Meteorologist tackles 'Little House' author
Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
For generations, the "Little House" book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and subsequent television series offered a glimpse into the pioneer lifestyle of the late 1800s.
In recent years, academicians have begun deconstructing Wilder's stories to learn more about her life and the historical accuracy of her work.
Now, a Nebraska meteorologist has begun looking at the accuracy of Wilder's descriptions of the 1880-81 winter as recounted in her 1940 book, "The Long Winter," set in DeSmet, S.D.
"I have always had questions about the accuracy of the book," said Barbara Mayes Boustead, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley. "I've been reading those books all my life."