A Farewell to DeSmet, SD

On July 17, 1894 Laura, seven year old Rose, and Manly bid a farewell to family and friends in DeSmet and headed for the Land of the Big Red Apple.
They packed their belongings (including a $100 bill, to be used to help purchase land) into the back of the shiny black painted, covered, two seated hack and by 8:40 in the morning they were gone.

You can read the account of their journey in, "On the Way Home".  Rose brings the reader up to speed with painting the picture of the circumstances regarding their move.  Then you can read the words from Laura's own diary, kept on the trip.

A trip from DeSmet to Mansfield, MO today takes about a full day, if you drive through without stopping.  Their trip took a little longer - they arrived on August 30th.

If you'll visit Mansfield today, looking at their "Rocky Ridge Farm" which they purchased with the help of that $100 bill, you may be able to see why they chose to live here.  But it may be difficult for you to see the Mansfield, once called, "The Gem City of the Ozarks".  The town has felt the throws of the economy, as most small towns has of recent.  But, if you'll stop by my shop while in town, I can introduce you to that memory that still lingers.  I try to keep all that nostalgia alive in my shop. 

I invite you to visit with us, in the town where Laura lived for about 63 years.  If you purchase some of my handmade souvenirs, you can bring some of Laura's "Sweet Memories" home with you.  Hope to see you soon!
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls