After one month in my new role I am quickly learning that
the mission and tradition of the Hormel Historic Home covers many areas but
most specifically hospitality, music, and education. Last Saturday I was fortunate to be a part of that mission by
helping to host the first annual Harris Piano Competition. This event was made possible by a
financial gift from MarySue Hormel Harris who is the granddaughter of Ben
Hormel, George’s youngest brother.
I have gleaned from the little research I have been able to
do that the Hormels were an incredibly musical family. This interest in music was passed
through the generations and MarySue is an accomplished pianist herself. She generously supports the musical
endeavors that the HHH sponsors and was thrilled that the Home would be
sponsoring this contest.
35 youth from Austin and the surrounding area shared their
talent, and I was amazed by them all. So much poise and composure was shown and I know that George
and Lillian would have also been impressed. The gorgeous grand piano that stands in the Hormel’s living
room sounded glorious when played by such motivated and confident
performers. St. Olaf Lutheran
Church and The Paramount shared their space and pianos with us as well so that
we could have so many kids compete at the same time and I know those sites were
also blessed with great performances.
Music was also a popular feature in the HHH during the time
of the YWCA. A February 9, 1928,
article reports the festivities from a Membership Party held at the Y…
“In the afternoon Lorna Bluhm favored the company with two
vocal solos, “Where Dreams Are Made” by Johnson, and “The Wind “ by
Spross. She was accompanied
on the piano by Constance Becker.
William Alderson played two piano selections, “A Nocturne” by Slater and
“To the Rising Sun” by Torjussen, and Mrs. Ray Pooler sang a vocal solo, “
Mignon”-d’Hardelo, accompanied by Mrs. Fred Rayman at the piano. An evening program is also described in
the article as was the social half hour following the program where the tables
were decorated with “pink tapers in green candle holders with pink roses in a
green glass bowl as a centerpiece”.
Although we didn’t adorn the House or the Paramount with
candles and flowers we were entertained with wonderful music. So the music mission is still very much
alive at the HHH and will be continued for years to come.
