Messages

46

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2017 Project Part 2

« on: July 11, 2017, 10:54:56 PM »

I really would appreciate it if someone would post photos of the old treehouse area. I would like to see how it looks with the treehouse gone. I am sad it was removed...so many fond memories of it from my youth and when I was assigned to work there in the early 1980s. It was a great attraction. Thanks in advance.

47

Construction/Rumors / Re: Lucky Silver Mine Restaurant at SDC

« on: July 11, 2017, 10:51:13 PM »

Regarding the special tables in the mine and mill restaurants, they have been in place since the 1970s at least. When I worked in the foods department in 1978 and 79, they were there, and I have used them both. They always got a great reaction. Quite fun.

48

Branson Talk / Re: Shepherd of the Hills. Not going to Open

« on: July 11, 2017, 10:37:44 PM »

The trail ride is, I think, someone else. In recent years there was a pony ride thing on that property, which is the exact spot the old Wash Gibbs Museum ran by Chick Allen stood. Not sure if Chick's family still owns the property.

49

Random Talk / Re: Junior, too says "howdy!"

« on: July 11, 2017, 09:53:29 PM »

There may be a time in the near future where I will have to donate the files to the College of the Ozarks Ozarkana collection at their library. My wife and I are getting older, and we have some health issues, we are within a decade or so of retirement time. I am afraid in order to properly preserve what I have for those interested in it, the whole lot will have to go in a special, protected collection. Frankly as individual pieces, there is not much value to it. As a whole collection it is unique. There are a few one of a kind pieces.
Branson and SDC don't do a very good job of preserving history. Special collections at a college or donations of collections to state or regional museums is the best way to keep it together and in one place for researchers and writers and historians. I also need to donate my 20 years in broadcasting collection to the special collections department at UA/Fayetteville. I hate to let this stuff go, but time is getting short...life is but a vapor. If any of you have good collections, I suggest you make plans, too.

50

Branson Talk / Re: Shepherd of the Hills. Not going to Open

« on: July 11, 2017, 09:35:57 PM »

Sorry, I'm serious old school...ok, revamp the tower, please keep tours and play...but I think it is such a historical property that as much of the old as can be saved should be saved. Apparently the old campground property across the highway is part of the homestead property, so if it is, revamp the campground and add a lodge and you got your resort, but don't put the resort on the homestead side please. Add some attractions if you need to, but be selective and make it quality, not some cheap stuff. I agree to put some money into the property to freshen it up, but manage wisely, so it will be there for future generations. This property is where tourism as we know it began in Branson.

51

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: July 09, 2017, 05:35:12 PM »

Got to admit, I hate this building a ride over two seasons stuff...Riverblast, Outlaw Run, and this one...but I know the winter season ain't Nov. Thru March anymore, and the cost for a new attraction is crazy high and takes a couple of budget years to pay for it...but It does appear that this new thing is gonna be a hum dinger...if they stick with the time traveler thing I wonder if Uncle Rube Dugan makes a reappearance here and I admit I kind of hope he does...my ol' Uncle Rube is a fellow I am very much fond of. Been fun seeing all the photos being posted. I hope I can be there opening day next year to see how it all unfolds.

52

SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: sheriff pin

« on: July 09, 2017, 05:22:27 PM »

I think the badges sometimes had SDC on them, sometimes not. Honestly, don't know where they bulk purchased the badges, but my guess is it was the cheapest place they could buy them. As a former employee I can tell you it was a daily thing picking up lost badges and throwing them out with the dropped coke cups, sippers, and other trash. Funnel cakes, taffy bags, were common discards.

53

Branson Talk / Re: Baldknobbers move to new location.

« on: July 09, 2017, 05:17:11 PM »

Got to admit I don't understand how things took such a downturn for the Baldknobbers in the last few years. The TV show was total crap, my guess is the current generation did not have business sense and apparently don't always get along with each other. Really it is sad to see things go the way they have. However I wish them the best as Branson Famous in the new location. I hope they don't totally fade out...but it appears they are on shaky ground. Just my opinion, now...I could be wrong.

54

Branson Talk / Re: Shepherd of the Hills. Not going to Open

« on: July 09, 2017, 05:09:28 PM »

Perhaps you have seen the news elsewhere...the park purchase by a Springfield company has become final, no details yet on the people who bought it...annoncement forthcoming in one week or so. I hope they retool and kerp things intact.

55

Random Talk / Re: What's going on in NWA, Spring 17

« on: July 09, 2017, 05:02:39 PM »

Amazon is giving Walmart some stiff competition. There is always gonna be someone who knocks down the king of the hill. When I was a kid, no one could touch Sears or JC Penny...my how time changes things. Anyone remember Montgomery Ward, lol!

56

Random Talk / Re: Your Travels outside of Branson for 2017 and beeeeeeyonddddd......

« on: July 09, 2017, 04:58:27 PM »

Really enjoy looking at your trip reports, Swoosh...thanks!

57

Random Talk / Re: Junior, too says "howdy!"

« on: July 09, 2017, 04:42:18 PM »

Sirwillow, I have seen the Youtube confessions of a theme park worker stuff you have put out there, and it is some good stuff. Keep up the good work!

58

Random Talk / Re: Junior, too says "howdy!"

« on: July 08, 2017, 11:10:54 AM »

Thanks!

59

Random Talk / Junior, too says "howdy!"

« on: July 07, 2017, 11:33:31 PM »

Howdy, all! Been a while since I have posted here, but spent considerable time cruising through the forums tonight, and decided it was way past due to post something, just to let the hardcore folks on the site know I am still around. I have posted much on three FB group sites in the last year, much of the same stuff as I have here, but some photos of things not seen here before. I have been digging deep into my collection, and am posting on the "you might be from Branson," and the "You might be from Silver Dollar City," sites, as well as the "Little town of Maramos" site. I know some of you are group members as I have seen your posts. I really connected with the SDC site, or page, because many people there are current or former employees. I have reconnected with many old work buddies, and several classmates from Branson High School. Anyway, I am going to make an effort to begin posting here some more. Thanks for being so loyal to this site...Steve has done a great job updating it.so check out the FB group pages, they are pretty good, too. Hope each and every one of you are doing well, and God bless!

60

Random Talk / Re: Hot Springs

« on: August 11, 2016, 02:43:08 PM »

Hard economic times in Hot Springs. Most of the good stuff going on in the state is in  northwest AR and Jonesboro. Sad, Hot Springs could be much more.