- The one tidbit of information I haven't found anywhere on the web is
the actual location where the series was filmed. I'd also like to know,
did they REALLY blow up the set during the filming of the final episode?
I'm assuming they did, and that this is also part of the reason they haven't
filmed a reunion (aside from the "inconvenience" of Michael Landon's
death).
Asked by Steve C, August 13, 1997.
Well, after leaving this question posted for several months, I have
received many responces and they are posted below. Thanks to all those
who contributed.
-Alex Trenta, December 19, 1997.
- Yes, they did blow up the town for real. Reason being that they had
to leave the property they filmed Little House on the exact way they found
it when they started. I believe it may have been in a contract. So, they
incorporated it into storyline for the final episode. Too bad. It could
have been an interesting tourist place.
Answered by Lisa, October 9, 1997.
- The set for Little House was in the hills north of Simi Valley, in
Ventura County, California, about an hour northwest of Hollywood. I remember
hearing at the time that it was indeed blown up at the end of the filming.
(We grew up in Simi.)
Answered by Robert W, October 23, 1997.
- The reason the sets were blown up, (and they really were), is because
supposedly Michael Landon was against cancelling the show and din't want
the sets to be used for anything else. I learned this when that episode
was aired, and it was written in something like TV Guide.
Answered by Agent #08, October 27, 1997.
- I heard that the reason they blew up the town at the end of the last
episode was b/c it was in the contract. they were alloud to use the land
if they returned it to its original state after they were done using it.
since they had to desroy it anyways, they just fit it into the script.
i thought it was a pretty neat way to end it reguardless.
Answered by Heather F, November 2, 1997.
- I do know that the location of the blind school (I think it was in
Sleepy Eye) was filmed in Old Tucson AZ. If you watch some old episodes
of Bonanza you will notice that the buildings are the same. The spinoff
of LHOTP, (Father Murphy with Merlin Oleson) was filmed in Old Tucson also.
I went there when I was younger during the filming of this series, and
a trip to this movie set in Tucson AZ can give you some interesting info
on various westerns that were filmed there. As to the location of Walnut
Grove, it sure looks like parts of California.
Answered by John V, November 16, 1997.
- Hi! They actually did blow up the little house set. Michael Landon
didn't want anyone else to use it. :)
Answered by Jenna P, November 30, 1997.
- The following buildings
were not blown up in The Last Farewell (according to someone who worked
on the show): The Ingalls/Carter Home; The Ingalls/Carter Barn; The
Church/Schoolhouse. A cast member owns the Ingalls house, and the other
buildings are still standing on the land.
Contributed by Jennifer Slegg, December 24, 1997.
- The original home of the Ingalls family is
STILL THERE! It has been preserved. Walnut Grove, Minnesota does a nice
program about the Ingalls family each year. One year the actress who portrayed
Harriet Oleson was present! I reccomend a visit to everyone who can make
the journey.
Contributed by Shorty, February 14, 1998.
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