Little House on the Prairie, Independence, KS

Yesterday, October 11, we visited the Little House on the Prairie historic site, which is only about 20 miles from where we are staying. This is the site where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived with her family from 1869 to 1871. She used her experiences here for her Little House novels. In 1977 volunteers built a one room cabin similar in size and shape to the one described in her book here. The Sunnyside Schoolhouse was moved to this site in 1976 from it's original location four and a half miles to the northwest. It is a schoolhouse from the same era. There is also a small post office on the site. They had a bluegrass prairie festival on the grounds yesterday. Music was plentiful as was talent of all ages, and yes, there was food. A windy, warm, sunny day on the prairie with good music, homemade food and friendly country folks for company. A truly enjoyable day.

The one room cabin. And to think people wonder how we live in such a small home.

Inside view of the schoolhouse. Schoolteachers in that time were paid $25 to $35 per month.

Kids having a sack race.

Some of the younger musicians jamming on the grounds.

Typical young girl cuddling a very small kitten.

A six year old in the children's fiddle contest.

Some of the older kids in the fiddle contest.

The Coles are a local family. Two sisters married to two brothers. Each couple has two sons. We are convinced that musical talent is hereditary.

Dalton Defender Days, Coffeyville, KS

On October 4 we attended the Dalton Defender Days right here in Coffeyville. Every year they hold this festival in honor of those who defended the community during the Dalton Raid on October 5, 1892. The Dalton Gang attempted to rob two banks in town at the same time when they were recognized. The townspeople armed themselves to confront the bandits. In the gun battle that followed, 4 local men were killed along with 4 of the gang. The fifth gang member, who was injured, went to jail.
We watched the re-enactment in the plaza and enjoyed listening to performances and walking around the booths.

Townspeople before the raid. One bank is at the right of the screen.

Two members head for the bank across the plaza after the other three entered the bank on the left.

The townspeople firing at the robbers in the banks on either end of the plaza.

The end of the battle.

Moving the bodies of the gang members to the bank.

The four dead Dalton Gang members in front of the bank windows and the injured one in front of the door.

Old Iron Days, Fredonia, KS

We have found some interesting things to do in the area. It's not the scenic surroundings from Yellowstone, but interesting none the less. On September 27 we attended the Wilson County Old Iron Days in Fredonia, KS. It was a small gathering of old machinery owners, (old tractors, but some of the owners were old too). They had displays of rock crushers, balers, sawmills, shingle saws, threshing machines, etc. from the early 1900's. They were all in operation which made for a variety of sounds and smells. In addition they had antique tractors on display in all stages of restoration and demonstrations including rope making, outdoor cooking, broom making, and an ice cream machine. We had a great time wandering around and enjoying the many culinary delights such as venison chili, apples & onions, and cabbage & bacon. For dessert we had homemade ice cream and apple cookies. In the early afternoon they had a tractor parade. Before the parade, a local boy played the national anthem on his trumpet as everyone faced the flag. This to us is real America.

The National Anthem

One of the participants in the parade. She is the proud owner.

Old fashioned home made ice cream. What a treat.

Hay compactor and baler.

A series of machines used for crushing rock.

An old air compressor with whistles at the top. Pulling one of the chains made sure everyone was awake.

A blacksmith adding air to the fire to heat it up.