For the last two years, I have written a column at this time of year regarding our annual membership campaign.

It’s that time again, but instead of telling you why we would like your support, I will tell you what we do with your support.

We tend to the stunning curly birch woodwork in the Entry Way and the quarter sawn oak in the Dining Room. We change the lightbulbs in the Tiffany and Quesal light fixtures. We care for the garden and grounds that the community can enjoy. We preserve historic windows and wood floors with the utmost care. We do all this to share a piece of Austin’s past.

We have been able to maintain the architectural integrity of the home and carry on the wishes of the Hormel family to see their home used by the community. In the last year, we have held 13 public events for you to enjoy and welcomed over 700 tour guests, not counting all who toured during a private event. Both day and evening programming has offered opportunities for participants—over 475 of them — to socialize and learn about something relevant to their lives. We offered area youth with Autism a summer camp experience. Four new areas exhibit areas were developed, and business and social rentals have allowed thousands of people to enjoy the historic charm preserved here.

The Hormels intended for their home — the first one they ever owned — to be used by the community. It is reported in the Oct. 27, 1927, Austin Daily Herald, that the Hormels left the home furnished for use by the YWCA.

“All of the hangings, many of the rugs, and much of the furniture remains as the Hormel family used them. Furniture which they wished for their own use in their new California home, has been replaced by new pieces, so that the home is complete in its furnishings. The second floor has three double and three single rooms. Three bathrooms are complete with towels, and other articles. Mrs. Hormel, who has been here the entire month of October, superintended the furnishing of all needed articles and the placing of everything about the home, and in all, it seems to those familiar with the place just like the Hormel home, and it is the hope that it will lose none of its charm.”

Because of your support, the charm in the Home has not been lost. Because of your generosity we have preserved the Home in its early 1900’s glory. With your continued support we will keep the Home and its past alive. Our membership drive starts now. Please be a part of it. Go to www.hormelhistorichome.org or 507-433-4243 to help.

NEW — Hearth and Home Series

10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1

“Bizarre Life of Austin Girl in Japan in the 1960’s.” Austin native (but 57 years absent) Peggy McLaughlin Keener will tell of her experiences as a Minnesotan raising a family in Asia as chronicled in her book Potato in a Rice Bowl. Event is free.

 History Happy Hour—The History of Mill Pond

5:30 Social and Snacks, 6 Presentation

Monday, Sept. 14

Tim Ruzek will talk about the past 150 years of Austin’s Downtown Mill Pond area. Swamp to state park to highly valued commercial/industrial sector with flood walls. Free for members of the HHH, the Mower County Historical Society, and the Friends of the Public Library. $5 for non-members.