The Wayback Machine

rubedugans · January 08, 2011, 11:26:32 PM

Dockside Theater 1970's at its' former lakefront location

"River Rat_______ Ragtime _________"

rubedugans · January 08, 2011, 11:32:06 PM

I posted and realized the sign was not too clear, here is a close up...

Junior · January 09, 2011, 07:56:11 AM

The old Dockside theater...the way I remember it. Thanks Rube!

Zephon · January 09, 2011, 12:40:01 PM

Version #2 of the Dockside Theater. Version #1 had the stage on the near end, relative to that picture, and was covered.

Ozark Outlaw · January 09, 2011, 01:04:10 PM

Wow, I just cannot believe how much Silver Dollar City has changed over the years.

I like the look, and feel of that theater much better than the current one. Although that one doesn't appear to have as much in the way of weather protection.

rubedugans · January 09, 2011, 04:34:14 PM

WATCH OUT!!!!!

I love seeing the pully that controls the outhouse!

Junior · January 09, 2011, 05:15:03 PM

Steel bars behind the outhouse (which, I think was also metal) the entire concrete slab tilted! A "catalog" on a rope was hung from the door and the swinging action of the door and catalog really caught the attention of the boat riders.

Junior · January 09, 2011, 05:16:45 PM

Also...if I remember right, there were really about four theaters on the site of the present dockside theater. two with tiny little stages, and split logs as benches, then original dockside theater, which was later expanded, and then the current theater.

rubedugans · January 09, 2011, 05:19:02 PM

Yes I have a photo of that too!

sanddunerider · January 09, 2011, 05:38:25 PM

love the float trip pic..

WATCH OUT!!

Junior · January 10, 2011, 08:30:37 AM

When I worked at the float trip in late summer and in fall of 79, it was fun to be the early man in to work, as I had the job of cleaning the boats, then going out for the first ride of the day before anyone else got there. It was peaceful, riding along with my checklist, knowing I had the entire ride to myself. There really are no rides left on park like that, that only one person can run. It's too bad. We all love the American Plunge, I think it's too bad they can't reintroduce the float trip, using some of the old float trip channels, and running new channels around the rollercoaster and behind the plunge. It would take some work, but they could do it...maybe with a twist on the old theme and they could introduce that "Creature on the Creek" idea one of our members had (it was discussed on other threads.)

rubedugans · January 10, 2011, 08:39:14 AM

I had another post composed about Welch's until I saw Junior had been waxing nostalgic about his time at the Float This one is for you Jr!

Welch's Tomorrow!

mhguy77 · January 10, 2011, 09:57:31 AM

Note the boats position in the old ride. You can see the start of the whirlpool in the center of the bottom.
Notice the track or channel divider is low there so it looks like you " might" float into the swirl ( to certain death

) unlike the larger dividers of today.
I bet there were still diving boards at all the Branson motel pools at this time as well, this is before the lawyers got into the action and made everything " safe".
The old days....

Having the Dockside theater with its back towards the lake sure is more picturesque isn't it.
They might have been able to cover it that way, looks like there is a lot more seating as well.

Andymeets1880s · January 10, 2011, 11:08:14 AM

Hey Rube, these are EXACTLY the kind of photos I was hoping for of the Float Trip! I had memories of the outhouse and whirlpool. If I remember right, there was a hand in the middle of it at one point and you heard a man's girgling voice saying "Help Me" or "I'm drowning" or something to that nature. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Great shots, Rube!

Ozark Outlaw · January 10, 2011, 11:26:35 AM

Both the sliding outhouse, and the whirlpool are great classic Silver Dollar City gags! Silver Dollar City used to be really good about inserting humor everywhere.