I thought I would tell you all that I live in Independence, Mo. Birthplace and boyhood home of Paul Henning. I did some research of the Henning story last year and found out some cool facts! I found the address of the old Henning residence and found that it was a vacant lot with steps in the grass in front. However, listening to an interview with Paul from the 90's, he told how he got the idea Of Granny on TBHB making her lye soap. His mother made it in their backyard. Yep, the same backyard right here in Indep.! He also told how he incorporated family and friends into the show. His sister, Drucilla was one of Elly's chickens. His brother-in-law, Petey (married to Drucilla) was mentioned in an episode where Granny put in an order to the "pharmacy" back home. She said "Hello, Petey? This is Granny."
Also, after the show's pilot was shot, Paul brought it back to Independence on 16 millimeter film to show to his mother, family and friends. He showed it to them before it went out to CBS. The house where is mother lived and they gathered is just about two or three blocks from me!
When the show was through shooting in SDC, the cast slipped into Indep. to visit with Petey and Drucilla. That house is also a couple of blocks away too! So not only do I live in Quantrill central, but I live in Henning central too! I could do a Henning tour of Independence!
Paul's mother, father, two sisters (including Drucilla), brother and brother-in-law, Petey are all buried around the corner from me in Woodlawn Cemetery!
We love to hike in the Paul and Ruth Henning Conservation Area off Hwy 76 just a few miles from SDC.
I'm in Indep right now visiting family. Up til I moved to Springfield last summer, I lived in Indep for 16 years. Never even thought of looking for Henning sites!
I did attend William Chrisman High School, which is where Paul went.