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11/16/2024

A Mayberry Moment -

Sgt. Carter: Did you say something, Pyle?

Gomer: I was just sayin’ that’s from the “Marines Hymn” and I know all the words to it. I really do.

11/15/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 15. Happy National Philanthropy Day! It’s always good to give what you are able to help others, even if it is only a measly three pennies!

11/14/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 14. Andy Griffith’s monologue “What It Was, Was Football” was released on this date in 1953 by Chapel Hill’s Colonial Records, eventually bringing “Deacon Andy” his first national exposure when the routine was re-released on the Capitol Records label.

11/13/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 13. “Opie’s Hobo Friend” first aired on this date in 1961. When Buddy Ebsen guest-starred in the episode, he was on the verge of leaving the acting profession after failing to get an Oscar nomination for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961). The following year, he was starring in the #1-rated series in the country, “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

11/12/2024

A Mayberry Moment - Barney: “This is just about the biggest thing I ever bought.”

Andy: “It’s a major step.”

Barney: “Last big buy I made was mom’s and dad’s anniversary present.”

Andy: “What’d you get ‘em?”

Barney: “Septic tank.”

11/11/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 11. Today is Veteran’s Day, the day we honor our military veterans. Mayberry certainly had its fair share.
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“A Black Day for Mayberry” first aired on this date in 1963. It was the only episode in which Rance, Ron, and Clint Howard all appeared.

11/10/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 10. Joanna Moore was born on this date in 1934. She played nurse Peggy McMillan in four episodes as another of Andy’s love interests. In acting, she is best remembered for this role though she had a career of over 20 years. She appeared in Orson Wells’s film noir classic “Touch of Evil” (1958) and co-starred in the film “Appointment with a Shadow” (1958). She also appeared in series such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” (1958-1959 and 1962), “Perry Mason” (1958 and 1963), and “The Virginian” (1963-1964 and 1967). Joanna married Ryan O’Neal in 1963 and is the mother of Oscar-winner Tatum O’Neal and Griffin O’Neal. She left acting not long after her divorce from Ryan after a tempestuous marriage. Joanna passed away in 1997.

11/09/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 9. “Barney’s Uniform” first aired on this date in 1964. In the episode, guest star Allan Melvin played his usual “type” when it came to Barney (as reflected in this publicity still), threatening to break every bone in his body as soon as he caught him out of uniform.

11/07/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 7. Happy Birthday to the adorable Jackie Joseph, born on this date in 1933! Jackie played Ramona Ankrum, a guest at Mrs. Wiley’s party who was attracted to Ernest T. Bass, both when she thought he was the more proper “Oliver Gossage” and even when she saw his true nature. Ramona (or sweet Romeena, as Ernest T. called her) was in only one episode but she was usually referenced as the reason Ernest T. kept returning back to town, such as trying to get an education so she would marry him. She is best remembered as Audrey Fulquard, the girlfriend of Seymour Krelboin in the original 1960 film “The Little Shop of Horrors” and as Shelia Futterman in the two “Gremlins” movies (1984 and 1990). Jackie was married to RFD star Ken Berry from 1960 to 1976.

11/05/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 5. John Whedon was born on this date in 1905. John wrote eight episodes during Seasons 3 and 4 of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Among them was “Andy Discovers America,” the episode that introduced the character of Helen Crump. Among his other episodes are “Aunt Bee’s Medicine Man,” “The Sermon for Today,” and “Opie and His Merry Men.” An Emmy-nominated writer, John wrote for 17 TV series and two screenplays. In addition to his Mayberry work, he wrote most often for “The Donna Reed Show” (39 episodes, `1958-1962). He also wrote more than half a dozen episodes of “Lux Video Theatre” (1951-1952, 1955) and “The Dick Van D**e Show” (1962-1966). John is the father of Emmy-winning writer Tom Whedon and the grandfather of Joss, Zack, and Jed Whedon.

11/04/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 4. “Gomer the Houseguest” first aired on this date in 1963. After Wally let him go from the filling station, Gomer wore out his welcome in record time, and Andy invited him to stay at his house. “It’s your shocks. Your shocks!”

11/04/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 4. “Gomer the Houseguest” first aired on this date in 1963. Gomer wore out his welcome in record time after Wally let him go from the filling station and Andy invited him to stay at his house. “It’s your shocks. Your shocks!”

11/03/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 3. Aneta Corsaut was born on this date in 1933. Aneta was, of course, Helen Crump, Opie’s teacher and Andy’s final love interest. After a fiery introduction on Helen’s behalf while Andy was dumbstruck that the beautiful woman in front of him was the same person Opie had referred to as “old lady Crump,” they quickly began dating. Helen was quick to anger and assume the worst whenever Barney mistakenly believed Andy and Helen were about to get married, but when they finally did on the first episode of “Mayberry, R.F.D.,” Barney served as best man. Aneta co-starred with Steve McQueen in the 1958 cult classic “The Blob” and among her many character credits roles were recurring roles on the TV series “House Calls” (1980-81) and “Matlock” (1991-1992). Aneta passed away from cancer at the age of 62 in 1995.

11/03/2024

11/02/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 2. Lewis Charles was born on this date in 1920. Lewis played one of the four escaped convicts in “The Big House.” He and another character remained free and tried to break Doc and Tiny out of the Mayberry Jail. The following season he and Lenny ran the Miracle Salve Company. In Season 5, he was one of the carnies running a rigged shooting gallery. Lewis performed on Broadway for eight years before becoming a popular character actor in TV and films from 1948 through 1979, the year of his death at only 59. He also appeared twice each in “Gomer Pyle-USMC” (1968-1969) and “Mayberry R.F.D.” (1968 and 1970). Among his more than 200 varied appearances were an uncredited role as Chaplain Wentzel in “Birdman of Alcatraz” (1962) and appearances four times as henchmen of the Penguin in “Batman” (1966-1967).

11/01/2024

Today in Mayberry History - November 1. Today is National Vinegar Day. After tasting Aunt Bee’s kerosene cucumbers, Clara suggested to Aunt Bee that (among several other things) she needed to add parsley to the vinegar. Other than that, she said Bee’s pickles were quite nice.