SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => General Silver Dollar City Talk => Topic started by: tinmann620 on March 14, 2010, 08:11:36 PM

Title: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: tinmann620 on March 14, 2010, 08:11:36 PM: Note: this topic has been moved from another thread.

FYI rumor: SDC officials want to move away from any "hillbilly" or any "derogatory" characters. The "new" corporate image may be showing it's ugly face, so, if any of you miss any familiar "characters", PLEASE pass along your disapproval to the appropriate management...
Title: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: orient express on March 14, 2010, 08:41:00 PM: ^ thats bad news :(
Title: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 14, 2010, 09:30:09 PM: ^Political correctness is everywhere! Don't tell me "hillbillies" are now a protected minority!! Somebody better tell Jeff Foxworthy! :o
Title: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Swoosh on March 14, 2010, 10:16:09 PM: Quote from: tinmann620 on March 14, 2010, 08:11:36 PM
FYI rumor: SDC officials want to move away from any "hillbilly" or any "derogatory" characters. The "new" corporate image may be showing it's ugly face, so, if any of you miss any familiar "characters", PLEASE pass along your disapproval to the appropriate management...

So does that mean they've moved out of the caboose finally?
Title: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 14, 2010, 10:27:19 PM: I even have a page from a textbook about Missouri that explains what hillbillies were. It is very complimentary and, like "redneck", used to indicate hardworkers who used their own ingenuity to survive the rocky hills. The old hillbillies of comedy fame are endearing. We all love Li'l Abner and Jethro, as well as the Branson and Eureka Springs hillbillies that teach us to stop taking ourselves so seriously and lighten up on occasion. Many were deeply religious people, family types who would fight for their principles. Since corporate is outside of Missouri now, perhaps they are unable to see the reality of the hills like those of us who have studied it for ourselves.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 14, 2010, 10:46:04 PM: They were basket weavers, wood carvers, pottery throwers, farmers, and so much more. They raised ears of corn, flocks of sheep, and dozens of dirt-worn children, without the use of county agriculture agents, chemical pesticides, or educational psychologists. They made lye soap, pulled taffy, and rode circuits to preach the Gospel. They hung their laundry on fences, fixed broken items with their own hands, and buried their own family members in the dry, rocky soil of a bald knob.

Here's to the hillbillies - the hard working sons and daughters who lived in the hills, built their own cabins, and laid the foundation of today's Branson and Silver Dollar City. We should all be as lucky to have been raised by folks who didn't take the easy way, who weren't defeated by the difficult earth, and who shone like sunlight amidst darkness and diversity.

May we never forget the humble hillbilly!
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 14, 2010, 10:49:11 PM: (And occasionally they made some moonshine and took a cold shower outside an abandoned train caboose.)
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: marolinesdad on March 14, 2010, 11:01:40 PM: They call them HoBo's at the caboose.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 14, 2010, 11:06:40 PM: Ah, well in dat case, trow dem bums outa dere!
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 14, 2010, 11:30:27 PM: Preach it History Buff! And while you're at it maybe you can bring us newbies up to speed about the changes in HFE that resulted in "corporate" being outside of Missouri. Just where are these decisions being made? ???
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: bthomas on March 14, 2010, 11:30:44 PM: Not surprising at all. After that very PC environmental and economic impact survey that was sent out. Does anyone know if there has been any change in leadership and the corporate level? This smacks of new blood in the leadership ranks?
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: bthomas on March 14, 2010, 11:33:59 PM: If I am not mistaken I believe they moved the head office to Atlanta? This was to been closer to their new acqusitions and be in a city with a larger pool of corporate talent. Once again, not surprising at all.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 14, 2010, 11:51:57 PM: ^The corporate website explains that the home office is now in Georgia.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: shavethewhales on March 15, 2010, 01:02:00 AM: While SDC may distance itself from terms and characters that can be deemed racist or derogatory, I highly doubt they're really moving away from the hillbilly aspects of things. They did just open an entire ride themed around Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and half of the t-shirts sold at the park are sloganed with various redneck sayings. They also just completed a generous refurbishment of FITH, which of course is themed around the baldknobbers. I also noticed just a year or two ago that the J&P figures next to TNT's helix had be re-set up and cleaned up, and I'll bet the hobos out on the caboose have received some attention too.

So I don't really see where the park is losing it's hillbilly love. I was actually pleased to see how much they've done with Huck Finn, considering the controversies there.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 15, 2010, 08:08:53 AM: YEAH, tell me you're joking about this one! SDC With no hillbillies is just too far fetched. I know some of the old time employees who've made a career at the park for over 30 years sometimes don't like Georgia telling them what to do, but Georgia is WAY OUTTA TOUCH with the roots of the company if they get THAT politcially correct. I guess I am from the old school way of thinking, but my opinion is corporate headquarters should always be upstairs from the ticket booths at SDC...not in another state. That's my two cents worth, and I'll get off the soapbox.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on March 15, 2010, 09:34:16 AM: Uh, we do not use the word “hillbilly” in my household. We call them hill people, or country Americans.

Nah, I’m just teasing! ;)

Why the big fuss over hillbillies? Heck, even hillbillies call themselves hillbillies.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Hatfield McCoy on March 15, 2010, 01:14:21 PM: Wow, I completely missed this thread and had already posted a political correctness comment in the "Train holdup thread". This just reinforces my comment on the sterilization of anything that "might" offend someone on any level.

Historically the word "patriot" was meant in a derogatory way when the British used it to describe the rebellious colonists.

While I am sure that the corporate folk are trying to move away from the Hillbilly caricature that in no way resembled anything to an actual Hillbilly; it seems misguided. Although if you look back they have moved away from this in many ways for quite a few years.

History Buff's description of a true Hillbilly is spot on. I think city folk took the vernacular and poor dress and stereotyped them as somehow dumb. Of course the truly educated would realize how amazing it was for them to settle some of the most unforgiving land around and make a go of it through back breaking work, and an independent spirit.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Joy on March 15, 2010, 01:17:36 PM: I'm totally with you, Junior. Methinks HFEC is becoming less of its F(amily) and more of its C(orporation). It seems that the wider they expand their holdings, the less attention is paid to the details, which is sad and so wrong, because it was the detailed attention to theme that got them where they are in the first place.

I'm scared that if it weren't for us fans and Citizens, things would be even MORE different. Thank goodness for the Internet where we can make our voices heard to them. If enough of us express our displeasure, they'll hopefully see the errors in judgment they've made recently.

This all saddens me to no end. I have been a patron of SDC for over half my life, and I'm beginning to worry about the future of the park. There are so many Citizens and shows that have been a mainstay of the park since before I even started visiting, so I worry that as people get older and start to retire, there'll be these gaps that could easily find themselves filled by less-than-stellar replacements.

What will we do when longtime groups like Cajun Connection and Pure Heart get to the point of retirement? What will we do when wonderful people like June Ward and Terry Sanders feel the need to move on to other things?

This is one reason why I am so strongly adamant about securing a full-time job at SDC once I graduate next May. I feel like it is up to my generation of young'in's who actually appreciate the crafts and music and not just the rides; who cherish the memories that are created, the family trips that cannot be replaced; I feel like it's up to us to become nothing less than apprentices to the older Citizens, to learn and absorb all we can and try our best to preserve the past and keep it alive for future generations.

I want my 2-year-old niece, ten years from now, to be able to walk around the park and have the same experiences I did at that age; to learn and explore and develop a deep admiration for the wonders of the Ozarks. I want her to know and genuinely appreciate the genius of Mark Twain, the masterpiece of Shepherd of the Hills, the beauty of Marvel Cave.

So, yes, this may be a small issue at the moment, but I feel as if it is one of many tiny steps that are building into a very disturbing turn away from what Silver Dollar City's core purpose is: to entertain the masses in a unique, educational way that garners admiration and respect for the Ozarks and its culture.

"Becky" Joy Helvie
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on March 15, 2010, 01:37:15 PM: I’m not trying to deviate too far off topic, but does anyone remember back in the day when a crowd would welcome the saloon girls by yelling “howdy hussies!” by chance? A few years ago they changed it to a more politically correct greeting of “howdy toots!”

It’s great to live in world today where if you take 100 people, and 1 person is offended, then the other 99 people must sacrifice their view to match that 1 person. ::)
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 15, 2010, 03:19:06 PM: ^I'm not starting a "Save the Hussies" thread!

Remember when they shouted "Howdy bimbos"? ;)
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 15, 2010, 05:30:30 PM: Chris, (Pete's son) Ron, (Jack's son) Jared, (Ron's son) and other Gen2 and Gen3 Herschends...WE NEED YOU! IT'S TIME TO TAKEOVER! KEEP MARY'S MIND AND HEART AND SPIRIT...LET'S GET BACK TO A FEW BASICS IN THE "GAME OF LOVE!" Expand the street troupe, put some quality merchandise in the stores, NO MORE Bouncing basketballs on the streets...would love to see a "sipper cart" or two (Remember those?) Revamp the treehouse. And yes, I'm going to say it HILLBILLIES! HILLBILLIES! HEY, you know what to do, go out there and DO IT! NOW! NOW! NOW!

(This ad paid for by former "citizens" who are fat, grey headed, middle aged Juniors for retro-progress, a non politcally correct organization that believes in a unique, quality theme park adventure at an 1880's ozarks "town" called Silver Dollar City.) ;) Five generations of my family have been entertained at the Branson properties...we will keep coming back, uh, provided the above.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: SteamFreak on March 15, 2010, 07:19:53 PM: Quote from: shavethewhales on March 15, 2010, 01:02:00 AM
While SDC may distance itself from terms and characters that can be deemed racist or derogatory, I highly doubt they're really moving away from the hillbilly aspects of things. They did just open an entire ride themed around Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and half of the t-shirts sold at the park are sloganed with various redneck sayings. They also just completed a generous refurbishment of FITH, which of course is themed around the baldknobbers. I also noticed just a year or two ago that the J&P figures next to TNT's helix had be re-set up and cleaned up, and I'll bet the hobos out on the caboose have received some attention too.

So I don't really see where the park is losing it's hillbilly love. I was actually pleased to see how much they've done with Huck Finn, considering the controversies there.

Indeed the HOBO's did get a nice touch-up for the 2010 season, as did the ole wreck of 82'
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: bthomas on March 15, 2010, 08:53:25 PM: I certainly hope that those in Georgia don't loose sight of what made this park so successful. It's celebrates America and the family values that are at the core of this country. In it's effort to appeal to a larger demographic, I hope they don't try to sanitize the park to make it more inviting to others that may not hold what this park stands for as dearly as those of us here do.

Something so iconic as SDC needs to be treated as such. I don't believe you can run a park as unique as SDC like you would run a typical park. Running it as just another spoke in the corporate wheel will spell disaster. This park was the start of something wonderfull and needs to be treated with the respect it as earned. As the corporation as grown I have seen SDC's prominence lessen to other parks that have been acquired. Let's not allow a corporate mentality to ruin a place that we have come to cherish. Let's hope that the attention the park as garnered from corporate with River Battle and the anniversary doesn't fade with the arrival of 2011 season.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: jeffthephotog on March 15, 2010, 09:02:18 PM: I embrace the title 'Hillbilly'. Growing up in Springfield I was always amused by uppity folks here who wanted to distance themselves from that title. I've often said (when in a social setting with a group of uppity types) that Springfield Symphony Orchestra has some of the best FIDDLE players in these here parts. That never gets a very warm response...hahaha but its all said in good fun. Some folks around here just take themselves WAAAAY too seriously.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 15, 2010, 10:59:53 PM: Hey! I've got an idea. Let's have some fun with this. (Maybe we should start a new thread, but as a newbie I'm not sure I've earned the right yet!) Let's brainstorm on the Top Ten Ways Political Correctness Would Change SDC!

I'll start:

PC CHANGE #10: Guests will no longer be allowed to shoot at the prisoners in the Great Flooded Mine Shootout, as this might offend members of the "Incarcerated Community". Instead they must read them their Miranda rights and secure for them a government lawyer (they'll replace the clueless guards seen throughout the attraction.) ...THEN you can shoot them. (The lawyers are fair game.)
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 15, 2010, 11:59:28 PM: ^Oh, great minds think alike. I wrote up several suggested changes, but then did not post them because the changes themselves were offensive!

Here go anyway:

PC CHANGE #9: Love My Country will henceforth be known as Love Any Country Other than the USA. It is offensive to illegal aliens and some on the left coast that the American flag be flown, saluted, or pledged to; therefore all opening ceremonies and acknowledgment of veterans will be canceled for the remainder of the season, and patriotic portions of music performances will be "softened" to include a new SDC version of "We Are the World". Guests will be encouraged to hold hands in a special "Hands Across the City" ceremony at the end of each day.

And as for your #10 suggestion, all projectile weapons will henceforth be confiscated from all attractions including the Flooded Mine, Geyser Gulch, Lost River, Fire in the Hole, and yes, the new River Battle.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 16, 2010, 12:08:21 AM: ^As the butter said to the jelly, "We're on a roll".
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Copper on March 16, 2010, 12:30:27 AM: They put the hanging Baldknobber scene back in FITH, I don't think SDC is trying to get too politically correct. I haven't heard anyone on park say, "Don't be hillbilly!" or "Don't use the word hillbilly!" I know there were a few things that were a little off-putting that they changed on park, actually I can only think of one thing.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: shavethewhales on March 16, 2010, 01:17:02 AM: I hate to be the downer again, but I really don't understand the small explosion of posts in the last two days about the park loosing it's touch. If anything, the park is doing more than ever to get back to its roots at the present, and I certainly don't see any evidence of politically correcting anything in the park. The park has been doing some exceptional work to maintain it's integrity over the last decade, even as the bolster their collection of rides and mainstream attractions. Considering how much money they could be squeezing out of the park by going down the mainstream path, I think we have a lot to thank them for. This year they have given us a big new ride themed around Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and though it doesn't bring everything back that we used to enjoy about the area, it does pave the way for a whole new generation of similar fun.

I think the topic should be dropped for now, until we have reason to actually complain. This is a lot of complaining over nothing, and it will only tarnish our reputation.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: bthomas on March 16, 2010, 09:53:25 AM: In other words....reactive, not proactive. Let's see how that works out. Seems to be working really well with Obamacare... ;D
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on March 16, 2010, 10:41:20 AM: I agree about not getting too worked up just yet. I mean after all this is nothing more than a simple “rumor.” Let’s wait, and panic, and flail our arms wildly when, or if it ever does happen. ;)
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 16, 2010, 10:58:34 AM: Passion is not complaining. Love for SDC is not sycophant. This is a thread that could be about Branson (and the Ozarks) as a whole. The hillbillies of Eureka Springs appear to have been kidnapped by hippies. Go there and see for yourself.

It's really hard to listen to "It's Raining Men" in the saloon, too. And all the cartoon characters that are scheduled for KidsFest. If SDC is consciously making decisions to attract the public, they must not lose sight that many in the public want to continue the pattern of authenticity that already exists. We've said all this before, and the same type of honest discussion can be found on their own Facebook pages.

Missouri already has a Six Flags and Worlds of Wonder. We can see cartoon characters and hear disco music there (and 1980s music as they play at Moonlight Madness - which I never intend to attend). Take the pattern of changes over the last 20 years, and a diversion from theme is more apparent.

For the record, I'm not really missing the balloons or the carousel. Those were nothing more than carnival rides that they tried to theme. My child can climb on similar attractions at Chik-Fil-A or the city park. I'm happy the little coaster and the ferris wheel were removed years ago. They never fit. River Battle fits the theme much better. A lot of you are sad to see Splash Harbor and the Waterboggan go by the wayside, but I think this is one of the best decisions that has been made. I never could figure out what the WB was supposed to be. What was the theme there? I am really hopeful that the area is themed as has been predicted, and I am excited for the future of the area.

SDC,

These remarks are from your most passionate guests. Realize this: we have been your guests for decades, and we feel like we have a vested interest in your property. Many of us want to work for you; many of us want to live there. We make our suggestions completely out of love. If it sounds like whining and complaining, maybe it is - but there is truth in our passion.

HB
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Joy on March 16, 2010, 11:01:46 AM: Please let's leave political statements out of this; you run the risk of offending people. And this is about SDC, not our government.

However, I do agree that we should be proactive. Yes, this is a site for fans, but with every fandom comes the task of deciding whether or not to voice our disagreements.

IMHO, constructive criticism is just as important as positive feedback, if not moreso. The best thing we as fans can do is tell the park what you love and why you are sad that it seems to be going by the wayside. I think such feedback is extremely important.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 16, 2010, 11:15:28 AM: In fact, I think some creative merchandising could be done with a Save the Hillbillies campaign.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Joy on March 16, 2010, 12:10:30 PM: That is a great idea, HB!
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 16, 2010, 03:00:02 PM: "It's Raining Men" playing at the saloon? Oh, please tell me that ain't so! Modern music playing in SDC during Moonlight Madness...Yikes! If that's for real...somebody better strap down Miss Mary in her box, or she'll be rising up like "Night of the Living Dead," and will be attacking management in the head shed. :'( We are a passionate group, full of love for SDC. I never intentionally would be disrespectful in any way. We are your repeat customers...5 generations of my family have been to Branson, entertained at a Herschend property. I love the place so much I worked there 7 years.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Joy on March 16, 2010, 03:14:10 PM: Yeah, the modern music during Moonlight Madness really killed it for me. This ain't Worlds of Fun! I mean, at the very least, if they want modern music, play country rock or something.

As for Raining Men.... I will admit I rather get a kick out of it. Course, it could be cause I adore Miss Tilly and absolutely love the beginning of the number.

But... I'd really love to see the show go back to its older premise. I don't dislike the current story, but I really miss the interactions between Charlie, Dusty, Tilly and Belle.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 16, 2010, 05:45:04 PM: Quote from: shavethewhales on March 16, 2010, 01:17:02 AM
I think the topic should be dropped for now, until we have reason to actually complain. This is a lot of complaining over nothing, and it will only tarnish our reputation.
Does this mean have have to drop our Top 10 List?? (Sniff. Sniff) :'( Gosh, and we were off to such a good start!
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: jeffthephotog on March 16, 2010, 09:40:44 PM: I agree that this should not be a place to discuss our government. In fact, I'm a bit disappointed to see the previous comments in that vane. That's one of the great things about the City, and for that matter this website-its NEVER been blatantly used as a political platform-at least not that I know of. The day that it is used for that purpose, I'll be gone faster than you can say WILD WOMEN. Can I get an AMEN from anyone on this?
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 16, 2010, 09:58:39 PM: There is a section of SDCFans used for benign topics such as sports and off-topic topics. O don't really read a lot of it, but it is a place where SDCFans with similar interests may discuss those interests. As long as the discourse is civil, I say go for it. Otherwise, there are other forums where such discussion is more appropriate.

Quote
Does this mean have have to drop our Top 10 List?? (Sniff. Sniff) Cry Gosh, and we were off to such a good start!

Don, I think your list was actually pointing out places where SDC has not been afraid to show its true colors. Anyone who is that easily confused or offended doesn't get the point of this thread. SDCs irreverent humor of the past and its quirky one-liners and adlibs are one more thing that endears us to it.

PC Change #8: Out of deference to tall people, the noggin knocker will be removed (using 19th Century mining technology, of course). In the meantime, Marvel Cave will be closed.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Joy on March 16, 2010, 10:20:46 PM: You know, I think these PC changes ought to have a thread of their own so the pure SDC Ozark humor doesn't get lost in the discussions in of this thread's topic.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: jeffthephotog on March 16, 2010, 10:31:36 PM: Getting back to something at least closer to the topic at hand, those of you who live in the Springfield area might be interested in the local history section of the Springfield Greene County Library on South Campbell Avenue next to Sams Wholesale, just south of James River Expwy. I've picked up some GREAT books about ozarks ghost stories, legends, some funny true and fictional stories, and just plain wild stories of life in the Ozarks 100+ years ago. They also have some great videotapes and DVD's of the early Hillbillies who occupied these Ozark Hills back in that time. I can spend HOURS in that place. SO much great stuff to read.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 17, 2010, 12:31:58 AM: PC Change #7: In the spirit of political correctness some of the annual festivals will have to undergo a name change.

In the interest of not offending those who enjoy other kinds of music or who are vegans The Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival will now be balanced out by a week-long celebration known simply as "Tunes and Tofu".

To discourage nationalism and ageism The National Kids Festival becomes "The All Persun's Celebration."

If the City decides to do another Salute to the Great American Cowboy, it will have to be known as the "Salute to Non-gender-specific Bovine Caretakers of the World".

The Southern Gospel Picnic....well, it's gone.

And finally...The Old Time Christmas will henceforth be called "The Winter Solstice Observance".

History Buff wrote earlier: "Don, I think your list was actually pointing out places where SDC has not been afraid to show its true colors. Anyone who is that easily confused or offended doesn't get the point of this thread. SDCs irreverent humor of the past and its quirky one-liners and adlibs are one more thing that endears us to it."

I think you're on to something HB. As I wrote these, it made me realize how grateful I am that HFE has remained true to its values and beliefs in this age of PC hysteria. That's one of the reasons I love the place so much.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 17, 2010, 08:37:42 AM: Regarding Ozark history and folklore...Stop by the Taneyhills Library in Branson, the College of the Ozarks Library, or come to Fayetteville, AR and go to the University of Arkansas Library Special Collections and check that out. Also the public library at Rogers, AR has a whole room devoted to Ozark studies. You will not be disappointed. I understand Missouri State University at Springfield has a good library of books about the Ozarks. The best known Ozark folklorist and collector was Vance Randolph, who at various times lived at Pineville, MO (McDonald Co.) Galena, MO (Stone Co) and later at Eureka Springs, AR and Fayetteville, AR. Get your hands on his books and you will belly laugh 'til you gotta run for the bathroom! Also Richard Young and Judy Dockery Young of SDC have written many books on Ozarks folklore and history...many titles are still available, so check them out!
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: KBCraig on March 17, 2010, 07:57:37 PM: Quote from: History Buff on March 16, 2010, 10:58:34 AM
SDC,

These remarks are from your most passionate guests. Realize this: we have been your guests for decades, and we feel like we have a vested interest in your property. Many of us want to work for you; many of us want to live there. We make our suggestions completely out of love. If it sounds like whining and complaining, maybe it is - but there is truth in our passion.

HB

^^^This. So very much this.

Thank you, HB.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: jeffthephotog on March 17, 2010, 08:37:12 PM: I LOVE Vance Randolph!!! Great writer.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Zephon on March 17, 2010, 09:12:55 PM: Actually, the entertainment department has been undergoing a dehillbilliation for quite a number of years. The trend for a number of years has been to bring "sophistication" to the characters (well, that's been the goal anyway). Gone are any hillbilly type characters in the shows, because, along with all that HB described them as being, they were/are simple and a bit crude. No more Melvin McCoy, Mercy Pervis, Choctaw Charlie, or Melvin Merkle types of characters. You see it now in the Saloon with the introduction of the "show producer" characters. Some of the biggest belly laughs ever in the Saloon used to come from descriptions of goings-on in "the basement of the outhouse," and the like. A bit crude, but very funny. Those days are long gone. You might also have noticed that the big shows in the Opera House have always been oriented toward generic "musical," "Civil War," or "westward expansion," themes. Not saying that those shows haven't been good (for what they are), but they do represent a movement away from anything that has it's roots in the Ozarks.

That being said, it was announced this year at park orientation that the street troop would be expanded for this season. A revival of the old "Hatfield and McCoy" characters, more street shows, and the revival of some of the old scripts including the "Little Deputies" show. I even heard that the "Rainmaker" would be back. All of that is very good, and a step in the right direction. I was very happy to hear that from our entertainment division leaders.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 17, 2010, 10:21:41 PM: Quote
That being said, it was announced this year at park orientation that the street troop would be expanded for this season. A revival of the old "Hatfield and McCoy" characters, more street shows, and the revival of some of the old scripts including the "Little Deputies" show. I even heard that the "Rainmaker" would be back. All of that is very good, and a step in the right direction. I was very happy to hear that from our entertainment division leaders.

Man, I hope you are right!

Would it be too much to ask that a musical be developed around old SDC itself? Set in the city, set to music, and explaining the connection of some of the attractions to the history of the place. I would love to write it and pick out the music....for the right price.

Quote from: jeffthephotog on March 17, 2010, 08:37:12 PM
I LOVE Vance Randolph!!! Great writer.

Jeff, your reference to Ozark folklore needs more explanation...
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 18, 2010, 07:22:31 AM: Regarding entertainment at SDC...

1) Hee Haw, a popular TV show for over 20 years, was "revamped" in the early 90's and became more
sophisticated, with comedy bits moved from the barn loft to the shopping mall. It proved to be the
LAST season for the show. Hee Haw Silver ran the next year...re-runs of old shows...ratings went
back up. But it was too late. TNN cable showed original series re-runs the year after that, and they
were the second highest rated shows on the network.

2) CBS Removed top ten rated "rural" shows like Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Hee Haw, and others
from their line up about 68 or 69, going to a more sophisticated line up. No TV exec in his right mind
would do that today. Ratings mean big ad revenue.

This tells me sometimes the powers that be are just out of touch with what has worked in the past. Georgia, maybe ya outta spend more time in Missouri, in the cradle.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: oldsdcer on March 18, 2010, 09:10:19 AM: Seems to me that a country show about two good oldboys and their orange Charger was in the top ten of the rating in the 90's too.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: bthomas on March 18, 2010, 09:56:23 AM: Good points. Like you point out, this has been happening all around us for a very long time. Once it happens, there is not much you can do about it.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: PastorDon on March 18, 2010, 09:59:39 AM: Quote from: Junior on March 18, 2010, 07:22:31 AM

2) CBS Removed top ten rated "rural" shows like Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Hee Haw, and others
from their line up about 68 or 69, going to a more sophisticated line up. No TV exec in his right mind
would do that today. Ratings mean big ad revenue.

Junior, don't be so sure they wouldn't do that today. Because it's not about ratings, but demographics. The reason CBS removed those shows (including my all-time favorite "The Andy Griffith Show") was because, even though they were hugely popular, they weren't popular with the people CBS was going after for the ad dollars. That's why shows like "The Bachelor" (which I wouldn't watch if they paid me.) continue season after season...because they are popular with a group of people advertisers want to reach.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 18, 2010, 10:38:41 AM: PC Change #6: Wildfire will now come with a "Don't drink/Don't drive disclaimer - just in case anybody gets any ideas. Likewise all little brown jugs will come with a "Drink responsibly" label.

PC Change #5: Powder Keg begins its new anti-smoking campaign in 2010.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on March 18, 2010, 11:20:12 AM: P.C. Change #4: The Saloon Girls will now be referred to as Entertainment Persons, and will be required to wear less provocative clothing such as kaki pants, and polo shirts.

P.C. Change #3: Grandfather’s Mansion will be renamed to the Citizen of Advancing Years Residence.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 18, 2010, 11:12:50 PM: This'd be great to bolster appreciation:

The Interactive Hillbilly Museum, located on the grounds of the former Celebration City, is a state of the art, multimillion dollar facility outlining the hillbilly culture of the Ozarks. Executed in an entertaining and captivating fashion, the museum and convention center was announced by HFE to be a joint venture with the City of Branson, the State of Missouri, and other unnamed investors. The convention center will feature a hotel with several amenities and rooms themed to the proud hillbilly culture. The hotel restaurant will offer a variety of "lost menu" items directly from the 1800s.

The central piece of the center, however will be the museum and education center which will walk guests through the sights, sounds, and smells of the Ozarks at the turn of the 20th Century, with a special focus on the tenacity and ingenuity of the hill people. Special emphasis will be placed on the powerful and infamous vigilante group known as the bald knobbers in a 4D theater production designed exclusively for the structure. In a second theater, live music will be performed daily, and expert interpretation programs will be held for special groups. In another section, guests will enjoy working with hands-on displays, interacting with kiosks, and role-playing. Finally, as in most entertaining venues, a full-line store will round out the experience, offering simple souvenirs, quality hand-made items, and an extensive selection of books and other educational items.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 19, 2010, 08:31:38 AM: Uh, History Buff, I think your post aptly describes the Ozark Folk Center at Mountain View, Arkansas. Really.
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: History Buff on March 19, 2010, 11:32:03 AM: I've never been there, but have been interested. How long does it take to tour it?
Title: Re: Save the Hillbillies!
Post by: Junior on March 19, 2010, 01:25:10 PM: Directly from the Arkansas Tour Guide 2010: "With activities for the young and old, the Ozark Folk Center is dedicated to perpetuating the crafts, herbal wisdom and music of the Ozark Mountains. Visit working crafters and musicians, learn how to throw a bowl, forge iron, stitch a quilty or any of the more than 20 crafts. Purchase handcrafted goods directly from the person who created them. Enjoy acoustic music during the day in the craft village outdoor stage and druing evening shows in the 1,000 seat auditorium. Listen to all acoustic pre-1941 music along with special celebrity concerts scheduled throught the year. Also 60 cabins, conference center, restaurant, general store/visitors center, gift shop and large herb garden. Located off Arkansas 5, 9, and 14. 870-269-3655, cabin reservations. Ozarkfolkcenter.com"

Located at Mountain View, Arkansas The center had a large library of resource material about folk life and history of the Ozarks, but when the curator and resident historian passed away a few years ago, the material was transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where I think it is housed now at the Library special collections facility.

Frankly, this state of Arkansas operated facility...along with Dogpatch USA...and Silver Dollar City, all directly competed against each other. Dogpatch lost out first and is gone. The Ozark Folk Center, honestly, is not doing as well as it did a few years ago. You'll notice SDC moved away from arts and crafts and started building rollercoasters...hmmmmm....financially, SDC is the most secure. If it were not for state funding, the Ozark Folk Center, as special of a place as it is, would be heading in the same direction of Dinosaur World and Dogpatch.