Dec 09 2009
Betsy-Tacy Houses in Mankato, MN
As children, I think we checked out all of Maud Hart Lovelace’s “Betsy” books
It wasn’t until I moved to Minnesota that I realized how autobiographical these books were, and that “Deep Valley” is really Mankato, Minnesota.
We listened to an audiobook version
The Betsy-Tacy society in Mankato has lovingly restored the childhood homes of Maud Hart Lovelace (Betsy) and her best friend who lived across the street (Tacy). The homes are now open for visits and special events. Other Deep Valley landmarks mentioned in the book can be seen on a self-guided tour.
The Christmas event included a reading by local author Jill Kalz of her new book No Snow for Christmas
Betsy’s house was decked out in its Christmas finery, including popcorn and cranberries for the Christmas tree, and Betsy’s family was there to welcome us. Across the street at Tacy’s house, treats were served and the society’s gift shop was open.
My children loved seeing these houses brought to life after having heard about them in the stories. The books are classics, and still enjoyable for children.
Disclosure Note: If you should happen to click through to the book links, and purchase something at Amazon.com, I will get a small commission on the items.
I loved these books as a child. If we ever make it back to Minnesota we will have to pay a visit.
.-= Bridget Smith´s last blog ..Passports With Purpose:Win a Legoland Adventure and Help Build a School in Cambodia =-.
[...] children’s authors. Just down the road in Mankato, visit Maud Hart Lovelaces’ Betsy-Tacy Houses, or head west to Walnut Grove on the Laura Ingalls Wilder [...]
When I was 10 years old, my grandparents took me on a trip for my birthday. We traveled from their house outside of Chicago to Mankato on a Betsy-Tacy pilgrimage! We went to the local public library to see the mural of the characters and walked past the houses, but this was before they’d been turned into museums. I’m so envious! Those books have always been such treasures for me and for my cousins, too. In fact, I knew I would marry my husband when we discovered that he’d read all of the books, too!
It sounds like you and your children had a wonderful visit! Merry Christmas!
.-= Angela Nickerson´s last blog ..On the Radio with Rick Steves =-.
Angela Nickerson and I are cousins. I went the year after she did for my 10th birthday. I have lots of pictures of the houses and mural at the library. I also dragged my grandparents on a bit of a Little House on the Prairie pilgrimage too that trip.
Kate and Angela, isn’t it wonderful what memories books give, and how much fun it is to visit these favorite places? When I was 10, my grandmother took me and my cousin on the Laura Ingalls Wilder trail, from Wisconsin to De Smet, South Dakota. I still remember each of the stops we made along the way, the motels we stayed in, the relatives we visited. Such special memories!
Thank you for the mention (and photo!) on your Web site, Minnemom! Wasn’t that whole day a delight? The Betsy-Tacy folks sure know how to do a Victorian Christmas right. Seeing you and your kids at the reading was a treat. Thanks for being Pfeffernut Pfans! Happy New Year!
[...] for tours. The Betsy-Tacy Society, which operates the homes, also hosts special events, like a Christmas celebration and Maud Hart Lovelace’s [...]
When are the houses open? I’m hoping to stop through on a trip out west this summer. Looked at the website for the Betsy-Tacy houses and it seems like they’re only open on Saturdays. Even in summer? Just wondering if someone knew for sure. (We’d probably be coming through Mankato in the middle of the week. Saturday just won’t work for us.)
Mia, I believe they’re only open on Saturdays, but special tours can be arranged. The website should have contact info for your questions. Hope you get to see them!
Linda
Thanks! I’ll see about contacting them.