(page 26) JULY 2015
AT HOME WITH CHARLES AND CAROLINE INGALLS
“…De Smet. It’s named for a French priest who came pioneering out here in the early days.”
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CHARLES AND CAROLINE INGALLS Surrounded by fresh construction, less than a mile from Silver Lake, stands the De Smet home of Charles and Caroline Ingalls. The couple, originally from Wisconsin, expected to be in the area only temporarily, but have now decided to make the growing town, just 40 miles from Brookings, their home. As they welcome us inside, Caroline says that Charles has secured a homestead nearby, and they will soon be moving out of the house. She explains that it was built by surveyors and they have merely been caretaking for the past several months. Charles and Caroline were considering a move "back east" with their four young daughters, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Grace, when a chance meeting with the head surveyor changed their plans. Charles relayed the conversation, which took place in the company store, “They thought they had to stay and they laid in coal and provisions enough to last them through, but if I’ll take charge and be responsible for the company tools till spring, they’ll go out for the winter.” 1 The family, having moved from Wisconsin to Indian Territory, then Minnesota, and finally to De Smet so Charles
could accept a job with the railroad, is ready to settle down. Caroline has homeschooled the girls, but hopes for more formal education opportunities. “I’ll be thankful when we’re settled,” said Caroline. “This is the last move we’re going to make. Mr. Ingalls agreed to that before we left Minnesota. My girls are going to have schooling and lead a civilized life.” 2 And although the surveyors’ house is only a temporary home, the Ingalls’ have been happy to have it. Laura tells us it’s the biggest place she’s ever lived, as we enter a front common room. In one corner sits a wooden rocking chair draped in a quilt. We learn that it’s where Mary likes to sit, due to its proximity to the stove, which Caroline is visibly excited to show us.