On our move to Florida, we were very limited on what we could do. Having a dog and cat with us and being summer - hot vehicles! The big thing we did take time to do was visit the homesite of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Missouri. This was the first time for all of us and I LOVED it! All of us girls did! I am a huge fan of Laura and visiting all her homesites is a dream come true for me.
I love how they copied her signature for the sign.
Isn't this such a peaceful, country spot for a home?
The first thing, we took a tour of their home that their daughter, Rose, built for them.
The Rock House
Laura and Almanzo's Home
1928-1936
In 1928, Rose Wilder Lane came home from her travels abroad and wanted to build a retirement home for Laura and Almanzo. Picking a spot on the back side of Rocky Ridge Farm, Rose had the Rock House constructed.
The Country Gentlemen magazine purchased a serial called "Cindy" from Rose for the sum of $10,000.00. Rose put the proceeds of this article and more into the project for a total ticket cost amount of $11,000.00.
Rose hired and architect, Eugene Johnson, from Springfield, MO. She purchased plans from the Special Home Supplement of the Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Catalog. An English Cottage plan was chosen which was called "The Mitchell".
Construction of the Rock House began in August of 1928 and lasted through December at which time Rose presented the keys to the home to her parents at Christmas time. The Rock House then became Laura and Almanzo's home for the next seven and one half years.
She had these French doors put on the front of the home to enhance the view.
This door - something out of a movie! Dreamy for a cottage home.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a photo of Laura, Almanzo, and their dog, Nero.
Through the front door, you walk into the living room.
Large interior photos on display in this room were taken in 1929. These photos proved valuable in restoring the interior of the Rock House, as well to identify the furnishings Rose had purchased from Heer's Department Store in Springfield, MO.
Such a pretty, well-thought out room with the view and doors/windows.
The wall sconces throughout the house are original as are the pecan hardwood floors. So neat!
Photos from 1929!
I love that built in between the windows!
Laura wrote the first four Little House books here before she and Almanzo moved back to their farm house. Laura and Almanzo kept the Rock House as a rental until 1943 when it sold. When asked why they left the Rock House, Laura said very simply, "We were homesick for the old place".
Laura and Almanzo.
Love this piece of history.
French doors offer a sweeping view of the lawn. The drapes have been replicated to match the photo. Smaller windows were equipped with "Rol-Screens". The screen self-stored by itself pushing the bottom upwards. There is only one remaining screen on the south window in the living room.
Reminds me of a piece of furniture my grandma used to have.
How interesting!
So pretty!
Laura enjoyed and collected many dishes. The display cases contain some of her cut-glass pieces as well as Haviland China.
The modern kitchen of the Rock House modernized Laura's cooking methods. For the first time, she had an electric stove and refrigerator.
The wooden kitchen table and chairs were purchased by Laura about 1920. She painted the trim.
The lower cupboards were all replaced, but the 1928 original upper cupboards were stored in a nearby barn and installed back to their original state.
The top kitchen cabinets, thought to be lost, were recovered during the restoration process. They were located in a barn on the property and were positively authenticated as being part of the original kitchen by the railroad freight tag, which was still glued to the underside of the cupboard, labeled with the name "A.J. Wilder". (Shown in the photo)
The bathroom was a costly and ultra-modern part of the 1928 project. The tile, sink, and bathtub are original. Notice how low the shower head was placed for the Wilders.
The bed and dresser belonged to the Wilders and were brought over from the farmhouse.
Laura's Singer sewing machine
The doorway leads to the second-floor attic space that was never finished during their occupancy.
A good size linen closet is also designed to open off the hall. The beauty and excellent condition of the interior doors and customized closets attest to the skill of the craftsmen.
Located on the right side of the plan, the entrance to which is from the dining room through a small hall, which gives them the necessary privacy.
Another wide-armed chair sits in the rear bedroom.
Each bedroom has an exceptionally large closet and is well-lit.
This door was unique in how it was designed to open to get air flow through the top. I hope I got that info right.
Rainwater was collected in the large concrete cisterns and sent to the basement to be used as needed. The Rock House has a partial basement under the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The furnace is located there.
The small rock garage housed "Isabelle", the 1923 Buick that Rose purchased back East in 1925 and had shipped by rail to Mansfield. Rose taught both Laura and Almanzo how to drive. Of the experience Rose said of Laura, "She's learning to drive like anything." Almanzo's transition from horse and team to auto was not without mishap. He was practicing with Rose when he attempted to slow the car down by pulling back on the steering wheel and yelling, "Whoa!" while simultaneously bracing his foot on the accelerator. Almanzo eventually became a fairly competent driver and having a car greatly enhanced his and Laura's mobility.
The views are what make the house. I could have sat there all day to take it in.
The exterior of the Rock House showcases the original roof that was put in place in 1928.
The day was warm but a nice breeze was blowing. I can see why Laura and Almanzo loved this area so much.
I was in love! The country lane to the cottage.
The tour guide took a lot of extra time talking to us and another couple who came to the US from Europe to see all the Laura sites!
Between the rocks, within the mortar, you will find the stonemason's trademark of his craftmanship.
Again, what a lovely view to inspire an author.
The original front door remains. Notice the small hole below the door plate where the first door knob was located.
Soaking it all in.
Laura and Almanzo appreciated Rose's gift. Laura commented, "You have given me seven very wonderful, easy years living here at the Rock House."
In the summer of 1931, the Wilders drove to South Dakota in the blue Buick with their dog Nero to visit Laura's sisters and their old home in DeSmet. The heat was intense and Laura wrote in her journal "so hot, we got ice cream for Nero and Manley,". She mentioned as well that she was glad to return to the cool Rock House "under the walnuts".
Summer-12, Autumn-17, Addie-19 and Sierra-15
Summer of 2023
Daughters are the perfect ones to enjoy this memory with!
This. View.
It was lovely to visit and can't wait to come again!
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