New Hope Florida, Holmes County. 30 miles northwest of my home Woodlawn Florida .
New Hope a farming community on the banks of the Choctawhatchee River where over 100 years ago this serene community played host to northern visitors seeking warmth and relaxation under Florida sky's.
One visitor was said to have put New Hope on the map of American history. That visitor was Author Laura Ingalls Wilder whom made her appearance with her husband Almanzo and their baby Rose age 5. 1890's..
Laura came to New Hope to stay with her second cousin Peter Ingalls and his new wife Mary Edith McGowin that recently married at Mount Ida Congregation Methodist Church.
It was a privilege to sit on carpeted porch of the renowned church with Laura's third cousin Alexander Ingalls.
Alex or Junior as he's called, residing near Mount Ida took time from his daily routine too talk extensively of his connection to Laura Ingalls Wilder. Alex then pointed out the graves sites of his Father Alexander Ingalls inscription reads "1895-1951 Daddy of Johnny-James-Alex. "bud". also the grave of Jack Ingalls US Navy Korean 1930-2002.
Laura's stay was short as she couldn't take the humidity Florida offers. New comers first week in Florida gets the urge to jump into freezer to ever come out again. AC, shorts, halter tops, swimming pools get most through the trial humid period. Can't imagine the thought of wearing prairie fashions of era and not having modern comfort is mind-boggling. Two years was all Laura could take she packed up her family then headed North to Dakota Territory.
Historian for Homes County Hazel Maringer spoke highly of her community. She mentioned New Hope Church being the oldest saying, Popular Head Church and Mount Ida all had the same preacher. Reverend Bedsole would serve his ministry to all three churches every Sunday.
Hazel introduced me to Gordon Huggins grandson to Peter F Ingalls.
Route 163A New Hope Florida the former address of Peter F Ingalls . Standing at the entrance an enormous Oak tree whose branches extend towards heaven while others are snarling -twisted-arched in phantasmal forms allowing disengaged sunlight penetrate brown-green foliage, stands guard over what use to be Peter's home .
House and property ,In the state of dismay, as two apprehensive feet step by step stood upon historical grounds where Laura her self once walked.
one might envision baby Rose clenching Laura's hand as they vanish from sight among tall grasses . A clearing where horses, maybe , Barnum and Skip,once grazed, wagon hitch points north .
Rose might have giggled as she rode high upon Almanzo's shoulders.
Aroma of Laura's gingerbread fills hunger seeking pallets .
While visionary eyes watch Peter as he attends his nursery of Creeping myrtle.
Before me, turf covered by-gone horse hooves impressions also wagon ruts took claim over Peter's property. That once was a productive lively piece of history when children scampering here and there picking ,trampling fall bloomers. Cud weed white flower caps, camphor plants, Yankee weed with its fragrant of lilac, golden Astor scent beckoning fall to make it's cooling introductions to the dry summer landscape.
Year 2003 what was. is now choked with brush wood ,overgrown vines, spider webbing, fallen rotted pine branches and broken house clabbers . Moldy green fingers grasp wooden shingles Peter himself made. Each and every shingle made by hand a labor of love for family and soil. Discarded ceramic sink, broken dishes, fancy house scrolling of era, rusted child chair 'S perhaps for Peter's children. Paint cans and other randomize scattered paraphernalia tainted the landscape. How can this be ?
Like the story is told.. "Rebuild and they will come"
The Wilders decided their final destination. Mansfield Missouri, where Laura lived out her life at Rocky Ridge the site of her books till she died of a massive stroke 1957 age 90.
Tim and Jim Riddle kin to Laura Ingalls Wilder through marriage resides also in New Hope community operating a flourishing Bait & Tackle fishing business.
The wedding of Peter Ingalls and Mary Godwin was carried out by Reverend Riddle.
