Malone, New York Information for Farmer Boy Fans
Malone, New York, holds a unique place in the Little House on the Prairie series, as it is the birthplace of Almanzo Wilder and the setting for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book, Farmer Boy. The book details the childhood experiences of Laura’s future husband, providing a glimpse into his life as a young boy in upstate New York. Almanzo’s story in Farmer Boy begins when he is eight years old, situating the narrative in 1866.
Throughout Farmer Boy, Malone is referenced as the town nearest to the Wilder family’s home, located about five miles away. This proximity allowed the Wilders to participate in local events and interact with the community while maintaining their rural lifestyle.
Today, visitors to Malone can explore the Wilder Homestead, the beautifully restored farmhouse where Almanzo and his family lived. This historic site offers an authentic representation of 19th-century rural life and allows guests to experience the world in which Almanzo grew up.
In addition to the Wilder Homestead, visitors can also explore the Malone area, which has retained much of its historic charm. While some changes have occurred since the time of Farmer Boy, the town remains a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region.
Various events and activities celebrate the Wilder family’s legacy in Malone. The annual Almanzo Wilder Days, for example, offers a weekend of festivities, including historical reenactments, demonstrations of traditional farming techniques, and guided tours of the Wilder Homestead.
By visiting Malone, New York, fans of the Little House on the Prairie series can step back in time and explore the world of Almanzo Wilder, deepening their understanding of the experiences that shaped his life and his relationship with Laura Ingalls Wilder. Whether wandering through the historic town or visiting the Wilder Homestead, visitors are sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the Wilder family’s remarkable story.
From Farmer Boy:
Malone was five miles away, but Father never started till thirty minutes before church-time. That team would trot the whole five miles, and he would stable them and blanket them and be on the church steps when the bell rang.
The Wilder’s left Malone for Spring Valley, Minnesota in the 1870s.
Almanzo Wilder Homestead & Video Tour
Almanzo & Laura Ingalls Wilder Association
Malone in the Past
Malone in the Present
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