BTC Branson Bits - Branson’s first theatre gets an upgrade

March 11th, 2010 by Gary J. Groman
Outside renovations right after January 2010 snow storm.

Outside renovations right after January 2010 snow storm.

Branson, Missouri, the town some call the “Live music show capital of the world” has many theatres and shows. However, there was only one show that started it all, the “Baldknobbers Jamboree” in 1959; only one show was the first show on what is now the famous Branson Strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” in 1967 and only one theatre was Branson’s “first theatre,” the “Owens Theatre” built in 1936.

The historic structure, originally called the “Hillbilly Theatre,” was built by Jim Owen, a local fishing guide, float trip operator on the White River and entrepreneur, to provide something for his clients to do while they weren’t fishing. It is considered by most as Branson’s first “theatre,” movie or otherwise. Its distinctive architecture has remained basically intact over the years, especially its exterior and beautiful interior stone walls which make it one of the most unique buildings in Branson.

Located in the center of Historic downtown Branson at 205 S. Commercial Street, the Owens Theatre has undergone a complete major renovation for its newest show “Joseph Hall presents Eras of the King, A Modern Day Tribute Show.” The show is presented by Joseph Hall who was a top ten finalist on “America’s Got Talent” and was recognized as “a top three Elvis Tribute artist by the “Elvis Presley Estate.”

Its beautiful unique Ozark rock wall interior

Its beautiful unique Ozark rock wall interior

In terms of the theatres renovation, Kyle Hall, the father of Joseph and his manager, pointed out that it has been a major six month project that was started in July of 2009. He said, “When we first came to Branson and found this theatre, it needed some work, but we were up to it.” They started from the ceiling down, with new lights and fans, brand new seats, carpeting, state of the art sound, lighting and projection systems, rope lighting in the floor, work on the stage with a new stair case and a complete cleaning including the distinctive interior stone walls.

Hall said that they did everything within the context preserving the distinctive historical look and architecture of the building and that although it took six months and a lot of effort it turned out beautifully not only in terms of looks, but acoustics.It will seat 205 guests.

The Owens Theatre has been a part of Historic Branson for the past 74 years. Its latest renovations preserve its historical architecture and appearance, increase its functionality and give Branson visitors a continuing opportunity to view an important piece of Branson’s history.

In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Branson History, Featured Articles, Shows |

Lyle Mabe, Branson entertainment cornerstone and co-founder of Baldknobbers dies

March 1st, 2010 by Gary J. Groman

The man who made comedy and laughter an inherent part of Branson’s shows 50 years ago, Lyle Mabe, died on February 27 after a long illness at the age of 71. Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center said, “Branson has lost not only one of its entertainment pioneers, but a cornerstone of its entertainment industry. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with the Mabes and their extended ‘Baldknobber family.’”

In 1959, Lyle and his brothers Bob, Bill and Jim along with Delbert Howard and Chick Allen, decided to provide evening entertainment to tourists visiting the Branson area. They started in a rented fifty seat room in the old city hall and performed only on Friday and Saturday nights. The show used a simple format of blending popular country music with original unique comedy routines, was called the “Baldknobbers” and went on to make Branson entertainment history as the show “that started it all.”

The unique and original comedy routines came from Lyle and his brother Jim. Lyle created “George Aggernite” and Jim, “Droopy Drawers.” Their format and blend of down home corn spun Ozark humor was an instant hit with audiences and, coupled with a talented and enthusiastic cast, has been bringing audiences back since 1959. The “Baldknobbers Jamboree” celebrated its 50th anniversary during 2009.

Mabe actively participated in the show until his retirement in 1991. Since his retirement he had, among other things served as an advisor to the show. Although none of the original members are still performing, second and third generation Mabes continue the Mabe tradition of comedy, music and family entertainment by performing on stage nightly.

Branson Mayor Rae Anne Presley said, “Our Branson community has lost a pioneer in the theatre industry, Lyle Mabe. We send our prayers & heartfelt condolences to the Mabe family.” To that a grateful and mourning community would say “Amen.”

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Branson History, Branson News, Featured Articles, Shows |

Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday celebrated over a “Marvel”

March 1st, 2010 by Gary J. Groman
Inspiring view looking up from inside Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave.*

Inspiring view looking up from inside Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave.*

Visitors to Branson, Missouri today have a choice of entertainment shows, attractions and activities that is unrivaled in any other destination city of its size. This writer has written, “If Branson were a camera sitting on a tripod, it would be supported by the three legs Branson’s Shows, Silver Dollar City, and Table Rock Lake; yet 50 years ago this very day Table Rock Lake had been dedicated less than a year old, there was no Silver Dollar City and Branson had only one show, the show that started it all in 1959, the “Baldknobbers Jamboree.”

All that was about to change in a big way. Branson oldest attraction, a marvelous natural wonder, “Marble Cave,” was first opened as an attraction to visitors by William Lynch and his two young daughters, Genevieve and Miriam in 1894. It was renamed “Marvel Cave” in 1927 and in 1950 was leased to the “Herschend family,” Hugo, Mary and their two teenage sons, Jack and Peter. The Herschend family has operated the cave under lease ever since.

After signing a 99 year lease, the Herschends made many improvements to the cave, but wanted something for people to do up on the surface while they were waiting to tour the cave. Hugo’s vision was to have Ozark craftsmen demonstrating their crafts. That vision, along with some insight from an old time resident of the town that used to be located at the mouth of the cave, “Momaros,” were the seeds which were planted and nourished by the Herschend family and blossomed into an 1880s themed town named “Silver Dollar City,” located at the entrance to the cave, which opened May 1, 1960.

The name “Silver Dollar City,” was developed as part of the initial word-of-mouth marketing and promotional campaign using Silver Dollars as change instead of dollar bills. Each silver dollar was potential publicity as guests returned home, used them and told people where they got them.

The Herschends, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter at Silver Dollar City in 1960.

The Herschends, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter at Silver Dollar City in 1960. *

According to the “Silver Dollar City History,” upon its opening “the town square had a blacksmith shop, a general store, an ice cream parlor, a doll shop, and two 1800s authentic log structures which had been relocated and restored, the McHaffie homestead and the Wilderness Church. For entertainment, a small troupe of Silver Dollar City ‘citizens’ dressed in 1880s costumes performed street theater, presenting humorous feuds between the Hatfields and the McCoys. The staff, including Herschends, was about 17 people. The first year, Silver Dollar City drew more than 125,000 people, four times more visitors than the number that toured Marvel Cave. ‘We discovered we were in the theme park business,’ Pete Herschend said.”

“And what a theme park business and blessing to Branson it has been,” says Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center. “As we celebrate Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday it is an international award winning theme park, Branson’s number one attraction, entertains thousands each day it is open and is a primary reason that Branson has become the successful entertainment destination it has.” He continues, “The remarkable thing is that it has all been done while preserving the natural beauty of the Ozarks providing its guests with one of the most unique and beautiful theme park experiences anywhere.”

Miller also points out that tours of Marvel Cave are still conducted daily and are actually included in the price of admission to Silver Dollar City. The 60 minute walking tours depart every half hour, are strenuous, guided by trained cave guides and take cave visitors 500 feet below the surface into the “wet limestone cave” via trail, stairs and ramps. Once at the bottom, cave visitors get a half mile ride back to the surface via a unique “cable train” installed in 1957.

For additional information on Silver Dollar City, Marvel Cave, or other Branson shows and attractions or Branson lodging please contact Branson Tourism Center (BTC). It is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Pictures courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Posted in Attractions, Branson Entertainment, Branson History |

BTC Branson Bits - From booze to beads, Branson oldest building has seen it all

January 20th, 2010 by Gary J. Groman
Although now the "Plumb Brazaar" the building formerly known as "Sullenger's Saloon" has been in the same location for over 100 years.

Although now the "Plum Bazaar" and appropriately colored, the building formerly known as "Sullenger's Saloon" has been in the same location for over 100 years.

Branson was almost destroyed before it had a chance to get started. Soon after it was incorporated on April 1, 1912, an early morning fire started in the Commercial Hotel located in the southeastern corner of the intersection of Commercial and Pacific Streets in the downtown area. Without a fire department and with water having to be transported from Lake Taneycomo, about three blocks away, the fire quickly spread throughout the downtown. It destroyed the entire business district except for four buildings, the bank building located on the northwestern corner of Main and Commercial Streets, the Branson Hotel, the railroad depot and a two story structure near the depot commonly known as “Sullenger’s Saloon.”

According to the book, “A Living History of the Ozarks” by Phylis Rossiter, “Sullenger’s Saloon” was the “first business building to appear in Branson after it was platted in 1903 and is the oldest building still standing in Branson.” It was originally built at Third and College Streets and was relocated to its current location at 123 E. Main Street, on the northwestern corner of Sycamore and Main Streets, prior to 1909.

According to Jo Stacey Albers, coauthor of the book, “Hometown Branson: Early History” with Dorothy Stacey, Henry Sullenger, the owner, moved the saloon because the Branson Town Company was developing a new business area called “The Shelf” in the Commercial Street area a few block to the east of where Sullenger’s Saloon was location. During its “heyday” Sullenger’s was very popular with the railroad workers and, among other things, was operated as a saloon and a pool hall.

Since its heyday the building has been used for different things over the years. These include a boarding house, a collector card shop and its current use, the “Plum Bazaar,” a business that sells beads, custom jewelry, beading supplies, and gifts as well as conducting classes on “beading.”

One of its uses and its location lead to a bit of irony. According to Albers, in the mid 40’s it was a real nice boarding house run by “Mrs. Noel.” Today, about 65 years later, it is located kitty corner from Branson’s newest luxurious lodging establishment, the 12 story, 293 room Hilton Convention Center Hotel. Too, there is the irony that Branson’s newest and largest retail center, “Branson Landing” is located just one block to the east of the building that moved to its current location over 100 years ago because of the development of a new retail area to its east.

In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is provided by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging and can be reached by calling 1-800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Posted in Branson History, Featured Articles, Heritage |

Unique chance to make Branson history with the Baldknobbers

December 20th, 2009 by Gary J. Groman
Baldknobber Theatre where history will again be made on Dec. 29.

Baldknobber Theatre where history will again be made on Dec. 29.

As the celebration of the first 50 years of live music show in Branson comes near its end, Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, reminds us that those 50 years of history all started with the one small country music show in historic downtown Branson, the “Baldknobber Jamboree.” It was started in a small rented 50 seat room in the old city hall in 1959 by the Mabe brothers, Bob, Bill, Jim and Lyle along with the help of Delbert Howard and Chick Allen.

Its purpose was to provide nighttime entertainment and fun to Branson visitors and its format was simple yet entertaining with unique comedy routines and popular country music. Two of the Mabe brothers, Lyle and Jim created the unique comedic characters and material for the show. Lyle created George Aggernite and Jim, Droopy Drawers. Their characters and down home, corn spun, Ozark humor combined with a blend of popular and country music has been providing fun, entertainment, and bringing audiences back to Branson since 1959.

Miller points out that not many visitors coming to Branson today probably participated in the history making original Baldknobbers show of their first season in 1959. However, he says, “There is a once in lifetime opportunity coming up for Branson visitors to participate in a piece of Branson history with the Baldknobbers.

He said, “The last Baldknobbers Show of their 50th season will be held on December 29. So while not too many can say they were at the first Baldknobbers show in Branson, there is a once in life time opportunity to be at the last show of the 50th season of the ‘show that started it all,’ the Baldknobbers Jamboree.”

For tickets to this history making show or any other Branson shows Miller suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Branson History, Featured Articles, Tradition |

Baldknobbers add extra shows for Christmas Season

December 14th, 2009 by Press Release

“Deck the Halls” with the side-splitting comedy of Stub Meadows and Hargus Marcel for Branson’s funniest Christmas show.  Add sidekick Droopy Drawers, Jr. and you have the ticket for great Yule tide fun. It’s Christmas at Branson’s first show–The Baldknobbers!

During the first half, see the best of this year’s country show celebrating our 50th anniversary.  The first half includes all the great country music and hilarious comedy that you expect from Branson’s First Family of Music!
Then after intermission, the curtain goes up on a real family Christmas special.

“We work extremely hard to make this a family Christmas event from the Baldknobbers family to yours,” said Tim Mabe, producer and comedian Droopy Drawers, Jr.Tim goes on to say, “Our song selection ranges from traditional Christmas carols to the fun songs of the season, so that there is something for everyone.  Then, when you add the comedy of Stub Meadows and Hargus Marcel, we have a great holiday show for the entire family!”

In order for more of Branson’s guests to enjoy the Baldknobbers 50th Anniversary, the Baldknobbers have added  8:00 p.m. shows for December 18, 19, 28 and 29. Don’t miss the show that started it all in Branson, and as the Baldknobbers say, “Ya’ll come see us!”

For information and tickets to the Balknobbers show or other Branson shows please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Branson History, Featured Articles, Press Release |

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