A Reflection by Melissa Gilbert
A year ago, I stood in Simi Valley, California, surrounded by old friends, devoted fans, and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. It was the 50th anniversary of Little House on the Prairie, and to say it was emotional would be an understatement.
Time has a funny way of moving forward while keeping certain moments frozen in our hearts. It seems like just yesterday we were out in the fields, running barefoot as the Ingalls family, bringing Laura’s world to life. But here we were—five decades later—still connected by the love, warmth, and enduring spirit of Little House.
The reunion was like stepping into a time machine. Seeing familiar faces from the cast felt like coming home. We laughed, we reminisced, we hugged like no time had passed at all.
And the fans—oh, the fans. Some of you traveled across the country (even the world!) to be there, sharing your stories of how Little House shaped your childhood, your parenting, even your outlook on life. It was deeply moving to hear how this show continues to inspire generation after generation.
The Limited-Edition 50 Years Of Loving Laura Collection
One of the most special moments was unveiling Modern Prairie’s 50 Years of Loving Laura collection. Watching so many of you gather at our booth, drawn in by the shared love of all things Prairie, was nothing short of magical. It was more than just a collection—it was a tribute to the heart of this story, a way to carry its warmth and values into today’s world.
Standing there, I was reminded—again—why Little House still matters. It wasn’t just a television show. It was, and is, a celebration of family, resilience, kindness, and love. It’s about coming together, facing life’s hardships with courage, and always holding onto hope.
Fifty years later, Little House on the Prairie still has a home in people’s hearts. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
With love and gratitude,
Melissa
6 comments
I do remember at 5 years old watching the first pilot on tv and amazing it was a hit and then the series came and I and my family began watching every week… ALLISSON who played Nellie did such a fantastic job being the nasty girl and I believed she was really MEAN.. years later I bought her book “confessions of a prairie bitch” and it was amazing couldn’t put it down when reading it. Finding out mellissa and ALLISSON became great friends even when there characters were the opposite… I recommend the book .. my crush on the show was Almonso (Dean Buttler) thought he was handsome had a great smile – I just bought his book and looking forward to reading it.. my favorite episode was Laura and her friend found gold in the creek and Laura had a wonderful dream she’s rich and her family are in the wonderful this beautiful carriage with horses and it’s by the Olsons looking dirt poor and looking at envy and the dream comes crashing down the gold turned out to be FOOLS GOLD… I Enjoyed the show very much — many great great actors on the show — never forgot Mrs./Mr. Olsons And Willy.. can’t forget Melissa who played Laura .. I would have liked to been to 50 reunion (3/22/24) didn’t realize until came across yutuber “GERMAN in VENICE” and He was there capturing the special event.. I plan on going to the homestead (7) INGALLS FAMILY… I don’t live to far away from Walnut Grove, Minnesota and DESMET, South Dakota.. Going to be fun fun road trip this summer.. And map out the other sites..I grew up watching Little House on the prairie and because it was such a hit ‘HOLLY HOBBY’ American Greeting Cards came about and Fashion ‘ PRAIRIE DRESSES by GUNNE SAX and now fetching a lot of money for these dresses on EBay/ ETSY.. also you could make your own prairie outfits from sewing patterns (Mccalls —or some other brand). Thank You Micheal Landon for recreating wonderful tv show and having wonderful characters ( actor/actress). FARGO NORTH DAKOTA FAN …..
It was truly such a special gathering of such wonderful people. I so enjoyed visiting the Modern Prairie booth. The MP Little House 50th collection was absolutely gorgeous and made with such care and quality.
I watched Little from the start. And never have stopped. Once a year I binge watch it. Then at Christmas time I pull out each DVD that has any Christmas episodes. And I’m 63.
My children never saw it until there teens and my oldest who is 31 almost loved it. Some of her favorites were the mud fight, cinnamon chicken, and you’re such a good friend Nellie, as she goes flying down the hill into the pond. 😂😂
The television show was such a wholesome thing to watch back then and still is to this day. I wish more people could see the simplicity of it because as time slips by each year it seems like the family unit isn’t as it once was and our country is in need of it pretty badly.
Little House on the Prairie has been such a positive part of my childhood as I watched it with my mom and dad. Then my two daughters watched it with me and what a wonderful support to our family of why we continue to strive to keep close communication and endless love. Now my 2 year old grandson will grow up watching it!
Yet again another missed opportunity. If I would have known that my husband was a big fan too we would have went. I’m a newlywed so still learning somethings about my husband but yeah, don’t let the fear of being in debt stop you from taking advantage of rare opportunities.