Education of all kinds has been valued in this house since its construction.

John Cook, the home’s original inhabitant, sent his oldest son to Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York, which was a prominent business school of the era. George Hormel found value in education and learned from life experiences and from those he worked with and for. Mrs. Hormel was a music educator and the couple sent their son to Princeton University.

Community and social organizations also offer education in the form of lectures and presentations. The historic YWCA, which for years operated out of the Hormel Historic Home, offered a plethora of educational opportunities ranging from religious training to international travelogues.

In 1942, several presentations were offered. In February of that year, Miss Elizabeth Gill presented a review of two books: “Wild Geese Calling” and “Four Years in Paradise.”  May featured a talk by Mrs. W.W. Remington entitled “Colossal China and Her Philosophy.” On Oct. 20, Mrs. G.S. Nelson presented “The House of the Future.” I am not sure if those topics would attract a crowd today, but we do try to offer relevant programs that can teach, inspire, or at least entertain.

Last week, nearly 50 guests of all ages received an education on frogs, turtles and snakes in the Carriage Hall Event Center thanks to a special visit from David Stokes, popular naturalist and entertainer. Being a responsible presenter, Stokes spread a nature themed cover on the floor and soon had turtles and frogs walking and hopping around. In humor he did threaten the turtles with a time out if they wandered off the blanket. He did not allow the pumpkin snake to slither on the floor, for which I am grateful. Stokes taught the guests how to recognize different varieties of creatures and how to be safe when handling them. His love and appreciation for our Earth was evident, and with song and story he instilled his passion in the attendees.

In the last 10 years, the Hormel Historic Home has welcomed almost 6,000 people for educational events. In November we will be starting our fifth year of History Happy Hour programs. Our daytime program topics have ranged from presentations about historic collections, lifestyle and wellness strategies, military history and the work of local organizations.

George Hormel said in his autobiography, “The Open Road,”:

“I never cease to marvel at the fruits of the truly educated modern mind.” It is part of our mission to help grow your educated mind. I hope you will join us for an upcoming program soon.

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10 Year Anniversary Celebration of the Carriage Hall Event Center

2-6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8

History, food and fun with Mac & Reino, JCA, Sena Ehrhardt & Cole Allen. Free for the Community.

History Happy Hour-Event Center:  Historic Bar Bands of Austin Presented by Wendy Larson and area musicians

5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. presentation Monday, Sept. 9

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

ASD Parent/Caregiver Network-Historic Home

6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 9

Benefits of Music Therapy for those on the Autism Spectrum. Free.