I recently had the immense pleasure of joining the cast and crew for the Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Tour Independence Kansas.
As you may recall, earlier this year I began recreating some of the iconic costumes in celebration of the beloved television show.
Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Tour Independence Kansas
Several members of the cast gathered for the celebration. They included, Dean Butler (Almanzo), Alison Arngrim (Nellie), Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle), Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter), Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace), Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose) Jennifer Steffin (Young Rose) Jonathon Kovacs (Wild Boy) Victor A. French, Tracy Hall-French, and Kelly French-Carradine (The children of Mr. Edwards).
Events included a breakfast, dinner and meet and greet.
Mr. Decor, all dressed up in his Nels Oleson ensemble, was very excited to meet his favorite bad girl, Nellie Oleson, who was portayed by the gorgeous Alison Arngrim.
Throughout the weekend I said my broken jaw was the result of a tustle with Nellie and people LOVED that. (I did however always follow up with the truth in that I simply tripped over a dog bed. Alison is truly one of the loveliest people on the planet!)
I love seeing all of the fans in their prairie garb. This was a cheery group of Girl Scouts. I began as a Brownie and went on to become a Senior scout. Many of my skills I credit to learning from my wonderful leader. (Jill, I hope you are well wherever you are!)
The young ones truly have my heart!
A True Fan
I am often asked if I am Laura’s #1 fan. While I love Laura and am quite knowledgeable in our family history and true historical fashion, there are people who have actually earned their PhD’s in all things Laura.
When I met dear Sheryl at the event we instantly got on like a house on fire.
I approached Sheryl because of the fabulous t shirt she was wearing.
But then I noticed her amazing tattoo that featured the original artwork of Helen Sewell, the first illustrator of the Little House books. As well as a replica of LIW’s signature. My friends, that is a FAN!
Sewell, was actually LIW’s favorite illustrator. Sheryl and I talked about this and then moved on to talking about other literature and suffice it say, all of her favorite books are mine as well.
It thrilled my heart to learn that Sheryl is a teacher. What I wouldn’t give to be one of her students!
In a nutshell that is what a Little House event is like. Making connections with other kindred spirits.
There was also a special church service on Sunday and I was so happy to meet author Michelle Underwood. She has a new book out, I’m about halfway through my copy and really enjoying it!
Little House Museum
The cast went to visit the Little House on the Prairie Museum on a lovely sunny day.
You may have heard that Dean Butler (Almanzo) had a bit of trouble with this wagon. Luckily, only his shirt was injured. There’s a short, funny video with his favorite seamstress HERE.
Some Special Crew Members
I’ve spoke of my dear friend Olan Paz many times. He is the artist who created all of the amazing portraiture and facades. It was Olan who requested that I recreate Nancy the mermaid.
There was one other new costume added to the Little House collection at this event ~ Young Rose.
I also created a second grown up version for dear Deserae, the gorgeous daughter of actress Jennifer Steffin.
Hector and Trisha of Casa Bella Creations are also part of the prairie party. They created a beautiful replica of the original Little House cabin for the museum.
They are licensed artisans of the well loved Little House as well.
Both the Fashionista and I were instantly smitten with Michael Santos’ incredible Miss Beadle bolo ties. You can find his work featured at StarStruck Meteorites.
He also goes by the name of Mr. Beadle. 😉
A Fun New Video
I think you will enjoy all of the behind the scenes shots featured in this fun video.
If you wish to view the video in a larger format just click on the black box in the lower left hand corner that says Watch on YouTube.
My Prairie Pals
Dean Butler Instagram / Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond / Signed copy
Alison Arngrim Instagram / Alison’s Website / Alison’s book
Charlotte Stewart email: lottebanks@yahoo.com / Little House in the Hollywood Hills
Pamela Roylance: information coming soon!
Wendi Lou Lee Instagram / Wendi’s Books / Wendi’s Mercantile
Jennifer Donati Instagram / More Than Just A Prairie
Jennifer Steffin Instagram / Young Rose Wilder Store
Casa Bella Creations / On Etsy
Many thanks for this fun image taken by Cindy L. Alba of Prairie Cowgirl Photography.
Green dress by Modern Prairie. I wrote about this lovely company HERE.
What a lovely time! I enjoy seeing and learning more about these events.
I finally met the lovely Laura Ingalls Gunn after a special church service. I was fascinated with Laura’s beautiful authentic costumes for the Little House reunion events. Laura is a beautiful person inside and out! She carry’s on the family name of Laura Ingalls Wilder and is truly inspiring.
Laura, you had to be in seventh heaven! What a glorious time and I am so glad you could attend and enjoy it (you must have been exhausted when you got home — that takes a boatload of social energy.) Mr. Decor and your son look like they should be cast members too– perfectly garbed and even the hair is right! The costumes are magnificent. Three cheers!
There is so much to love about this blog! And the videos are really fun! I especially enjoyed seeing the Girl Scouts dressed Prairie style. I was a Brownie, Cadette & Senior Scout so it’s fun to see other scouts having wonderful experiences like these. The illustrations by Helen Sewell are just so simple & charming. Hoping to make it to one of the Corsicana events. Will your costumes be on display there?