Today was the anniversary of the birth of Laura Ingalls Wilder, so I am thinking about her tonight. Laura was born on February 7, 1867 in Pepin, Wisconsin.

I have a special shelf where I keep my hard back copies of the Little House books as well as other related books.

I always enjoyed these books while growing up.

One of my favorites is Farmer Boy. One of my ancestors lived near where Almanzo grew up in New York.

My 3rd Great Grandfather Isaac Braman lived in Rome, Wisconsin in the same Township where Ma and Pa Ingalls were married in 1860. They most likely knew each other, although Issac was about 10 years older than Charles Ingalls.

In the picture above is a small barn that was built by my 4th Great Grandfather Orsamus Braman.

I also like to read books about Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Libertarians on the Prairie: Laura Ingalls, Rose Wilder Lane, and the Making of the Little House Books by Christine Woodside was an interesting read. The author attempted to show how Rose Wilder Lane inserted her Libertarian beliefs into the Little House books.

It has been a very badly kept secret that Rose Wilder Lane helped write the Little House books along with her mother. The only question to me has been how balanced the collaboration had been. This book along with others I have read in the past couple of years have provided us with a lot more information.

Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Yona Zeldis McDonough is a biography for young readers. Of course, the Little House books were mostly autobiographical. However, there were many things that were changed to make for a better and happier story.

Lots of memories tonight…

Steven