By Newsplex ; Associated Press ; WHSV newsroom
Published: Sep. 4, 2017 at 1:17 PM EDT
People from all over the world come to the tiny town of Schuyler just to get a glimpse of Earl Hamner Junior's boyhood home.
It is a staple in the ever-popular television show 'The Waltons.'
It is one thing to visit it, but another to actually own it.
"It's a dream come true," said Ray Castro, co-owner.
Castro is a long-time friend of Hamner's and a big fan of 'The Waltons.'
When the home
a few months ago, he knew he had to get his hands on it.
"I've known Earl for 25 years, but as a little kid growing up watching the Waltons, I knew I had to be a part of that family," said Castro.
Besides some new furniture, a radio, and 1929 Ford Model T sitting out back, everything else is frozen in time as if Hamner was writing his next book from his bedroom.
Castro says the idea is to focus more on the Hamner family.
"Unfortunately, when folks come to Schuyler, they're looking for the Waltons house on TV," said Castro. "This was used as a model for that house, but this is really the Hamner house."
That is why the next time you take a tour, things will be somewhat different.
"Doris Hamner would invite the fans that would come all over the country for tea," said Castro. "At the end of the tour, we invite them in for tea."
Hamner's house carries quite the legacy and Castro says it is Hamner himself carrying it on.
"I feel his presence here every single day," said Castro. "He is a big part of my life and I miss him, but I know that he's smiling down on us and happy for us."
Hamner, a Schuyler native and prolific writer,
at age 92.
His childhood experiences growing up in the Nelson County home with his parents and seven siblings inspired many of the events in the classic TV show. Hamner was the real "John Boy" in the show, which was based on his book, Spencer's Mountain.
Thousands flocked to the small town earlier this year for the
The home sold for $249,000.
The Waltons
aired for nine seasons, from 1972 to 1981, and won more than a dozen Emmys in its time.
You can purchase tickets for tours of the home at the Walton's Mountain Museum in Schuyler.
Three longtime fans of the popular TV show "The Waltons" have purchased the Virginia childhood home of the show's creator in an effort to keep it open to the public.
Ray Castro, one of the buyers, tells The News & Advance he was worried someone would buy the Schuyler home of Earl Hamner Jr. and use it as a private residence.
The home on the Virginia Landmarks Register was the basis for the show, which drew upon Hamner's Depression-era upbringing.
The new owners are instituting a few changes, including the hiring of a full-time docent who will conduct guided tours.
Hamner, a prolific writer, died in March 2016 at 92. His show aired for nine seasons and won more than a dozen Emmys.
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of classic television and cultural history, particularly 'The Waltons' and its creator Earl Hamner Jr., I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge to dissect the article published by Newsplex and the Associated Press on September 4, 2017. My comprehensive understanding of the context, characters, and historical relevance allows me to provide insights into the various concepts woven into the narrative.
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Schuyler, Virginia, and The Waltons Connection: The article is centered around the town of Schuyler in Virginia, which served as the inspiration for the setting of 'The Waltons.' The town's significance lies in being the boyhood home of Earl Hamner Jr., the creator of the show. This small town is depicted in the TV series as Walton's Mountain.
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Earl Hamner Jr. and 'The Waltons': Earl Hamner Jr., a prolific writer born in Schuyler, Virginia, is the creative mind behind 'The Waltons.' The show, which aired for nine seasons from 1972 to 1981, portrays the life of the Walton family during the Depression era and draws heavily from Hamner's own experiences growing up in a large family.
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Hamner's Boyhood Home: The focal point of the article is Hamner's boyhood home in Schuyler, which became the basis for the iconic Walton family home in the television series. The house went up for sale, and Ray Castro, a long-time friend of Hamner's and a devoted fan of 'The Waltons,' seized the opportunity to become a co-owner.
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Preserving the Legacy: Castro expresses a deep commitment to preserving the legacy of Earl Hamner Jr. and his family by maintaining the house as a historical site. Despite being associated with 'The Waltons,' the emphasis is placed on the Hamner family, with the house frozen in time to reflect the period when Hamner was writing.
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Changes and Tours: The new owners, including Ray Castro, are implementing changes to make the house more accessible to the public. This includes the hiring of a full-time docent to conduct guided tours, providing visitors with an immersive experience and insight into the life and inspiration behind 'The Waltons.'
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Earl Hamner Jr.'s Influence and Death: Earl Hamner Jr.'s profound influence on the creation of 'The Waltons' is emphasized in the article. His childhood experiences and family dynamics served as the foundation for the show. Hamner passed away in March 2016 at the age of 92, but his legacy lives on through the preservation of his childhood home.
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Cultural Impact of 'The Waltons': 'The Waltons' left an indelible mark on television history, running for nine seasons and winning numerous Emmy Awards. The show attracted thousands of fans, as evidenced by the 45th-anniversary celebration in Schuyler.
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Ownership and Purchase Details: The article mentions that the childhood home of Earl Hamner Jr. was sold for $249,000. Ray Castro and two other longtime fans purchased the property with the intention of keeping it open to the public.
By delving into these concepts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of 'The Waltons' and the efforts to preserve the legacy of its creator, Earl Hamner Jr.
