“If one more letter were to be added to the name Y.W.C.A., it should be that of ‘H.’ For this not only stands for Hormel but Hospitality as well, and everyone is ready to concede that these are synonymous terms.  The fact that 13,286 people used the Y.W.C.A. in thirteen months and, in this number, no less than fifty different organizations were represented, proves that Austin need just such a centrally located home of hospitality as the Y.W.C.A. proves itself to be.”

“The use of the house is proof of its worth in the community.  Fifty different organizations have rented the rooms of the Y.W.C.A.  Among them six churches…in addition to the religious organizations, are the civic, philanthropic, educational groups…”

These are the words printed in the Dec. 13 and Dec 22, 1928 Austin papers and they just made me smile.

In the past several weeks the Hormel Historic Home has hosted many events — business meetings, weddings, baby/bridal showers, retirement parties, board meetings, club meetings, seminars and now we are busy with holiday parties. For each event the person in charge has worked closely with the Home’s staff to make sure every detail in seen to.

Tables are placed in a particular order, food is presented at a precise time, and staff members are ready and waiting to accommodate special requests.  One of the main priorities of the HHH is to offer a convenient meeting and entertainment site where exceptional customer service is always received just as it apparently was 84 years ago.

I have been trying to calculate how many people have been through the Home in the last 13 months and based on our number of events, I think we come close to the 13,000-plus from 1928. That is a lot of people. What that tells me is that Austin was a thriving community then as it still is today. Hospitality and Hormel, I like how the journalist of the past stated it: Synonymous.

 This Week at the HHH

•Santa’s Mailbox: Santa’s Mailbox is at the HHH sponsored by Trimble’s Cycle Center, KQAQ 970 AM, POWER 96, and the Wow Zone of Mankato. Don’t forget to have your kids write those letters and bring them by soon.

Coming soon to the HHH

•January Social Concerns- Mower Refreshed: 10 a.m., Jan. 15. Sandy Anderson will offer us the opportunity to learn about the initiative’s history, wellness challenges that are being focused on and updates on how citizens can become involved and stay informed on the ever-evolving efforts of Mower Refreshed.