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
Hello Melissa and everyone.
I am so thrilled to have found your “Modern Prairie” website and also in particular, this area to leave a comment.
The Little House on the Prairie show meant so much to me and I adored it. It was a source of huge comfort and guidance to me as I look back, because I think I needed it very badly. My Dad knew It was my all time family show, & that I had to see it every week when a new episode came out.
You see, I suffered through four divorces between my family and stepparents, growing up and into my late teens. I was a lonely, only child with just visits to a half brother at times. So it was hard, (to say the least!), to survive growing up through all of that. I also read all of the Little House books; honestly I’d even like to read them over again, to kind of reconnect me to that inner child. The books text and the wonderful pictures, were a source of comfort and security to me, when I read them.
As I think back to the characters, I of course, really loved the whole Ingalls family. I loved the minister very much too, as I had zero christian or spiritual influence in my life growing up. Later at age 15, I become a Christian. Then in my 20’s, I married and had my three precious children, creating little house in suburbia 😉.
Through two divorces of my own that I didn’t want and now at age 59: i’m thrilled to come across your website! i’m in a newer, wonderful, safe relationship with a fantastic man, and am on a healing journey the best I can from the huge trauma of losing my only son William at age 27 1/2. He passed suddenly in his sleep 3/22/21 with no warning, due to unforeseen heart problems.
I’m SO glad you’re keeping that pioneer spirit alive, Melissa with this site. I have also enjoyed watching your movies through the years, that you’ve done.
By the way, when Michael Landon passed away, it was only about 9 months after my own father passed due to stomach cancer. I think I grieved almost as hard when Michael passed, his acting as Pa was so influential in my life. We lost his genius too soon 😢.
God bless you and yours and the whole staff of Modern Prairie!
Little house has gone thru 3 generations in my family, starting with me, I am almost 70 yrs. old, I adored everything about the show the family love, the values it brought, it was tangible, realistic, even though it was a time before. Being based on real people’s lives impacted our lives even more, all the things you said about it Melissa, I found true as well, I presented the show to my children and their children, it was a staple in my home. I always felt it would instill much needed family values in a changing world. My daughter and I visited Walnut Grove, Sleepy Eye, and De Smet SD, we traveled some of the roads the Ingalls family did, visited the dugout area on the creek and saw the Bell that Charles Ingalls made for the church, an experience we will never forget. Thank You Melissa for keeping the memory alive and for embracing the experience as you have, I sometimes feel as though I actually lived there myself. Thank you also for sharing with the public so much of yourself it’s a beautiful thing and speaks volumes about the person you are, Thank You and the rest of the crew that made it happen!
I read the Little House books over and over as a child and read them to my kids. I was also able to share the show with them and remember how my two year old would run to the TV screen and say, “Pa! Pa!”. Thank you, Melissa, for bringing Laura alive with such strength and heart. The show has given me countless happy hours…. lots of laughter and joy and some heartfelt tears. I just ordered my Pa and Laura mug and can’t wait to get it! Much love and thanks to you and all the cast of LHOTP.
Love these pictures!! 50 years……wowee. I was 7 (and a half!) when the show first started. I grew up in the UK so I guess we were a couple of months behind. I remember vividly connecting with the characters and the story. I saw myself in Mary, being the oldest, but also your cheeky portrayal of Laura, Melissa. Loved the show ever since. We moved to the US (WA) 18 years ago, and during lockdown I decide to rewatch the show. It was so beautiful to revisit the characters and the settings. Happy to be a part of the Modern Prairie community and a proud Bonnethead! xx
“Little House on The Prairie” was one of my favorite TV shows! What a shame they don’t make shows like that anymore. The 1970s were a decade like no other!