Just something I got to thinking about.

The Waltons were a poor family living out in the countryside and yet they knew these old rich spinsters the Baldwin sisters living in the city. It's just kind of weird to me because I can't imagine two families like that having less in common and I don't believe they'd be socializing with the same people or anything. And the Baldwins lived in Charlottesville which I've always gotten the impression was several miles away from Walton's Mountain where the Waltons lived. I assume there was some episode (maybe very early on) that talks about how the Waltons and the Baldwins knew each other but it's been so long since I've watched the show I honestly don't remember it ever being brought up. Does anybody remember if it was mentioned how the two families met each other? I'm just really wondering. Thanks.

Ed.

I always got the impression Zeb and Esther Walton knew the two ladies going all the way back to their youth. Zeb especially remained longtime friends with the ladies, and it didn't hurt that he had a sweet tooth for their 'recipe'.
Also John I'm sure did many a repair/carpentry work for them.
The Waltons weren't friendly with all the rich people, but unlike some of the other rich families around Walton's mountain, the Sisters didn't worry about class status for who they were associated with.

Yeah I think you're right. And yes while the Baldwin sisters were a bit more formal with people they never acted stuck up and like they were better than everybody else.

Ed.

Zeb Walton had been friends with the Baldwin ladies father, Judge Baldwin. And friendship between the two families continued from there.

Did the Sisters live in Charlottesville? I always assumed they lived in the town of Walton's Mountain, where the church and school are.

I don't think the Walton's were really poor people. They owned a mountain, after all. I think they were cash-poor because of the Depression - no customers because no one had the cash to order their lumber, and they still had to pay taxes and things.

Yep, they lived in the town of Walton's Mountain.

Did the Sisters live in Charlottesville? I always assumed they lived in the town of Walton's Mountain, where the church and school are.

I don't think the Walton's were really poor people. They owned a mountain, after all. I think they were cash-poor because of the Depression - no customers because no one had the cash to order their lumber, and they still had to pay taxes and things.
The Waltons had certain advantages living in the country to keep a step ahead of poverty. Olivia had large garden to provide vegatables. John hunted for game on the mountain. They also harvest fruit from trees that grew on the mountain. They had a flock of hens for eggs and a cow for milk. So in spite of being cash poor they always had enough to eat.

The Waltons had certain advantages living in the country to keep a step ahead of poverty. Olivia had large garden to provide vegatables. John hunted for game on the mountain. They also harvest fruit from trees that grew on the mountain. They had a flock of hens for eggs and a cow for milk. So in spite of being cash poor they always had enough to eat.


Doesn't that seem like a nice way to live? :) So wholesome and simple compared to all the stress and hustle and bustle of modern life! ;)

Doesn't that seem like a nice way to live? :) So wholesome and simple compared to all the stress and hustle and bustle of modern life! ;)

Plus a nice small community where everyone knew and looked out for each other.

Doesn't that seem like a nice way to live? :) So wholesome and simple compared to all the stress and hustle and bustle of modern life! ;)
Sure does!

Plus a nice small community where everyone knew and looked out for each other.
Yes!

If you go back to “The Homecoming”, Olivia sees the Baldwins at Ike’s store, and it’s clear she doesn’t know them well, but knows of them because they live in the community. She also keeps her distance a bit because they make whiskey, which Olivia doesn’t approve of. The Baldwins know John and Grandpa better because they have done work for the Baldwins at times (this is also inferred in the early episodes of the series).

Later on, Livvie and even Grandma soften towards the Baldwins. And when Johnboy gets married, there is a shot of Grandma sitting with the Baldwins at the reception, acting like old friends.