The Ring, The Waltons, Tuesday Flashback Feature

This is part of my Tuesday Flashback Feature. We reminisce about classic TV shows usually from the 1950s-1970s where gemstones or pieces of jewelry featured prominently in the storylines.

The Waltons

The Ring

Oct. 17, 1974

"Sometimes when we were children all the love and attention we got at home just wasn't enough. For each of us there came a time when something from the outside was needed to give us a sense of self-confidence. It was a need of this kind that got my sister." -- Earl Hamner's introduction

Nuriye Purple Amethyst
and Sterling Silver Ring

Mary Ellen Walton (Judy Norton-Taylor) is excited about going to her first college dance. She has a date with a friend of her brother, John Boy's. She buys a second-hand evening bag to go with her dress. 

After she gets it home, Mary Ellen finds a pretty and valuable amethyst ring inside the purse. She decides to wear the ring to the dance. She and Erin (Mary McDonough) keep the finding of the ring a secret.

Mary Ellen loses the when she takes it off to wash her hands in the rest room at the dance. She doesn't realize it's lost until she gets home.

Later, Mrs. Breckenridge (Adrienne Marden), the previous owner of the bag, comes over asking about the missing ring. It turns out that the ring has a lot of

Purple Antique
Beaded Rose Evening Purse
Clutch Handbag w/ Chain

sentimental value for her.

Mary Ellen, John Boy and his date go back to retrieve the ring. The college gym, where the dance was held is locked up. One of the girls must crawl in the window to the rest room to get the ring. Leaving the building, they're discovered!

Mary Ellen brings the ring back to its rightful owner, Mrs. Breckenridge and is sorry for what she did.

"Our lives are measured not by birthdays but by the events that fall between them. Mary Ellen's first grown-up dance was a landmark in her passage from girlhood into the beautiful and engaging young woman she was to become.

"Yet, for a while in her dresser drawer, a reminder of the cocoon from which she had emerged, there remained a beat-up and much treasured old baseball glove, which she eventually passed on to her brothers." Earl Hamner's closing

Dahlia Women's Elegant Flower Wool Cloche Bucket Slouch Hat
Love that you can style this easily and that it comes in different colors

The series, The Waltons: Complete, Seasons 1-9 can be yours in a boxed set just right for gift giving. Single seasons are available available as well. Check your library and TV schedule for this episode.

Each Tuesday, we'll feature a different show, often a US sitcom. Information, including spoiler plot outlines come from various sources. Particularly when the episode hasn't been recently viewed personally, information will be as accurate as possible.When available, a show photo will be included.

I'm always interested to hear your memories. In the interest of supporting fellow artists, I'll be featuring a few shops where the pieces tie into the general theme of the featured story.

My first Tuesday Flashback Feature was about The Ring-a-Ding Girl, an episode of The Twilight Zone. Earl Hamner wrote that episode and there's a short quote from him on that page..

If you're getting ready for a dance and want to be dolled up like Mary Ellen, Etsy is a good place for you to shop. Let your uniqueness shine through. Please note: vintage and art objects on Etsy may be sold out, shops may no longer be open.

Recreate that vintage look with a few items added to your own wardrobe.

Would you wear the Ivory White Vintage Rose Cardigan Sweater? (right) Sourpuss Clothing makes vintage inspired looks in different colors and styles. They get very good customer ratings and are fun for any age.

Even the 1940s Vintage Bullet Bra in your choice of color. Want to be a very authentic Sweater Girl or pinup?

Sterling Silver Large Cabochon Purple Contemporary
Amethyst Gemstone Ring, February Birthstone

Finally, if you're longing for a little memento of the family, the 1975 Little Golden book The Waltons and the Birthday Present.

.... "Good night, Mary Ellen."

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Waltons image from The-waltons.com