By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

As I read through articles from the early days of the YWCA in this location, I have seen many references to speakers and presentations that have taken place here.

A popular presenter of the late 1920s was Mrs. William Wallace (Pauline) Remington. She was an influential lecturer of the 1920s and 1930s on topics such as current events, book reviews, world politics, government and religion.

She was the first President of the The Minneapolis Republican Women’s Club formed in 1920 and she authored a book entitled “Politics and Tea.”

She apparently spent much time in Austin as many references are made to her during this era.

In early 1928 she presented on topics such as “Matters Before Congress,” “The Cost of War” and “the German Reparations.”  She also offered a book review of “The King’s Henchman” by Edna St. Vincent Millay. She did a Lenton Bible talk that year and in 1929 returned to discuss many topics including the building of the Boulder Dam in Colorado.

Other speakers at the HHH covered issues of household efficiency including discussions of “Laundry Helps and the Care of Household Equipment” and “Furniture You Like To Live With.”  World destinations were also described by many in the Art and Travel Club such as the “Great Ruins of Zimbabwe” and “The Wonders of South Africa.”

Mention is also made of a very popular course in Basket Making and classes on sewing such as “Time Savers in Clothing Problems” and “A Short Cut in Sewing.”

As the Hormel’s valued education greatly, I am sure they were proud of the programs offered in their home after they retired to California.

The HHH continues that tradition of offering educational programs to the community.  Social Concerns, a free monthly program, has featured topics such as how to avoid bank fraud, gardening, area history, energy savings programs, genealogy, arts in Austin and grief just to mention a few.

Just as the topics of the past were relevant to the time we strive to ensure that our speakers present on issues that affect people’s lives today. I am sure that George A. would agree that we all need to keep current on the world around us and continue learning at all times.  We hope you will join us for future educational offerings.

Social Concerns

10 a.m., April 16, 2013, Free

Don and Louise Barnes will share their passion and talent for gardening with us.  Gardening mini style is the topic and you will learn about getting big yield from small spaces with the right type of plants and equipment. Call the HHH to register.

Stepping Out for Autism Walk

Mark Saturday, April 20 on your calendars.  The second annual fundraising walk, Stepping Out for Autism Walk, will be held at Mill Pond. All donations will help support the Autism Programming sponsored by the HHH. Walk starts at 10 a.m. and Hy-Vee will provide lunch at noon. More information available online at www.hormelhistorichome.org or by calling the HHH at 507-433-4243

Minnesota on the Map: A Historical Atlas

A talk with author David Lanegran is being presented as a cooperative Lunchbox History Series and Dewey Lecture Series at noon on Thursday, April 25. The event is free and will be held at the Hormel Historic Home. Sponsored by the MCHS and the Austin Public Library.