What would you want most out of Mr. Howell's will?

Would you rather have an entire railroad or downtown Denver?

When it comes to characters with endless amounts of wealth, power and success one name comes to mind right away ­­– Thurston Howell III. “The millionaire” tycoon had plenty of irons in the fire before the S.S. Minnow was tossed.

In the season three episode “Where There’s a Will,” Mr. Howell develops a common belly ache, forcing him to stay in bed for a while. So grateful for the castaways’ help while sick, Mr. Howell comes up with a lavish way of thanking them.

He wants to rewrite his will and leave the Howell fortune behind.

Now this isn’t just any will. Mr. Howell leaves properties, businesses and even oil reserves to the gang, all adding up to an unthinkable price tag!

Once the will is distributed to the castaways, Thurston feels better but becomes paranoid that the group is after him to cash-in on his fortune!

Here’s a list of everything on Mr. Howell’s will. Let us know in the comments what portion of the will you would want.

There’s no bad option, as all these items were worth millions, even back when Gilligan’s Island featured new episodes! Be sure to watch some of the series’ best during this week’s Summer of Me Sunday Block Party!

Now, which of the following possessions, businesses or money pits below would you want most?

1. A railroad

 

Imagine overseeing your own railroad! Perhaps more of a burden than a luxury, Mr. Howell’s railroad must be trusted in the right hands. Someone who knows how things work, how to keep a tight schedule and someone who knows how to come up with solutions quick! The Howell railroad can only go to one castaway, and of course it is to be handed to the Professor! This undertaking may not be the most lucrative, as Mrs. Howell reminds Thurston, “you said yourself it loses a million a year!”

2. Diamond mine

 

Next up on the list is a private mine full of diamonds! There’s no telling how much this portion of the will could be worth. Who more fitting to receive her own diamond mine than the “movie star” Ginger Grant herself! Even with her clout, her own diamond mine is reason enough to faint onto the island sand. Mrs. Howell wants everyone to react calmly amid receiving their gifts, but Ginger simply can’t, asking “to a diamond mine!?” It’s a testament to how filthy rich the Howell’s are when Mrs. Howell responds, “especially to the little things.”

3. Crops farm

 

This one goes to “dear sweet little Mary Ann” all because she’s been such a “little gem.” This is a massive farm and has the potential for massive success! We know it’s a substantial undertaking when Mr. Howell throws in a fleet of cars so Mary Ann can travel between crops! We wonder, what determines how many cars are in a Howell fleet?

4. Personal oil well

 

Initially Gilligan was supposed to get the railroad then the diamond mine, but the Howell’s agreed that he would inherit his own oil well instead. Perhaps Gilligan could take the industry to a whole new level, but he has some learning to do before that happens. First, learning to maintain the tower at his own expense. Thurston couldn’t throw in some workers too? Gilligan doesn’t mind, as he reveals he’s already excited to replace a squeaky hinge on his door, restring his tennis racket, and buy a new hockey puck with his eventual inheritance.

5. 40 acres in Colorado

 

Perhaps this one seems a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the will. The Skipper thinks so too, asking “is that all?” Perhaps it’s because, according to Mrs. Howell, he wrecked the boat and stranded everyone on the island to begin with! But of course, that 40 acres becomes a little more desirable to the Skipper when he learns the land makes up downtown Denver! A metropolitan area under your control…. Not too shabby.

SEE MORE: A network executive wanted the castaways to escape Gilligan’s Island after the first episode.

 

Image: The Everett Collection

Creator Sherwood Schwartz knew the island was the star of the show as much as any of the actors. READ MORE.