Weddings at the HHH

Weddings, weddings, weddings!  Seems to be the hot topic around here.  The Hormel Historic Home is in the final planning stages for the 4^th Annual Austin Wedding Showcase to be held here on Sunday, January 27^th from 12-3 p.m.  I have vague memories of planning my own wedding nearly 15 years ago in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and I guess I have forgotten about all those little decisions that often cause quite a bit of stress.  Or maybe there are just more options now.  Whatever the case, it is definitely a lot of work to organize a wedding event and the HHH looks forward to helping many brides on the 27th.

Although we currently host many weddings at the HHH the tradition of getting married or having a reception here goes way back.  Ann Dixon, a treasured and valuable volunteer and staff person, had her wedding reception here on November 1, 1947.  Much of the décor has changed since then but the warm and inviting atmosphere is still the same.  The food was served on the dining room table we still have and some of the artwork at the time hangs on our walls now.  The pictures she shared of her special day show a happy young couple starting their life together in the HHH.  Current wedding parties often share the same kinds of photos with us.

February 24th will be George and Lillian’s 121^st Wedding Anniversary.  The following was printed in the Austin Herald on February 25th, 1892: “The marriage of Miss Lillian Belle Gleason and Mr. Geo. A. Hormel took place last evening at 8:30, and was a very quiet and elegant affair.  The guests consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gleason, Mr. Ben Hormel, Rev. and Mrs. C. E. Wright, Mrs. Geo. Burnham, S.D. Catherwood, and George and Miss Laura Brainerd of Blooming Prairie.  The bride wore a beautiful dress of pure white without ornaments, and the groom was dressed in the conventional black.  Mr. and Mrs. Hormel received many beautiful gifts of silverware and pictures, and also a lovely marble clock from the “Bachelor’s Association,” who have just lost a member in Mr. Hormel.  After the ceremony and a delicious supper the happy couple were driven to their new home on St. Paul Street, which was in readiness.”

Weddings of today seem to be much more elaborate than George and Lillian’s but the significance remains the same.  No matter how complex or simple we are glad the Home continues to be a place where couples can begin their marriage journey together