Episode 1: A Harvest of Friends
Aired: September 11, 1974
The Ingalls family settles in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Charles Ingalls and his wife Caroline, along with their three daughters Mary, Laura, and Carrie, face the challenges of building a new life on the prairie. They befriend their neighbors, and meet the Olesons.
Episode 2: Country Girls
Aired: September 18, 1974
Laura and Mary start school in Walnut Grove, where they encounter Nellie Oleson, a spoiled and mean-spirited classmate. The girls learn valuable lessons about friendship and standing up for what is right.
Episode 3: The Hundred Mile Walk
Aired: September 25, 1974
When a drought hits Walnut Grove, Charles and Mr. Edwards embark on a perilous journey to find water for the town. Along the way, they face various challenges and learn the importance of perseverance.
Episode 4: Mr. Edwards’ Homecoming
Aired: October 2, 1974
Mr. Edwards returns to Walnut Grove after a long absence, bringing joy and excitement to the Ingalls family. However, his reckless behavior puts everyone in danger, and Charles must confront his old friend.
Episode 5: The Love of Johnny Johnson
Aired: October 9, 1974
Laura develops a crush on Johnny Johnson, a new boy in town. However, she soon discovers that Johnny has a secret that could jeopardize their friendship.
Episode 6: If I Should Wake Before I Die
Aired: October 16, 1974
When Mary falls gravely ill, the Ingalls family faces a heartbreaking ordeal. Charles and Caroline must rely on their faith and the support of their friends to get through this challenging time.
Episode 7: Town Party, Country Party
Aired: October 23, 1974
The residents of Walnut Grove organize a town party, but tensions arise between the town folks and the farmers. Laura and Mary try to bridge the divide and bring everyone together.
Episode 8: Ma’s Holiday
Aired: October 30, 1974
Caroline decides to take a much-needed vacation, leaving Charles in charge of the household. Chaos ensues as Charles struggles to manage the household and take care of the girls.
Episode 9: School Mom
Aired: November 6, 1974
Caroline takes up the role of a schoolteacher in Walnut Grove, facing challenges from unruly students and skeptical parents. She proves her worth and earns the respect of the community.
Episode 10: The Raccoon
Aired: November 13, 1974
Title: The Raccoon
Episode: Season 1, Episode 10
Aired: November 13, 1974
In “The Raccoon,” Laura Ingalls adopts a baby raccoon, that Mary finds for her. It is a decision that initially raises concerns and objections from her family. As the raccoon becomes a part of the Ingalls household, it brings both joy and challenges to the family dynamics. The episode likely explores the bond between Laura and her unconventional pet, showcasing the joys and difficulties of caring for a wild animal.
As the raccoon grows, its presence may lead to comedic and heartwarming moments, but it also poses unexpected challenges for the Ingalls family. The episode may touch on themes of responsibility, the connection between humans and nature, and the unpredictable nature of caring for wild animals as pets.
“The Raccoon” is likely to blend humor, emotion, and valuable life lessons, showcasing the Ingalls family’s ability to face and overcome challenges together.
Episode 11: The Voice of Tinker Jones
Aired: November 20, 1974
The town of Walnut Grove faces a crisis when the church bell breaks. Tinker Jones, a mysterious traveler, arrives and offers to fix the bell, but the townspeople are skeptical of his abilities.
Episode 12: The Award
Aired: November 27, 1974
One evening, as Mary was immersed in her history exam preparations in the barn, an unfortunate incident occurred when she unintentionally tipped over a reading lamp. After swiftly extinguishing the resulting fire, her mother Caroline was consumed by anger and scolded her daughter. In an effort to make amends for the damages caused by the fire, Mary sought employment at the local mercantile. However, her subsequent choices threatened to exacerbate the strained relationship between her and her mother.
Episode 13: The Lord is My Shepherd (Part 1)
Aired: December 18, 1974
The Ingalls family joyously welcomes the arrival of a baby boy, Charles Frederick Ingalls. However, Laura grapples with feelings of jealousy and adamantly withholds her prayers for his well-being. When an unexpected tragedy befalls the family, Laura is overcome by an overwhelming sense of guilt.
Episode 14: The Lord is My Shepherd (Part 2)
Aired: December 25, 1974
Laura finds solace and wisdom from an unlikely friend, a man named Jonathan portrayed by Ernest Borgnine. This newfound companion aids Laura in navigating her complex emotions and crafts a unique wooden cross for her.
During a visit to the creek, a wooden cross is lost that Laura had and begins its journey downstream. This turn of events inadvertently assists her father in locating her, providing an unexpected twist to the family’s predicament.
Episode 15: Christmas at Plum Creek
Aired: January 15, 1975
The Ingalls family prepares for Christmas, facing financial hardships. Despite their limited resources, they come together to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday.
Episode 16: Family Quarrel
Aired: January 22, 1975
After a heated argument with his wife Harriet at the mercantile, Nels Oleson decides to leave home and moves into a hotel room down the street. The quarrel between Nels and Harriet escalates, causing tension in the household. As Nels tries to find solace in his temporary living situation, Nells moves out for a litttle while. The episode teaches us about themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the impact of interpersonal conflicts on both individuals and the community.”
Episode 17: Doctor’s Lady
Aired: January 29, 1975
In “Doctor’s Lady,” Dr. Hiram Baker, the town physician, finds himself falling in love with a widow, facing challenges and opposition from the townspeople. The episode explores the complexities of small-town relationships and the expectations placed on individuals, especially those in prominent positions like Dr. Baker.
Episode 18: Plague
Aired: February 5, 1975
Walnut Grove faces a severe crisis as an outbreak of typhus spreads through the town, instigating panic and fear among the residents. The Ingalls family, along with their friends and neighbors, must unite to confront the threat and prevent the further spread of the deadly disease.
The episode likely portrays the challenges and hardships faced by the community as they deal with the medical emergency. Viewers can expect to see the Ingalls family working alongside Dr. Hiram Baker and other town members to implement quarantine measures, provide medical care, and find solutions to contain the outbreak.
“Plague” is likely to emphasize the importance of community cooperation, resilience, and the strength that can be found in unity during times of crisis. As with other episodes of “Little House on the Prairie,” this installment likely balances the emotional and dramatic aspects of the storyline with moments of hope, compassion, and the enduring spirit of the characters in Walnut Grove.
Episode 19: Circus Man
Aired: February 12, 1975
“Circus Man,” a traveling showman arrives in Walnut Grove, promoting a medicinal powder from India that he claims has healing properties. The community is initially skeptical of the showman’s claims, but when Mr. Hanson experiences relief from a headache after using the medicine, the town is both shocked and intrigued. The perceived success of the medicine creates a buzz in the community.
This subplot likely explores themes of trust, skepticism, and the influence of charismatic individuals who claim to have extraordinary remedies. It may also delve into the dynamics of small-town life, where news and events quickly capture the attention and imagination of the residents
Episode 20: Child of Pain
Aired: February 19, 1975
In a poignant episode of “Little House on the Prairie,” a young boy named Graham Stewart becomes the focus of concern within the tight-knit community of Walnut Grove. Each day, as he arrives at school, onlookers can’t help but notice the multitude of fresh bruises adorning his small frame. The mysterious origins of his injuries raise eyebrows, but a shroud of fear and silence keeps the truth hidden.
The turning point in this heart-wrenching tale arrives when Graham’s alcoholic father reaches a horrifying breaking point. In a drunken rage, the man inflicts severe harm upon his son, nearly taking the young boy’s life. This brutal incident serves as a stark wake-up call, jolting the community into acknowledging the dire situation that has unfolded right before their eyes.
The citizens of Walnut Grove, though initially hesitant to intervene, find their courage and compassion kindled by a forceful voice in the form of Caroline Ingalls. Recognizing that Graham’s life is hanging in the balance, she passionately encourages her fellow townsfolk to set aside their reservations and step forward, not for themselves, but for the sake of the innocent child who deserves safety and protection.
This powerful episode serves as a testament to the strength of community and the willingness of people to rally together in the face of adversity, ultimately demonstrating the enduring theme of empathy and compassion that is at the heart of “Little House on the Prairie.”
Episode 21: Money Crop
Aired: February 26, 1975
In a pivotal episode of “Little House on the Prairie,” a highly educated farmer by the name of Joe Coulter makes his way to Walnut Grove, bringing with him a revolutionary proposition. Joe, armed with his college education and expertise, introduces the local farmers to a promising new hybrid of corn. He fervently explains how this new strain of corn has the potential to yield abundant and bountiful crops, a prospect that captures the attention and imagination of the farming community.
With the farmers of Walnut Grove eager to embrace this opportunity for improved harvests, Joe takes on the role of a trusted intermediary. He offers to collect everyone’s money and embark on a journey to purchase the coveted corn seeds for all the townsfolk. This gesture of goodwill solidifies the hope that the future of farming in Walnut Grove will be transformed for the better.
However, as fate would have it, tragedy strikes on Joe’s journey back to Walnut Grove. An unforeseen accident befalls him, rendering him unable to return within the expected timeframe. The entire town becomes filled with a sense of betrayal and disillusionment as they anxiously await Joe’s return, and their dreams of a bountiful harvest hang in the balance.
This episode delves into themes of trust, the power of innovation, and the disappointment that can arise when expectations are not met. It serves as a reminder of the challenges that pioneers faced as they strived to improve their livelihoods and create a better future for their families in the ever-evolving landscape of Walnut Grove.
Julie Cobb, who portrayed Mrs. Coulter in the “Little House on the Prairie” episode indeed had connections in the entertainment industry. Her marriage to Victor French, who played Mr. Edwards in the series, further highlights the interconnected relationships within the entertainment world. It’s always fascinating to learn about the personal and professional ties that enrich the history of television and film.
Episode 22: Survival
Aired: March 5, 1975
Charles makes the decision to take Caroline and their children on a springtime excursion to the town of Mankato. However, their return journey takes an unexpected turn as they find themselves caught in the clutches of a fierce blizzard. In a desperate search for refuge, they stumble upon an abandoned cabin where they can kindle a much-needed fire and take shelter from the unforgiving weather. But their troubles are far from over, as they encounter challenges when Charles embarks on a perilous hunting expedition to provide sustenance for his family.
Today, Mankato stands as a thriving mid-sized city along the scenic Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Highway. This significant highway was officially designated in 1995 as U.S. Route 14, stretching from Lake Benton in the southwestern region of Minnesota to Mankato in the state’s south-central area. Notably, Laura Ingalls Wilder historian John E. Miller authored a captivating book titled “Looking for History on Highway 14,” delving into the historical significance of this route and its connections to the beloved author.
Episode 23: To See The World
Johnny Johnson desires to “see the world.” To ensure Johnny stays out of harm’s way, the ever-concerned Mr. Edwards joins him on this journey. However, Johnny’s exploration takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a charming young woman with a knack for swindling him out of a substantial amount of money. Mr. Edwards, recognizing the peril Johnny is in, attempts to convince the clever girl to help persuade Johnny to reconsider his wanderlust and return home.
This episode references two prior installments of the series. The first is “Mr. Edwards’ Homecoming,” where Charles played a crucial role in rescuing Mr. Edwards from a troublesome situation at the saloon. The second reference is to “The Love of Johnny Johnson,” which adds depth to the ongoing storyline. After this particular episode, Johnny’s fate remains shrouded in mystery.
Episode 24: Founder’s Day
Walnut Grove is abuzz with excitement as the much-anticipated Founder’s Day celebration draws near. The townsfolk, young and old, gear up for a day filled with joy, games, and spirited competition. The Ingalls family is no exception, and they eagerly prepare to take part in the festivities. Charles, in particular, unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a friendly but heated rivalry during the log-splitting competition. This memorable episode offers a glimpse into the kinds of games and competitions that pioneers engaged in during this era, providing a vivid window into their daily lives and traditions.
Interestingly, this episode opens with a scene featuring Jack, the faithful family dog, quenching his thirst at the creek and dashing back towards the Ingalls’ home. What makes this moment even more intriguing is that this exact opening scene, including the accompanying music, was also used in the episode “Country Girls,” showcasing how elements of the series were creatively repurposed for different episodes.
The significance of this episode lies in its celebration of the anniversary of Walnut Grove’s founding. The historic town of Walnut Grove was officially surveyed in 1874 and subsequently incorporated in 1879, making Founder’s Day an occasion for the residents to reflect on their shared history and the community they’ve built together.