Laura Ingalls Wilder News

 

This johnny-cake recipe provides a simple bread to accompany a home-cooked meal. With few ingredients and simple preparation, they were easy for traveling pioneers to make when stopped for a meal on their long journeys. Using pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand, try making this delicious dish to add to any dinner you’re preparing.

 

Apples were a popular fruit for many pioneers because they stored well and could be used in a variety of ways. Today, as we find ourselves going through these unusual times, we can also count on apples to be a healthful and versatile pantry staple. Create a tasty and fun dessert using this homemade apple turnover recipe or try your hand at this simple homemade applesauce recipe inspired by Little House on the Prairie.

 

Vanity cakes were a special party treat for Laura that she remembered fondly even in later years. Make your own wonderful memories with this simple recipe for vanity cakes inspired by Little House on the Prairie. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry!

 Color a thank you note to express your gratitude for all of the essential workers who are keeping us safe. Please share your images with us across social media with the hashtag #wavesofgratitude and #littlehousemoment to let our essential workers know how much we appreciate their efforts.

 Stephanie of @quiltedkoala has a quick, simple NO SEW mask tutorial for you! These are for friends, loved ones, and yourself. For her tutorial on making a NO SEW mask, all you need is a napkin or piece of fabric and two elastic hair ties! It’s that simple. If you use this tutorial to make your own masks, tag @lhprarire and @quiltedkoala on Instagram. Show us your masks!

 

If you enjoy sewing and you are looking for a project or a way to help out your community, friends, and family, Kerry Goulder has a great tutorial for sewing face masks. Check out her tutorial on her Instagram @kidgiddy or on her website for the full tutorial. If you use this tutorial to make your own masks, tag @lhprarire and @kidgiddy on Instagram. Show us your sewing skills!

 

This month, we’re spotlighting Young Pioneers, written by Rose Wilder Lane, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter and a well-known literary figure of her day. Newlyweds Molly and David are only sixteen and eighteen years old when they pack up their wagon and head west across the plains in search of a new homestead. At first, their new life is full of promise: The wheat is high, the dugout is warm and cozy, and a new baby is born to share in their happiness. Then disaster strikes, and David must go east for the winter to find work. Molly is left alone with the baby — with nothing but her own courage to face the dangers of the harsh prairie winter.

 

Laura Ingalls Wilder News

 

This month we celebrate Mother’s Day, a time to recognize and honor our mothers and the other important women in our lives. A day when we reflect on all the wisdom they’ve shared with us and feel a sense of gratitude for how they’ve shaped us. For many, Caroline Ingalls was an inspiration and example of a strong, caring mother. She taught us many lessons about life. Which one do you admire most?

 The “Little House on the Prairie” TV show wouldn’t have been the same without Melissa Gilbert and Dean Butler. The two made quite the pair as they played the roles of Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder. They even share the same birthday month in real life! Melissa Gilbert celebrated her birthday on May 8th and Dean Butler celebrates his birthday on May 20th. Learn more about their lives then and now in these exclusive articles about Melissa Gilbert and Dean Butler.

 There are many portrayals of the Ingalls family across all kinds of media, including the books, the TV show, and the documentary. The real Grace Pearl Ingalls Dow was born May 23, 1877, ten years after Laura. She was only 8 years old when Laura left home to get married. As we celebrate her birthday this month, we invite you to learn the differences between the real Grace Ingalls and the Grace from the “Little House on the Prairie” TV show.

 We know many of you miss your family and friends and have been doing a lot of video calls to see their faces and hear their voices. We thought it would be fun for you to use one of these exclusive “Little House on the Prairie”  Zoom backgrounds for your next Zoom party. Just click the link in this post to choose and download your image.

 An old-fashioned picnic is a fun and different way to enjoy a meal together as a family. After being cooped up at home, it can be a lovely change of pace to spread a blanket or quilt in your backyard and take in some sun while you eat and play games. Or you can set up a beautiful scene indoors and use your imagination if outdoor spaces aren’t available. Either way, Little House on the Prairie shows us the value of taking time to be present with family. Plan your own Little House on the Prairie inspired picnic with our tips for what to make and bring.

 Lately, we’ve had to go back to a simpler time, remembering the activities and games the Ingalls family used to enjoy together. Laura and Mary expressed their creativity through paper crafts, playing with paper dolls and fashioning the clothes for them with Ma’s help. We’ve created some beautiful pioneer girl and pioneer boy paper dolls that are ready to be cut out and played with whenever you are!

 

This month, we’re spotlighting Laura Ingalls Wilder, American Writer on the Prairie, written by scholar Sallie Ketcham. Poised between fiction and fact, literature and history, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life is a fascinating window on the American West. By placing Laura’s life and work in historical context, and including previously unpublished material from the Wilder archives, Sallie Ketcham introduces readers to domestic frontier life, the conflict between Native Americans and infringing settlers, and the West in public memory and imagination.

 

Laura Ingalls Wilder News

 

We hope you all have a wonderful Father’s Day. We appreciate the important role that fathers play in teaching and supporting us as we grow. This post celebrates the many wonderful life lessons that Pa Ingalls taught us in the “Little House on the Prairie” television series. Michael Landon brought his compassion and wisdom to the screen, striking a chord with viewers around the world. What was your favorite lesson he taught us?

 Another amazing example of the type of father we all want to have (and strive to be) can be seen in Nels Oleson. He was level-headed, fair, patient, and a good friend. Although he didn’t struggle financially the way the Ingalls family did, he recognized that there was more to life than money when he called Pa “the richest man in Walnut Grove.” The actor behind the character of Nels Oleson, Richard Bull, also reflected on the patient and virtuous nature of the character he portrayed.

 Some conversations are uncomfortable. They require us to look deep within ourselves and admit where our thinking has been faulty, where our beliefs betrayed us and perhaps the hardest part of all, where we have to change. It is especially important to teach children about the difficulties of the past and to do so in a way that they can understand. Literature and older television programs can be educational opportunities. “Little House on the Prairie” is a great example. Both the book series and the wildly popular television series can be used to discuss American history and teachable moments with children.

 What have you been creating lately? We love hearing from fans. We know many are trying new crafts such as knitting, planting, canning, and baking as we spend more time at home and make the most of what we have in our surroundings. Please share your Little House inspired photos with us! Your submission and photos may be used in an upcoming featured fan post.  We hope to hear from you! Use hashtag #LittleHouseMoment or fill out the form on our site.

 Lemonade is a timeless beverage that even little Laura Ingalls enjoyed during special occasions. She tasted it for the first time at Nellie Oleson’s party and marveled at how it was both sweet and sour. With spring and summer on the horizon, you can share fresh, homemade lemonade using this step-by-step recipe. Add a special twist with fresh strawberries to create a splash of color and some extra sweetness.

 

This month, we’re starting our summer reading series by spotlighting Little House on Rocky Ridge, written by Roger Lea MacBride and illustrated by David Gilleece. In this series, we meet Rose Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter, and the last of the Little House girls. Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo, say goodbye to Ma and Pa Ingalls and Laura’s sisters. In a covered wagon containing all their possessions, they make their way across the drought-stricken Midwest to the lush green valleys of southern Missouri. The journey is long and not always easy, but at the end is the promise of a new home and a new life for the Wilders. Little House on Rocky Ridge is the first book in The Rose Years, an ongoing series about another spirited girl from America’s most beloved pioneer family.

 

Laura Ingalls Wilder News

We are excited to announce the launch of the Little House on the Prairie® collection from Cūbles®, a fun and creative collaboration between award-winning illustrator Renée Graef and Cūbles inventor Joel Morris. Cūbles are the paper toy re-invented.  Building a Cūble is unlike any other paper toy experience from your past. Assembly requires just the right amount of thought, care, and attention. And it’s fun – just like the challenge and reward of a puzzle. To read more about Cūbles and enter our giveaway for a chance to win a set of Little House on the Prairie® Cūbles® and other prizes, check out this article.

 Over the course of nine seasons on the “Little House on the Prairie” TV show, we saw Melissa Gilbert grow from a young girl to a loving mother.  Melissa Gilbert’s newest role is that of a devoted grandmother, Ruby, in the heart-warming film “When We Last Spoke.” The movie premieres from October 27th–29th, 2020, and many box offices have tickets on sale now. Click here to learn more about the movie, to purchase tickets, and to enter our giveaway.

 

Happy Birthday to Melissa Sue Anderson! Melissa just celebrated her birthday on September 26th. We know her as Mary Ingalls in the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series where she appeared in over 160 episodes, growing up right in front of our eyes each week.  Melissa went on to act in other movies after leaving "Little House." You can read more about her life on and off screen in this exclusive article.

 Happy Birthday to Linwood Boomer. Linwood celebrates his birthday on October 9th. You may know him as Adam Kendall, the husband of Mary Ingalls on the TV show. Linwood began his acting career in 1978 with his appearance on “Little House on the Prairie” and appeared in 35 episodes that aired from 1978–1981. To learn more about Linwood Boomer and his life and career before and after “Little House on the Prairie,” read this exclusive article.

 Happy Birthday to Leslie Landon. Leslie celebrates her birthday on October 11th. Michael Landon's daughter officially joined the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series in Season 9 as the new school teacher Etta Plum. She played a few smaller roles in earlier seasons, but everyone remembers her as the very patient and kind teacher Miss Plum. Here she is in Season 9, Episode 3 when she took the children over to help Lem McCary. The children were doing hands-on learning as part of her community responsibility lesson.

 Michael Landon, born October 31st, 1936, brought Pa Ingalls to life for millions of fans. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans, family, and coworkers. He is often remembered for his ability to be both rugged and vulnerable on camera. But do you know much about his life outside of the show? What was his given name when he was born and where did he grow up? Read these and other fun facts in this exclusive biography as we honor and celebrate his birthday on October 31st.

 

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

This month, we would like to introduce you to A Little House Picture Book Treasury: Six Stories of Life on the Prairie, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Renée Graef.  The Little House series introduced generations of readers to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life on the frontier.  Now with this illustrated storybook collection, the youngest readers can share in her world as well. To learn more about the six stories included in this treasury, you can view our article here.

 

We are pleased to introduce our new Good Neighbors section of our newsletter where we will 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 Habitat for Humanity and American Prairie Reserve, which are particularly fitting because they represent the importance of the “little house” and the “prairie” landscape that are at the core of Laura’s stories.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 29 million people build or improve the place they call home by partnering with people in communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries around the world.

 American Prairie Reserve represents a unique effort to assemble a multi-million-acre nature reserve of public and private lands that conserves the species-rich grasslands of Montana’s legendary Great Plains for the enjoyment of future generations.

 

 

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.

 

Laura Ingalls Wilder's News

 For years, Little House on the Prairie has inspired crafts and recipes that reflect the pioneering spirit of Laura and her family. In the book, On the Banks of Plum Creek, Ma showed her girls how to make a row of paper stars to decorate their home. “Laura and Mary made new starry papers for the shelves, and Ma made vanity cakes.” Join us in celebrating National Crafting month by making simple and beautiful handmade crafts like those paper star garlands, as well as a Valentine’s Day-inspired heart-shaped variation that will delight your friends and family.

 Ever wonder about the chronology of events in Laura’s life and the historical context surrounding her experiences? We think you’ll love our interactive timeline that weaves together some of her major life events with interesting historical milestones in literature, politics, science, and technology. Fun fact: what Ingalls family milestone occurred in February of 1874? See the timeline to find out! 

 

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 beloved actors are celebrating their birthdays this February. In honor of their special days, we’re sharing some fun facts with you.

Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls) celebrates her birthday on February 25. We enjoy hearing from fans about all the ways her portrayal of ‘Ma Ingalls’ inspired them. Whether the family endured a blizzard as in Season 1 Episode 22 – "Survival," a tornado, or any other harrowing circumstance, Ma always was a woman of calm strength. The family really pulled together in hard times, and Ma was the glue that held the family together.  How has she inspired you?

 Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle) celebrates her birthday on February 27. Did you know she wrote an article for us sharing some exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes photos of her time on set? You will love her inspiring story and her memories from the show.

 Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author and American icon, was born on February 7, 154 years ago. This month we celebrate her birthday and in March we celebrate her for National Women's History Month, which is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history. Throughout her lifetime, Laura seemed surprised by her readers’ admiration because, as she told reporters, “I didn’t know how to write. I went to little red schoolhouses all over the West and I was never graduated from anything." However, Laura came from a family that valued learning—books, poetry, music, and storytelling. Her mother Caroline had been a schoolteacher and insisted that her girls get a proper education, even on the frontier. Laura herself became a teacher and a writer whose work has had lasting historical and cultural significance.

 Almanzo Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s husband, was born February 13, 1857. Almanzo (aka “Manly” as Laura liked to call him) played such an important part in her life that he even inspired her to write her second book, Farmer Boy. This insightful article by Melanie Fishbane explores the differences between the Almanzo portrayed in the books and the Almanzo from the television show, highlighting the reasons we love every version of him! 

  Our Recommended Reading articles have been popular resources for readers interested in learning more about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s world. 

This month, we are spotlighting the book, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farm Journalist: Writings from the Ozarks, written by Wilder and edited by Stephen Hines. Before Laura Ingalls Wilder found fame with her Little House books, she made a name for herself with short nonfiction columns in magazines and newspapers. This volume collects essays by Wilder that originally appeared in the Missouri Ruralist between 1911 and 1924. Writing as “Mrs. A. J. Wilder” about modern life in the early twentieth-century Ozarks, Laura lends her advice to women of her generation on such timeless issues as how to be an equal partner with their husbands, how to support the new freedoms they’d won with the right to vote, and how to maintain important family values in their changing world. Yet she also discusses such practical matters as how to raise chickens, save time on household tasks, and set aside time to relax now and then. Learn more about this collection of articles 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 Heifer International. Heifer USA supports small-scale farmers to deliver fresh, nutritious food to reliable markets by providing them with training, education, and resources needed to sell their products for a fair price. This work is critical to helping small-scale American farmers lift themselves out of poverty.

 

10 Romantic Moments on Little House on the Prairie

 https://littlehouseontheprairie.com/top-10-romantic-moments-on-little-house-on-the-prairie/