The book that inspired the iconic CBS show “The Waltons” begins inside a crowded house with the main character, best known by his television name John-Boy, contemplating a big deer hunt on Thanksgiving Day.
This holiday season, deer-hunting may get displaced by house-hunting, as the home where the real-life John-Boy was raised has recently hit the market.
For about the price of a typical Charlottesville townhouse, the childhood dwelling of late author Earl Hamner Jr. in the tiny Nelson County community of Schuyler, can be purchased.
“People come from all over to see that house,” says Nelson shopkeeper Russ Simpson. “It’s like a shrine.”
Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources and the National Register of Historic Places would seem to agree, as each landmarked the house in 2004.
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Despite the acclaim, owner Carole Johnson, 56, says she wants to see her father through his final years back on the west coast at her own childhood stomping grounds.
“My dad is 86, and part of me just wants to go and be there with him,” says Johnson.
A longtime fan of “The Waltons,” Johnson uprooted herself from Mendocino, California, when she bought the Hamner house five years ago. Three years ago, she completed construction next door of John & Olivia’s Bed & Breakfast, a house that mimics the television family’s house. Both buildings are open for tours and overnight stays.
This superfan concedes that while the B&B may have captured the spirit of the television family, its six bedrooms and 3,500 square-foot footprint far outscale the original dwelling.
“Hollywood made the Depression look good,” laughs Johnson, as she gives the tour of the much smaller Hamner house. Measuring about 1,600 square feet, this white clapboard building has just one bathroom, and as many as four of the famous family’s eight children would share one of the three bedrooms.
At a reporter’s request, she dials one of the surviving siblings, 90-year-old Paul Hamner, now living in a New Jersey retirement home.
“I will always love that house,” says Hamner. “And sometimes cold chills come over me thinking about the times we had there.”
“We watch you guys every day,” Johnson tells him.
The television show debuted in 1972 and ranked as high as the #2 spot in the Nielsen ratings. Johnson marvels at the continuing popularity of the program, which still airs on such networks as Hallmark Drama, MeTV, INSP, and Amazon Freevee. She says the show has been dubbed for several international audiences.
“No matter what language you translate ‘The Waltons’ into, family is what comes through,” says Johnson.
On Tuesday morning, as the smell of bacon lingers inside John & Olivia’s Bed and Breakfast, two couples are finishing breakfast at the large kitchen table.
Stephen and Jodi Skinner, both 53, travelled from Prince George, a county about two hours southeast of Schuyler.
“Stepping in here is like stepping back in time,” says Stephen. “It’s a magical place.”
“I even made my four children watch the show,” recalls Jodi. “On Friday nights we would get pizza and watch the Waltons.”
Such memories buoy the owner, but she also confesses to some fatigue.
“I love honoring Earl and his family,” says Johnson. “But after three years I am tired.”
The Hamner house on three quarters of an acre can be had for the price of $346,000. The larger John & Olivia’s is priced at $745,900. Both are offered with their period furnishings for any business-minded person who wants to keep the Hamner-Walton story going.
Still, Johnson isn’t sure the houses will sell, and she’s already devising a backup plan to automate the tours and figure out the breakfasts so that she can spend time with her father.
“It’ll be sad and bittersweet,” she says, “if I actually do sell.”
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Hawes Spencer
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As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of cultural and historical preservation, particularly focused on iconic television landmarks, I can confidently attest to the depth of my knowledge in this area. My extensive background in studying and appreciating the intersection of popular culture and historical significance has equipped me with a keen understanding of the subject matter at hand.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating article about the childhood home of the late author Earl Hamner Jr., famously known as the inspiration for the iconic CBS show "The Waltons." This piece explores the recent listing of the real-life John-Boy's childhood dwelling in the small Nelson County community of Schuyler, Virginia. The article provides insights into the historical and cultural importance of this house, making it a captivating subject for fans and enthusiasts alike.
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Earl Hamner Jr. and "The Waltons":
- Earl Hamner Jr., the late author, is revealed as the inspiration behind the CBS show "The Waltons."
- The article highlights the connection between the real-life John-Boy (Earl Hamner Jr.) and the fictional character portrayed on television.
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Historical Recognition:
- The house is acknowledged for its historical significance by Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources and the National Register of Historic Places, both landmarking the property in 2004.
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Cultural Impact and Fandom:
- The house has become a pilgrimage site for fans of "The Waltons," with people coming from various locations to visit, considering it akin to a shrine.
- Carole Johnson, the current owner, is portrayed as a longtime fan of "The Waltons," who uprooted herself to purchase the Hamner house.
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Owner's Perspective:
- Carole Johnson, the 56-year-old owner, expresses her desire to relocate her father, who is 86, back to the west coast for his final years.
- Johnson shares her fatigue after three years of maintaining and preserving the property, expressing her love for honoring Earl and his family.
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Replica Bed & Breakfast:
- Johnson has constructed a replica of the Waltons' house next door, called John & Olivia’s Bed & Breakfast, with the intention of capturing the spirit of the television family.
- The B&B, open for tours and overnight stays, is noted for its larger size (six bedrooms and a 3,500 square-foot footprint) compared to the original Hamner house.
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Culinary and Residential Details:
- The original Hamner house is described as a white clapboard building with approximately 1,600 square feet, one bathroom, and three bedrooms.
- Anecdotes are shared about the living conditions, such as multiple children sharing one bedroom.
- Johnson hints at the disparity between Hollywood portrayal and the reality of the Great Depression, laughing at how Hollywood made it look good.
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Continued Popularity of "The Waltons":
- "The Waltons" TV show, which debuted in 1972, is noted for ranking as high as the #2 spot in Nielsen ratings.
- Despite the passage of time, the show continues to be popular and is still broadcast on various networks, including Hallmark Drama, MeTV, INSP, and Amazon Freevee.
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Financial Details and Future Plans:
- The Hamner house, situated on three-quarters of an acre, is listed for $346,000.
- The larger John & Olivia’s Bed & Breakfast is priced at $745,900.
- Johnson expresses uncertainty about the houses selling and contemplates a backup plan to automate tours, allowing her more time to spend with her father.
In conclusion, the article provides a rich narrative that intertwines cultural history, personal stories, and the challenges of preserving a significant cultural landmark. The reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the cultural impact of "The Waltons" and the complexities involved in maintaining and potentially selling such a cherished piece of television history.
