DAD-O-GRAM

 

Branson, Missouri

September 1997

 

Dear Cha-Wel-Dor-Sue:

 

"When pleasure can be had, it is fit to catch it." Samuel Johnson

Pleasure can be had in Branson, Missouri, and Pat and I, along with two of our friends from Delray Beach, Florida, caught it and enjoyed it.

Little did I realize when I left for Branson, Missouri, that I would feel inspired to write another Dad-O-Gram. Branson was in the Ozarks and far removed from anything in my experience. It was, I was informed, the "Biggest Little Town" in the United states, and, now that I have been there, I can fully agree. It is an unbelievable phenomenon and I believe will some day be the entertainment center or capital of the United states. No amount of reading or scanning of their brochures will prepare you for the experience. You have to be there to believe! The infrastructure created on these rolling hills and valleys shows great prescience, based upon the premise that the future will provide increasing amounts of leisure time for our citizens, and that with the time and money available, people will flock to Branson in increasing numbers. As modern technology enables machines and robots to do our work, we will be free to indulge ourselves in the pursuit of pleasure, and Branson has well prepared itself for these moments in our lives.

Branson, Missouri is a small town situated approximately 40 miles north of the Arkansas line in the southeast corner of Missouri. Its population is officially listed as 3,706 people. Unbelievable! I'm sure that on many nights, there are that many people in one of their theaters!

A brief history of Branson might be of interest to anyone contemplating going to Branson, and I have copied from the Branson travel guide the following brief account of its history.

"Missouri joined the Union in 1821, but settlers had found their way to the whispering, tree covered hills and verdant valleys of the Ozarks long before this part of the Louisiana Purchase became a state. Enticed by tales from trappers of plentiful wild game and fertile land, these stalwart people left their homes in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois for the arduous journey west. As more and more folks started moving into the area, a jovial entrepreneur named Ruben Branson decided it was time to cultivate the needs of the locals and in 1882 opened the area's first general store and post office. Trouble was that although the town was officially recognized by the U.S. Postal Service, it had no name. So, by general agreement of the town folk, it was named Branson after the postmaster.

The town of Branson thrived over the next 15 years, due mainly to the great fishing in the White River that flowed just a couple of blocks from "downtown". By 1903, the Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad was completed and visitors from exotic places like St. Louis came to explore the area. Although Branson was now a bustling community boasting a new bank, train depot, general store and even a saloon, the surrounding area was still as pristine and untouched as the day it was created. It was to this setting that a Kansas minister, Harold Bell Wright, was drawn. First visiting the Ozarks in 1900, Wright made friends with J.K. and Anna Ross who lived in a rustic log cabin on a hill west of Branson. Sitting on this peaceful hill overlooking the lush Roark Valley, he began writing his novel, "The Shepherd of the Hills." His best-selling book, published in 1907, stirred the hearts and imaginations of people back east and a new migration of tourists converged on the area.

When the White River was dammed in 1913 forming Lake Taneycomo, vacationers extended their exploration of the area on excursion boats that took them on leisurely cruises to Rockaway Beach or Powersite to see the new attraction. Resorts began to spring up and adventurous souls booked float trips down the swift moving White River while fishermen relished the excitement of reeling in a big bass. By the 1930's the area was firmly established as an inexpensive vacation destination.

The 1950's brought added dimensions to Branson with the opening of the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama and Homesite, the creation of Table Rock Dam and tours through awe-inspiring Marvel cave. The 1880's-reminiscent Silver Dollar City and the singing Mabe and Presley families performing their delightful style of Ozark entertainment, stepped in the spotlight in the 60's, adding yet other venues to the fast growing tourist industry.

Today, tourism has grown to a multi-million dollar business offering year-round entertainment and activities. Ozark Mountain Christmas and Branson Country Spring are enjoyed by visitors from all around the world.

Although the original concept of tourism in Branson has broadened considerably over the past 100 years, the area still maintains its original roots richly steeped in family traditions and values. Despite the thousands of marquee lights that illuminate 76 Country Music Boulevard, the myriad shops, restaurants, theaters, motels and attractions, Branson continues to evoke the same image that Harold Bell Wright discovered as he wandered the hills and valleys at the turn of the century. If there's any doubt, just follow the next dirt road you come to and you'll discover that tranquil peace and serenity of the hills."

Brian Seitz has written the following words in the same brochure. "These Ozark hills have been ringing with song for over 30 years now, drawing folks from across the nation in search of good, clean, value-packed entertainment.

Branson, MO, christened the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, has more theater seats (one just waiting for you) per square mile than anywhere else on earth. While Country is still "King" in Branson, virtually every type and style of music is played, satisfying even the hardest to please visitor.

Big name stars like Wayne Newton, Tony Orlando, Roy Clark, Andy Williams, The Osmond Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Moe Bandy, Bobby Vinton and many more now call Branson home and are dedicated to bringing you, the visitor, the songs that you know and love.

Why, we've even got Mel Tillis, the Coca Cola Cowboy himself, along with superstar Brenda Lee, plying their awesome talents for all to see in the luxurious, state-of-the art Mel Tillis Theater, located on Highway 248 in Branson. If Mel's good time humor, and powerful vocal performances aren't enough, Brenda Lee's platinum arrangements will overwhelm and envelop you with heartfelt passion.

Smack dab in the middle of Highway 76, also known as "The Strip" is the Americana Theater, home of Branson's most recognized entertainer, Jennifer Wilson. Jennifer's multi-award winning show features the very best in Branson style, variety and song. Jennifer, the Worldwide USO Spokesperson, has become a household name. Expanding her schedule to accommodate an overflow of fans, Jennifer's '97 shows feature morning, evening and Christmas time performances.

Roy Clark began the rush of "Big Name" stars to Branson, providing years of entertainment experience and grand production. His national recognition as a television, movie and singing star has not only taken Country music to new levels of acceptance but also helped to create the Branson phenomenon.

If hospitality is what you're looking for, along with a professional, hand clappin' good time, look no further than Lowe's Dinner Theater. The fabulous Lowe Sisters have been delighting vacationers in Branson for a number of seasons now and are sure to please with light harmonies and picture perfect stage presence. Hey, the food's great too!

Country, gospel, bluegrass, pop, jazz and even a smattering of that good ole' rock-and-roll music, can be found in Branson, Missouri, the Live Entertainment Capital of the World."

In addition to the entertainment that I've noted, one of Branson's very special appeals is its access to fishing and boating facilities and the many varieties of water sports. These were created by a series of dams, the first of which was built in 1913 and was called the Powersite. It served to create a lake called the Taneycomo and this is immediately accessible from Branson. With its construction, there began an era of boating and fishing that was later expanded by the construction of a second dam. The second dam was built in 1950 and was called the Table Rock Dam. I visited this dam and its adjacent museum and found it highly interesting. It is a concrete dam that is some 250 feet high and is the same width at its base. The half-hour tour that is offered to visitors was very impressive and one could admire its construction and its efficiency. It can withstand an earthquake of a 10 on the Richter scale! The dam has not only provided necessary electricity but has added greatly to the recreational area. Adjacent to the Table Rock Dam is a fish hatchery which unfortunately we did not have time to visit. The two varieties of fish that are most common in these waters are trout and bass.

In the town itself, there is a depressed area called Mutton's Hollow and at this site is the Marvel Cave. I understand that this exhibits the usual stalactites and stalagmites and is worth seeing if you have never had any other experience visiting caves. Having been to Carlsbad, New Mexico, Pat and I chose to omit this attraction.

Our accommodations consisted of a time-share exchange at the Kimberling Inn, in Kimberling City, Missouri. It is a small lakeside town approximately 20 minutes southwest of Branson. It unfortunately necessitated driving to and from Branson each day but thanks to the superb services of our friends from Delray Beach, Jack and Jule Robinson, who provided transportation each day, we had no difficulty in that regard. Our quarters at the Inn were very modest. Without Jule's and Jack's extensive knowledge of the area and their fine chauffeuring, we would not have enjoyed the experience as much as we did. Jule and Jack had written ahead and secured tickets for many of the attractions so that when we arrived there, we were assured of the best seating. There is so much entertainment available that the big problem is determining what shows you are going to see and what you are going to choose to omit. Since there are so many theaters, they have arranged their starting and closing times so that the traffic problems would be minimized. It is interesting to learn that there are breakfast shows, mid-morning shows, luncheon shows, mid-afternoon shows, and evening shows. Were this not done, the traffic problems would be insoluble.

Harold Bell Wright, author of the "Shepherd of the Hills" is considered the Father of the Ozarks. His book was published in 1907 and was the most widely read book in the first three decades of this century. He was the first American author to realize one million dollars from his writings and his contemporaries included Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain and H.L. Mencken. Imagine my embarrassment when I learned all of this and I had had no previous knowledge of his role in American history!

Briefly, H. B. Wright was born in Rome, New York, on May 4, 1872 and worked at odd jobs as a youth. He had planned a career in the ministry but left after two years. After contracting pneumonia and an eye infection, he headed west for his health. After canoeing for 500 miles and working at odd jobs for money and food, he ended up in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. In the spring of 1896, he traveled to the Ozarks, or as far as the rail line permitted, (Mariansville). From there, he set off on horseback into the rugged hills until he finally found shelter at the homestead of John and Anna Ross on a ridge near Mutton Hollow. He intended to spend only a night but remained there all summer, and subsequently returned each summer for eight years. After regaining his health, he settled in Kansas and became a pastor. His second book "The Shepherd of the Hills" was published in 1907 and the outdoor drama based on the book has been seen by more than 6.5 million people, two of whom were Pat and Charles Jacobson. Four movie versions of the book were filmed, one of which starred John Wayne. The Ross home, known as "Old Matt's Cabin" is preserved today as a National Historic registered landmark. The play is credited with bringing waves of visitors to the Ozarks as early as 1908 and established the foundation of today's thriving "America's Live Entertainment Capital".

Pat and I saw the play in the outdoor theater under a cloudless sky and watched the stars unfold as thundering horses, rumbling wagons, good guys versus bad guys, a burning cabin, and a posse raid took place in front of us. The story is a compelling one and tells of the beauty and the strength of the Ozark Mountain people. We leave the scene with the sense of the importance in our lives, not of wealth and materialism, but of the virtues of honesty, hard work and faith in God. It might not succeed on Broadway today but it will live on indefinitely in Branson.

The air in Branson is clean and untainted by industry and the dress is casual. There may be a jacket and tie to be seen somewhere but we did not find it and, in fact, jeans were everywhere as well as cowboy boots. Over 95% of the people that we saw were retired Senior Citizens intent on some good clean fun and entertainment. Virtually all of the show theaters had a gift shop, a food concession and soft drinks and no alcohol. The latter, however, was available in restaurants. "Howdy" was the most common greeting and friendliness was commonplace. Branson is a family-oriented community and people of all ages are welcome. Prices are reasonable, averaging $25 for adults, half-price for children, and smaller children are admitted free. Some shows are dinner shows, as was the Dixie Stampede. Many people coming to Branson are repeaters and plan on going to Branson each year for their vacation.

Most of the theaters were so large that they could accommodate the attendees at several of the New York's better known theaters. Some could hold as many as 1,000 to 2,000 people and had larger stages and curtains than any that I had ever seen on Broadway. Parking areas were always adequate and large spaces were reserved for tour busses. Special entrances were available for groups and certain sections of the theater were reserved for groups. Many of the groups that we saw were church affiliated or arranged by some travel agencies. It all seemed so well-organized and orchestrated. The roads in Branson are remarkable and some were actually built with private funds, i.e., the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway was built by Gary Snowdon of the Capital Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theater. It was the first of many alternate routes built to handle the traffic congestion along Main Street or along Highway 76. In 1991, Branson imposed a half-cent sales tax that was earmarked exclusively for road improvements, and since then, over 37 million dollars have been spent for new and improved road construction. Such foresight is paying dividends today! It is also easily observed that the "Branson Wave" is very much in evidence as cars give way to others and one waves on each car trying to extricate itself from the many parking lots. Civility is commonplace!

The transportation in Branson is either on foot if you are so situated and are close to the theaters, or else by car. The theaters are separated by a considerable distance and a car is an absolute necessity. We didn't see any common transportation like busses and seldom did we see any cabs. It was immediately obvious that virtually everyone there had a car and most of them had gotten to Branson by virtue of their own transportation. Tour busses were everywhere but they were only for transporting groups to their destinations. In place of the usual Gray Line City tours, there are the "Ducks" of Branson, modified versions of the Marine amphibious landing crafts that can travel on both land and water. They take you around the town and then venture into Lake Taneycomo. This serves to provide one with a view of the shoreline and beaches from the lake. There are also helicopter rides available for those interested in viewing the town from the air.

During a respite from the shows, we visited the Stone Hill Wine Shop and were conducted on a demonstration tour of their facility. Fourteen wines were produced in this organization and we sampled some eight of them, all of which were acceptable. It is interesting that the grape varieties included Seyval, Catawba, Zinfandel, and Concord. There were some European hybrid varieties employed as well. However, none of the classic grape varieties such as Cabernets, Rieslings and Chardonnays were employed. Practically the entire production is sold within the state. It is interesting in this regard that many states have laws which forbid the shipping of wine to individuals in their states. They like it sold in their states, if imported through distributors so that they can derive the sales tax benefits.

There were several places where Visa credit cards were being sold or registered and, in this connection, if you use Visa in Branson, you would get significant discounts on your purchases. It seemed a clever way to get one into the Visa organization.

There was an Imax Theater in Branson and we saw "The Legacy of the Ozarks", the story of its mountain people, as well as the "Opening of the West". The latter was the story of Lewis and Clark's expedition up the Missouri River to the Oregon coast. Both pictures were impressive, with a massive six story screen and 36 high-tech audio speakers distributed throughout the theater. The realism and 3-D effect was dramatic and one felt that one could literally reach out and touch the characters on the screen.

While in Branson, we saw the following shows: Bobby Vinton's Blue Velvet show with Glenn Miller's orchestra, the Dixie Stampede dinner attraction, Yakov's American Pavilion, ShojiTabuki Theater, and the VanBirch and Willford show of Magic and Juggling.

Branson has not escaped the invasion of our "Factory Outlets" and there are three, two of which are massive. One contains 90 separate outlets and they are so arranged that rain would not provide a deterrent from shopping.

Another show of a stupendous nature is "The Promise", which was voted Branson's best new show of the year. It is a magnificent portrayal of the life of Jesus with spectacular settings, colorful costumes, and a cast exceeding 50 performers including live camels, horses, and sheep. Previously, it had played in Moscow and had been seen in this country at a Texas amphitheater. It was currently playing at the Will Rogers Theater but since Pat and I and Jule and Jack had seen previous performances of Passion Plays both here and abroad, we did not choose to see it in Branson.

To sum it up, Branson is family-oriented, provides great Country Music, with plenty of side-splitting comedy, and just plain fun!

Perhaps the largest attraction in the Branson area is the "Silver Dollar City Amusement Area". It is large and well-organized and can accept as many as 20,000 or more people in a day. People arrive by cars and busses and the parking areas are conveniently situated with transportation to and from the parking area to the city itself. It is particularly noteworthy for the number and variety of crafts displayed, and each craft is beautifully housed and manned by experts and experienced craftsmen. They not only sell their wares but are more than willing to explain and demonstrate their craft. There are over 100 nationally-acclaimed artisans on the premises. There are also 10 thrilling rides and 50 daily shows and it is considered one of the top theme parks in the world. Since this was the fall season, pumpkins, corn stalks, colorful gourds and exciting scarecrows were everywhere. Silver City ladies were everywhere to assist you if you were lost and to help in any manner possible. A geographic map was given to one on admission.

Our last afternoon was spent on the beautiful three-decker paddlewheel steamer called the Branson Belle, built in Branson and built exclusively for lake cruises and showboat entertainment. We enjoyed the delightful dinner and the Cajun entertainment group from Louisiana. They are so successful, they do breakfast, lunch and dinner cruises and the show area looks like a three-tier horseshoe opera house with dining on the floor area and on the upper tiers. The show was entitled "Party Gras Sail-abration", obviously a takeoff on Mardi Gras Celebration.

All in all, it proved to be an interesting and exciting experience but one perhaps that neither Pat nor I will ever repeat again.

 

With Love,

 

DAD 


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