1
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Fireman Bio inside Fire In the Hole
« on: April 16, 2014, 06:48:32 PM »
Thanks Baldknobber! that's exactly what I was looking for.
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2
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Fireman Bio inside Fire In the Hole
« on: April 09, 2014, 09:37:23 PM »
If I remember correctly the entrance area of FItH has several framed bio's of both the baldknobbers and fire fighters from the ride. If my childhood memories are accurate there's a picture of a firefighter coming down a ladder carrying a saloon girl from the burning saloon. The caption below the picture reads something similar to "Firefighter Steve Jones- "He's A Real Go Getter" I'm trying to figure out the name of the firefighter from that picture (clearly his I made Steve Jones up because I couldn't remember the actual name). If anyone remembers and can help me out, or if they happen to be going to SDC in the near future and could take a pic I would greatly appreciate it. I'm pretty sure these were in the same room as the mural, but hanging on the walls below the mural. I was able to find a pic of one of the baldknobber versions of the bio's, and I've attempted to post a link below- but I'm looking for a specific firefighter picture. Thanks in advance for any and all help!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/2761530806/in/pool-silverdollarcity/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/2761530806/in/pool-silverdollarcity/
3
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Silver Dollar City Wins awards for park & Outlaw Run
« on: September 09, 2013, 01:14:26 PM »
I live about 20 mins from Holiday World. I'm not trying to belittle my local park, but I don't know how in the world they beat SDC for friendliest park. We have season passes to HW and go at least once a week during the summer. Don't get me wrong, Holiday World employees are nice, but they aren't NICE like the SDC citizens. They will help you with questions and are very polite, but I've never observed them being engaging with the guests or going out of their way to help. I've seen citizens at SDC stop people "on the street" and say "where y'all from?" but I've never seen that happen at holiday world. I was also amazed that Knoebels came in 3rd for Best Park. I've been there several times while I was growing up and a young adult. It's a great park with an incredible "Good Old Days" atmosphere, but better than Disney?, Dollyworld?, SDC? Seems a little hard to believe. Overall I was glad to see SDC give the "big boys" a run for their money, and glad to see OR getting the recognition it deserves!
4
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2013 Trip Reviews...
« on: June 15, 2013, 04:10:47 PM »
Clearly I need to get back to Ozark Mtn Christmas ASAP! Since we moved out of state we've only been for week long trips in the fall. I need to get my facts updated, I guess the PTB liked my dad's sleigh bell idea.
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2013 Trip Reviews...
« on: June 13, 2013, 12:43:43 PM »
My dad always suggested that the clopping hooves should have sleigh bells added during the christmas festival.
HikerDan- enjoyed the review, glad to see others out there that enjoy the ambiance of the park. I can get a multi-million dollar roller coaster at any park, but it's the magic touches- old timey music, friendly citizens, ozark hills, train show, food and craftsman that make SDC special.
HikerDan- enjoyed the review, glad to see others out there that enjoy the ambiance of the park. I can get a multi-million dollar roller coaster at any park, but it's the magic touches- old timey music, friendly citizens, ozark hills, train show, food and craftsman that make SDC special.
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Big Jacks Sandwich Shop
« on: June 13, 2013, 12:32:35 PM »
Big Jacks was my favorite place to eat on park. I hope it opens soon in all of it's former glory. I hate to start the rumor mill...but Big Jacks is dangerously close to another piece of SDC history that is currently closed and boarded up. Lets hope their 2014 plans don't include a major renovation in midtown.
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SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: SDC Growth in the 1970s: Pathfinder Maps
« on: January 18, 2013, 11:26:55 AM »
I was aware of the concrete basin, that's where the "used" water from the water wheel at the mill ends up. I had no idea any other water wound up there as well. It makes sense, those two spots are really close to each other, SDC just does a really good job of making it seem like they are far apart with all of the well placed trees. Junior- a trail to the bass pond, I love the history that is added on this forum, couldn't get that anywhere else!
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SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: SDC Growth in the 1970s: Pathfinder Maps
« on: January 17, 2013, 03:01:04 PM »
I noticed on the maps from '76 and '77 there is a drawing of a river under the toll bridge between what is now the candy factory and the glass factory. I know that currently there isn't any sort of water feature. Was there some sort of creek or man made stream in the past?
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SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Biggest Regrets?
« on: November 09, 2012, 11:14:31 AM »
I've got two that are eerily similar...
My Family always visits in the fall & at Christmas (the summer is too hot & crowded), so we rarely get to ride water rides, LROTO, AP, RB, etc. One fall my wife and I were considering riding the Wilderness Waterboggin, the weather was warm, it was early in the fall season so the ride was still open and we wanted to ride it "just for old time's sake." We decided not to ride because we were planning another trip in the late spring/early summer of next year. We promised ourselves on that next trip we'd ride all the water rides when we were dressed for it. We missed our chance, because we were shocked to find out that the ride was permanently closed at the end of that season. Should have just braved the chances of being cold and wet for ONE LAST RIDE.....
A few years ago we were hanging out at the park during OTC, the weather was cold and rainy so we had the park to ourselves; it was practically empty. Early in the day I stopped by the "apple shack" which is what I called the apple butter store that used to sit at the splash down of AP. I enjoyed an apple turnover, warmed up in the cabin, chatted with the citizen working there and thought about how much that area of the park reminded me of my family visits in the 80's. My dad would always take us on AP and then stop by the gun/knife shop and watch their LIVE shooting demonstrations. I went back later in the evening and took shelter from the rain under the porch of that cabin and got some pictures of the Christmas lights. Little did I know those pictures would be my last ones of that building as it was torn down after that season.
From there on I'm always careful when I'm taking that last walk out of the city on our last visit for the season. I make sure not to look at something and think "that's my favorite part of SDC" because if I do I'm sure it'll be gone over the off season.
I've actually thought about walking into GE and saying out loud "THIS is my FAVORITE spot in SDC!" just to see if it would be gone by next season...but that's a topic for another thread...
My Family always visits in the fall & at Christmas (the summer is too hot & crowded), so we rarely get to ride water rides, LROTO, AP, RB, etc. One fall my wife and I were considering riding the Wilderness Waterboggin, the weather was warm, it was early in the fall season so the ride was still open and we wanted to ride it "just for old time's sake." We decided not to ride because we were planning another trip in the late spring/early summer of next year. We promised ourselves on that next trip we'd ride all the water rides when we were dressed for it. We missed our chance, because we were shocked to find out that the ride was permanently closed at the end of that season. Should have just braved the chances of being cold and wet for ONE LAST RIDE.....
A few years ago we were hanging out at the park during OTC, the weather was cold and rainy so we had the park to ourselves; it was practically empty. Early in the day I stopped by the "apple shack" which is what I called the apple butter store that used to sit at the splash down of AP. I enjoyed an apple turnover, warmed up in the cabin, chatted with the citizen working there and thought about how much that area of the park reminded me of my family visits in the 80's. My dad would always take us on AP and then stop by the gun/knife shop and watch their LIVE shooting demonstrations. I went back later in the evening and took shelter from the rain under the porch of that cabin and got some pictures of the Christmas lights. Little did I know those pictures would be my last ones of that building as it was torn down after that season.
From there on I'm always careful when I'm taking that last walk out of the city on our last visit for the season. I make sure not to look at something and think "that's my favorite part of SDC" because if I do I'm sure it'll be gone over the off season.
I've actually thought about walking into GE and saying out loud "THIS is my FAVORITE spot in SDC!" just to see if it would be gone by next season...but that's a topic for another thread...
10
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Atmosphere Recordings
« on: October 27, 2012, 12:01:29 PM »
I always wondered how the music for SDC was selected. Not sure if it's a looped recording or maybe a satellite radio feed?
I remember in past years (80's)they used music that they produced themselves & could be bought at the Hosp house and ozark marketplace. Most of what they play on park today is copyrighted music produced by other artists. (I think I heard "Bright Sunny South" by Allison Krauss & Union Station about 5 times in the 4 days I was there in early Oct) This is in contrast to what is played by Disney (which I believe is produced in-house by Disney). There are many websites that stream the music that Disney plays on their rides, ambient background music, shows, etc. But I've never seen an equivalent for SDC music. Maybe it's because SDC music includes the copyrighted works of other artists? I was always surprised that SDC ambient music wasn't a continuous loop of house acts like Homestead Pickers, Pureheart, Sons of Silverdollar, etc.
I remember in past years (80's)they used music that they produced themselves & could be bought at the Hosp house and ozark marketplace. Most of what they play on park today is copyrighted music produced by other artists. (I think I heard "Bright Sunny South" by Allison Krauss & Union Station about 5 times in the 4 days I was there in early Oct) This is in contrast to what is played by Disney (which I believe is produced in-house by Disney). There are many websites that stream the music that Disney plays on their rides, ambient background music, shows, etc. But I've never seen an equivalent for SDC music. Maybe it's because SDC music includes the copyrighted works of other artists? I was always surprised that SDC ambient music wasn't a continuous loop of house acts like Homestead Pickers, Pureheart, Sons of Silverdollar, etc.
11
Random Talk / Re: Request for thoughts and prayers.
« on: October 27, 2012, 11:49:31 AM »
Wow, as a sympathetic father of a 1 year old I can't even begin to offer enough condolences. Rest assured that my extended family and local church family will be praying for you in this difficult time.
12
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2012 Trip Reviews
« on: October 13, 2012, 10:53:52 AM »
Well, here it is, my one and only trip review for 2012...
This was our first trip with the baby (11mo old) so it was a real adventure to pack items for the city like diapers, a stroller and baby food. We were in the city from Wed Oct 3rd to Sat Oct 6th. The weather on wed & thursday was amazing- perfect for strolling through the city, riding rides, shopping, checking out crafts, and the weather gave me a great chance at my first attempt at taking some "artsy" photos of the city (see flickr link below). Wed attendance would have been low except for a large number of local school groups (middle and high school aged choir groups) that really helped to fill out the city. We had the park to ourselves on thurs-sat, as thursday was a low attendance day and the weather was cold and rainy on Friday & Saturday. I was really impressed with the amount and quality of craftsmen present. We had a great chance to stop and talk to quite a few of them and many of them had lots to say to us (ok, maybe it was because attendance was low and they were bored, but we enjoyed it). Also, the park was really clean and well decorated for the Harvest Fest. Had the opportunity to watch many "in house" demonstrating craftsmen (log hewing, sorghum press, etc.). We even got to watch Violet Hensley play, which I really enjoyed because I can remember getting to watch her about 25 years ago. I thought the trick horse on the square, rescued mustangs and the demonstrating chuck wagon cooks were a nice touch and the shows they were putting on seemed to draw nice sized crowds. We watched the opening ceremonies the first day. Getting to watch about 30 Vets march in unison and put up the flag was really touching. We also had breakfast at Molly's Mill that day which was great because I'd never eaten there before and it lived up to reviews that others on this board had given it. My wife had a different skillet each of the four days and enjoyed all of them. I had the pork tenderloin (for the first time), it was pretty good, but maybe not as good as I was expecting. I think my best lunch at the city was at the Riverside Rib House, the guy serving my combo sandwich didn't know what he was doing and I ended up with enough brisket and pulled pork to make 3 sandwiches. Instead of a "half and half" it was a pile of brisket and pulled pork so big I could hardly find the bun. You won't hear any complaining out of me about that!
I haven't been to the city since a lot of the food price increases have taken effect and I was a little shocked at how expensive lunch was. It seemed like most all lunch entrees were $9-$10 plus a soda at $2-3, which is way up from where I remember from previous years. The quality was good though and I just had to remind myself I was on vacation. Of course we managed to find an excuse to get an apple dumpling despite our big lunches. I was surprised that the price of the buffets (the mine restaurant, molly's mill, etc.) seemed to be a pretty good value, a lunch, drink and dessert "out in the park" actually appeared to be more expensive than the buffet price.
We didn't do too many shows, but we did have a chance to see the stunt show and catch the homestead pickers a few times. I agree that the stunt show can't seem to decide if it's a musical, a comedy routine or a stunt show. I like the idea of using EH for events other than GAC and I hope they continue to expand on those type of shows- even if the stunt show wasn't a home run. We were hoping to catch some of the barn dance, but the Red Gold hall is closed for about a month as they set up for the "It's a Wonderful Life" show. We got to tour half dollar holler for the first time and I was really impressed with how well it blends into the surrounding area without being a distraction. We also rode the train and OR looks like it will be a first class ride! During our shopping I did notice one thing that really surprised me- the price of the mass produced items sold in the gift shops seems to have really gone up, but the craftsmen produced items seems to be about the same or even less than I remember. I almost bought a piece of art glass at the glass shop that was labeled as "made by SDC craftsmen." It wasn't much more expensive than other decorative items across the street in the Christmas shop (made in china) and I would have bought it if I thought it would have survived the long drive home in the station wagon. My dad and I had a memorable experience on saturday night. The weather was cold and wet (it had sleeted earlier in the day) and the park was practically deserted. Everyone else in our group went home, but my dad and I stayed behind to try to catch the 4:00 Homestead Pickers show. After the show we took one last walk thought the park and happened to drop into the Carousel barn because it had been crowded the last few times we walked by. We got to meet and talk to Lee Aaker (the child actor from Rin Tin Tin). He seemed genuinely interested in talking to us and my dad had a great time getting to meet him. We were the only ones there and it was a really neat experience. I had no idea who he was, but my dad remembered his role in specific episodes and seemed to really enjoy getting to talk to him.
All in all we had a great time to hang out with family and enjoy the events, people and environment that create the ambiance of SDC. I'd love to make it back for the Christmas fest, but making the trip with a 1 yr old was such a chore that I think it will have to wait until he is a little better in the car. I posted a few of my pictures from the city to a flickr account that you can find here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentuckyoptomist/sets/72157631754935718/
It was a great visit to the city and we really enjoyed getting to introduce our son to something that has been a tradition in my family for nearly 30 years!
This was our first trip with the baby (11mo old) so it was a real adventure to pack items for the city like diapers, a stroller and baby food. We were in the city from Wed Oct 3rd to Sat Oct 6th. The weather on wed & thursday was amazing- perfect for strolling through the city, riding rides, shopping, checking out crafts, and the weather gave me a great chance at my first attempt at taking some "artsy" photos of the city (see flickr link below). Wed attendance would have been low except for a large number of local school groups (middle and high school aged choir groups) that really helped to fill out the city. We had the park to ourselves on thurs-sat, as thursday was a low attendance day and the weather was cold and rainy on Friday & Saturday. I was really impressed with the amount and quality of craftsmen present. We had a great chance to stop and talk to quite a few of them and many of them had lots to say to us (ok, maybe it was because attendance was low and they were bored, but we enjoyed it). Also, the park was really clean and well decorated for the Harvest Fest. Had the opportunity to watch many "in house" demonstrating craftsmen (log hewing, sorghum press, etc.). We even got to watch Violet Hensley play, which I really enjoyed because I can remember getting to watch her about 25 years ago. I thought the trick horse on the square, rescued mustangs and the demonstrating chuck wagon cooks were a nice touch and the shows they were putting on seemed to draw nice sized crowds. We watched the opening ceremonies the first day. Getting to watch about 30 Vets march in unison and put up the flag was really touching. We also had breakfast at Molly's Mill that day which was great because I'd never eaten there before and it lived up to reviews that others on this board had given it. My wife had a different skillet each of the four days and enjoyed all of them. I had the pork tenderloin (for the first time), it was pretty good, but maybe not as good as I was expecting. I think my best lunch at the city was at the Riverside Rib House, the guy serving my combo sandwich didn't know what he was doing and I ended up with enough brisket and pulled pork to make 3 sandwiches. Instead of a "half and half" it was a pile of brisket and pulled pork so big I could hardly find the bun. You won't hear any complaining out of me about that!
I haven't been to the city since a lot of the food price increases have taken effect and I was a little shocked at how expensive lunch was. It seemed like most all lunch entrees were $9-$10 plus a soda at $2-3, which is way up from where I remember from previous years. The quality was good though and I just had to remind myself I was on vacation. Of course we managed to find an excuse to get an apple dumpling despite our big lunches. I was surprised that the price of the buffets (the mine restaurant, molly's mill, etc.) seemed to be a pretty good value, a lunch, drink and dessert "out in the park" actually appeared to be more expensive than the buffet price.We didn't do too many shows, but we did have a chance to see the stunt show and catch the homestead pickers a few times. I agree that the stunt show can't seem to decide if it's a musical, a comedy routine or a stunt show. I like the idea of using EH for events other than GAC and I hope they continue to expand on those type of shows- even if the stunt show wasn't a home run. We were hoping to catch some of the barn dance, but the Red Gold hall is closed for about a month as they set up for the "It's a Wonderful Life" show. We got to tour half dollar holler for the first time and I was really impressed with how well it blends into the surrounding area without being a distraction. We also rode the train and OR looks like it will be a first class ride! During our shopping I did notice one thing that really surprised me- the price of the mass produced items sold in the gift shops seems to have really gone up, but the craftsmen produced items seems to be about the same or even less than I remember. I almost bought a piece of art glass at the glass shop that was labeled as "made by SDC craftsmen." It wasn't much more expensive than other decorative items across the street in the Christmas shop (made in china) and I would have bought it if I thought it would have survived the long drive home in the station wagon. My dad and I had a memorable experience on saturday night. The weather was cold and wet (it had sleeted earlier in the day) and the park was practically deserted. Everyone else in our group went home, but my dad and I stayed behind to try to catch the 4:00 Homestead Pickers show. After the show we took one last walk thought the park and happened to drop into the Carousel barn because it had been crowded the last few times we walked by. We got to meet and talk to Lee Aaker (the child actor from Rin Tin Tin). He seemed genuinely interested in talking to us and my dad had a great time getting to meet him. We were the only ones there and it was a really neat experience. I had no idea who he was, but my dad remembered his role in specific episodes and seemed to really enjoy getting to talk to him.
All in all we had a great time to hang out with family and enjoy the events, people and environment that create the ambiance of SDC. I'd love to make it back for the Christmas fest, but making the trip with a 1 yr old was such a chore that I think it will have to wait until he is a little better in the car. I posted a few of my pictures from the city to a flickr account that you can find here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentuckyoptomist/sets/72157631754935718/
It was a great visit to the city and we really enjoyed getting to introduce our son to something that has been a tradition in my family for nearly 30 years!
13
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Any Breaded Tenderloin fans out there??
« on: September 19, 2012, 12:54:04 PM »
This year when I visit the city I'm trying to hit all the minor points that others rave over that I've never experienced...breakfast & opening ceremonies, lunch at the spring house. I guess I'm going to have to add the breaded tenderloin, never had one of those either. Seems like it's worth a shot based on SDC Gal's ringing endorsement.
14
Other Parks / Knoebels Amusement Resort
« on: September 11, 2012, 03:34:35 PM »
I was looking at the 2012 Golden Ticket Awards for Top 10 Wooden Coasters and was wondering where Outlaw Run will end up once it's open. Sure seems like it should be pretty close to the top. I'm always impressed that the Phoenix is perennially at the top of the list. Has anyone (besides me) been to Knoebels in Elysburg PA? I rode the Phoenix while I was there and it really is a good wooden coaster. I'm amazed that a rather small park in the middle of no where, that doesn't have high dollar thrill rides (but rather reclaimed defunct rides from other parks) is home to one of the highest rated wooden coasters. The other interesting aspect is that the Phoenix was built in '85 and has none of the extreme elements (barrel roll, outside banked turns, etc.) that outlaw run will have. Just wondering if anyone else has ridden this or been to the park and I would love to hear your thoughts about how it will stack up to Outlaw Run.
15
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Fall Crafts Festival
« on: September 04, 2012, 02:58:18 PM »
I hope to make my only 2012 trip to SDC during the week of Oct 1-7th. Can't wait for the cool weather, decorations and lots of craftsmen. I enjoy Les Seamster's engravings and am looking forward to checking out the new artwork of a pen and ink wildlife artist who is there every year (can't remember his name). There are several things I've never done in my 25 years at SDC- Breakfast at Molly's Mill, Opening Ceremonies and the Wild West Stunt Show. I plan on hitting all those this year. That gives me plenty to do and doesn't even touch on the other things I enjoy- apple dumplings, shows, skillets, rides, ozark fall colors, tablerock lake, trout fishing...
Should be a good trip!
Should be a good trip!