In the actually town of De Smet, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Musesum complex includes the Original Surveyor's House, a claim shanty school, a replicate of one of the towns school houses, and Pa's 2nd in town house. There is also a museum with original documents and family items. Very interested, although less hands on than the homestead.
The kids were able to try their hand at laundry (again). and they discovered a very cool horse accessory - a saddle blanket to help keep the flies away.
Z rang the bell to call everyone to school....
In the school house, we were able to sit in chairs like students and try to grind wheat like the Ingall's did.
"After school", H and N rang the dismissal bell.
Can I have one of these?
We passed a little garden going to the Brewster School. They had very little light in the school - just like what Laura would have taught in.
Then, we drove to the house that Pa built, in town, where he, Ma, and Mary lived.
Ma's dishes were very pretty - and they match one of the things we received from family.
The site of Pa's original house in town, was sold not long after the house on the homestead was "completed" or made winter worthy, and the building was torn down and replaced with a brick building, which still stands today. In addition, the Loftus store is still in operation, across the street from the original building, and today has memorabilia and is a flower/gift store.
We also drove out of town to the homestead claim of Almanzo. The tree claim may have been where the Wilder airport is located today. There are some very old trees in the vicinity.
The kids were able to try their hand at laundry (again). and they discovered a very cool horse accessory - a saddle blanket to help keep the flies away.
Z rang the bell to call everyone to school....
In the school house, we were able to sit in chairs like students and try to grind wheat like the Ingall's did.
"After school", H and N rang the dismissal bell.
Can I have one of these?
We passed a little garden going to the Brewster School. They had very little light in the school - just like what Laura would have taught in.
Then, we drove to the house that Pa built, in town, where he, Ma, and Mary lived.
Ma's dishes were very pretty - and they match one of the things we received from family.
The site of Pa's original house in town, was sold not long after the house on the homestead was "completed" or made winter worthy, and the building was torn down and replaced with a brick building, which still stands today. In addition, the Loftus store is still in operation, across the street from the original building, and today has memorabilia and is a flower/gift store.
We also drove out of town to the homestead claim of Almanzo. The tree claim may have been where the Wilder airport is located today. There are some very old trees in the vicinity.
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