Harriet Oleson was the queen of drama in Walnut Grove. Whether she was throwing a fit in her mercantile, scheming to get her way, or making sure everyone knew just how offended she was, there was always something that sent her into an outrage. Here are 12 things that never failed to make Mrs. Oleson lose her temper:
1. The Ingalls Family Being More Respected Than Her
No matter how hard she tried to climb the social ladder, the Ingalls family remained the heart of the town. Charles and Caroline were admired, and their daughters were well-liked. That really got under Harriet’s skin.
2. Nellie Not Getting Special Treatment
Her daughter Nellie was perfect—at least, according to Harriet. So whenever a teacher, shopkeeper, or townsperson dared to treat Nellie like a regular child, Harriet lost it.
3. Nels Not Doing What She Wanted
Poor Nels Oleson. He was a patient man, but every so often, he’d reach his limit with Harriet’s bossy ways and stand up to her. This usually left her completely scandalized and screeching at him in the store.
4. Laura Outshining Nellie
Laura Ingalls and Nellie Oleson had a fierce rivalry, and whenever Laura managed to get the upper hand—whether in school, in a contest, or (especially) with Almanzo—Harriet was furious.
5. The Town Not Treating Her Like Royalty
Harriet Oleson thought she was Walnut Grove’s elite—and when the town didn’t act like it, she was outraged. If the town voted against her ideas or refused to indulge her snobbery, she was ready to cause a scene.
6. People She Considered ‘Low Class’ Having Success
Harriet firmly believed that money and status made a person important, so whenever someone like the Garveys or even the Ingalls did well, she acted like it was some kind of injustice.
7. Reverend Alden’s Sermons About Humility
Let’s be real—Harriet never quite grasped the concept of humility. So when Reverend Alden preached about kindness, selflessness, and helping others, she often sat in church looking deeply offended, as if the sermon was a personal attack.
8. Willie Being Willie
While Harriet adored Nellie, she had far less patience for her mischievous son, Willie. His antics—especially in school—often made her absolutely livid. (Not that it ever stopped him.)
9. The Simple Life of Walnut Grove
Harriet always dreamed of being part of high society and living a life of luxury. The fact that she was stuck in a quiet little town with hardworking farmers? Unacceptable.
10. A Teacher Disciplining Her Kids
If a teacher dared to give Nellie or Willie a punishment, Harriet would march right down to the schoolhouse and demand justice—usually in the form of special treatment for her children.
11. The Town Not Going Along with Her Schemes
Harriet loved meddling in town affairs, but when her grand plans (usually involving spending money on her interests) didn’t go over well, she’d act like the town was full of ungrateful fools.
12. Being Proven Wrong
Above all else, Harriet hated being wrong. Whether it was about a person, a situation, or even a small mistake, she would huff and puff rather than admit defeat. And if someone she disliked—like Caroline Ingalls—was the one proving her wrong? Even worse.
Harriet Oleson may have been Walnut Grove’s most outraged resident, but let’s be honest—her over-the-top reactions made her one of the most entertaining characters on Little House on the Prairie.
Which of her classic meltdowns is your favorite? 😆
