Caching , Sightseeing & Shake, Rattle & Roll 8/30-31/2010

Well here we are and no we didn't disappear. We went to a show last night so that's why there was no post last night. During the last 2 days we have been doing some caches and a little sightseeing. As I said in the last post there isn't an awful lot to see here except touristy stuff so history is going to be limited. We did some caches on Monday on a scenic overlook, a medieval themed motel, in the woods near an entrance to a water park, at a memorial to a city worker, in the woods at a small city park high on a hill and a disc golf course.

One cache we did was at the former Old Branson School now a park. We are here on this 17 day of September to dedicate this area, formerly the Old Branson School property, as a park to be known as the Old Branson School Park.
We are meeting on the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America. Had it not been for the signing of this instrument we probably would not be here today. However a land of Liberty and Freedom can slip away like a delicate flower. Only by constant vigilance will we hold it.
This is also a joy day for members of the Table Rock Extension Homemakers club, a day to celebrate its Forty Seventh Birthday. It was in 1929 that the club was organized. Mr. J. P. Penner was our mentor. But do not forget, the club has had its ups and downs during these years.
It had been a dream of the members to have a community building. They soon began pinning their hopes on the Old Branson School Building. They knew there was a movement toward consolidation with the Branson No. 3 which when it came would leave the property available for civic purposes.
The days for the one-room school building was nearing its end, and here was a big chance for the Club. With the first bussing of school children the little old school house would not be needed.
The memory of the marvelous teachers who down through the years can never be forgotten. It always amazed me how one teacher could marshall eight grades of children and in the course of a year have them advance into the next grade. I attended school in a log cabin school in Northern Idaho. The evidence of the courage and endurance of these teachers is the group of their pupils represented here today, former pupils of the Old Branson school.
Now was to come a change at Branson and this is when the Table Rock club received its great opportunity. There was the prospect of getting a community building. But the president of the club informed us that she owned the building. What a shock. However after a time we learned much about the exchange of private property.
The school deed to the acre of land had never been recorded. Grandpa John Boswell, as we called him, explained to me that it was almost two much effort to make the trip to Forsyth. Even on horseback it was a trying trip. With hardly a road and with boulders preventing a wagon passage, recording of the deed was just neglected. Then came a time for more change. A group of three men, Mr. V. C. Todd, Mr. York, and Mr. Fulbright were townsite committee to set up a home-site district. In dividing the land into lots of three acres or more it was discovered about the lack of recording the schools deed and Mr. Todd owning the land received a Quick-Claim deed. So Mrs. Hull came into ownership of the school property which she said was for sale.
We pounced upon the offer, but where was to be found the funds for the purchase. Mr. Mart Compton, the same man who helped to build the building in the first place, came forward, and loaned us the money. In seven years by dint of labor and saving we had it paid. The mortgage was burned as a Community fun night and dinner party and the Club had a building.
After a course of time, they wanted to rename the Club to the West-side Club. That did not last for more than a year as that name had no meaning. The club settled on returning to the original name of Table Rock. However it was through the Missouri University Extension work that the club was urged to become an extension club. They retained the name Table Rock, as the table was symbolism of the furniture of the Homemaker and the thought the Rock was the foundation of the home. So it became the Table Rock Extension Club. Later was added the word Homemaker. Now there comes another change for it is to be instead of a club an Association, one which has been a continuous organization for 47 years.
Too, another change was in effect. For the club members soon learned that the University Extension Service could not own property. Fortunately we had a member who took the situation in hand and proceeded to have the club incorporated then it could hold property. Three trustees were appointed and the club took on new form.
But more gloom was in store for the club. A storm blew down a near by tree which landed in the middle of the building, caving in the roof at its center.
After consultation with Mr. George Stancil, the club members decided that the best course instead of trying to rebuild or remodel the building which was already leaning, was to transfer the property to the City of Branson, a gift for a city park.
Mrs. Margaret Harrison, president of the Incorporation, found it her duty to take care of the transfer as voted unanimously by the members. The transfer was made by her proposal which gave the property to the city for a park. The City acknowledged the gift and notified the three trustees of their acceptance, enclosing a sketch for the future park and the preservation of the name of the school.
The old school bell was a casualty of the War. It had been taken down and sold for scrap but was yet intact when found at Kirbyville. The Club was able to rescue the bell, but now no building but the Park was also the answer in preserving the Old Branson School Bell.
Now we are here to celebrate this event with the Dedication of the Old Branson School Park. May this day be long remembered and the remembrance of the perseverance of a Civic Minded group of women who wanted to preserve the memory of the Old Branson School with this program on this Bicentennial day of September 17, 1976.


Veteran's Memorial Museum was another great place we had a virtual cache. The vision of a rural Nebraska man, Fred Hoppe, has created what the Veterans Task Force calls one of the "greatest tributes ever completed to honor our country's veterans!"
Fred Hoppe was inspired by the stories and sacrifices he heard about from his father (Fred Sr.) and the men that fought alongside his father during some of World War II's bloodiest battles. Fred Hoppe Sr., is honored with a mural and a special exhibit in the museum depicting his heroic rescue of a wounded fellow soldier. .
Along with designing, funding, and building the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri, Fred Hoppe also collected and then wrote the scripts for over 2000 rare military artifacts he donated for use to the museum. After spending four years trying to raise money for a memorial to honor the veterans of the 20th Century and with over 36 foundations turning him down, Fred says, "It became apparent that I would have to take things into my own hands. The experts kept telling me that it would take six years to complete a project of this magnitude, however with our veterans dying at a rate of over one thousand per day, I was driven to finish this project quickly."
Fred worked 18-hour days, seven days a week, living up to his pledge to complete the project in just 10 months. The museum officially opened on November 11, 2000.
Designing and participating in the construction of the building, Hoppe even cut up 70 tons of logs in a homemade sawmill in his backyard to provide siding and lumber for the museum's 18,000 square feet building. "Along with saving money, this allowed me to personally make sure that every aspect of the building reflected the quality our veterans deserve," said Hoppe.
After researching and interviewing veterans for over 25 years, Hoppe personally wrote the scripts for each of the displays. Arranging with combat artist James Dietz, Mike Hagel, and others to create dozens of combat murals, Hoppe has painstakingly detailed the history of our nations valiant fight for our liberties during the 20th Century.
The hallmark of the Veterans Memorial Museum is a stunning 70-foot long bronze sculpture consisting of 50 life-size soldiers running up a beach. A combat soldier from each of the 50 states was used as models for the life-size figures. Fred Hoppe Sr. is also the model for the lead soldier in the world's largest war memorial bronze sculpture.
Hoppe, an internationally known sculptor, created this amazing memorial bronze while building the museum; collecting the exhibits; arranging financing, management and marketing of the museum; and supervising every other detail of this incredible vision. Hoppe said, "Our Veterans deserve the very best tribute we can give them and the ideal location for this museum was in Branson, Missouri where veterans are honored every day and patriotism is still celebrated."
The exhibits in the museum cover WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and all other recent conflicts during the 20th Century. The center great hall of the museum contains the 50-statue sculpture and the wall surrounding it list over 400,000 names of the men and women killed in action during WWII. Throughout the museum the walls of each great hall contain the names of those killed in action during Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and other conflicts of the 20th Century.
Hoppe states, "Along with the Veterans Memorial Museum being an artistic memorial to our veterans, we want to evoke from our visitors an emotional response to the far reaching implications of war and the undeniable courage of those who stood strong in the face of the enemy. Above all, this memorial is a gesture of thanks to all who died to defend these freedoms we enjoy today."
The 2 bronze statues outside were amazing as they were so lifelike and realistic as you can see by the pictures.


Tuesday we did caches at an old forest ranger tower which was a virtual cache, along a walking path at Table Rock State Park, 3 caches in small parks around Branson and the last one in a fence post in a small neighborhood. As you can see there hasn't been an awful lot that has been interesting or historical as far as caches go.

Some interesting things we have seen are: Table Rock Dam, Lake and State Park. Table Rock Lake, spanning more than 43 thousand acres and 800 miles of shoreline, has become a perennial favorite vacation spot for campers, pleasure boaters, fishermen and lovers of water sports of all kinds. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountain Country of southwestern Missouri, Table Rock Lake is situated near one of the nation’s most popular entertainment and leisure destinations, Branson, Missouri.
Fishing: Acclaimed as one of the top bass fishing lakes in North America, Table Rock boasts an abundance of bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, and bluegill. An aggressive fish management program, resulting in an impressive resurgence of largemouth, Kentucky and smallmouth bass of exceptional size, has allowed the lake to become an exciting stop for hobbyists and professionals alike. Nature enthusiasts and hunters enjoy using the public lands surrounding Table Rock Lake which includes portions of the Mark Twain National Forest.
History: Table Rock was created in August of 1958, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Table Rock Dam across the White River. Construction had begun in October of 1954 and by June of 1959 hydro-electric power was being distributed to the Ozarks. The area had already established itself as a prime fishing and recreation area as far back as the 1930s, but needed protection from devastating floods on the White River. Beneath the dam, the Missouri Department of Conservation operates a fish hatchery, which is used to stock trout in Lake Taneycomo.
Activities: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the lake and Table Rock Dam. Thirteen Corps of Engineers operated campgrounds, located adjacent to Table Rock Lake, provide swimming areas, boat launch sites, campgrounds and family picnic areas. Full service marinas and over 100 privately owned resorts supply convenient services and a wide variety of water related activities for visitors. Boat cruises ranging from small pleasure craft and amphibious vehicles to a full-sized Showboat are also available.

Hollister MO: The population was 3,867 at the 2000 census. The area was first settled as a result of the establishment of US Land Office in Springfield in 1835. The town expanded from a crossroads at a 120-acre tract along the western bank of Turkey Creek that was the 1867 land-claim of Malinda Fortner. The town was named Hollister by Reuben Kirkham who opened a general store and applied to the Post Office for permission, which was granted in 1904. The town was named after the birthplace of Kirkham's daughter, Hollister, California. Most of the buildings in downtown Hollister are constructed in the Tudorbethan or mock Tudor style. Since the early 1970s most of the original businesses in historic downtown Hollister have gradually gone out of business. Recent construction on nearby Highway 65 and the continued success and growth of nearby Branson, Missouri have created a resurgence in downtown Hollister, many of the old storefronts are being revitalized and reopened as new businesses. We drove through the historic section of the town and the businesses that were there were mostly newer places like Dino's 24 Karrot Cake Co. They have the best carrot cake we have ever had and also have several different kinds of awesome cakes such as chocolate, Italian creme, red velvet, strawberry and white elegance.


Chateau-on-the-Lake: As you approach this Castle in the Ozarks, you know you've arrived at a resort destination unlike any other... the most magnificent of all Branson hotels. From the moment you step into our spectacular 10-story Atrium lobby, you sense a level of luxury and professional service that makes Chateau on the Lake such a unique experience.
No matter where you go at Chateau on the Lake - from our front desk to your beautiful guest room or suite, our award-winning Chateau Grille to our new Spa Chateau - you will enjoy the personalized attention of our professional, friendly staff, people who are dedicated to providing a level of service unrivaled by many Branson hotels.
Chateau on the Lake's stunning, 14,000 sq. ft., full-service spa is a palace of pure indulgence, where signature treatments blend rich elements of the Ozarks with exotic European therapies.
Culminating years of planning, design and development, Spa Chateau - is a free-standing facility and connected by walkway to the Chateau on the Lake - surrounds guests with old-world luxuries and modern delights.
The lobby features a dazzling 30 ft.-high Swarovski crystal chandelier, which sets the tone for the spa's awe-inspiring decor. Highlights of the spa itself include:

* Luxurious treatment rooms (10) featuring hydraulic-operated massage tables complemented by plush heated padding and dressed with Comphy® skirting, sheets and comforters for maximum relaxation
* A soothing Infinity Tub that's filled from the ceiling
* A decadent outdoor Roman Bath beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake
* A lake-view Movement Therapy studio for Yoga
* A unique Barber Spa, featuring products from Truefitt & Hill - London's "Court Hair Cutter" since 1805 - that offers haircuts, shaves with hot towels, manicures and more.

Tuesday night we went to eat at Danna's BBQ and Burger Shop. Nothing fancy but great food. Mom had a French Dip sandwich with fries and I had a Fat Burger which was a 6oz. patty with a fried egg, bacon, grilled onions and cheese with onion rings and it was great. Then we went to the music show Shake, Rattle & Roll a show with nothing but 50's music. It was a great show and lasted about 2 hours. The 4 lead male singers in the show were part of the 12 Irish Tenors which we saw in Myrtle Beach last December and they were terrific. Then it was back to the coach for the night. So until tomorrow we love and miss you all. Mom & Dad Dori & Dick