Wvu libraries receive additional knotts memorabilia

October 10, 2008

The Daily Athenaeum, October 9, 2008 By Katlin Stinespring West Virginia University students can now experience more of Don Knotts’ background beyond Barney Fife, his character on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Knotts’ widow, Francey Yarborough-Knotts, is fulfilling his wishes to donate various belongings and memorabilia to his alma mater. “Throughout his life, (Knotts) maintained pretty close ties to Morgantown and always considered himself a West Virginian and a fan of WVU. (Yarborough-Knotts) is following through on his behalf,” said John Cuthbert, curator of the West Virginia and Regional History Collection. Yarborough-Knotts’ donations include photographs, personal letters, stories and jokes, articles and brochures, promotional materials, and programs from different plays Knotts starred in around the country. She also donated his personal scripts from his guest star role on the classic television show “Matlock.” In addition to various memorabilia and scripts currently on display in the WVRHC, many of which represent his days on “The Andy Griffith Show,” these new items will be added later in the fall. “Most people are not aware that he constantly traveled and did theatre performances around the country. It shows a side to Don Knotts’ career that people are not familiar with. He is only known for his Barney Fife character,” Cuthbert said. One unique item is a gold watch given to Knotts by Andy Griffith when he left the show. The number five is engraved at the top and below the words, “See, we thought we’d put 5 on it because you’ve been here 5 years.” This was intended to be written as if Griffith’s character Andy Taylor was speaking directly to Knotts as Fife. This latest donation is the third of similar gifts donated to the WVU Libraries. ...

Written by LibWorm: Academic Libraries · Filed Under Library News

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