Laura Ingalls Wilder News

 

This year is different than years past. Many of us have spent more time at home and had to find joy in the little things. As you begin your holiday shopping in search of the perfect gift for family and friends, our Little House on the Prairie® Gift Guide goes beyond your traditional gift experience, bringing life to Laura Ingalls Wilder and the pioneering spirit that your loved ones will cherish.

 Ketty Lester, or as many know her, Hester Sue from the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series, was born on August 16, 1934 in Hope, Arkansas, as Revoyda Frierson. Ms. Lester recently published her memoir, in which she gives us an intimate portrait of her personal and professional life as an accomplished singer and actor.  We invite you to read our exclusive article about her.

 For fans of the bygone era in which Laura’s stories were set, there is a certain aspect of food-related nostalgia for homemade treats like these heart-shaped biscuit cakes. We’re reminded of the Christmas scene in the Little House on the Prairie book when Laura and Mary discover two small packages of heart-shaped cakes at the bottom of their stockings. At first, they look too pretty to eat, but at last, Laura takes a nibble. This recipe is adapted from The Little House Cookbook and is a delicious treat the entire family can enjoy together.

 Did you know that many of the traditions we associate with Thanksgiving began with the pioneers and Victorians? The most famous Laura Ingalls Wilder Thanksgiving story is the argument between Laura and Mary about the seasoning of the dressing. Laura first described this squabble in her article in the “Missouri Ruralist” in 1916 and later in the book By the Shores of Silver Lake. Discover some of Laura’s Thanksgiving stories and traditions in this interesting article.

 

From 1974 to 1983, the characters of “Little House on the Prairie” charmed us on the small screen. And they are still captivating viewers today. Four of these actors that we all know and love are celebrating their birthdays this November and December. In honor of their special days, we want to share some fun facts with you.

Alison Balson (Nancy Oleson) celebrates her birthday November 19. Nancy sings embarrassingly off-key in front of the mirror in Season 8, Episode 2. Ironically, Allison went on to become an accomplished musician.

Victor French (Isaiah Edwards) celebrates his birthday December 4. He was inducted into the Great Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 1998.

Matthew Laborteaux (Albert Ingalls) celebrates his birthday December 8. He was nominated twice for a Young Artists Award as Best Young Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in “Little House on the Prairie: A New Beginning.”

Melissa Ann Francis (Cassandra Cooper Ingalls) celebrates her birthday December 12. She left Hollywood behind and boarded a plane to Boston to study economics at Harvard University, eventually writing two memoirs of her own.

 Let’s not forget how the characters in the Little House books and later the TV series came to be. Laura Ingalls Wilder based her characters on people she grew up with or encountered throughout her life. We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the birthdays of three of these special people. 

George Tann, born November 27, 1825, was a pioneer physician and neighbor to the Ingalls. He helped care for the ill pioneer families who lived along the creek.

Rose Wilder Lane, born December 5, 1886, was Laura’s daughter. Laura listened to her daughter’s editorial counsel on how to craft columns, magazine articles, and ultimately the memoir that would provide the scaffolding for the Little House books.

Caroline Lake Quiner Ingalls, born December 12, 1839, was Laura’s mother. She is known to Laura fans around the world simply as Ma. Her comforting presence was spread far beyond her own family circle by her featured place in the Little House books and the “Little House on the Prairie” TV show.

 

Our Recommended Reading articles have been popular resources for readers interested in Laura Ingalls Wilder and Little House on the Prairie. 

This month, we would like to spotlight the My First Little House Books, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Renée Graef, Jody Wheeler, and Doris Ettlinger. These beautiful picture books introduce young children to the joys and wonders of Wilder’s world.  To learn more about this collection of books, you can view our article here.

 

We are pleased to highlight and celebrate inspiring organizations that preserve the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, seek to improve living conditions for people, and promote good stewardship of our planet.

Today we celebrate the work of No Kid Hungry, a campaign to end childhood hunger in America through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. Millions of children face hunger all across the United States, in every community. In fact, 1 in 4 kids could face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to ensure every child in America gets the meals they need to be happy and healthy - this holiday season and every day of the year.