Hormel Historic Home

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  • Home
    • HHH History
    • The Open Road-Autobiography
    • Do History at Home
  • Weddings
    • Weddings
    • Mini-Mony Wedding
    • Grooms/Rehearsal Dinner
    • Just Say "I Do" Wedding
    • Wedding & Event Showcase
  • Membership
  • Hospitality & Tours
    • Event Rentals
    • Ultimate Happy Hour
    • Tours For All Ages
    • Lillian's Table
    • Little Lillian Tea Party
    • Holiday Open House & Christmas Tours
    • Visit the HHH & Austin
  • Education
    • Autism Programming
    • Autism Friendly Austin
    • ASD Recreation Events
    • Camp Just for Me
    • History for Half Pints Children's Programming
    • History Happy Hour/Hump Day History
  • Music
    • Harris Music Contest
    • Music @ the Mansion
  • Calendar & Tickets
  • Newsletter
    • Newsletter
    • Blog
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • Donate Now

History of the Hormel Historic Home 

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​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 a hide buyer.  After a few years of partnership in a butcher shop his vision became reality.  Geo. A. Hormel and Company is officially recorded as beginning in November, 1891. 
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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.
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​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.
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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."
 ​Trip Advisor
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Office and Tour Hours 
 Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm*
*If you are traveling from a distance you're welcome to call us to check tour hour updates as we sometimes have events who rent the historic house for special events.  We also do our best to update our social media and place a sign on the front door or porch if hours will differ.
Special Event Hours Vary and are Customized Per Event

The Hormel Historic Home is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  The Hormel Historic Home is not own, operated, or operationally funded by any corporation, historical society, county, city or foundation.  Tours, memberships, donations, gift shop purchases, and venue rentals support the Historic House Museum's operations and programming.  We thank you for your support!
Hormel Historic Home
208 4th Ave. NW
Austin, MN  55912
507-433-4243
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Executive Director:
Cindy Meany
cindy@hormelhistorichome.org
Operations Manager:
Amanda Barber
amanda@hormelhistorichome.org​

Community Autism Resource Specialist:
Beth Tobak
beth@hormelhistorichome.org
Newsletter:      ​View the current newsletter    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter by submitting your e-mail on the home page.
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