Highlights Archives
Laura Ingalls Wilder Days Turn Back the Clock
For many people, reading the Little House books is the closest they get to experiencing life in the Midwest in the late 1800s. Laura Ingalls Wilder's vivid writing and Garth Williams' charming illustrations bring to life the traumas and triumphs — including everyday chores, crafts and games — of a family making a living from the land.
On July 26 and 27, Old World Wisconsin hosts the always popular Laura Ingalls Wilder Days. So popular that it's been expanded to two days, the event is centered around hands-on experiences for visitors.
This year's activities are based on the book On the Banks of Plum Creek and feature many of the same games and chores Laura and her family did. A mountain of hay for jumping in is enough to grab today's kids' attention from their Ipods and Wiis, just like the straw stack beckoned to Laura and Mary 150 years ago. Other activities include tasting horehound candy, making a button string, or playing old-fashioned games like "Ante, Ante, Over the Shanty" or "Cat's Cradle" with a string. Visitors can sample lemonade like Laura did at her town party experience, straight from the pages of the book. They can also try their hand at the chores she and her sister did — stacking wood or sweeping, which for Laura was a wonder, using a "boughten" broom.
All are encouraged to dress like the characters who inhabit the book — Laura or Mary, Nellie or Willie Oleson — as there is a look-a-like pageant at Caldwell Hall at 3 p.m. For those without a costume who wish to participate, there are prairie bonnets, aprons and dresses available to purchase at the museum store, including some for doll friends as well.
This year's event takes on a new dimension with the inclusion of some of the activities from Old World Wisconsin's former Power Exposition event — which features a variety of machines used in the late 1800s and early 1900s — powered by people, animals and engines. Whether a fan of the Little House books or of animals and machines, there is truly something for everyone, with plenty of opportunities to experience life in the 1800s.
For complete details on hours, admission fees, locations and directions, and other details, see our Plan Your Visit pages.
:: Posted July 21, 2008
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