I'm here (with Bill) on a brief research trip this week. "Here" is the farmhouse at Rocky Ridge, the Wilders' farm just outside Mansfield MO. Laura and Almanzo Wilder, with their 7-year-old daughter Rose, came here in 1894. They moved into a one-room log house and gradually, over a period of nearly 20 years, built this substantial ten-room farmhouse.
Laura and Almanzo were living here in 1928 when Rose returned from abroad. A successful, much-published writer, she built them a smaller, more modern (and manageable) retirement home a short distance away, the Rock House. The Wilders lived in the Rock House from 1928 to 1936, while Rose lived in the farmhouse. It was during this period that the Little House books were written. It's a gorgeous setting: trees, green fields, rocky ravines, natural springs. I enjoyed the tours of both houses and the several hours I spent in the museum--especially enjoyed the time I spent listening to two very knowledgable docents. I learned some things I didn't know, saw a few things I didn't expect to see, and was delighted to recognize the wonderful little painted dropleaf table/chairs in the Rock House kitchen. Laura wrote about them in an article that appeared in the Country Gentleman.
Tomorrow (Wednesday), another visit to the houses, to the local newspaper, and to the library. We'll be heading home on Thursday, with a few stops that Bill wants to make, related to his woodworking.
Speaking of which, he has posted several new pieces on his website, including two beautiful aspen doughbowls. Do check it out.
