The Pioneer Days

The pioneer days are absolutely my favorite time period in history! I’ve always felt that way, even since my childhood. It was evident by the names I chose for my dolls (old fashioned ones), the things I pretended (traveling in a covered wagon and living on a prairie), stories I wrote (wrote a book called “Country Girl”), books I read (books from the pioneer era), and the shows I loved to watch (greatly anticipated every episode of Little House on the Prairie).

As much as I love the pioneer days, I am still very grateful for many of our modern conveniences. I really don’t care for outhouses. And yes, I have had my experiences with those at my Aunt Jo and Uncle Wayne's cabin. :) I also like my washing machine. They washed them by hand, but then again, they didn’t have the (unnecessary) excess of clothing we have these days.

I think what appeals to me about this time period is the simple way of life. I especially like the way life was centered around the family in every way. I really like their morals much more than these days' morals. I even like their dresses, bonnets, and aprons as well as the guys’ overalls and suspenders. And of course, the pioneer homes (especially log ones) appeal to me, as well as their simple décor.

And speaking of simple décor, I thought I’d share a little with you from a homeschool field trip we took a couple of weeks ago. It was a pioneer homestead complete with homes, school, church, blacksmith, and more. The folks were dressed in attire from the pioneer days sharing with us and making things such as sorghum, soap, brooms, quilts, kettle popcorn, etc. I’d thought I’d share a little of the pioneer days for all of you out there that share this love of the pioneer days with me! :)

And you know I have to share one of my kiddos......  :)  And I loved this one.  They were listening to the men playing the guitars and singing on the front porch of one of the cabins.

And back in April while in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we also visited another little walk through pioneer village. Here’s more from that day:

And what pioneer loving person doesn’t love episodes of Little House on the Prairie? We most certainly have been enjoying them! My mom owns a few of the seasons on DVD (and has loaned them to us), so our family has been watching an episode or two every evening, beginning with Season 1.  Just about every episode teaches a great moral lesson and I get to take in all that (prim) prairie décor in the Ingalls’ cabin! And I love their prairie cabin! I actually feel like I have my own little prairie cabin now with The Cedar Loft.  :)

I know not everyone shares this love of pioneer days as a favorite time period in history. I have a friend that just loves everything about the medieval times. So what about you? What’s your favorite time period in history?