We recently celebrated George A. Hormel’s birthday. He would have been 158 years old on Dec. 4.

In 1915, a special dinner was held in honor of his 55th birthday. The Austin Daily Herald reported of the celebration on Dec. 7, 1915.

“A beautiful dinner party was given Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Hormel on west Water Street, which was enjoyed by forty guests. The house, which lends itself so well to the social gatherings, was decorated throughout with southern smilax and Russel roses. Everywhere in library, music room, and dining room, the bright green of the smilax gave festive and artistic decorations, white candles and pink roses lent cheer and perfume and brightness. Dinner was served at 7:30. A long table was spread through the music room at which the hostess presided, while at the head of the dining room board, sat the host.”

We aren’t told if the guests brought gifts, but I am sure George would have liked for anything bestowed upon him to be locally sourced. I know he would approve of Austin’s recent shop local campaign identified by the Eat. Drink. Shop. Austin t-shirts that many are wearing. So please remember the Hormel Historic Home when you are looking for those unique gifts that are only available in our town.

“The Open Road, Autobiography of George A. Hormel,” available for $21.95/$27.95, was written by George Hormel in the late 1930s and early 40s. This inspirational life chronical was published in 2017. Both hard and soft cover books are available at the Hormel Historic Home as well as at Sweet Reads. Sales benefit the mission of the HHH.

With the help of several local photographers and the Smyth Company, we have created a beautiful keepsake booklet, “HHH Keepsake Booklet” ($12), that showcases the history and architectural features of the Hormel Historic Home. Enjoy the artistic eye of Whitnei Abel, Mary Landherr, John Duren, Nate Howard, and Troy Doyle and the professional printing by Smyth.

“A Fine Home on Water Street” ($10). Compiled in 2005 by Sharon Jensen, this book includes newspaper articles, photos, and family stories that share the rich Hormel family history.

“Hormel Family Band” CD (16). Recorded in 2008 by several members of the James Hormel family, the CD features classic tunes such as “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Bad Bad Leroy Brown.”

HHH engraved bud vases and wine glasses ($7). Add beauty and charm to all your entertaining.

HHH note cards ($1) each. Enjoy corresponding with friends and family while sharing a lovely picture reflecting a feature of the HHH.

Celebrate the legacy of George Hormel by stopping in to purchase a souvenir and support your local Historic Home.

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History Happy Hour-Christmas Past

5:30 p.m. Social, 6 p.m. presentation, Monday, Dec. 10

Learn about popular toys and gifts sold in Austin in the early 1900’s. Craft and cookies included. Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society; $5 for non-members