Mayberry 101

“Now here at the Rock we have two rules. . . . Rule number one: obey all rules.”

Mayberry Deputy Barney Fife

For many, Mayberry was the quintessential small town. With its doily-decorated jailhouse, gun-totin’ Deputy Barney Fife, and guitar-strumming Sheriff Andy Taylor, Mayberry gave us a snapshot of idyllic small town life. Granted, the town was make-believe, but 50 years later some people still can’t get enough. That’s true of Neal Brower. He wrote the book Mayberry 101, teaches a college-level course about The Andy Griffith Show, and conducts a lecture series on the 60s sitcom. The lectures are offered in Mount Airy, North Carolina (population 8,583), aka Mayberry. Mr. Brower’s lecture this month focused on episode 11, “The Christmas Story,” the only Christmas show The Andy Griffith Show ever did. Mayberry fans watched the episode and afterward were treated to behind-the scenes tales and trivia from Mr. Brower. Next up: “Big Fish in a Small Town.” Sounds like a fun class about a fondly remembered classic.

Read more → Mondee Tilley, Locals take in Mayberry ‘Christmas’ story, Mount Airy News, December 11, 2011.