Trundlebed Tales

Hear all about our trip to De Smet, South Dakota for the De Smet Event 2017 in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder's 150th birthday. Previous De Smet events focused exclusively on researchers and authors, but this time two TV show cast members, Dean Butler and Alison Argrim (Almanzo and Nellie respectively) headlined. The other focus was the on-going Pioneer Girl Project. William T. Anderson (Laura expert), Nancy Koupal (Pioneer Girl Project editor), and Judy Thompson (Cover illustrator). Join me for a full report about my trip and suggestions for things for you to do if you take a similar trip. 

Our first straight Travel Times in awhile we'll look at taking a trip to Springfield, Illinois. Without a master plan to, our family seems to end up in Springfield, Illinois every few years since I was about 8 years old. Even with all these trips we still haven't seen everything there is to see. Springfield is unique. Besides being the headquarters of all things Abraham Lincoln, it is also the site of a major Frank Lloyd Wright house, lots of government related sites, the Illinois State Fair grounds, and plenty of stuff for Route 66. Figure out what you should see in Springfield or call in with your own tricks and tips.

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 Walnut Grove, Minnesota; De Smet, South Dakota; Spring Valley, Minnesota; Mansfield, Missouri; Malone, New York; Burke, New York; Eagle, Wisconsin.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.