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

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 1870’s 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 V2020 and Mower ReFreshed on Saturday, September 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 $1000 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 Dietician, about the benefits of protein in the diet at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 with hands on activities until 2p.m.

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

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.
 
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.