History of the Hormel Historic Home 

​Of German descent, George A. Hormel settled in Austin and began pursuing his dream of becoming a Meat Packer, not just a butcher.  It was the late 1880's and George wanted to put down some roots - Austin seemed like the right place based on the people he had met here during his travels as an animal hide buyer.  After a few years of partnership in a butcher shop his vision became reality.  The Geo. A. Hormel and Company is officially recorded as beginning in November, 1891. 

George married Lillian Belle Gleason on February, 24, 1892.  A native of Blooming Prairie, MN, Belle was a music teacher.  George credited her as being instrumental to the success of the company.

​Built in 1871 by John Cook, an area businessman and politician, the red brick home was a great example of Italiante style. In 1901 George and Lillian purchased the home for $3000 and began extensive remodeling.  They imported many materials from Europe and brought George's German heritage into the decor.  They stuccoed the exterior and added the columns to raise the roof line.

In 1927 George decided to retire from the company and he and Lillian moved to Bel Air, California.  The Hormels were generous supporters of many Austin organizations and they were passionate about the need for a permanent home for a Y.W.C.A. to serve young women in Austin and those new to the city.  On the day the Hormels handed over possession of the home to the Young Women's Christian Organization, Lillian said this, "We could get no more pleasure out of it than to see it made use of by the girls of the city."  To the directors she said "...you are planting the ideals of higher living in the hearts of the girls of Austin."