Welcome, all. I've been lurking for quite some time now and finally took the plunge. This is my favorite part of the forums, I really enjoy the park history and photos. Here's my question: I recently bought a 3 reel set of viewmaster slides off e-bay and love them. They're from around 1971 or so, and have some great pics past attractions at the park (Butterfield Stage, Float trip, etc.) It also came with a booklet and map of the park almost identical to the 1970 map Junior has on his Flickr page. I was wondering if anyone know how to convert these to a digital pic? I tried scanning the reels but they get way too blurry when the individual pics are blown up. I would love to share these they are some great pics, but need some technical help doing so. I was also wondering if there would be any copyright issues by uploading them to a forum such as this? Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
I'm not an expert, but I don't think there will be copyright issues. You are not making any money off them, just sharing with others who have an interest. The technical stuff somebody else will have to answer. Would love to see what you got. Please post when able. Thanks!
The only reason I asked about the copyright issues was I found a place online that would scan the reels and put the digital pics on a cd for you and ship it all back. However, they clearly stated that they; "will not scan any copyright protected View-Master Reels. These will include any commercial reels, travel reels or cartoon reels. Don't send them to us because we will not scan them under any circumstances. They have to be personal, family View-Master reels". There are some great pics on there if I can just find a way to render them.
Welcome thelarsonsix great to have another SDCFan around!
I have 2 sets of the viewmaster reels, one opened, one unopened (it was a gift-I wouldn't have bought two of the same thing, I am not that weird!) I have tried several methods to transfer them, and have found that it can be hit or miss sometimes with the digital slide converter I have. The slides include some photos of the park (I recently posted one of them on the Wayback Machine of the Float Trip). My favorite photo from it is this one...
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/stagecoachdepot.jpg)
It took me a whole afternoon to fit an apparatus onto the slide converter for this one! I don't know it the work was worth it, as you can still see a parallax on parts of the photo) but if you are interested, I can let you know how I did it, otherwise, just ask and I can post the photos on here for you to avoid the headache on your behalf!
I somehow had a feeling you would already have these... ;) Yep, that's the same one's I have. I was just going to try to convert either one side or the other of the image but it is proving to be quite difficult to get it to scan without being way too dark. Between the 3 reels there's 21 great images on there from what I consider "the golden days" of SDC (even though these were made about the time I was born, I still love the early 70's late 60's era). I was hoping there would be an easy way to share them.
i saw a set of 3 on ebay the other day, about 18.00 delivered..
as far as copyright is concernec as long as there is no disclaimer on the reels and the logo is not the Official insignia, (which it is not). There should be no concerns.
Until we figure out who, or when we are gonna put up the photos, here is the front and back cover in case you are wondering!
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/viewmaster.jpg)
Now that's odd. That's the same cover but a different set of slides. I have that same one you posted earlier of the Butterfield Stage, but look at the index on my set. What's even stranger is that they have the same number- A457.
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u36/larson_6/front.jpg)
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u36/larson_6/index.jpg)
Here's the booklet that came with it that tells about each photo:
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u36/larson_6/cover.jpg)
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u36/larson_6/center.jpg)
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u36/larson_6/back.jpg)
I guess I'm going to have to keep looking to try to find the set you have. I also have a set called "The Ozark Mountains" that has a shot of making sorghum from sugar cane at SDC. I believe this is the only SDC pic on there, the rest are nw Arkansas and SW and south central MO. That set looks even earlier, maybe mid 60s.
my brother had 1 of these but sold it, it was cool to look at when he had it. brought back way back childhood memories.
that is the same cover and i think the same number as the one on ebay....
http://cgi.ebay.com/View-Master-3-reels-SILVER-DOLLAR-CITY-457-/160526496318?pt=Art_Photo_Images&hash=item25601ff23e
I was just looking at that set on ebay. That's the set Rube has. I also noticed that his set was dated 1976, whereas mine are 1971. They do have some pic's in common, but also some that are different. Apparently they had more than one release.
Well I'll be!I hadn't noticed that my scan was of the unopened pack, I have only looked through the 1971 pack...
The '76 set on ebay has a BIN of $14.99 + a couple of bucks shipping. If it's still there tomorrow, I may pull the trigger.
15.00 for the viewmaster...wow. Hows about I scan mine and you just pay me???Just kidding! I guess I didn't realize I had that high demand of an item...Now to see if it sells!
I would have thought that the 71' version would go for higher. 76' DOES have the Wally Welch puppet show though!
Here is one I would pay $15.00 for! I had to pull the photo off of the internet since I have only seen one up for sale before, and it was more than $15.00!
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/dogpatch-1.jpg)
I see one of the Viewmaster reels has a picture of Wally Welch's Puppet Show. Now, I've never seen publicity photos of that. The Vineyard was the first place I worked at SDC, and the puppet show was still underway at that time. Please post that photo for me, when you can. Thanks!
Did you get it thelarsonsix ?
I checked eBay this morning and it was purchased.
Wow and double Wow! I completely forgot I had the SDC Viewmaster slides when I was a kid!!! :o I had completely forgotten them. This just shook my memory and I remember I had wore them out. I had all sorts of Viewmaster slides and I enjoyed putting in one after another after another. Thanks for posting these. I hope you can get more pics from it on here!
By a show of hands...who thinks I should open the late 70's viewmaster reels to see the Puppet Show?
yes please, ;D
Oh, post 'em all at once, and we won't have to worry about a show of hands! ;D
I have to construct a new mask for the scanner, which with a bum thumb (yah 3 months without the use of a thumb on my dominant hand has gotten old. It is starting to come back slowly!) will take me a few days, but I need to prolong the off season somehow! The only issue I have is that I cannot get the same depth that the viewmaster gives. The SDC slides almost all have leaves in the foreground, and they simply show up dark in my scans. The parallax is only about 3.5 -4 inches, but it makes a difference.
This is from the 1971 series
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/icecream-1.jpg)
Quote from: rubedugans on January 14, 2011, 09:29:02 AM
By a show of hands...who thinks I should open the late 70's viewmaster reels to see the Puppet Show?
Don't open them. I didn't get the set on ebay, although I'm surprised it's gone, but I"ve got another source.
ok tell the truth!! WHO snagged em?
I've got me 2 sets! I really don't need 3!
Quote from: sanddunerider on January 14, 2011, 03:41:18 PM
ok tell the truth!! WHO snagged em?
I was thinking the same thing.
I've got the same set thelarsonsix has. It's in pretty great condition, too. Got it a few years ago on Ebay. Can't remember what I payed for it.
In my continued search for the Dogpatch Viewmaster Reels, I have found that there is a set of Branson Viewmaser Reels from the early- mid 90's. It includes The Norris Sisters, Jim Stafford's Theater, Marvel Cave Entrance/ stairs, Kenny Rodgers @ the Grand Palace, Shepherd of the Hills Theater, Mutton Hollow Carousel, Showboat Branson Belle, Whitewater, Branson Scenic Railroad, The Baldknobbers...The search continues.....
Quote from: rubedugans on January 17, 2011, 09:33:30 AM
In my continued search for the Dogpatch Viewmaster Reels, I have found that there is a set of Branson Viewmaser Reels from the early- mid 90's. It includes The Norris Sisters, Jim Stafford's Theater, Marvel Cave Entrance/ stairs, Kenny Rodgers @ the Grand Palace, Shepherd of the Hills Theater, Mutton Hollow Carousel, Showboat Branson Belle, Whitewater, Branson Scenic Railroad, The Baldknobbers...The search continues.....
I'm going to assume you're talking about this one:
http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm (http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm)
As for Dogpatch, have you tried this place?
http://www.3dstereo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BARG-A442-G3&Category_Code= (http://www.3dstereo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BARG-A442-G3&Category_Code=)
It shows out of stock, but they have a wish list feature.
P.S. Anyone know how to make just a single word clickable without posting the whole link? I don't see the option to insert text with the url tags like some other forums.
That is the Branson one that I was talking about! I might try to contact them before I go and send $$$ though. As for the DP reels, I know they are rare ( as are most DP souvenirs) but I'll keep looking!
Quote from: thelarsonsix on January 17, 2011, 06:09:26 PM
P.S. Anyone know how to make just a single word clickable without posting the whole link? I don't see the option to insert text with the url tags like some other forums.
Here's an example for ya:
[url+http://sdcfans.com]SDC Fans[/url]
Just replace the + with a = and you get:
SDC Fans (http://sdcfans.com)
just checked ebay and local craigslist.. nothing listed right now..
I am now really wanting to open the 1976 set now that I know it could have some gems in there...I am glad thelarsonsix brought up this thread, or honestly I would never have looked twice at it!
I've got them as a saved search on e-bay. I've seen them on there several times before so I'm sure they'll come up again and I do want a set to look at. I wouldn't have a problem sending them to you to scan and share with the forum. Unless you just can't stand it anymore.... ;)
Quote from: tinaalsgirl on January 18, 2011, 04:36:18 PM
Quote from: thelarsonsix on January 17, 2011, 06:09:26 PM
P.S. Anyone know how to make just a single word clickable without posting the whole link? I don't see the option to insert text with the url tags like some other forums.
Here's an example for ya:
[url+http://sdcfans.com]SDC Fans[/url]
Just replace the + with a = and you get:
SDC Fans (http://sdcfans.com)
Thanks!
;D
Okay I'm doing it!
Hey, if I want to look at toys, then I can just print out pictures of them and put those on my walls. Buying a toy means having an intention of playing with it. Toys are meant to be played with right? No going back now!!!
thats right rube.. got a toy? got to play with it.!! dont break it!!! lol
Ah, Rube.
What's next? Are you going to tear off your mattress tags?
I was never one to lose patience, but this was eating at me! I did it... I looked at them. It made me smile and happy I looked. It isn't like I am going to be reselling it! I know, I am a rebel.
Quick, everybody! Lock up your Beanie Babies! Rube'll cut the tags out of their protective plastic covers. Hide your collectible action figures! He's likely to take them out of their original packages.
That's it no pictures. Especially not the Wally Welch puppet show.
That's funny! I think we all know you're too nice not to share. ::)
OH. come on rube..!!!! PLEASE???????? ::) ::) ::) ::)
For all those curious, until I get some scanned, here are the similarities/ differences between the 1971, and 1976 reels after looking at both.
71' has:
Ice Cream Parlor
Sullivan's Mill
Herman's Tree House
Grandfather's mansion
Float Trip Rapids
The Potter
The Woodcarver
The Candymaker
The Weaver
The Candlemaker
Granny's Lye Soap
Float Trip
Whirlpool Excitement
Butterfield Stagecoach Depot
Flooded Mine
76' has:
1880 Tintype (inside shop)
Print Shop
Gunsmith
The Potter's Wheel (inside old pottery shop)
Granny's Lye Soap (different)
Weaving Shop (different)
The Candy Maker (different)
The Basket Maker
Glass Blower
Glass Cutter
The Candle Maker (different)
Broom Maker
Serenity Waterfall
Wally Welch's Puppet Show
Marvel Cave Cathedral Room
BOTH HAVE:
The Wilderness Church
1880 Steam Train
Shad, the Blacksmith
Swinging Bridge
Marvel Cave-Liberty Bell
Marvel Cave-Entrance
lots of pictures then. are the duplicate pictures the same?
Yes. The following are the same. Several that appear repeated on the lists of the reels are in fact different photos. (Example: 71' Potter shows a pot on a wheel, 76' Potter shows a man working on a pot inside the shop.)
The Wilderness Church
1880 Steam Train
Shad, the Blacksmith
Swinging Bridge
Marvel Cave-Liberty Bell
Marvel Cave-Entrance
very nice!!
Hey, you are teasing us! Please scan the images and let us see them. (Still waiting for Wally Welch Puppet Show.) LOL ;D
Too funny junior!! I was just going to mention that was a"big Tease"!@!!!! lol
All together now....
WE WANT SCANS! WE WANT SCANS! WE WANT SCANS!
Having a snow day, I'll see what I can begin to construct. Most of my materials are at school, but I can get a start. figuring out how I scanned a few last time (I had bought a lot of older viewmasters and a late 1940's/ early viewmaster model CHEAP to make this: http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/vintage-viewfinder-clock?source=rss&utm_medium=rss (http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/vintage-viewfinder-clock?source=rss&utm_medium=rss)) will be the fun part, I will began to play with newer scanning methods in an attempt to get the 3-D effect.
"The suspense is killing me...I hope it'll last." (Willy Wonka)
Willy Wonka-Movie
"The suspense is terrible...I hope it'll last." (Willy Wonka)
"Aaargh." (Charlie Brown)
WE WANT SCANS--------WE WANT SCANS------------WE WANT SCANS!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: rubedugans on January 19, 2011, 10:37:19 AM
For all those curious, until I get some scanned, here are the similarities/ differences between the 1971, and 1976 reels after looking at both.
71' has:
Ice Cream Parlor
Sullivan's Mill
Herman's Tree House
Grandfather's mansion
Float Trip Rapids
The Potter
The Woodcarver
The Candymaker
The Weaver
The Candlemaker
Granny's Lye Soap
Float Trip
Whirlpool Excitement
Butterfield Stagecoach Depot
Flooded Mine
76' has:
1880 Tintype (inside shop)
Print Shop
Gunsmith
The Potter's Wheel (inside old pottery shop)
Granny's Lye Soap (different)
Weaving Shop (different)
The Candy Maker (different)
The Basket Maker
Glass Blower
Glass Cutter
The Candle Maker (different)
Broom Maker
Serenity Waterfall
Wally Welch's Puppet Show
Marvel Cave Cathedral Room
BOTH HAVE:
The Wilderness Church
1880 Steam Train
Shad, the Blacksmith
Swinging Bridge
Marvel Cave-Liberty Bell
Marvel Cave-Entrance
Okay, so it's taken me a bit of time to read through all the posts here, but I have the 1971 version still in an old SDC bag! Since we have the 1971 area covered by a few of you, I think I am going to keep mine in Mint condition, thank you!
oh! yea sure!! NOW we hear from betamike!! mike how r ya been? have not heard from u for a while.. winter up here sux!! florida warm?
Way to stand your ground, Mike!
It isn't like I am playing frisbee with mine!
But yes Betamike, 71' is covered and my 76' is now defiled- so we are good! Glad you can keep yours with that new SDC smell.
love that "new car" smell
1971 set is on eBay right now $16.50 Buy It Now
They sure didn't last long...at least that's the set I already have. I've got that as a saved search on ebay, wonder why I didn't get an email?
yes, i checked it yestarday after rube posted it. and i did not see it either.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/view.jpg)
I did track down a set of the Branson, Missouri 1995 Reels.
They include a few notable SDC attractions:
Inside Marvel Cave Cathedral Room
Old fashioned Dinner at SDC
Lost River
Also: Mutton Hollow Entertainment Park and Craft Village makes an appearance!
I am wondering if it is worth what they are asking!
http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm (http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm)
Let me know what you think based on the write-up at this site...
well since you brouhgt it up. listed on ebay right now,.,
http://cgi.ebay.com/Viewmaster-Reels-Silver-Dollar-City-Missouri-/360379089048?pt=Art_Photo_Images&hash=item53e8448098
If you all have not figured it out...or in case you wanted to know, this is the 1976 version that has the "Wally Welch's Puppet Show" and a few other different shots that the 1971 set. Let the bidding ensue!
Quote from: rubedugans on July 11, 2011, 07:22:46 PM
If you all have not figured it out...or in case you wanted to know, this is the 1976 version that has the "Wally Welch's Puppet Show" and a few other different shots that the 1971 set. Let the bidding ensue!
Sent you a PM about this the other day, (or at least thought I did) I won these the other day:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230643854293&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
Should have them in a day or two. Someone in Union had them.
Yah don't be too concerned about the ones going for $3.99, I am sure that will go up quick! AND you will be getting the package/ envelope for them with the one's that you purchased. You'll have to let me know if yours includes a book...mine sadly does not :-[.
I do have this set as well:
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/view-1.jpg)
It is an assortment of photos like Bagnell, and Table Rock Dams, Inspiration Point, Marble Falls, SOTH Statues and others...
I have that set as well.
Yah, I got this one as a gift, and it had some nice views, and I was glad to see some Branson/ MO Ozark sites mixed in with the Arkansas Ozarks
Quote from: rubedugans on July 12, 2011, 02:25:21 PM
Yah, I got this one as a gift, and it had some nice views, and I was glad to see some Branson/ MO Ozark sites mixed in with the Arkansas Ozarks
If you would indulge me a minute I am curious if our sets are exactly the same. Here are some of my slides:
(some titles ad libbed)
Roaring River State Park
The Lodge of Four Seasons
Bagnell Dam (as seen from the cliff above)
Bollinger Mill
An old country store
People sitting around the pot belllied stove in the store
A Missouri farm in Autumn
SOTH statue
One man sawmill
Sorghum making at SDC
Inspiration Point AR
Water wheel powered flour mill
Old Wolf House 1806 AR
Sound familiar?
Them be the same ones!
Quote from: rubedugans on July 11, 2011, 07:01:22 PM
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/view.jpg)
I did track down a set of the Branson, Missouri 1995 Reels.
They include a few notable SDC attractions:
Inside Marvel Cave Cathedral Room
Old fashioned Dinner at SDC
Lost River
Also: Mutton Hollow Entertainment Park and Craft Village makes an appearance!
I am wondering if it is worth what they are asking!
http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm (http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm)
Let me know what you think based on the write-up at this site...
I'm gonna try to get a hold of this guy and see if I can meet him this weekend and pick up a set. I'm only about 30min from Jeff City
What do you view yours with? I have been using my classic 1970's tan viewer.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/viewmaster1.jpg)
I also have a vintage 1950s Black viewmaster
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/viewmaster2.jpg)
But I have plans for that...
Soon mine will loook like this one from gizmodo.com
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/vintage-viewmaster-clock.jpg)
Love it! That is a classic viewfinder. I had a plastic red one when I was a kid. What fun those things could be! :D
I have a red classic (1980's I would guess) viewer as well as a viewmaster projector. My 5 year old also has a new Discovery channel viewer that works with the reels with sound.
This should get a painful groan from the crowd.....
I had the old tan Viewmaster with the SDC set. I believe I got it around the mid to late 70's when I was 6-8 years old. I wore that thing out with SDC, Bugs Bunny, Batman and others. But....to my regret....it slowly broke through time and all my reels got messed up from being thrown and stashed and put in my old toybox. They are now a memory and long gone.
*SIGH* :'(
It happens! Many items from when I was a kid somehow made it into my adulthood, but there are a few casualties. Many lasted because I am a pack rat (not a hoarder- I am very particular about my collections (junk). I have hundreds of viewmaster reels from the 40's that are great to flip through on a rainy day. Some are fairy tales, some not too P.C. some are attractions (Snow White, Little Black Sambo, The St. Louis Zoo etc...) and soo many others. (I bought a big lot of them CHEAP on eBay not knowing what I was receiving).
That's really neat! So when you receive a new reel, every click is a new picture, and experience. Not a bad way to spend a rainy day at all.
Last night I foun ANOTHER 1971 set in a box, along with my 1963 Beverly Hillbillies set (this set has no envelope, nor does it have a book, only three the reels).
After looking at my 2 sets I've made a few conclusions:
The 1971 set is called "A" and the '76 set is "B". The picture on the front of the sleeve is the same but on the bottom right corner there will be either an A or B to designate which set it is. The '71 set has a book about the reels, the '76 did not come with one. On the back of the sleeve the '71 set says book included whereas the '76 set only says order form and catalog included. Some slides have the same name but the pics are different. Ie-the candle maker, the candy maker and a few others.
Quote from: thelarsonsix on July 17, 2011, 10:27:14 AM
After looking at my 2 sets I've made a few conclusions:
The 1971 set is called "A" and the '76 set is "B". The picture on the front of the sleeve is the same but on the bottom right corner there will be either an A or B to designate which set it is. The '71 set has a book about the reels, the '76 did not come with one. On the back of the sleeve the '71 set says book included whereas the '76 set only says order form and catalog included. Some slides have the same name but the pics are different. Ie-the candle maker, the candy maker and a few others.
Thanks, that's good info for potential collectors/buyers.
:D why a sigh of relief that I did not lose a book on my 76!
Here's another set up for bids:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230660594013&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230660594013&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123)
I wouldn't mind having the Meramec caverns that comes with it if some lucky winner doesn't want it. It might just tickle your fancy though Rube.
Those look pretty good, I hadn't seen them. There are 3 sets on eBay for sale but I can wait until I find one a bit cheaper
I saw the sets yesterday on eBay-One SDC set+ One Meramec Caverns set+ Lost in SPace+ and Movieland Wax Museum ended up selling for $32. Anyone....Anyone???
I noticed they had sold also. A bit too rich for me.
I do know the buyer also purchased other space items in the past....maybe he'd sell the Meramec Caverns ones to recover some of his $$...if in fact this is why he wanted them....just pure speculation here!
I' do have them on my radar though just in case I see them somewhere!
Someone got a deal here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110736838405 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110736838405)
Anyone want to fess up?
I was the 3-D photographer of the 1995 Branson, Missouri View-Master reels. Several images on that 3-reel pack were 1995 3-D photos of Silver Dollar City including a shot of SDC characters eating fried chicken in a cabin, performers in the dance hall saloon and more. These were sold at Silver Dollar City, at some of the theatres and souvenir shops in the mid-90s. I pulled them out of the stores and now only sell them online. Only 2,500 of these sets were custom produced by me. I still have several unopened sets that are new "old" stock in case anyone is interested at http://3dreview.ecrater.com/p/6724017/branson-missouri-view-master-reels (http://3dreview.ecrater.com/p/6724017/branson-missouri-view-master-reels)
(http://s.ecrater.com/stores/146969/4b5e94f448462_146969n.jpg)
Welcome aboard! Can you tell us how your sets differ from the ones we had found earlier? http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm (http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm) We'd love to hear some of the behind the scenes of the shots as well.
Here is the "Behind the Scenes" information from my website:
For the first time, Branson attractions are showcased in full color View-Master® 3-D photographs. Branson visitors will want to pick up this souvenir to show their friends back home what Branson really looks like in 3-D photographs so real you could reach out and touch them. Close to six million people travel to spend their vacation at Branson attraction. Branson, America's live entertainment capital, is home to theatres featuring such stars as Kenny Rogers at The Grand Palace, Branson's Comedian of the Year Jim Stafford at the Jim Stafford Theatre, The Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Music Theatre, The Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree, The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre, Shenandoah South Theatre, The Five Star Theatre, The Cristy Lane Theatre and "Hee Haw Honeys," The Norris Twins (Becky and Lindy Norris). Popular theme parks like Silver Dollar City, Marvel Cave, White Water, Mutton Hollow Craft and Entertainment Village, Branson Scenic Railway, Showboat Branson Belle, downtown Branson and more are featured on the Branson, Missouri View-Master® 3-D reels.
The first Branson stars who agreed to have their 3-D photo included on the project were The Norris Twins. Becky and Lindy Norris are well known Branson entertainers who also appeared as a regular part of the cast of TV's "Hee Haw." The Norris Twins photo showcases these two lovely ladies in a live performance before a capacity audience at the "John Davidson Theatre" located on Branson's world famous 76 Country Boulevard.
"One of my favorite views of Branson is of the Jim Stafford Theatre," said 3-D photographer Van Beydler. "Jim's theatre features a huge guitar neck towering above the fabulous old-time theatre marquee spelling out Jim Stafford's name in glorious neon lights," Van said. "Jim is also a stereo enthusiast. He even has Random Dot Stereo posters hanging on the wall of his theatre restrooms." "After showing Jim some of the various Branson 3-D shots I'd taken, Jim told me he had just acquired a copy of the book 'HOLLYWOOD 3-D' and some new computer stereogram programs. In fact, several audience members wearing 3-D glasses were featured in the ad for Jim's theatre in the as past issue of the Branson/Lakes area Chamber of Commerce Vacation Guide." Jim and some of his theatre cast members also appear on stage in another stereo view taken during a live performance.
"I am really proud of the 3-D shot I got of Marvel Cave," Van stated. "Marvel Cave is located under Silver Dollar City. You can take a walking tour of the cave that lasts about an hour. I climbed down into Marvel Cave twice to get the one shot I am most proud of. I set my stereo camera rig up on a tripod and focus on the huge stairway tower leading into the cave. It was a partly cloudy day following an early morning rainshower. Water is constantly dripping through the huge sinkhole opening at the roof of the cave's "Cathedral Room." I took four or five shots of the same scene. The sun had gone behind a cloud so the light coming in the cave's opening illuminated the wet rocks with a soft blue aura without burning the image. The blue light also illuminates the rocks at the bottom of the cave several stories below. The tower lamps perfectly light up the cave's interior showing the walkways leading further down." "At one time they inflated several hot air balloons and floated them inside the cave," Van said. " I would have loved to have been in the cave when they did that. It would be a great 3-D picture!" If you can't visit Marvel Cave in person, this is the next best thing to being there. Before the huge tower was built for visitors to casually walk down to the bottom of the cave, there was a ladder fixed from the top of the sinkhole to the cave floor. Imagine having to climb a ladder nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty to enter the cave. If the Statue of Liberty was set inside the cave, only the tip of the torch would be sticking out of the ground.
Superstar Kenny Rogers appears on the reels courtesy of his manager, entertainment mogul Ken Kragen. The 3-D photo of Kenny Rogers was taken during one of his exclusive appearances at "The Grand Palace."
"The view of Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre was taken at night without the aid of lights. The shot was only illuminated by the light coming out the barrels of the actor's guns. In the timed exposure, you see the flare of the gunblasts during the crucial gunfight scene."
"Some of Branson's history is displayed in the view at Mutton Hollow Craft and Entertainment Village. The scene shows an beautifully restored antique carousel and scenic ferris wheel which were part of a carnival that once had it's winter home in Branson."
"The most difficult thing I had to do was pick out the best twenty-one shots to use on the reels," Van said. "There were so many great shots I wanted to include. The hardest was deciding between using the daytime or night slides of The Grand Palace. In the night view, the quality of the exposure was so good you could even tell the difference between the colors of the flowers in front of the building...but the daytime view had the best 3-D effect." The Grand Palace view shows the best "depth" of any of the images appearing on the reels.
"One of the most unique things about the Branson, Missouri reels is the variety of subject featured," Van said. "I know there are collectors of 3-D views of caves, carousels, entertainers, scenics, theme parks, and more. All of these are represented on the Branson reels."
Branson is home to about three dozen indoor theatres and four outdoor theatres, too, capable of seating more than 50,000 people on any day.
The "Showboat Branson Belle" offers themed entertainment in its three story opera house aboard the football sized craft on Table Rock Lake. The Showboat Branson Belle was christened by co-owner Kenny Rogers on April 13, 1995. Celebrities including Loni Anderson were on board the maiden cruise. The ship was set afloat by sliding on banana peels down the ramp leading to the water's edge near Branson's Tablerock Dam. I have several 3-D photo taken of the showboat during it's construction. One image shows the boat before the wheelhouse was added. The view on the reels shows the boat steaming across Lake Tayneycomo, which is nationally known for it's brown and rainbow trout fishing.
The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre is named for one of the most popular novels in publishing history, Harold Bell Wright's "The Shepherd of the Hills." 70 native players bring the novel to life each evening at the enormous amphitheatre at the site of the nation's most popular outdoor historical drama.
"White Water" theme park offers a wave pool, lazy river, and faster, wetter rides in a tropical atmosphere. An exciting view taken from atop the Paradise Plunge water slide showing Branson's famous 76 Country boulevard in the distance is featured on the reels. Several people who have looked at this view give it what I call the "WOW FACTOR!" When they look at the picture, they almost always say, "Wow," and kind of sway since it appears to them they are suddenly several stories in the air at the top of the water slide.
"Branson Scenic Railway" carries passengers through the scenic Ozarks from Reeds Spring, Missouri, through Branson, to Bergman Arkansas in Vista-Dome cars. Light meals are available on board. Their headquarters is located in downtown Branson and their view shows one of the historic trains stretching in the distance in one of the highlights of the 3-D tour.
"The Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree" is the show that started it all in Branson. By 1960, the five Mabe brothers started performing a country music show as "The Baldknobbers" on the Taneycomo lakefront in Branson. The show features top country hits, country classics and comedy guaranteed to make you belly laugh. Stub Meadows and Droopy Drawers will tickle your funny bone in their 3-D picture.
"Shenandoah South Theatre" has been home to such superstar performers as Johnny Cash and Anita Bryant. Wayne Newton also performed there when it was known as "The Wayne Newton Theatre." The 3-D image shows the theatre in all it's glory.
Recording star Tony Orlando's "Yellow Ribbon Music Theatre" is a nine million dollar fully modern theatre that seats 2,000 in state of the art comfort while they listen to Tony's hits like "Knock Three Times and My Sweet Gypsy Rose." The 3-D tour shows the yellow ribbons tied to the trees among the beautiful flowers in front of Tony's magnificent theatre. My parents and sister were thrilled at the quality and entertainment value they enjoyed at Tony's show. The 3-D view shows the outside of Tony's theatre with lots of tiny "yellow ribbons" tied to the trees outside.
Cristy Lane is noted for the inspirational hit "One Day at a Time." The show at her theatre has something for everyone. Many guest artists also appear on stage at "The Cristy Lane Theatre." The exterior of Cristy's unique theatre shows a huge photo of Cristy to thousands of Branson guests.
Branson's most spectacular theatre is "The Five Star Theatre." Superstar Wayne Newton headlined at the Five Star Theatre and it was renamed "The Wayne Newton Theatre." Comedian Ray Stevens is also appeared at the theatre.
There is also a 3-D photo of historic downtown Branson, which is visited by hundreds of bus tours during their trip to Branson. A wonderful night time scene show several Branson visitors looking into the windows of the remarkable downtown stores.
The Branson reels contain a vast array of items that make it of interest to collector's of 3-D views, such as a cave view for cave collectors, a view of a carousel and ferris wheel for those collectors, entertainers for those who like to collect famous people's images, theme park scenes, a train scene which always lends itself to great 3-D and more. The Branson, Missouri View-Master® 3-reel set is a limited edition. Only 2,500 custom-made sets were produced.
Collector's of View-Master® reels have joined together to hunt for older reels, too. The collector's visit flea markets, garage sales and conventions to look for View-Master® collectibles. View-Master® reels and viewers were formally introduced at the New York World's Fair in 1939 and at the Golden Gate Exposition in 1940. It became an instant national success.
I contacted the View-Master factory in Portland, Oregon in the early 1990s about taking the 3-D photos for a proposed set of Branson, Missouri reels. They were not interested in producing and distributing a factory produced set but told me I had first option to produce a custom set myself and market it. I went to several Branson attractions and got permission and model releases to photograph their theatres, entertainers, attractions, etc. I did a "test reel" using a View-Master Personal 3-D camera to show how the reels might look. That test reel included sample 3-D images that did not make it on the final production reels. Some of the images on that test reel included shots of Roy Clark performing at his theatre, the IMAX theatre and more. Ray Stevens was very interested in producing a set of reels featuring him in characters from several of his songs, but the timing was not right. He was getting ready to leave Branson about the time the Branson reels were released in 1995 and we never produced that set. Too bad, it would've been a lot of fun taking those photos...and what a souvenir it would've been. I shot hundreds of 3-D photos at Silver Dollar City and other Branson attractions but had to choose 21 of the best images to feature on the reels. I still have all the slides from the shoot except for one. When the reels were originally released, I did a sweepstakes drawing on my website and the prize was one of the original unused Realist format 3-D slides taken during the photo shoot plus an autographed set of the Branson blister pack.
Here is a list of the final images in the set:
Reel A
1. Kenny Rogers at The Grand Palace
2. Jim Stafford Theatre
3. The Grand Palace
4. Inside Marvel Cave's Majestic Cathedral Room
5. Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree
6. Dance Hall fun at the Silver Dollar City Saloon
7. Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre
Reel B
1. Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Music Theatre
2. Downtown Branson
3. Shenandoah South Theatre
4. White Water with wet and wild family fun
5. Becky and Lindy, The Norris Twins
6. Old fashioned dinner at Silver Dollar City
7. Showboat Branson Belle
Reel C
1. Branson's famous "76 Country Boulevard" and White Water Slide
2. One of Branson's magnificent theatres on 76 Country Boulevard
3. Jim Stafford
4. Cristy Lane Theatre
5. Mutton Hollow Entertainment Park and Craft Village
6. Silver Dollar City Lost River Ride
7. Branson Scenic Railway
A note about the Marvel Cave 3-D image on the Branson, Missouri View-Master reels: Silver Dollar City was so impressed by the photo they asked permission to use it in other marketing. I gave them permission to use the photo but I never found out if they ended up using it in any of their literature or online.
I'm trying to order a set. Are you setup for PayPal? It says in the FAQ on the website that I'll be contacted via PayPal for shipping costs, but don't see a PayPal option at checkout.
I fixed the ordering page for the Branson, Missouri View-Master reels. You should be able to check out using Paypal now. Thanks for letting me know.
Perfect, thanks. Think I was confused earlier, http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm (http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/behind3d.htm) is your site then isn't it? For some reason I thought that site was just the seller and you were the photographer, but I see it's one in the same.
Yes, that is my Stereo 3-D Images site. I also have a site at http://www.3-Dreview.com (http://www.3-dreview.com)
I noticed people were asking about other Missouri and attraction View-Master reels. I also helped produce the View-Master reels for the 100th anniversary of the Missouri State Fair back in 2002. Those reels are available here: http://3dreview.ecrater.com/p/6765159/missouri-state-fair-view-master (http://3dreview.ecrater.com/p/6765159/missouri-state-fair-view-master)
(http://www.rollanet.org/~vbeydler/van/3dreview/store/vm-msf.jpg)
Very good to have you Stereo3D! I picked up a Branson set a while back (not sure where, but they are unopened still !) more than likely at a flea market.
Only 1,000 Missouri State Fair reel sets were produced.
Here are the images featured on the Missouri State Fair reels:
Reel A
1. State Fair Boulevard 1907
2. President Taft at Missouri's State Fair in 1911
3. Dan Patch race at the Grandstand in 1909
4. Sideshow attractions at the Missouri State Fair in 1909
5. Two views of the Coliseum 1907
6. Womans Building 1910
7. President Truman with grand champion Mule 1955
Reel B
1. Missouri State Fair mascot Bartholomule
2. 4-H Youth Cattle Exhibitors
3. Preparing for the horse show competition
4. The Flying Wallendas
5. Kachunga and the Alligator
6. Hillbilly Bob
7. Buttons the Clown
Reel C
1. Missouri State Fair Midway with lots of family fun
2. Prize winning vegetables at the Missouri State Fair
3. Antique tractors at the Missouri State Fair
4. Missouri State Fair Backyard Chef BBQ Contest
5. Fairgoers cheer for their favorite racing pigs
6. Youth with a longhorn steer
7. Bungee ride at the Missouri State Fair
I swear rube I dont know how you just happen to come across this stuff at flea markets. You must have been born with the SDC Charm.
I'm just lucky I guess! I do know a few places that are known for their So.MO items so I hit those up about once a month. That , and the collection has been building for over 30 years!
Here are three versions of the Meramec Caverns View-Master reels:
This is the current version available in Meramec Caverns souvenir shop:
(http://www.worldwideslides.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/vbp_meramec.jpg)
This is the Sawyer's packet:
(http://www.3dstereo.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/gardens_caves/meramec_cave_s6.jpg)
This is the GAF packet:
(http://www.3dstereo.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/gardens_caves/meramec_g3b.jpg)
I believe there are more versions than shown. The Meramec Caverns packet has been in production by View-Master since the 1950s.
There was also a large blister pack issued. I have that set, mint unopened in my collection. The images on the reels are listed as follows:
Reel A
1. Building and Grounds
2. Bluffs on Meramec River at Caverns
3. Moonshiner's Cabin
4. Jesse James Loot Rock
5. Jungle Room
6. Mirror River (Miniature Grand Canyon)
7. Onyx Mountain, World's Largest Stalagmite
Reel B
1. Echo Room
2. Submarine Gardens
3. Wine Table, World's Largest Ragonite
4. Entrance to Paradise
5. Virgin Mary
6. Mother-in-law's Tounge
7. Million-and-one, View to Backstage
Reel C
1. Million-and-one, View to Stage Curtains
2. The Stage Curtains, No. 1 Cave Scene
3. Stage Curtains, Colored Lights
4. Stage Curtains and Flag
5. Beach at Meramec Caverns
6. Campground Facilities at Meramec Caverns
7. Historical Marker at Jesse James Hideout
Very impressive! I love lookingat the various sets that are produced for specific locations and how the venues/ attractions change over the years. As far as the cave...I know the features are unchanged for the most part, but the facilities I am sure are very different from the 50's versions to today's version.
Got my new set of Branson reels today from Van. Very cool. And thanks for the bonus! ;)
Of course it did prompt a few questions:
The following theaters look familiar but I can't place exactly where they are:
Tony Orlando
Five Star
Shenandoah
Tony Orlando operated the Yellow Ribbon Theater in Branson from July 4, 1993-1999. It is where the ball from Celebration City, and Later SDC GE originated.
It changed hands a few times, it was most recently the Remington Theater, and in 2007 it was sold to a ministry, and is operated off hwy 76 as:
Faith Life Church
3701 State Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616
http://www.flcbranson.org/flcindex.php (http://www.flcbranson.org/flcindex.php)
Quote from: rubedugans on November 08, 2011, 08:03:02 PMTony Orlando operated the Yellow Ribbon Theater in Branson from July 4, 1993-1999. It is where the ball from Celebration City, and Later SDC GE originated.
Hm, I did not know that! I always thought the ball was simply purchased new for Celebration City.
I was under the assumption that it was previously at his theater in Branson. If it was new, it was definitely donated or funded by him.
There is a mint, sealed Silver Dollar City View-Master packet for sale on eBay. Sale ends today at http://www.ebay.com/itm/300674928147?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Better jump quick, only five minutes left! I do love eBay. :)