Branson
Shepherd of the Hills celebrates 50 years By DEBBIE SETTLE Of The Edge The Ozark Mountains are the beautiful backdrop of Branson. Branson has become one of the nation’s largest vacation destinations over the past several decades, known for its family entertainment, country music and hillbilly comedy. When considering the history of Branson, many think about the origins of the tourism business beginning with Silver Dollar City. Although Silver Dollar City plays an important part in creating the tourist location that Branson has grown to be, the fact is that The Shepherd of the Hills is where the original roots of tourism began. It all began when a Christian minister, Harold Bell Wright, was diagnosed with consumption (tuberculosis) and was given the prescription to head for a warmer, dryer climate. On his journey south, he made it to the White River in the Ozark Mountains, which was flooded at the time, making it impossible for the minister to continue his travels until the water subsided. H e t o o k re f u g e w i t h J o h n and Anna Ross, a couple whose homestead was not far from the river. The Ross’s hospitable welcome and the beautiful setting of the mountains lead Wright to try his hand at writing about what he was learning and experiencing while waiting on the river to recede back into its banks. Over six years later, the result was the publishing of “The Shepherd of the Hills” in 1907. The book became a best-seller and still remains the fourth best selling book of all time. As people became familiar with the “The Shepherd of the Hills” story, they also became curious about the story setting of the Ozark Mountains. In 1925, after the Ross’s deaths, a woman named Elizabeth McDaniel purchased the Ross homestead. She painstakingly acquired back many of the furnishing that had been sold off at auction and made the site available for tours. She eventually built her own home on the site, which now houses the ticket office. Through many adaptations, the popular book soon became a theatre production performed on the property. The original “two act” portrayal is now a record breaking full production that is performed in a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater, known as the “Old Mill Theatre.” People have returned year after year, bringing the next generation to enjoy the story that even though is a work of fiction, reflects the life that author Wright
May 13, 2010
For The Edge
Old Matt’’s Cabin at Shepherd of the Hills captured more than 100 years ago in his beloved book. Over the years, not only has the popularity of the production helped to maintain the homestead, but has made way for other attractions and events to be opened on the property. In 1988, Clydesdale horses made their debut on the homestead. The horses were also added to the Newborn King Christmas pageant and the illuminating Trail of Lights display that are part of the Ozark Mountain Christmas. In 1989 the Inspiration Tower opened, making a way for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view that can only be seen from the top of the tower. In 2002, a fire struck the Pickin’ Parlor Theatre, the main gift shop and Aunt Mollies Restaurant. This didn’t discourage the proprietors or the staff of “The Shepherd of the Hills” Historic Homestead and Old Mill Theatre. The rebuilding began,
making way for bigger and better things. This year, after nearly 10,000 performances and the addition of “Sons of the Pioneers” dinner show, there is no sign of things slowing down. Possibly one of the reasons for the popularity and continued growth is the staff and cast that consider themselves family. Cast member Russell Beliech started with the cast back in 2001. His sentiments capture the essence of how this group brings the family feel to the stage production and the homestead each and every day. “When I first went to a job fair for ‘Shepherd of the Hills,” I told them I was willing to pull the weeds out of their flower beds or whatever they needed me to do. I was moving to the area within the next two weeks and needed a job. Not only did they give me a job, but I became a cast member and tour guide right then and there and I’m still loving every minute of it. I think
it was my beard and longer hair that got me in, but I became family quickly and that is what made me stay,” said Beliech about his origins at the theater. “When you start here, there is always a place here for you. You can stay as long as you like.” An example of a cast member who has been part of the family as long as she wants to be is Dorothy Kniffer, a cast member since 1967. There are a number of others who have been with the cast since the early ‘70s and ‘80s. A new and exciting addition to the homestead that is scheduled to open the end of May, 2010, is the “Vigilante ZipRider.” Guests will travel up the glass elevators to the observation deck of the “Inspiration Tower” where they will board the zip lines connected to the 230 foot high deck. The four zip lines will whisk brave riders on the adrenaline pumping downhill ride over the 160 acre historic
homestead. There are currently only 10 of these “ZipRiders” in the world, which offer a seat attached to a cable, leaving riders hands free to enjoy the ride. There is no harness, no helmet or no safety net needed for this ride. It has been designed in such a way that the rider is seated in a nylon safety seat and can just sit back and enjoy the amazing view. The ride is tentatively scheduled to open Memorial Day Weekend, but visit www.theshepherdofthehills. com or call 1-800-653-6288 to check the opening schedules. You can also become a fan of “The Shepherd of the Hills” on Facebook and see the progress of the new addition. Information about tickets for the theater production, the “Sons of the Pioneers” dinner show, the Christmas events and so much more by visiting www. theshepherdofthehills.com.
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