Mayberry, North Carolina, is a fictional community that was the setting for two popular American television sitcoms, ''

The Andy Griffith Show ''The Andy Griffith Show '' is an American situation comedy television series that aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968, with a total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons—159 in black and white and 90 in color. Th ...

'' (1960–1968) and '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' (1968–1971); Mayberry was also the setting for a 1986 reunion

television film A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie or TV film/movie, is a feature-length film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a television network, in contrast to theatrical films made for ...

titled '' Return to Mayberry''. Mayberry is said to be based on

Andy Griffith Andy Samuel Griffith (June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012) was an American actor, comedian, television producer, southern gospel singer and writer whose career spanned seven decades in music and television. Known for his Southern drawl, his characte ...

's hometown of

Mount Airy, North Carolina Mount Airy is a city in Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 10,611. History Mount Airy was settled in the 1750s as a stagecoach stop on the road between Winston-Salem, North Carolina an ...

. Mount Airy is also known as Mayberry and called by both names by its residents.

The name "Mayberry"

According to show episodes, the community of Mayberry was named for fictional founder John Mayberry. Purportedly,

himself chose the name of the fictional community. Griffith, however, told

Larry King Larry King (born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger; November 19, 1933 – January 23, 2021) was an American television and radio host, whose awards included 2 Peabodys, an Emmy and 10 Cable ACE Awards. Over his career, he hosted over 50,000 interviews. ...

in 2003 that Artie Stander is the person who thought of the name Mayberry; Stander was one of the show's creators and writers. "Mayberry" is mentioned many times in television shows such as ''

Cheers ''Cheers'' is an American sitcom television series that ran on NBC from September 30, 1982, to May 20, 1993, with a total of 275 half-hour episodes across 11 seasons. The show was produced by Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions in association w ...

, House, M.D.,

Criminal Minds ''Criminal Minds'' is an American police procedural crime drama television series created and produced by Jeff Davis. The series premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005, and originally concluded on February 19, 2020; it was revived in 2022. It ...

Supernatural Supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin , from Latin (above, beyond, or outside of) + (nature) Though the corollary term "nature", has had multiple meanings si ...

How I Met Your Mother ''How I Met Your Mother'' (often abbreviated as ''HIMYM'') is an American sitcom, created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays for CBS. The series, which aired from September 19, 2005 to March 31, 2014, follows the main character, Ted Mosby, and ...

'', Buffy, and '' Scrubs''. According to the episode "The Battle of Mayberry", the town was almost named Taylortown in honor of Colonel Carleton Taylor, who was one of the first settlers in the town.

Specific features

Mayberry had one traffic light and little in the way of indigenous crime with the exception perhaps of moonshining and bootlegging. Speeding was also mentioned in the area, like that on Highway 6 in the fourth season episode "Barney's Sidecar". Out-of-town bank robbers, scam artists, escaped convicts, and vagrants occasionally found their way to Mayberry. The county and the town share the same name and jurisdiction. In episode 44 "Sheriff Barney", the mayor of nearby Greendale relates that Mayberry County has had the lowest crime rate in the state for two years in a row under Sheriff Taylor. The town only had one long-distance telephone line, as referenced in the episode "Man in a Hurry", that two old ladies shared each Sunday preventing others from using the telephone. In the opening scene of season 8, episode 30 (the last episode), a sign at the railroad station lists the population and elevation of Mayberry: :Population: 5,360 :Elevation: 671 However, this conflicts with the comment made by choir director John Masters to Andy Taylor, that "there's got to be a decent tenor in a town of two-thousand people" in the episode ''The Song Festers'' - season 4, episode 20. And, in season 7, episode 23 ("The Statue"), Howard Sprague refers to a population of 1,800.

Mayberrites

Andy Griffith Don Knotts Jim Nabors Andy Griffith Show 1963

* Nettie Albright ( Alberta Nelson), classmate who had a crush on Barney * Amanda (

Janet Waldo Janet Waldo (born Jeanette Marie Waldo; February 4, 1919 – June 12, 2016) was an American radio and voice actress. In animation, she voiced Judy Jetson in various Hanna-Barbera media, Nancy in '' Shazzan'', Penelope Pitstop, Princess from '' ...

), local prospect Barney selected to be Andy's future wife * Big Jack Anderson (

Nestor Paiva Nestor Paiva (June 30, 1905 – September 9, 1966) was an American actor of Portuguese people, Portuguese descent. He is most famous for his recurring role of Teo Gonzales the innkeeper in Walt Disney's Spanish Western series ''Zorro (1957 TV s ...

), area moonshiner who ran a still in the Rimshaw House * Teena Andrews (Diahn Williams), local citizen named Irene Phlogg who went on to become a famous movie star * Ramona Ankrum ( Jackie Joseph), quiet young woman from the family that owns the Ancrum Charcoal Company and love interest of Ernest T. Bass * Arnold Bailey (Sheldon Collins), friend of Opie * Dr. Lou Bailey (James McCallion), father of Arnold Bailey * Barbara Sue (Gail Lucas), local citizen who wants to win "The Beauty Contest" * Ralph Barton ( Charles Lampkin), friend of Sam Jones (RFD) * Ernest T. Bass (

Howard Morris Howard Jerome Morris (September 4, 1919 – May 21, 2005) was an American actor, comedian, and director. He was best known for his role in ''The Andy Griffith Show'' as Ernest T. Bass, and as "Uncle Goopy" in a celebrated comedy sketch on Sid C ...

), bothersome troublemaker who is fond of throwing rocks through windows * Charlie Beasley (Ray Lanier), local citizen with attractive muscles * Juanita Beasley, never seen waitress at the Bluebird Diner who flirts with Barney over the phone (originally the character named Juanita was portrayed as the Mayor's daughter in season one) * Sam Becker ( William Schallert), farmer and Korea War veteran who Barney suspects of growing marijuana * Tom Bedlow ( Sam Edwards), local citizen who tried out for the barbershop quartet * Mrs. Beggs ( Virginia Sale), local citizen * Dr. Bennett ( George Selk), physician * Henry Bennett (

John Qualen John Qualen (born Johan Mandt Kvalen, December 8, 1899 – September 12, 1987) was an American character actor of Norwegian heritage who specialized in Scandinavian roles. Early years Qualen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, the son ...

), local citizen accused by Barney of being a jinx * Billy (Tim Stevenson, John Reilly) friend of Opie * Erma Bishop ( Lillian Bronson) crowned Miss Mayberry in beauty contest for her kind and helpful nature * Leonard Blush (

), never seen local celebrity and former pupil of voice teacher Eleanora Poultice; "The Voice of Mount Pilot" on Mount Pilot radio station WMPD * Fred Boone ( Jesse White), local citizen who loves bickering with his wife * Jennie Boone ( Claudia Bryar), wife of Fred Boone * Trey Bowden (David Alan Bailey), friend of Opie * Nate Bracey (Frank Behrens), former classmate of Andy and Barney who attended the "Class Reunion" * Emma Brand-Watson ( Cheerio Meredith), serial jaywalker and hypochondriac * Asa Breeney (

Charles P. Thompson Charles P. Thompson (January 2, 1891 – October 26, 1979) was an American stage, film, and television actor. Best known for playing Mayberry security guard Asa Breeney on ''The Andy Griffith Show''. Career Born in Philadelphia (Pennsylva ...

), security guard * George Bricker ( Doodles Weaver), postman * Ellen Brown (

Barbara Eden Barbara Eden (born Barbara Jean Morehead; August 23, 1931) is an American actress, singer, and producer best known for her starring role as Jeannie in the sitcom ''I Dream of Jeannie'' (1965-1970). Other notable roles include Roslyn Pierce oppo ...

), manicurist who came to Mayberry in search of a friendly town * Karen Burgess (Ronda Jeter), Opie's classmate and girlfriend * Otis Campbell ( Hal Smith), town drunk and descendant of a Revolutionary War hero * Rita Campbell (Dorothy Neumann), wife of Otis Campbell * Ella Carson (Ruth Thom), local citizen seen in three episodes * Mary Alice Carter ( Morgan Brittany), Opie's first love * Emmett Clark ( Paul Hartman), fix-it shop owner * Martha Clark (Mary Lansing), wife of Emmett Clark * Miss Clark ( Luana Anders), local citizen seen in two episodes * Flip Conroy (

Rockne Tarkington William Rockne Tarkington, Jr. (May 14, 1932 – April 5, 2015) was an American stage, film and television actor. Career Born in Junction City, Kansas, Tarkington began his career as a stage actor, and made the transition to television with g ...

), football coach at Opie's school * The Country Boys (

Billy Ray Latham Billy Ray Latham (January 12, 1938, Arkansas – August 19, 2018, Nashville, TN) was an American banjo player. He was best known as a member of the Kentucky Colonels (1961-c.1974). He then joined The Dillards The Dillards are an American ...

on banjo, Leroy Mack and

Clarence White Clarence White (born Clarence Joseph LeBlanc; June 7, 1944 – July 15, 1973) was an American bluegrass and country guitarist and singer. He is best known as a member of the bluegrass ensemble the Kentucky Colonels and the rock band the By ...

on guitar, Eric White on bass, and Roland White on mandolin), five member bluegrass band (The Country Boys are a real-life band who appear in two episodes) * Mr. Crawford (Robert F. Simon), pharmacist * Billy Crenshaw (Johnny Bangert), Opie's rival for a delivery boy job * Glen Cripe (Delos Jewkes), bass singer in the Mayberry town choir * Lydia Crosswaith ( Josie Lloyd), romantic interest of Goober Pyle * Art Crowley (Frank Warren), grocer * Old Man Crowley (

Burt Mustin Burton Hill "Burt" Mustin (February 8, 1884 – January 28, 1977) was an American character actor.Obituary '' Variety'', February 2, 1977, page 94. Over the course of his career, he appeared in over 150 film and television productions. He ...

), local citizen * Helen Crump (

Aneta Corsaut Aneta Louise Corsaut (November 3, 1933November 6, 1995) was an American actress and writer. She is best known for playing Helen Crump on ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1963–1968), Judge Cynthia Justin on '' Matlock'' (1991–1992), and Jane in ' ...

Kansas Kansas () is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to ...

transplant, Opie's teacher, and Andy's girlfriend (later appearing as his wife in '' Mayberry R.F.D.'') * The Darlings ( Denver Pyle as Briscoe Darling Jr., Maggie Peterson as Charlene Darling, and The Dillards as the Darling Boys), hillbilly family that plays bluegrass music with Andy in several episodes * Sharon DeSpain ( Peggy McCay), Andy's high school flame who returned to Mayberry for the "Class Reunion" * Fletch Dilbeck (Jon Lormer), local farmer who sells crops from the bed of his Chevrolet truck * Mr. Doakes (Norris Goff), grocer * Clara Edwards (

Hope Summers Sarah Hope Summers (June 7, 1902 – June 22, 1979) was an American character actress known for her work on CBS's '' The Andy Griffith Show'' and '' Mayberry RFD'', portraying Clara Edwards. Early life Hope Summers was born in Mattoon, Il ...

), Aunt Bee's best friend (also called Clara Johnson or Bertha Edwards in early episodes) * Ella ( Ann Morgan Guilbert), resident who writes a society column for The Mayberry Gazette * Elmo (

Vince Barnett Vince Barnett (July 4, 1902 – August 10, 1977) was an American film actor. He appeared on stage originally before appearing in more than 230 films between 1930 and 1975. Early years Barnett was born July 4, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylva ...

), local citizen * Warren Ferguson ( Jack Burns),

Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the capital city, state capital and List of municipalities in Massachusetts, most populous city of the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financ ...

transplant and replacement deputy even more inept than Fife * Barney Fife (

Don Knotts Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on ''The Andy Griffith Show'', a 1960s sitcom for which he earned five Emmy Awards. He also ...

), Andy's lifelong friend (originally portrayed as his cousin in the pilot episode and through the first season) and deputy sheriff; later a detective with the Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department * Judd Fletcher (

), elderly local citizen * Charles 'Charley' Foley (Stanley Farrar, Frank Ferguson), proprietor of Foley's Grocery * Jubal Foster ( Everett Sloane), local farmer and moonshiner * Mrs. Foster (

Irene Tedrow Irene Tedrow (August 3, 1907 – March 10, 1995) was an American character actress in stage, film, television and radio. Among her most notable roles are as Janet Archer in the radio series ''Meet Corliss Archer'', Mrs. Lucy Elkins on the TV sit ...

), neighbor of the Taylor family whose chicken a-la-king tasted like "wallpaper paste" * Mr. Frisby ( Charles Lane), local farmer and egg man * The Fun Girls ( Joyce Jameson as Skippy and Jean Carson as Daphne), Andy and Barney's dates * Fred Goss ( Fred Sherman), runs Mayberry's dry cleaning establishment * Billy Gray (Kim Tyler), friend of Opie * Sue Grigsby (Vici Raaf), wife of Harold Grigsby * Mr. Hampton ( Leon Ames), principal at Mayberry Union High School * Ralph Hanes ( Don Haggerty), former classmate of Barney and Andy's who attended the "Class Reunion" * Harold Grigsby ( Kelly Thordsen), saw mill owner * Harvey (Anthony Jochim), local citizen seen in two episodes * Evan Hendricks (Bobby Diamond), wild-driving son of Orville, known to break an egg or two * Orville Hendricks ( Woodrow Chambliss), butter and egg man from Mount Pilot * Hilda Mae (

Florence MacMichael Florence MacMichael (April 26, 1919 – May 28, 1999) was an American character actress of stage, film and television, best known for playing Winnie Kirkwood in the television series '' Mister Ed''. Early life and education MacMichael was bo ...

), Barney's girlfriend in season one (replaced by Thelma Lou) * George Hollander ( Sandy Kenyon), high school history teacher * Martha Hollister (Kay Stewart), wife of Rafe Hollister * Rafe Hollister (Jack Prince), local farmer and moonshiner * Cy Hudgins ( Forrest Lewis), local farmer who owns a goat named Jimmy that eats almost anything * Millie Hutchins ( Arlene Golonka), girlfriend of Sam Jones * Jason (

Phil Chambers Phil Chambers (June 16, 1916 – January 16, 1993) was an American actor. Born in Los Angeles, California, Phil Chambers was known for his role as Sergeant Myles Magruder in the television series '' The Gray Ghost''. Filmography Film *1953: ...

), clerk at the Mayberry Hotel * Johnny Paul Jason ( Richard Keith), best friend of Opie; nephew of Charley Foley * Joe (

Rob Reiner Robert Norman Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is an American actor and filmmaker. As an actor, Reiner first came to national prominence with the role of Michael "Meathead" Stivic on the CBS sitcom '' All in the Family'' (1971–1979), a perform ...

), printer's apprentice * Mike Jones ( Buddy Foster), son of Sam Jones (RFD) * Sam Jones (

Ken Berry Kenneth Ronald Berry (November 3, 1933 – December 1, 2018) was an American actor, dancer, and singer. Berry starred on the television series ''F Troop'', ''The Andy Griffith Show'', ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' and ''Mama's Family''. He also appea ...

), farmer, single parent, and widower (like Andy); head of the Mayberry town council in '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' * Tillie Kincaid (Maxine Semon), friend of Clara Edwards and Aunt Bee * Edna Larch ( Maudie Prickett), local citizen seen in four episodes * Floyd Lawson (

Howard McNear Howard Terbell McNear (January 27, 1905 – January 3, 1969) was an American stage, screen, and radio character actor. McNear is best remembered as the original voice of Doc Adams in the radio version of ''Gunsmoke'' and as Floyd Lawson, the ba ...

), barber at Floyd's Barber Shop; father of Norman and Randall Lawson * Leon (

Clint Howard Clinton Engle Howard (born April 20, 1959) is an American actor. He is the second son born to American actors Rance and Jean Howard, and younger brother of actor and director Ron Howard. His 200-plus acting credits include feature films such a ...

), toddler in a cowboy outfit who wanders the streets of Mayberry * Clara Lindsey ( Mary Treen), wife of Sam Lindsey * Jim Lindsey ( James Best), talented guitarist who joins Bobby Fleet and His Band with a Beat * Sam Lindsey ( Frank Ferguson), husband of Clara Lindsey * Flora Malherbe ( Alberta Nelson), waitress at the Mayberry Diner; becomes Goober's girlfriend * John Masters (

Olan Soule Olan Evart Soule (February 28, 1909 – February 1, 1994) was an American actor, who had professional credits in nearly 7,000 radio shows and commercials, appearances in 200 television series and television films, and in over 60 films. Soul ...

), hotel clerk and director of the town's singing choir * Mr. McBeevee ( Karl Swenson), lineman, who according to Opie, walks in the trees, wears a silver hat, jingles when he walks, and has twelve extra hands * Peggy McMillan ( Joanna Moore), nurse and Andy's girlfriend * Mr. Meldrim (Warren Parker), president of Mayberry Security Bank * Mrs. Mendelbright (

Enid Markey Enid Markey (February 22, 1894 – November 15, 1981) was an American theatre, film, radio, and television actress, whose career spanned over 50 years, extending from the early 1900s to the late 1960s. In movies, she was the first performer ...

), Barney's landlady * Merle (Sherwood Keith), town councilman * Malcolm Merriweather ( Bernard Fox), English valet * Bert Miller ( Sterling Holloway), peddler * Orville Monroe ( Jonathan Hole), undertaker and TV repairman * Jimmy Morgan (Pat Colby), mechanic at Wally's accused of being a thief * Morrison Sisters (Gladys Hurlbut as Clarabelle Morrison and Charity Grace as Jennifer Morrison), moonshiners who runs the local flower shop * Sam Muggins ( Sam Edwards), moonshiner accused of stealing business from the department store, incarcerated at the Mayberry Jail on Christmas Eve with his family (

Margaret Kerry Margaret Kerry (née Lynch; born May 11, 1929) is an American screen actress, dancer, voice artist, camera double, radio producer, director and host and media personality, best known for her work as a model for Walt Disney Pictures, where she ser ...

as wife, Bess; Joy Ellison as daughter, Effie; and Kelly Flynn as Billy Muggins) * Frank Myers (

Andy Clyde Andrew Allan Clyde (March 25, 1892 – May 18, 1967) was a Scottish-born American film and television actor whose career spanned more than four decades. In 1921 he broke into silent films as a Mack Sennett comic, debuting in ''On a Summer ...

), elderly resident evicted for not paying taxes * Mavis Neff ( Elaine Joyce), employee at Walker's Drugstore who went on a date with Andy * Charlie O'Malley ( Willis Bouchey), wealthy resident who also owns a cabin outside of town * Mrs. Pendleton ( Ruth McDevitt), head of the Mayberry school board and good friend of Martha Clark and Aunt Bee * Pete ( George Dunn), local citizen frequently seen in Floyd's Barbershop * Burly Peters (Thom Carney), local citizen who plays the drums in the Mayberry Band * Dr. Thomas Peterson ( William Christopher), physician who replaced the retiring Dr. Bennett * Whitey Porter (Joey Scott), friend of Opie * Josephine Pike ( Josie Lloyd), daughter of Mayor Pike * Mayor Pike (

Dick Elliott Richard Damon Elliott (April 30, 1886 – December 22, 1961) was an American character actor who played in over 240 films from the 1930s until the time of his death. Early years Elliott was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Career Elliott p ...

) mayor in the first two seasons (1960–61) * Whitey Porter (Joey Scott), friend of Opie * Howie Pruitt (Dennis Rush), good friend of Opie * Jeff Pruitt ( Alan Hale) farmer who came to Mayberry to find a wife * Gomer Pyle ( Jim Nabors), service station attendant at Wally's Filling Station for three seasons (1962–64) (left Mayberry to join the Marine Corps in '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'') * Goober Pyle (

George Lindsey George Smith Lindsey (December 17, 1928 – May 6, 2012) was an American actor and stand-up comedian, best known for his role as Goober Pyle on ''The Andy Griffith Show'', ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' and his subsequent tenure on ''Hee-Haw''. Life and ...

), auto mechanic at Wally's Garage and Filling Station (later service station owner) * Dr. Roberts (

), local physician * Mrs. Rodenbach (Mary Lansing), local citizen seen in three episodes * Rose ( Mary Treen), Andy's housekeeper who got married and moved away, replaced by Aunt Bee * Rosemary ( Rachel Ames), local prospect Barney selected to be Andy's future wife * Sam (Sherwood Keith), local citizen often seen in Floyd's Barber Shop * Sandy (Sherman Sanders), square dance caller * Sarah, often spoken to, but never seen, telephone operator * Ed Sawyer ( William Lanteau), mysterious stranger who moves to Mayberry and disrupts the lives of the townspeople because he appears to know startling facts about them * Mr. Schwamp, (portrayed by unknown) local citizen seen in at least 26 episodes of ''The Andy Griffith Show''; also appeared in ''Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.'' and ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' * Ben Sewell (Jack Prince), moonshiner who was ratted out by the Morrison sisters * Sharon (Barbara Griffith), part of the Mayberry choir (portrayed by Andy Griffith's real life wife, Barbara Edwards) * Sheldon (Terry Dickinson), local bully who extorts Opie for his milk money * Annabelle Silby ( Lurene Tuttle), local do-gooder and wife of Tom Silby * Tom Silby ( Stuart Erwin), local citizen who returns to town after being declared dead * Mr. Simmons (Richard Collier), proprietor of company called Simmons Seeds * Minnie 'Mary' Simpson ( Julie Adams,

Sue Ane Langdon Sue Ane Langdon is an American actress. She has appeared in dozens of television series and had featured roles in films such as ''A Guide for the Married Man'' and ''The Cheyenne Social Club'', both directed by Gene Kelly, as well as '' The Round ...

), county nurse * Rube Sloane (Thom Carney), moonshiner who was ratted out by the Morrison sisters * Howard Sprague (

Jack Dodson John Smeaton "Jack" Dodson (May 16, 1931 – September 16, 1994) was an American television actor best remembered for the milquetoast character Howard Sprague on ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and its spin-off '' Mayberry R.F.D.'' From 1959 until ...

), county clerk * Mrs. Sprague ( Mabel Albertson), overbearing mother of Howard Sprague * Fred Stevens (Pat Coghlan), owner of Sterling Jewelry Store * Roy Stoner ( Parley Baer), mayor of Mayberry for three seasons (1962–64), replacing Mayor Pike * Henrietta Swanson ( Elvia Allman), local citizen whose daughter, Darlene, wants to enter "The Beauty Contest" * Millie Swanson ( Arlene Golonka), bakery clerk and girlfriend of Sam Jones (RFD) * Billy Ray Talbot ( Dub Taylor), postmaster * Cyrus Tankersley ( George Cisar), local citizen * Andy Taylor (

), sheriff and widowed father * Beatrice Taylor ( Frances Bavier), Andy's aunt and housekeeper, known as Aunt Bee * Opie Taylor (

Ronny Howard Ronald William Howard (born March 1, 1954) is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He first came to prominence as a child actor, guest-starring in several television series, including an episode of ''The Twilight Zone''. He ...

), son of Andy * Thelma Lou ( Betty Lynn), Barney's sweetheart * Farley Thurston (

Lyle Latell Lyle Latell (born Lyle Zeiem; April 9, 1904 – October 24, 1967) was an American character actor. He was perhaps best known for playing Pat Patton in the '' Dick Tracy'' film series. Biography Latell was born Lyle Zeiem on April 1904 in ...

), butter and egg man * Tommy ( Dennis Holmes), friend of Opie * Rev. Hobart M. Tucker ( William Keene), Pastor of the All Souls Church * Myra Tucker ( Amzie Strickland), local citizen seen in two episodes * Farley Upchurch ( Frank Cady,

Clinton Sundberg Clinton Charles Sundberg (December 7, 1903 (some sources say 1906) – December 14, 1987) was an American character actor in film and stage. Early years Sundberg was born in Appleton, Minnesota. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Pau ...

), local citizen seen in two episodes * Ellie Walker ( Elinor Donahue), pharmacist and one-time love interest of Andy * Fred Walker ( Harry Antrim), proprietor of Walker's Drug Store; uncle of Ellis Walker * Gilly Walker ( Larry Hovis), high-strung friend of Goober Pyle * Wally (Norman Leavitt, Trevor Bardette, Cliff Norton, Blackie Hunt), proprietor and principal mechanic of Wally's Filling Station (no last name is ever given for Wally) * Dudley A. 'Dud' Wash (Hoke Howell, Bob Denver), fiancée and eventual husband of Charlene Darling; father of Andelina Wash. * Joe Waters (Bob McQuain), local citizen seen in five episodes * Ben Weaver ( Will Wright, Tol Avery, Jason Johnson), flint-hearted proprietor of Weaver's Department Store and local landlord * Mary Wiggins (Joy Ellison), classmate of Opie * Mrs. Wiley ( Doris Packer), genealogy researcher who called Ernest T. Bass "a creature" * Ramona Wiley-Becktoris (Virginia Eiler), one-time resident who dated Barney Fife and returned to Mayberry for the "Class Reunion" * Arnold Winkler ( Ronnie Dapo), friend of Opie

Archetypal small town

Real-life models

Many assume Mayberry was loosely based on Andy Griffith's hometown of

, but actually, Griffith has indicated that nearby Pilot Mountain, also in

Surry County, North Carolina Surry County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 71,359. Its county seat is Dobson, and its largest city is Mount Airy. Surry county comprises the Mount Airy, NC Micropolita ...

, inspired him in creating the town. Pilot Mountain likely was the inspiration for the fictional town of "Mount Pilot", a nearby larger town in relation to Mayberry, often referred to and occasionally visited by the characters in ''The Andy Griffith Show''. The county seat of Surry County is in Dobson; thus, this is the location of the nearest courthouse to Mount Airy. One episode has a fictional nearby location - "Pierce County". Another episode has Barney Fife referring to Sheriff Taylor and himself as "the law west of Mount Pilot". Other place names used in the show refer to actual places in North Carolina, such as Raleigh—which was also often called "Capital City" –

Siler City Siler City is a town in western Chatham County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town's population was 7,702. History Siler City began when Plikard Dederic Siler and his wife, Elizabeth Hartsoe Siler, settled about fou ...

, Greensboro, Winston-Salem,

Chapel Hill Chapel Hill or Chapelhill may refer to: Places Antarctica *Chapel Hill (Antarctica) Australia * Chapel Hill, Queensland, a suburb of Brisbane * Chapel Hill, South Australia, in the Mount Barker council area Canada *Chapel Hill, Ottawa, a neighbo ...

Stokes County Stokes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,520. Its county seat is Danbury. Stokes County is included in the Winston-Salem, N.C., Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is ...

, Elm City and

Charlotte Charlotte ( ) is the List of municipalities in North Carolina, most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located in the Piedmont (United States), Piedmont region, it is the county seat of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Meckl ...

. One of the stars of the show, Frances Bavier (who played Aunt Bee) retired to Siler City in real life. (Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou retired to Mount Airy.) In episode 248 "A Girl For Goober", the towns of Manteo and Toast are mentioned. Andy Griffith owned a home in Manteo (on North Carolina's Atlantic coast), and Toast is about two miles outside of Mt. Airy in Surry County.

, which borders Surry County to the east, is mentioned as the location of Myers Lake in episode 140 "Andy And Helen Have Their Day". In episode 62 "Cousin Virgil", the bus picks up Barney's cousin in Currituck. A

Currituck County Currituck County ()
, from the North Carolina Collection's website at the

Fancy Gap, Virginia, a town just across the state line from Mt. Airy. In episode 60 "Bookie Barber", Aunt Bee states that Floyd's Barber Shop has received phone calls from as far away as Morehead City. In episode 136 "Opie's Fortune", a man from Bannertown lost $50. Bannertown is a few miles from Mt. Airy in Surry County. In episode 68 "Barney Mends a Broken Heart", the towns of Harnett and Yancey are mentioned. Both a

Harnett County Harnett County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 133,568. Its county seat is Lillington; its largest city is Dunn. Harnett County is part of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Stati ...

and a

Yancey County Yancey County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,470. Its county seat is Burnsville. This land was inhabited by the Cherokee prior to European settlement, as was much of ...

are in North Carolina. In episode 3 "The Guitar Player" played by James Best, who later played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on '' The Dukes of Hazzard,'' Best's character Jim Lindsey buys his guitar picks in Winston-Salem, which is actually the nearest big city to Mount Airy (37 miles). In Season 4, Episode 3 of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., (“Corporal Carol”) Gomer tells the corporal (played by Carol Burnett) that he is from Mayberry, North Carolina, “just a little bitty town about 30 miles outside of Raleigh“.

Origins and expansion

Mayberry originated in an episode of ''

The Danny Thomas Show ''The Danny Thomas Show'' (titled ''Make Room for Daddy'' for its first three seasons) is an American sitcom that ran from 1953 to 1957 on ABC and from 1957 to 1964 on CBS. Starring Danny Thomas as a successful night club entertainer, the show ...

'' and was the setting for ''

'', '' Mayberry RFD'', and the 1986 reunion film ''Return to Mayberry''.

Eponymous real life community

Mayberry is the name of a real community in Patrick County, Virginia; located 22 miles northeast of Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. The Mayberry Trading Post, home of the Mayberry, Virginia post office until it closed in 1922, told local TV station WGHP-TV that Griffith and his father made many trips to the Mayberry Trading Post.

Town landmarks

Public Buildings

* The Mayberry Courthouse – Was where Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife maintained law and order. It also contained the county jail—two cells, a back room, and the mayor's office upstairs. No inside stairs are seen, although there is an outside fire escape. Aside from Andy Taylor's home, this was the main setting for ''The Andy Griffith Show''. * Mayberry Security Bank – The town's only bank, was often subject to robberies. It contains a large vault, and its only security guard is a senile man named Asa, who is constantly sleeping and whose fall-apart dilapidated gun is filled with moldy bullets. An interesting

plot hole In fiction, a plot hole, plothole or plot error is a gap or inconsistency in a storyline that goes against the flow of logic established by the story's plot. Plot holes are usually created unintentionally, often as a result of editing or the w ...

about the vault: in one episode, the vault combination was lost so an extra door was put in the vault. But in another episode, Barney Fife gets himself locked in the safe and only escapes by breaking the wall between the vault and the next-door beauty parlor. * Mayberry Union High School – The high school from which Andy and Barney graduated in 1948. In the episode "The Return of Barney Fife", which originally aired 01/10/1966, Barney and Andy attend their high school reunion. Behind the small orchestra playing during the dance hangs a banner that reads "Welcome Class of '48". However, in the episode "Class Reunion", which originally aired 02/04/1963 Andy and Barney organize a class reunion in which the banner reads "Class of '45". * U.S. Post Office – The town's only post office.

Houses

* Taylor House – Humble, yet handsome, two-story frame house at 332 Maple Road (though once noted by Barney to be on Elm St.), a short walk from the courthouse. Notable features include a front porch perfect for conversation and guitar playing, a back porch with an extra freezer, and a living room with a high ceiling and rough-hewn (rusticated ashlar) stone fireplace. * Mrs. Mendalbright's Rooming House – Barney Fife boards upstairs and his landlady is Mrs. Mendalbright. * Thelma Lou's House – The home of Thelma Lou, Barney's girlfriend. * Helen Crump's House – The home of Helen Crump, Andy's girlfriend and Opie's teacher. * Mrs. Wiley's House – The home of Mrs. Wiley, which is frequently subject to parties, two of which were crashed by Ernest T. Bass. * The Rimshaw House – The "haunted" house of the deceased Old Man Rimshaw where Otis Campbell and Big Jack Anderson were running a still.

Entertainment/Religious Venues

* All Souls Church – also known as Community Church – Was the non-denominational Protestant church the Taylor's and other townspeople attended in Mayberry. It could seat around 40 people and a choir. The church hosted an annual picnic and an annual bazaar. * The Grand Theatre – The movie theater where Andy and Barney often took their girlfriends ( Helen Crump and Thelma Lou, respectively) on dates.

Commercial Establishments

* Emmett's Fix-it Shop – Handyman Emmett Clark's business replaced Floyd's when

left the show. * Fleur De Lis Beauty Salon – Located just down Main Street from the Mayberry Courthouse and Walker's Drugstore. * Floyd's Barber Shop – Run by the scatterbrained Floyd Lawson, it was the main center of action in Mayberry. On any given day, it was not unusual to see many of the town's important figures, including the mayor and the sheriff, gathered here. * Monroe's Funeral Parlor – Owned by city councilman Orville Monroe who also repairs TV's at Monroe's TV Repair when the funeral business is slow. * Simmons Seeds – Run by Mr. Simmons. * F. Wakefield Beauty Salon – Located on Main Street across Luken's, where Aunt Bee and Clara Johnson get their hair done. * Walker's Drug Store – This was the town drug store and soda shop owned by Fred Walker. His niece Ellie ( Elinor Donahue), also a pharmacist, worked there for a while and was Andy's first girlfriend on the show. In the early episodes, characters often talked about "going to Walker's for an ice cream soda." * Wally's Filling Station – The town's only known gas station, it employed cousins

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and Goober Pyle. It also served as the town's auto repair garage.

Places to Shop

* Foley's Grocery – also known as Crowley's Market – The main grocery store in Mayberry frequented by many of the ladies in town. It was located across from the Mayberry Hotel. Mr. Foley is the owner of the store, but apparently tasks Art Crowley with running day-to-day operations. * Luken's Style Shop – Small boutique located on Main Street operated by Mrs. Lukens. * Morrison Sisters Flower Shop – Owned by sisters Clarabelle and Jennifer Morrison who also run a moonshine still. * Mort's Clothing Store – Located next to the Fleur De Lis Beauty Salon. * Nelson's Hardware Store – Barney took Thelma Lou there to see a new window-display of bicycle accessories. * Sterling Jewelry Store – Fred Sterling, the owner, sells jewelry and silver, and does re-sizings and watch repairs. * Weaver's Department Store – Run by the miserly Ben Weaver. * Willick's Shoe Store – Shoe Store in Mayberry owned by Harvey Willick.

Places to Eat

* Bluebird Diner – This was the restaurant where Barney was often seen calling to talk to his secret love, the enigmatic waitress "Juanita". A man named Frank owns the diner. It is located on the outskirts of Mayberry, near Myer's Lake. Mount Airy has a family-owned restaurant called the Bluebird Diner. * Mayberry Diner – The main restaurant in Mayberry that Barney and Andy frequent for its inexpensive daily specials. * Morelli's – A more upscale restaurant outside of town. Known for its special dinner, the pounded steak supper, "pounded on the premises." * Snappy Lunch – Diner named after a real eatery that still serves lunch in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Lodging

* Mayberry Hotel – Where out-of-towners often stayed, the Mayberry Hotel was also where choir director John Masters was employed.

Physical Landmarks

* Myer's Lake – As seen in the opening credits of ''The Andy Griffith Show'', it was the place Andy and Opie Taylor went fishing, and where Barney often drove with Thelma Lou for their "romantic getaways". The fictional lake was mentioned on the show as being located in Stokes County, North Carolina. Stokes County is a real county next to Surry County where Andy Griffith was born and raised. Franklin Canyon Park was used for filming.

In popular culture

Due to the success and fame of the television show, "Mayberry" has been used as a term for both idyllic small-town life and for rural simplicity (for both good and ill). In a song by

Rascal Flatts Rascal Flatts is an American country music band founded in 1999. The band members were Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, background vocals), and Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, background vocals). DeMarcus is LeVox's second co ...

titled "

Mayberry Mayberry, North Carolina, is a fictional community that was the setting for two popular American television sitcoms, ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960–1968) and ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' (1968–1971); Mayberry was also the setting for a 1986 reuni ...

", the town is mentioned: "Well I miss Mayberry sitting on the porch drinking ice cold Cherry Coke where everything is black and white." In the Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Simple Life” (from the album “God & Guns”), there’s a line in the lyrics: “…put my feet up, watch a rerun on TV, Laughing with Ole Barney, Andy and Aunt Bee…”. In the song called "Grandpa's Interview" on the

Neil Young Neil Percival Young (born November 12, 1945) is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter. After embarking on a music career in Winnipeg in the 1960s, Young moved to Los Angeles, joining Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills, Richie Fu ...

album '' Greendale'': "Shows with love and affection, Like mama used to say, A little Mayberry livin', Can go a long way." Home, the second episode of the fourth season of the television show The X-Files, makes frequent references to Mayberry because of the size of the town in which the investigation takes place. In the song " High-Tech Redneck" on the

George Jones George Glenn Jones (September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013) was an American country musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved international fame for his long list of hit records, including his best-known song " He Stopped Loving Her Today", ...

album of the same name, the town is mentioned: "He's a high-tech redneck, Mayberry meets Startrek." In the fifth episode of the seventh season of

Desperate Housewives ''Desperate Housewives'' is an American comedy-drama soap opera television series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. It aired for eight seasons on ABC from October 3, 2004, until May 13, 2012, for a to ...

, Doug refers to Wisteria Lane as ‘Mayberry’ due to the apparent idyllic suburbs where the show is set.

References

External links

''Behind the Scenes of the Real Mayberry''
A behind the scenes look at ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and the real Mayberry, includes filming locations, the stars made on the show, and Mayberry trivia. {{mayberry Fictional populated places in North Carolina Mount Airy, North Carolina Fictional elements introduced in 1960 The Andy Griffith Show