If you’ve ever seen The Waltons, you know a thing or two about Earl Hamner.

Hamner created the TV show, which aired from 1972–81, and told the stories of a family in rural Virginia struggling and triumphing through life during the Great Depression and World War II. His career ultimately spanned decades in Hollywood and included writing six episodes of The Twilight Zone.

Hamner’s feel-good family stories on The Waltons struck a chord with many viewers. For at least one generation, the Walton family tales were the stuff of childhood TV memories. The show was so relatable because it was also autobiographical. The echoes of his life are also in his work.

Hamner grew up in Schuyler, Va., and went on to attend the University of Richmond. When John-Boy Walton went off to college, he attended Boatwright University — sound familiar? His dean was also modeled after Raymond Pinchbeck, the dean of Richmond College when Hamner was here on campus.

This weekend, 15 members of the cast are gathering in Schuyler to celebrate his legacy and reunite for the 45th anniversary reunion. It’s likely going to be the largest gathering of the cast outside of Los Angeles, and the first reunion since Hamner died last year at 92 after battling cancer.

While Hamner didn’t graduate from Richmond, his time around the lake clearly had a lasting impact on the stories he told. We’re proud of that legacy, and we’re happy to hear the cast is celebrating his life and career in the place that inspired it all.

Good night, John-Boy!