LANCASTER — Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder, traditional American folk music and pioneer history will have the chance to step back in time during a unique evening of live music and storytelling at Thayer Memorial Library.
“There Is A Happy Land” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in the library’s Reference Room, 717 Main St. Designed for all ages, this family-friendly program combines readings from Wilder’s beloved “Little House” books with live performances of the songs and fiddle tunes that helped shape pioneer life on the American frontier.
Wilder’s books vividly captured the experiences of families who settled the West during the latter half of the 19th century, where music played an important role in daily life and community gatherings.
“If the pioneers wanted to hear music, or dance to it, they had to create it themselves,” said David Shnaider of Sterling, who conceived the program with his wife, Patricia Sette. “There are 127 songs and tunes mentioned in the ‘Little House’ books, many played by Laura’s ‘Pa,’ an expert fiddler. Some of the songs are well known, but many tunes are not as familiar.”
Throughout the evening, local musicians will perform selections inspired by the books while readings and historical commentary explore how music brought settlers together at home, in churches, at dances and during community celebrations.
“This program looks at various ways the settlers enjoyed, heard or played music at home, at community gatherings or celebrations, at dances or at churches,” said Sette, who wrote the program’s original script. “It intertwines musical selections with readings from Wilder’s books and provides historical background.”
According to the presenters, the program offers something for a wide audience — from longtime readers of the “Little House” series to fans discovering Wilder’s stories through the new Netflix adaptation, as well as anyone interested in early American history or traditional folk music.
“Library patrons who love the ‘Little House’ books, the television show starring Melissa Gilbert, or fans of the updated show currently airing will enjoy a deep dive into the music and stories that so inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder,” said Thayer Memorial Library Assistant Director Rachel Rosengard. “We’re looking forward to seeing families and folks of all ages at this program.”
The program is free and open to the public. For more information on this or other Thayer Memorial Library programs, visit thayermemoriallibrary.org.
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