Hormel Historic Home facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cook-Hormel House
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Facade of the Hormel Home
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 208 4th Avenue Northwest, Austin, Minnesota |
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| Area | <1 acre |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architectural style | Italianate (original) and Classical Revival (renovation) |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002989 |
| Added to NRHP | August 19, 1982 |
The Hormel Historic Home is a special old house in Austin, Minnesota. It's also called the Cook-Hormel House or The Hormel Home. This historic building was first built in 1871. It has a beautiful Italianate style, which means it looks like old Italian villas. Later, it got a new look with Classical Revival details. In 1982, this important home was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This list recognizes places that are important to American history.
Contents
History of the Hormel Home
Building the Original House
The Hormel Historic Home was finished in 1871. A local businessman and politician named John Cook built it. It was originally a red brick house designed in the Italianate style. This style was popular in the 1800s.
The Hormel Family's Renovation
In 1901, George A. Hormel bought the house. He was a very famous businessman. He started a big project in 1902 to make the house even grander. During this renovation, the red bricks were covered with stucco. Stucco is a type of plaster that gives buildings a smooth finish.
New Classical Revival details were added both inside and outside the home. Many of the furniture pieces and decorations inside the house came from Europe. You can still see beautiful art glass from Quezal and Tiffany on light fixtures throughout the home.
Donation to the Community
George Hormel retired in 1927. He and his wife, Lillian, then moved to California. They decided to give their beautiful home to the local YWCA chapter. The YWCA is an organization that helps women and girls.
What is the Hormel Home Used for Today?
In the early 1990s, the Hormel Home became a museum. This museum teaches people about the history of the Hormel family. It also helps to keep the house well-preserved for future generations.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the Hormel Historic Home is open to everyone. You can take tours to see inside this amazing house. The museum also offers many fun and educational programs. These include:
- History Happy Hour
- Hearth & Home series
- The Harris Piano Contest
- Peace Garden concerts
The Carriage House Event Center
In 2009, a new building was added next to the original mansion. This is called the Carriage House Event Center. It is connected to the Hormel Historic Home. This new center has a large lobby and a big room that can seat 200 people. It also has a kitchen.
The Carriage House is a popular place for groups to rent. Many people choose it for weddings and parties. It helps the Hormel Historic Home continue to be a vibrant part of the community.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Minnesota
- George A. Hormel
- List of museums in Minnesota
- Spam Museum
