Pokenberry Falls

Pokenberry Falls

Fictional City

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First Appeared

#340: “Pokenberry Falls, R.F.D., Part 1”

Last Appeared

#386: “It's a Pokenberry Christmas, Part 2”

Description

Pokenberry Falls is the town in which the Barclay family currently resides and pastors. According to some of the town's residents, it has a very humdrum and 'all used up' feel to it. Nevertheless, the Barclays have managed to love and appreciate the inherent beauty of both the town and its denizens... despite the numerous quirks of both.

History

Pokenberry Falls is a small, fictional town located in the New England region of the United States, near the real-world city of Rupert. Once a thriving resort destination, Pokenberry Falls gained regional popularity due to the prestigious Lionel Hotel and its scenic setting amid the mountains. Historically, the town served as a getaway for wealthy visitors who enjoyed golf in the summer and skiing in the winter. At its peak, the Lionel Hotel was considered "world famous in New England" and served as a centerpiece of the town’s economy and identity.

However, in more recent years, the town has experienced a gradual economic and social decline. Many once-bustling storefronts have been shuttered, and the local economy has become heavily reliant on a plastics factory that manufactures components like computer keyboard parts. The original Pokenberry Falls—once a true waterfall—was replaced by industrial runoff from the factory, leading to local disillusionment about the town’s identity and future.

Despite these challenges, Pokenberry Falls has retained a close-knit community spirit. Central to this is the First Church of Pokenberry Falls, a historic stone building over 200 years old that serves both as a place of worship and the chapel for the nearby Pokenberry Falls College. The church plays a pivotal role in the community, though it has struggled with dwindling attendance and financial hardship.

Barry Lionel, an influential businessman, owns much of the town’s infrastructure.

Pokenberry Falls is characterized by its juxtaposition of faded grandeur and enduring hope. While much of its former prosperity has diminished, it remains a town of deep personal connections, resilience, and quiet faith.

Episode Appearances

• #340: “Pokenberry Falls, R.F.D., Part 1”
• #341: “Pokenberry Falls, R.F.D., Part 2”
• #364: “Home, Sweet Home” (mentioned)
• #385: “It's a Pokenberry Christmas, Part 1”
• #386: “It's a Pokenberry Christmas, Part 2”
• #536: “Living in the Gray, Part 2” (mentioned)
• #638: “The Triangled Web, Part 1”(mentioned)
• A Visit to Pokenberry Falls (Comic)
• The First Great Adventure of the Summer (Comic) (mentioned)

Residents

• George Barclay
• Mary Barclay
• Donna Barclay
• Jimmy Barclay
• Stewart Reed Barclay
• Derek Barkley
• Barry Lionel
• Ellis Birch
• Vivian Birch
• Owen Birch
• Amy Birch
• Mr. Welch
• Heidi Horrawitz
• Travis Gitt
• Officer Ward Bond
• Pokenberry Falls Librarian
• Bob (Coffee Shop Owner]]

Known Businesses and Organizations

• First Church of Pokenberry Falls - A small, historic Protestant church located in Pokenberry Falls. It serves as the central spiritual hub of the town. George Barclay is the full-time pastor. The church is over 200 years old and has faced significant financial struggles, including dwindling attendance and structural issues like a leaky roof and crumbling bell tower.

• The Falls Café - A cozy local café frequented by townspeople. Meg, the owner and cook, is a central community figure and known for her warmth and hospitality. The café hosts community events and even informal counseling sessions.

• Lionel Resort and Golf Course - Once the pride of Pokenberry Falls, this luxurious resort was built by Barry Lionel's grandfather. It includes a golf course and other amenities, and Barry Lionel still owns much of the land in town. The resort symbolizes the town’s more prosperous past as a vacation destination.

• Plastics Factory - The primary employer in Pokenberry Falls, this unnamed plastics factory produces items like keyboard parts. It has largely replaced the town’s former reliance on tourism. The factory's waste output now flows where the actual Pokenberry Falls once did, highlighting the town’s decline.

• Pokenberry Falls Library (Implied) - It's implied through community activities and George Barclay's search for historical church records that the town contains some form of library or historical archive. However, this is only indirectly referenced.

• Unnamed Coffee Shop (Owned by Bob) - A local coffee shop owned by a man named Bob. He seeks to use his business as a platform to share the Gospel and offers live music to attract patrons. He invites Derek Barkley (Donna’s fiancé) to become a business partner and musician there.