Welcome to the historic Waltons Hamner House, a place that holds significance for fans of the beloved television show "The Waltons." Nestled in the heart of Nelson County, Virginia, this iconic house served as the inspiration for the cherished Walton family home. Join us as we delve into the rich history of this remarkable property and explore the exciting plans that lie ahead.
A Glimpse into the Past
Step back in time as you cross the threshold of the Waltons Hamner House. Built in the early 1900s, this charming residence has witnessed generations of joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments. Its picturesque location in Schuyler, Virginia sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
An Unforgettable Tour
Immerse yourself in the world of "The Waltons" as you embark on a guided tour of the Hamner House. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll uncover fascinating anecdotes and trivia about the show and its connection to the house. Marvel at the meticulously preserved interiors, which transport you to the 1930s, the era in which the show was set. Each room is lovingly adorned with period-specific furniture and decor, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the beloved Walton family.
Reliving Iconic Moments
As you wander through the house, you'll encounter familiar sights that will undoubtedly evoke cherished memories. Keep an eye out for the iconic 1929 Ford, just like the one featured on the show. This cherished vehicle serves as a symbol of the family's adventures and captures the essence of the Waltons' timeless appeal.
Walton Mountain Museum: A Companion Experience
Located just across the street from the Hamner House, the Walton Mountain Museum complements your visit, providing a deeper understanding of the show's legacy. Delve into the extensive collection of memorabilia, including photographs, scripts, and personal mementos from the cast. Gain insight into the creative process behind the show and the inspirations that brought the Walton family to life.
Celebrating the Legacy
In honor of the museum's 25th anniversary, we invite you to join us for a grand celebration in October. This milestone event promises to be a gathering of fans, cast members, and industry insiders, paying tribute to the enduring impact of "The Waltons." Don't miss the opportunity to meet Richard Thomas, who portrayed the beloved John-Boy Walton. His presence will undoubtedly make this celebration an unforgettable experience.
Plan Your Visit
The Waltons Hamner House opens its doors to visitors seeking a journey through time. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend purchasing tickets at the Walton Mountain Museum, located across the street. Remember to check the museum's website for updates and announcements regarding the grand 25th anniversary celebration.
Conclusion
The Waltons Hamner House stands as a testament to the enduring influence of "The Waltons" and the timeless values it represents. With its rich history, meticulously preserved interiors, and exciting plans for the future, this iconic house offers fans and history enthusiasts alike a chance to immerse themselves in a world of nostalgia and charm. Plan your visit today and embark on a remarkable journey through the lives of the beloved Walton family.
The house used in filming The Waltons was a set, built on the studio lot for the show. After the series ended, the house was dismantled and moved to the Warner Brothers Ranch up the road a ways. Most of it burned down in the 90s due to an electrical fire, but it was rebuilt and yes, it's still there.
All of the Waltons were based on real people — Hamner's family, his grandfather and grandmother, his father and mother, and his brothers and sisters, of whom there were seven in the show but eight in real life.
Although three of the older family members — Grandma Walton (Ellen Corby), Grandpa Walton (Will Geer) and dad John (Ralph Waite) — have passed away in real life, the seven Walton children are alive and well, and even grandparents themselves!
People have been asking for more than four decades if "the family is real" and "is there a 'real' Walton's Mountain?" The answer is yes. Though the names might be different Earl Hamner based the show on his memories of growing up in rural Virginia with his family during the depression.
In addition to the Walton characters, other roles, such as the “recipe-making” Baldwin sisters and General Store owner, Ike Godsey were also inspired by real people.
The Baldwin Sisters, for example - those mischievous ladies who liked to nip from a bottle hidden in a purse - were taken from real life. In Schuyler, they were really a mother and a daughter whose fondness for their own homemade ``recipe'' - moonshine - was well known.
Earl Hamner was born and raised in Schuyler, Virginia. He was one of eight children and the son of a stone quarry worker. Although they were poor, education was extremely important in their family. His father used to say, “You will go to school until you can whip me.” All eight children graduated from high school.
The new owners, Carole Johnson of Ukiah, California, Ray Castro of New Jersey, and Kirstin DeMaio of Michigan, plan to open it up for tours. The Waltons Hamner House opens Friday and tickets will be available at the Walton Mountain Museum across the street.
Ma and Pa Walton — Ralph Waite and Michael Learned — quietly fell on love on set. And remember Jason and Toni, who we just mentioned in the prior paragraph? Well, actors Jon Walmsley and Lisa Harrison tied the knot in real life in 1979!
Thomas wanted to leave the show. He felt he would get more opportunities in other film/tv. He did get some, but perhaps not as much as he'd hoped for. Happily he's now doing a stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird.
(July 10, 1923 – March 24, 2016) was an American television writer and producer (sometimes credited as Earl Hamner), best known for his work in the 1970s and 1980s as the creator of two long-running series, The Waltons and Falcon Crest.
Born in Nelson County, Hamner served in the Army during World War II (1939–1945) before attending Northwestern University and the University of Cincinnati. He then worked in radio and television, writing scripts for The Twilight Zone and novels based on his Virginia upbringing.
The show's end sequence featured the family saying goodnight to one another before going to bed for the night. According to the BBC (which broadcast the series in the UK), "Goodnight, John-Boy" was one of the most common catchphrases of the 1970s.
The show aired from 1971-1981 and won an Emmy in 1974. The original house that served as the backdrop to Hamner's childhood was built in the early 20th century in the village of Schuyler in Nelson County, where it still stands today.
Now owned by the B&B, you pay to tour the home at John & Olivia's B & B. The home is the one Earl grew up in and was the inspiration for several of his books and the Waltons TV show. The home can also be rented for overnight accommodations.
Carole Johnson — the owner of The Walton Hamner House — has been offering tours of the home, which is located in Nelson County, about 40 miles southwest of Charlottesville, for more than a decade. Johnson told WTOP visitors to the attraction have had to travel to other towns to spend the night.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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