Will Geer as Grandpa is seen slapping the radio, saying he's trying to get "Charlie and Eddie," a reference to the ventriloquist,
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy radio program. Edgar Bergen played the role of Grandpa in THE HOMECOMING, the 1971 TV Movie that introduced the Walton family and that spawned The Waltons series. Will Geer then took over Edgar Bergen's role as Grandpa for the series, after this special introduction, as the show debuted.
In the opening scene, John-Boy recites part of "Where Are You Going My Pretty Maid?", an old English nursery rhyme dating back to the Tudor period.
Ralph Waite was very conscious that his character was a poor working man, which is why in this episode his wardrobe is often stained and dirty and his hair unkempt.