Little House in the Big Woods

For our "homesteading in the city" theme this year, we've been reading books about people's adventures living close to the land, pioneering something new, or choosing an alternative way to live. We've read stories that span the last 100 years (most took place in Alaska or Yukon Territory, but the people came from all over North America). This time we're going even further back in time to the mid-1800s, when "out West" meant Wisconsin or Missouri.

Our fifth book is Little House in the Big Woods, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams (Harper and Row, 1971; first published in 1932). The Little House books are a beloved series from my own childhood. I read the books for myself, and our whole family listened as Mom read them aloud for my siblings. We were living in Alaska, where partial or full sustenance living was a way of life for some, so were fascinated with the details of everyday life and how things were made. Later in life, I read the books to our son, and then recently jumped at the chance to reread Little House in the Big Woods after many years. 

The story takes place over the course of a year. Laura is five years old, and lives with sister Mary, baby Carrie, and Ma and Pa in a snug cabin, deep in the woods of Wisconsin. Neighbors are far apart, but relatives live in the area. The story starts in the fall, with the family putting in provisions for the winter. The book describes their preparations from harvesting pumpkins and garlic from the garden, drying herbs, making cheese, smoking venison and fish. They work hard living off the land, making their food and clothing, and often working with extended family and neighbors on bigger projects like harvesting maple syrup or wheat. They also take time to make music in the evening, rest on the Sabbath, and celebrate Christmas with relatives. 

Since I last read the Little House books, controversy has arisen about racist depictions and outdated viewpoints in the books (there are definitely some cringe-worthy passages). Still, I appreciate reading about the homesteading experiences of Laura and her family, and learning about the skills needed to survive. As a modern reader I can acknowledge the mindset of their day, and evaluate them in the context of the times. If we remove the references and whitewash the story, we still don't tackle the real issues they represent. If we throw everything out the window that contains an idea we disagree with, we have little record left of what happened and what people were thinking, and little against which to measure any progress. I still recommend this book for adults and children who enjoy personal history, are comfortable with thinking and questioning, and have been exposed to broader history and ideas.

Learn More

Some interesting items related to the book:

• Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957) – Laura was born to Charles and Carolyn Ingalls in Pepin County, Wisconsin. Read a synopsis of her life. 
• Pepin, Wisconsin – Laura was born in the Pepin area, and is acknowledged as one of its notable people.
• Vinegar Pie Recipe – this didn't sound very appealing, but, after learning more, it might be worth trying. The pie is included in a class of "desperation pies", because of its few ingredients. Ma made this pie for Christmas.
• Arkansas Traveler – Pa played his fiddle during cozy winter evenings, and sang hymns and humorous songs such as this one.
• Godey's Lady's Book – this magazine for women was published from 1830-1878, and provided popular culture and hand-tinted fashion plates. (Even homesteading ladies want to know the latest fashions, and be well dressed).
• The Wonders of the Animal World (a.k.a., The Polar and Tropical Worlds) – the Ingalls owned few books, but this animal book was well-loved and mentioned several times in the Little House series. It is interesting to learn that the book actually has a different title.
• Learning From Laura Ingalls Wilder, by Dr. Amy S. Fatzinger (The Atlantic, September 2018) – discussion about the controversy from different viewpoints
• The World of Little House, by Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Wyss Eriksson. HarperCollins Children's Books (New York, 1996). See chapter 2, "Little House in the Big Woods". I loved seeing the floor plan of the Ingalls' log cabin, and the recipe for Molasses-on-Snow Candy (one of the treats produced from fresh maple syrup).