Holy Terror Days recap

We (meaning hubby and I) had a great time in Keystone at the Holy Terror Days. Here’s a quick recap.

I had the privilege of attending a meeting of the Chapter (Eastern Star) that Carrie Ingalls belonged to for 35 years. I met some wonderful people and got reacquainted with others I had met before.

Mt. Aetna Chapter of Keystone now meets in Hermosa.

The historian of the church to which Carrie belonged met with me and allowed me to search through their records. It was neat to see this church, as it is the original building and still has the same seats. They also still have the original pulpit, although it is not used as such any longer.

Original seats.

Original pulpit now holds the guest book.

Stopping at the museum to see what we could do to help get ready, we met Bill Anderson, author of so many informative books about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family, and had a really nice visit. He told me something about my book that I didn’t know myself. On page 156, there is a copy of a note Laura wrote to her Chapter before moving from De Smet, asking for a demit so that she could join another Chapter where they settled. Mr. Anderson said that is the earliest known extant letter of Laura’s (not to be confused with the earliest known writing of Laura’s), which I had not been aware of.

We had dinner at Ruby House with the cast.

Saturday I didn’t get around much as I was set up selling/signing books. That was okay, though - hey, I was selling books!  - as I got to visit with Sandra Hume and Lila Lytle between signings. My table and I were photographed by a local news crew and a local travel magazine crew. (One of those photos is here.) And I did see the parade in the morning.

Sandra Hume took this photo.

Sunday I didn’t set up, so that I could do the fun stuff, like getting autographs. Lindsay Greenbush even wrote me a thank you message, which was special.

Lindsay Greenbush (Carrie)

Surprisingly, after meeting me for only about two minutes the day before, Hersha Parady recognized me. Wish I had her memory!

Hersha Parady (Mrs. Garvey)

Charlotte Stewart signed my original Beadle Bag for the third time. (That one’s been around since 2012.) She donates 10% of the profits to organizations that provide treatments for underprivileged women with breast cancer. Isn’t that terrific? With all the cancer in my family, I really appreciate it.

Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)

After the Q & A session, I had a brief visit with Radames Pera about Freemasonry. Did you know that the Jimmy Kimmel show is filmed in an old Masonic Temple? Neither had I.

Radames Pera (John Jr.)

Oh, and Alison Arngrim confirmed that she will be in Austin next April! Yes! And she graciously signed a bookmark for me, because I already have her book and photos from previous events (this is a business for them, after all, and you’re really not supposed to ask them to sign anything you don’t purchase).

Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)

Check out the chairs the cast sat in for the signings. They are the chairs from the original Masonic Lodge that Carrie and her husband David Swanzey belonged to. Since the signings were in the old Lodge building, it seemed appropriate. Alison Arngrim is sitting in the Master's chair. I'm sure Nellie wouldn't have it any other way!

 Next weekend I’ll be in Pepin, Wisconsin for Laura Days. Would love to see you there!