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Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou, on “The Andy Griffith Show” shakes hands with Bruce Frye who came with his 7-year-old daughter Calli at the Surry Arts Council Friday.
Lindsey, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., was unable to attend the unveiling, but asked fellow Nashvillian Jim Clark, “Head Goober” of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club, to provide a Goober-esque presence at the ceremony.
Lindsey last visited Mount Airy 10 years ago for the 40th anniversary of “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Nancy Malone, president of the Surry Arts Council’s board of directors, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Mount Airy City Manager Barbara Jones.
“We are very grateful for this donation from George Lindsey. When he visited Mount Airy in 2000, he received a key to the city and is an honorary citizen of Mount Airy,” said Jones.
Before unveiling what was inside a glass case to those gathered in the museum, Clark said a few words on Lindsey’s behalf.
“George is real excited about the items having a home here. He is honored that Mount Airy wanted it. He also wanted me to tell you that, ‘Goober says hey,’” which gained a huge laugh from the crowd.
Clark and longtime friend of Griffith’s, Emmett Forrest, unveiled a suit worn by Jim Lindsey on “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Return to Mayberry,” and for personal appearances.
“There’s a lot of history to this suit. The shoes, he picked out special to go with the suit. The shirt came later, it was probably more from the ‘The Return to Mayberry’ era. The tie is one that he probably wore on “Hee Haw” more than any other show. He thought it went particularly well with the suit,” said Clark.
Also in the exhibit is a picture of Lindsey wearing the suit on the set with Ron Howard while filming “The Return to Mayberry.”
“George was real proud of this suit and he wore it frequently. He’s just delighted that it has a new home here in the Andy Griffith Museum,” said Clark.
Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry Arts Council, was pleased with the turn-out for the event and to have received the donation from Lindsey.
“We are hugely excited. It’s fitting that we are now able to honor him on the 50th anniversary of the show. We had to do this early because of the logistics. Now we will have this in place for Mayberry Days for all the fans and he is also donating another very special item to be unveiled during Mayberry Days,” said Jones.
Bruce Frye, who appeared with Griffith on “Matlock,” came to the unveiling with his 7-year-old daughter Calli. Frye said his daughter watches the reruns on TV Land religiously. They came up for the event a day early from Carthage to tour the city. The Fryes met Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show and got an autographed photo.
“It was a thrill to meet her,” said Frye.
Mark Grimes came to Mount Airy from Washington, D.C., to meet up with his parents, Jim and Pat Grimes, who came in from Cookeville, Tenn. specifically for the event. Grimes’ 2-year-old daughter is already a fan of the show. The Grimes’ planned to eat at Snappy Lunch and take a squad car tour before returning home.
Peggy Padgett of Charlotte drove up for the event with her boyfriend. Friday was her first visit to Mount Airy and she was excited to see all of the tourist attractions.
Robin Ray of Pilot Mountain came with her husband Mark to the event. She is a huge fan of the show and wanted to be there for the unveiling.
Lindsey’s donation comes less than a month before Mount Airy’s 21st annual Mayberry Days festival, Sept. 23-26. Tens of thousands of Mayberry fans, and at least 10 actors from “The Andy Griffith Show,” are expected for this year’s festival. Organizers predict it will be the largest yet, especially since Oct. 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic show.
For information about the unveiling, museum or Mayberry Days, call the Surry Arts Council at 786-7998 or go to www.andygriffithmuseum.com.
Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.
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