In 2020, the Outdoor Theatre was named the Thurman Outdoor Theatre in honor of Keith. With over 50 years on the Homestead, he is also the resident historian. Young Keith Thurman stepped in as Director in the early 80’s, and is still in that role today. A few years later, a young man who had performed as Young Matt in the play moved up to take the reins. On Augthe Old Mill Theatre welcomed its first guests. Trimble’s death, his son Mark fulfilled his father’s dream and built a theatre out of the Old Mill. Bruce and Mary Trimble opened Old Matt’s Barn to the public as a gift shop in 1946, and in 1949 constructed a wooden tower on Inspiration Point. Today, her home houses the ticket office. It is said that she would ride the country side-saddle, would wear the latest fashions, and could cuss like a sailor. She lived in Old Matt’s Cabin for a time before having her home moved from Springfield, Missouri to the homestead – not an easy feat in the 1920’s! Miss Lizzie was a visionary, and the one to host the first reenactments of the books, right on the lawn of Old Matt’s Cabin. A wealthy banker’s daughter from Springfield, Missouri, “Miss Lizzie”, as she was known, loved the book. After John and Anna Ross passed away, a feisty young woman named Elizabeth McDaniel purchased the homestead. Due to heavy volumes of visitors, the Ross family relocated to Garber, Missouri, leaving their homestead to the mercy of the adoring fans. Over the years, many people contributed to make The Shepherd of the Hills property into the beautiful, well preserved place it is today. Through The Shepherd of the Hills and the crowds it drew to Mutton Hollow, Branson, Missouri was born. Harold Bell Wright was a God fearin’ man, and his legacy lives on today in the descendants of those who followed the shepherd’s call to the beautiful Ozark hill country. Even now, as you walk the streets of Branson and brush shoulders with folks in a local diner, you will see a sparkling eye and cheerful smile, and maybe get invited to church on Sunday. Wright had written Shepherd in a spirit of awe at the beautiful work of his Creator, and it was this spirit that drew people to Branson. To frances, my wife in memory of that beautiful summer in the ozark hills, when, so often, we followed the old trail around the rise of mutton hollow – the trail that is nobody knows how old – and from sammy’s lookout watched the day go over the western ridges.Īfter The Shepherd of the Hills was published in 1907, readers began to flock into the Ozark hills to experience the breathtaking views and endearing characters that Harold Bell Wright immortalized in his novel. Since this is an adventure sport activity, we do not recommend those to ride with high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, recent surgery, medical sensitivity to quick stopping motions, extreme fear of heights, epilepsy, history of panic attacks or other conditions which could be aggravated by this adventure.John and Anna Ross, who became know as Old Matt and Aunt Mollie in Wright’s book.Follow all operator instructions, posted rule signs and stickers.No gum, food or drinks allowed on attraction.Operators are not responsible for lost or misplaced personal items.Riders must be between 75lbs and 275lbs.Participating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.Must be able to understand and demonstrate knowledge of all safety rules to experience the attraction.Children under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
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