Growing up with the Family – The REAL Waltons

The television show “The Waltons” was based on the real-life family of Earl Hamner Jr., who grew up in Schuyler, Virginia, during the Great Depression. While the show was fictionalized, many aspects of the series were inspired by his family and their experiences. The show’s creator, Earl Hamner, used his childhood memories and his family members as inspiration for the characters and storylines. 

Born July 10th, 1923 Earl Hamner Jr. was the first child of Earl Sr. and Doris Hamner. Six years older than the next sibling, Earl was certainly looked up to by the younger children.

From the left: Brothers Bill (Ben), Paul (Ben), cousin Janet, sisters Nancy (Elizabeth), Marian (Mary Ellen), brother James (Jim Bob), sister Audrey (Erin)

Earl graduated in 1940 and then entered WWII as a war correspondent …

…before finally attending the University of Richmond.

A man’s man, Earl Hamner Sr., was a very earthy character. On Sundays after Doris had carted the children to church he could be found making his way down the same path towards the river for some fishing. He liked to curse, hunt and drink. He eventually dropped some of his more colorful activities in favor of his wife’s approval. He even became baptized and began to attend church.

Doris Hamner was a proud, honest Baptist mother and wife who ruled the activities inside the Hamner home. The children had plenty of freedom but were wise to follow rules and complete their chores beforehand.

Doris Hamner continued to live in the family home after her husband Earl Sr. passed away. Fans of the show flocked to her little home in Vigirnia and she welcomed them with a pot of tea. When her tea supply ran short, her son Earl helped her with the tea budget.

Right: Earl with his mother and siblings in 1980 for the filming of “A Decade of the Waltons”
Top row: Cliff,
2nd row: Bill, Paul, James, Marian, Nancy,
3rd row: Doris, Audrey,
Bottom row: Earl

The Hamner’s – 1980

Upper Row: Cliff, Nancy, Bill, James
Lower Row: Earl, Paul, Doris, Marian, Audrey

The Hamner’s in 1973 – From Left: Cliff (Jason), Nancy (Elizabeth), Audrey (Erin) James (Jim Bob), Doris “Mother” Hamner (Olivia),
Earl Hamner Jr. (John-Boy), Marian (Mary Ellen), Paul (Ben), Bill is missing from this photo