Submitted by Sharon Jensen, Regent, Red Cedar Chapter, NSDAR.

The Red Cedar Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met at the Hormel Historic Home on Sept. 4.

Holly Johnson, Executive Director, shared the interesting history of George and Lillian’s former home, a brilliant jewel reflected in the center of Austin.

This home, where Austin women still enjoy its beauty and hospitality, is where Mrs. Hormel welcomed the chums of their only son, Jay, where she was hostess to many of the initial Hormel Annual Meetings and where she enjoyed family traditions and celebrations. Mrs. Hormel was also a “Daughter.”

This spacious Hormel residence was given to the YWCA on Oct. 26, 1927. At that time the D.A.R. Chapter of which Mrs. Hormel was a member, came in a group to the home.

Mrs. H.W. Hurlbut, Regent, presented Mrs. Hormel with a life membership card in the YWCA, showing the appreciation of the DAR for the splendid gift to Austin and Mower County’s women and girls. A life membership was $100 and this amount was given to the YWCA Board President, Mrs. Havens, to be used in the creation of an endowment fund.

Holly explained the mission which is committed to promoting hospitality, music and community outreach.

She said, “In everything we do, we think of our Mission; does this fulfill our Mission? There are so many treasures in this home and Austin is fortunate in that so many people cared about the home to preserve it, and the Austin community supports us greatly.” Pertaining to the “Mission” of music, MarySue Hormel Harris, a professional pianist and the granddaughter of Ben Hormel, gives generously to the HHH which makes it possible to pursue music education and appreciation.

Holly is presently researching the history which created the neighborhood when the Hormels lived on Water Street; who were their neighbors; what did the neighborhood look like.

She spoke of the various expansions throughout the years, and the Peace Garden of 2002, named after 9/11. There will be a celebration of the five year anniversary of the banquet hall expansion on Nov. 1. Holly said some of the future plans are to update and add to exhibits, expand educational opportunities, and to restore the old kitchen to early 1900s.

The Ritual was recited. The Yearbook for 2014-2015 was completed by Cheryl Potter and given to each member in attendance. The handouts were: National Defender, President General’s Message. American History Minute – Remembering 9/11, American Indian Minute – The Anasazi Indians, Conservation Minute, and “The Call” re MN State Board of Management on Oct. 11.

The meeting concluded by the members enjoying dessert and conversation around the very table that Lillian Hormel served and entertained her guests and family over 100 years ago.