Trundlebed Tales

Ep 89 Dean Butler on De Smet Event 2017

Dean Butler is known the world over as Almanzo Wilder from the NBC TV series Little House on the Prairie. Although he has moved on to other things, he has generously continued to be a supporter of Little House fandom appearing at homesites, events, and even conferences about Laura Ingalls Wilder. He also produced two documentaries on the Wilder family and a series of extras for one of the DVD releases. Butler last appeared on our show in 2014 in honor of the TV show's 40th anniversary event in Walnut Grove MN. This time he'll be talking about the second De Smet Event being held during July 2017. Both he and Alison Arngrim (TV's Nellie Oleson) will be speaking and signing autographs at the event. We've checked in with site director Tessa Flak and now we'll get more word on what to look forward to with Dean.

Ep 88 Family Trip to Keystone Hitting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Sites

Earlier this month a group of extended family loaded up the rented van and headed west (well first a little east and north, but mostly west). We hit several stops along the way including the Spam Museum, the Jolly Green Giant, the Laura Ingalls Wilder stops in De Smet SD, and Wall Drug (a hidden Laura site). Finally we pulled into Keystone - long time home of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey and short time home of Mary Ingalls. First things being first we visited the Keystone Area Historical Society where they have been making some big changes. I crossed off the 20 year goal of riding the 1880 train, hit Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. The next day we panned for gold before heading east, made a quick stop in Rapid City, and then checked out the Corn Palace. Finally we made it home. I'll run you through what we actually did, what we were sorry we had to skip, and some great restaurants where we ate. For those of you heading to the De Smet event, I also have some road report updates you should be aware of.

June 2017 Laura Ingalls Wilder Update

We look at what's going on in Laura Ingalls Wilder fandom this month including events around the country and Trundlebed Tales programs. Big events this month are in Burr Oak, Iowa; Independence, Kansas; and Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Ep 87 De Smet Event 2017 with Tessa Flak

It's the 150th anniversary of Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday this year and they are celebrating in De Smet, South Dakota, Laura's Little Town on the Prairie. The big event is going to be Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th. Special guests will include prominent Laura authority William T. Anderson, Nancy Koupal of the South Dakota Historical Society Press, Dean Butler and Alison Arngrim - Almanzo Wilder and Nellie Oleson on the NBC TV show, and Judy Thompson who designed the cover art of both Pioneer Girl and Pioneer Girl Prespectives. Join host Sarah Uthoff and De Smet Memorial Director, Tessa Flak as we get all the details of this event. Join this special Little House on the Prairie or rather Little Town on the Prairie event. 

May 2017 Laura Ingalls Wilder Update

We look at what's going on in Laura Ingalls Wilder fandom this month including events around the country and Trundlebed Tales programs.Big events this month are in Burr Oak, Iowa; Spring Valley, Minnesota; and Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, Wisconsin.  

April 2017 Laura Ingalls Wilder Update

We look at what's going on in Laura Ingalls Wilder fandom this month including events around the country and Trundlebed Tales programs.Big events this month are in Marshfield, Missouri and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. April is pretty much the start of this year's Laura Ingalls Wilder season. We have a few events and we're looking forward to events that will only increase from her on in for the rest of the season. Whether you're interested in the Little House TV show or actual research, April has got what you're looking for. The conference is based on the runaway bestseller "Pioneer Girl."

Ep 86 Lynne Belluscio and Maple Syrup History and Practice

Join host Sarah Uthoff as she learns about maple syrup tradition and creation. Lynne's family has collectioned and processed maple syrup for years. Get the full story behind Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Maple Syrup played a vital role in the history of the county's diet providing a cheap sweetener. We'll also talk about maple syrup today.

Ep 85 Nancy Koupal of South Dakota State Historical Society Press

Our guest this time is Nancy Koupal of the South Dakota State Historical Society Press. We've got a lot to cover this time. Koupal will discuss her past connection with Laura including finding the famous Ma and Pa portraits, her work bringing out "Pioneer Girl" and the upcoming "Pioneer Girl Prespectives,"  and this April's Laura Ingalls Wilder themed conference. There's always more that you can dig into when it comes to Laura Ingalls Wilder and we'll have a lot of fun doing that this episode.