We enjoyed the scenic drive and thanks to our faithful GPS we didn't have any trouble finding the place. I felt a little out of place admist all the farmers and Mennonite! Sure enough, the bidding was complicated - so complicated that we didn't even pick up a number. Pick-up trucks and tractors would pull trailers upon trailers full of watermelons, cantaloupe, tomatoes, etc. And when the auctioneer started with, "50 cents times 50" we had to be quick to figure out the math. It took us awhile just to get caught up with the auctioneer and I still don't think we quite understood. Oh, well... it's all about the experience.
Then we headed to Burr Oak, Iowa to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. For only a few short months, Laura and her family lived and worked in this hotel.
Our tour began in the old bank across the street.
Most of the bank is restored, with the exception of the safe boxes.
Laura and her family moved around so much, that she didn't even include this part of her life in the books for fear of people getting too confused.
It cost 25 cents to stay overnight in the hotel - an equivalent to 12 dollars in 2011.
An old desk where guests could conduct business and write letters.
We were a little disappointed to find that everything in the museum was a replica. Most of the Wilder's things are located in the museum in Missouri. These next two pictures are the only things that belonged to Laura: Some of her needlework...
and her handkerchiefs
One of Laura's jobs was to straighten up the guests beds and pull the strings on the bed tighter. Is that where the expression, "Sleep tight" came from?
On the second floor, there was a parlor with a beautiful player piano. We couldn't help but think of how much Steve's mom would have enjoyed playing it!
In the attic, there were four teeny tiny rooms for guests with no doors attached. We learned that four people could sleep on the bed - lengthwise! Talk about togetherness!
The kitchen was located in the basement and was by far one of my favorite parts of the tour. Ma had to cook for 20-30 people at any given time.
I can't imagine trying to get everything to the table at one time using this type of a stove.
The dining room table
A copy of their weekly schedule
I couldn't imagine doing laundry like this either!
This is the actual room where Laura and her family stayed. Tight quarters! They didn't stay at the hotel very long because they were being cheated out of money and needed more room for their family.
This was one of my favorite museums we've done in a long time - so make sure you stop if by if you ever have the chance. We bought Amaya another Laura Ingalls Wilder picture book at the gift shop and I hope when she is older, she'll enjoy the books as much as I do!
