Every year the quiet town of Mansfield, Missouri transforms into a flurry of activity to celebrate Wilder Days. This annual celebration occurs the last weekend in September and honors the life and legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved Little House series of books.
Wilder Days
The Wilder Days festival is held in the downtown Mansfield square as well as at the historic Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum (Rocky Ridge Farm and the Rock house), where the author lived and wrote her books.
The annual celebration features live music, craft and food vendors, a parade, as well as Laura and Almanzo costume contests.
This year special guests included actor Richard Thomas who portrayed Charles “Pa” Ingalls television movies Beyond the Prairie: The True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder (1999) and the sequel, Beyond The Prairie II (2002).
As well as notable Laura Ingalls Wilder researchers and authors William Anderson and Pamela Smith Hill.
Author Cheryl Pierson Yecke was featured on Friday sharing Volume I of her upcoming trilogy Discovering Laura.
Music From Days Gone By
On the lawn of Rocky Ridge various musical artists entertain guests.
My favorite is always the talented David Wilson who plays the real fiddle that belonged to Charles Ingalls.
Laura’s Friends and Family
People come from all over the world to attend Wilder Days. This year I met a woman and her daughter who traveled from Australia.
Entire families dress up to commemorate their visit.
Special memories are made during these pilgrimages. This lovely lady was celebrating her 60th birthday with her three daughters.
A sweet bride celebrated her bachelorette party with her pretty maids.
During the festivities there is always one moment that I simply look around in wonder at the mass of people in attendance and think to myself, This is all because of Laura.
Other Mansfield Sites To See
People often overlook paying a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Library. But it truly was one of Laura’s proudest accomplishments.
At the current library you can still see the dolls that she posed with. As well as some of the books the author donated.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Library: 120 N Business 60, #5, Mansfield, MO, 65704-8499
Rest Easy
Laura Ingalls Wilder, her husband Almanzo, and daughter Rose Wilder Lane are all laid to rest in the Mansfield cemetery.
There is clear signage making the gravesites easy to locate.
Mansfield Cemetery N. Lincoln St., Mansfield, MO 65704
Laura’s Uncle Peter
It is well known that I wear my heart on my sleeve. During Little House festivals I often have to brush away a tear or two as joy and gratitude spill over into my eyes. This year a handsome gentleman’s generosity made my heart catch in my throat. He has a special link to Laura’s Uncle Peter.
Charles Ingalls’ oldest brother, Peter, married Caroline’s younger sister, Eliza. They had six living children who were double cousins to Laura.
In meeting relatives I am always struck by how strong the Ingalls family genes remain. The Ingalls are known for their thick wavy hair (usually brown in youth) and striking blue eyes.
Even three generations later I could see the family resemblance in my cousin, Harlan Ingalls Cowsar.
Mr. Cowsar lovingly donated several family letters to the museum archives.
This photo fills my heart with immense joy as it recalls his kindness to share precious family archives with the world.
If you love Laura Ingalls Wilder or all things Little House I encourage you to attend Wilder Days.
It might bring joy to your heart too.
Tomorrow we shall take a closer look at Laura’s homes ~ the Rocky Ridge farmhouse and the Rock House.
Laura
Such a lovely heartfelt tribute to Laura and Almanzo. The smiles of joy in all the photos say it all.