The Andy Griffith Show & Mayberry

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2010 Marks 50th Anniversary of "The Andy Griffith Show"

In October of 1960, a sitcom appeared on the old black and white TV sets that celebrated family, friendship, community and the Golden Rule. That show was "The Andy Griffith Show." It isn't surprising to fans of the show to know that after almost 50 years, that show has never been off the air as it moved into syndication and reruns that are still popular today.

This lens pays homage to "The Andy Griffith Show" and serves as a clearing house for articles, links, and other information about "The Andy Griffith Show" and Mayberry.

"The Andy Griffith Show" lens will probably remain under construction for quite some time as I have a great deal of information to add. Check back for updates and new info!

Theme from "The Andy Griffith Show" By Earle Hagen

Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

MP3 of the theme from "The Andy Griffith Show" by Earle Hagen

The Andy Griffith Show Theme Song

The Fishing Hole (words to the whistled theme song)

Well, now, take down your fishin' pole
and meet me at the Fishin' Hole,
We may not get a bite all day,
but don't you rush away.

What a great place to rest your bones
and mighty fine for skippin' stones,
You'll feel fresh as a lemonade,
a-settin' in the shade.

Whether it's hot, whether it's cool,
oh what a spot for whistlin' like a fool.

What a fine day to take a stroll
and wander by the Fishin' Hole,
I can't think of a better
way to pass the time o'day.

We'll have no need to call the roll
when we get to the Fishin' Hole,
There'll be you, me and Old Dog Trey,
to doodle time away.

If we don't hook a perch or bass,
we'll cool our toes in dewy grass,
Or else pull up a weed to chaw,
and maybe set and jaw.

Hangin' around, takin' our ease,
watchin' that hound a-scratchin' at his fleas.

Come on, take down your fishin' pole
and meet me at the Fishin' Hole,
I can't think of a better way
to pass the time o'day.


Music - Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer
Lyrics - Everett Sloane
Singer - Andy Griffith

"The Fishing Pole" song is on this CD.

The Andy Griffith Show

Amazon Price: $2.26 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

This album contains classic songs from "The Andy Griffith Show" including:
1. The Andy Griffith Theme
2. Jack, The Giant Killer
3. Flop Eared Mule
4. Ellie's Theme
5. Sourwood Mountain
6. The Man Hunt
7. The Fishin' Hole
8. Aunt Bee
9. The New River Train
10. Mayberry March
11. Cindy
12. Barney's Hoe Down

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Mayberry Discussion Boards

Want to talk Mayberry? Here's where!

Mayberry USA
Discussions about anything and everything Mayberry from cast and crew to Mayberry games like Mayberry Hangman and Trivia.
Tennessee TAGS
Live in Tennessee? Love "The Andy Griffith Show" (TAGS)? Then this Yahoo group is for you!

Andy Griffith

Sheriff Andy Taylor

Andy Griffith was born June 1, 1926. He grew up in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, the town that helped inspire Mayberry. He planned to be a minister of music, but Griffith caught the acting bug in college. Andy Griffith played the iconic character Sheriff Andy Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show," where he made sure the show had a strong moral compass and family values.

Andy Griffith went on to star in other TV shows like "Matlock" as well as several movies including the recent Waitress. Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President George W. Bush on November 9, 2005.

Articles About Andy Griffith

Photo of Andy Griffith at BMI reception, Nashville, TN © by Kathryn E. Darden, all rights reserved.

'The Very First Noel' features Andy Griffith as Narrator
New Christmas Special Airs on DirecTV, available at Wal-Mart and other retailers

Andy Griffith Recovering After Surgery
Andy is now resting comfortably at his home in California and recovering nicely.

Andy Griffith in Hospital?
Unconfirmed reports say that Andy Griffith is in the L.A. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after falling in his home and breaking his hi

Andy Griffith Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Bush announced the recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. Among those honored for the nation's highest civil award was Andy Griffith.

Andy Griffith Releases Bound For The Promised Land: The Best of Andy Griffith Hymns
Andy Griffith's new CD Bound For The Promised Land: The Best of Andy Griffith Hymns will be in stores January 25

Mayberry Days Report
Mr. Andy Griffith arose to speak. A hush fell over the audience of several thousand. Silence fell across the land. Time stood still.

Andy Griffith to Attend 2004 Maybery Days
Andy Griffith is coming to Mayberry Days in September this year

Andy Griffith on TVLand Awards
The 2004 TV Land Awards will be airing this Wednesday night, March 17th.

Andy Griffith Nominated for a Dove Award
Veteran actor, singer, performer and storyteller Andy Griffith was nominated for a 2004 Dove Award

Statue of Andy Griffith Unveiled in Raleigh
"The Andy Griffith Show. A simpler time - a sweeter place - a lesson - a laugh - a father and a son."

The Christmas Guest by Andy Griffith - a Review
The Christmas Guest, his third album on Sparrow Records.

National Sheriffs' Association Convention Held in Nashville
Andy Griffith was on hand to swear-in NSA's next president, Sheriff Wayne Gay of Wilson County, North Carolina.

Andy Griffith to Release The Christmas Guest Book
Andy Griffith, will release The Christmas Guest from J. Countryman Publishing on October 9th

Andy Griffith Set to Release The Christmas Guest CD
Television Legend ANDY GRIFFITH Partners with MARTY STUART for the Release of the CHRISTMAS GUEST CD on September 30TH

CBS Special to Focus on Mayberry
Parts of Mayberry in the Midwest filmed for CBS special; footage of the show mixed with cast interviews

Martin Guitars Honors Andy Griffith
Mayberry's main music maker honored with Martin guitar

Andy Griffith Takes Opry by Storm
Andy Griffith was the high point of the 6:30 p.m. Grand Ole Opry show on Saturday, January 18

Reception for Andy Griffith in Nashville
Andy Griffith has been in Nashville all week recording his third gospel album for Sparrow Records

Andy Griffith to Perform on Grand Ole Opry
Andy Griffith will be making a rare performance at the Grand Old Opry on Saturday, January 18

Return to Mayberry
Andy Andy Griffith discovers you can go home again

Andy Griffith Parkway Dedication
On Wednesday, October 16th, Andy Griffith will return to his hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina to be honored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation with a highway named for him

Just As He Is -- Andy Griffith
Andy Griffith is back with more gospel songs. (from our archives Feb. 1998)

Andy Griffith - Old Wood and Wine
Andy Griffith tells the story of his life and career as he releases "I Love to Tell the Story" on Sparrow Records (from our archives (March 1996)

1996 Gospel Grammy Winners
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Don Knotts

Deputy Barney Fife

Don Knotts was born July 21, 1924. He best known for playing Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show" - a role for which he earned him five Emmy Awards. He went on to join Andy Griffith in a recurring role on "Matlock" and to play landlord Ralph Furley on "Three's Company" in the 1980s. Don Knotts passed away on February 24, 2006.

Articles About Don Knotts

Photo of Don Knotts at Governor's reception, Nashville, TN © by Kathryn E. Darden, all rights reserved.

Remembering Don Knotts
On a Monday night in October of 1960, a memorable whistled melody announced the first episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" starring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. When people think of "The Andy Griffith Show," they think of Andy and Barney.

A Tribute to Don Knotts
For more than forty years Don Knotts touched the hearts of millions as he portrayed that bumbling, nervous, and lovable Deputy Barney Fife.

Mourning America's Favorite Deputy
On a Monday night in October of 1960, a memorable whistled melody announced the first episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" starring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts.

The Nervous Deputy
A poem about Don Knotts

West Virginia Honors Don Knotts
August Parade and Festival Planned for Native Son - This event CANCELLED

Mayberry Reunion Satisfies
The Mayberry Reunion at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville lived up to high expectations in most instances.

Opryland to Host Mayberry Cast Reunion
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center will host Don Knotts and eight other original cast members from "The Andy Griffith Show" for a Mayberry Cast Reunion Weekend, June 18-20, 2004.

Mayberry Reunion in Nashville, June 18-20, 2004
Mayberry Cast Reunion at Opryland with Don Knotts, June 18-20, 2004; local tickets now available for Friday dinner, Saturday autograph session

A Touch of Mayberry Comes to Nashville
"Mayberry Reunion Weekend" - Opryland hosts nostalgic reunion weekend
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Jim Nabors

Gomer Pyle

Jim Nabors was born June 12, 1930, in Sylacauga, Alabama. Growing up, he sang at church and at school. Nabors attended the University of Alabama, which is where he began acting. Nabors suffered from asthma, so he moved to California for the climate where he got a job as a film cutter for NBC. Andy Griffith discovered him soon after that, and Jim became a star, first on "The Andy Griffith Show" and then on his own sitcom "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."

Articles About Jim Nabors

Photo of Jim Nabors at Hall of Fame reception, Tuscaloosa, AL © by Kathryn E. Darden, all rights reserved.

Jim Nabors - Actor, Singer, Comedian, Transplant Survivor, American Icon
Actor Jim Nabors first loped into American pop culture with a country gait and a deep-fried drawl in the 1960s playing Mayberry mechanic, Gomer Pyle.

Jim Nabors - Back Home in Indiana Again
Although actor Jim Nabors is best known for performing "Back Home Again in Indiana" every year at the Indianapolis 500, Nabors first sauntered into American pop culture in the 1960s playing Mayberry's lovable mechanic, Gomer Pyle.

Mayberry Stars Shine on Tuscaloosa
The stars shone on Tuscaloosa when Jim Nabors was inducted into the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame in Tuscaloosa in 2006.

Gomer Pyle Comes to Tuscaloosa
Gomer Pyle comes to Tuscaloosa for the Mayberry Variety Show and Jim Nabors Induction into Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, April 21 and 22, 2006.
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George Lindsey

Goober Pyle

George Lindsey was born December 17, 1928 in Fairfield, Alabama. He grew up in the small town of Jasper, Alabama. Lindsey is best known for his role as "Goober Pyle" on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Mayberry RFD" - a role he continued playing on "Hee Haw" until 1992. George Lindsey has appeared in numerous other television programs and movies, and hosted "Liars and Legends," the popular Turner South television show.

George Lindsey died May 6, 2012 in Nashville, TN. See Actor George 'Goober' Lindsey Gone at 83

Find out more in the George Lindsey Tribute Lens

George Lindsey Tribute Page

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George Lindsey on the Secret of a Long Life

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Betty Lynn

Thelma Lou

Mayberry's Thelma Lou was born Elizabeth Ann Theresa Lynn in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 29, 1926. Although she starred on radio, Broadway, movies and other TV shows, she is still best known for playing Barney Fife's patient girlfriend Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show."

Articles About Betty Lynn



Photo of Betty Lynn at Mayberry Days in Mt. Airy © by Kathryn E. Darden, all rights reserved.
August Birthdays
August brthdays of Mayberry cast members including Betty Lynn
Mayberry Days 2007
For folks who like great food, friendly people, and eclectic (sometimes tedious) entertainment, and above all, if you are a huge fan of "The Andy Griffith Show," Mayberry Days is the place to be.
Back to Mayberry a Special Weekend
Mayberry returned to Tuscaloosa, AL, in a big way with Back to Mayberry.
Mayberry Days 2004
The Surry Arts Council is expecting the largest ever turnout at the 15th Annual Mayberry Days
Opryland to Host 2004 Mayberry Cast Reunion
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center will host Don Knotts and eight other original cast members from "The Andy Griffith Show" for a Mayberry Cast Reunion Weekend, June 18-20, 2004.
Mayberry in the Midwest II - Making the Best Even Better Pt. 1
My high expectations were not dashed as this year's event met and even topped last year's superb Mayberry weekend.
Mayberry in the Midwest II - Making the Best Even Better Pt. 2
Saturday's report
Roanoke Event a Mixed Blessing
Mayberry Memories in Word and Song was held in Roanoke, Virginia in 2003, featuring Betty Lynn.
In a Mayberry Daze!
The 13 annual Mayberry Days, celebrating the 42nd Anniversary of "The Andy Griffith Show," took place in Mt. Airy, NC September 26-28 with special guests like Ernest T. Bass (Howard Morris) and Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou)
Mayberry in the Midwest I Shines!
2002's Mayberry in the Midwest was a stellar success thanks to stars like Betty Lynn
2002 Cast Reunion Brings Mayberry to Pigeon Forge
The picturesque mountains that surround Pigeon Forge were an appropriate setting for The 2002 Mayberry Reunion featuring Betty Lynn
Mule Days Is a Kick!
Mule Days with special guess Betty Lynn was well worth a four-hour-and-then-some trip both ways from Nashville!
Betty Lynn 'Thelma Lou' robbery victim; 83-year-old actress robbed in Andy Griffith's hometown
Betty Lynn, the Christian actress who played Thelma Lou on televisions popular 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show," was robbed at a shopping center in Mount Airy, NC, the birthplace of gospel artist and television star Andy Griffith
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The Dillards

The Darlings

RetroWeb Archives: Bart Boatwright / Gary WedemeyerThe Dillards were a group of 4 boys from the Ozarks who played bluegrass music.

They headed to Hollywood where they quickly landed repeat guest starring roles as Mayberry The Darling Boys.

Find out more in the The Dillards lens .

More About The Dillards

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Mayberry Trivia

Reports from a trained noticer

- Start Trek & Mayberry: If you watch the classic "Star Trek" episode "City on the Edge of Forever," you can clearly see parts of Mayberry as that "Star Trek" episode was shot on the same lot as "The Andy Griffith Show." Watch William Shatner and Joan Collins stroll past Floyd's Barbershop!

- Goober & Gomer: George Lindsey was originally cast as Gomer Pyle but lost the role to Jim Nabors.

- "Gone with the Wind" & Mayberry: Several of the buildings used in the original "Gone With The Wind" set that weren't burned down for the burning of Atlanta, were later used for the town of Mayberry.
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The Mayberry Poem - A Tribute to Mayberry

The Mayberry Poem - A Tribute to Mayberry is a compilation of poetry about "The Andy Griffith Show" that celebrates the characters and the show that made millions of viewers laugh during the turbulent 60s as they watched the antics and friendships of the good people of Mayberry. The slim volume of poetry, which released at Mayberry Days, contains 204 poems about Mayberry written by over 60 different poets from 20 states as well as Washington, D.C.

Each poem pays tribute to a character, episode, or theme from "The Andy Griffith Show" or simply honors the fictional town of Mayberry itself with its small-town values and simple "good ole' days" way of life. The poems range from humorous limericks to thought-provoking verses about the things that still make Mayberry resonate with viewers today.

To read a few samples visit the links below. The Mayberry Poem - A Tribute to Mayberry is available on Amazon.com

The Mayberry Poem - A Tribute to Mayberry

Amazon Price: $7.94 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

All Mayberry poems on this site are from "The Mayberry Poem - A Tribute to Mayberry"

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Mayberry RFD

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Mayberry Links

Articles, websites & other links

Vote for your favorite articles, poems & devotionals below!
Jim Nabors - Actor, Singer, Comedian, Transplant Survivor, American Icon
Actor Jim Nabors first loped into American pop culture with a country gait and a deep-fried drawl in the 1960s playing Mayberry mechanic, Gomer Pyle.
Mayberry Articles & More
Articles and other resources for "The Andy Griffith Show" and all things Mayberry
The Mayberry Poem - a Tribute to Mayberry Book Review
A Tribute to Mayberry is a collection of photos and poems about Mayberry and "The Andy Griffith Show"
Mayberry USA - a Great Place to Vist on the Web!
Mayberry USA is a discussion board with forums about the cast and crew of "The Andy Griffith Show"
Remembering Don Knotts
On a Monday night in October of 1960, a memorable whistled melody announced the first episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" starring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. When people think of "The Andy Griffith Show," they think of Andy and Barney.
My Mayberry Gift List
What I am getting Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee and the other Mayberrians for Christmas!
Mayberry Days 2008 - Photos
Mayberry Days' spirits not dampened by drizzles
Mayberry Stars Shine on Tuscaloosa
The stars shone on Tuscaloosa when Jim Nabors was inducted into the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame in Tuscaloosa in 2006.
Music and Mayberry
Various Christian artists talk about Mayberry
The Andy Griffith Show on MySpace
The Andy Griffith Show's MySpace page
Your Speech Projects Your Image
"The way you speak affects the image you project more than any other single factor."
Focus on Flora
Goober's girlfriend Flora Malherbe has a small following in the Mayberry community.
Flora Malherbe on MySpace
The Flora Malherbe page on MySpace page
The Mayberry Poem on MySpace
The Mayberry Poem page on MySpace page

Mayberry Says Thanks and Happy Motoring!

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Don't Forget to Sign the Mayberry Guestbook!

  • Apr 16, 2012 @ 2:08 pm | delete
    I love, love, love this show, even now. If we live back in those times and if this were a real place to live, I'd be ready to sign up. Everyone these days is so mad at each other.
  • KathrynDarden May 7, 2012 @ 2:32 pm | delete
    I still love it, too. Wouldn't it be nice if life really was like Mayberry?
  • tvyps Feb 26, 2012 @ 3:54 pm | delete
    Very nice. I love this show. Even though the town never existed, it was typical of many towns during that era. What a simple era with no cell phones, etc. and even the fillin' station was closed on Sunday. Squid Angel blessed.
  • KathrynDarden May 7, 2012 @ 2:33 pm | delete
    Thank you! The town of Mayberry was heavily based on Andy Griffith's real hometown of Mt. Airy, NC, even down to places and people mentioned on the show.
  • Jan 19, 2011 @ 10:09 am | delete
    Love the lens,,I live in Mayberry ..Great City....Visit My Lens great stuff thank again from mayberry
  • _Joan_ Sep 26, 2010 @ 9:03 am | delete
    A nice tribute lens. Are you going to add an entry about Ron Howard?
  • KathrynDarden Sep 26, 2010 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    Joan, I plan to add more sections over time including Ron Howard, but these are the characters I have researched so far because they have made themselves accessible to fans at event where I have been able to take photos. Each of the characters included thus far has a "before" photo from when they were on the show, and an "after" photo I have taken at some fairly recent event.
  • draik Jun 24, 2009 @ 9:25 pm | delete
    Thanks for joining Famous People Group. Your lens was added to our feature famous people module and it will appear randomly.
  • tdove Jun 13, 2009 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
  • x3xsolxdierx3x May 29, 2009 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    I know this is a work-in-progress (found it on SquidU)...but, still, not bad....5 stars :)
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Visit Mount Airy, NC - Hometown of Andy Griffith

Inspiration for Mayberry

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KathrynDarden

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