Can you believe it? It’s been 50 years since the first episode of Little House on the Prairie aired on our television screens, introducing the world to the Ingalls family and the small town of Walnut Grove. Half a century!
As I sit down to reflect on this incredible milestone, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, nostalgia, and a deep sense of pride for what Little House has come to mean to so many.
When I first stepped into the role of Laura Ingalls, I had no idea how much my life was about to change. I was just a young girl, excited to be a part of this new show set in the late 1800s. From the first time I put on my calico dress, bonnet and boots that I needed a real button hook to wear, I felt transported to another time and place—a simpler, yet challenging world where family, love, and perseverance were at the heart of everything. Everything seemed so real and so true. It was the greatest game of ‘dress-up’ anyone ever got to play.
I had no idea at that time, that this role would become a defining part of my life and an important symbol of American television.
There’s a reason for that. Little House on the Prairie was more than just a TV show; it was, and still is, a beacon of light and hope. It brings families together in their living rooms, offering them stories filled with love, hardship, and the importance of doing the right thing. The themes of individual episodes tacking important issues like, racism, nativism, drug addiction, violence against women and children, and antisemitism to name a few. The values of Little House, family, community, love, tolerance and acceptance resonated with audiences then, and they continue to resonate today. I think that's why Little House has stood the test of time—it speaks to universal truths that are just as relevant now as they were in Laura Ingalls Wilder's time.
One of the things I cherish most about Little House is the sense of family the whole cast and crew still feel for each other. We truly were a family on set. Michael Landon, who played Pa, was not only a father figure to me but also a mentor, guide and dear friend. His laughter, wisdom, and kindness were the glue that held us together. The bond I shared with Karen Grassle (Ma), my sisters on the show, and the entire cast and crew and their families was genuine, and it remains strong to this day. These relationships shaped who I am, both as an actress and as a person.
Over the years, fans have shared countless stories with me about how Little House touched their lives. I’ve heard from people who found comfort in the show during difficult times, who saw themselves in Laura’s spunk and determination, or who were inspired by the Ingalls family's resilience. Those letters and conversations have meant the world to me. They remind me that Little House was more than just entertainment—it was a source of strength, encouragement, and moral guidance.
As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, I am struck by how the themes of Little House remain relevant. The world has changed in so many ways, yet the need for compassion, integrity, and love endures. In a time where we are often divided, the lessons of Walnut Grove—kindness, community, and the power of family—are more important than ever. I believe that’s why new generations continue to discover and fall in love with the show.
To our wonderful fans, thank you.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes, for sharing your lives with us, and for keeping the spirit of Little House alive. Your love and support have been the driving force behind the show's enduring legacy. Every time I meet a fan or hear a story about how Little House has impacted someone's life, my heart swells with joy and gratitude.
While it’s been 50 years, the heart of Little House continues to beat strong. I’m excited to see how future generations will connect with the show, find meaning in its stories, and carry its messages forward. Whether through reruns, new adaptations, or simply sharing the love of Little House with their children and grandchildren, the spirit of the Ingalls family lives on.
Here's to 50 years of laughter, tears, and the simple joys of life.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more years of Little House on the Prairie and the lessons it continues to teach us.
With oceans of love and gratitude,
32 comments
Dear Melissa, Dean, the Landon Family and all of the cast and crew on “Little House on the Prairie”, a very “Happy 50th Anniversary” of your show today, 9/11/2024! I was a teenager when your show was on in the 70’s and I always excitedly looked forward to watching it! The stories that Michael Landon wrote were always so heartfelt! I was either crying with empathy for a character or laughing hysterically at the antics of “Laura”, “Nellie” and “Mrs. Oleson”! Each show had a message or some lesson to be learned that could resonate and be applied to our world today! Historically, it showed us a period of time of how the living conditions were back then and to be grateful for the modern conveniences that we have today! I recently was surprised and honored to find out through my ancestry that Laura Ingalls Wilder is a distant cousin of mine and my siblings on my Dad’s side! Of course, we had never met, but I’m sure she and “Almanzo” would have loved both of your realistic and wonderful portrayals of them on “Little House”! Also, “Happy 50th Anniversary” of “Little House” to Melissa, Nicole, April Cornell and all of the staff and creators for “Modern Prairie”! I was so happy to have found your website and to have purchased your beautiful linens and kitchen accessories! They are absolutely beautiful colors and designs that represent “Little House” and which compliment today’s decor! To Michael Landon, a "Happy, Heavenly 50th Anniversary of “Little House”! You’re my favorite actor/writer! Thank you so very much for bringing the “Little House” stories and characters to life for us and making us feel like we were a part of their community! Words can not express how meaningful and heartfelt your wholesome stories of kindness, understanding, empathy, compassion. laughter and love have meant to me and many others who have watched your shows over the years! You have given us so much joy through your talented writing and you will be forever missed and never forgotten! “Little House” will live on for generations to come! Much love to all!
My life would truly not have happened without the show after being sexually abused by my brother in law from age 13 to 36 this show literally saved my life it was my safe place to escape where no one could hurt me my collection is extensive because I want it near me all the time I had tickets to lyle Tennessee and it was my chance of a lifetime to let them all know my story but it was canceled my dream is to meet the cast or just one to thank them for the impact they have made God bless you all
Thank you for bringing Laura to all of us in a way we could see and feel. I have loved little house since the moment I read the book series at age 8 and started watching the shows. Little House and Laura were something that as a child i was able to see another person who was like me and a family who was like mine and it made me feel as though I had close friends that understood. That it was ok to be the little girl that wanted to play with rhe boys, who was fiery and spunky and not always perfect. BUT LOVED DEEPLY, loved animals and her family and God. We were farmers and didn’t have money but my dad worked several jobs too And sometimes as a kid you are made to feel bad about that by others but when I turned on little house it was like someone else was that way too and it was ok and not important. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. For making me feel special and showing me it was ok to be yourself no matter what. Words don’t describe how much it brought to my life and still does.
Congratulations on 50 years of bringing joy to so many people. Like so many other fans of Little House, thru the years I too, have watched all the shows, bought the books, and even purchased the complete DVD collector’s set. And now that the 50th anniversary is here, I
Wholeheartedly get to re-live it all over again and I couldn’t be happier. Many thanks to you, Dean Butler, and all the other actors, actresses , and the many staff members who constantly work to keep this way of life alive.
Bless you all.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved watching the show in the 70’s and still watch it today. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been able to catch it in reruns. I am 62 now so I was just a bit older than Mary was on the show. I grew up watching and have never stopped. In fact, I had it on earlier today. Thank you for keeping the spirit of the show alive. I wish I could have made the event held earlier this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the show.