Mary Ingalls - College Graduate

Mary, the daughter of promise for her parents, lost her sight at age 14 years after a severe fever.  She never regained her eyesight.  But she didn't let that loss keep her from living a fulfilled life.  She attended the Iowa College for the Blind, in Vinton, Iowa.

Mary was an exemplary student and excelled in most of her studies.  She completed her studies, graduating on June 12, 1889.  As part of her graduation exercises, Mary wrote and recited an essay entitled, "Memory".

"After graduation," Laura explained, "Mary lived happily at home with her music, and raised print and Braille books. She knitted and sewed and took part in the housework."  Mary wrote poetry, corresponded with blind friends; using Braille, and she even wrote letters to sighted friends using a grooved slate; which controlled the writing on the page.  She also contributed to the household income, when needed, by selling some of her handmade items.

Mary was never to get married, living with her parents.  After her father's death, she stayed on with her mother.  They cared for each other as best they could.  As her mother died, Mary was cared for by her sisters, Carrie and Grace, until the time of her death in 1928.

Mary proved that just because a person looses their sight, it doesn't mean that they won't lead a long, happy life making a contribution to those around them.  Mary was an inspiration to Laura.  Mary was a contibuting factor which helped Laura's writing career.  Laura's skills of observation were sharpened as she took on the task of describing life around them as young girls. Without those unique skills, Laura might not have developed into such a great writer.  Life has a way of working out for the best, when you live a life of hope.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls