The Waltons was a beloved TV show that aired on CBS between 1972 and 1981. The show followed the life of a family living in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. One of the most memorable moments of the series was the wedding of John-Boy Walton, the main character portrayed by actor Richard Thomas.
Many fans of the show have wondered when John-Boy’s wedding was filmed. In this blog post, we will answer that question and provide some additional context about this iconic TV moment.
The Plot of John-Boy’s Wedding
John-Boy Walton was the eldest son of the Walton family and a budding writer who had been living in New York City. In the show’s fifth season, John-Boy returns to Walton’s Mountain to marry his longtime girlfriend, Janet Gilchrist. The wedding episode was titled “John-Boy’s Wedding” and was one of the most-watched episodes of the series.
The plot of the episode centered around the preparations for the wedding, including Janet’s arrival at the Walton home, the bachelor party for John-Boy, and the actual wedding ceremony. The episode also included some drama, as John-Boy’s former girlfriend, Daisy Garner, made a surprise appearance and tried to win him back.
When Was John-Boy’s Wedding Filmed?
According to production records, “John-Boy’s Wedding” was filmed between November 29 and December 21, 1994. This was much later than the initial run of the series, which ended in 1981. In fact, the wedding episode was part of a series of made-for-TV movies that were produced in the 1990s as a sequel to the original show.
The movie series, titled “A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion,” “A Walton Wedding,” and “A Walton Easter,” featured many of the original cast members and focused on the continuing adventures of the Walton family in the 1960s and 1970s. “A Walton Wedding” was the second film in the series and was broadcast on February 12, 1995.
Why Was John-Boy’s Wedding Filmed So Late?
There were several factors that contributed to the delay in filming John-Boy’s wedding. For one, the original series had ended over a decade before, and the cast and crew had moved on to other projects. Additionally, several of the original cast members had passed away, including Will Geer (Grandpa Walton) and Ellen Corby (Grandma Walton).
However, the success of the Waltons in reruns and the enduring popularity of the show led to renewed interest in the series. The made-for-TV movies allowed fans to catch up with the characters and see what had happened to them in the years since the original show ended. John-Boy’s wedding was a natural storyline to explore, as it provided closure for one of the show’s most beloved characters.
The Legacy of John-Boy’s Wedding
John-Boy’s wedding remains one of the most iconic moments in TV history. The episode was watched by millions of viewers when it originally aired and continues to be beloved by fans of the show today. The wedding between John-Boy and Janet was a touching moment that provided a fitting end to John-Boy’s storyline.
In addition to its emotional impact, John-Boy’s wedding was also notable for the way it dealt with issues of race and gender. The character of Janet Gilchrist was African American, and her presence in the Walton family provided a powerful example of acceptance and tolerance.
Overall, John-Boy’s wedding was an important moment in the history of television. Its late filming may have been unexpected, but the episode remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the Waltons and their appeal to audiences around the world.
FAQ
Was The Waltons filmed in a real house?
“The Waltons” was a hit TV series that aired from 1972 to 1981. It focused on the lives of the Walton family and their interactions within a rural Virginia community during the Great Depression and World War II. One of the most iconic elements of the show was the family’s home, a large wood-frame house with a front porch that served as the backdrop for many of the story’s key scenes.
While “The Waltons” did feature a real exterior set for the family’s house, the interiors were filmed on a soundstage. The house exterior was filmed on the jungle set – a backlot at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank designed to look like a rural forest. This allowed the show’s creators to have more control over the layout and design of the interior sets, which were built specifically to accommodate the show’s production needs.
The jungle set was an ideal location for filming “The Waltons” because it allowed for the creation of a realistic rural environment without the constraints of a real rural location. The set designers could create a more flexible environment that could be altered to suit the needs of each scene, with elements like lighting and weather controlled to make the scene look and feel more authentic.
In addition to the jungle set, “The Waltons” made use of many other period-appropriate buildings, sets, and location. Locations such as the Baldpate Inn, Nicely’s Store, and the Ike Godsey’s Mercantile had a vintage feel that matched the time period of the show and added to its authenticity. This attention to detail made “The Waltons” a standout show of its day, and helped it become a classic that remains popular with viewers decades after its original broadcast.
While the Walton family’s home exterior was filmed on a real set, the interior was filmed on a soundstage. The show’s creators used this approach to ensure greater control over the setting and to create a more flexible environment that could be adapted to the needs of each scene. By utilizing various period-appropriate buildings and locations, the creators of “The Waltons” were able to create an authentic representation of a rural community during a challenging time in American history, and they succeeded in making “The Waltons” one of the classic shows of its era.
Where is the real Walton’s Mountain?
The television show “The Waltons” has captured the hearts of millions of viewers since its debut in 1972. The show was set in a fictional town called “Walton’s Mountain” where the Walton family lived. Fans of the show may be curious about the location of the real Walton’s Mountain and if it actually exists.
The Waltons was inspired by a book called “Spencer’s Mountain,” a novel by Earl Hamner Jr. The book was based on Hamner’s own experiences growing up in Schuyler, Virginia. The town of Schuyler, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is said to be the real Walton’s Mountain.
While the show was set in Virginia, the Waltons Mountain Museum where the show’s memorabilia and exhibits are showcased is actually located in Schuyler. The museum was opened by Earl Hamner Jr. and his sister Joan in 1992 and has become a popular destination for fans of the show. Visitors can tour the restored Hamner family home, which served as a model for the Walton’s house in the show. The museum also features several exhibits that showcase the show’s history and memorabilia.
It is worth noting that the show was also inspired by Hamner’s experiences in other places, including Utah and California. However, the show’s iconic setting of Walton’s Mountain seems to be primarily based on Schuyler, Virginia.
The real Walton’s Mountain is said to be located in Schuyler, Virginia. The town served as an inspiration for the show’s setting, and it’s where the Waltons Mountain Museum is located. Fans of the show can visit the museum and experience the real-life settings that inspired the iconic show.
What mountain was The Waltons filmed on?
The Waltons was a popular television series that aired from 1972 to 1981. The show was set in the fictional town of Walton’s Mountain, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. While the show was filmed on location in California, the town of Walton’s Mountain was said to be located about 40 minutes southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a range of the Appalachian Mountains that run through Virginia and other eastern states of the United States. They are known for their scenic beauty, including rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning vistas. The range is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and the elusive mountain lion. This scenic and rugged backdrop was a perfect setting for a show like The Waltons, which followed the lives of a close-knit family living on a farm during the Great Depression.
While the show was a work of fiction, the setting and characters were based on the experiences of creator Earl Hamner Jr., who grew up in the area. Hamner’s family owned a farm in Schuyler, Virginia, which served as the inspiration for Walton’s Mountain. The town of Schuyler itself was also used as a filming location for some of the episodes.
While The Waltons was filmed on location in California, the fictional town of Walton’s Mountain was set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The show’s creator based the setting and characters on his own experiences growing up in the area, which added to the show’s authentic feel.
What happened to the real Waltons house?
The real Waltons house, which is located in Schuyler, Virginia, was the birthplace of Earl Hamner Jr., the novelist and screenwriter who created “The Waltons” TV series. The house is said to have inspired the setting of the show, which was based on Hamner’s upbringing in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains during the 1930s and 1940s.
The house, like many other historic sites, has undergone changes over the years. It was purchased by a private owner in the 1990s and, in 2008, was converted into a bed and breakfast called The Waltons Hamner House. Visitors could stay in various rooms of the house, including John-Boy’s bedroom, and tour the property.
However, in 2012, the bed and breakfast closed and the house was put on the market. It was eventually sold again and reopened as a museum called The Walton’s Mountain Museum. The museum showcases memorabilia from the show, including original scripts, costumes, and props, as well as items related to the real-life Hamner family.
The iconic garden shed, which served as John-Boy’s office for the “Blue Ridge Chronicle” newspaper in the TV show, is also located on the property. It has been renovated and is now home to the “Walton’s Mountain Country Store,” which sells gifts, crafts, and items related to the show.
While the real Waltons house has gone through changes over the years, it has remained a popular destination for fans of “The Waltons” TV series. It now operates as a museum and features the iconic garden shed, which has been converted into a gift shop.
Who owns the house on The Waltons?
The Walton Hamner House, famously known as the house used for The Waltons television series, is located in Nelson County, Virginia, and it has been a popular attraction for many years. The question of who owns the house on The Waltons has been asked by many fans and visitors. The house is currently owned by Carole Johnson, who has been offering tours of the home to the public for over a decade. Johnson, who has a passion for preserving historic homes in Virginia, acquired the house and turned it into a museum in honor of the values and culture of rural America during the Great Depression, as depicted in The Waltons.
During the tours, visitors get a chance to explore the recreated rooms and displays of the house’s interior, including the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and dining room, which have been designed to reflect the 1930s era portrayed in The Waltons. The museum also includes exhibits, such as photos and memorabilia of the show, as well as the history of the Hamner family, who lived in the home during the early 20th century. One of the most exciting parts of the tour is that visitors can also meet with some of the actors from the show, who occasionally visit the museum.
The Walton Hamner House has become a popular tourist destination for people all over the world who want to experience, firsthand, the sights, sounds, and history of rural America. For visitors who want to stay the night, Johnson has accommodated by including a nearby lodge where visitors can rent a room. Johnson has stated that owning and maintaining the house and museum is a labor of love, and it is her dream to keep the house open to the public for years to come, preserving the memory of the Waltons and the history of rural America.
Can you tour The Waltons house?
The Waltons TV series is a famous show that aired from 1971 to 1981. It was a family drama based on the personal experiences of its creator, Earl Hamner. The show was set in a rural Virginia community during the Great Depression and World War II. The main characters of the show were the Walton family, consisting of John and Olivia, their seven children, and multiple relatives that came and lived with them. The show’s story is narrated by the oldest son, John Boy, who is also the protagonist of the show. The show’s popularity led to several spin-off movies, specials, and a museum exhibition.
The house that served as the set for The Waltons TV series was located in Schuyler, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The house known as the “Hamner House” was the childhood home of Earl Hamner, who is the writer and creator of The Waltons. The house was built around 1913 and was the home of the Hamner family until 1930, when they moved to Richmond, Virginia. The house was restored by the Nelson County Historical Society in 1992 and has been opened to the public ever since.
If you are a fan of The Waltons and want to visit the house where the show was set, you can go on a docent guided tour. During the tour, the docent will guide you through the house and give you a glimpse of what it was like to live during that time period. The house has been decorated to reflect the time period in which the show was set, and it includes plenty of artifacts from the era. You can see the replica of John Walton’s truck parked outside, just like in the show, and explore the rooms of the house, including the kitchen, living room, parents’ room, John Boy’s room, the boys’ room, and the girls’ room.
If you are interested in spending more time in the house, you can also rent the whole house for a night or two. The Hamner House can be rented out for special occasions such as weddings, family reunions, or just for a relaxing getaway. The house includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms, and it can accommodate up to eight people. This is a great way to experience what it was like to live in The Waltons’ house and create your own special memories.
The Waltons TV series is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of many people. The Hamner House, the house that served as the set for the show, is a must-visit destination for all fans of the show. You can take a docent guided tour, rent out the entire house, and experience what it was like to live during the Great Depression and World War II. It is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to Earl Hamner’s legacy and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.