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Hide the Thimble

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Hide the Thimble

You’re getting warmer…

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Little House on the Prairie – the fictional story

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Little House on the Prairie – the fictional story

The Ingallses in Indian Territory.

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“The Ninety and Nine”

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“The Ninety and Nine”

Elizabeth Clephane poem.

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cottonwood tree

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cottonwood tree

Wetland plains tree, Populus fremontii.

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Jesse French

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Jesse French

Butchered oxen during the Hard Winter.

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“all’s well that ends well”

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“all’s well that ends well”

A proverb.

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Western Reserve

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Western Reserve

Land in Ohio, given to Connecticut upon agreement to give up claim to lands in Pennsylvania.

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Uncle Sam

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Uncle Sam

Figure symbolizing the United States.

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claim shanty

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claim shanty

Temporary dwelling.

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Jack Frost

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Jack Frost

A popular personification of frost.

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Burr Oak during the Little House years

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Burr Oak during the Little House years

Town in Winneshiek County, Iowa.

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dried-raspberry sauce

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dried-raspberry sauce

Dried sauce good on biscuits.

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killdeer

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killdeer

Small aquatic bird.

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Hiram Ingalls

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Hiram Ingalls

Pa’s brother.

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“Jingle Bells”

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“Jingle Bells”

1857 James Pierpont song.

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“The New Year’s Come”

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“The New Year’s Come”

1842 “Why chime the bells so merrily?”

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what-not / whatnot

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what-not / whatnot

An étagère for books & ornaments.

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“The Campbells are Coming”

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“The Campbells are Coming”

Traditional Scottish jig.

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hatchet

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hatchet

A small ax with a short handle, to be used with one hand.

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wintergreen

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wintergreen

Aromatic, creeping evergreen, Gaultheria procumbens, having bright red berries.

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George A. Williams

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George A. Williams

Superintendent of Schools, 1883.

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drop the handkerchief / drop-the-handkerchief

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drop the handkerchief / drop-the-handkerchief

Circle game.

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dovekie

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dovekie

Arctic aquatic bird, Alle alle.

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apple pie / dried apple pie

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apple pie / dried apple pie

Just like Ma used to make.

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Almanzo Wilder

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Almanzo Wilder

The Man of the Place

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gingerbread

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gingerbread

Chocolate frosting adds to the goodness!

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Adam / adam’s apple

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Adam / adam’s apple

The first man, the progenitor of the human race.

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Farmer Boy – the fictional story

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Farmer Boy – the fictional story

Almanzo Wilder’s childhood in Burke NY.

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Pioneer Girl

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Pioneer Girl

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s memoir.

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water alcove

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water alcove

Railroad car water for drinking.

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Spat them Out

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Spat them Out

Clapping (and kissing) game.

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Lost, between sunrise and sunset…

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Lost, between sunrise and sunset…

Horace Mann quotation from his Writings, published in 1872.

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De Smet today

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De Smet today

Where I would like to be right now.

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“In the Starlight”

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“In the Starlight”

1878 Glover & Carpenter song.

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Mrs. Jarley’s Wax Works

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Mrs. Jarley’s Wax Works

Rise! Come forward!

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Stories of the Moorland

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Stories of the Moorland

1869 book by Lizzie Bates about a young boy growing up in Scotland.

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“Golden Years are Passing By”

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“Golden Years are Passing By”

1879 Will Thompson song.

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china shepherdess / little china woman

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china shepherdess / little china woman

Ingalls precious family figurine.

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New Ulm, Minnesota

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New Ulm, Minnesota

Town in Brown Co., MN.

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custard / ice-cream

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custard / ice-cream

Sweetened milk and eggs, cooked.

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“Marching Through Georgia”

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“Marching Through Georgia”

Union song from American Civil War.

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“Haste to the Wedding”

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“Haste to the Wedding”

Traditional Irish fiddle tune.

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Little House on the Prairie – historical perspective

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Little House on the Prairie – historical perspective

The Ingalls and Quiner families...

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twin lakes

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twin lakes

Lake Henry & Lake Thompson

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cream of tartar / baking powder

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cream of tartar / baking powder

Byproduct of wine-making process, used in baking as leavening agent.

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By the Shores of Silver Lake – historical perspective

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By the Shores of Silver Lake – historical perspective

Dakota Central comes to De Smet.

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fichu

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fichu

Light pointed cape worn by ladies, usually made of lace.

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roller skates / rink

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roller skates / rink

Wheeled frame for the shoe.

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“America”

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“America”

1832 Reverend Samuel F. Smith song.

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antelope

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antelope

Antilocapra cervicapra of North America.

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mantel-shelf

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mantel-shelf

Shelf above a fireplace.

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Henry Ford’s Own Story

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Henry Ford’s Own Story

Industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company.

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Horace / Homer Heath

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Horace / Homer Heath

Railroad-working brothers.

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blizzard

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blizzard

In 1880-1881, a long, severe, blinding, and bitterly cold snowstorm.

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“Uncle John”

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“Uncle John”

Play song to the tune of Yankee Doodle.

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“Polly Wolly Doodle”

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“Polly Wolly Doodle”

Daniel Decatur Emmett song.

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twisting hay

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twisting hay

Pioneer method by which dried grass is formed into compact...

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Little House in the Big Woods – historical perspective

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Little House in the Big Woods – historical perspective

Pepin Twp., Pepin Co. Wisconsin

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Governor of Orleans / The American Remount Association

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Governor of Orleans / The American Remount Association

Registered stallion leased to Almanzo Wilder 1923-1925.

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Gather ye rosebuds while ye may…

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Gather ye rosebuds while ye may…

From Robert Herrick poem.

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Oscar Rhuel / Röhl

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Oscar Rhuel / Röhl

A romantic figure…

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wall-paper

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wall-paper

Wall covering.

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“Rock of Ages”

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“Rock of Ages”

1760s Augustus Toplady hymn.

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blacking / stove-blacking / boot blacking

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blacking / stove-blacking / boot blacking

Preparation used to make things black.

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Mary & Samuel Ray / Ellen & Amos Leonard

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Mary & Samuel Ray / Ellen & Amos Leonard

Sisters feuding over a lovely homeplace…and a man.

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Osage Indian Treaty

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Osage Indian Treaty

Legal agreement between nations or sovereigns.

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Big Green Animal Book

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Big Green Animal Book

George Hartwig’s The Polar and Tropical Worlds: A Description of Man and Nature.

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“Come In and Shut the Door”

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“Come In and Shut the Door”

Circa 1862 song by J.P.H.

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poke bonnet / poke-bonnet

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poke bonnet / poke-bonnet

the lining matched Laura’s eyes

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clove apple / clove-apple

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clove apple / clove-apple

Spice-preserved fruit decoration.

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“Paddle Your Own Canoe”

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“Paddle Your Own Canoe”

1850s Harry Clifton song.

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On the Banks of Plum Creek – historical perspective

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On the Banks of Plum Creek – historical perspective

Walnut Grove in the 1870s.

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mosquito bar / netting

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mosquito bar / netting

Woven cloth bug barrier.

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storm apron

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storm apron

Rain protection for buggy.

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Old English letters

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Old English letters

Variety of printing type.

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gaiters

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gaiters

Cloth ankle covering.

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John Ensign family

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John Ensign family

Quit crying, Howard.

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“Nellie was a Lady”

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“Nellie was a Lady”

Pa would play some of the old songs, ‘to go to sleep...

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The Modern Musketeer

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The Modern Musketeer

How Rose became a great actress.

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windrow

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windrow

Line of hay raked together.

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nubia

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nubia

A light scarf worn about the head and neck.

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links

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links

Helps you find what you’re looking for.

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Jerome Bisby

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Jerome Bisby

Resident of Burr Oak, Iowa, during the Ingallses’ stay...

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grippe

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grippe

influenza

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“Ben Bolt”

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“Ben Bolt”

1842 Thomas Dunn English song.

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biscuits

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biscuits

A kind of un-fermented bread, formed into flat cakes, and baked.

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“Old Dan Tucker”

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“Old Dan Tucker”

Mr. Edwards sings it!

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“I Wish I Was Single Again”

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“I Wish I Was Single Again”

1871 J.C. Beckel song.

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Alfred Thomas

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Alfred Thomas

He was MARRIED, people!!

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needle grass

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needle grass

Ouch! Something bit me!

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Visscher Barnes

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Visscher Barnes

Probate Judge, VP of Temperance Society, and first director of De Smet school board.

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Frank Schaub

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Frank Schaub

Early harness maker in De Smet.

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A Tribute to the Early Day Teachers

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A Tribute to the Early Day Teachers

Neva Whaley Harding tribute.

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button

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button

who’s got one?

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birthday

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birthday

As near as I can figure, E.J. was right.

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Christopher Columbus

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Christopher Columbus

A native of Genoa, in Italy.

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The Story of Art Smith

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The Story of Art Smith

1915 Rose Wilder Lane serial about an aviator.

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On the Banks of Plum Creek – the fictional story

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On the Banks of Plum Creek – the fictional story

Farming struggles in Minnesota.

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bacon

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bacon

Hog’s flesh salted or pickled and dried, usually in smoke.

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galluses / suspenders

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galluses / suspenders

Straps worn for holding up pants.

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Willard Seelye

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Willard Seelye

De Smet teacher, 1881-1882.

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Orion E. Stearns

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Orion E. Stearns

Caught by blizzard of ’88.

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“Old Folks at Home”

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“Old Folks at Home”

Way down upon the Swanee River!

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Fred Fields / Big Jerry

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Fred Fields / Big Jerry

Railroad boss and his brother-in-law.

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South Troy / Zumbro Falls today

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South Troy / Zumbro Falls today

Little town along the Zumbro River.

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The Youth’s Companion

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The Youth’s Companion

Weekly instructional magazine for children, first published in 1827.

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“When Johnny Comes Marching Home”

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“When Johnny Comes Marching Home”

1863 Louis Lambert song.

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Maude Blair

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Maude Blair

Walnut Grove friend of Laura’s

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bracket lamp

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bracket lamp

Affixed lighting fixture.

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“The Evergreen Shore”

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“The Evergreen Shore”

1861 William Hunter song.

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President George Washington

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President George Washington

First President of the U.S.A.

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pullaway

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pullaway

Outdoor tagging game.

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Robbins children

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Robbins children

“froze stark stiff”

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sulky / sulky plow

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sulky / sulky plow

One-seated conveyance.

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“Am I a Soldier of the Cross”

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“Am I a Soldier of the Cross”

Isaac Watts hymn.

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“Down in Alabam'” / “The Old Gray Mare”

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“Down in Alabam'” / “The Old Gray Mare”

1858 J. Warner song.

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Henry O. Quiner family

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Henry O. Quiner family

Ma’s brother, married to Pa’s sister Polly.

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whiskey

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whiskey

Spirits distilled from grain.

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butter

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butter

Edible fatty substance made by churning cream.

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ambition

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ambition

Act of obtaining an object of desire.

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Bloody Benders

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Bloody Benders

Serial killers in 1870s Kansas.

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ante-over / anti-over / anteover

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ante-over / anti-over / anteover

Game in which a ball is thrown over a structure.

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“Ta-ra-ra-Boom-de-Ay”

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“Ta-ra-ra-Boom-de-Ay”

1891 Henry J. Sayers song.

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parsnip

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parsnip

Pastinaca edulis, a white, spindle-shaped root vegetable.

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De Smet during the Little House years

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De Smet during the Little House years

The Ingalls family moved here in 1879.

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isinglass

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isinglass

mica for stove windows

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thunder-pumps

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thunder-pumps

American bittern, a member of the heron family.

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forfeits

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forfeits

Game in which items are deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine.

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Ven Owen

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Ven Owen

Teacher and principal of the first graded school in De Smet

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button lamp

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button lamp

Improvised grease lamp.

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wigwam

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wigwam

What Almanzo’s shocked oats looked like.

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“The Battle-Cry of Freedom”

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“The Battle-Cry of Freedom”

We’ll Rally Round the Flag, Boys!

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Mary Power & Edwin Sanford

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Mary Power & Edwin Sanford

Laura’s friend and the new clerk at Ruth’s bank.

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cameo

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cameo

Aunt Docia’s pretty collar pin.

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bear grease

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bear grease

Bear fat hair dressing.

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bandana

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bandana

Large handkerchief with white pattern on red or blue background.

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ice cream social

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ice cream social

Laura and Almanzo didn’t enjoy it.

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clinched nail

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clinched nail

Bent at a right angle.

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George Whiting Ingalls

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George Whiting Ingalls

Bugle-blowing, jigging uncle.

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George C. Bradley

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George C. Bradley

Early De Smet druggist.

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chilblain

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chilblain

Cold sores on hands and feet.

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hardtack

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hardtack

Unleavened hard bread made from flour and water.

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These Happy Golden Years – the fictional story

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These Happy Golden Years – the fictional story

Laura teaches and falls in love.

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“Lilly Dale” / “Lily Dale”

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“Lilly Dale” / “Lily Dale”

1852 song by H.S. Thomson.

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“The Gum-Tree Canoe”

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“The Gum-Tree Canoe”

1847 Steele & Winnemore song.

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Sale of School Lands on the Osage Diminished Reserve

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Sale of School Lands on the Osage Diminished Reserve

LHOP cabin was on Section 36

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squirrel

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squirrel

Rodent mammal of the genus Sciurus.

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De Smet Cemetery

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De Smet Cemetery

Ma & Pa’s final resting place.

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“Jesus Holds My Hand”

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“Jesus Holds My Hand”

Hymn #85, Pure Gold for the Sunday Schools

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chewing gum

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chewing gum

Long white sticks of chewiness.

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“By Lo, Baby Bunting”

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“By Lo, Baby Bunting”

Mother Goose rhyme.

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elevator

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elevator

Warehouse for seed and grain.

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“Captain Jinks”

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“Captain Jinks”

1868 comedic opera song.

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peddler’s cart / wagon

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peddler’s cart / wagon

A little store on wheels.

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Ida Belle Wright

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Ida Belle Wright

Laura’s best friend in De Smet

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“Old Grimes”

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“Old Grimes”

1822 Albert Gorton Greene poem.

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Charles Trousdale

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Charles Trousdale

De Smet drayman and his performing sons.

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black bird / blackbird

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black bird / blackbird

Name given to various American birds.

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The Floweret

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The Floweret

1842 book of verse by Anna Maria Wells.

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mustache

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mustache

Hair above the lip.

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Albert Quiner

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Albert Quiner

Laura’s cousin.

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“The Floating Scow of Old Virginia”

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“The Floating Scow of Old Virginia”

1847 Charles White song.

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wristlets

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wristlets

Knitted bands worn around the wrists for warmth.

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last

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last

Mold of a foot, used in making shoes.

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“My Jenny Jerusha Jane”

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“My Jenny Jerusha Jane”

1868 A.G. Chase song.

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fanning-mill

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fanning-mill

Machine for winnowing.

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wild prairie rose

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wild prairie rose

RWL was their namesake, my dear.

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Julia & Amasa Tower

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Julia & Amasa Tower

Walnut Grove church friends.

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brakeman

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brakeman

Person who stops the train.

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black-berry / blackberry

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black-berry / blackberry

The berry of the bramble, Rubus fruticosous.

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leap frog / leap-frog

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leap frog / leap-frog

Run and jump game.

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Mother Goose

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Mother Goose

Fictionalized compiler of ancient nursery rhymes.

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The New York Ledger

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The New York Ledger

Weekly story paper, published 1855-1898.

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“Here’s to the Maiden”

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“Here’s to the Maiden”

1780 R.B. Sheridan drinking song.

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cant-hook / cant-pole

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cant-hook / cant-pole

Instrument used by lumbermen to move logs.

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Edward H. Couse

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Edward H. Couse

Early hardware store owner in De Smet.

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Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Birthday

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Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Birthday

Happy Birthday, Laura!

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depot / station

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depot / station

Railway station.

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freeze drying

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freeze drying

sublimation!

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Charles H. Tinkham

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Charles H. Tinkham

Early undertaker and owner of the first furniture store in De Smet.

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slate

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slate

Stone used as tablet for writing upon.

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spelling / speller

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spelling / speller

The order of letters in a word. / A book of exercises on the order of letters.

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tea

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tea

A man’s drink in cold weather.

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udder

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udder

Where the milk is before milking.

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Supposed Speech of Regulus

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Supposed Speech of Regulus

From Independent Fifth Reader.

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Dolly Varden

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Dolly Varden

NIckname of Edith Ingalls, Laura’s cousin.

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“The Burial of Sir John Moore”

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“The Burial of Sir John Moore”

1817 poem by Charles Wolfe.

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Charles Philip Ingalls

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Charles Philip Ingalls

Father of Laura Ingalls. He lived 1836-1902.

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perforated paper embroidery

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perforated paper embroidery

Stitched designs.

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“The Heavens Declare the Glory”

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“The Heavens Declare the Glory”

From The Conqueror, page 144.

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velvet

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velvet

Silk or blend fabric with short shag surface.

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Rev. Royal Gould Wilder

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Rev. Royal Gould Wilder

Almanzo’s uncle.

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Burr Oak today

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Burr Oak today

Only Ingalls home in original location.

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Alice & Arthur Whiting

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Alice & Arthur Whiting

Cousin Alice Ingalls Whiting’s family.

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The Long Winter – the fictional story

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The Long Winter – the fictional story

Winter for seven months!

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alley / alleyway

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alley / alleyway

Narrow passageway, distinct from public street.

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turnip

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turnip

Cruciferous plant grown for root and greens.

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lime / whitewash

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lime / whitewash

Oxide of calcium mixed with water and used for whitening.

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Walnut Grove during the Little House years

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Walnut Grove during the Little House years

Village in Redwood County, Minnesota

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spinning wheel / spinning-wheel

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spinning wheel / spinning-wheel

Turns wool into yarn.

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