Hi Waltons Friends,

Although it has been a sad week for Waltons fans with the death of Ellen Corby, it has also been nice to have the internet to be able to share our thoughts with other people who feel the same way. I noticed that the Forum has had a lot of lovely messages posted with people's memories of our favourite Grandma, and I have received some lovely letters too, some of which will be in this digest.

I am also reproducing a note I had from Shirley, who has contacted me about a Chat get-together, which I think is a great idea for those who enjoy the Waltons Chat. It will be held on Dorothy's chat line, with Shirley as the host, because Dot is still recovering from her injury. Here's Shirley's information about it:

"Now, that my eyes are dry some, I thought that we may get together and have a Tribute Chat on Dot's chat room. I have asked Dot and was told it would be fine and, that I could likely be the host as she isn't able to sit up at the computer for very long. I was thinking that maybe Friday April 23rd,1999 at 7 pm (est) might be a date and time for the chat. Or maybe Friday April 30th, 1999 between 7pm and 12 am (est). I would welcome some feedback so to see what times would be ideal for you.

Thanks

Shirley also known as Apple-Girl"

Shirley has indicated since that there are people interested in both evenings, so it sounds as though it will be very successful. For more information on the Tribute Chat, please contact Shirley. I'm actually hoping that I might be able to join in one of them too, if the time difference seems feasible for me.

I hope you all have a great week.

Goodnight everybody, Karen.

Dear Karen,

Just received the Special Tribute Digest. Very sorry about the death of Ellen ("Grandma") Corby. Thank you Karen for writing such an eloquent and moving tribute. Among the many folk who will be sad at her passing, I feel sure that Jon Walmsley ("Jason") will especially feel it very much. I read a few years ago how he had a special regard for her, often calling to see her, and fondly referring to her as "Grandma". For me, that was her greatest role and achievement, notwithstanding her Emmy Award for her work in "It's A Wonderful Life". By the wonderful means of film, television and videotape we can continue to enjoy her company. Au revoir Grandma, and thankyou for many moving moments on screen.

Arthur

Karen,

I just heard the news of Ellen Corby's death at age 87. My condolences to her family. How fitting that we just saw "The Prize" on TNN Friday… a brilliant turn by Ellen in her role as Grandma! Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her many, many fans.

Claire

Dear Karen:

I was happy to see your tribute on everyone's favorite Grandmother, Ellen Corby. My fondest memory of this dear woman on THE WALTONS was when she went with John Boy to see Boatwright University. To me, and I'm sure many others, she was the "heart" of this wonderful series, and will be sorely missed.

Her strength and vigor for life was witnessed by surviving her stroke 23 years ago, and her courage and determination to return to work. Although I never had the honor of meeting Ms. Corby, she always felt like a surrogate grandmother to me, and made a difference in my life.

Good night Ms. Corby. May peace be with you.

Marc

I was so saddened last night when here in Canada I learnt of Ellen Corby's passing. It is like a death in the family. I loved the Waltons because I really lived it. You see four generations lived under one roof. My great grandfather was a special man, but it was my grandfather who was another Zeb Walton. Ellen reminded me so much of my own Grandmother, who died in 1982. I will be writing Miss Mamie and Miss Emily for sure as we will lose those angels eventually. I emailed Mr. Hamner that I thought we needed a two part movie about the Waltons to fill in with Ben's family, Charlie his son, and wife Cindy, as well as a grown up John Curtis. I said we needed to have grandma's funeral so it would allow all of us who loved her to have a feeling of a real goodbye. Any way he probably thinks I am an eccentric old lady. Just call me Miss Emily! Thank you for putting it on the web.

Just a smile for you. I saw an old episode of The Andy Griffith show. You may not know it. Mayberry might ring a bell. Any way Ellen plays an older lady who has a car to sell. Just sounded like Grandma Walton. However she was pulling something on Don Knotts who played Barney. It was so nice to see her looking so good and young,

Take care

Cheers & my heartfelt thanks and sympathy

Carolyne

Karen, I did know about Ellen's passing. I am heart broken, I feel like my own Grandmother died. Ellen even looked like my own Grandmother. Don't you find it amazing that sometimes Grandpa and Grandma almost gave the impression that they hated each other? They didn't though, and from m memory of my childhood my Grandparents were the same way, calling each other "old man" and "Old Women" was a term of endearment to them. Must have seemed very strange to outsiders we didn't know them though. I really feel like I have lost a part of my family.

Pat

Hi Karen,

Thanks for letting us all know about Ellen Corby. I had not heard of it...until today. I'll try to find something about her work in our area local newspaper "New York Times" But think of it this Ellen will always be on the show that we love and she will be forever on tape...as Grandma Walton.

Have a good week :-)

Noelle

KAREN'S COMMENT: Farewell to a very special lady, from all of us.

Yes there is no need to badger them with complaints that all the other shows that are now on are bad compared with the Waltons. But there are many writers and producers who are ready to put this special together if we only convince them that it will be well received and people will watch it. With this in mind I think we have a right to ask that this special be shown.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: Donald's letter, of course, refers to the comment in the digest a couple of weeks ago now, that perhaps we could write to the address that Ralph Giffin has on his site in the FAQ:

"A special is tentatively planned for 1999, although CBS has not yet authorized filming to begin. Your Email to CBS requesting the special would be helpful. You may Email them at www.cbs.com/navbar/feedback.html"

Well I definitely agree with Donald here. Write to them expressing your interest in the movies. As I see it, I would like to visit with my favorite family again. If there are other shows of today you particularly like, you might mention these first, then add how much you enjoy going to Waltons Mountain for two hours every so often to catch up with everyone.

Having said that, I think I can give you a little more news that was in my latest fan newsletter. I quote from Michael Clark's article:

"CBS has purchased a script to bring the family back yet one more time. All the members of the cast have agreed to reprise their roles."

There is also a little snippet about the storyline, but I won't spoil that for you. Very good news I'm sure you'll all agree.

Karen, I have been receiving your newsletter for some time but never wrote to you before. I thoroughly enjoy it and all the comments sent in. At your suggestion I have sent an email to CBS requesting that they DO film another Waltons Special. Let's hope your other readers do also. Again the address is www.cbs.com/navbar/feedback.html. Thanks again for all the time and energy you put into this newsletter. We fans sincerely appreciate it.

Loretta

KAREN'S COMMENT: I enjoy all the letters and comments too Loretta. Well done everyone!

Hi Karen...

I always enjoy your digest each week and I just wanted to write and comment on Kathy who emailed you her wonderful chance encounter with Will Geer! What a treat to read and see the pictures of Mr. Geer smiling and signing autographs. What a way to remember him...as very giving and generous of his time. No wonder he made a wonderful Grandpa...he was a delight in real life as well! Thank you for sharing that with us! :0)

Gina

KAREN'S COMMENT: Kathy was very generous to allow me to use her story and photos. They are up on my site for everyone to share now.

Incidentally, another member, Joan, has supplied me with a whole heap of photos of her Waltons memorabilia, which I have also recently put up on the site. Both Joan and I are really pleased with the results, and you can find the link on the main page of my site. We think that it's really very comprehensive, and should be of interest to those who do collect, and those who haven't seen much before. I get a lot of questions about Waltons collectibles, and I thank Joan very much for allowing us to view her collection. Let's know what you think. Aren't Waltons fans wonderful people???

Hi Karen,

This is not a Waltons topic per se, but I wanted to let you know that Donald is part of our Waltons loop. He has a fantastic mind. He always has something positive to say to our group. And we have all learned so much from him. He is our resident historian. I'd like to take this moment to salute Donald F. Nelson and let him know how much he is enjoyed and appreciated on our loop.

Thanks,

Cathy (or as my fellow loopers know me....CathySoup@aol.com)

KAREN'S COMMENT: I had to include this letter from you Cathy. I am always amazed at what snippets Donald can tell us about anything. I wish I had a mind like that. The other thing I love is that he always comments in every digest...that's devotion for you. :-)) I applaud him too.

Hi Karen,

Discovered another one of Earl's script writings recently. He wrote an episode of the Twilight Zone called "Stop over in a Quiet Town"....I think that was the name of the episode.

Cathy

KAREN'S COMMENT: I knew that he wrote for the Twilight Zone, but never knew any of the episodes. I think he might mention that he wrote for it in A Decade of the Waltons.

Dear Karen and Walton Fans

Well here I am back at my computer for short periods of time. It hurt to sit too long even with three foam pillows underneath me. Just wanted to clear it up that I did not fracture my hip, but my pelvis in two places. I was lucky as I did not displace it, so it is a matter of the bone healing. They took special x-rays of my hip to be sure I had not done anything to it, and that is where Lance got mixed up. I have a walker upstairs and one downstairs, although I have only been downstairs twice since coming home. I have Home Care and Physiotherapist come in and that helps a lot. Just hoping I will be well enough for the BBQ Picnic in Virginia May 1st. I see the doctor on Apr22 to get the word. I just want to say how much I appreciate all of your cards and electronic ones. They are so neat. Also for the phone calls and for the ones that I missed as I had gone home. It is so nice to know that so many people think about you and take the time to get in touch.

Thanks Karen for your kind words. I certainly felt those good thoughts and love flying from Australia. Boy Walton Fans are the best.

Well today is a very sad day for all of us Walton Fans on hearing the news of Ellen Corby passing. I will always be grateful that I had the chance to meet and talk to her. Yes I said talk to her, even though she could only say a few words, she certainly had a way of communicating with me. I will also cherish my video and pictures take with her back in Sept/97 at the 25 Anniversary Reunion in Hollywood. We will certainly miss her. Entertainment Tonight will be having a tribute to her. Wish you all could see it.

Well I should close as I have a lot of email to answer. Soo Thanks again everyone for your kind thoughts and prays.

Sincerely Dot P

P.S. One of the originals lol

KAREN'S COMMENT: I'm so glad that you're on the mend Dot. It sounds as though it was really nasty. By now you should have the doctor's report as to whether you can make Virginia or not, and I hope it is good news. It would do you good to get together with other Waltons friends. Perhaps we should all send email messages to your doctor to make him say you can come!!! I long to be closer to you all. I would simply love to come over and be a part of the reunions. Rod says we will come, but we really have to wait until the boys have finished high school, as their exams are around the same time, and they are such important exams. Tim finishes this year, but James has another two years to go after this. Perhaps in the year of 2002 you might see me writing to say that we're on our way, but it seems like such a long way away. James has definitely said that he wants to come to, because he wants to go and see a show on Broadway...at least one is his order!