You wouldn’t think of January as being a big season for weddings, but at the Hormel Historic Home we are always thinking of and planning for these special celebrations. Our team at the HHH values weddings because they continue a tradition that was started many years ago when the YWCA opened its doors to couples wanting to celebrate their special day in a unique environment.

A wedding announcement in the Jan. 2, 1941 Austin Daily Herald paper described a wedding and reception held at the YWCA on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1940.

“Miss Dorothy Olinger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Olinger became the bride of Richard Lane son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Lane at a candlelight ceremony performed Tuesday morning at nine o’clock in the YWCA.”

“The rooms were decorated with palms, candelabra and floor vases of Garza pompons, heather, Talisman roses and euphorbia. The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, wore the gown worn by Mrs. Lane, mother of the bridegroom, on her 25th wedding anniversary. It was orchid Chantilly lace, made on princess lines with short puffed sleeves. She wore a crown of orchid sweet peas and carried Joanna Hill roses, orchid sweet peas and gardenias.”

“A reception for about 72 friends and relatives was held following the ceremony in the dining room at the YWCA. Centerpiece at the bridal table was of white Garza pompons and sweet peas. A wedding cake was also featured.”

There are actually eight more newspaper announcements like this saved in the scrapbook from 1941. If you or someone you know was married or had a reception at the HHH in the past, we’d love to hear about it.  We have several photos of couples but are always looking for ways to showcase the special ways in which the house has been used in history.

Flowers, cakes, dresses-these were and still are details that make a wedding something to talk about. That is why the Hormel Historic Home offers a stress-free opportunity for bridal couples to meet with vendors and plan their day. This year’s Wedding & Event Showcase will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21.

Nearly 30 venders will feature their unique services and take the stress out of planning. Planning an anniversary or reunion? You’ll want to attend this event as well. Do all your planning in one place, in one day.

 Hearth & Home Series: Making Lobster Bisque with Jack Erwin

10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16

Free event.

Wedding and Event Showcase

Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21

Plan your wedding or special event from start to finish. Visit with vendors such as DJ’s, photographers, caterers, and more. Prize drawings and complimentary champagne upon entry. $5 per person, free for HHH members.