This western historical television drama was based on bestselling books by Laura Ingalls (1867-1957). NBC picked it up 50 years ago in 1974 and the television series ran until March 21, 1983.

This western historical television drama was based on bestselling books by Laura Ingalls. Audiences were typically in awe of the show and how it represented ‘life out west’ and enlightened the viewer with what was, to many European Americans, the unexplored expanse of our country. Many also agree that the daily life lessons tackled in each episode remained just as relevant to viewers when the series aired in the 1970s and 1980s as they were to the time period in which the show was set.

The American Heritage Center maintains several collections that include materials relating to Little House on the Prairie. Although there are maps, illustrations and photographs in some, the vast majority are NBC scripts of the television series. One of these scripts, “Blind Justice,” deals with Mary’s disability and can easily apply to modern day issues with impairments.¹

In the television episode titled, “The Happiest Anniversary” the all too familiar scenario of finding a little time away from the children to have a moment with your spouse is addressed. In quite a humorous way, the story is told where Pa & Ma are to spend a whole night alone while the children are with the Reverend and his wife. Between chores, torrential rain, a leaky roof (in the bedroom, of course) and Pa’s coat on fire, morning arrives with the children returned and all are headed to church. As they pull away from the house, Ma & Pa “…turn to each other, noses almost touching. ‘Happy Anniversary!’ Pa says softly…” and they head to town.²

Scripts also included are, “The Handyman,” “Meet Me at the Fair,” “I Remember, I Remember,” and “The Pride of Walnut Grove.” The latter stems from a story from an idea by Michael Landon in May of 1975. This episode approaches the ever-present family dynamic of sibling rivalry. Mary becomes eligible to compete in a regional math competition in Minneapolis. The family cannot afford the overall cost, so the townspeople finance the trip. Although Laura admittedly is jealous of Mary, she takes on additional responsibility around the house when Pa suggests it to “…snap her out of her sadness.” The episode also covers Mary’s disappointment in herself as she places second in the competition.³

Laura was very adamant about telling her stories correctly as they occurred and as she experienced her childhood. Even into early adulthood, Laura would write that, “I lived everything that happened in my books. It is a long story, filled with sunshine and shadow…”  She also writes about family and friends and what they went on to do and where they lived. “Ma & Pa lived…on their homestead and then moved into town…Mary graduated from the College for the Blind…Carrie worked for the DeSmet News…and then she married…and moved to the Black Hills. Nellie Oleson went east, married, and moved to Louisiana….” It was important to Laura that she leave an accurate and significant legacy. She closes her letter to her daughter with, “The way we live and schools…are much different now. But the real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures and to…have courage when things go wrong. “…every American has always been free to pursue…happiness.”⁴

Post contributed by Vicki Glantz, AHC Reference Department.

References

1. Final Draft: December 1980, box 32, folder 5, James Brodhead papers, Coll. No. 7389, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
2. Revised Outline from June 17, 1974, box 4, folder 2, Arthur Heinemann papers, Coll. No. 7207, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
3. Outline & notes, Michael Landon, 1975, box 4, folder 6, Arthur Heinemann papers, Coll. No. 7207, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
4. Composite letter written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, box 8, folder 19, Clarice Whittenburg papers, Coll. No. 400044, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.