South Dakota - Homesteadin' It

August 17th marked our 6 month anniversary on our "most excellent adventure" across this great nation!  We've logged over 8,000 miles and have a new appreciation for the vastness and greatness of this land known as the United States of America.  This trip has changed us all and it remains to be seen what that will "look like" at the end of this year.  Thank you God for such a blessing of  your creation and our "mobile family".  God Bless America! 

Just outside of the Badlands National Park, we visit a "typical" homestead.  The Homestead Act of 1862 was the impetus of many people seeking to "stake their claim" on a new life in the vast unsettled western territories. The Homestead Act was on of three federal laws that gave ownership of farm land at no cost to a "homesteader" applicant. A typical "homestead" was 160 acres of undeveloped government land west of the Mississippi River. The land was open to anyone who had not taken up arms against the United States.  An applicant had to be 21 years or older or be the head of a family, live on the land for 5 years and show evidence of having made improvements.  At the end of the 5 years, the land was officially deeded over to the homesteader for an $18 filing fee. Homesteading was discontinued in 1976 with the exception of Alaska, which lasted until 1986.  Of the 1.6 million homesteads granted, only 40 percent were able to complete the full process and obtain title to their homestead land.

Heidi poses in the "front yard" of the homestead.  The Prairie Homestead, an original sod home of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Brown, was built in 1909.  It is typical of the homes and outbuildings that pioneers built.  It is an example of one of the last remaining intact, original sod homes. 

The gals pose near the front door of the Prairie Homestead.  

Inside the sod house!  Complete with dirt floors.  Stacey's grandmother was born in a sod house on the plains of Oklahoma.  How's about that for a family connection to a place like this!  Notice the broom in the left corner.  Hailey asks, "uh, Mom? Do you really sweep a dirt floor and why?"  Good question, Hailey!

Plumbing anyone?!

Hailey chills out in an "agricultural boiler" that was typically used to render hogs, scald chickens or wash heavy bedding, etc...perhaps it could be a nice hot tub?!  Just saying'.

We found this place chock full of history and fascinating family stories.  You can read more about the Prairie Homestead at: The Prairie Homestead

Team Breitmann continued on our east bound leg of our "most excellent journey" and  after a night on in Chamberlain, SD we landed in De Smet, South Dakota.  To be honest, I had never heard of De Smet.  The gals surely have because it is one of the homesteads of Laura Ingalls Wilder, famous author and pioneer girl of "Pa" Ingals.  Heidi has read all but two of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books and Hailey is now reading them. 

The Team Breitmann  "mobile homestead" set up on the 160 acres that was the 1880's homestead that  "Pa" Ingalls settled with his wife and three daughters.  One of the girls grew up to be Laura Ingalls-Wilder.  She would author many books on what is was like to grow up as a "pioneer girl".  The books were adapted into the popular made-for-TV series "Little House on the Prairie".  Heidi has read all but two of her books and Hailey is nearly done with "Farmer Boy".  Of note, the TV series makes major departures from the books and is not a historically accurate depiction of her life.  The books are much more accurate.  The Ingalls' Homestead here in De Smet is a recreation of what it may have appeared to be when the family lived here.  All of us had a complete and utterly awesome time here!  If you are at all interested in what life was like during that period of time, then this is THE place to bring your kids and your inner kid!  All the exhibits are designed to be interacted with...touched, worked and fully experienced unlike the in town historical society exhibits.  All the things on this homestead are recreations unlike the exhibits in town, which are actual buildings that the Ingalls lived in and therefore must be preserved..."don't touch".  The historical society in the town of De Smet is a worthwhile and encouraged tour but, if you want to immerse into the 1880s then stay on the "homestead" for a few days and roam about.  You won't regret it!  Check out the website virtual tour here: The Ingalls Homestead 

My modern day homestead kitchen on the prairie!  Burgers on the open prairie...nuttin' better!

A view of the north side of the 160 acres. 

Crops growing on the homestead used to feed the livestock and demonstrate what it takes to farm here in east-central South Dakota.

The replica homestead house that "Pa" Ingalls built for the family.  This house was recreated using the plans that Pa filed with the government for the title deed of the homestead. 

Heidi gets a kick out of using an old time well pump .  She pumped water here for use in our dog Molly's water bowl!  

Hailey's favorite thing were the newly arrived kittens that made their home in the sod-roofed livestock barn. Heidi and Hailey named them all!

Joan the co-owner with her husband Tim, let the girls feed the calf named "Bright" who is in the process of being weened. The girls had a blast!

Hailey learns how to make twine rope using a hand cranked tool designed to braid rope.  She made a couple of these.  Stacey and I tried out our hand too.  Very interesting.

We were up early and the owner, Tim, gave the girls a chance to learn what it takes to get the horses, mules and miniature horses feed, groomed and harnessed for a long day on the homestead.  Here Hailey prepares a feed manger for the arrival of the horses from the pastures. 

Hailey is amazed at the size of the horses!

Stacey attempts to wear Tim down with nonstop questions! :)  We both really enjoyed talking with him.  He displayed the patience of a saint with our ignorant, city-slicker questions!  I'm sure he had a good laugh about that!  Thank you, Mr. Tim for indulging us above and beyond!  You are a true farmer, gentleman.  Don't even think to sell Mr. Tim and his family short!  His son's and daughter all helped him build and run this place and both his boys are Harvard men.  Way to go Mr Tim and Mrs. Joan!  You proved that so called old fashioned farm values born in "fly-over" country are the keys to success no matter if on the farm or translated into a Harvard degree!

Mr. Tim allows Hailey to ride upon the Percheron draft horses before they are hitched up to the wagon.  The Percheron breed is originally from an area in northern France formerly known as Perche.  They are very muscular and known for their intelligence and willingness to work.  They were originally bred to be used as war horses and later adapted for "civilian" use.

Mr. Tim instructs Stacey on "driving" the draft horses over to the wagons, while Hailey enjoys the ride! 

Mr. Elwood, who works for Mr. Tim, instructs Stacey on driving the team over to the 160 acre homestead for the start of the day. 

The "team" in action later in the day as they arrive back with a wagon load of visitors from the "old school house". 

Stacey learns how to make a corn cob doll.  This type of doll was the first kind of doll that Laura Ingalls owned as a girl. 

Stacey shows off her newly crafted doll.  Just like the story!  Speaking of dolls, ain't Stacey cute?!  I couldn't resist....:)

Doesn't Hailey look thrilled to "go to school"! ?

We all get a "lesson" from the school teacher on what it was like to attend school during the school days of Laura Ingalls.  

Pay attention, Stacey or you'll have to write; "I will pay attention in class" 500 hundred times!  

Hailey really hit it off with Mr. Tim's niece, Mary Grace!  Here they drive the miniature horses over to the homestead in front of the draft horse team.   Staying here has ignited all of our interests in a simpler life involving commitment and hard work.  We will be looking for more opportunities to "stay on the farm" for the rest of our journey! Well, it's off to Minnesota...ya, you betcha!