Events and Activities : Meet Mary Ingalls: Historic lessons to be offered July 28, at IBSSS

The noted Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School graduate, Mary Ingalls, plans to attend the IBSSS reunion on July 28, 2012.

That’s right, Mary Ingalls, sister to Laura Ingalls Wilder, famed author of the Little House books, is on the list of attendees for the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School reunion. She will arrive on July 28. Ace Vinton reporter, Eric Upmeyer, has managed to secure an exclusive interview with her at 3:00 p.m. that day in the auditorium of Old Main on the IBSSS campus. He has agreed to allow public access to this historic interview. He will explore with Miss Ingalls her memories of time spent at the school, how she came to be there, and her family’s part in her being able to attend. There is limited seating, so get your name in early to be one of those present. You will not want to miss seeing the woman so prominent in the Little House books and of whom her sister Laura once wrote the following poem:

My Sister Mary by Laura Ingalls (Wilder)

Who is it shakes me

Like a child

When ere my spirits

Grow too wild

Who gives reproofs in accents mild?

My sister Mary

Who is it trusts me

Without doubt

And ere she knows what

I’m about

Who will come quickly

To help me out?

My sister Mary

You can make reservations by accessing the ACT I website, www.act1.org, or by calling 319-214-0096. There will be general seating and all commemorative tickets will be picked up at the door. A cost of $5 will be charged to those choosing to attend. This will include the interview and a reception of cookies, coffee and lemonade following the interview. During this time Mary will be available to socialize with those present. She has also agreed to have her IBSSS diploma, grades, and other historic information on display for public viewing. Walk the halls of Old Main on the IBSSS campus with Mary to the room she occupied while in attendance there.

What a great opportunity to witness an historic interview and spend time on the beautiful campus of our landmark Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. Can you think of a nicer or more educational way to spend a lovely summer Saturday afternoon?