Sunday’s invitation to come forward as a public proclamation of his faith. She said:

“George has now taken a definite stand-everybody here knows that his business is run on Christian principals and his life has been above reproach but taking this stand in the presence of such an audience will add much to his influence.”

She continued, saying that George had originally been confirmed on Easter Sunday when he was 13-years-old so that it was fitting that he renewed his vow on the same day 32 years later at the age of 45.

 The Hormel’s were generous in sharing their home and undoubtedly were proud to host the famous evangelist during his time in Austin.

In October we will welcome a tour group from the Viroqua Gospel Music Association. I think both Mr. Hormel and Mr. Sunday would approve of and enjoy these future visitors.

 JCA, Jamie and Cody Acoustic

6:30 p.m., Thursday

Local favorite known for their former association with SEEDS in an acoustic show for your listening pleasure. Some of Jamie’s originals, some favorite SEEDS covers and plenty of fresh material just for fun.

 The Jolly Huntsmen

6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 27

 Performing since 1961, The Jolly Huntsmen will bring high quality German polka music to Austin. Enjoy authentic, fun and entertaining music and dancing.