An Online newsletter of
“The Andy Griffith Show” Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC)

Welcome to the March Weaver’s Newsletter!

This is the second issue of Weaver’s Newsletter for 2024 and what a year this is shaping up to be. There are some wonderful events heading your way in the next several months, Weaver’s has new products but sadly we have 53 items that have been discontinued. All that and more details are what you’ll find below so we invite you to find you a good place to sit back and enjoy all the Mayberry news and information Weaver’s has been able to collect.

Let’s get started with the information on upcoming events in our Event Calendar. I can’t encourage you enough to consider attending an event near you. You will meet fellow fans of The Andy Griffith Show and some of the best people in the world.

Floyd’s Barbershop Bulletin Board & Event Calendar

The Andy Griffith Museum, featuring the late Emmett Forrest’s amazing collection of Andy Griffith artifacts, is operating on its full, normal schedule. For complete updates on operating hours and other info, visit the website at AndyGriffithMuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

Here are upcoming events that folks have posted on Floyd’s bulletin board:

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* Apr. 11-13: 4th Annual Mayberry & I Love Lucy Festival in Historic Granville, Tenn. (aka the Mayberry of Tennessee). Special Guests include Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason in Mayberry and Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy”), Dennis Rush (Opie pal Howie), Dixie Griffith (daughter of Andy), and Karen Knotts (daughter of Don). All will participate in special presentations throughout the festival.

Other highlights include entertainment by Mayberry and Lucy tribute artists (Barney, Floyd, Otis, Goober, Gomer, Briscoe, Charlene, “Fun girls” Skippy & Daphne), and Andy & Nurse Mary), Mayberry Dinner Theater, Mayberry-Lucy parade, Mayberry Squad Car Nationals, Mayberry trivia contest, Mayberry look-alike contest, Mayberry Museum exhibits, and Darlings-style music.

There’s a $7 general admission fee to enter the grounds on Fri. and Sat. (and a $5 parking fee on Sat. only). The dinner shows and some other portions also require additional tickets/reservations. For complete info (and for tickets for those select portions of the event requiring tickets), check the GranvilleTN.com website. (And also check out Historic Granville on Facebook.)

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* May 8-10: The Mayberry Retreat, hosted by Mayberry author Randy Turner. The beautiful Sauder Heritage Inn in Archbold, Ohio, is the site for the this year’s retreat. The inaugural Mayberry Retreat in 2023 was a real treat for attendees, and another good time is planned for this year. Randy will be presenting a talk titled “How Andy Griffith Became Andy Taylor,” which will examine Andy’s early career and the origin of “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Special guest for the event is David Browning. David is the man who portrayed “The Mayberry Deputy” and delighted crowds for decades at Mayberry events. David will be there as himself, not the Deputy, and will be sharing stories from his amazing career. The special musical guest is Mayberry Days® regular Tim White, who will be providing entertainment filled with bluegrass music and comedy (“Got time to breathe, got time for music”). The event will be a relaxing Mayberry-filled weekend. For full details, visit the event’s website at mayberrybooks.com/mayberryretreat.

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* June 15: Essential Mayberry author Neal Brower kicks off his summer lecture series about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. All three monthly, hour-long lectures this summer feature an episode dealing with matchmaking and romantic rivalry. Today’s lecture is about “The New Doctor” from Season 2. Lecture admission is included with Museum admission ($8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

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* June 21-23: After the roaring success of their 2023 festival, the second edition of Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg will be held in Scottsburg, Ind., this weekend. Scheduled to attend are: Rodney Dillard (guitar-playing Darling boy), Dennis Rush (Opie’s friend “Howie”), Keith Thibodeaux (Opie’s buddy Johnny Paul Jason), Karen Knotts (Don’s daughter), Ronnie Schell (two episodes and Duke Slater on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”), Dixie Griffith (Andy’s daughter), Dreama Denver (wife of Dud Wash #2, Bob Denver), and Dick Atkins (producer of Murder in Coweta County).

There will also be a full slate of Mayberry tribute artists attending and performing throughout the weekend. For updates, a more complete list of performers, and the schedule, visit the festival website at www.mayberrycomestoscottsburg.com and check out their page on Facebook. Mark your calendar!

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* July 11: Karen Knotts presents her one-woman “Tied Up in Knotts!” show at 7 p.m. at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Full details TBA. For more info, visit www.dhgroup.com/theaters/the-ohio-star-theater.

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* July 19 & 20:  12th Annual Mayberry Meetup, sponsored by TAGSRWC’s “Two Chairs, No Waiting” podcast, gathers in Mount Airy, N.C. Details and registration info can be found here. Registration is not required but it will allow you to get updates about schedules for the weekend.

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* July 20: Timed to coincide with the Mayberry Meetup, Neal Brower, author of The Essential Mayberry, presents the second installment of his summer lecture series about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today’s lecture features “Andy’s Rich Girlfriend.” Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit  www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

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* July 21: A Don Knotts 100th Birthday Celebration Event at the Royal Theater in Macon, Mo. This afternoon event, sponsored by Carousel Productions and hosted by Blood Brothers chapter of TAGSRWC, features Sean Dietrich (aka Sean of the South), musical guest Keota, and an audio-visual presentation by Randy Turner. For more info, contact Johnna Clarke for tickets at 660-413-2244 or purchase them on Eventbrite.  

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* Aug. 17: Mayberry author Neal Brower concludes his summer lecture series about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today’s lecture features “A Wife for Andy.”  Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org or call (336) 786-1604.

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* Sept. 24-29: 35th Annual Mayberry Days® in Mount Airy, N.C. Full details TBA, but advance tickets to some portions of the weekend–including for The Emmett Golf Tournament (followed by the Mayberry Days® Dinner with Entertainment, available with or without participating in the golf), a concert by The Dillards featuring Rodney Dillard, a concert by The Bellamy Brothers, and a new presentation called “Make America Funny Again ” by Karen Knotts (daughter of Don)–are available to order now.

Also confirmed are the popular “Memories of Elvis” show with Michael Hoover, perennial favorite bluegrass and comedy by Tim White & Troublesome Hollow, and the Mayberry Melodies show, plus a screening of Murder in Coweta County (starring Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash) hosted by producer Dick Atkins, lectures by Neal Brower and Randy Turner, and the comedy of John Floyd (aka The Mouth of Mayberry). For tickets and more info, visit www.mayberrydays.org.

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* Oct. 26-Oct. 31: Cruise to Mayberry 17 sets sail for five days from Charleston, S.C., with ports of call at Princess Cays and Nassau, Bahamas, aboard Carnival’s Sunshine. The cruise’s Special Guest will be Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt ).

Also on board will be a full crew of Mayberry tribute artists, including Dixie Griffith (Andy’s daughter) as Mt. Pilot Fun Girl Skippy. For more info and to book, call All About Cruises (336)538-4926.

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That’s a wrap on the upcoming events but check the Event Calendar link on iMayberry.com from time to time in order to see any changes or updates to the calendar between issues of Weaver’s Newsletter.

****News of Cast & Crew ****

Ron Howard (Opie) is always creating news of some type. The BIG news this issue is something that happened to him rather than something he did. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing and a milestone event. On March 1, 2024 he celebrated his 70th birthday and his fans celebrated with him by posting well wishes on social media. So many posted, and Ron was so thankful, that he created a video message on X (Twitter) where he and his wife Cheryl expressed their gratitude for those who have watched “the shows old and new” and his hope we will continue to enjoy his future projects. If you’d like the watch the video, here’s the link for you to enjoy.

As we reported last issue, Ron has been focused on the thriller Eden which is now in post-production in Sydney, Australia. When the film wrapped up filming in early Feb, Ron reached out to his friend Henry Winkler, The Fonz from Happy Days, he found out that Henry was also in Sydney in support of his memoir Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond. Ron said, “We connected backstage and I watched him give a great speech to a huge crowd. What a blast!” Being this type of friend is just one of the reasons we appreciate Ron Howard so much.

Clint Howard (Leon) has been staying very busy traveling. His latest trip was to Pensacon 2024 pop culture convention held in Pensacola, FL during February. More than 30,000 people attend the convention each year and Clint was well received because of the many impacts he has had on pop culture (horror, sci-fi, and so much more). Stay on the look out for possible appearances in your area. Also, just announced, be watching for Clint to appear on Bold and the Beautiful as a “mysterious homeless man” named “Tom” in a pair of episodes coming up late April 2024

Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason) was recently spotted playing his ‘58 Gretsch drum kit he played as Little Ricky on the I Love Lucy Show. Keith said, “I don’t play them much , but got them out recently for a little session!” Keith will be attending the 4th Annual Mayberry & I Love Lucy Festival coming up in April and Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg event in June (see the Barbershop Event Calendar for more details). On September 8, 2024, Keith will be in Indian Wells, CA for an evening with The Kids of Desilu Studios. Keith (Little Ricky/John Paul) will be joined by Stanley Livingston (Chip Douglas), Jon Provost (Timmy Martin) and Larry Mathews (Ritchie Petrie) from My Three Sons, Lassie, and The Dick Van Dyke Show respectively. The event will raise money for Caterina’s Club, a non-profit organization that feeds over 25,000 children a week.

Dennis Rush (Howie Pruitt/Williams) Is scheduled to attend the 4th Annual Mayberry & I Love Lucy Festival and Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg events and will be partnering up with the above mentioned Keith Thibodeaux for interview sessions at both events! You will not want to miss the stories from either of these men. Dennis alone has amazing stories of his career as a child actor and Keith does as well. Do not miss these events or you’ll be sorry (that’s not a threat, it’s a promise of sadness if you miss it ). Dennis also recently appeared on the Two Chairs No Waiting Podcast and spent almost an hour sharing stories of his career. Listen to, or watch, the episode to get a taste of what we’re looking forward to at these coming events.

Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) has been busy moving to a new living location in and settling in so she’s been a bit quite, compared to normal, of late. She did however tell us about a documentary about her life created by AnnaBella (Bella) Vaca. Bella was only 16 years old when she made this film in 2020. Margaret said, “It is a Feature Length documentary all about my life. It is a bit hard to hear in some parts because of often being filmed in restaurants, but it gets better!!! This is a feature length film of about two hours but it covers a great deal about my life for those who are curious. You can find the film on my website using this direct link – https://www.tinkerbelltalks.com/media “. Go and learn more about this amazing lady.

Ronnie Schell (on two TAGS episodes and Duke Slater on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”) is doing well and making plans for this years events . His first Mayberry event of the year is Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg but keep watching for more events. This isn’t news but I thought some of you might not be aware that Ronnie was semi-pro baseballer in his early years. He played in later years with a softball team called “The Reruns” which included comedians Jack Riley and Fred Willard. His hobby is collecting caps from minor league teams throughout the nation.

That’s all the news we could find for this issue of the newsletter. If you run across “news of cast and crew, ” please consider passing it along to me (Allan) by email <anewsome@gmail.com> with the subject “News of Cast & Crew.”

****Fan Update ****

Last issue we brought you a fun quote from Mayberry fan and country music icon T. Graham Brown. I believe that Weaver’s Newsletter just may bring good things to those who are contained within because just a few weeks after publication of T. Graham’s remarks on his love of Mayberry, he was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry!

To continue the good things happening theme, Ms. Weaver and her companion (Allan) just happened to be attending the Opry the very night T. received that invitation. It was a big night and since it was the Opry, Allan wore his airbrushed “Floyd” coat because we figured it would fit in well.

Congratulations to our Mayberry friend, T. Graham Brown and his wonderful wife Shelia on this big honor. “Awh, big ain’t the word for it.”

****Chapter News ****

Mayberry chapter (Knoxville, Tenn.) had a gathering on March 9th to celebrate the birthday of Joy Ellison (Effie Muggins, Mary Scobey and Mary Wiggins). The chapter had a carrot cake since that’s Joy’s favorite. They then called her and talked on speakerphone for about 30 minutes. She is doing well and is in Los Angeles working on more films as a dialect coach. 

The next edition of the chapter’s paper newsletter, The Mayberry Minutes, is expected to publish in late April. It will be a big edition! The Mayberry Minutes is available for $20 for two or three 16 page issues per year or $10 for a pdf version emailed to you. If you like your Mayberry news on paper, or as a pdf, Mayberry Minutes is a great option. For more info, contact editor Dennis Beal at KingOfMayberry@comcast.net.

Blood Brothers (Macon, Mo.) met for their winter gathering on February 4, 2024.  The group enjoyed a delicious Aunt Bee style lunch followed by trivia about cookies, cakes, brownies, and desserts and the roles they played in certain episode plots such as Opie baking brownies with Thelma Lou which perhaps kept Barney from going to the duck pond.  The group then enjoyed a cookie/dessert exchange which included the group members’ favorite recipes.  

Big plans are underway to celebrate Don Knotts/Barney Fife’s 100th birthday on July 21 (see barber shop calendar above).  The afternoon event will include a local band playing selections from TAGS followed by an audio visual presentation about Don Knott’s life and career by Mayberry expert, Randy Turner.  Dessert will be included in the ticket price for intermission, then Sean Dietrich (aka Sean of the South) will take the stage.  The Blood Brothers are excited to welcome folks to this once-in-a-lifetime event.  Contact Johnna Clarke for tickets at 660-413-2244 or purchase them on Eventbrite.  

Representatives of the Hearty Eatin’ Men and Beautiful Delicate Women and Mother Figure Chapters attended the 27th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival in Florence, Ala. the weekend of March 2nd. In typical Hearty Eatin’ fashion, the group shared a meal and visited while planning for the next meal. It was certainly a food and friends type gathering while celebrating George and the legacy he created.

Other chapters have been keeping a low profile this winter and while we’ve heard from some of them since the last newsletter, they didn’t have much to report and were taking life easy and slow.

Send in your chapter reports (floyd@imayberry.com), show off your chapter’s Mayberry spirit and encourage others along the way. We would love to hear from you.

****Chapter Update ****

TAGSRWC has a new chapter! This is the first NEW chapter we’ve added in almost a year (April 2023) It’s always great to see our family grow. Here’s the latest:

The Bunko List

Easton, Md.

Our total number of chapters that have started since TAGSRWC was founded in 1979 is now 1,486.

Starting a chapter of TAGSRWC is still just as easy as it was four decades ago. You simply pick a name that hasn’t previously been selected by another group. (You can check the searchable list of chapter names already taken at www.iMayberry.com.) Then submit your chapter’s name with your location and a list of your founding members by e-mail to Goober@imayberry.com. That’s all it takes!

Whether or not you start or join a local chapter, you can always join our online “Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board?” chapter or any of several exclusively online chapters on Facebook and MeWe (see Mayberry on the Web below)..

**** Merchandise Update ****

Weaver’s has some sad news for Mayberry fans. Our supplier of The Andy Griffith Show licensed t-shirts & sweatshirts will no longer be creating Mayberry products. That means that 53 different items will no longer be produced and that means as soon as Weaver’s inventory of those t-shirts/sweatshirts are gone, they can not be re-stocked. IF there are particular items you’re interested in, purchase them before they are gone.

Enjoy checking out the many fun items in our online store store. Here are some highlights:

Discontinued Mayberry Items

These are some of the items that are discontinued. Basically, if there is the face of a character on the shirt, it is very likely discontinued. It isn’t just t-shirts and sweatshirts. There are so many on the chopping block that I really can’t list them all. Clicking this link will take you to a page a Weaver’s that list all the discontinued products.

An incomplete list is: Lawmen, Fishin Hole, Barney Face – Woven Throw, Beach Towels, Pillows, Pillowcases, Bandanas, and Accessory Pouches.

It’s pretty shocking when you see how many things that are no longer being made but don’t worry. Weaver’s is hard at work to find more fun Mayberry items for you to enjoy like the ones below.

Mayberry Sheriff or Deputy Badge Wooden Magnet – $12.00 each

These magnets will look GREAT on your refrigerator, file cabinet, or anywhere else in your Mayberry collection where a magnet will stick.  They would be great gifts for the Mayberry fan in your life.  The wood looks “high dollar” and is very durable.

Size: 3 inches across
Made of Cherry wood. 
Writing on one side. Backside is blank with centered round magnet .  

Also available as Ornaments. Click here.

Ernest T Prettiest Rock – $5.00

These “rock” shaped stress relievers are perfect for squeezing and work that stress out of the body. Even if you do end up throwing one at someone causing you stress, it’s unlikely to do much harm. So, feel safe in bringing out your inner “Ernest T.” with the “Prettiest rock ya ever did see.”

Ernest T. Bass is always looking for the best throwing rock and Weaver’s has them. You can see right there on the rock that it’s the “prettiest rock ya ever did see” and you’ll be proud to carry it, or them if you buy more than one, in your burlap sack.

Mayberry Tea Towel – $14.00

One of a kind design! Exclusive for Weaver’s! This is something that could be found in Aunt Bee’s kitchen. 

This fun towel should make you smile and make you think of some your favorite episodes and characters. Kerosene Cucumbers? Blooey? Make a big moulage? Boy giraffes are selfish, Dooley was a good ole man, Haircuts at the barbershop, but don’t the tree’s seem nice and full?, Eagle-Eye Annie, Gertrude, the Haunted House, and more. 

Oversized Flour Sack Tea towels (27×27) are printed in the USA. Machine washable, fade resistant, pre-washed & pre-shrunk. 

100% Premium Cotton and lint free

Mayberry Classic Flag Short Sleeve T-shirt – $20.00

This great short sleeve Mayberry t-shirt has a clean design and shows off both your love of Mayberry and country. 

The tee is in what the creator calls “Garage Dye” which in this case means that the areas near the collar, end of sleeves, and hem are slightly darker than the body of the t-shirt.  

100% Cotton Machine Washable T Shirt.
Color: Foundry Blue
Style: Short Sleeve

Also available in Long Sleeve in the color Steel Grey.

Mayberry U. S. A. Denim Button Down Shirt– $45.00

This long sleeve stonewash denim button down shirt is custom embroidered with the word Mayberry above and U.S.A below a great looking Mayberry squad car.

The shirt isn’t a “light” weight denim but it isn’t heavy either.  Mr. Weaver would say it’s just right for wearing. 

100% Cotton Machine Washable 
Color: Dark Blue Denim

Style: Long Sleeve/Button Down

Mom, Dad, Me, and Classic TV – $27.00

Mom, Dad, Me, and Classic TV –
Growing Up with Classic Television’s Harry Ackerman and Elinor Donahue
by Peter K. Ackerman

This wonderful book is an insider’s view into the world of Classic Television as seen through the eyes of the son of producer Harry Ackerman and “Miss Ellie” herself, actress Elinor Donahue.

If you have wondered what was it like growing up in the days of Classic Television? Peter provides us with his view of growing up during the the time of these classic TV shows as the son of a couple who are indelibly connected to the genre.

Peter’s dad, Harry Ackerman, was the Executive Producer of the classic shows like Bewitched, The Flying Nun, Gidget, Dennis the Menace, Hazel, and more. Additionally, he helped nurture other shows early on in their development including I Love Lucy.

His mom, Elinor Donahue, was an actress on Father Knows Best, The Andy Griffith Show, The Odd Couple, and Pretty Woman, among others.

Peter was a regular visitor to many of the shows his parents worked on. As a “insider,” he shares stories about what it was like on the sets, tells us who he met, and what he heard on set and at home about the shows and actors.

This is a must-read for fans of Classic Television!

Autographed by Peter, they come with an autographed bookplate. We’re sorry, but the autographs can’t be personalized. 

Paperback
Length: 200 pages
Size: 6″x9″

Gilligan Long Sleeve T-shirt – $25.00

Mayberry fans are proud to have had Bob Denver, the man who would be Gilligan, appear on The Andy Griffith Show. His wife, Dreama has become a wonderful addition to Mayberry events where she celebrates Bob’s life and career. 

Since he is best known as Gilligan, and because it makes us smile, Weaver’s is proud to offer these t-shirt designed by Dreama Denver herself. It would definitely get Bob’s stamp of approval.

Available in two colors and two sizes.  100% Cotton Machine Washable T Shirt.

Color: Red or Black
Style: Long Sleeve

*** Special Report from Myers Lake ***

On Monday, March 4, 2024, Kenneth and Tammy Sullivan of the Hearty Eatin’ Men and Beautiful Delicate Women chapter took friends and fellow Mayberry fans Noel and Susan Houze of the Suck in that Gut chapter to Franklin Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. For those who may not know, Franklin Canyon is the location where they filmed Andy and Opie walking during the opening & closing credits of The Andy Griffith Show. The couples submitted this report about their trip and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

We drove to both entrances to Franklin Canyon and both are closed with a gate that has a do not enter sign. There were a few professional dog walkers taking their “herds” of dogs around the gate. We decided to take our rabbit foot and four leaf clover and follow.

We were at the North Beverly drive to Franklin Canyon entrance (lower Franklin Canyon). If we had known the distance of the walk of up and down hill as well as a long treacherous path, we would NOT of done this. We did run into a park ranger, as did Andy and Helen. He explained the park was closed but he would let us continue but said the next ranger might not! He told us areas of the road are washed out and will have to be rebuilt with no idea how long this would take. It is closed until further notice. 

Our lucky rabbit foot and four leaf clover got us through!!!!

At one point, we had to venture off the road and take a treacherous path on the side of mountain. We came out exhausted at the earthen dam area of the upper Franklin Canyon. Going to the right towards Mr. McBeevee’s pole was flooded but we were able to go left. We passed the building Andy and Helen went to the Justice of the Peace.

Kenneth and Tammy were there in 2021 and it had grown up a good bit since but we found “the spot” of the opening scene . There wasn’t any lake/water visible where Opie threw his rock. Palm trees, cat tails & trees have covered the view. The lake/reservoir was visible back near the “Justice of the Peace” building but not where the opening credits were filmed.

After seeing “the spot,” we knew we had to gather steam and walk the long way back. I would not recommend anyone taking this walking journey but it was a sight to behold.

**** In Memoriam ****
Charles Dierkop

We are sad to report the passing of Charles Dierkop on February 25, 2024.  Charles may be best known to fans of The Andy Griffith Show as “Larry,” one of the two bank robbers that were holding Andy captive, on the season 7 episode “Otis the Deputy” but he had a long career in Hollywood both on television and in movies.
Charles Richard Dierkop was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and attended Aquinas High School. He was raised by his aunt and uncle after his father left the family when Charles was an infant and his mother “left home when he was still a tot.”

Charles dropped out of high school following his junior year of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Korea, after the Korean War had ended, and was discharged from the Marines at age 19. After his discharge, he lived with his mother in Philadelphia and,  with the help of the G.I. Bill, enrolled in the American Foundation of Dramatic Arts.

His first role as a professional actor was in the 1960-62 television’s Naked City. From that beginning, he appeared in many other hit 1960s TV series, such as Lost In Space, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show, Star Trek, Batman, Adam-12 and Bonanza.  His television career continued throughout the 70’s and 80’s with his last TV appearance in a 1991 episode of MacGyver.

His movie career also spanned  the decades from the 1960’s through the 2000’s.  He appeared in The Pawnbroker (1964), The Sweet Ride (1968), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Pound (1970), Angels Hard as They Come (1971), Night of the Cobra Woman (1972), The Hot Box (1972), The Sting (1973), Messiah of Evil (1973), Messenger of Death (1988), and Maverick (1994). That is nowhere near a complete list but his last credited role was in the movie The Midnighters (2016).

His most memorable role to folks of a certain age is likely the one he had in the 1970s NBC series Police Woman.  He played Detective Pete Royster from 1974-1978 alongside Angie Dickinson, Earl Holliman, and Ed Bernard.

Charles Dierkop was born September 11, 1936 and passed on  February 25, 2024 from complications of pneumonia and a heart attack at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 87.   He had two children with his ex-wife Joan Addis. His son, Charles Jr. passed in 1990 at age 29. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn.

**** Mayberry on the Web ****

The iMayberry Community

This TAGSRWC online group is organized and overseen by webmaster Allan “Floyd” Newsome with most of the work begin done by Keith “Col. Harvey” Brown. You can check out the fun of this online community and sign up for free at: http://imayberrycommunity.com.

The iMayberry Community complements our other online activities, including our main www.imayberry.com page, podcasts, Facebook pages, online newsletters (such as The Weaver’s Newsletter), weaversdepartmentstore.com and chat rooms.

“Two  Chairs, No Waiting” is our weekly podcast of TAGS news, interviews and pretty much whatever’s happening in and around Mayberry. It’s hosted by Allan Newsome.

There’s a new episode every Tuesday (and you can watch and listen during live recording of the show on Monday evenings at 8pm ET @ live.twochairsnowaiting.com ). As of this week, there have been a mind-boggling  779 episodes since Allan launched the podcast over 15 years ago, in October 2008. Past episodes are in an online Archives in case you want to listen to or view installments you’ve missed. Surely you can find a few episodes you’d enjoy out of all those that are available. OH….they are all FREE!

And look around the main Mayberry Podcasts (https://iMayberry.com/podcaasts) web page for various other links, including one for another outstanding Mayberry-related podcast: “Burke on Mayberry“ (hosted by TAGSRWC’s Kevin Burke since 2008). There are also links for the Mayberry Devotional hosted by Brian Rose and for the Mayberry Bible Study Podcast.

TAGSRWC’s official page on Facebook  has over 250,000 Followers. You can find us at www.facebook.com/tagsrwc. If you haven’t already dropped by the page, we hope you’ll check it out sometime when you have the chance. We invite you to become a TAGSRWC Facebook Friend!

We also have links in our “Liked by this Page” section to the pages (in the “About” section) of several TAGSRWC chapters on Facebook, as well as to Facebook pages for Mayberry Days,®  the Andy Griffith Museum, TAGS actors and others. Click “See All” to check out all the links.

Even Ben Weaver has his own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weaversdepartmentstore. It features all the latest in Mayberry items and merchandise news.

And TAGSRWC also has a growing presence on www.MeWe.com. Mayberry’s pioneering outpost on MeWe is “Sittin’ on a Velvet Pillow” chapter, headed up by Lynn Thomas. That group was followed in short order by Allan Newsome and the “Two Chairs, No Waiting” Podcast and by “Only One Word I Can Think of…Big!” (a TAGSRWC group that’s also on Facebook), administered by Myron Clark and Tommy Rainwater and an able crew.

In case you’re not familiar with MeWe, it’s similar to Facebook a lot smaller and a bit more calm. It has no ads so it’s more along the lines of a quiet street like Willow or Woods Way as compared to the hustle and bustle of Main Street in downtown Mayberry. (“You’re on my foot! You’re on my foot!”) If you’re looking to “relax, slow down, take it easy,” then you might want to check out some of the TAGSRWC groups on MeWe.

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**** Post Note ****

Well, another issue of Weaver’s Newsletter is coming to a close. Thank you to everyone who sent chapter and event news & updates. Also, a very BIG thank you to those who have shopped with us at WeaversDepartmentStore.com. The support and shopping at Weaver’s means so much to Jan and to me. We hope you enjoy browsing around our online store and get a smile from the Newsletter.

Between issues of the Weaver’s Newsletter, you can keep up with all that’s going on in and around Mayberry by being part of the daily Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board? (aka “WBMUTBB?”) Digest. It’s free and you can sign up for that list by going to WBMUTBB.com and choosing the “Join/Subscribe/Unsubscribe” link. Check out the WBMUTBB Facebook GROUP with links to more WBMUTBB chapter WBMUTBB.com. The Facebook group is private and administered by me (Allan) so I hope that makes you feel better about joining in on the fun. It’s made up of TAGS fans only and I do my best to make sure things are fun for all…both on the WBMUTBB Digest emails and the WBMUTBB Facebook group.

Finally, the next  issue of our Weaver’s Newsletter will be published in May so make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter so you don’t miss an issue.

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