The Waltons--a History

The whole Walton family and Reckless the dog

I did not grow up on Walton's Mountain, nor did I live in a house full of brothers and sisters and grandparents, nor did I experience the hardships of the Great Depression.  But I did grow up with the Walton's.  They came along when I was just in high school.  They had far less than I had, and to this day, I envy them.

"The Waltons," you are thinking.  That was a TV show of some years back.  There was an innocent simplicity to the era of that show.  It was a season where the cornfield came to prime time television:  "Little House on the Prairie" and "Hee Haw" and "The Waltons."  And cornfield translates into cornpone which translates into corny.

Not so fast.  "The Waltons" as a TV series was doomed to failure.  It was too rural, too old fashioned, too family oriented to succeed.  And, it would have failed and was expected to last only one season at the most, but something happened.  People loved the show, and people loved the family.

And for an awkward, out-of-step confused teen-age boy like me, the Waltons gave me an anchor and a direction.  Hip, cool, and groovy never resonated with me.  I liked Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, and Hank Snow, and even they were long past their glory days.  I listened on Saturday nights to the fading in and fading out of WSM 650 AM to hear the Grand Ole Opry.  I read Jesse Stuart and Robert Frost and wondered why the world didn't stop when they wrote.  I never understood cities or trends or things that defined pop culture.  I was a fugitive without knowing it.

So, the Waltons came along at just the right time for me.

It all began with the same family, different name.  It was a movie, an old one.  It came on the late show; meaning, that on a Saturday night, after the 10:30 news, an old movie would come on television.  You had to stay up late to watch it, for there were no means of recording the shows.  It was called "Spencer's Mountain" and it starred Henry Fonda.  It was the story of Clay Spencer and his wife and passel of kids who lived on a mountain.  The oldest son, Clay-Boy, was trying to get into college.  Clay was trying to build a dream home on the mountain for his family.  As it turned out, the dream home was the family.

The movie "Spencer's Mountain" was based on a novel by the same name by a Virginia author named Earl Hamner.  (I read the novel some years after watching the movie.  Read it in one of those Readers' Digest Condensed Books, which constituted most of our family library while I was growing up.)

Hamner, whose main writings were on television scripts, also wrote a short sequel to Spencer's Mountain.  It was another story about the Spencer family living in Virginia during the Great Depression.  This book was called The Homecoming.  This beautifully poetic story concerned a Christmas eve during the heighth (or depth) of the Great Depression when the Spencer family fretted all evening over when and if the husband and father, Clay, would get home.  He had been forced to find work far from home due to the depressed economic conditions.  His family was struggling more than ever to find the meager means to celebrate.  And with snow and other problems, it looked like he might not make it home.

With Edgar Bergen playing the grandpa, the Walton kids gather around the radio--a frequent event in the later Walton series where they listened to "Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy."

In 1971, the book was adapted to the screen and became a Christmas special.  Keep in mind, that in those days, there were 3 channels on television and only a few Christmas shows. 

I remember seeing the advertisements for "The Homecoming."  I knew I would love it.  The cast included Patricia Neal as Olivia, with Andrew Duggan appearing at the end of the show.  Edgar Bergen, an old radio star and ventriloquist (who had a dummy named Charley McCarthy), played the grandfather, and Ellen Corby, an older actres who played many minor parts in television, played the grandmother.

Dominating the show was an incredible cast of children.  They were to become the seven Walton children.  They were an attractive and quite talented bunch of kids, with at least four of them having the red hair that was part of the Spencer story.  The central character was John-Boy Walton.  (In the book, it was Clay-Boy.)  Hamner, probably with good reason, had him called John-Boy instead of John, Jr.  In the television story, he was always John-Boy in the process of becoming John Walton, Jr.

Mary Ellen, Jason, Elizabeth, John Boy, Ben, Erin, and Jim Bob

Beginning with that Christmas in 1933, the Waltons entered my life and the culture of America.  The transition from "The Homecoming" to "The Waltons" entailed quite a few changes.  The house in "The Homecoming" was plain and cabin-like.  The house in the television series was a period two-story house with an incredible front porch.  (I would love to have such a house.)  John Waite and Miss Michael Learned became the parents on the series.  They both became defining characters.  Perhaps outshining them was the combination of Will Geer and Ellen Corby as the grandparents.  As a subtle tribute to Edgar Bergen's brief role as Grandpa Walton, the family on the series would gather around the radio to listen to Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy.

Miss Michael Learned as Olivia Walton, the mother, and John Waite as John Walton, the father.

Not surprising, Will Geer and Ellen Corby won numerous awards for their roles as Grandpa Zebulon and Grandma Esther Walton.  They were a beautiful couple.

The Walton's house, my dream home.

"The Waltons" went for nine seasons, and the cast re-assembled for a few movies in the later years.  (I wish they would do at least one more movie.)  The show did quite a few two things that were amazing:

1.  The show paralled the history of the 1930s.  The New Deal and FDR, the abdication of King Edward, the Bank Holiday, the rise of Naziism in Europe, the explosion of the Hindenberg, and other historical events became either central points or background to the stories.  By the end of the sixth season, the whole family is gearing up for and fearing the impending entrance of America into World War II.

2.  The show had a continuity to the characters, both the regulars and guests.  If ever a cousin visited the Waltons, they were mentioned later and maybe they visited again.  A whole community existed on Walton's Mountain.  Besides the Waltons, there was Ike Godsey and his wife Corabeth (a cousin to the Waltons), Emily and Mamie Baldwin (famous for the recipe), Reverend Fordwick and his wife, who was also a teacher, Mrs. Hunter, Yancey (the epitome of a good ole boy), Maude Gormley (an elderly widow), Mrs. Brimmer (who runs a boarding house), Verdie and Harley Foster (an African-American family) and Sheriff Ep Bridges. 

3.  The Waltons were rooted in the land and history.  One of the most defining and powerful shows was "The Conflict," a two part segment at the beginning of Season Three.  The Walton's on Walton's Mountain visit some of their kinfolk.  We meet Martha Corinne Walton whose home is being taken away by a road building project.  This story is rich in the theme of being rooted to the land. 

Beulah Bondi, who played as George Bailey's mother in It's a Wonderful Life, capped her career with the role of Martha Corinne Walton.

4.  The Waltons were closely connected as a family.  Remember this is the television world, so there are flaws, errors, and inadequacies; however, the Waltons had a strong father and mother.  There was wisdom to be found in the grandparents.  The kids were growing and struggling through all types of issues.  But the bonding love of the family defined the show.  Almost every episode of the show featured the family sitting around the table having a meal, and someone always prayed before the meal.

5.  The Waltons were Christians.  Again, the show really blundered at points.  When religion was front and center, the faults were greater.  But the Waltons were part of a church and they applied the faith to life.

In recent years, I have loved watching our collection of Waltons DVDs and watching my children get to know the Waltons.  I have studied the Walton family, read The Homecoming each Christmas, read and studied Goodnight John-Boy, and made Olivia's Applesauce Cake.  Whatever it takes to get me closer to the Walton experience, I have tried. 

Celebrating a Birthday--For Two Days Now

"And thus spake on that ancient man"

from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday.  Generally, by December 28, I am tired of food and cakes (and socializing and celebrating) and am longing just for quiet reading time.  But I decided to celebrate by taking the family on yet another marathon town trip.  After all, we had a sack of clothes that did not fit and needed to be exchanged (a miserable ordeal) and I had a few gift cards to redeem.

The first card that I set out to use was from Target.  Finding a great deal on two disk CD sets, I picked up two long-coveted music collections.  One set is "The Essential Waylon Jennings" and the other is "34 Number Ones" by Alan Jackson.  (I wanted a CD by a newer group called The Civil Wars who recently debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.)  Jennings and Jackson are not my top favorite two singers, but they are both defining singers.  Anticipating listening to Alan Jackson makes me think that I could hold a conversation with those kind of people who say they like Country Music, but who never heard of Hank, Lefty, E.T., Marty, or Roy Acuff. Waylon Jennings was really good even before he was really good.



I love "Don't You Think This Outlaw Business Done Got Out of Hand" and many more.



Talented artist who follows in the footsteps of the legends. 
"Don't rock the jutebox, I want to hear George Jones."

After the Target ordeal (the other members of the family had things to look at), we went to Outback Steakhouse to use some more gift certificates.  I go there frequently; in fact, I was there just about 2 years ago.  I ordered the same thing both times:  A third of a rack of baby ribs with a piece of grilled chicken and a side consisting of a baked sweet potato loaded with butter and brown sugar.  Since it was my birthday and since Nate's birthday was just the past Friday (Dec. 23), we got complimentary desserts--ice cream with hot fudge and whipped cream.

On to Lifeway Bookstore with another card:  It had been quite a while since I have been in this store.  I was impressed and pleased with the number of Crossway books they carry.  I have grown to love Crossway books over the past year and have read and reviewed quite a few of them.  They publish most of John Piper's books, along with quite a few by Dr. Leland Ryken (Nick's English prof) and Dr. Philip Graham Ryken.

I settled on buying the Oswald Chambers Devotional Bible.  This edition of the English Standard Version Bible was on sale for $14.97.  Both of my key mentors, P. Andrew Sandlin and George Grant, are serious readers of Oswald Chambers.  I have not read him nearly enough, but will try to remedy that problem.

At one time, I outgrew needing devotional authors, but now I am dependent on them.

Nearing the checkout, I decided to buy yet another ESV Bible which was on sale for five dollars.  This one is the Daily Reading Bible.  I am committed to (or trying to be committed to) using this Bible for a through the Bible during the year.  Of course, a person can use their own Bible and follow the plan of Bible reading plans like this one, but I am curious as to how the use of this Bible will work and benefit my reading.



The Challenge:  Use This Bible

And I felt like I just had to buy Timothy Keller's newest book, The Meaning of Marriage.  I loved  The King's Cross so much that I was determined to read everything by Keller.  And I love marriage.

High on the "Can't Wait to Read This" stack.

What a rich haul.  What a shower of blessings.  And I was surrounded by my wonderful wife and four children.

And today, December 29, I got a couple of more gifts.  My mother-and father-in-law gave me two Bret Lott novels:  Jewel and The Man Who Owned Vermont.  As I have indicated several times in recent months, I think Bret Lott is one of the best writers around today.  By the way, my son Nick gave me a copy of Lott's Practical Memoir of a Writer's Life for Christmas.  He did not want to part with the book, and knowing Nick, he will sneak into my reading area and get it read before I start the book.  (Lucky kid, he got to meet Mr. Lott last month at Wheaton.)

How does this Christian author write so well?

And, my brother-in-law, Jack Lemley, gave me his old laptop computer.  What is an old computer for him is almost new for me.  My faithful laptop is over 11 years old and I fear for its survival.  What a delight to have a newer, much newer computer.

All in all, I am enjoying this new level of antiquity.



Nick, to the left, TaraJane, Ben, and Stephanie at Wheaton recently.

 Not only is Nicholas at Wheaton College studying Shakespeare, Comparative Politics, Bible and Theology, and other subjects, but he is also celebrating his 18th birthday on this day--August 31, 2011.

Happy Birthday! Happy Reading and Studying! Happy Guitar Playing!  A mere 800 miles is all that is separating us.

Meeting Leland Ryken and More

Sitting between two of my favorite literature scholars--Dr. Leland Ryken (on the left) and Nicholas (on the right).

In my reading experiences, there are three people who stand out in the field of literature as literary critics, scholars, and teachers.  One is the late Dr. Cleanth Brooks.  I regret that I became aware of him some years after his death, but I have been greatly blessed by Brooks' books on William Faulkner and on poetry.  A second influence is Dr. Louise Cowan of the University of Dallas.  I have been greatly blessed by getting to meet her and hear her speak on three occasions.  I am continually astounded at her on-going literary writings and talks.

And what a great honor it was this past week to meet the third of the literary influences:  Dr. Leland Ryken of Wheaton College.  I was astounded to walk into the faculty room of the English department and see this great thinker sitting in his office working.  His friendliness and humility was inspiring.  This past year, I have read and greatly profited from his book titled The Legacy of the King James Bible.  That book is one of many I have read from Dr. Ryken.  His study of the Puritans is indispensable and his works on the literary aspects of the Bible are incredibly informative. 

Nicholas is taking Dr. Ryken's class on Shakespeare.  I am both excited for him and quite jealous.

Nicholas and fellow Veritas graduate, Grace Hornok--both freshman now at Wheaton.

Don't be fooled by mine and Stephanie's smiles.  We were quite sad at having to leave Nicholas, although very proud of him.

Nicholas Graduates

Grace and Nick back in April in Greece.  Unfortunately, the building they went to see seems to have been quite run down.

This post is at least a week late.  Last week, my oldest son, Nicholas, graduated from Veritas Academy.  He tied with another classmate, Grace Hornok, for the honor of being the valedictorian.  These two bright and enjoyable students make up the entire graduating class of Veritas Academy.

I never thought I would be teaching in a small school with only 2 graduates.  But what we lack in quantity, we make up for in quality.  Both Grace and Nick are musicians and literary students.  (And both have taken calculus and physics during their senior year.) Both are Christians with a real zeal for sound doctrine and dedicated application.

I am jealous of them.  Both are going to Wheaton College.  There, they will be close to a great host of Lewis and Inklings artifacts.  They will be on one of the major Christian campuses in America.  We three studied lots of books together, ranging from James Fenimore Cooper to William Faulkner, from Homer to Dostoevsky.  I don't think it fair that they have such a foundation at so young an age and they get to devote the next four years to learning.  Meanwhile, I am getting notices from AARP that I am elgible to join.  (No thanks, AARP supports too many liberal causes for me.)

I am thrilled and saddened by Nick's graduating.  He has been the right hand man in my classes.  Whenever I cannot remember a quote or I confuse a fact, he usually knows the answer.  He is an amazing student of history and literature, with a breadth of knowledge of music that astounds me.  I will be a lonely old man roaming the halls next year with a vacant look on my face.  Thankfully, I have three other kids in school with me and, hopefully, a whole new group yearning to learn of Homer and Dostoevsky and Faulkner and Melville and Paul Johnson and Abraham Kuyper.


Nick doesn't always maintain this style. He was dressed for a concert with the Texarkana Regionale Chorale.


This poem was written years ago:


Nicholas Goes To School

Today, my son, you shall begin learning to find answers,
Solve equations, write letters and numbers, decipher words,
To shade hills and rabbits in different colors, to join
With your books in hand in circles reading with the bluebirds.

I long for and dread the great journeys: the epic travails
When Zeus wills Achilleus’ rage and God wills Adam’s fall
With page upon page of Homer and Milton burrowing
Into your transfixed thoughts and your heart pounds hearing the call.

When Jackson’s long circuitous route sent forth with Lee’s prayer
Crumples a flank before the night volley hits the Stonewall,
And while your left arms aches in expected amputation,
From your desk at Chancellorsville; you weep, seeing the fall.

There are so many hills and roads I want you to travel,
On some I’ve long waited for you to join me on the way.
But others you’ll take while I stand behind waving you on,
Anxious for your tales of what you saw you’ll report someday.

You will learn the surgical precision of mathematics,
Music’s metered sound, the trampling of the pagan sciences
By dinosaurs to extinction, and the glorious defeat
By the Church militant of hate-filled clay alliances.

You will learn that each tall mountain peak reveals one higher;
Each river discovered bends to the sound of falls below;
You’ll grow ravenously hungry without hope of filling
As you, we pray, in the light of God’s grace and knowledge grow.