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I have been a fan of books, for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I especially cherished stories about spirited, independent girls, who strove to be themselves. These stories shaped me and allowed me to develop a kinship with the characters. One of the characters I loved, was Caddie Woodlawn. I could not set foot in Wisconsin, without visiting the Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park.
First Things First
Caroline Augusta Woodhouse, was a real person. The book, is historical fiction, written by Caddie’s granddaughter, Carol Ryrie Brink, and is based on the stories, Caddie used to tell.
Yes. There is language and story lines in the book, dealing with Indigenous Peoples that are not acceptable. I’ve seen articles proclaiming that Caddie Woodlawn, should be stripped of its Newbury Award and tossed into an abyss of literary obscurity. I don’t understand, and maybe because I’m such a word nerd, but I think it’s a good opportunity to discuss with kids the meaning of a word, its intention in use, and why we don’t use that word anymore. It can lead to further discussion of what words are currently used that shouldn’t be used.
Caddie thinks for herself, and is a champion for what is fair. Were she alive during this time period, I feel assured the language would be different.
You are Not Bound to follow a Life Prescription
Caddie Woodlawn taught me a life lesson that I follow to this day. Being able to visit Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park has a deeper meaning than a notch on my travel or literary belt.
Caddie is considered a tomboy. She likes climbing trees, paddling rafts, and catching snakes. Her identity is so built up in her wild and free self, she shuns anything that she feels is “lady-like.” One day, Caddie tries stitching a design in a quilt square. She thoroughly enjoys the activity. The realization sets in, she doesn’t have to follow a life prescription. She can delight in climbing trees and stitching quilt squares. She doesn’t have to be all of one thing or all of another. She gets to determine who she wants to be. This is what Caddie Woodlawn taught me.
In the travel community, I can stay in a hostel in the middle of a lava field and get a silly picture in front of the world’s largest lobster sculpture. I can scream my lungs out on a theme park roller coaster and quietly contemplate views at a National Park.
My favorite people, the ones I most like to surround myself with, are people who follow no set life prescriptions. People who don’t like or dislike something, just because the groups that they identify with say they must. I like someone who is brave enough to be themselves. Someone who keeps you guessing. Someone who can watch thought provoking documentaries, and admit Pretty Little Liars is one of their favorite tv shows. You like what you like. You don’t need constant validation of your choices.
The Visit
Now for why you are here, visiting Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park.
This county park, is located a few miles outside of Menomonie, Wisconsin, where we had our Cheese and Brewery Tour.
The park site is small, quiet, and scenic.
Standing on the property of Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park, is a log cabin lived in by The Flick family.
The reason for most visits however, is the Woodhouse residence.
The rooms in the house are Caddie focused, with information regarding the house’s restoration, where parts of the book most likely took place, and a map of what the property was like in Caddie’s day.
Except for the information signs hanging on the walls, the house is bare.
The empty rooms and wood floors, make for exceptional acoustics. During our visit a man plays guitar, while a woman sings. They sit in the bay window, in the main living area. The beautiful, melodious, song, floats through the rooms as we explore. In the moment of outpouring gratitude, for the inspiration one girl’s story provides, it feels like the musicians are there just for me.
The grounds of Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park, are vibrantly green, with grass, leafy, shady, trees, and a towering, corn field border. It’s easy to see how this landscape can motivate the heart toward adventure.
There are picnic tables, perfect for lunches, or restful introspection.
If you are a literature or history fan, and are in the Menomonie or Eau Claire, Wisconsin, area, be sure to stop by Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park. It’s a quick visit, that offers a snapshot in time.
Stay near Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park
