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, also called the Cook-Hormel House, is a special old house in Austin, Minnesota. It was built in 1871 and has a mix of two cool styles: Italianate and Classical Revival. This house is so important that it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about the famous Hormel family and their history.
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Discover the Home's History
This beautiful red brick house was finished in 1871. It was first built for a local businessman and politician named John Cook. The house originally looked like an Italianate-style building. This style often includes low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and tall, narrow windows.
How the Hormel Family Changed the House
In 1901, George A. Hormel bought the house. He was the founder of the well-known Hormel Foods company. George and his wife, Lillian, decided to give the house a big makeover starting in 1902.
During this renovation, the red bricks were covered with stucco. New details were added inside and outside the house in a style called Classical Revival. This style often uses elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings, like columns and grand entrances. Many of the furniture pieces inside the home were brought from Europe. You can also see beautiful art glass from Quezal and Tiffany on light fixtures throughout the house.
A Gift to the Community
After George Hormel retired in 1927, he and Lillian moved to California. They decided to give their beloved home to the local YWCA chapter. This organization helps women and girls in the community.
What Happens at the Hormel Home Today?
In the early 1990s, the house became a museum. It is now dedicated to sharing the history of the Hormel family and preserving their home. The Hormel Historic Home is open to everyone for tours. It's a great way to step back in time and see how people lived long ago.
Educational Programs and Events
The museum also offers many fun and educational activities. These include:
- History Happy Hour: Learn about different historical topics.
- Hearth & Home series: Explore traditions and life in the past.
- Harris Piano Contest: A competition for talented young pianists.
- Peace Garden Concerts: Enjoy music outdoors in the beautiful garden.
The Carriage House Event Center
In 2009, a new building called the Carriage House Event Center was added. It is connected to the original mansion. This modern addition has a large lobby, a big room that can seat 200 people for banquets, and a kitchen. The Carriage House is a popular place for groups to rent for special events, like weddings and parties.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Minnesota
- George A. Hormel
- List of museums in Minnesota
- Spam Museum
