Last July I wrote about the time Billy Sunday visited Austin 1906. I am now excited to announce that Craig Bishop, author and speaker, will be presenting his research about Sunday’s life and career during our History Happy Hour event at 6 p.m. on Monday. His presentation is titled “The Baseball Evangelist” and will chronicle Sunday’s journey from an orphanage in small town Iowa to becoming the friend of several U.S. presidents.

In a letter written by Alpha Eberhart to his parents, the impact that the visiting evangelist had on the residents of Austin was evident. Eberhart wrote:

“At a men’s meeting this afternoon Mr. Hormel and I went forward and publicly declared thereby to live a Christian life to the best of our ability in a meeting of Sunday. There were 3000 men there and a number followed our example. I have attended almost every meeting for the past four weeks and have heard more sermons in that time than for the last fifteen years.”

George’s sister, Lizzie, wrote a similar account to her own parents telling them of George’s public acceptance.

A full page article from the April 16, 1906, Austin Daily Herald, described a beautiful Easter Sunday and Billy Sunday’s success in converting people to a life of Christian faith. The writer said that:

“… the wake of that special day [Easter] left a trail of blessings and benediction such as Austin had never before knowm. It was a day which will long be recalled in the Easters which shall follow.”

I hope your Easter holiday is filled with whatever it is that makes you recall the things that are of importance to you.

Happy Easter!

In recognition of April’s designation of Autism Awareness Month, the Hormel Historic Home is offering a variety of opportunities for you to become more familiar with and engage with those who are impacted by an ASD diagnosis.

ASD Parent/Caregiver Network Event

6-7:30 p.m., Monday, April 2

Meet Mary Barinka, Community Autism Resource Specialist, and connect with other families affected by autism. Area resources will be on hand to answer questions about services available. Free event and includes taco bar. Childcare available with pre-arrangement. Register by e-mailing autism@hormelhistorichome.org

Pizza Ranch Tip Night for Autism Camps

4:30-8 p.m., Thursday, April 12

Support the Hormel Historic Home Autism programming by dining at Pizza Ranch. Campers and their families will be onsite to describe the camps.

Stepping Out for Autism Walk

1-3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 22

at the HHH Peace Garden

Walk-Donate-Sponsor-Support

Register at www.hormelhistorichome.org/autism-programming.html or at the Hormel Historic Home office. Deadline for walk day t-shirt delivery is April 12. Enjoy music, photo booth, Lego hunt, raffle drawings, and pizza.