Legacy Documentary~ Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura {TOS Review}

I have been a fan of Little House books since I could read.  I remember sitting outside at our farm reading Farmer Boy.  That is my favorite book from the bunch.  I'm not sure why that is.  Perhaps it is because it's about farming or maybe it's the food they talk about.  SO when we were given the chance to review one of the DVD's by Legacy Documentaries produced by Dean Butler we were thrilled.

A few years ago we had the pleasure of meeting Dean Butler at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, NY.  He is so genuine and real.  I'm so sure he remembers me (just kidding).  Haha!  Actually our daughter was working at the museum and walked right up to him and started talking to him like a long lost friend. 

Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura is an amazing looking into the lives of the Wilder family.  It is filmed on the site of the Wilder homestead in Burke, New York.  Someday I would love to visit the homestead of the Wilder family.  It is a few hours upstate from me near the Canadian border.

The opening scene of the DVD had me hooked.  The music was so delightful it makes all the stresses of modern day just melt away.  Not only does this documentary give us a look into the lives of the Wilders, it also gives us a US history lesson as well.  It really takes you into the Wilder's life.

This documentary is unlike anything we have ever seen before.  It's not just a bunch of pictures flashing on the screen.  It has a very nice balance of live acting and pictures from the Wilder Homestead.  People of all ages will love this documentary.  Everyone from the youngest to the oldest there is something for everyone.

Another one of my favorite authors, William Anderson, is also one of the narrators of this DVD.  We have also had the pleasure of meeting him at the Genesee Country Village and Museum.   So in my opinion these two men working collectively on this documentary will produce accurate historical information.

Our kids got a kick out of the "weekly bath time" in the kitchen that Almanzo and his siblings had.  Of course my son loved the idea of one bath a week.  Since it took so much time to heat the water for the bath I can see why once a week was the norm back in the 19th century.

My favorite part of the DVD was the section that talks about the Morgan horses.  The Wilder's raised Morgan horses on their farm.  This is probably why this book appeals to me the most.  My aunt raised Morgan horses for as long as I can remember. 

I also enjoy hearing about all of the foods Almanzo and his family ate.  Unlike Laura and her family Almanzo and his family ate very well most of the time.  The story tells us often that the family enjoyed popcorn.

We have enjoyed this DVD over and over again.  I know we will continue to enjoy it for years to come.  This documentary sells for $21.95.  Oh trust me this is more than worth it.  It will be something you can use over and over for years to come.  I could go on and on about this documentary because it is that good!  If you would like to see what my other crew members are saying please head on over to the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.