Topics

226

Random Talk / Junior says Howdy!

« on: January 07, 2010, 09:02:16 PM »

"Howdy there, folks! My name is Junior Dugan and I'll be drivin' your diving bell!" I played Junior Dugan at the diving bell from 1979-1984, and would love to respond to those on this site that have an interest in the old attraction. As a former "insider" I can answer most all of your questions about the diving bell. I worked with Terry Sanders and Bob Nichols, both are now prominent Branson entertainers. I also worked at the Jim Owens' Float Trip Ride in '79, and worked with OLD GUY when he did the puppet show at the Vineyard in the late '70's! I've had a chance to visit this site as a guest since it went online in '07, but until now I did not have the chance to become a member. I hope to post a lot of old photos from my scrapbook on this site, if anyone is interested. Lots of shots of SDC in the 1970's and 1980's. So Howdy to all at SDC Fans, and I hope to "chat" with you from time to time! Respond to my postings and I will get back to you within a few days, I usually check this website three or four times a week.

227

Branson Talk / Hee Haw Theater

« on: January 07, 2010, 08:54:05 PM »

Does anyone remember the Hee Haw Theater in Branson from 1981-1983? It was a showcase for the Hee Haw TV Stars. I worked there almost the entire time it existed. (Concession stand, parking lot, ect.) Got to meet all the old Hee Haw TV stars that showcased their act there. My boss was Tom Lutz, a writer for the TV Show. He was an interesting guy who started his show biz career as  a page at the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Later Tom went on to write comedy for Bob Hope and Jonathan Winters, started with Hee Haw in 1969 as a cue card guy, and became a writer on Hee Haw from 1970-1981. Tom lived in a house at Shell Knob, MO designed by noted Arkansas Architect
E. Fay Jones. (Jones studied under Frank Lloyd Wright) Some of the house band members at Hee Haw still perform in Branson. Jim Ingall has been a drummer for Jim Stafford. Gary Myers is a talented guitarist who has worked for several shows. Wayne Massengale was a 14 year old kid when he worked at Hee Haw. He later worked at Mutton Hollow and recently has been in the Country Tonite show. His wife Melody works with Buck Trent, who got his start in Branson working at Hee Haw. The present location of the Mickey Gilley Show is where Hee Haw was located. Any memories? I'd like to hear from you if you were an employee there or came by and saw a show!

228

Other Parks / Jessie James Territory

« on: January 07, 2010, 08:14:44 PM »

In the days of Route 66, (Late '60's and early '70's) there was a tiny little theme park at Sullivan, Missouri called Jessie James Territory. I was a kid growing up in the north St. Louis County suburbs, and Cliff St. James, the weather man at Channel 5 KSD, had a kids show on Saturday mornings called Corky's Colorama. St. James, (Corky the Clown) made several appearances at Jessie James Territory. I got to meet him there and shake his hand. The park consisted of a gravel parking lot, a ticket booth, then you walked down a gravel path to a train station, boarded a miniature train, it carried you through the woods to an old west style town square. That was Jessie James Territory. The town square was just gravelled, not paved, and there were maybe a half dozen crafts shops, an ice cream parlor, a church and boot hill cemetery. There was a small museum that had old wood working and other types of tools. The entertainment consisted of gun fights with Jessie James and his gang, and a hanging. I seem to remember the outlaws always shot the noose in half and rescued their gang member before he got hung. I have vivid memories of this theme park, because my cousing, Glenn, worked there! He played the undertaker, who measured you for a coffin. (Does the description of this park sound similar to another theme park just down below Springfield that has a mountain village theme?) Anyone else remember Jessie James Territory? Comments? I remember when the interstate was built it ran just in front of the old parking lot and ticket booth.