News : Ingalls Society shares IBSSS history at After 5 event

Dave Gates, Nancy Beckman, Barb Beau and Carolyn Hibbs re-enact IBSSS history.

Members of Vinton Unlimited had a chance to learn a bit more about the history of the Iowa Braille and Sight-Saving School during a special After 5 event Friday, Jan. 10.

The Mary Ingalls Society is a local group of volunteers who are trying to preserve the history of IBSSS, particularly as it involved the sister of the famous "Little House on the Prairie" author Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Members Dave Gates, Nancy Beckman, Barb Beau and Carolyn Hibbs presented a skit depicting what Mary Ingalls' class reunion might look like 30 years after graduating in the early 20th Century. Ingalls never returned to Vinton after graduating, but she kept in touch with her classmates throughout her life.

The skit included history of the school's superintendents, as well as references to life in Vinton during those days.

Participants were also asked to consider donating to the organization to help it preserve this part of Vinton's unique history.

See more information about the Society and its planned pageants, and how you can help, click HERE.