I really don't have a true answer as to where Opie's name came from, but after putting my bucket on, I may throw some light on it. Or at least a shadow, what with using a 40 watt bulb... While watching Dennis the Menace (DTM) a few years back, Dub Taylor played a TV repairman by the name of "Opie" Swanson. The episode aired in Feb.1960. TAGS premiered in Oct.1960. I'd have to dig out my TAGS books but probably some of the folks that worked on DTM also worked on TAGS. Hence the unusual name of Opie was borrowed from one show to the other. Dub Taylor appeared at least twice on TAGS. He played the Postmaster that fought with Barney over Wanted Posters, and he played the Preacher who married Charlene and Dud in "Mountain Wedding". As a note, Ron Howard appeared on 4 episodes of DTM before taking on the role of Opie. Snowing here in Indiana. Good day to go watch my TAGS videos! Brenda Jo (aka Mayberry's Party Girl)
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