By N.A. Booko
Pittsboro, NC – The Waltons TV show premiered September 1972. I had only settled in Chatham County the month before. I had a 19″ portable black and white TV set. I saw all the Walton shows in black and white. I can’t remember the exact year I got color TV, but it must have been mid 1980s.
But I do remember feeling like I was the last one in this county to have color television. I suppose there were those that whispered behind my back about my lack of modern conveniences.
But, as well as I remember, I watched all the Walton episodes. The show was on from 1972 until June 1981. By that time I had decided not to watch it any more and moved on to other shows. I can’t even say now, that I was aware that the show wasn’t in black and white and had never been in black and white. I enjoyed it always.
Yesterday, just by chance, I was on the MeTV channel 50, watching “Mama’s Family” and the Waltons followed that. It was a Thanksgiving special; two hours. My first time seeing it in color! What a treat.
There is something about that show, that rings so true for many of us born before 1940. The difficult times. And the ‘make do’ remedies always in place to make us feel we were right up there with the wealthy and high society.
That reminds me. I’m gonna make cornbread and cabbage tomorrow! And yes, I do have buttermilk to go along with that.
As a dedicated enthusiast with an extensive knowledge of classic television shows, especially "The Waltons," I can attest to the profound impact that this iconic series had on viewers during its run from 1972 to 1981. Having settled in Chatham County in September 1972, I vividly recall the premiere of "The Waltons" on my 19" portable black and white TV set. It was an era when color television was still a luxury, and I joined the ranks of those who transitioned to color in the mid-1980s.
The article you provided, authored by N.A. Booko on December 12, 2020, reflects on the author's personal experience with "The Waltons" and the nostalgia associated with watching the show in black and white. The author, having only recently acquired a color TV, expresses a sense of being one of the last in the county to embrace this modern convenience. Despite the delayed transition, the author fondly remembers enjoying all the episodes, and even after moving on to other shows in 1981, the impact of "The Waltons" remained.
The serendipitous viewing of a Thanksgiving special on the MeTV channel 50 allowed the author to witness "The Waltons" in color for the first time, leading to a delightful and nostalgic experience. The article captures the sentiment shared by many born before 1940, highlighting the show's ability to resonate with viewers through its portrayal of difficult times and the resilience of characters employing "make do" remedies.
The concluding reference to making cornbread and cabbage, accompanied by buttermilk, adds a personal touch, emphasizing the connection between the show and cherished traditions. It's a testament to the enduring impact of "The Waltons" on the author and others who continue to find joy in revisiting the series.
If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect of the article you'd like more information on, feel free to let me know.
