Visiting the museum Littleton, Colorado as we visited the Ingalls family’s house, jadul characters from the television series Little House on the Prairie. In this museum are open acreage upon which stood the buildings of wood, is the reconstruction of homes and lives of a family in Littleton in the 1860s and 1890s. This open area is divided into two, one for the 1860s, a rather backward when compared with other parts, in the 1890s. Despite the reconstruction, all the buildings made possible by a fellow who was in that era, also the size of the buildings is a measure sebenarnya.Littleton itself is a small town, population of only 40 000 people with an area of 36.1 square km which is administratively included in the three counties , Arapahoe (as the capital city), Jefferson and Douglas. Began to be occupied by migrants since 1859, officially became a city of Littleton since 1890, its name taken from the name Little Richard, community leaders who with his wife, Angeline, credited with changing the region ownerless into the city.
Inside the building, there is a storage room where the objects of this historic city travel. Historic objects were kept in glass boxes in accordance with the stages of urban development. From the time of the first pioneer to the 1960s and the equipment first and second world wars. Each box is equipped with large photos and information.
Once satisfied to see the contents of the building and enjoy the luxury, we have just stepped into the backyard where outdoor museum is located. Each visitor is given a simple map is very informative to explain the function of the wooden buildings that were there. Total acreage is 15.78 acres of outdoor, so we’ll be tired or do not want to smell the distinctive aroma of animal cages and also do not want to step on land mines better stay inside the building.
In the 1860’s the area we will look at the house, animal cages, storage crops such as corn, ice storage, small open kitchen and storage place of horses. Everything is very simple. Very small house, two floors, first floor did not have the room, all done in this small room with dirt floors. At the top there is room to sleep. WC still outside. Feels very stuffy because there is only one window and if the winter smoke coming out of the fireplace would interfere with breathing and vision.
Interestingly, not only buildings but we will only meet with the homeowner. Museum employees to wear visible clothing jadul embroidery, light a fire or to feed livestock, such as the actual occupant. In addition of course to help guests when required. It really seemed to enter the era of the 1860s.
From the house and yard that we could go a little farther into the empty field fence. It is piled in the area of agricultural tools, still from the era of the 1860s. Across the field there was a small wooden building, past the school. This building is the original building, once used by school children learn Littleton. Created in 1865, this school was moved from its original location to the museum in 1972, renovated in 1979. The size is only 5m x 4.8 m. Long bench against the wall on the right side and parked in front there was a small blackboard, and equipped with heating stoves. Very simple.
Satisfied to see and get into all the buildings in the era of the 1860s, we headed to the area in the 1890s. Compared with the 1860s, the buildings here are much nicer and healthier, even the same shape to the shape of the current buildings. Houses, only one floor with two bedrooms, kitchen, living room once the family room, porch on the side and behind the house. There was a piano in the living room as a means of family entertainment. The floor was of wood, which if present would be expensive. WC still outside, next to the house. There is a path from the boards around the house to avoid the muddy yard due to rain or snow season.
Around the house there is a place of storage of food animals and horses are usually stored thereon was also food crops and horses. Beside it was a cow shed. In addition there are Blacksmith or a blacksmith, who showed rare skill to deal with a forged iron while it’s hot on certain days. Other buildings that there is a warehouse where the storage of agricultural tools. Compared with the 1860s era building is not much here. Maybe life is more simple than the previous thirty years of life. Moreover, already entered the turn of the century brought major changes in the lives of residents.
The visit, which took two hours it was finally finished. Because a direct exit from the outdoor area does not exist, so it should be re-entered the museum building. From the ancient village atmosphere back to the modern era. After the clean-up in the rest room to remove the smell of the cage then go home. Two hours which are pleasing and healthful weight.