Original subtitles

When I was growing up on Walton's Mountain

in those years of the Great Depression

for me and my brothers and sisters

it was a time of making do with the little there was.

A time of stretching a nickel till it bought a dime's worth.

Often, a time of doing without.

In such times, keeping children in school

was just too much of a strain for many families

but for my father, educating his children

had almost the same importance as feeding and clothing us.

I remember one day when the regular routine

of our school life was threatened.

John-Boy, I've just had some news from home

and my sister in Norfolk, there's been an accident.

I'm sorry.

I've got to get in touch with my brother-in-law by telephone

and I'd appreciate it if you'd take charge of the classroom.

-Well, I'll try to. -Try to keep the students quiet.

You can let them do their homework,

or you can read to them.

-Here's a copy of Tom Sawyer. -Okay.

I just had a long letter from her only yesterday.

Thank you, John-Boy.

-What're you doing up there? -It was Miss Hunter's idea.

I wouldn't be here if it was up to me.

-You're gonna teach the class? -Come on, Jason, please....

Why don't we just have recess until Miss Hunter gets back?

Didn't you hear John-Boy? Recess is over.

-Thank you, Ben. Sit down. -Thank you, Ben.

Come on, sit down.

Maybe we just ought to do our homework.

Quiet!

Let's just do homework.

Come on, now. I don't like this, either.

John-Boy, where did Miss Hunter go?

Well, there was an emergency in her family.

Look, if you want to ask a question,

why don't you just raise your hand?

But John-Boy, I'm your sister.

I know that. I'm just trying to be the teacher.

Come on.

-Lucilla, where are you going? -To sharpen my pencil.

Alright. Come on. That's not fair.

Just sit down, I'll read to you.

Tom Sawyer, alright?

Sit down.

Chapter 29. "The Picnic. Huck on Injun Joe's Track,

"the Revenge Job, Aid for the Widow.

"The first thing Tom heard on Friday morning

"was a glad piece of news.

"Judge Thatcher's family had come back to town

"the night before.

"Both Injun Joe and the treasure

"sank into secondary importance...."

I sure wish I could've seen you teaching school, John-Boy.

He was just the same as at home: bossy.

It was like being big brother to 20 instead of 6.

I don't know how Miss Hunter does it.

It's her training and experience.

She's had plenty of both, and that is why she is so good.

Old man, you know everything about everything.

That's why I am so good after spending

50-odd years of married life with you.

-Not 50 yet. -Seems more like.

Oh, hush.

What did you teach them, John-Boy?

I didn't teach them anything.

Miss Hunter told me to keep them quiet.

-I read to them. -Tom Sawyer.

He stopped at the most exciting part,

where Tom and Becky are lost in the cave.

You'll just have to learn to read in order

to find out what happens next.

-Will Miss Hunter be back? -I don't know.

Elizabeth, what are you doing?

John-Boy said whenever I want to ask him a question,

I have to raise my hand.

Well, school's out. What is it you want?

May I please go to the bathroom?

Yes, you may.

Way I understand it,

Miss Hunter's sister had a bad car accident in Norfolk.

She's gonna pull through alright,

but she'll need nursing for a spell.

Machines will be the death of us all.

People had accidents long before they had motorcars.

Will there come a time when I say something

and you don't contradict me?

-Don't abandon hope. -Oh, stop it.

Miss Hunter feels she has to go to Norfolk

to take care of her sister?

It's not just Miss Hunter's sister, it's....

She's got four nieces and nephews, and the oldest is nine.

Miss Hunter is the closest kin they have.

Who's gonna take care of her class?

John-Boy, looks like you got a full-time job.

I just filled in this afternoon.

I'm going to a special school board meeting tonight.

It won't be easy to find a substitute teacher midterm.

We can't pay much. We'll have to keep Miss Hunter on salary.

Or we go on vacation till Miss Hunter gets back if we have to.

Ben, I think we can come up with a better answer than that.

John-Boy.

-You ought to be asleep. -I'm scared.

Scared? You got nothing to be scared of.

I'm scared for Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher.

I keep thinking of them lost in that cave. Do they get out?

I shouldn't tell you this, but yes, they do get out.

-I won't tell anyone else. -Okay.

-Goodnight, honey. -Goodnight.

-I didn't expect you to be up. -That must've been some meeting.

Sure was. At one point, we were ready to give up.

Take Ben's suggestion and give the kids a vacation.

No substitute teachers around here?

Not one in the county. Not for the money we can pay.

Well, what are we gonna do?

We were just about to give up, then Mrs. Richardson thought

of this woman she heard about in New York

from the school board. The daughter of a famous professor.

We took a chance, made a long distance call.

Mrs. Richardson explained the situation,

and we got a substitute teacher.

-From New York City? -Miss Pollard.

-Coming the day after tomorrow. -Miss Pollard?

-Megan Pollard. -Pretty name.

Smart as a whip. Mrs. Richardson says

she graduated with all kinds of honors.

-How come she's not teaching? -She's been doing some research.

She's young, inexperienced, but I'm sure

she'll fill in well for Miss Hunter.

I'm glad you were able to work it out.

There is one more thing. Since we pay so little,

we decided we ought to offer free room and board.

John.

We got more kids in school than anyone else. Seemed only fair.

John-Boy wouldn't mind--

Sleeping out in the barn temporarily.

That's what I was gonna say.

Ben, what's going on in here?

-I'm going to build a kite. -A kite.

There's gonna be a kite-flying contest. I want to win.

Now, that is an ambitious project.

You know anything about building a kite?

Well, I've got sort of an idea.

Well, now. That's great.

I used to build kites that would put

Benjamin Franklin to shame. Once, when I was no more than

your age, I built me a kite that was so strong

it broke its string and just went winging away.

-That's too bad, Grandpa. -They found her a week later,

clean over in the Shenandoah Valley.

This contest is for the kids in our Sunday school class.

Tell you what, Ben. I will help build you a kite

that will be the finest kite that man has ever made.

How about it? What do you say?

Okay, Grandpa.

Alright, Ben. Now, let's get to work.

Where's your paper?

Hey, Grandma.

There's some mail come for you.

-Big or small? -Big.

-Where? -Right there.

"We regret to inform you that the material you submitted

"for our consideration fails to meet our needs at this time."

That's the best story I've ever written. What's wrong with it?

They didn't say anything was wrong.

They just said it wasn't what they needed.

They never tell you what's wrong with it.

Look, silk is beautiful.

But nobody could sell me silk if I was shopping for gingham.

This is a rejection slip. You know how many of these I have?

I could paper the walls with them.

Good. It'll help against the cold when winter comes.

John-Boy, your father had to help out at the Younger place

so he wants you to go to pick up Miss Pollard.

John Boy, it's getting late.

Yes. Pick up Miss Pollard at the bus stop.

I guess I'll know her when I see her.

She's probably the only passenger getting off the bus.

Shouldn't be difficult.

-Try to work up a smile. -I'm smiling.

Then you'd better tell your face. If she sees that glum look

she'll get right back on that bus and head north.

-What's the matter with him? -Got rejected again.

Oh. Big envelope.

Excuse me, by any chance would you be Miss Pollard?

Not only would be, I am. But not by chance. By design.

I'm John-Boy Walton. I'm sorry I'm late,

I guess our clock at home must be slow.

The bus was early.

I'll just put your things in the back.

-That's heavy. -That's my library.

I'll get it.

I'm sorry.

I believe you. Don't keep saying it.

No, you're sitting on.... Excuse me.

-Do I see a rejection slip? -Yeah, it's a hobby of mine.

-I collect them. -You know why this was rejected?

It says I didn't have what they wanted.

That's editorial jabberwocky. What do you think?

I don't know. I like it. I think it's good.

If you like, I'll read it and try and tell you why it missed.

Have you ever done editorial work?

Yes, ever since college,

I've been devoting my time to editorial work.

Really? You mean short stories and novels and such?

No. My father was an educator of some renown.

We were preparing a collection of his works when he

when he died.

I'm sorry. Do you think maybe we could--

Shouldn't we be getting on?

Certainly. Of course.

I certainly appreciate this opportunity, Mr. Walton.

We feel real lucky having you.

I was looking for a teaching position that'd be a challenge.

-You got one. -I'll show you to your room.

-I already took your luggage up. -Thank you.

She doesn't look like a teacher.

What's a teacher supposed to look like? Miss Hunter?

I can't make up my mind whether she's older trying to look young

or young trying to look older.

-She's young. -That's no crime.

-She's already got her Master's. -Whatever that is.

-She seems stuck-up to me. -I think she's shy.

I don't think she even likes us.

You're jumping to conclusions so fast, you'll be out of breath.

She's helping us out in an emergency.

She's new to us, we're new to her. Give it time.

She reminds me of my first grade teacher.

Everything reminds you of something.

I exercise my memory, old woman. That's what keeps it healthy.

-Your memory and your mouth. -All the better to....

Stop it.

-I hope you'll be comfortable. -Looks just fine.

It gets a little noisy sometimes.

Is that your father?

My late father. He was an educator.

And the rest of your family?

I'm alone. It makes for an uncluttered life.

He travels light who travels alone. You know the saying.

We usually sit down to supper about 6:00.

If it wouldn't be too much bother,

I'd prefer to have something simple here.

Of course. You must be tired after your long bus ride.

I don't want to intrude on your family.

-You wouldn't be intruding. -And I'm a light eater.

-I'll have a tray sent up. -Thank you.

And please, make yourself at home.

-Miss Pollard? -Yes.

I'm Ethel Richardson, member of the school board.

Miss Hunter asked me to stop here on your first morning

-and make you welcome. -Thank you.

She said her grade books and assignment sheets

-are in the top desk drawer. -Thank you, I found them.

I understand your father was a very famous professor.

He was a pioneer in the field of education.

Miss Hunter went on and on about him.

She called him "the teacher's teacher."

And here you are carrying on the family tradition.

I'm trying.

It isn't easy coming into a strange school

and taking over for somebody else.

But a little school like ours is easygoing, friendly.

Well, if there's anything at all I can do to help....

-Thank you. -It's very nice having you.

-Come on. We'll be late. -I'm coming.

What do you want with those weeds?

They're not weeds. They're wildflowers.

I'm going to give them to our new teacher.

Take your seats, please.

Good morning, class. I'm Miss Pollard.

Class!

I'm to be your teacher while Miss Hunter is away.

It isn't easy to change teachers in the middle of a term

but if we do our jobs every day, we should manage very well.

Class!

-You're late. -I'm sorry.

Tardiness is something I can't tolerate.

It shows a self-centered lack of consideration

for your fellow students and your teacher.

-Please take your seat. -The reason we're late is--

We can always find excuses. But they are usually just

a further waste of time. Sit down, please.

Miss Pollard, if you'd let Elizabeth show you

-why they're late-- -I've dealt with that matter.

Take your seat, Elizabeth.

When we were interrupted, I was introducing myself to you.

It's very important to know each other if we're to work together.

I hope you agree.

Erin.

Once when a new boy came to our school Miss Hunter had

each one of us introduce the person behind us to him.

That's Miss Hunter's way and I'm sure it worked well for her.

I have to know each of you in depth, so I have special tests.

Class. Time is very important in these tests

so we'll have to get started immediately.

Erin and John Walton, will you pass these out for me, please?

Please try to be more quiet and concentrate on the test.

Excuse me, Miss Pollard,

but this is when we have our morning recess.

I know the schedule, but time is essential

in my evaluation of this test.

There will be other recesses.

In the Science section, I don't understand what's wanted.

The point of this test is to gauge your comprehension levels.

If there's a question you don't understand, go to the next one.

-Excuse me, maybe I can help-- -Just do your own work.

I think my hand is swollen.

After all those tests, it should be.

She says there'll be more tomorrow.

True-false and multiple-choice tests are so unfair.

The new teacher is A: colder than an icicle

B: talks like a dictionary

C: acts like a smile would crack her face,

D: all of these.

All she knows how to do is give tests.

I wish Miss Hunter would come back.

I don't know why I said that.

We're not being fair to Miss Pollard.

Do you think she's being fair to us?

-Hi. We're starting for home. -I'd only hold you back.

-I like to set my own pace. -Alright, we'll see you later.

-Bye-bye. -See you later.

One, hut, three.

Ready. March. Hut, two, three, four.

Hey, wait. Hold on!

Come on.

Come on. Hurry up.

This way. Watch out for the enemy.

-Who's got the gun? -I got it.

Good going.

Ready? March.

Look at me, Father. Look at me.

See me. See me.

I have a feeling we're wasting our time.

Just keep it real plain.

-Hello? -Hello.

-How did it go? -Quite well.

Good. The first day on any new job is usually the hardest.

Will you have some tea with us?

Well, thank you, but I have some tests to score.

-About dinner. -We're having a treat tonight.

Grandma is making some of her special pork chop gravy.

If you don't mind

I prefer to have a sandwich and a glass of milk in my room.

-Alright. -Thank you.

Well, you can't complain she's underfoot.

What are you doing?

Hold this while I put the paste on.

-Sure, what is it? -A kite.

A kite? Let's see.

This is a pretty funny-looking kite, Ben.

Grandpa says it's the best.

Doubt you'll ever get it off the ground.

I had an idea but Grandpa wanted me to do it his way.

Hey. You want a kite that will really outclass everybody's?

I'll show you how to build it. Get some brown paper.

I'll get wood and make a kite that can go to the moon.

-Jason, I know what I'm doing. -Get the paper.

-Yes? -It's John-Boy, Miss Pollard.

-Hope I'm not interrupting. -No. I could use a break.

Is something wrong?

No, sorry. It's just that you look so different

with your hair like that.

I was wondering if you had a chance to read my story.

-Yes, I've read it. -Well?

Your writing is completely undisciplined.

I don't think I know what you mean.

Literature...

...doesn't come from a jumble of raw emotions.

Good writing has to be detached and objective.

One has to feel that the author is in control.

You see, this story comes from something...

...that really actually did happen between my father and me.

I thought maybe I could share the feelings I had in the story.

There's a trap there.

When you're writing about an intense personal relationship...

you have to be all the more objective.

It's so easy to fall into mawkishness or sentimentality.

-That's what you think I did? -You want my honest reaction?

-Sure. -I was embarrassed.

If you must put down your feelings, use a diary.

But if you're writing for publication

you have to work for balance. Style.

Do you know the essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Somewhat.

Study his essay on intellect.

Paragraph by paragraph, word by word.

Ask yourself why Emerson used one phrase instead of another.

Analyze his rhythms, diagram his sentences

list the figures of speech.

When you thoroughly understand the techniques he used...

...try and write an essay just like his.

I don't know if I can do that.

You asked for help.

True.

Well, I do thank you.

-Mary Ellen Walton. -Here.

Addie Wilson. Absent.

-Lucilla Younger. -Here.

There seem to be an unusual number of absentees today.

To save time, I've made an alphabetical seating chart.

We don't need too many changes.

At recess, Martha Bronson, trade with George Talbot...

...Arthur Hapgood with Jane Porter...

...and Betty Andrews trade with Lucilla Younger.

Miss Pollard.

Yes, Lucy?

Miss Pollard, may I please keep that desk?

I've explained that I want alphabetical seating.

Since your name begins with a "Y", sit at the end of the row.

But Miss Hunter said--

Lucilla, Miss Hunter isn't teaching this class now. I am.

So during recess, you will change your seat.

Yes, John?

Excuse me, ma'am. You see, the reason that Lucilla--

I'm not interested.

I have my own reasons for asking her to change her seat.

-I don't think you understand-- -I've heard enough.

Sorry.

Before we start work

Ben Walton, will you come here, please?

Yes, Miss Pollard?

On the basis of your tests...

...I don't think you're quite ready for sixth-grade work.

Your science test was particularly bad.

I'm never good on written tests when I can just talk.

We have to rely on written tests.

Under the circumstances, I don't think it's fair

to keep you in sixth grade.

I have to be in fifth grade all over again?

I'm afraid so. You can change your desk during recess.

Now, first grade, get out your penmanship books...

...and work on letter "Q."

Second grade, turn to the story on Page 32 of your readers.

You can see for yourself where Ben's test scores lie...

in relationship to the other sixth graders.

I know written tests are important

but surely, class participation counts, too.

My father pioneered these testing procedures.

I worked very closely with him in their development.

I know these aptitude profiles are remarkably accurate.

Under the circumstances, I don't think it's fair...

...to keep Ben in the sixth grade.

What we don't understand is how Ben seemed to be doing so well.

On his last report card, he got mostly B's.

Well, Miss Hunter has her methods. I have mine.

Understand we're not telling you how to teach school.

-We want what's best for Ben. -I do understand that.

But in the classroom, that decision has to be mine.

Could you give him an oral exam over the same material?

Give him a chance to show what he knows in his own way.

I don't see how that'll do any good.

I'm sure Ben will do very well when he applies himself.

Will you excuse me, please?

Who's that?

It's me, Elizabeth. I'm playing "I'm a grownup."

That can be fun sometimes.

It'll make Daddy laugh.

He'll pretend he doesn't recognize me.

What was the name of the queen who helped Columbus?

Lucilla?

Lucilla!

I'm sorry. I didn't hear the question.

You didn't hear it because you weren't paying attention.

-No. The reason-- -I'm not interested in excuses.

After school, you'll write a 100-word theme...

...on the importance of paying attention in class.

Who knows the answer to my question?

-Ben? -Queen Isabella.

Lucilla!

John Walton.

Class!

We'll go on with our history lesson.

Now who can name Columbus' ships?

Well, now, what have we got here?

Thought you'd be working on your kite.

I'm not gonna bother with it. I'll probably just mess it up.

Ben, that doesn't sound like you.

I don't know if I can do anything right.

-Built this kite, didn't you? -Jason showed me how to do it.

I had an idea of my own, but....

Daddy?

Do you think I'm dumb?

I know you've been feeling low lately and I don't blame you...

...but I don't allow dumb people in this family, you understand?

Yes, sir.

Now listen, why don't you just build the kite you got in mind?

Your own way.

You take no advice from anybody.

-You understand? -Thank you, Daddy.

How's it going?

Fine.

There's evidence to the contrary.

Well, I'll work it out.

You know, I might be able to help you

if you can get over being angry at me.

You're surrendering to your emotions again.

Like running out of class without an explanation.

I had a reason.

Would you care to tell me what it is?

No.

There's a theory...

...that we can only understand human relationships...

...when we view them objectively.

-Now, my father's theory-- -Miss Pollard!

Lucilla Younger is not a theory.

She's a little girl who's hard of hearing.

That's why Miss Hunter lets her sit up at the front of class.

She's deaf?

No, she's not deaf. She just doesn't hear very well.

Why didn't she tell me?

She tried to.

So did I.

I see.

Good morning. I just heard about the meeting.

I was wondering if you'd like to talk over the problems with me.

What meeting?

The special meeting of the school board.

I just assumed you'd be invited because--

Since I'm the reason the meeting's being called?

I am so sorry.

I know everything is going to work out just fine.

Miss Pollard get back from school yet?

Not yet.

-What happened at the meeting? -What a mess.

The parents are all real upset.

Half the children are refusing to go to school...

...and the other half are threatening to quit.

Little Lucilla Younger has taken to her bed.

-Was she set back like Ben? -Not in the same way.

-What's going to happen? -I don't know.

All the parents are saying it was a mistake...

...to bring Miss Pollard here. They want me to talk to her.

They want me to bring about some changes.

Mr. Walton, may I speak to you for a minute?

I was hoping to have a talk with you, too, Miss Pollard.

I'm submitting my resignation.

What do you mean you're submitting your resignation?

Effective at once.

I admit we have a problem here, but nothing we can't talk out.

It won't do any good to talk about it.

-My resignation settles it. -No, it doesn't.

Your resignation unsettles everything, Miss Pollard.

We need a teacher here.

We need you.

Half the class doesn't need me. Lucilla Younger doesn't need me.

Your own children don't need me.

I have tried to do my best, it just wasn't good enough.

A lady with your education has a lot to give us here.

Maybe it's a question of you learning how to give it.

Mr. Walton, I didn't want this discussion

but since you started it...

...let's speak plainly. They just don't like me.

Now I have, sometimes, been able to force people to respect me...

...I can sometimes make them a little afraid of me

but I can't make them like me.

You can give them a chance.

Mr. Walton, if I can't be a teacher...

...without winning a popularity contest, I can't teach.

-No one is asking you to win-- -I'll leave in the morning.

-Yes? -It's John-Boy.

-I just came to say thank you. -For what?

Lots of things. For reading my story, trying to help me out...

...for lending me this book. I see it belonged to your father.

He was always quoting Emerson, and Ruskin, and Montaigne.

I'm glad to know that I was able to be of some help to somebody.

I think you taught me something very important.

Emerson and I.

For me, the feelings have to be there first

or I just can't write.

The whole point of my criticism was to guide you away...

-from that reliance on feeling. -I know.

I tried to do what you told me to do.

Concentrate on words, rhythms, and figures of speech...

...and never mind whether there was anything I had to say.

For me, that just doesn't work.

I hardly think you've given it a fair try.

No?

I read my story again. I admit there's things wrong with it.

It's clumsy and awkward in places...

...but it says something true about

the feelings between me and my family.

And I know now that that's what I want my writing to do.

I see.

I don't expect everyone's going to like it, because they won't.

Some people are going to like it...

...and some people are going to be uncomfortable

and embarrassed by it.

Like me.

First, you thank me for helping you...

...then you tell me everything I said and did was wrong.

I just think maybe you helped me in a way that you didn't intend.

It doesn't really matter.

I did read all these essays and I confess...

...that the one I liked the best is the one on self-reliance.

This may be a good time for me to reread that one.

I like that one because he says you have to trust your emotions.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping this family in good health.

And for giving us the strength

to handle the burdens of each day.

And for the blessing of this bountiful food.

-Amen. -Amen.

It's quiet tonight.

Is Miss Pollard really leaving?

She is, honey. Tomorrow morning.

Who'll be our teacher now?

Don't look at me.

She shouldn't go.

Can't you talk to her, Daddy?

I tried to. She won't listen to reason.

Reason has nothing to do with what's happening to her.

She's up in her room, crying. I heard her.

Miss Pollard?

Miss Pollard?

I'm resting.

Miss Pollard, I'd like to talk to you.

Megan, open this door at once.

I didn't want anyone to see me.

Because you've been crying?

It's so childish, weak.

We all feel childish and weak sometimes.

-But adults mustn't show it. -Why not?

Why not?

Because intelligent people are strong and self-reliant.

And never depend on anyone...

...for support, comfort?

Love?

If you don't depend on anyone....

You never get hurt.

Megan, how old are you?

I'm 24.

And tonight, I feel younger than Elizabeth.

You've accomplished a great deal for someone so young.

I worked very hard to get through the university.

I always managed to get good marks.

Your father must have been very proud of you.

I think I did it all for him.

I wanted to please him more than anything...

...and we never really talked.

He couldn't communicate.

He couldn't express emotion.

I think I needed....

I think if he had just once....

Megan...

...listen.

I like you.

We all like you.

Or we could, if you'd risk letting us.

When the Lord gave human beings two arms...

...it wasn't to keep other human beings at a safe distance.

Trust your feelings, Megan.

Try.

Try.

Come on.

Megan?

Come on.

Well?

Erin, scooch down. Mary Ellen, get a plate and some silverware.

-Get a glass, too. -Hurry up.

-Are you sure there's room? -Make a little more room.

Plenty of room. Come on down. Right over here.

-Right here. -Pass the chicken.

Here are some peas.

Got some fresh green onions right out of the garden.

-Good morning, class. -Good morning.

When you start in a race...

...and you fall down the first step you take

what can you do about it?

You can either lie there and feel sorry for yourself...

...or crawl away and quit...

...or jump up and start over again.

What would you do? Ben?

I'd start over.

Well, that's what I want to do with you.

But I need your help.

We have to pretend that this is the first day.

Can we do that?

Alright.

That means Lucilla, you're in the front row.

Ben, you're in sixth grade.

Everyone trade back the way you were.

Now, let's get to know each other

and I don't mean more tests.

Who'd like to introduce someone?

Elizabeth.

This is Miss Pollard.

She's our teacher while Miss Hunter is away.

She comes from New York.

She doesn't smile as much as Miss Hunter...

...but maybe after she gets to know us she will.

Hurry up everyone.

All the kites will be up before we get there.

Where's Ben?

He's gone to fetch the championship kite...

...I showed him how to build.

I gave him the special benefit of my know-how.

-Here, Grandpa. -And there it is now.

What do you know? Isn't it a beauty?

-Where you going? -I'll be right back.

What's he doing?

He's got another kite.

Here's your kite, Jason.

Looks like he's had the benefit of more than one expert advice.

Yeah. He just didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Don't tell me there's more.

-I made this one all by myself. -Well, what do you know?

I'm telling you, skill is in the blood.

What are we waiting for? Let's go.

All aboard!

Ben's own personal kite won second prize that day.

The other three Waltons finished,as they say

"Out of the money"...

...but nobody cared.

In due time, Miss Hunter came back.

And although everybody was glad to see her...

...there were tears shed at the thought of losing Miss Pollard.

We had learned to know and to love her.

We were all the richer for the time

she had spent with us.

I still have that collection of Emerson's essays on my desk.

Whenever I open its pages...

...I'm carried back to those Depression years

on Walton's Mountain...

...and the sound of those voices of the past.

-Mama? -Yes, Elizabeth.

Do I have to wait to be 21 before I'm grown-up?

Well, that depends.

Some girls grow up sooner, some later.

Will you tell me when I'm a grownup?

I won't have to tell you, honey. When it happens, you'll know.

-Goodnight, Mama. -Goodnight, Elizabeth.