In Memory of Earl Hamner: The Waltons and Nelson County, Virginia

As you may have already heard, Earl Hamner Jr., creator of the ever-loved TV series The Waltons, passed away recently. What you may not know is that Hamner, the real “John-Boy” grew up 30 minutes down the road from our B&B in the town of Schuyler, Virginia. Hamner took his Nelson County stories and experiences and fashioned them into a TV family who made their first series appearance back in the 1970s and lasted for 9 seasons and 210 episodes.

In honor of Earl Hamner, let’s take a look at a few fun facts and pieces of trivia about his life, his show, and his legacy:

- Not only was the character of John-Boy inspired by Hamner, but he also voiced the narration appearing in each episode.

- The Waltons was based on Hamner’s childhood-inspired book Spencer’s Mountain

- The events of the series take place from 1933-1946

- Each Walton family member was based on a member of Hamner’s own family, including his 7 siblings, his paternal grandparents, and his maternal grandparents.

- You can visit Walton’s Mountain Museum in Schuyler, VA, which is located in the school once attended by Hamner.

- You can also pay a visit to Walton’s Mountain Country Store, the home of Hamner’s first printing press.

Book your room at Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast and pay a visit to the town that became immortalized in print and on the small screen, all thanks to the work of Earl Hamner Jr. “Good night, John-Boy.”