What do Walt Whitman, Shakespeare and George Hormel have in common?  George Hormel stated that he gained an appreciation for poetry and the writing of Shakespeare during his coming of age period in Chicago.  He doesn’t specifically mention Whitman, but since Whitman is considered a latter-day successor to Shakespeare (according to poetryfoundation.org), I feel George might have found his writing enjoyable on a cold evening spent by the fireplace.  Whitman grew up in Brooklyn and received limited formal education. His occupational pursuits during his lifetime included printer, schoolteacher, reporter, and editor.  He evidently explored a variety of life paths, much like George Hormel did.
 
Why do I bring this up?  At the next installment of History Happy Hour on Monday, October 8, guests will enjoy a “Dialogue with Walt Whitman” Presented by Regional Historian, Author, and Actor Terry Mesch, Director Pepin County Historical Society.  Mesch will present a monologue using Walt Whitman’s own words to give listeners a unique perspective into the world of the famous author and poet. 
 
I recently found a poem describing the wide array of activities the YWCA of 1942 was a part of and feel excerpts from it are still relevant to the Hormel Historic Home mission today.
 
“Listen, my friends, and you shall hear
Our problems classed as real and queer.
They’ll make you know without a doubt
Some of the things the ‘Y’ is about.
 
Who comes to the ‘Y’, did you say?
Home makers, board women, maidens gay,
Industrial girls, business girls, too
All stand ready their bit to do.
 
Banquets and breakfast, hikes and roasts,
Are some of the times of which we boast.
Clubs, classes, Red Cross, too
Are a few of the other things we do.
 
Visitors come from East to West
To sleep or wait or simply rest.
They likewise come from South and North
To be informed ‘ere venturing forth.
 
And so each day the ‘Y’ meets the needs
of girls and women of various creeds.
It’s filled a big place for many years through,
Which prove that you need the ‘Y’ and the ‘Y’ needs you.”
 
The poetry of Walt Whitman, which has been described as being “influenced by the long cadences and rhetorical strategies of Biblical poetry” is sure to inspire more than the verses above, but I hope the ode to the YWCA gives you insight into the past and present functions of the Hormel Historic Home.
 
 
Upcoming Events:
 
MONDAY, Oct. 8 – History Happy Hour
“Dialogue with Walt Whitman” Presented by Regional Historian, Author, and Actor Terry Mesch, Director Pepin County Historical Society.
Social at 5:30 p.m. Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
Light snacks included ~ Cash bar available
Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library
$5 nonmembers
 
Saturday, Oct. 13 – Kids’ Music in Motion
Enjoy the music of Todd Mention while engaging in interactive activities led by SarahLynn Zavoral.
10 a.m. Doors open; 10:30 a.m. Music
$2 per child ages 2-12; FREE for History for Half Pints Members
Snack included.
 
Saturday, Oct. 13 – Musician Master Class
12:30 -1:30 p.m. FREE
Public is invited to hear Peggy Reich, professional pianist, discuss the Romantic age of music with the help of student performers.
 
Monday, Oct. 15 – Community Presentation sponsored by Peer Power Partners, Community Against Bullying and the Hormel Historic Home
6:30-7:30 p.m. –FREE
David Flood, Motivational Speaker will present "How to Model Behavior with Young People to Keep Them Connected, Safe, Engaged and Included"
 
 

The mission of the Hormel Historic Home is pretty broad which allows us to be a part of many different initiatives.  In a nutshell, we share the Hormel family legacy through hospitality, music, and education.  Nine years ago that education element incorporated autism support into our programming.  There was an identified need for more services for young people on the autism spectrum, and we had the space, the passionate people, and the financial support to try and meet that need.  What began as a desire to be a resource for families needing support for their children in the summer has now expanded into wanting to be a resource that helps our entire community and other communities become Autism Friendly and Sensory Sensitive.
 
You may know that we hired Mary Barinka just over a year ago to serve as the Community Autism Resource Specialist.  Her position is evolving as needs and gaps are discovered but her initial goals were as follows:
 
Educating parents and community through workshops, trainings and presentations.
Informing with effective marketing and promotion tools.
Collaborating with service providers, local businesses and organizations to connect those in need of services with a service provider, identify current unmet needs and future needs and develop innovative ways to meet those needs.
Consulting with and assisting individual families in advocating for their child with ASD.
 
In a short time Mary has qualified 18 Austin businesses/service providers as Autism Friendly and Sensory Sensitive.  These organizations make a commitment to learning about and understanding autism but they aren’t asked to change their entire operating structure.  Awareness and understanding are the biggest keys to serving those with special processing needs.  All Autism Friendly Austin locations are given a Tool Kit containing tangible tools that can help a person on the spectrum be more comfortable in a situation.  Simple compassion and understanding and a few manipulatives can make a big impact on a person with autism.
 
Mary has helped families with newly diagnosed children navigate their complicated journey.  We have started bi-monthly ASD Parent/Caregiver network events meant to connect and educate people.  We’ve expanded our monthly respite opportunities and we are formulating plans to reach adults with autism in our community.
 
Our mission is broad but our goals are specific.  We saw a need and we are trying to meet it.  Looking back, that’s kind of what the Hormel’s did.  When the YWCA needed a larger more permanent space, they were given a home.  When the Girl Scouts needed a place to gather a room was added on for them.  Austin is full of people and organizations striving to meet needs, and with passion, people and resources great things can happen.  Thanks to all who had a hand in starting the autism programming at the Hormel Historic Home, to those who have kept it going, and to those who will continue helping us find ways to improve the lives of others.
 
For a complete list of Autism Friendly Locations or to learn more visit our website at www.hormelhistorichome.org/autism-programming.


Upcoming Events:
 
MONDAY, Oct. 8 – History Happy Hour
“Dialogue with Walt Whitman” Presented by Regional Historian, Author, and Actor Terry Mesch, Director Pepin County Historical Society.
Mesch will present a monologue using only Walt Whitman’s own words giving listeners a unique perspective into the world of the famous author and poet.
Social at 5:30 p.m. Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
Light snacks included ~ Cash bar available
Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library
$5 nonmembers
 
Saturday, Oct. 13 – Kids’ Music in Motion
Enjoy the music of Todd Mention while engaging in interactive activities led by SarahLynn Zavoral.
10 a.m. Doors open; 10:30 a.m. Music
$2 per child ages 2-12; FREE for History for Half Pints Members
Snack included.
 
Saturday, Oct. 13 – Musician Master Class
12:30 -1:30 p.m. FREE
Public is invited to hear Peggy Reich, professional pianist, discuss the Romantic age of music with the help of student performers.
 
Monday, Oct. 15 – Community Presentation sponsored by Peer Power Partners, Community Against Bullying and the Hormel Historic Home
6:30-7:30 p.m. –FREE
David Flood, Motivational Speaker will present "How to Model Behavior with Young People to Keep Them Connected, Safe, Engaged and Included"
 

I have previously written about the cars the Hormel family owned, but I recently found reference to another car they purchased in 1918. 
 
On June 17, 1918 George Hormel wrote a letter to his son Jay who was in France serving during WWI.  In the letter he detailed the purchase of a new Packard.
 
“Our new Packard was delivered to us Saturday morning, and about 11 o’clock your mother and I got chummy and took the Chummy Roadster to the lake, and it sure drove down fine.  I kept warning your mother for several weeks before I got the car that she would not be permitted to drive it because she was always a little close about my driving the other car. I was particular to inform her that I wanted the car always handy when needed so that I could pick up and run over town, or down to the Dam, or over to the Mill where work is going on at a moment’s notice.  But the car runs so lightly and is easily handled I fear I will have to change this firm ruling because your Ma sure does love the car which is a show car.  [It] was on exhibition in the show room in their Chicago office, and then was sent out to St. Paul.  The fine painting of the car cost $60 extra, besides another charge of $20 extra for the gold stripes.  The color is a beautiful maroon, and it sure has some class, that is, we think so, but perhaps it would not appeal to you, with your army ideas.  You no doubt would want battleship grey or olive drab.”
 
Apparently the family had also owned a Marmon automobile at one time.  In the letter he told Jay that they had figured out that its mechanical issues were due to crossed wires.  Upon being fixed, the car ran perfectly and George expressed his regret for having traded it in.  He wrote, “I never fully appreciated the beautiful lines it had until after it was painted, and I always claimed it was the easiest car I ever rode in because of the fine upholstering, the shape of the seats and the long wheel base.”
 
In 1909 the Hormels owned a White Steamer car and in 1910 they owned a Welch. 
 
It seems that George Hormel not only valued quality in the product line that he produced but also that of other industrialists of his era.


Upcoming Events:
 
MONDAY, Oct. 8 – History Happy Hour
“Dialogue with Walt Whitman” Presented by Regional Historian, Author, and Actor Terry Mesch, Director Pepin County Historical Society.
Mesch will present a monologue using only Walt Whitman’s own words giving listeners a unique perspective into the world of the famous author and poet.
Social at 5:30 p.m. Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
Light snacks included ~ Cash bar available
Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library
$5 nonmembers

You may know that the view from my office window allows me to enjoy the garden and all its seasonal changes.  I also see walkers, runners, strollers, and life going on in Austin.  It’s a great view, usually.  However, last week I kept my window blinds closed for most of one day. I didn’t want to see Brad Lee, of Brad’s Tree Service, toppling the stately old pine that was leaning ever closer toward the historic home.  The tough (and very sentimental) decision was made to remove the tree as it was losing branches and posing a threat to the architecture of the house. 
 
We have no record of when the tree was planted, but it had stood for many years as a part of the lovely landscape.  With pictures and some remaining wood, we will remember the tree, but now we won’t worry through every storm wondering if it would withstand the elements.  When I did open my window blind that day, I saw that the area around the tree was large, open, and full of potential.  We are now in a garden development stage and hope to enhance the area for the enjoyment of all.
 
Just a few days after the tree removal, I was watching a very large crew of roofers begin the process of replacing shingles on our historic structure and the event center.  Those same storms that made us worry about the tree caused damage to the roof, so we had it replaced.  The Hormel Historic Home mission states that we will preserve the home of the George A. and Lillian Hormel family, and we are bound by that declaration. 
 
Soon, I hope we will be seeing concrete and masonry work being done at the front entrance to the home as the sidewalk and brick pedestals are in need of repair.  The pedestals are decaying and the concrete has cracked in several areas.  For aesthetics and safety the area needs attention.  All this work is made possible by grants and donations, and we are grateful for the generous support of many. 
 
Change and progress are sometimes messy, and sometimes inconvenient, but they are also necessary for long term preservation.  Please excuse our mess while we make some updates and keep your local historic house museum in a condition of which you can be proud.


Upcoming Events:
 
Saturday, September 15
Harvest Fest Participant-Packed With Protein Event
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FREE for all
Presentations for all ages by Jen Haugen, R.D., at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.
Hands on snack making throughout event.

Did you know that Jay C. Hormel played football?  The only reason I know this is because we have two photos identifying him as part of a team in 1903.  I have been searching for more information about his involvement, but haven’t found anything relevant to him in the papers.  Was he a player, a manager, or just an enthusiast?  We may not ever know what his role was on the field, but during my research I found scores and recaps and a friendly bit about an Austin-Lanesboro match up.
 
From the Mower County Transcript, Nov. 25, 1903:
 “The Austin High School football team went over to Lanesboro Saturday to play the final game of the season and defeated the team of that place by the score of 15 to 11.  This is considered a very creditable victory inasmuch as Lanesboro has won every game this year and were the champions of Fillmore County.  The Austin team took a brace in the last 15 minutes of play and gave their best exhibition this year.  In the evening the boys went up to the Lanesboro H.S. building to a reception.  Refreshments were served and games were played, the music being furnished by the town orchestra.” 
 
Because I have two sons who choose to play football, I am a fan of the sport.  Of course I am concerned about safety, but I see the value of teamwork, player camaraderie, and analytic problem solving as beneficial to the developing of young people.  The debate over the pros and cons of football is not new.  On October 7, 1903, John H. Skinner, Editor and Proprietor of the Austin Daily Herald expressed his view on the positives of football.  His comments gave praise to the team and espoused that the competitive nature of football can lead to a strong spirit.
 
“There is something wholesome in athletic sport.  It is active, at any rate, and eliminates the element of idleness which is, of all things, most destructive to the mental and moral growth.
 
Our football team deserves no little credit.  For instance, our boys have this year faced college teams, knowing there was no hope of victory, but they went into the fight showing a courage, which is in itself commendable.  The hardier virtue of which our pioneer forefathers were so abundantly possessed, are developed by the rough game of football.  We trust that it is not the ambition of our High School to have the banner football team of the state, but rather a team that plays a good game, shows pluck, is a credit to the high school and deserves consideration and honor.”
 
Regardless of Jay Hormel’s involvement in the game, I am confident that he, who valued the strong character of a man, found value in what the sport of football could teach.


Upcoming Events:
 
Monday, September 10
History Happy Hour-Traveling History Bus
5:30 p.m. Social ~ 6:00 pm Program
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.
 
Thursday, September 13
Autism Event/Training for Daycares and Caregivers
6:15 p.m.  FREE
CEU’s available.  Please register by calling 507-433-4243.
 
Saturday, September 15
Harvest Fest Participant-Packed With Protein Event
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FREE for all
Presentations for all ages by Jen Haugen, R.D., at