SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => Construction/Rumors => Topic started by: BackInTime on August 19, 2014, 08:55:49 PM

Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: BackInTime on August 19, 2014, 08:55:49 PM
[ADMIN EDIT: I've Split this topic off from the main future projects discussion since it follows a specific tangent - Shave]

It's been hashed and re-hashed a thousand times on this site. Does anyone even remotely close to being "in-the-know" have any reason to believe that the PTB see any value in taking a year to re-invest in updating and improving any of SDC's classic attractions. I think the majority of those who frequent this forum would be in favor of seeing AP, FITH and FM receive some legitimate love in terms of updating and theming to really bring these back to life. Just wonder how realistic it is that this will ever happen, versus simply leaving them be and keeping them up with routine maintenance, or allowing them to run their course until they fall victim to "progress" like so may other beloved SDC attractions.

Just wondering if anyone has any real insight on this subject.  
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Swoosh on August 19, 2014, 09:26:40 PM
I think after the "experiment" that Ouimet did with allocating funds to redo the classic rides at KBF and the larger ROI that those two refreshed attractions produced, the PTB have taken notice. 

They're going to have to do something soon with FITH.  The amount of work it needs is way past cosmetic. 
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Hollwood on August 19, 2014, 09:36:09 PM
The reality comes down to three little words... Return On Investment. If the company thinks the money invested will turn a profit, then it is seriously considered. Is their money in refurbishing old attractions? Parks like knotts berry farms thought so with their flume ride and mine train. More parks are leaning toward giving old attractions new life like with the RMC makeovers. Do I personally believe there is money for SDC's old attractions? No. I believe we will see AP taken out first, followed by FM then eventually FITH. The phenomenon you are seeing is called divestment in the business world. Get everything you can out of an asset, without spending money on it, and then scrap it. As soon as AP needs a channel or lift hill rehab, it will be deemed a wate of money. When FM channel leaks (like Dollywood's) then they will not repair it. And when FITH's building no longer meets code because every piece of support beam has rotted due to the trains dripping water all over them, it too will be closed.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Coaster on August 19, 2014, 10:10:46 PM
I would be absolutely heartbroken if FITH is ever taken out. That was my first "big" ride. Oh man, that would be rough on me and a lot of us.

American Plunge on the other hand, I could live with it being replaced with a bigger and better log flume type attraction. It's already a shell of its former self, so recreating it or renovating it into something better would be fine with me. I realize it's a long shot from happening, but I will continue to dream. I want SDC to be how it was when I was growing up. They didn't cut corners back then, why should this be acceptable now?
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: shavethewhales on August 19, 2014, 10:18:15 PM
Odd that you say 2015 will be a low cap year Swoosh. I know there are some recycled pieces, but are they not spending $8 million at the end of the day? That's at least a medium capital year, bordering on "large" classification as far as I've seen. I just speculating based on patterns here, but you have to go back to 2007 for the last time they spent big two years in a row on capital improvements (correct me if I'm wrong).

They're going to have to do something soon with FITH.  The amount of work it needs is way past cosmetic.  

This is also something I've been thinking about for awhile now. There are some inescapable engineering issues to overcome with FITH that will have to be addressed at some point in one way or another. I knew when Blazing Fury was messed with that the days were being numbered. All you have to do is start letting them get a little shabby, maybe take away a couple of the things that made them special, then people forget why they were so magical and nostalgic and eventually look forward to their replacement. Plus, in any case, a bumpy ride has no fans - just a fact of life in this industry.
Now someone with a heart for what makes SDC special would look to retrofit/expand/rebuild the attraction to capture what made it special utilizing newly available technology, but a soulless corporate entity would demolish it to the pad, build a cheap new shell, fill it with gimmicks (guns and targets anyone), re-do the theme to be PC (no more baldknobbers), and put a little statue in front to honor whatever service people they're onto now in a heartless attempt to make the whole thing seem more special than it is. I don't want to rag too much on SDC's leadership, I've lauded them a lot recently for how they handled FL, but I'm pessimistic that they can mess with FITH and still maintain the Ozarkan spirit that made it come alive. I mean, I'm still pissed they took out Hobo Junction.  

Hollywood, I agree with your basic premise about ROI, but realize that this site probably wouldn't exist without the allure of SDC's classic attractions, and the classic custom SDC rides are very much a part of that. Most of what's being built now is making the place into an upper class theme park, but I have always argued that the really creative and custom stuff like FITH and FM made the place better than any other theme park. I know I'm not the only one who's had this sentiment, and deep down I know a lot of SDC's patrons feel it too if you read into their comments a little. There's got to be a lot of money to be made in the classics, because they have all the elements that turned SDC from a roadside attraction to what it is today. On the other hand, there's a whole chain of parks that took the pure ROI approach: Six Flags, and they've just come out of bankruptcy and are headed straight back.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: t-n-t on August 20, 2014, 10:33:08 AM
I wish they would bring back For the Glory as well, it was a great show with a great cast.  As a Civil War nut, I enjoyed hearing about a LOCAL battles' effect on the LOCAL area.  There's too much out East information but not much for around here so it was great to see them highlight that.  Great show.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: runner1960 on August 20, 2014, 11:27:44 AM
Since as Swoosh pointed out this is a low investment year maybe a major new attraction is in the works. Personally I would like to see another new coaster. I know a lot of people want a wing rider, but for me just a straight out old fashioned woodie, but we know that is not going to happen.
As for some of the other concerns about classic attractions. SDC has probably let some of these things go to the point that it is not feesable to rehab or improve upon. This is sad. parks operate in this manner. Disney dropped Mr. Toad for Pooh. Snow Whites scary adventures was shuttered when the refurbishment of Fantasyland was announced. Dumbo was totally rebuilt. I am not one who sits on nostalgia so maybe the best bet is to remember them and hopefully when they are replaced it is done with something awesome. Which brings me to why I am dissapointed in FL. The concept is great and it looks like a lot of thought went into it, but if SDC is just going to become a park with traveling carnival style attractions then they have lost me. Most of the things that were announced could be packed up on a truck and moved from town to town. Hopefully the theming and interactive features will offset this.

So what I really hope is that whatever we get is well thought out and highly themed. They can do this because they have in the past. Coaster, New dark ride, I do not care just blow me away with it.

As for shows, I really do not care if they bring back anything from the past. I have seen them and ready to move on to something new. Give me a new high production show and I will be happy.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: chittlins on August 20, 2014, 01:42:29 PM
Since as Swoosh pointed out this is a low investment year maybe a major new attraction is in the works. Personally I would like to see another new coaster. I know a lot of people want a wing rider, but for me just a straight out old fashioned woodie, but we know that is not going to happen.
As for some of the other concerns about classic attractions. SDC has probably let some of these things go to the point that it is not feesable to rehab or improve upon. This is sad. parks operate in this manner. Disney dropped Mr. Toad for Pooh. Snow Whites scary adventures was shuttered when the refurbishment of Fantasyland was announced. Dumbo was totally rebuilt. I am not one who sits on nostalgia so maybe the best bet is to remember them and hopefully when they are replaced it is done with something awesome. Which brings me to why I am dissapointed in FL. The concept is great and it looks like a lot of thought went into it, but if SDC is just going to become a park with traveling carnival style attractions then they have lost me. Most of the things that were announced could be packed up on a truck and moved from town to town. Hopefully the theming and interactive features will offset this.

So what I really hope is that whatever we get is well thought out and highly themed. They can do this because they have in the past. Coaster, New dark ride, I do not care just blow me away with it.

As for shows, I really do not care if they bring back anything from the past. I have seen them and ready to move on to something new. Give me a new high production show and I will be happy.

Yeah, well, I lament the loss of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea but I'm sure the kids will love the new Snow White coaster in Feb.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: History Buff on August 20, 2014, 05:21:01 PM
My problem with some of this thinking is this:

Fire in the Hole IS the theme of SDC.  Its story is the foundation upon which the rest of the park was built.  Forget that it came years later.  Its story is central and cannot be lost without losing the theme of it all.  Though we miss the diving bell, it was a made up tale - an eccentric idea to begin with, but not a pivotal part of the park.  None of the other attractions, shows, shows, or characters is built upon the major premise of Silver Dollar City.  Lose it, and you have lost the battle for any real theming for the future.  If you believe, as I do, that FL and GE are just window dressing, disguising modern rides, then the only thing that holds it all together is Fire in the Hole.  Lose it, and any future additions will easily slip away from real theming and into this whole idea that any off-the-shelf ride can be stuck in there as long as it has an old-timey name.  I can certainly appreciate the efforts that have been taken to stay close to the theme with newer additions, but that effort will have been in vain if FitH is ever scrapped.  I don't care if FitH has to be completely gutted and rebuilt with more modern technology, if that's what it takes then it must happen for the sake of the INTEGRITY of Silver Dollar City. 
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Injun Joe on August 20, 2014, 05:35:41 PM
American Plunge, FITH, and FM(TGS) are basically the holy trinity with GM being another integral piece of the puzzle.  I'm  pretty much against anything other than complete from the bottom up restorations of these historic attractions with the exception of GM which I understand may face unique hurdles due to regulatory issues.  The character (and if possible, the location) of it is what needs to be saved in toto.

That said, unless they demolish the entire front half of the park, I'll still be there.

Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: chittlins on August 20, 2014, 05:56:11 PM
As I have said many times and once again doing, I love the storyline of FITH and never wish to see it changed but the ride system, prop tech and dark finale can be completely redone in my book. It's a perfect match for a floor drop coaster when you reach the bridge and it would collapse, allowing the train to drop straight down into a dark launch finale with  a couple of bursts of airtime and the classic light and FIRE IN THE HOLE on the last drop. Seems I ride it as often at OTC and don't really miss the water but would still love a water effect at the end.

I'd  just as soon see a new flume like that I posted from Europe with backwards sections. The only thing I'd miss from the current ride is the whirlpool scene which has been grossly neglected. Again, I'd love to see a bobsled type coaster that shared much the same footprint that intermingled with the flume including the chance splash as it crosses one of the splash zones and shared the same prop theming. Maybe a flume with side by side seating for increase capacity cause that sucker can back up.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: History Buff on August 20, 2014, 06:08:40 PM
My point is that even FM, GM, and AP are not integral to the storyline of SDC.  Marmaros is.  I don't want any of that "holy trinity" to leave, but with FitH IS the story, while the others only contribute to it.

With the direction of this conversation, perhaps we were not quite ready for this thread, Shave.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Hollwood on August 20, 2014, 09:15:15 PM
It's been hashed and re-hashed a thousand times on this site. Does anyone even remotely close to being "in-the-know" have any reason to believe that the PTB see any value in taking a year to re-invest in updating and improving any of SDC's classic attractions. I think the majority of those who frequent this forum would be in favor of seeing AP, FITH and FM receive some legitimate love in terms of updating and theming to really bring these back to life. Just wonder how realistic it is that this will ever happen, versus simply leaving them be and keeping them up with routine maintenance, or allowing them to run their course until they fall victim to "progress" like so may other beloved SDC attractions.

Just wondering if anyone has any real insight on this subject. 

A serious question was asked, so a serious answer was given.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Injun Joe on August 21, 2014, 03:51:03 AM
My point is that even FM, GM, and AP are not integral to the storyline of SDC.  Marmaros is.  I don't want any of that "holy trinity" to leave, but with FitH IS the story, while the others only contribute to it.

With the direction of this conversation, perhaps we were not quite ready for this thread, Shave.

I understand that FitH has the most exciting story and that it is based in actual history, but I'm a little bit confused as to how it "IS" the story.  Is Silver Dollar City itself supposed to be the town that grew out of the ashes of Marmaros?  Or is it a representation of Marmaros had the cave been full of more bat s#`+ and maybe some real marble or silver to boot?  OK maybe I do see your point, but I still wouldn't mess with these 3+1.  Leave well enough alone, I say. There's plenty of room to expand.  As to the original question, it seems like my best bet would be a FE clone or a year off (say less than 3 or 4m), but that's just my outsider's read.
Title: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: clancomyn on August 21, 2014, 07:25:54 AM
My point is that even FM, GM, and AP are not integral to the storyline of SDC.  Marmaros is.  I don't want any of that "holy trinity" to leave, but with FitH IS the story, while the others only contribute to it.

With the direction of this conversation, perhaps we were not quite ready for this thread, Shave.

I understand that FitH has the most exciting story and that it is based in actual history, but I'm a little bit confused as to how it "IS" the story.  Is Silver Dollar City itself supposed to be the town that grew out of the ashes of Marmaros?  Or is it a representation of Marmaros had the cave been full of more bat s#`+ and maybe some real marble or silver to boot?  OK maybe I do see your point, but I still wouldn't mess with these 3+1.  Leave well enough alone, I say. There's plenty of room to expand.  As to the original question, it seems like my best bet would be a FE clone or a year off (say less than 3 or 4m), but that's just my outsider's read.


A very good question; To my knowledge, the Taney County Bald Knobbers were never associated with the cave, and they were never known to wear the iconic masks as depicted on the ride. In general, the Taney County group's reputation was not as besmirched as the Christian County organization. I'm not aware of a Stone County Chapter, but vigilante groups were common in SW MO; Greene County had a group known as "The Regulators" immediately after the Civil War, but it was relatively short-lived.

Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: shavethewhales on August 21, 2014, 08:40:02 AM
I should know more about this by now, but I have heard SDC referred to as supposed the rebuilding of Marmaros, which legend says was burned down by Baldknobbers (after it had already essentially been abandoned though). A lot of older SDC signage was big on referring to Marmaros. I think it's something that the PTB have let slip in favor of being more generic.


Also, there's this from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cave
Quote
According to Silver Dollar City park legend, a local group of vigilantes who later turned into outlaws called the Bald Knobbers were known for throwing people through the sinkhole into Devil's Den around the mid 19th century. Though it's likely that roving Bushwhackers and outlaws would've undoubtedly chosen to dispose of their victims through this sinkhole, the Bald Knobbers did not form until 1883 (starting-up in neighboring Taney County), were replaced by an unofficial chapter in 1886 within nearby Christian County, with unofficial chapters in other counties (including Stone County where the cave is located) later than that.

However, though there is no written evidence to substantiate it, it's possible that Stone County's unofficial Bald Knobbers used the cave for various uses sometime in 1889, between the time the mining operations ceased and late October of that year when it was purchased for sightseeing tours.


and on the same page:

Quote
Marmaros (Greek for Marble) was a small town that formed along with the Marble Cave Mining and Manufacturing Company in 1884. It was originally called Marble City. It was located on the rough hilltop near the cave and recorded a plat map at the courthouse in Galena, Missouri. Marmaros contained a hotel, general store, pottery shop, white oak furniture factory, and was rumored to have a saloon. The town turned into a ghost town in 1889 after the Marble Cave Mining, Co. closed. When the Lynches bought the cave, the town was burned to the ground by the local group of vigilantes known as the Bald Knobbers.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: clancomyn on August 21, 2014, 08:49:17 AM
I should know more about this by now, but I have heard SDC referred to as supposed the rebuilding of Marmaros, which legend says was burned down by Baldknobbers (after it had already essentially been abandoned though). A lot of older SDC signage was big on referring to Marmaros. I think it's something that the PTB have let slip in favor of being more generic.


Also, there's this from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cave
Quote
According to Silver Dollar City park legend, a local group of vigilantes who later turned into outlaws called the Bald Knobbers were known for throwing people through the sinkhole into Devil's Den around the mid 19th century. Though it's likely that roving Bushwhackers and outlaws would've undoubtedly chosen to dispose of their victims through this sinkhole, the Bald Knobbers did not form until 1883 (starting-up in neighboring Taney County), were replaced by an unofficial chapter in 1886 within nearby Christian County, with unofficial chapters in other counties (including Stone County where the cave is located) later than that.

However, though there is no written evidence to substantiate it, it's possible that Stone County's unofficial Bald Knobbers used the cave for various uses sometime in 1889, between the time the mining operations ceased and late October of that year when it was purchased for sightseeing tours.


and on the same page:

Quote
Marmaros (Greek for Marble) was a small town that formed along with the Marble Cave Mining and Manufacturing Company in 1884. It was originally called Marble City. It was located on the rough hilltop near the cave and recorded a plat map at the courthouse in Galena, Missouri. Marmaros contained a hotel, general store, pottery shop, white oak furniture factory, and was rumored to have a saloon. The town turned into a ghost town in 1889 after the Marble Cave Mining, Co. closed. When the Lynches bought the cave, the town was burned to the ground by the local group of vigilantes known as the Bald Knobbers.

Interesting, because the hanging of the Christian County Bald Knobbers on the courthouse square in Ozark occurred in 1889; the Taney County Chapter had disbanded several years before. Of course, local legend frequently assigns such acts to others; witness how many towns in the South were destroyed by General Sherman, or how many beds General Washington slept in.  ;)

Given the nature of the two chapters, it's quite probable that the Bald Knobber name and legacy were taken by almost any group wanting to use it to their own ends.

It's still a great story, and like so many other legends, there is an element of truth. Truth be told, I've always wanted to bring the Bald Knobber mask my friend and I had made for our storytelling program years ago to SDC and put it on right before the car emerges from the last drop in FITH.  ;D
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: runner1960 on August 21, 2014, 11:46:13 AM
With FITH basically being a shell of its former self and in bad need of repair I would prefer to see it completely torn Down if the structure is in as bad shape as some other posters have eluded to. With that said a complete rebuild in the same location. Just think what they could do with today's 3d/4d technology. Keep the storyline the same but just enhance the experience.

I just wonder how the flooded mine structure is holding up? A wet humid environment is not good for anything, but it seems to be ok. Just think what they could do with water screen technology and today's animatronics. Take away the shoot out and give it a great storyline.

AP just start over with a mountain type flume similar to splash. It would take tons of capital to do this though. Not sure if HFE has deep enough pockets for something of this caliber. If not a good flume through the woods would be great.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: MoOzark on August 21, 2014, 12:14:11 PM
I find this discussion quite interesting because I am currently writing a history of the Marvel Cave area of Stone County, Missouri. It is sort of a history of the area before it was Silver Dollar City. One goal I have for this book is to track down the origins of the folk tales and determine if they are based on any actual history. I am finding that many of the stories do have a basis in fact but have been twisted with the retelling. It seems that everyone who writes the history only researches what others have recently written. Like whispering a story in the ear of one person who in turn whispers into the ear of another, the story is continually changing.

Part of the problem with these stories is that it is often HARD to determine what the REAL STORY is. It is difficult to separate the myth from history. The reason for this is often the lack of documentation. Not many towns in SW Missouri had a newspaper in the 1880s. One that did was Galena. However, no issues of the newspaper from that era have survived to this day. With great persistence I have been able to find a few gems of history in some very rare books and an occasional newspaper article in an out of town newspaper.

The story of the man thrown into the cave by the Bald Knobbers is based on fact, but the real story is a bit different. The incident had nothing to do with the Bald Knobbers and was before the Bald Knobber era. It happened in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. An accused bushwhacker is said to have been thrown into the Devil’s Den (now Marvel Cave) by a “home guard” unit of the Union Army.

One story that I have NOT found a source for yet is the one about the Bald Knobbers burning the town of Marmaros. I suspect that a common forest fire may be the culprit but the research goes on. There was a large forest fire in the area about the same time that the cave was sold to Mr. Lynch. If anyone knows of any historical source for the burning of the town, please post it here.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: clancomyn on August 21, 2014, 12:27:15 PM
I find this discussion quite interesting because I am currently writing a history of the Marvel Cave area of Stone County, Missouri. It is sort of a history of the area before it was Silver Dollar City. One goal I have for this book is to track down the origins of the folk tales and determine if they are based on any actual history. I am finding that many of the stories do have a basis in fact but have been twisted with the retelling. It seems that everyone who writes the history only researches what others have recently written. Like whispering a story in the ear of one person who in turn whispers into the ear of another, the story is continually changing.

Part of the problem with these stories is that it is often HARD to determine what the REAL STORY is. It is difficult to separate the myth from history. The reason for this is often the lack of documentation. Not many towns in SW Missouri had a newspaper in the 1880s. One that did was Galena. However, no issues of the newspaper from that era have survived to this day. With great persistence I have been able to find a few gems of history in some very rare books and an occasional newspaper article in an out of town newspaper.

The story of the man thrown into the cave by the Bald Knobbers is based on fact, but the real story is a bit different. The incident had nothing to do with the Bald Knobbers and was before the Bald Knobber era. It happened in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. An accused bushwhacker is said to have been thrown into the Devil’s Den (now Marvel Cave) by a “home guard” unit of the Union Army.

One story that I have NOT found a source for yet is the one about the Bald Knobbers burning the town of Marmaros. I suspect that a common forest fire may be the culprit but the research goes on. There was a large forest fire in the area about the same time that the cave was sold to Mr. Lynch. If anyone knows of any historical source for the burning of the town, please post it here.


The Stone County Home Guard? They are also linked to another well-known local legend of "Dead Man's" Pond (known officially as Yocum Pond) just outside of Reeds Spring. Vance Randolph has the best-known documentation of that particular ghost story.

Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Junior, too! on August 21, 2014, 03:56:54 PM
A story I heard over 30 years ago claimed the town was burned when it was discovered by locals a Canadien had bought the cave. Didn't really have anything to do with Baldknobbers, just clanishness.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: History Buff on August 21, 2014, 04:52:27 PM
I do love me some romanticized history!
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: Coaster on August 21, 2014, 11:07:43 PM
With FITH basically being a shell of its former self and in bad need of repair I would prefer to see it completely torn Down if the structure is in as bad shape as some other posters have eluded to. With that said a complete rebuild in the same location. Just think what they could do with today's 3d/4d technology. Keep the storyline the same but just enhance the experience.

I just wonder how the flooded mine structure is holding up? A wet humid environment is not good for anything, but it seems to be ok. Just think what they could do with water screen technology and today's animatronics. Take away the shoot out and give it a great storyline.

AP just start over with a mountain type flume similar to splash. It would take tons of capital to do this though. Not sure if HFE has deep enough pockets for something of this caliber. If not a good flume through the woods would be great.

I like where you're going with this. I'd love to see SDC push its boundaries and go where they have never gone before...on one of their oldest and most beloved rides, FITH. Make it into one of the best dark rides in the country. Gut the building out, and make it a top notch attraction. 3D, animatronic, but don't allow it to lose the nostalgia and theme we all know and love so well.

Also, maybe with a revamped FITH, I would love to see a small area of the ride building (maybe a walkthrough gallery) or a new building around the ride dedicated to the history of the baldknobbers. Even if it is a romanticized history, I think the baldknobbers have kind of been forgotten in the park and I think it'd be great to see them return in a bigger form.

One thing I don't want to change is the exterior of FITH. It's so iconic.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: runner1960 on August 22, 2014, 03:46:33 PM
With FITH basically being a shell of its former self and in bad need of repair I would prefer to see it completely torn Down if the structure is in as bad shape as some other posters have eluded to. With that said a complete rebuild in the same location. Just think what they could do with today's 3d/4d technology. Keep the storyline the same but just enhance the experience.

I just wonder how the flooded mine structure is holding up? A wet humid environment is not good for anything, but it seems to be ok. Just think what they could do with water screen technology and today's animatronics. Take away the shoot out and give it a great storyline.

AP just start over with a mountain type flume similar to splash. It would take tons of capital to do this though. Not sure if HFE has deep enough pockets for something of this caliber. If not a good flume through the woods would be great.

I like where you're going with this. I'd love to see SDC push its boundaries and go where they have never gone before...on one of their oldest and most beloved rides, FITH. Make it into one of the best dark rides in the country. Gut the building out, and make it a top notch attraction. 3D, animatronic, but don't allow it to lose the nostalgia and theme we all know and love so well.

Also, maybe with a revamped FITH, I would love to see a small area of the ride building (maybe a walkthrough gallery) or a new building around the ride dedicated to the history of the baldknobbers. Even if it is a romanticized history, I think the baldknobbers have kind of been forgotten in the park and I think it'd be great to see them return in a bigger form.

One thing I don't want to change is the exterior of FITH. It's so iconic.

I can just imagine rounding a bend on FITH with 3D glasses and up ahead you see a group of baldknobbers galloping toward you as you approach the burning town all in 3d film! smelling the smoke then as you get to the bridge drooooop.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: MoOzark on August 22, 2014, 06:27:40 PM
The Stone County Home Guard? They are also linked to another well-known local legend of "Dead Man's" Pond (known officially as Yocum Pond) just outside of Reeds Spring. Vance Randolph has the best-known documentation of that particular ghost story.

Yes, according to the source it was the Stone County Home Guard. However, it did not identify the specific Regiment and Company. There is also another story associated with this about the bushwhacker's wife (or sister) returning about 20 years later to claim the body. Apparently no remains were ever found and there was this theory that the bones had been dissolved by chemicals in the bat guano. In another version of the story, it was Belle Starr that came for the body. So there are several things to be sorted out to get the real story on this.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: clancomyn on August 22, 2014, 07:37:48 PM
The Stone County Home Guard? They are also linked to another well-known local legend of "Dead Man's" Pond (known officially as Yocum Pond) just outside of Reeds Spring. Vance Randolph has the best-known documentation of that particular ghost story.

Yes, according to the source it was the Stone County Home Guard. However, it did not identify the specific Regiment and Company. There is also another story associated with this about the bushwhacker's wife (or sister) returning about 20 years later to claim the body. Apparently no remains were ever found and there was this theory that the bones had been dissolved by chemicals in the bat guano. In another version of the story, it was Belle Starr that came for the body. So there are several things to be sorted out to get the real story on this.

The Stone County Home Guard was the unit; individual companies would be raised by an individual (Captain So-and-So's Company) and given a letter desgination -- Company A, B, etc. During the Civil War, a regiment consisted of 1,000 men divided into ten-twelve companies; the regiment would be further divided into battalions. Most county home guard organizations would be on the battalion level.

Sorry to get pedantic there. :wink:

Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: runner1960 on August 23, 2014, 10:27:38 AM
Back on topic. Does anyone ever think Grandfathers Mansion will get a upgrade? It is probably one of the few gravity houses still in existence. It sure needs some love also.
Title: Re: SDC Classics Revitalization
Post by: History Buff on August 23, 2014, 10:37:28 AM
I don't think anything significant will ever be done to restore the glory of GM.  It operates to capacity the way it is, so I doubt there is any motivation to restore it.