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. The ...

'' (1960–1968) and ''

Mayberry R.F.D. ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' (abbreviation for Rural Free Delivery) is an American television series produced as a spin-off continuation of ''The Andy Griffith Show''. When star Andy Griffith decided to leave his series, most of the supporting character ...

'' (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 ''Return to Mayberry'' is a 1986 American made-for-television romantic comedy film based on the 1960s sitcoms ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and '' Mayberry R.F.D.''. The film premiered on April 13, 1986, on NBC, and was the highest- rated televis ...

''. 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 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 The George Foster Peabody Awards (or simply Peabody Awards or the Peabodys) program ...

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 ...

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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 his ...

'', 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 Moonshine is high-proof liquor that is usually produced illegally. The name was derived from a tradition of creating the alcohol during the nighttime, thereby avoiding detection. In the first decades of the 21st century, commercial dist ...

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 Alberta Nelson (August 14, 1937 – April 29, 2006) was an American television and film actress. After several dramatic parts in television in the early 1960s, she made five guest appearances on ''The Andy Griffith Show''. Early years 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 '' B ...

), 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 descent. He is most famous for his recurring role of Teo Gonzales the innkeeper in Walt Disney's Spanish Western series ''Zorro'' and its feature film ''The ...

), 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 Jackie Joseph (born November 7, 1933) is an American actress and writer. She is best known for her role as Jackie Parker on ''The Doris Day Show'' (1971–1973) and Audrey in '' The Little Shop of Horrors'' (1960), as well as a supporting role i ...

), 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 Charles Lampkin (1913–1989) was an American actor, musician and lecturer. Early life Charles Lampkin was born on March 17, 1913 in Ward 4 of Montgomery, Alabama. He was the third son of Edgar Lampkin and Sarah Bidell. His paternal lineage is ...

), friend of Sam Jones (RFD) *

Ernest T. Bass Ernest T. Bass is a fictional character on the American TV sitcom '' The Andy Griffith Show''. He was played by Howard Morris. As with many of the show's characters, Morris had worked previously with other members of the cast and crew. He had wo ...

(

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 Cae ...

), 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 William Joseph Schallert (July 6, 1922 – May 8, 2016) was an American character actor who appeared in dozens of television shows and films over a career spanning more than 60 years. He is known for his roles on ''Richard Diamond, Private ...

), farmer and Korea War veteran who Barney suspects of growing marijuana * Tom Bedlow (

Sam Edwards Sam George Edwards (May 26, 1915 – July 28, 2004) was an American actor. His most famous role on television was as banker Bill Anderson on ''Little House on the Prairie''.D.S.S. Form 1 Military Draft Registration Card completed on October 16, ...

), local citizen who tried out for the barbershop quartet * Mrs. Beggs (

Virginia Sale Virginia Sale (May 20, 1899 – August 23, 1992) was an American character actress whose career spanned six decades, during most of which she played older women, even when she was in her twenties. Over the 46 years she was active as an actr ...

), local citizen * Dr. Bennett (

George Selk George Selk (May 15, 1893 – January 22, 1967) was an American film and television actor. He was known for playing the role of stableman Moss Grimmick in the American western television series '' Gunsmoke'' from 1955 to 1963. Selk portrayed G ...

), 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 Lillian Rumsey Bronson (October 21, 1902 - August 2, 1995) was an American character actress. She performed in more than 80 films and 100 television productions. Biography Bronson was born in Lockport, New York, the daughter of a carriage build ...

) 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 Hortense "Claudia" Bryar (née Rizley; May 18, 1918 – June 16, 2011) was an American actress. She is best known for portraying Emma Spool in the film '' Psycho II'' (1983). Early years Bryar was one of seven children of Ruby Elaine (née Seal ...

), 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 Cheerio Meredith (born Edwina Lucille Hoffmann; July 12, 1890 – December 25, 1964) was an American character actress. She was described in a 1963 newspaper article as having "a face like a wrinkled rosebud." Early life Meredith was born ...

), serial jaywalker and hypochondriac * Asa Breeney ( Charles P. Thompson), security guard * George Bricker (

Doodles Weaver Winstead Sheffield Glenndenning Dixon "Doodles" Weaver (May 11, 1911 – January 17, 1983) was an American character actor, comedian, and musician. Born into a wealthy West Coast family, Weaver began his career in radio. In the late 1930s, he p ...

), 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 opp ...

), manicurist who came to Mayberry in search of a friendly town * Karen Burgess (Ronda Jeter), Opie's classmate and girlfriend *

Otis Campbell Otis Campbell is the fictional "town drunk" in Mayberry on the American TV sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show.'' Otis was played by Hal Smith and made frequent appearances on the show from 1960 to 1967 but stopped appearing toward the end of the se ...

( 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 Morgan Brittany (née Suzanne Cupito) is an American actress born in Los Angeles. She is known for her role as Katherine Wentworth, the scheming younger half-sister of Pamela Ewing and Cliff Barnes, on the prime-time soap opera ''Dallas''. Care ...

), Opie's first love * Emmett Clark (

Paul Hartman Paul Hartman (March 1, 1904 – October 2, 1973) was an American dancer, stage performer and television actor. Early years Born in San Francisco, California, Hartman was the son of Ferris Hartman, who was sometimes called the "Ziegfeld of ...

), fix-it shop owner * Martha Clark (Mary Lansing), wife of Emmett Clark * Miss Clark (

Luana Anders Luana Anders (born Luana Margo Anderson, May 12, 1938 – July 21, 1996) was an American film and television actress and screenwriter. Career Anders began her career with supporting roles for American International Pictures. Some of the early fi ...

), 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 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 Byrd ...

on guitar, Eric White on bass, and

Roland White Roland Joseph White (né LeBlanc; April 23, 1938 – April 1, 2022) was an American bluegrass music artist, performing principally on the mandolin. Biography White was born in Madawaska, Maine, on April 23, 1938, as Roland Joseph LeBlanc, and ...

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 Susanna Josephine Lloyd (May 28, 1940 – September 30, 2020), credited professionally as Josie Lloyd, was an American actress. She was the daughter of Norman Lloyd and Peggy Lloyd, who was also an accomplished Broadway actress and director. L ...

), 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 Helen Crump is a fictional dramatic character on the American television program ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960–1968). Helen made her debut in the third-season episode "Andy Discovers America" (1963). Helen was a schoolteacher and became ma ...

( Aneta Corsaut),

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 the ...

transplant, Opie's teacher, and Andy's girlfriend (later appearing as his wife in ''

'') *

The Darlings ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

(

Denver Pyle Denver Dell Pyle (May 11, 1920 – December 25, 1997) was an American film and television actor and director. He was well known for a number of TV roles from the 1960s through the 1980s, including his portrayal of Briscoe Darling Jr. in se ...

Briscoe Darling Jr. Briscoe may refer to: Placenames * Briscoe, Missouri * Briscoe, Texas, USA * Briscoe, West Virginia, USA * Briscoe County, Texas * Briscoe, Cumbria, England Other * Briscoe (automotive company), defunct American automobile manufacturer * Brisc ...

Maggie Peterson Margaret Ann Peterson (January 10, 1941 – May 15, 2022) was an American actress and singer. She was best known for playing Charlene Darling on ''The Andy Griffith Show''. She also played the character of Doris in the episode "A Girl for Goob ...

as Charlene Darling, and

The Dillards The Dillards are an American bluegrass and country rock band from Salem, Missouri. The band is best known for introducing bluegrass music into the popular mainstream with their appearance as "The Darlings" on ''The Andy Griffith Show''. Band ...

as the Darling Boys), hillbilly family that plays bluegrass music with Andy in several episodes * Sharon DeSpain (

Peggy McCay Margaret Ann "Peggy" McCay (November 3, 1927 – October 7, 2018) was an American actress whose career began in 1949, and includes theatre, television, soap operas, and feature films. McCay may be best known for originating the roles of Vanessa ...

), 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 Clara Edwards (originally Bertha Edwards, Bertha Johnson and then Clara Johnson) is a fictional character on the American television sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960 – 1968). Clara was portrayed by actress Hope Summers. Summers appe ...

(

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, Illinois ...

), Aunt Bee's best friend (also called Clara Johnson or Bertha Edwards in early episodes) * Ella (

Ann Morgan Guilbert Ann Morgan Guilbert (October 16, 1928 – June 14, 2016), sometimes credited as Ann Guilbert, was an American television and film actress and comedian who portrayed a number of roles from the 1950s on, most notably as Millie Helper in 61 episode ...

), 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 John Francis Burns (November 15, 1933 – January 27, 2020) was an American comedian, actor, voice actor, writer, and producer. During the 1960s, he was part of two comedy partnerships, first with George Carlin and later with Avery Schreiber. ...

Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...

transplant and replacement deputy even more inept than Fife *

Barney Fife Bernard "Barney" Fife is a fictional character in the American television program ''The Andy Griffith Show'', portrayed by comic actor Don Knotts. Barney Fife is a deputy sheriff in the slow-paced, sleepy southern community of Mayberry, North C ...

( Don Knotts), 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 Frank S. Ferguson (December 25, 1906 – September 12, 1978) was an American character actor with hundreds of appearances in both film and television. Background Ferguson was the younger of two children of W. Thomas Ferguson, a native Scottish ...

), proprietor of Foley's Grocery * Jubal Foster (

Everett Sloane Everett H. Sloane (October 1, 1909 – August 6, 1965) was an American character actor who worked in radio, theatre, films, and television. Early life Sloane was born in Manhattan on October 1, 1909, to Nathaniel I. Sloane and Rose (Gers ...

), 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 The Fun Girls ("Daphne and Skippy") are fictional recurring characters on ''The Andy Griffith Show'', an American TV sitcom from the 1960s. Overview "The Fun Girls" (sardonically nicknamed by Thelma Lou) were a pair of fun-loving women: the gi ...

(

Joyce Jameson Joyce Jameson (born Joyce Beverly Kingsley; September 26, 1932 – January 16, 1987) was an American actress, known for many television roles, including recurring guest appearances as Skippy, one of the "fun girls" in the 1960s television seri ...

as Skippy and

Jean Carson Jean Leete Carson (February 28, 1923 – November 2, 2005) was an American stage, film and television actress best known for her work on the classic 1960s sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' as one of the " fun girls". Early life Carson was bor ...

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 Leon Ames (born Harry L. Wycoff;U.S. Federal Census for 1910 for Fowler, Center Township, Benton County, State of Indiana, access via Ancestry.com January 20, 1902 – October 12, 1993) was an American film and television actor. He is best rememb ...

), principal at Mayberry Union High School * Ralph Hanes (

Don Haggerty Don Haggerty (July 3, 1914 – August 19, 1988) was an American actor of film and television. Early life and education Before he began appearing in films in 1947, Haggerty was a Brown University athlete and served in the United States Army f ...

), former classmate of Barney and Andy's who attended the "Class Reunion" * Harold Grigsby (

Kelly Thordsen Kelly Thordsen, born Sherman Jess Thordsen (January 19, 1917 – January 23, 1978) was an American film and television actor. Life and career Thordsen was born in Deadwood, South Dakota. He served in the United States Navy during World War II ...

), 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 Woodrow Lewis Chambliss (October 14, 1914 in Bowie, Texas – January 8, 1981 in Ojai, California) was an American character actor who appeared in both feature films and television. He is probably best known for his appearances as several chara ...

), butter and egg man from Mount Pilot * Hilda Mae ( Florence MacMichael), Barney's girlfriend in season one (replaced by Thelma Lou) * George Hollander (

Sandy Kenyon Sandy Kenyon (born Sanford Klein; August 5, 1922 – February 20, 2010) was an American actor of film and television. He appeared as a guest actor on numerous television series, including a recurring role on ''The Americans''. He was also the orig ...

), high school history teacher * Martha Hollister (Kay Stewart), wife of Rafe Hollister * Rafe Hollister (Jack Prince), local farmer and moonshiner * Cy Hudgins (

Forrest Lewis Raymond Forrest Lewis (November 5, 1899 – June 2, 1977) was an American actor of the theater, radio, motion pictures and television. Early years Lewis was born in Knightstown, Indiana, the son of Joseph Saint Lewis and Myla Leota Lewi ...

), local farmer who owns a goat named Jimmy that eats almost anything * Millie Hutchins (

Arlene Golonka Arlene Leanore Golonka (January 23, 1936 – May 31, 2021) was an American actress. She is perhaps best known for playing Millie Hutchins on the television comedy ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and Millie Swanson on ''Mayberry R.F.D.'', and often ...

), girlfriend of Sam Jones * Jason ( Phil Chambers), 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 performanc ...

), printer's apprentice * Mike Jones (

Buddy Foster Lucius Fisher "Buddy" Foster IV (born July 12, 1957) is an American former child actor. Beginning his professional acting career at the age of eight, Foster is known for his roles in various television series throughout the late 1960s and early 1 ...

), 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 ''

'' * Tillie Kincaid (Maxine Semon), friend of Clara Edwards and Aunt Bee * Edna Larch (

Maudie Prickett Maudie Prickett (born Maudie Marie Doyle; October 25, 1914 – April 14, 1976) was an American character actress who performed in over 300 stage, film, and television productions during a career that spanned nearly four decades. Death In ...

), local citizen seen in four episodes *

Floyd Lawson Floyd Lawson (Floyd the Barber) is a fictional character on the American sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show.'' Floyd was primarily portrayed by actor Howard McNear. Character overview Floyd the Barber was the slow-paced, somewhat absent-minded ba ...

(

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 ...

), 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 as ...

), toddler in a cowboy outfit who wanders the streets of Mayberry * Clara Lindsey (

Mary Treen Mary Treen (born Mary Louise Summers, March 27, 1907 – July 20, 1989) was an American film and television actress. A minor actress for much of her career, she managed to secure a plain, unassuming niche for herself in the Hollywood of the ...

), wife of Sam Lindsey * Jim Lindsey (

James Best Jewel Franklin Guy (July 26, 1926 – April 6, 2015), known professionally as James Best, was an American television, film, stage, and voice actor, as well as a writer, director, acting coach, artist, college professor, and musician. Duri ...

), talented guitarist who joins Bobby Fleet and His Band with a Beat * Sam Lindsey (

), husband of Clara Lindsey * Flora Malherbe (

), 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 Karl Swenson (July 23, 1908 – October 8, 1978) was an American theatre, radio, film, and television actor. Early in his career, he was credited as Peter Wayne.

), 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 Joanna Moore (born Dorothy Joanne Cook, November 10, 1934 – November 22, 1997) was an American film and television actress, who, between 1956 and 1976, appeared in 17 feature films and guest-starred in nearly a hundred television series episod ...

), 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 Sterling Price Holloway Jr. (January 4, 1905 – November 22, 1992) was an American actor and voice actor who appeared in over 100 films and 40 television shows. He did voice acting for The Walt Disney Company, playing Mr. Stork in ''Dumbo'', Ad ...

), peddler * Orville Monroe (

Jonathan Hole Jonathan Hole (August 13, 1904 – February 11, 1998) was an American actor whose entertainment career covered five genres over 50 years. From his early days on the vaudeville stage and in legitimate theater, through radio, television and featu ...

), 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 (

), 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), elderly resident evicted for not paying taxes * Mavis Neff (

Elaine Joyce Elaine Joyce (born Elaine Joyce Pinchot) is an American actress. Early life and education Elaine Joyce Pinchot was born in Cleveland, Ohio, of Hungarian ancestry, the daughter of Iliclina (née Nagy) and Frank Pinchot. Career She made her fil ...

), employee at Walker's Drugstore who went on a date with Andy * Charlie O'Malley (

Willis Bouchey Willis Ben Bouchey (May 24, 1907 – September 27, 1977) was an American character actor who appeared in almost 150 films and television shows. He was born in Vernon, Michigan, but raised by his mother and stepfather in Washington state. ...

), wealthy resident who also owns a cabin outside of town * Mrs. Pendleton (

Ruth McDevitt Ruth Thane McDevitt ( Shoecraft; September 13, 1895 – May 27, 1976) was an American film, stage, radio, and television actress. Career The daughter of John Barnabas Shoecraft and Elizabeth Imber Shoecraft, McDevitt was born in Coldwater, Mich ...

), 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 William Christopher (October 20, 1932 December 31, 2016) was an American actor and comedian, best known for playing Private Lester Hummel on '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' from 1965 to 1968 and Father John Mulcahy on the television series '' M*A*S ...

), physician who replaced the retiring Dr. Bennett * Whitey Porter (Joey Scott), friend of Opie * Josephine Pike (

), 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 Gomer Pyle is a fictional character played by Jim Nabors and introduced in the middle of the third season of ''The Andy Griffith Show''. A naïve and gentle auto mechanic, he became a character in the January 1963 episode, ''Man in a Hurry''. ...

(

Jim Nabors James Thurston Nabors (June 12, 1930 – November 30, 2017) was an American actor, singer, and comedian, widely known for his signature character, Gomer Pyle. Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a Santa Monica, California, Sa ...

), 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. ''Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.''The show (and CBS) renders the title as ''Gomer Pyle – USMC''. is an American situation comedy that originally aired on CBS from September 25, 1964, to May 2, 1969. The series was a spin-off of ''The Andy Griffith Sho ...

'') *

Goober Pyle Goober Pyle is a fictional character in the American TV sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' and its sequel series '' Mayberry RFD''. He was played by George Lindsey. Lindsey first read for the part of Gomer Pyle, Goober's cousin, which went to ac ...

(

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 ( Charles P. Thompson), local physician * Mrs. Rodenbach (Mary Lansing), local citizen seen in three episodes * Rose (

), Andy's housekeeper who got married and moved away, replaced by Aunt Bee * Rosemary (

Rachel Ames Rachel Kay Foulger (born November 2, 1929), known professionally as Rachel Ames, is an American film and television actress. The daughter of actors Byron Foulger and Dorothy Adams, she was raised in Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California ...

), 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 William Lanteau (born William Lanctot) (November 17, 1922 - November 3, 1993) was an American character actor. Among his best known roles are Charlie the mail carrier in '' On Golden Pond'' and mayor Chester Wanamaker in ''Newhart''. Life and ca ...

), 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 Lurene Tuttle (August 29, 1907 – May 28, 1986) was an American actress and acting coach, who made the transition from vaudeville to radio, and later films and television. Her most enduring impact was as one of network radio's more versatile a ...

), local do-gooder and wife of Tom Silby * Tom Silby (

Stuart Erwin Stuart Erwin (February 14, 1903 – December 21, 1967) was an American actor of stage, film, and television. Early years Erwin was born in Squaw Valley, Fresno County, California. He attended Porterville High School and the University of ...

), 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 Julie Adams (born Betty May Adams; October 17, 1926 – February 3, 2019) was an American actress, billed as Julia Adams toward the beginning of her career, primarily known for her numerous television guest roles. She starred in a number of ...

, Sue Ane Langdon), county nurse * Rube Sloane (Thom Carney), moonshiner who was ratted out by the Morrison sisters *

Howard Sprague Howard Sprague is a fictional character on the CBS television sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'', and its spin-off ''Mayberry R.F.D.''. He was played by Jack Dodson from 1966-71. He was characterized by his milquetoast demeanor, moustache, bow t ...

(

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 h ...

), county clerk * Mrs. Sprague (

Mabel Albertson Mabel Ida Albertson (July 24, 1901 – September 28, 1982) was an American actress of television, stage, radio and film who portrayed Phyllis Stephens in the TV sitcom ''Bewitched''. Early years Mabel Ida Albertson was born on July 24, 1901, in ...

), overbearing mother of Howard Sprague * Fred Stevens (Pat Coghlan), owner of Sterling Jewelry Store * Roy Stoner (

Parley Baer Parley Edward Baer (August 5, 1914 – November 22, 2002) was an American actor in radio and later in television and film. Despite dozens of appearances in television series and theatrical films, he remains best known as the original "Cheste ...

), mayor of Mayberry for three seasons (1962–64), replacing Mayor Pike * Henrietta Swanson (

Elvia Allman Elvia Beatrice Allman (September 19, 1904 – March 6, 1992) was an American actress in Hollywood films and television programs for over 50 years. She is best remembered for her semi-regular roles on ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' and ''Petticoat J ...

), local citizen whose daughter, Darlene, wants to enter "The Beauty Contest" * Millie Swanson (

), bakery clerk and girlfriend of Sam Jones (RFD) * Billy Ray Talbot (

Dub Taylor Walter Clarence "Dub" Taylor Jr. (February 26, 1907 – October 3, 1994),Dub Taylor, 87, Actor in Westerns, The New York Times, October 5, 1994, Section B, Page 12 was an American character actor who from the 1940s into the 1990s worked extens ...

), postmaster * Cyrus Tankersley ( George Cisar), local citizen * Andy Taylor (

), sheriff and widowed father * Beatrice Taylor (

Frances Bavier Frances Elizabeth Bavier (December 14, 1902 – December 6, 1989) was an American stage and television actress. Originally from New York theatre, she worked in film and television from the 1950s until the 1970s. She is best known for her role o ...

), Andy's aunt and housekeeper, known as Aunt Bee *

Opie Taylor Opie Taylor is a fictional character played by Ron Howard in the American television program '' The Andy Griffith Show'', which was televised on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968. Opie Taylor appeared in 209 of the 249 episodes of '' ...

( Ronny Howard), son of Andy *

Thelma Lou Thelma Lou, or Thel by boyfriend Barney Fife, is a character on the American television sitcom ''The Andy Griffith Show'' (1960-1968). The character appeared in 26 episodes, starting with the first-season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Thelma Lou was po ...

( 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 Charles Dennis Holmes (born October 3, 1950) is an American film and television actor. He is known for playing Mike Williams in the American western television series '' Laramie''. Life and career Holmes was born in Encino, California. Betwee ...

), friend of Opie * Rev. Hobart M. Tucker (

William Keene William Joseph Keene (August 4, 1915 – May 23, 1992) was an American radio and television actor who appeared on several popular television shows more than one separate occasion as a different character. Career He appeared in shows more tha ...

), Pastor of the All Souls Church * Myra Tucker (

Amzie Strickland Amzie Ellen Strickland (January 10, 1919 – July 5, 2006) was an American character actress who began in radio, made some 650 television appearances, had roles in two dozen films, appeared in numerous television movies, and also worked in T ...

), local citizen seen in two episodes * Farley Upchurch (

Frank Cady Frank Randolph Cady (September 8, 1915 – June 8, 2012) was an American actor best known for his role as storekeeper Sam Drucker in three American television series during the 1960s – ''Petticoat Junction'', '' Green Acres'', and ...

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 Elinor Donahue (born Mary Eleanor Donahue, April 19, 1937) is an American actress, best known today for playing the role of Betty Anderson, the eldest child of Jim and Margaret Anderson on the 1950s American sitcom ''Father Knows Best''. Early ...

), pharmacist and one-time love interest of Andy * Fred Walker (

Harry Antrim Harry Antrim (August 27, 1884 – January 18, 1967) was an American stage, film and television actor. Biography Antrim was born on August 27, 1884, in Chicago, Illinois. By 1906, he was working in vaudeville. During the early 1930s, he moved to ...

), proprietor of Walker's Drug Store; uncle of Ellis Walker * Gilly Walker (

Larry Hovis Larry Hovis (February 20, 1936 – September 9, 2003) was an American singer and actor best known for the 1960s television sitcom '' Hogan's Heroes''. Early life and career Hovis was born in Wapato, Washington, and moved to Houston, Texas, as a ...

), high-strung friend of Goober Pyle * Wally (Norman Leavitt,

Trevor Bardette Trevor Bardette (born Terva Gaston Hubbard; November 19, 1902 – November 28, 1977) was an American film and television actor. Among many other roles in his long and prolific career, Bardette appeared in several episodes of '' Adventures of S ...

, 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 Robert Osbourne Denver (January 9, 1935 – September 2, 2005) was an American comedic actor who portrayed Gilligan on the 1964–1967 television series ''Gilligan's Island'', and beatnik Maynard G. Krebs on the 1959–1963 series ''The Ma ...

), 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 Taliaferro Ware "Tol" Avery (August 28, 1915 – August 27, 1973) was an American film and television character actor with more than a hundred screen appearances between 1950 and 1974. Biography Early in his career, Avery appeared as "Dennison ...

, Jason Johnson), flint-hearted proprietor of Weaver's Department Store and local landlord * Mary Wiggins (Joy Ellison), classmate of Opie * Mrs. Wiley (

Doris Packer Doris Packer (May 30, 1904 – March 31, 1979) was an American actress, possibly best known for her recurring role as Mrs. Cornelia Rayburn, Theodore Cleaver's elementary school principal in the television series, '' Leave It to Beaver''. ...

), 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 Ronald L. Dapo (born May 8, 1952) is an American film and television actor. He is known for playing Flip Rose in the American sitcom television series '' Room for One More''. Life and career Dapo was born in Plattsburgh, New York. At the age ...

), friend of Opie

Archetypal small town

Real-life models

Many assume Mayberry was loosely based on Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, 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 Micropolitan St ...

, 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 Raleigh (; ) is the capital city of the state of North Carolina and the seat of Wake County in the United States. It is the second-most populous city in North Carolina, after Charlotte. Raleigh is the tenth-most populous city in the Southeas ...

—which was also often called "Capital City" – Siler City,

Greensboro Greensboro (; formerly Greensborough) is a city in and the county seat of Guilford County, North Carolina, United States. It is the List of municipalities in North Carolina, third-most populous city in North Carolina after Charlotte, North Car ...

Winston-Salem Winston-Salem is a city and the county seat of Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States. In the 2020 census, the population was 249,545, making it the second-largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad region, the 5th most populous city in N ...

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,

Elm City Elm City is a town in Wilson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,298 in 2010. History The Elm City Municipal Historic District, W. H. Langley House, and Webb-Barron-Wells House were listed on the National Register of His ...

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 Toast most commonly refers to: * Toast (food), bread browned with dry heat * Toast (honor), a ritual in which a drink is taken Toast may also refer to: Places * Toast, North Carolina, a census-designated place in the United States Books * '' ...

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. Stokes 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 is located in eastern North Carolina. In episode 17 "Alcohol And Old Lace" while looking for moonshine stills, Barney suggests looking into

Fancy Gap, Virginia Fancy Gap is a census-designated place (CDP) in Carroll County, Virginia. The population was 237 at the 2010 census. Geography Fancy Gap is located at (36.669884, −80.700892). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total are ...

, 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 Morehead City is a port town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 8,661 at the 2010 census. Morehead City celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding on May 5, 2007. It forms part of the Crystal Coast. Hist ...

. 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 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 the S ...

are in North Carolina. In episode 3 "The Guitar Player" played by

, who later played

Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane Rosco Purvis Coltrane is a fictional sheriff character who appeared in the 1975 film '' Moonrunners'', which inspired the creation of the American TV series '' The Dukes of Hazzard'' (and related spin-off films). In ''Moonrunners'', he was played b ...

on ''

The Dukes of Hazzard ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' is an American action comedy TV series that was aired on CBS from January 26, 1979 to February 8, 1985. The show aired for 147 episodes spanning seven seasons. It was consistently among the top-rated television series ...

,'' Best's character Jim Lindsey buys his guitar picks in

, 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 f ...

'' and was the setting for ''

'', ''

Mayberry RFD ''Mayberry R.F.D.'' (abbreviation for Rural Free Delivery) is an American television series produced as a spin-off continuation of ''The Andy Griffith Show''. When star Andy Griffith decided to leave his series, most of the supporting character ...

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

Eponymous real life community

Mayberry is the name of a real community in

Patrick County Patrick County is a county located on the central southern border of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,608. Its county seat is Stuart. It is located within both the rolling hills and valleys of the Pi ...

, 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 WGHP (channel 8) is a television station licensed to High Point, North Carolina, United States, serving the Piedmont Triad region as an affiliate of the Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox network. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group, and main ...

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 A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, usually mounted to the outside of a building or occasionally inside but separate from the main areas of the building. It provides a method of escape in the event of a fire or other emergency th ...

. 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 (

and

, 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

, 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 (

), 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

Gomer Gomer ( he, ''Gōmer'', ; el, Γαμὲρ, translit=Gamér) was the eldest son of Japheth (and of the Japhetic line), and father of Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah, according to the "Table of Nations" in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 10). The epo ...

and

. 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 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 ...

. Stokes County is a real county next to Surry County where Andy Griffith was born and raised.

Franklin Canyon Park Franklin Canyon Park is a public municipal park located near Benedict Canyon, at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in Los Angeles, California. The park comprises 605 acres (245 ha), and is located near the geographical center of ...

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 cousi ...

titled " Mayberry", 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 Furay ...

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 ''High-Tech Redneck'' is an album by American country music singer George Jones. It was released in 1993 on the MCA Nashville Records label and went Gold Album, Gold in 1994. Recording By 1993, Jones had recorded two critically acclaimed albums ...

" 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 Marc Cherry, Cherry Productions. It aired for eight seasons on American Broadcasting Company, ABC from Octobe ...

, Doug refers to

Wisteria Lane Wisteria Lane is the name of a fictional street at the center of U.S. television drama series ''Desperate Housewives''. ''Desperate Housewives'' storylines primarily center on the residents of the street. The set for Wisteria Lane is located insid ...

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