Avondale woman shares family bond with 'Little House' author

Laura Ingalls Gunn gets asked a question about her famous name about once a week, or whenever she shows her credit card or writes a check.

Gunn, 41, of Avondale, is the fourth cousin of famous author Laura Ingalls Wilder of the “Little House on the Prairie” books, which spawned the television series and musical.

“People are always joking around calling me Halfpint,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s OK, because I’m very happy and proud to acknowledge the relationship.”

The interior designer has known about Ingalls Wilder and the books since her childhood and received hardbound copies of “Little House” novels from her great aunt. But mostly, she remembers being 4 years old when she saw the first episode of the television series with Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert.

“I know that it was a very special night for us in our house, because I was allowed to stay up late past my bedtime,” she said.

Gunn is related to the author through her great-great grandfather Lansford James, the brother of Charles Ingalls, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s father.

Although they share the same name, Gunn is not named for Wilder. Both are named for Laura Louise Colby Ingalls, Wilder’s paternal grandmother and Gunn’s great-great-great grandmother.

Gunn has visited Walnut Grove, Minn., and the various museums named in honor of Ingalls Wilder.

“It’s an out-of-body experience to walk on the same ground as your ancestors did,” Gunn said.
In her spare time, Gunn visits local schools in pioneer attire and talks to students about her heritage. She also reads chapters from the “Little House” novels.

“I’m so blessed because most people don’t know much about their family heritage,” she said. “But my family history has been so documented and well known by people all over the world.”

She understands why people loved the books and series.

“It talks about family, love, sharing, giving and persevering through hard times, and that message is still as relevant today as it was 75 years ago,” Gunn said.

The musical based on the books stops next week at Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium, and stars Melissa Gilbert as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls. Gunn has heard rave reviews from family members who have seen the national tour of “Little House” in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She will take her entire family to the performance, she said.

“This is a special way to bring the entire series full circle,” she said.

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.