Hi everyone,

Wow what a lot of letters this week. Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply to the question I asked last week:

"If you were to visit Waltons Mountain, or were a new arrival to the Mountain, which adult would you most like to talk to and why? I thought we might focus on the adults during this week, and maybe the children of Waltons Mountain next time. This adult could be a family member, or a friend of the Waltons, or perhaps it was just someone who passed in and out of Waltons Mountain during an episode."

My first thoughts were that I would love to talk to the Baldwin sisters. They are such colorful characters and I am simply enthralled by them living as they do...in such luxury in the middle of a depression. I would dearly love to know more about their lives as younger women and also about The Judge, their Papa. Am I alone in wanting to know more about him? Otherwise I would love to talk to one of the immediate Walton family. Perhaps Grandpa could take me on one of his famous Mountain walks and show me all the different things he has learnt from his mountains, and tell me so much about the family he heads. Maybe we would stop by the Baldwin house to sample a sip of the recipe, then it might be onto the Mercantile, where I could be introduced to Ike and Corabeth. Perhaps then we might have one of those magnificent suppers back at the Walton house and I, too, could hold hands while the blessing was being said and then eat Grandma and Olivia's wonderful cooking. Wouldn't that be a wonderful day? Oh well, we can dream!

Among the children though...who would you most like to be friends with?

Now onto other Waltons news. I received a booklet early last week telling me about an auction of a TV Toy Collection. This includes several lots of Walton memorabilia. Now I'm not at all sure how the auction works, but it will be on May 23 from 9a.m. to 7p.m Pacific Time. You can place bids by internet, phone, fax or mail. You can get further info from www.Collectors.com or email <auctions@Collectors.com>. There are some good lots up for auction, but nothing really that we haven't seen on Ebay. One thing that I haven't seen before is a 1978 Waltons Calendar (Item 837). Has anyone seen it? Were there any done for other years?

I also have just watched our latest ET Weekend Special where they have been talking about a lot of past stars and catching up with them. We just had the one which was on April 12 over in the USA and it featured Richard Thomas. Thankfully I taped it! I think someone might have mentioned it a few weeks back. Richard was interviewed wearing a beard, and part of the interview was him talking about his latest role in the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit which Alyssa mentions this week. He plays a deranged serial killer who is losing his mind. He said it was a great role to do, but also mentioned that he has missed many roles because people have thought he was just John Boy and couldn't play anything else. I think he has proven over the years though that he is very diverse so I think it is the director's loss if they don't use him. :-))

Well I've probably rambled on enough for this week. There will be no digest next week though, so the next one will be out two weeks from this one. The reason is that our ISP is doing something to our email next weekend and it's usually on the weekend that I compile the digest. Anyway whatever they're doing to it, they've said we can't get email in or out, so I thought it best to just delay the digest.

So, goodnight now. Talk to you all in a couple of weeks time.

Karen.

Thank you for the research of the children's middle names, I really do appreciate it. :o)

In response to Karen's question, if I was visiting Walton's mountain, the one adult I'd like to meet (wishing he were still alive) would be Will Geer. I lost my own grandfather a year ago this August, and I see a lot of wisdom and knowledge in Grampa Walton, and I'd like to get to know him a lot more, and figure out where he gets all the wisdom from. :o) Well, goodnight everybody!

~Nicole from Victoria, B.C. Canada

I haven't written in awhile but thought I would answer this question. I think meeting Grandpa would be wonderful. Not only would he enlighten me with his tall tales but I think he would be quite entertaining! He would probably show me around the mountain and relate his experiences a long the way.

Cindy

Hi Karen

I think if I was to visit the mountain I would have to sit and talk with Johnboy because he was my favorite even though Grandpa was real close behind. I think Johnboy was so interesting and he reminded me of myself being the oldest and always telling the younger ones what to do. I like the fact that he stood up for what he believed in no matter who got mad or had hurt feelings.

Also someone asked where Elizabeth got the name Tyler, it said on one show that Grandpas middle name was Tyler.

Donna

KAREN'S COMMENT: Was Grandpa's middle name Tyler? I don't recall that being mentioned, but maybe it's something that I really need to go back through the tapes to find out.

Hi Karen, Hi all,

Karen it's fun to listen to you describe autumn where you live, while here in the States (in Virginia) it's getting a little bit warmer, and more like late Spring each day. Soon it will be HOT, as Virginia tends to be in the summer, and I'll be wishing for autumn here. Autumn in Virginia is something to behold (and I'm not even a native of Virginia!) and I look forward to it each year.

As for who I would want to talk to if I were new to Walton's Mountain. I'd pick Olivia or maybe even Grandma. I'd be curious to know what it's like to raise a large family, and also what it's like to be a stay at home mom during a time when there weren't as many options open to women. I'd be interested to know whether she ever felt stifled, or whether she felt it was the only place she wanted to be. I'm a mother of two, and also a teacher, and sometimes I feel pulled in too many directions all at once. I often find myself watching the Waltons because their life seems peaceful to me. Even though they worked hard, didn't have much in the way of material things, they seemed more content than many people do today. I like that.

Anyway, that's just my two cents. Thanks again Karen for all your efforts with the digest. We do appreciate your hard work!

Nancy in Virginia

KAREN'S COMMENT: I'm glad it's getting warmer for you. It's certainly getting much more chilly here. We had some really bad fog this morning (I love mornings like that) but it has turned out lovely and sunny, but still cold. I've got the heater on today. The way Melbourne looks at the moment is what I imagine Waltons Mountain would look like in autumn (fall).

Doc Vance would be my choice since he was the one who took care of most of the families on the mountain until he left and Curt Willard came along.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: Dr Vance is an interesting choice but a really good one. Curt would have been good too for the same reason.

Hello Karen and All, I have a few Walton things to mention, so bear with me.

First, Walton sightings. I was watching the Gnome-mobile on the Disney Channel, and saw Grandma. Then, I watched the movie Alan Quartermain and the Lost City of Gold, and that had Yancy Tucker (he was extremely funny).

Second, Karen there was on obituary in our paper this week for a Karen Kearney. I had to do a double take when I saw that one. BTW, it was a lady who was 85.

Third, I won an auction on ebay for a script used for the Waltons. It was very cool to see how different the show actually turned out.

Next, Leslie Winston did work on the show Quincy. It was a two part episode in which they were on a cruise ship and people where getting sick.

Lastly, If I had moved to Walton's Mountain, I think the first person I would talk to would be Ike Godsey. His store is the center of what is happening on the Mountain, so I would want to go there and find out who would be the best people to become friendly with. Of course, if you talk to CoraBeth, you would find out what you want to know and then some you don't.

That is all from here, hope I didn't put you all to sleep.

Good Night everyone, ------Jennifer

KAREN'S COMMENT: What a newsy letter...thanks Jennifer. I can just imagine Will Geer having some fun doing Disney movies like the one you mention. What script did you get? I noticed today there are a couple more on there. They're great collectors items I think. The Godsey's would be great too, and of course, Ike's family were originals on the mountain too, so there's lots of history there. I'm very pleased to say that I'm still alive and kicking. :-)) I must say though that Karen is an unusual name for an older lady. It seems that it didn't really become popular until the Mickey Mouse Club came up with Karen Pendleton in 1955. Then it became hugely popular out here.

Hello Karen and all-

How is everyone? Karen, thanks for the chips tid bit, but what do just call potato chips potato chips? Well, it's always great for me to hear about fall and the other seasons there.... right about now we're finally in Spring.... the Cherry Blossoms are coming out, the flowers are budding along of course, with my allergies :::::sigh::

Just thought I'd let everyone know I got an autographed picture from Kami Cotler today. It says: "My Best, Kami Cotler" she also sent me a letter that she typed herself, with a small bio that mentioned that she had defiantly retired acting, but plans to participate in Waltons activities as she has done in the past.

I think I'm just about ready to take a long break and go to Walton's Mountain. This whole business with work and everything.... I could use a slower pace.... it took me a little while to decide whom I would talk to.

Because there's John Boy, who would appreciate as a writer, like me. (it's not a career of mine, but..) And John's a hard working loving father, and the sisters can give you a history and reminisce, the Olivia and Grandma can tell the struggles of being a woman at home... The Godseys can tell you about the people and such.... and any of the kids can tell you their experiences of being young there. But, I think I would want to chose Grandpa. Because he has such a great sense of humor, and I could talk to him for hours about anything.....reminds me of my Grandfather. :)

Have a wonderful week every one!!! Enjoy the Waltons, and take care!!!

Love,-Viv

KAREN'S COMMENT: Well said Viv. As for the potato chips...well someone else commented on that too. Chips is the word used for "French fries" like fish and chips, and chips is also the word used for a bag of chips...like a snack thing. We have Lays, Colvan, Smiths brands of chips and they come in all sorts of varieties. Not sure if you have the same brands, but anyway we call them chips too. At McDonalds we do buy french fries, but they're skinny chips! Other hot chips tend to be much fatter. LOL

Friday May 4 is the 40th birthday of Mary Elizabeth Mc Donough whom we all know as Erin Esther Walton.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: We definitely hope that Mary had a wonderful 40th birthday.

Grandpa's name was Zebulon Tyler Walton.

RUTH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

If I were to have only once chance to meet with one adult from Walton's Mountain, I'd have to pick Grandpa. He's my absolute favorite character and he always made everyone feel so welcome and special. But it's a tough question. I'd like to have any of the adults as friends because they are all so knowledgeable and kind in their own ways. I'd love to sit and talk to Grandma about the way things used to be. I'd talk to Grandpa about the nature around us. I'd talk to Olivia about being a mother, and to John about children and getting by in hard times. (I suspect that my conversation with him would be pretty short though. He's not very long winded like I am.)

Good Question Karen!

Larissa

KAREN'S COMMENT: Yes he was very welcoming to most people, however there were a few who arrived at the house who just didn't seem to gain his trust. One I'm thinking of is Muffin from The Big Brother. Grandpa didn't trust her at all, and rightly so as it turned out.

If I were to visit Waltons Mountain, I'd probably want to talk with Ike Godsey. He'd have the lowdown on everyone and likely would be willing to share it!

However, if you classify John-Boy as an adult, then I'd definitely want to spend my time with him. He was somewhat of an inspiration to me growing up. From the time I was very small, I wanted to be a newspaper reporter and writer. John-Boy's experiences with The Blue Ridge Chronicle strengthened my resolve. Eventually, I did become a reporter. My first job out of college was as the editor of a small town newspaper in middle Georgia. It was a wonderful job. I did everything -- from writing stories and taking pictures, to selling advertising and layout. I even took the paste-up to the printer and delivered papers! Later, I worked for a major news service and the New York Daily News, but no newspaper job was ever so satisfying as editor of that small newspaper. So I would enjoy talking to John-Boy about his experiences as a publisher and his experiences as a novelist. I've written one book and am trying to get an agent to shop it around. Meanwhile, I'm hard at work on another. Thanks.

Jim

KAREN'S COMMENT: I think it would be safe to class John Boy as either the adult or the child. :-))

Hello Karen, Great question. Let's see if I were to visit Walton's Mountain. There are several people I'd love to talk to. First of all I'd have to make a stop at Miss Brimmer's, since I'd need a place to stay. I'm sure she'd have some interesting stories to tell. But I'd really like to get out to the Walton's and talk with grandma and Olivia. I'd love to help them prepare dinner for that big family. I'd also like to make a stop at Miss Emily and Miss Mamie. All the people on Walton's Mountain would be friendly and be more than happy to have a new comer come and join the community. I know I would not feel like an outsider for long.

Lisa/MI

KAREN'S COMMENT: I thought about Mrs Brimmer too. Well like you say, you need a place to stay. You might even get to meet some of the other boarders like Zuleika Dunbar. There's a lady who could tell you all about Grandpa Walton and Mr Stanley Perkins.

Hi everyone,

For all you Richard Thomas fans: He guest stars on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the Season finale, which airs twice on different networks; first on NBC on Friday, May 11 at 10:00P and another time on Sunday, May 20 at 11:00P on the USA Network. Check your local listings.

Plot: The team searches for a serial killer who justifies his crimes with paranoid religious motivation. Richard Thomas and Karen Allen guest star.

I can't wait!

Alyssa

KAREN'S COMMENT: I'll be watching out for this one too, but probably a little longer than you will be.

I would definitely, without a doubt talk to Grandpa. Such an understanding, gentle and wise ole man he was. I've always missed my own grandfather who died way back in '88 and my own father while always a stable figure in my life and a good provider is not someone you curl up with for a long visit :) And beyond just the average things of life I'd love fatherly/grandfatherly advice on, Grandpa could probably tell me a whole lot more about herbs, gardening, and nature than any other Papa's or Daddy's I know.

On another note you would laugh if you knew how many years it took me to realize 'fish and chips' did not mean 'Lays potato chips' with your fried fish. I still laugh at myself everytime I think of how often I avoided ordering 'chips' cause I wanted fries instead.

Donna

KAREN'S COMMENT: I can imagine how that mistake was made! Yes, chips with your fish really are hot and potatoey, unlike the Lays. LOL

Hi Karen, in the last newsletter you asked who our fave member of The Waltons was. Mine would be John Walton SR. He is what every father should be like. He loves his wife & family dearly. I find myself trying to treat my family as he did. He is my vote for the adults, but I love them all. I daydream at times about how I would have loved living among these fine folks in that era.

Jerry

KAREN'S COMMENT: Wouldn't a Waltons style bed and breakfast do well?

Karen,

I was able to watch The Pony Cart this week. This is one my most favorite episodes ever, and we all know there are many to chose from. There are two quotes from Martha Corrine that I especially love. One when she's talking to Grandpa in the workshop and she says "just because it fits don't mean it's right". And the other is when John-boy takes her up to her old house on Blue Creek she says, "a neglected grave is a shameful thing". The day this episode played was my birthday so I was doubly happy. I also learned while watching, that Zeb and Henrys father came from England on a whaler boat in 1810 I think it was, and his name was Samuel, but they didn't say his wife's name. Does anyone know?

Someone asked why Elizabeth's middle name was Tyler last week. Well Martha Corrine said that Tyler was her maiden name. Well, I really love this episode and wanted to share what I learned with you. Spring was finally come to Utah so hopefully no more snow storms! Have a great day all, and thanks for all of your hard work Karen!!

Vicky in Utah

KAREN'S COMMENT: Glad you enjoyed The Pony Cart. I love the quote about the neglected grave too. I thought that Martha Corrine said somewhere that her maiden name was Tyler, and as for Samuel, maybe he wasn't married then?

Hi Karen and all.

Elizabeth's middle name--Tyler--probably did come from Martha Corrine. Saw "The Pony Cart" this week and Martha Corrine told John-Boy her maiden name was Tyler. Martha Corrine is the person I would like to talk with. I would like to know about her as a young girl growing up and then as a young wife. I would like to know what she thought she had for hardships and also what she thought were her pleasures and luxuries.

Living in the mountains back in her days may have been very pleasurable at times. I think she was a very interesting character and she added some spice.

Saw an episode of "All In The Family" and "Maude Gormley" was on it. She is showing up a lot in many different shows. I didn't pay much attention to her until she was on the "Waltons".

Hi to Judy in Illinois--have a sister Judy--also have Jini and Joan and brothers Jerry and Paul--a lot of people called him Joe!

Joyce from Boones Mill

KAREN'S COMMENT: Martha Corrine would be wonderful to talk to as well.

Hi everyone ! I'm not sure if this will make it in time for the next digest .... it has been a crazy week ! the adult I would most like to talk to is Olivia . Being a mom of a two year old and almost five year old , I think that I would benefit greatly in having a heart to heart talk about the challenge of raising children !! Although it is a much different world that we live in today ! She is a very strong woman and would I'm sure have lots to say about present day parenting ! I also admire her strong religious beliefs and would like to talk about that !!! Have a good week everyone !

Judy in Illinois

KAREN'S COMMENT: As you can see Judy, you have just made it. I wonder how Olivia managed with 7 children to raise. I'm sure she must have some great tips. :-)