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(The following Letter to the Editor appeared in the New Castle Courier-Times. Their website can be found at www.thecouriertimes.com.)
Former coach says community made Mayberry a championship experience
Posted July 25, 2002
As Barney Fife would say, "Mayberry in the Midwest was BIG!" It was a lot like "Mayberry Goes Hollywood" (Episode #13) when Hollywood producers came to Mayberry to make a movie. It was a kind of like when the $7,000,000 gold shipment passed through Mayberry on it's way to Fort Knox (Episode #102). It even compared to the huge summit meeting between the ambassadors of the United States and Russia that was being held in Mayberry (episode #240). Yes. "Mayberry in the Midwest" was definitely "BIG!"
I wanted to let everyone know how much the "Mayberry in the Midwest" reunion cast thoroughly enjoyed this past weekend. Conversations throughout the weekend and telephone calls this week with a number of the stars have proven to be very flattering to New Castle and Henry County. From the beautiful scenery of "Raintree County" to the genuine kindness and hospitality that was displayed by all, the characters of Mayberry were truly impressed.
As a life-long resident of New Castle, it sure was fun and exciting to see a community come together and display such tremendous teamwork and spirit. It was definitely a team effort of many outstanding people and organizations that turned this past weekend into one of the most memorable events in recent history for our community. As an old coach I always had a goal of winning a state championship. I want everyone in New Castle and Henry County to know that on July 19th and 20th we won a state - excuse me - "WORLD" Championship in hospitality, enthusiasm and goodwill to all! A sincere Thank You to everyone who helped to make "Mayberry in the Midwest" a reality.
Curt Bell
New Castle
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