The Hormel Historic Home was the site of a wedding ceremony recently at 3:30 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon. It was beautiful.

Although meant to be in the garden, the ever typical rain moved the event indoors. The couple was married in front of the fireplace in the historic library.  They used the entire home and garden (between rain drops) for photos and they were in bliss. There just seems to be something magical about being married in an historic home. The comfort and warmth of a home that has been the sight of many wonderful events is the perfect place for that special occasion.

We have many photos of weddings from the past five years in our files, you can see them on Facebook. We are also fortunate to have a few photos of weddings or receptions from long ago.

Norma and Wayne Schoeneck cut their cake here in 1946, and Ann and Roger Dixon in 1947. Their pictures are on display in the HHH. The earliest reception I have been told of was the Lewison celebration of 1939. I would love to create a tribute to the happy celebrations that have occurred at the HHH through history. If you or someone you know had a wedding ceremony or reception here more than five years ago we would be honored if you would share a photo or two with us.

You can send them through the mail or electronically to holly@hormelhistorichome.org.

Monday, May 19, would have been Jay and Germaine Hormel’s 92nd anniversary. Although neither the ceremony nor reception took place in the HHH the couple did reside here for a couple years while building their estate east of town, now known as Gerard Academy.

The Austin Daily Herald headline on May 20, 1922 read “Gains Bride in War Romance, J.C. Hormel marries beautiful and brilliant, French lady he met in war days.”  It continued “This is the culmination of a war romance which began when Lieutenant Hormel was with the A.E.F. in France. He was invited, as many of the officers of the American Army were, to be a guest of prominent citizens. At the DuBois home he met the young lady who is now his wife.”

That was in 1918. Four years later Jay returned for Germaine. French laws at the time would have delayed the wedding so the couple traveled to Cheshire, England, where, at the Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. in the morning on May 19, the two were married. A grand celebration was held in their honor at the Austin Country Club later in June that year. I will write about that in a future column.

Board of Directors

4 p.m., May 19

 Social Concerns: The Welcome Center

10 a.m., May 20

Jake Vela, Executive Director, will provide an overview of the Welcome Center of Austin services. Find out about the people served and where they are coming from. Austin is growing ever more diverse and Jake will describe the programs in place to address changes in our community.

Program is free and coffee and treat will be served.

Please call 507-433-4243 if you plan to attend.