By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

Weddings, weddings, weddings.

It seems to be the hot topic around here. The Hormel Historic Home is in the final planning stages for the fourth annual Austin Wedding Showcase to be held here from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

I have vague memories of planning my own wedding nearly 15 years ago in Sioux Falls, S.D., and I guess I have forgotten about all those little decisions that often cause quite a bit of stress.  Or maybe there are just more options now.

Whatever the case, it is definitely a lot of work to organize a wedding event and the HHH looks forward to helping many brides on the 27th.

Although we currently host many weddings at the HHH, the tradition of getting married or having a reception here goes way back.

Ann Dixon, a treasured and valuable volunteer and staff person, had her wedding reception here on Nov. 1, 1947.  Much of the décor has changed since then but the warm and inviting atmosphere is still the same.  The food was served on the dining room table we still have and some of the artwork at the time hangs on our walls now.  The pictures she shared of her special day show a happy, young couple starting their life together in the HHH. Current wedding parties often share the same kinds of photos with us.

Feb. 24 will be George and Lillian’s 121st wedding anniversary.  The following was printed in the Austin Herald on Feb. 25, 1892:

“The marriage of Miss Lillian Belle Gleason and Mr. Geo. A. Hormel took place last evening at 8:30, and was a very quiet and elegant affair.  The guests consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gleason, Mr. Ben Hormel, Rev. and Mrs. C. E. Wright, Mrs. Geo. Burnham, S.D. Catherwood, and George and Miss Laura Brainerd of Blooming Prairie.  The bride wore a beautiful dress of pure white without ornaments, and the groom was dressed in the conventional black.  Mr. and Mrs. Hormel received many beautiful gifts of silverware and pictures, and also a lovely marble clock from the “Bachelor’s Association,” who have just lost a member in Mr. Hormel.  After the ceremony and a delicious supper the happy couple were driven to their new home on St. Paul Street, which was in readiness.”

Weddings of today seem to be much more elaborate than George and Lillian’s, but the significance remains the same.  No matter how complex or simple, we are glad the Home continues to be a place where couples can begin their marriage journey together.

 Austin Wedding Showcase

The premiere wedding resource for all those busy planning brides will be held at the HHH from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 27. The fashion show presented by Belles & Beaus and VeDeyo Arts will begin at 2 and will once again feature the Austin Bruins players.  Admission is $3.

 Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at 5:30 p.m. with a Gourmet dinner by Hy-Vee catering and Dueling Pianos by the River Rats from Minneapolis. Tickets are limited so call 433-4243 today.  Cost is $50 per person.

 Board of Directors

• 8:30 a.m., Jan. 21.

 Social Concerns

WPA Projects-President Franklin Roosevelt sought ways to bring the United States out of the Great Depression.  The programs of the New Deal became the focal point of his administration.  Join us Feb. 19 to learn about how these programs were implemented and improved life here in Mower County.  Afterwards, stop by the Austin Public Library and view the traveling exhibit, Uncle Sam’s New Deal.