When George Hormel officially went into the meat business he was in his early teens and only did so because his wages were needed at home.

He wrote,

“I considered myself lucky to get a job as man of all work in a meat market. ‘All work’ exactly describes my duties. My day began at six o’clock. In the morning, I delivered meat and solicited orders. Afternoons and until nine at night, I helped trim bones, make sausage, dress poultry, and did whatever else my tough-talking boss could find for me to do — he always found plenty! I worked like this six days a week for ten dollars a month and board. I really was what the communists talk about, ‘wage slave’; and I would have quit my brutal and tyrannical master the day I began working for him had it not been for my desire to help out at home.”

A short time later George had the opportunity to again work with meat at his uncle Jay’s retail meat packinghouse in Chicago. In the 1870s George A. Hormel didn’t choose to become a world renowned meat packer, but when need was met with opportunity his life journey began. George took a job out of necessity but turned it into a life that fed him as well as the world. In his autobiography, “The Open Road,” the word protein is only used once. I don’t think the health benefits of protein were a motivator for George. People needed to eat and he could make that possible.

However, protein was the basis for his success so the Hormel Historic Home is participating in an event that will feature the benefits of incorporating lean healthy proteins into one’s diet. We will be one of several Passport Spots in downtown Austin during the 3rd annual Harvest Fest event sponsored by Vision 2020 and Mower ReFreshed on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event begins with the Harvest Fest 5K at 9 a.m. and is followed by events and activities throughout downtown with information booths and healthy activities like canoeing, a rock wall, healthy recipe ideas, artwork, interactive games, and more. Attendees are encouraged to visit as many passport stops as possible and earn chances to win over $1,000 in prizes.

The mission of Harvest Fest is for the community to come together and celebrate the harvest season, share and learn about the benefits of healthy food donations and connect with local businesses, organizations and groups that are helping to make our community healthier. The Hormel Historic Home event center will host presentations by Jen Haugen, registered dietitian, about the benefits of protein in the diet at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with hands-on activities until 2 p.m.

For more information and to register for the 5k, visit mowerrefreshed.org.

History Happy Hour-Traveling History Bus

5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. program, Monday, Sept. 10

Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. $5 for nonmembers.

All are invited to enjoy free snacks and a cash bar.

Harvest Fest Participant- Packed With Protein Event

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 15

Presentations for all ages by Jen Haugen, R.D., at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30. Free for all. Hands on snack making throughout event.