Laura Ingalls Wilder Events Around the Country 2019

It’s not always easy to find out about what’s going on for Laura Ingalls Wilder events around the country. I finally decided that current information is probably best posted on a month by month basis so for current information search this site for the name of the month you are looking for and the word event (for example July 2018 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events). Check out the page version of this post which I update with major changes.

Let me know if I’m missing any. Most of these events are annual, but check with the group hosting the event for exact dates for following years.

NOTE: The Little House on the Prairie website uses a more extensive definition of events then I do. So check them out for additional listings. As of February 17, 2019 they hadn’t yet posted their 2019 schedule, but I assume it is in the works.

Blue lake with a tree and grass on shore
Silver Lake October 2018

Pepin WI

Laura Days – September 14-15, 2019
Their big Laura event of the year it includes all manners of celebration of Laura including a Little Miss Laura contest, a regional fiddle contest, activities at the birthplace cabin, historic crafts, and Sarah Uthoff as a keynote speaker. The other keynote this year is Renee Graef.

Open 10 AM – 5 PM DAILY (including weekends & holidays) from May 1st thru Mid-October
Closed for the winter.

Independence KS

Prairie Days – Saturday, June 8, 2019 10am-5pm

Summer hours are March 1st to September 1st, everyday 10-5 pm.
Winter hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10-5 pm. starting in September till November 1st.

Walnut Grove MN

Fragments of a Dream Pageant

Museum/Pageant 2018 Brochure

  • July 5-6, 2019
  • July 12-13, 2019
  • July 19-20, 2019

The Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion is July 12 and 13. Tickets for those nights of the pageant are $35 for Reserved Seats and $33 for General Admission.

Family Festival held in Walnut Grove City Park on pageant Saturdays
July 6, 12-13, and 20, 2019. The festival goes from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Check the Walnut Grove website for full schedule and more details as it gets closer. 

July 11-14, 2019 they will have a Little House on the Prairie TV show cast reunion. They are still under negotiation so no cast list has yet been announced. Watch for more information. Check out my podcasts about my trip to the 2014 Walnut Grove Reunion.

A set up for working flax, flax break, combs etc
Working Flax at Laura Days – Black Cat Farm

Burr Oak IA

Spaghetti Supper InviteFind out more about their events.

Fri., Feb. 22, 2019 5:30 PM · St. Benedict Church Basement, Decorah, Iowa
New Event – Spring Book Sale 2019 – May 4, 2019

Advent Christian Church Open House (the church by the cemetery at the top of the hill, you drive by the cemetery on the way into town but you have to go through town to reach the parking area and the church)
– May  27, 2019 (Memorial Day) 9:30 am – 2:00 pm

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days  June 21-23, 2019

Fall Fest and Used Book Sale – Date to be Announced – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Birthday Parties can be scheduled by any group at any time.

Season opens May 1

  • Monday-Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00   Last tour 3:00
  • Sunday: Noon – 4:00 Last tour 3:00

Memorial Day – Labor Day

  • Monday-Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00  Last tour 4:00
  • Sunday: Noon – 4:00  Last tour 3:00

Post Labor Day – mid October:        

  • Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00  Last tour 3:00 
  • Closed Sunday-Wednesday

De Smet SD

By the Shores of Silver Lake

  • July 5, 6, 2019
  • July 7 – 12, 2019
  • July 13, 14 – 19, 20, 21, 2019

The Ingalls Homestead is hosting a Plein Air Event (painting in the open air) in conjunction with the Harvey Dunn Society. Find more details about a previous event. –  August 9, 10, 11, 2019

Memorial Society

  • January-April: Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • May: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    Due to school field-trips our tour times will vary, please call ahead.
  • June-July: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
    Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • August: Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • September: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Closed Sunday
  • October-December: Closed over Christmas week,
    Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    *Tentative tour schedule: 10 AM & 2 PM. Subject to change.

Ingalls Homestead

  • Spring Hours: Last week of April – May 23, Monday – Friday, Hours vary daily as we host school field trips.  It is best to contact us for details.  During our Spring season we are not open on the weekends.
  • Summer Hours: May 25 – September 2, Daily 9AM – 7PM
    Activities are offered from 10AM – 6PM
    The first covered wagon ride leaves around 10AM and the last one leaves at 6PM with rides leaving throughout the day.  We are open seven days a week throughout the summer, including Sundays and Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
  • Fall Hours: September 4 – September 30, Daily 9AM – 5PM
    Activities are offered from 11AM – 2PM
  • October 1 – October 31, Daily 9AM – 5PM, weather permitting
    No activities offered, but the grounds, visitors center, and gift shop are open.
  • Winter Hours: The grounds are closed for the winter, but we are still in the office. If you would like to make a camping reservation, request information, or place a phone order, please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or email.

behind the barns

Spring Valley MN

  • Annual Meeting – April 7th
  • Spring Teas – May 11th (reservations required)
  • Opening Day – May 25th
  • Ice Cream Social – June 14 5-7 P.M.
  • Eliza Jane School House Days – End of July
  • AG Days Town Celebration – August 15-18
  • Seasonal Closing For Weekdays (Except by Appointment) – September 2nd
  • Seasonal Closing For All Days (Except by Appointment) – October 27th
  • Possible Winter House Tours

Almanzo 100 – Gravel road racing through the beautiful rolling countryside of Fillmore County, NE Iowa and SW Wisconsin – Has moved out of Spring Valley

They aren’t planning on continuing the Christmas Teas.

Other events [ Annual Ice Cream Social, Eliza Jane One Room School Days –Ag Days (town celebration) ] aren’t scheduled yet

Mansfield MO

Note: Recently Mansfield has been scheduling small events without a lot of notice. If this trend continues I will add them to list as soon as I find out about them. This year Mansfield has a theme – A Season With Rose.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival will take place on April 25th and 26th, 2019. It will partner with the author appearance in the Marshfield, Missouri’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

April 28, 2019 “Little House” Cast to gather at the Museum in Mansfield to cut the ribbon on a special exhibit. 2:00pm

May 11, 2019  Justamere Graveyard Workshop [dealing with the cleaning of tombstones]
July 8 – 12, 2019 Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp
July 24 – 28, 2019 Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp

 

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association is excited to announce the addition of “Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp” to our 2019 season! The camp will be for children ages (9-12) and we will offer two different weeks, June 24-28 and July 8-12. Camp will cost $50 per child and will include a week of exciting adventures around Rocky Ridge Farm. Campers will enjoy many learning activities, bringing a hands-on perspective to the pioneer lifestyle. This week of adventure will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily. There will be a special rate of $5 off each registration with 2 children or more. Camp will take place, rain or shine!! Your child will not want to miss this special week of historic fun and memories!!!! Register today and reserve your spot in the first summer camp to take place at Rocky Ridge Farm!! Registration cost includes 5 days of camp, tin cup, badge, book, shirt and a hat (bonnet for girls and coon skin cap for boys). Download the Registration Form here 2019 Camper Registration Form For more information, call 417-924-3626.

August 2, 2019 7:00pm – Sunset Serenade with Pa’s Fiddle
September 20, 2019 – in the Evening: Annual Wilder Benefit Dinner- Special Guest Alison Arngrim – not sure on the time  yet
September 21, 2019 – Wilder Day and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Fiddle Off
November 15, 2019 – Season with Rose comes to an end.
December 7, 2019Christmas with Laura 6:00pm

 

The Ozark Mountain Players has not yet set pageant dates this year, but they always do several shows of Laura’s Memories Pageant during Wilder Days.

Malone/Burke NY

Find more on events.

Annual Board Meeting where any member may attend Saturday, January 12, 2019, 9:00am Malone Lodge of the Elks, Elm Street Malone RSVP by farm@almanzowilderfarm.com or 518-483-0774.

Celebration of Youth and Morgan Horse – July 20, 2019

  • Children’s art on display, along with students’ essays. Award ceremony and the announcement of Honorary Laura and Almanzo
  • Kids art activities, 19th century games, vendors, food
  • Entertainment & more!

Annual Cultural Festival– Fete du Quebecois – August 24, 2019

Celebrating the French Canadian heritage of the area in the mid 19th century with traditional food, music, demonstrations, craft vendors, and more!

Annual Harvest Festival & Civil War Living History Encampment – September 28-29, 2019

  • Civil War living history encampment
  • Pumpkin painting and children’s 19th century game in the orchard, children’s corn pit in the barn,
  • 9th Annual “As Time Passes” adult juried art show on display
  • Entertainment, demonstrators, craft & produce

Sept. 29, 2018 Open extended Sunday hours 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Civil War reenactors living history encampment and one skirmish. Regular admission and guided tours available. Last tour at 3:00 pm.

Christmas with Almanzo  – December 7, 2019

  • Children’s  craft activities
  • Farmer Boy Christmas chapter readings, carol singing.

ALL EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Vinton IA

Tours are not currently available. We are in doubt of future events due to uncertainty of the future of the building.

Keystone SD – Longtime Home of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey

Carrie Ingalls Swanzey’s Birthday Party – Date Unknown

William T. Anderson

March 5, 2019 – Marysville Public Library, MI

April 25-27, 2019 – Cherry Blossom Fest, Marshfield, MO, Children’s Lit Fest, Panel with Little House on the Prairie TV show stars

May 30-31, 2019 – Fifth Annual Midwest History Conference, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

American Printing House for the Blind – Louisville, Kentucky

They alternate between a Mary Ingalls party and a Louis Braille party. This year is Mary’s turn. Find out more about their other events.

MARY INGALLS: THE FRONTIER YEARS
Saturday, January 5, 1:00-3:00 pm

“My sister Mary is the reason I am a writer,” said Laura Ingalls Wilder, the celebrated author of the Little House books. Mary lost her sight at the age of fourteen, and Laura became her sister’s eyes, describing the world around her so her sister could “see” as well. Without her sight, Mary was expected to perform her share of the tasks in a frontier family home – housecleaning, cooking, laundry, sewing, looking after children. How did she do that? Our guest exhibitors and presenters are some of our museum friends who are blind or visually impaired. We’ll also sing along with some of Pa’s fiddle tunes, weave a beaded bracelet (the same as those Mary made for her sisters), and celebrate Mary’s birthday with a cake made from Ma’s recipe. Dressing as characters in the Little House books is encouraged. Free to the public but space is limited so registration is required. Call 502-899-2213 or email kcarpenter@aph.org to register. For all ages.

Pomona Public Library – Pomona CA

53nd Annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Gingerbread Sociable – Wednesday, February 6, 2019 3:00PM.
There will be a craft and refreshments provided by the Daugthers of Utah Pioneers who’ll talk about life and sponsored by Friends of the Pomona Public Library.

Old World Wisconsin – Eagle WI

In August 2018 Old World Wisconsin announced that they felt people were getting too focused on events (which frankly is a strange reason to give museum/festival events in general are less of a draw than they were even a few years ago so if they said low attendance was while they weren’t scheduling any would make a lot more sense) and so they are focusing more on on-going activities. I think it will probably return eventually as it has disappeared, returned, stretched to over a month, and shrank back to combined with a single event weekend. However, apparently not this year.

Heritage Hill – Green Bay WI

They are not doing a Laura Ingalls Wilder event this year. Last year they said their plan was to have a Laura event every other year going forward. This would be the year and they don’t have one scheduled. They are working on their 2020 schedule and are considering a prairie days event, but an inquiry brought the response that so far nothing is decided.

Genesee Country Village and Museum – Mumford, NY

This year they won’t be having Wilder Weekend they are replacing it with “Novel weekend – Lewis Carroll.”

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum – West Branch, Iowa

Laura Ingalls Wilder Remembered – Sunday, September 1, 2019 2pm
Sarah S. Uthoff

Colt on Ingalls Homestead
Colt on Ingalls Homestead

National Cowgirl Museum – Fort Worth, Texas

The National Cowgirl Museum previously had held an annual event, but stopped having it. They brought it back for the 150th as a one shot. This year they are closing for a remodel for February and March and don’t seem to have any events scheduled so far.

Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – Marshfield, Missouri

Reunion of the TV show castFull Festival Schedule – April 25-27, 2019

UPDATED March 5 2019: I added the Spring Valley dates.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

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Ep 100 Laura Ingalls Wilder Fandom Roundup 2018

Sarah by Ma's House - Ingalls Homestead
Sarah by Ma’s House – Ingalls Homestead

I FINALLY got another episode done on the podcast. This one is rounds up all the news of what happened in Laura Ingalls Wilder fandom this year.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/trundlebedtales/2019/02/26/ep-100-laura-ingalls-wilder-fandom-roundup-2018

A small group stripped Laura Ingalls Wilder’s name off the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award.

Independence has built a new cabin, replacing the original.

We now have china shepherdess replicas available again. Pick from Independence, KS; Mansfield, MO; Walnut Grove, MN.

Pioneer Girl released as ebook by South Dakota State Historical Society Press.

Alison Arngrim (NBC TV show’s Nellie Oleson) is doing a positive news interview show on Facebook.

Walnut Grove, Minnesota was hit hard by the July 2018 flood.

Queen’s Treasure introduced a Mary Ingalls doll.

American Writers Museum opened with a Laura Ingalls Wilder exhibit in their temporary hall. It was extended from an original closing date in March to June.

The Iowa School for the Blind was combined with the School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. They’re still unsure about what’s going to happen to the buildings and the Mary Ingalls Society.

The museum in Mansfield, MO has extended its connection to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, MO. They added a luncheon to fund raise for the museum. Unfortunately a fire alarm went off during it for about 10 minutes.

I took a trip to DeSmet in the fall, but didn’t give them enough warning to get inside photos at the Memorial Society, but had a great trip anyway.

There was a new edition of the Little House Cookbook.

Also check out things released this year in the Christmas shopping guide and our list of 2018 events.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Cherry Blossom Schedule 2019

The Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield (MARSH, not MANS), Missouri is a big event. National level speakers come and present. There are reunions of TV show actors and prominent individual actors. I still haven’t made it, but I’ve wanted to for years. In the past few years they’ve made more of a connection with the both the TV show cast and with the Laura Ingalls Wilder/Rose Wilder Lane Home and Museum in nearby Mansfield. Last year they had a special meal as a fundraiser for the care of museum artifacts. This year they are adding a more formal connection with the museum, including a tour of the site as part of their scheduled events. Tickets go on sale for this year Washington’s Birthday, February 17, 2019.

Find information about this year’s VIP guests by scrolling down their Facebook page. 

Learn more about the festival on their website.

So far this is the schedule they’ve released. I’ve retained their formatting except for making the individual days a heading.

Thursday, April 25 Cherry Blossom Schedule:

(10 AM-5 PM)- Cherry Blossom Quilt Show, sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Auxiliary- Marshfield Assembly of God
9 AM- Louis Picone, Presidential historian and author will speak about our U.S. Presidents- Marshfield Assembly of God.

10:30 AM- “Dear Mrs. Lincoln” Panel, featuring cast members from the historic production: Michael Learned, Conni Brazelton and other- Marshfield Assembly of God

11:30 AM- “The American Civil War” Panel, featuring panel members whose relatives were involved in the Civil War. Including Bertram Hayes Davis (Jefferson Davis descendant), Frances Pool (daughter of a Union veteran), Mary Todd Lincoln family member and others- Moderator, Tim Pletkovich – Marshfield Assembly of God

11:30 AM- 1 PM- Enchilada Dinner benefiting the Fordland Memorial Library- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall
Tickets: $8, pay at the door

1:10 PM- Cherry Blossom Tea, Ginger Alden (Elvis Presley fiancée) will speak and hold a book signing- Marshfield First Baptist Church (Donations accepted)

3:10 PM- “Remembering WW II” Panel, featuring WW II veterans, including: Jack Hamlin, James Shipley (Tuskegee Airmen) and others. Moderator, Myra Miller- Marshfield Assembly of God

4:30 PM- Ella Dickey Literacy Awards, Honoring: Pamela Smith Hill, Gunther Skaletz (Holocaust Survivor), Louis Picone, Chris Noel (actress), Geraldine Hawkins, Resa Willis- Marshfield Assembly of God

4:30 PM- 7:30 PM- Fish Fry to benefit the Vivian Stuber Memorial Library of Niangua- Marshfield Assembly of God
Tickets: $9, pay at the door

5:45 PM- Bobby G and Lily Garst History Series: “Reflections of the Vietnam War” Panel, featuring Vietnam veterans and a USO performer. Moderator, Mary Achor- Marshfield Assembly of God

7:30 PM- Clifton Daniel (grandson of President Harry S Truman) brings to life his late grandfather in a one-man production on his life and career- Tickets: $25 (general admission)- Marshfield Church of the Nazarene
www.eventbrite.com or 808-345-4975

Friday, April 26th Cherry Blossom Schedule:

*Vendors on the historic Marshfield square from Noon-6 p.m.

*Nostalgia Fest Autograph Show will take place from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Marshfield Community Center. Featuring the VIP guests of the Cherry Blossom Festival, complete with a reunion of The Walton and Little House on the Prairie cast and numerous other VIP’s.

* Quilt Show (10 AM to 5 PM) – Marshfield Assembly of God

9 AM- Robert and Edith Garst History Convocation with Ed Asner (actor) being interviewed on stage- Carl and Glessie Young Community Auditorium

10:15 AM- Annual Missouri Walk of Fame Ceremony, Honoring six famous Missourians with stars on the historic Walk of Fame. Honorees include: Daniel Boone, Conni Brazelton, Paul Hennings, Ed Asner, Rose Wilder Lane – Marshfield Assembly of God

11:30 AM- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum Luncheon- Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the television show, “Little House on the Prairie” with a panel of cast members. Moderator, William Anderson. The luncheon will benefit the fundraising efforts of the Wilder Home and Museum- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall
Tickets: $25,  www.lauraingallswilderhome.com or 417-924-3626

1 PM- Larry Cook, Presidential memorabilia collector and historian will speak about “Presidential Children”- Marshfield Assembly of God

2 PM- Missouri First Lady Teresa Parsons will ceremoniously plant a Cherry Blossom tree (Location TBA)

2:20 PM- 9th Annual Dred & Harriet Scott Reconciliation Forum- Hosted by the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation of St. Louis- Marshfield Assembly of God

2:30 PM- Demonstration Cooking class with Chef Roland Mesnier (former White House Pastry Chef)- Marshfield Assembly of God
Tickets: $50,  www.eventbrite.com or 808-345-4975

3:10 PM- “Remembering Ronald Reagan” Panel, featuring personal memories from those who knew the 40th President throughout his life and career, including: Charles Patterson, Dr. James Broaddus (Commanding Officer at Camp David), James Kuhn (Assistant to the President), Betsy Koons Robertson (Deputy Press Secretary to Nancy Reagan), Rear Admiral James Symonds (First Commanding Officer of the USS Ronald Reagan), Hon. John L. Harmer (Former Lt. Governor of California). Moderator, Kevin Abney- Marshfield Assembly of God

6:30 PM- Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative Dinner presenting Marshfield’s highest honor to several outstanding Americans. Honoring: Eric Scott (The Waltons), Christopher Radko, Carol Combs-Mueller (It’s a Wonderful Life) and others- Richard LaMotte will serve as master of ceremonies- Marshfield Assembly of God
Tickets: $30,  www.eventbrite.com or 417-872-8174

*Annual Cherry Pie Contest & Auction will be held in conjunction with the Hubble Dinner. Drop off pies from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Marshfield Assembly of God.

Saturday, April 27th Cherry Blossom Schedule:

*Marshfield Lions Club Pancake Day from 6 AM-12:30 PM- $5 all you can eat- Marshfield Lions Club Building

*Vendors on the historic Marshfield square from 9 AM-3 p.m.

*Nostalgia Fest Autograph Show will take place from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Marshfield Community Center. Featuring the VIP guests of the Cherry Blossom Festival, complete with a reunion of The Walton and Little House on the Prairie cast and numerous other VIP’s.

8 AM- Randy and Mary Travis will share their testimony at the 9th Annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Elkland Independent Methodist Church- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (Donations accepted for Zuzu’s House)

9:30 AM- Geraldine Hawkins, Presidential historian and author will speak about the relationship between Elliott and Eleanor Roosevelt—Marshfield Assembly of God

10:30 AM- “Camp David” Panel, featuring personal memories from those who have worked at or visited the famed Presidential retreat- Moderator, Kevin Abney- Marshfield Assembly of God

11:30 AM- “Legends of Television and Screen” Panel, featuring actors and actresses from several classic television shows and cinema classics- Darby Hinton (Daniel Boone), Ronnie Schell (Gomer Pyle show), Linda Kaye Henning (Petticoat Junction), Conni Brazelton (ER) and several others. Moderator, Richard LaMotte- Marshfield Assembly of God

12:00 PM- Marshfield High School Alumni luncheon- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall
Advance tickets: $12, Available by calling 417-839-3560

1:20 PM- “Hidden Waters Wildflower Tour” conducted by Dan Beckner- Hidden Waters Nature Park (weather permitting)

1:20 PM- “Remembering Mamie Eisenhower”, Speaker Mary Eisenhower (granddaughter of President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower)- Marshfield Assembly of God

2:20 PM- “Memories of President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush”- Personal remembrances from those who knew the 41st President and First Lady- Marshfield Assembly of God

2:30 PM- Cherry Blossom Cookie Decorating class with Desi Becht (Cherry Blossom committee member)- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Advance tickets: $20 per person
www.eventbrite.com or 808-345-4975

3:20 PM- “Presidential Family Forum” Featuring descendants of many of the American Presidential First Families- Marshfield Assembly of God- Moderator, Larry Cook

10 Annual State Dinner
Speaker: Richard Thomas (John Boy, The Waltons)
5:30 PM- Doors open
6 PM- Dinner will begin
Marshfield Church of the Nazarene
Tickets: $60 per person
www.eventbrite.com or 417-872-8174

Follow the hashtag on social media #2019MOCBF

Jean Coday Oral History Interview

Title Card for the VideoToday’s post is doing double duty. In the first half, Jean Coday has long been the driving force behind the Laura Ingalls Wilder/Rose Wilder Lane Home and Museum. Coday’s interview reveals how she got involved with the museum, what role she’s played, and a little bit about Laura’s life in Mansfield. In the second half, I’m going to talk about oral history as a research method. Not a lot of people have a very clear idea in their minds of what research looks like. I like to share examples to help people clarify it in their minds.

This is an excellent example of what an oral history interview is like. An important part of oral history is including indexes and transcripts. Below the video are my notes with general time codes.

 

Ozarks Voices: Jean Coday, Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association, July 14, 2014

Ozark Voices is an oral history project undertaken by the Missouri State University Libraries. The interviewer is Tom Peters, Director of Library. It was shot in the director’s office at the Rocky Ridge complex. Coday also serves as President of HomePride bank in Mansfield.  Coday is from Ash Grove, Missouri.

Why did the Wilders settle in Mansfield? What happened to bring them specifically to Mansfield?

Mower goes by, watch things like that if you do oral history, it’s OK to cut and come back afterwards

August 22nd 1894 Wilders arrive

Cody never met Wilder, she was in Mansfield to visit her father-in-law before Laura died, but husband did, described about 5 min

How do people in town remember her? As farm woman who lived in community, everyone called her Mrs. Wilder

Saw as another farmer

Conversation from book about how got nicknames

Progressive farmers and laying hens

They’re trying to regrow orchard, have 25 trees, been a lot to take care of, have sketch by Laura showing how they planted them

Almanzo was a deliveryman

Almanzo wrote Fruit Growing Experiment Center, station told him to mix lye with oil to keep it on trees

Why Laura wrote the books

How did the books become famous

Why do people want to visit house

About 18 min They still get letters from children “Dear Laura how are you?” because they see her as a friend

Importance of family and love for each other

Did fame turn Laura’s head

Where original manuscripts are located

Mansfield owns 5 of the original “Little House” manuscripts and original Pioneer Girl

What was Rose’s role in books (on side of editor and book agent only)

Rose built Rock House and Laura and Manly lived there 9 years

Rose bringing electricity to farm, Rose brought out a single line phone, party lines were still the rule for decades after

Rose moved to New York City, Laura and Almanzo moved back to Rocky Ridge

About 25 min Irene Lichty and her role in forming association, Lichty’s father had been a Civil War Solider who married a much younger woman so Litchty’s mother was about Laura’s age. When Laura went to town she visited a couple of friends, including Litchy’s mother and the other aunt Betsy Pringle

Coday arrived in 1960, Litchy asked both Coday and her husband to serve on board

They had the house and 2 1/2 acres to start. Lichty was opening house bringing lunch with her, had bookshelf in bedroom with things to sell, by the time Codays came on realized needed to be more organized, they came 3 years after bought the farm

Litchy was primary guide in early years, board helped her in making repairs on home, reinforced it with cables throughout the upper level, they are shooting in Almanzo’s workshop which was briefly the bookstore and then the director’s office, Garage for cars taken down for museum,

Roger MacBride about 30 min

Both get MacBride’s relationship with Libertarian Party wrong, skates around Ed Friendly and Roger’s connection to show

Touch will controversy including court case on behalf of library, Peters sees in terms of intellectual property, Corday barely touches on it

About 35 minutes – People don’t consider Laura a Missouri author although Laura lived decades here. Twain is even though barely visited as an adult. Laura is a Missouri author by choice.

Laura going back to South Dakota and Rose’s feelings about Mansfield

Current fundraising projects – archives and museum buildings, adding trail

Have chicken coop, garden done by Baker Creek Seeds, hopes to return to original driveway and turn into a 1920s/1930s working farm,

About 42 min – worked on buying back land, now about 180 acres

Didn’t buy additional land until 1990 when bought the Rock House and 50 acres for 100,000. Paid that back and bought place across the way. Last buy was 87 acres that horseshoed around homesite. Still paying that off.

Hoping will increase visitation. Think will add 15% to visitation and hope that will encourage town to create more tourist supported businesses like hotels, bed and breakfasts, etc.

They still have contacts almost every week about someone wanting to do an article.

She re-reads the “Little House” series every year.

“She told a story in a way that is timeless and it was in a way that is so charming and so sweet that everybody feels better after they read them…You just feel like you’re part of the family. That’s how the children who read them or have them read to them feel.”

Note about Civil War women

Oral History

Some good points they demonstrate for oral history:

A good idea with oral history is to be part of a larger project like this one from Missouri State University Libraries. It makes it easier for people to find your efforts and helps guarantee that the work won’t disappear after you die.

Have a list of questions over subjects you think they’ll know about.

Try to make the subject comfortable.

Some points they can work on:

An important part of oral history is also making a transcript. While transcripts don’t always pass on the nuance of a recording, a print version makes it easier to scan to find and search and print formats are usually more stable than those of audio or video. YouTube does do an auto transcript, but I don’t see any attach transcript although they may have one separately.

You control your environment. People are going to be listening to this hopefully for decades. Pay attention to the sound. Get rid of background noises like lawn mowers by requesting they wait or waiting yourself. Have a good quality mic.

Learn more about Oral History:
http://www.trundlebedtales.com/beginning-oral-history.html

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas Shopping Guide 2018

Whether you are looking for the perfect present for the Laura Ingalls Wilder fan in your life or just what you want to know what to put on your Christmas want list, check out these suggestions.

This is the eighth year I’ve put together a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan shopping guide. Check the first post for basic gift ideas. Read that first and use this post to look for new items, other ideas, and a list of which Laura homesites are offering Christmas mail order and the cut off dates for shipping by Christmas this year. Trundlebed Tales encourages you to do at least a little Christmas shopping from the Laura homesites because they are all local museums, highly dependent on admissions and gift shop revenue to stay open and preserve the homesites for Laura fans, so do your part. If you are buying from Amazon, make sure you go into Amazon Smile and they’ll donate part of cost to your selected charity – select a Laura Ingalls Wilder homesite.

If your favorite Laura fan is planning a trip to Walnut Grove this year, consider buying them pageant tickets. Next year they are having a cast reunion in honor of the 45th anniversary of the NBC Little House on the Prairie TV show. The tickets are available for 2019 already and the earlier you buy tickets the better seats you can get. They mail them so you can get the tickets to go under the tree. You don’t have to buy pageant tickets to attend other reunion events, but the pageant will include a question and answer session with all of the attendees. Buy them either online or by phone if you want their advice for which seat. The phone goes into a business so you can always find someone there during business hours. (Note: I don’t advise pre-buying for the other pageants because differences in how their systems work.)

And don’t forget you can also get your Laura fan gift memberships to the museums or a donation in your Laura fan’s name! Most of the presents that I suggested in 2011 2012 , 2013 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016, and 2017 are still available so take a look at previous shopping posts for more ideas.

Welcome Back to Favorites

Independence China Shepherdess 2018 – Photo courtesy of Little House on the Prairie Museum
Walnut Grove China Shepherdess 2018 – Photo courtesy of Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove

UPDATED December 11 2018: Somehow I missed that Walnut Grove also has a china shepherdess again. I’ve updated the text and added their photo.

Last year I pointed out a couple of favorite things that weren’t available then. I’m pleased to tell you that both things are back. Last year the multi-site calendar didn’t make the cut off for Christmas. They didn’t get it out in the spring like they hoped, but it’s out now. The De Smet Memorial Society puts them together with photos from the 5 sites that work together. I haven’t seen it yet – it wasn’t out for my fall trips – but I’ll be putting in an

China Replica
Mansfield Shepherdess – Photo courtesy of Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum

order soon.

The other big return is a china shepherdess replica. I was shocked when all three of the homesites that were selling different versions had stopped due to separate production issues. This year three  sites have each introduced their own new version of the shepherdess. They cost about the same. Check them out on both the Independence and Mansfield’s websites.

HarperCollins

Cover of new edition of Little House Cookbook in front of a Xmas tree
Little House Cookbook – New Edition

After rolling out several new editions last year, HarperCollins only has one new release this holiday season. They’ve rolled out a new edition of the Little House Cookbook. The new edition is hardback and replaces the hardback version that has been available since 1979. Its design follows the new edition of a trio of books in the series released last year with an introductory essay by a famous woman. The design of the text is different and the Garth Williams illustrations have been replaced by full color photographs that are lovely, but I’m fairly confident they weren’t done by a historic cook. A lot of focus is put on these photographs that are either full page or 2 pages. The book is printed on half-chalked paper (which is in vogue for all kinds of books right now for some reason) which is traditionally used to give a better surface for photographs. The photos are lovely. I should warn you that the use of chalked paper also makes the book much heavier than you’d expect. The paperback version will continue to follow the design established in 1979 by the original hardback edition and themed to the gingham covers version of the books which came out in the early 1990s.

Last year HarperCollins released the audiobooks, as recorded by Cherry Jones, as digital downloads for the first time. Slowly throughout 2017 they re-released the simplified chapter books, such as The Adventures of Laura and Jack or the most appropriate Christmas Stories, with brand new covers. Six of the simplified picturebooks, illustrated by Renee Graef, were newly collected and published as one volume. It’s called a Little House Picture Book Treasury. Finally, they also put out The Little House Book of Wisdom, a collection of quotes from the series.

Queen’s Treasures

When Friendly Films and their Little House on the Prairie TV show started authorizing products again one of the first things licensed was a set of dolls and accesories for a Laura doll. They have everything from a covered wagon to all the minature equipment you need to fill it up. You can outfit your doll in a typical pioneer dress or in one based on Laura’s good dress from the TV show. This fall they rolled out a second doll so now you can purchase both Laura and Mary.

Some Homesite Highlights

Honey Bear and Maple Syrup Cabin Containers
Pepin Label Honey and Maple Syrup

Pepin rolled out several new things this year. One of the most exciting to fans of the “Little House” picture books is that Pepin now is selling high quality prints of Renee Graef’s illustrations. There are several and appear in different sizes. Another cool thing is that they are now selling private label honey and maple syrup.

40th Anniversary of Walnut Grove Pageant T-Shirt
40th Anniversary of Walnut Grove Pageant T-Shirt, An example of their limited ed t-shirts

It’s nice to be able to have options other than the standard t-shirt for Laura fan clothes. Walnut Grove has just rolled out long-sleeve t-shirts which is a new option and some new sweatshirts. Next year you want to check in with Walnut Grove around July. They’ll have new things for the reunion and even if you can’t go you can buy some fun swag! Be on the ball though because last time they sold out of reunion shirts early.

De Smet Memorial Charlotte in Blue Dress
De Smet Memorial Charlotte – By Aunt

If you read Laura Lore, you’ll have heard that the long time maker of Charlotte dolls for the De Smet Memorial Society retired. Her niece has picked up her needle and is now once again making Charlotte dolls using De Smet’s original pattern. If you have one by the aunt (or 2 or 3), then it’s time to get a new version.

Also, if you’re familiar with the series of china ornaments they’ve made (one per book plus one for Rocky Ridge and an older Laura), they’ve introduced another ornament with a younger

A photo of young Laura on a china ornament
Photo Courtesy of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society

portrait of Laura to fit more with the De Smet time period of Laura’s life.

Mansfield still has some really cool items left from the anniversary. I especially like their anniversary magnet. They have a new design for the “I Love Laura” pin and a few new products featuring a line drawing of Rocky Ridge farmhouse.  


Harvey Dunn, nephew by marriage of Grace Ingalls and internationally known artist and illustrator, is best known for his connection with Manchester, the next town west of De Smet. The South Dakota Art Museum houses the largest collection of Dunn’s work. (It’s well worth your effort to stop in Brookings on your way to or from De Smet.) They have just released a reprint of Where Your Heart Is: The Story of Harvey Dunn, Artist. This current edition is available exclusively from the South Dakota Art Museum store.

The Ingalls Homestead, who developed the idea of wood crates to create a box set for the hardcover books, also has a wide range of products and some great news about shipping. Associate the Homestead with the covered wagon rides? They have a beautiful ornament of a covered wagon. Remember how excited Laura was about her Santa Christmas presents she got from Mr. Edwards? At the Homestead you can order tin cups with two sticks of peppermint, the heart shaped cakes and even a penny! A unique gift is squares of Ingalls Homestead homemade soap. They also have a wide selection non-Laura books of prairie/pioneer related subjects.

Spring Valley is a smaller site, but they work on having unique things in their giftshop. One area they have a big selection in is the American Girl aka 18 inch size doll clothes. They are locally made and not mass produced. Colors may vary.

Doll Clothes from Spring Valley

While we’re talking about “18-inch dolls” aka “American Girl Doll Size”, Thimbles and Acorns has been printing dress patterns for specific dresses. There are publications of various lengths and with patterns around various themes. Most of the homesite giftshops have them now.

Malone has rolled out a new way to shop this year. You can buy items in a Facebook shop. Their new item is a collectable fundraising ornament. Their local rotary every year picks a different charity to create an ornament as a fundraiser. This year’s features a photo of the farmhouse.

I recommend contacting the sites by e-mail or online store instead of by phone, except where noted. Even places that have been easiest to contact by phone in the past I’ve had trouble calling, but most responded quickly by e-mail.

Independence KS

Little House on the Prairie Museum
Online Store
Last Day for Priority Mail – They didn’t give me a date, use your own judgment.

Walnut Grove MN

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Online Store
Phone 1-800-528-7280
Last Day for Priority Mail – December 17, 2018

De Smet SD

Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society
Online Store
Phone 1-800-880-3383
Last Day for Priority Mail – December 20, 2018

Ingalls Homestead
Online Store
Phone: 1-800-776-3594
Last Day for Priority – December 20, 2018

Loftus Store Online
Phone: 605-854-3773 Call to order
Last Day for Priority – Didn’t give a date use your own judgment

Mansfield MO

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum
Online Store
Phone 1-877-924-7126 (Toll free)
Last Day for Priority – December 20, 2018

Malone NY

Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Farm
Online Store
Facebook Store
farm@almanzowilderfarm.com
Last Day for Priority – Didn’t give a date

Spring Valley MN

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (Store not online)
wilderinspringvalley@hotmail.com
Recommends using e-mail to order for Christmas, but you may want to include your phone number in the e-mail so they can get back to you with questions quickly.
Last Day for Priority – Didn’t give a date

Burr Oak IA

Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum
Online Store
Last Day for Priority – Didn’t give a date

The best way for people to shop during the winter is through the website gift shop and then pay through Paypal. You can email the museum with questions. They are no longer accepting checks for orders because of some bad check incidents.

Pepin WI

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Online Store
Best to order online, but can also reach by phone 715-513-6383, or by sending a letter. Neither museum nor gift shop is open during the winter.
Last Day for Priority – December 10, 2018

UPDATED December 11 2018: As I mentioned above I had to add about the Walnut Grove shepherdess and I caught a typo and fixed it.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on  Facebook , Twitter , Google+LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas Events 2018

Photo in Wilder Farmhouse – Courtesy of Connie Jenkins

When you think Laura trip, normally think of summer trips. Planning driving trips around the Midwest during the winter isn’t a wise person’s first choice, but sometimes early December is still fine weather. Over the years several of the Laura Ingalls Wilder homesites have had a Christmas event that first December weekend. Currently Mansfield, Missouri; Malone, New York; and Spring Valley, Minnesota, have Christmas Events.

Malone, NY

The most immersive Christmas event is the one at the Almanzo Wilder Farm in Malone, New York. This year Christmas with Almanzo! will be December 1, 2018 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. “For this event admission is free. Come and enjoy readings from Farmer Boy Christmas chapter in the parlor of the house at 11:30 and 1:00. (Adults must accompany and remain with child.) Enjoy cookies, mulled cider, Christmas carols, and children’s activities. Come visit our gift store for last minute shopping with complimentary gift wrapping for purchased items. Happy Christmas!”

Mansfield, MO

In comparison Mansfield’s Christmas event is much smaller. This year the event is December 1, 2018 from 6pm-8pm. Refreshment, shopping, and tours of Rocky Ridge are all part of the event. I haven’t had official confirmation for this year’s event, but in past years they’ve allowed photographs inside the living room decorated for Christmas and tours of the upstairs.

Spring Valley, MN

The Spring Valley Laura Ingalls Wilder museum doesn’t reopen for an event, but does do a special Christmas fundraiser. They hold a special Christmas tea. They used to do several, but they are down to one. Reservations are required. Although many Laura fans only look at the church museum, they have two additional buildings across the street. One of which is a lovely late 19th century house museum. Teas will be held on Dec. 1, 2018 at 12:30pm. Cost is $12 for the lunch. It is a full lunch set in a Victorian home that was built in 1888. Reservations required for the teas. Contact the museum at wilderinspringvalley@hotmail.com

Keystone, SD

Keystone stole a march on the other Laura homesites by having a Christmas in July event. I think this was especially clever (and frankly I wish some of the homesites would have a summer birthday for Laura like that) as I don’t know many people who’d drive across South Dakota in December for an event. I didn’t get to it, but it sounds like it was a great event – with special guest Dean Butler as Santa Claus. The director of Keystone resigned this fall and since she started the event no word on whether it will continue in 2019 or not.

Chicago, IL

This isn’t specifically a Christmas event, I hadn’t reported on it yet and its run crosses Christmas. It opened October 19, 2018 and will close January 13, 2019. “Laura Ingalls Wilder and Her Prairie” features rare books from the collection of the Chicago Botanical Garden focusing on the original prairie plant illustrations of Helen Sharpe based on  Marta McDowell’s book The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Find out more.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

October 2018 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events

This is the last big month of Laura events until we have a couple of Christmas things pop up so take this last chance to visit a homesite event for this season. It’s the annual Burr Oak fundraiser. Come along and help earn them some money! Plus a pop up event in Mansfield to hear Pa’s fiddle. They’ve been doing a lot of these short turn around time from announcement to event events lately. Keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Mansfield MO

Sunset Serenade
Oct. 12, 2018 – Starts at 7pm
Come listen to Pa’s fiddle play a variety of music will be played at this family friendly event.

Burr Oak IA

Find out more about their events.

Fall Fest and Used Book Sale October 13, 2018 – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
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