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.