{"id":8195,"date":"2026-06-07T12:37:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T17:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/?p=8195"},"modified":"2026-06-07T12:37:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T17:37:10","slug":"weavers-newsletter-may-jun-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/WeaversDepartmentStore.com\/newsletter\/2026\/06\/weavers-newsletter-may-jun-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Weaver\u2019s Newsletter May\/Jun 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An Online newsletter of<\/strong>
\u201cThe Andy Griffith Show<\/em>\u201d Rerun Watchers Club (TAGS<\/em>RWC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(If you received the Newsletter by email and are unable to see the images & videos, or if it seems like thing are missing, please<\/em> <\/a>go to this link<\/a> <\/strong>to make sure you aren’t missing anything.<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ben<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As we move into the summer months, the Mayberry spirit is truly in high gear. We’ve already enjoyed a fantastic weekend at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy festival and the BIG Andy’s 100th Birthday Bash gathering with Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg just around the corner. Beyond that, we have the 14th Mayberry Meet-up in Mount Airy coming in July to look forward to, followed by the year’s main attraction: Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C. in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this edition of Weaver’s Newsletter, we have reports on the festivities from Granville & the Andy Griffith birthday bash held in Macon, Mo., along with plenty of photos to capture the fun. You’ll also find several new items available at Weaver\u2019s that you won’t want to miss. Sadly, we also have some somber news to share with our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even during difficult times, Mayberry reminds us of the people we’ve cherished over the years, and those memories can bring a smile even through the sadness. It is my hope that as you read through this newsletter, you’ll find that same comfort in the updates about our Mayberry friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This remains the heart of everything I do\u2014whether it’s this newsletter, the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast, or any other project related to The Andy Griffith Show I’m involved in; to provide a bit of joy and a fond memory to help navigate life’s occasional rough patches. Mayberry is much like a bit of Miracle Salve; if you just apply it and let it sink in, it has a way of making everything feel a whole lot better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, let\u2019s dive into the details for this month\u2019s Weaver\u2019s Newsletter and share some Mayberry smiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Serving With A Smile<\/a> – $20.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Serving<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Serving With A Smile: Devotions from The Mayberry Deputy<\/strong><\/em>
by David Browning<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE<\/strong>: These book are autographed by David (but cannot be personalized).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This wonderful hardcover devotional book is written by David Browning who is well known by many fans of The Andy Griffith Show as his version of “Barney Fife” whom he called “The Mayberry Deputy.” David had this to say about the book: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“For over forty years I have traveled and performed as The Mayberry Deputy. During that time I have come to realize that in each small moment, for every large challenge and even during the times when were asking ourselves should we continue, we relied on our faith in God to show us the way. Here are fifty-two stories where God was present in those small and large moments. It is possible that you might find some inspiration in your daily walk. I hope so.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be blessed and learn from David’s amazing stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Format:<\/strong> Hardcover
Length:<\/strong> 143 Pages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

(UPDATED)<\/strong> Mayberry Patrol Car Emblem Cap<\/a> – $17.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mayberry<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Weaver’s is happy to offer the popular patrol car shield on a low profile “dad” cap.  The design is screen printed on a tan canvas cap.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weaver’s previously carried an embroidered version of this cap but Mr. Weaver was never happy with the quality of the embroidery (the lettering didn’t look perfect<\/em>) so he chose to upgrade to this version of the popular cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think you’ll agree, the shield really stands out on this cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable one size fits all for the right fit for any occasion. Velcro closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fabric:<\/strong> 100% cotton washed twill
Color<\/strong>: Sand<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

**** Granville Mayberry\/I Love Lucy 2026 Report ****<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Granville,<\/a>
Granville, Tenn.<\/strong> – Tribute artists and special guest, including three versions of “Floyd,” began the celebration of Andy Griffith’s 100th birthday. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>
Granville, Tenn.<\/strong> – Tribute artist Christie McLendon was honored by Historic Granville for her dedication to keep the spirit of Mayberry alive with her tribute to “Charlene Darling.” Christie and husband Mike we happy to celebrate “Christie McLendon Day.” An honor well deserved. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival in Granville, Tennessee, went off without a hitch. Well, that\u2019s not quite true\u2014there were a few technical glitches with the video presentations, but they didn\u2019t dampen the spirit of Tennessee\u2019s Mayberry town. Attendance this year was up 77% from last year! It was a huge success, so if you missed out, please make plans to join us next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weekend was packed with tribute artists, ranging from Barney to Malcolm Merriweather. Ernest T. Bass even came out of the woods to throw bricks and serenade the ladies. Floyd was there cutting hair, while Otis chatted with Rafe Hollister about a still that might (or might not) be hidden in the hills. Mayberry wasn\u2019t the only show represented, though; Lucy and Ricky were also on hand to make the weekend even more encompassing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cast members Keith Thibodeaux<\/strong> and Dennis Rush<\/strong>\u2014who played Johnny Paul Jason and Howie Pruitt\u2014were there to meet fans. We also welcomed family members of the cast, including Dixie Griffith, Karen Knotts, and Peter Ackerman (son of Elinor Donahue). To top it all off, both “Elvis” and “Charlene” performed for the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Special<\/a>
Granville, Tenn. <\/strong>– Special guests Peter Ackerman (son – Elinor Donahue), Karen Knotts (daughter – Don Knotts), Dixie Griffith (daughter – Andy Griffith), Keith Thibodeaux<\/strong> (Johnny Paul), and Dennis Rush<\/strong> (Howie) were met with love & smiles from fans at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The weather was a picture no artist could draw, and all in all, it was a magical weekend. I definitely encourage you to check the Mayberry event calendar on imayberry.com<\/a> to see when next year\u2019s event is scheduled. While you\u2019re at it, make plans to attend one of the upcoming Mayberry events. They are all special and unique, so attending one will get your Mayberry spirit pumping and put a smile on your face while looking forward to attending more events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A huge thank you goes out to the wonderful volunteers in Granville, Tennessee. Not only did they put on the event, but many of them also performed in four separate Mayberry play performances! If you\u2019ve never seen one, you really should, because it\u2019s a lot of fun to watch people perform the lines we all know so well. At first, you might think an actor doesn\u2019t look exactly like the character, but in no time, you\u2019ll totally accept them as Andy, Barney, Opie, or Aunt Bee. They truly capture the spirit of the show. They host these plays throughout the year\u2014especially for Christmas and Valentine\u2019s Day\u2014so check out their website at granvilletn.com<\/a> to see what\u2019s coming up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Jeff<\/a>
Granville, Tenn. -Jeff and Carrie Ketterman as Rick & Lucy at the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Festival.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Floyd<\/a>
Granville, Tenn. – Floyd can spot an amateur head a mile away so he was fixing up Ernest T. for his new position as crossing guard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Floyd’s Barber Shop Main Street T-shirt<\/a> – $24.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Floyd's<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Show off your haircut in style wearing this Floyd’s Barber Shop t-shirt. Featuring the lettering right off the window, scissors, neck duster brush, comb, along with his slogan “Two Chairs No Waiting<\/em>” and location on Main St, Mayberry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

100% Cotton Machine Washable T Shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color:<\/strong> Carolina Blue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style:<\/strong> Short Sleeve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Essential Mayberry <\/a>– $40.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Essential Mayberry: Behind the Scenes of The Andy Griffith Show
by Neal Brower<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neal Brower is a long time superfan and show expert who has been writing and even teaching courses about The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> for over thirty years. He has made it his mission to gather the lore about the show and especially about the writing and production of the scripts. Brower interviewed many of the show\u2019s writers including Harvey Bullock, Everett Greenbaum, Sam Bobrick, and their partners and collected his findings in his 2011 book, Mayberry 101<\/a>. As Gomer would say, \u201cWell, golly!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this second & updated edition of the popular book, now called The Essential Mayberry: Behind the Scenes of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em><\/strong>, Brower has added the scripts written by Jack Elinson and his writing partner Charles Stewart and the rewrites of producer and story consultant Aaron Ruben, as well as material from the annotated show scripts donated by Andy Griffith to UNC Libraries. \u201cShazam!\u201d Fans of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> will receive a long-awaited and more complete picture of the classic television show and its creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Format: <\/strong>Paperback
Length:<\/strong> 550 Pages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

****Andy\u2019s 100th<\/sup> Birthday Bash<\/strong><\/em> ****<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Johnna Clarke of the Blood Brothers<\/strong> chapter (Macon, Mo.) was kind enough to provide a report and photos of the BIG event. Weaver’s Newsletter would like to thank Johnna for this amazing report that follows.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

An incredible once-in-a-lifetime celebration was held in commemoration of the centennial birthday of legendary actor and entertainer, Andy Griffith<\/strong>. The Blood Brothers Chapter of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> Rerun Watchers Club celebrated the event in a BIG way! Only one word for it \u2014 BIG!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Saturday, May 30, the celebration opened with TAGS music performed by local favorite, Keota, and The Andy Family Singers. Following the crowd-pleasing program, Comedian Rik Roberts shed his Barney uniform and entertained the crowd with clean comedy. After intermission which included refreshments, Randy Turner offered an audio-visual presentation on the life and career of Andy Griffith. Then Randy interviewed Dixie Griffith, Andy\u2019s daughter, about her childhood growing up with the man she simply called \u201cDad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following day the Blood Brothers hosted a chapter meeting at a noon carry-in Mayberry – style potluck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special guests Dixie Griffith and Randy Turner gave an audience-captivating abbreviated interview, and Andy Taylor tribute artist James Dodson performed \u201cRomeo & Juliet\u201d and \u201cWhat It Was, Was Football.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other guests included Steve & Rita Jackson from Indiana and Joy Dodson from North Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blood Brothers concluded their celebration with saluting Andy while Dixie cut the cake bearing her father\u2019s name and sheriff badge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood Brothers were most honored to pay homage to the man who was a bird in this world. Happy Birthday, Andy!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As Johnna said when she provided the images, “a picture is worth a thousand words” so be sure the click on the images (they’ll open in a new browser tab<\/em>) to get the full size versions for you to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – Event coordinator Johnna Clarke and husband Robert who portrayed Carter in the opening skit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – At a special Blood Brothers chapter gathering, Dixie enjoyed reconnecting with her childhood on a vintage tractor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – Dixie cut her dad’s cake for the Blood Brothers chapter members after all members acknowledged Andy’s centennial birthday and the relevance of TAGS to today’s society.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – The opening skit depicting the Carter & Wakefield Feud featuring Robert Clarke, James Dodson, and Steve Jackson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – Andy and Barney added a special touch to our event.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – Rik Roberts shed his Barney attire and entertained the crowd – a big crowd pleaser.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – The highlight of the event was Mayberry expert Randy Turner interviewing Dixie Griffith. She provided honest reflections of her childhood with her dad.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – Opie sang Old Dan Tucker and stole the show.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Macon,<\/a>
Macon, Mo. – Keota and the Andy Family Singers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

(NEW)<\/strong> Mayberry Sheriff’s Office Cap<\/a> – $17.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mayberry<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

IN STOCK – A perfect companion to the matching t-shirt <\/a>or on it’s own, this Mayberry Sheriff’s Office cap will help you stand out in the crowd. It features a stylized version of the Mayberry patrol car door shield  embroidered<\/strong> and centered on the front of the cap. The “chrome” cap color makes the design and wording pop. The low profile cap is made by Port & Company in 100% cotton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable one size fits all for the right fit for any occasion. Velcro closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fabric:<\/strong> 100% cotton washed twill
Color<\/strong>: Chrome<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Andy Griffith Show Book <\/a>(65th Anniversary Edition)- $30.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Andy Griffith Show Book: <\/strong>From Miracle Salve to Kerosene Cucumbers: The Complete Guide to One of Television\u2019s Best-Loved Shows<\/em>
     by Ken Beck and Jim Clark
<\/em><\/strong>       65th Anniversary EDITION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Andy Griffith Show Book<\/em>, revised and expanded in 2025 in celebration of the 65th Anniversary of The Andy Griffith Show, is chock full of details about the beloved TV series that ran from 1960 until 1968.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its eight seasons, the Griffith show was always in TV’s Top 10 and it completed its original run ranked as the No. 1 prime-time show. Only two other series, I Love Lucy and Seinfeld, have accomplished this feat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The book has chapters on every key character and then some: from Andy Taylor, Barney Fife, Opie, and Aunt Bee to Gomer and Goober Pyle, Otis Campbell, Thelma Lou, Floyd the barber, Ernest T. Bass, and the Darlings. It also contains alphabetical listings of residents and businesses, town history, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 8 x 10-inch softcover book is 288 pages and is filled with more than 180 photographs, plus a map of Mayberry itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter headings include A History of Mayberry, N.C.; Andy Taylor; Barney Fife; Cops and Crooks; Mayberry Morsels; Music in Mayberry; Contradictions; Odds and Ends; Miss Crump\u2019s Final Exams (with hundreds of trivia questions); Mayberry and Mt. Pilot town directories; cast credits; and complete episode summaries with names of notable guest stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also included is a list of all of the nearly 1,500 worldwide chapters of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC), featuring the entertaining chapter names inspired by the show’s unforgettable characters, classic moments, and timeless humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This book is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys watching The Andy Griffith Show and wants to read all about Mayberry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Floyd’s Barbershop<\/strong> Bulletin Board<\/strong> &<\/strong> Event Calendar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Andy Griffith Museum<\/em><\/strong>, featuring the late Emmett Forrest’s amazing collection of Andy Griffith artifacts, is a must-see attraction for any visit to Mount Airy, N.C. For complete updates on operating hours and other info, visit the website at AndyGriffithMuseum<\/strong><\/a>.org<\/strong><\/a> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are upcoming events that folks have posted on Floyd’s bulletin board:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joy Ellison<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"Mayberry<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

* June 12-14: Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg<\/strong> returns to Scottsburg, Ind., after a year’s hiatus. (NOTE:<\/strong> dates for this event have moved by a week, so make adjustments to your schedule<\/em>.) This will be the third time Mayberry comes to town, and the organizers are planning to have Mayberry music, presentations, a parade, classic cars, tribute artists, cast members of the “Mayberry Man” series, and more. Special Guests confirmed so far include Rodney Dillard <\/strong>(the guitar-playing Darling boy), Keith Thibodeaux<\/strong> (Johnny Paul Jason), Joy Ellison <\/strong>(Mary Wiggins, aka Miss Mayberry Junior, and others), Dixie Griffith<\/strong> (daughter of Andy), and Karen Knotts <\/strong>(daughter of Don). Also keep an eye out for Dixie the Praying Dog <\/strong>! The festival will be celebrating Andy Griffith’s 100th birthday, so come on out and act like somebody. Visit the website for more details, including tickets to some portions (but most of the festival is free), at MayberryComesToScottsburg.com<\/strong><\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
GOT GOSS?–June’s Brower lecture is where there’s lots of good spottin’ of Fred Goss.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n

* June 20: Professor Brower’s Lecture<\/strong>. Mayberry author Neal Brower<\/strong> kicks off his Aunt Bee-themed summer series of talks about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today\u2019s lecture features \u201cWedding Bells for Aunt Bee<\/strong>.\u201d<\/strong>  Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/a> <\/strong>or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

* July 24 & 25:<\/strong>  14th Annual Mayberry Meetup<\/strong>, sponsored by TAGS<\/em>RWC\u2019s \u201cTwo Chairs, No Waiting<\/a>\u201d<\/strong> podcast, gathers in Mount Airy, N.C. Follow this link to REGISTER for the Mayberry Meetup<\/strong><\/a>, For Details about the Meetup and what to expect, visit this link for a GoogleDoc<\/strong><\/a> with all the information. Start planning to spend a relaxing Mayberry weekend in Mount Airy with fellow fans.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
PROFESSOR’S PROOF–Nobody’s more excited about July’s Brower lecture than Aunt Bee!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

* July 25: Professor Brower’s Lecture<\/strong>. In conjunction with the Mayberry Meetup, Mayberry author Neal Brower<\/strong> gives the second of his Aunt Bee-themed summertime talks about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today\u2019s lecture features \u201cAndy Discovers America<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>.\u201d<\/strong> Professor Brower and Time With Jesus is Time Well Spent <\/em>are teaming up to bring you this special lecture presentation. Refreshments will be served along with some surprises as we celebrate Andy’s 100th Birthday and our Country’s 250th Birthday. Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/a> <\/strong>or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Margaret Kerry<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

* Aug. 14-16: Margaret Kerry<\/strong> (Bess Muggins and Helen Scobey) appears at Animate! at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The focus of her appearances will be largely about her connection to Disney’s Tinker Bell, rather than Mayberry, but any chance to see and visit with Margaret is always a treat! For more info about the Animate convention, visit www.galaxycon.com\/pages\/animate-orlando<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
ROGER HABIT–Learn about potting petunias and more at August’s Brower lecture!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

* Aug. 15: Professor Brower’s Lecture<\/strong>. Neal Brower<\/strong> gives the final of his three Aunt Bee-themed summertime talks about TAGS, starting at 2 p.m., in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. Today\u2019s lecture features \u201cAunt Bee\u2019s Romance<\/strong>.\u201d<\/strong>  Lecture admission is included with Andy Griffith Museum admission ($10 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and under). Visit www.andygriffithmuseum.org<\/strong><\/a> or call (336) 786-1604.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* Sept. 21-27: 37th Annual Mayberry Days\u00ae<\/strong> in Mount Airy, N.C. Special Guests confirmed so far include The Dillards<\/strong> (featuring Rodney Dillard<\/strong>) in concert, Karen Knotts <\/strong>(daughter of Don) presenting her new show, “Tied Up in Knotts…Untied” and Bill Knotts<\/strong> (nephew of Don) with a presentation of his own. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Rodney<\/a>
All Keyed Up for Mayberry Days\u00ae !<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Tim White & Troublesome Hollow<\/strong> also return with their popular mixture of comedy and bluegrass music, as does Michael Hoover<\/strong> with his \u201cMemories of Elvis\u201d show featuring Denise Glass<\/strong> as Patsy Cline. Also scheduled are comedy by John Floyd<\/strong> (The Mouth of Mayberry), concerts by Mayberry Melodies<\/strong>, Band of Oz<\/strong>, and first-timers The Cleverlys <\/strong>and Too Much Sylvia<\/strong>. Neal Brower <\/strong>will also be presenting his popular Professor Brower\u2019s Lecture<\/strong>. Registration is also now open for the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament<\/strong> (aka The Emmett<\/strong>). Additional Special Guests and other details TBA. For tickets and complete info as plans develop, visit www.mayberrydays.org<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

###<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Mayberry Sheriff’s Office T-shirt<\/a> – $24.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mayberry<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You can dress like the employee’s of the Mayberry county Sheriff’s Office when they are relaxing at home or working out by wearing this Mayberry Sheriff’s Office t-shirt.  It features a stylized version of the Mayberry patrol car door shield.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

50% Cotton\/50% polyester Machine Washable T Shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color:<\/strong> Graphite Heather<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Essential Mayberry <\/a>– $40.00<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Essential Mayberry: Behind the Scenes of The Andy Griffith Show
by Neal Brower<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neal Brower is a long time superfan and show expert who has been writing and even teaching courses about The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> for over thirty years. He has made it his mission to gather the lore about the show and especially about the writing and production of the scripts. Brower interviewed many of the show\u2019s writers including Harvey Bullock, Everett Greenbaum, Sam Bobrick, and their partners and collected his findings in his 2011 book, Mayberry 101<\/a>. As Gomer would say, \u201cWell, golly!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this second & updated edition of the popular book, now called The Essential Mayberry: Behind the Scenes of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em><\/strong>, Brower has added the scripts written by Jack Elinson and his writing partner Charles Stewart and the rewrites of producer and story consultant Aaron Ruben, as well as material from the annotated show scripts donated by Andy Griffith to UNC Libraries. \u201cShazam!\u201d Fans of The Andy Griffith Show<\/em> will receive a long-awaited and more complete picture of the classic television show and its creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Format: <\/strong>Paperback
Length:<\/strong> 550 Pages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

** Farewell to Our Dear Friend Howie: Dennis Rush (1951\u20132026)<\/strong> **<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Dennis<\/a>
Dennis Rush<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dennis Rush as Howie<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Our hearts are truly heavy as we gather to say goodbye to someone who felt like one of our own. Dennis Rush, the warm-hearted boy who brought Howie Pruitt to life as Opie\u2019s loyal pal on The Andy Griffith Show<\/em>, passed away on May 9 at the age of 74\u2014just a few short weeks before what would have been his 75th birthday on June 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The news came as such a shock. Dennis had only recently been diagnosed with leukemia. His dear friend and fellow “Opie\u2019s gang” member, Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason himself), shared the sad word with all of us. Keith was with Dennis at a fan event last month, where they were able to pray together after the diagnosis. In his tribute, Keith wrote so beautifully: “Mayberry has lost a great citizen and a great friend.” Those words capture exactly how so many of us feel right now.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dennis<\/a>
Mount Airy, N.C.<\/strong> –Dennis Rush and Keith Thibodeaux watching Barney (Terry Varvel) hang himself at Mayberry Days 2025<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dennis was born Dennis Eugene Rush in Philadelphia on June 10, 1951, and moved to California as a little boy. Even as a child, he had that special sparkle. At just six years old, he held his own opposite the great James Cagney in Man of a Thousand Faces<\/em>, playing young Creighton Chaney. Cagney was so fond of the boy that they kept exchanging Christmas cards for years afterward\u2014a sweet reminder of the kindness Dennis seemed to draw from everyone around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On The Andy Griffith Show<\/em>, Dennis appeared in eight episodes across Seasons 3 to 5 as Howie Pruitt. Whether the boys were fishing, scheming little adventures, or just being kids in that gentle Mayberry world, Dennis brought such natural warmth and sweetness to every scene. He made us believe these were real friendships on screen, and somehow those feelings carried right into our living rooms. He also lit up episodes of Perry Mason<\/em>, The Lucy Show<\/em>, Gunsmoke<\/em>, Alfred Hitchcock Presents<\/em>, and more during that golden era of television.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By his mid-teens, Dennis chose a quieter life away from the spotlight. He settled near San Diego and worked at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, building a life filled with the everyday joys he seemed to cherish. But he never turned his back on Mayberry. For years, he was a beloved regular at Mayberry Days in Mount Airy\u2014fans fondly recall it being his eighth visit one year\u2014where he shared smiles, heartfelt stories, warm hugs, and genuine kindness with folks who traveled from all over the world just to meet him. He posed for photos with tribute artists, chatted about the old days on set with Andy, Ron, and Don, and made every single person feel like a friend. Just last month at the Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival in Granville, Tennessee, he was lighting up panels and reconnecting with everyone, as gracious and full of life as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Granville, Tenn<\/strong>. – Keith Thibodeaux (Johnny Paul Jason), Allan Newsome (a.k.a. Floyd) and Dennis Rush share a laugh during the 2024 Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dennis is survived by his loving siblings Sally, Monica, Patrick, and Megan. (His brother Jack passed away earlier this year.) As well as his dear companion of many years Judy Hong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To all of us who grew up with him on screen, Dennis wasn\u2019t just “that kid who played Howie.” He was part of the heart of Mayberry\u2014the laughter, the innocence, the simple goodness that still draws us back to those black-and-white episodes again and again. We\u2019ll miss seeing his smile at the festivals, but we\u2019ll carry his gentle spirit with us every time we watch the gang running through the streets of Mayberry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest easy, Dennis. Thank you for the joy you gave us, for the friendship you shared so freely, and for being such a bright light in our favorite town. You\u2019ll always have a special place in our hearts, dear friend. We love you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

**** Dennis Rush Interview ****<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’d like to hear more from Dennis in his own words, there are a few episodes of the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast that feature interviews with Dennis. The most recent featured interview was recorded on the 2024 Cruise to Mayberry. In part 1 <\/a>, Dennis talks mostly about his early career and a portion of his time on The Andy Griffith Show. In part 2 <\/a>of the interview featured in a second podcast episode, Dennis talks more about Mayberry and discusses how his time as a child actor completed. There are questions from the Mayberry cruisers who attended the interview as well. I know you’ll enjoy hearing Dennis’s stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n