Sad news, today, as there has been a fire, rumored at this point to be arson, that broke out around 3 pm. If anyone has any more details, please post. I left Branson around 11 a.m., today, or I would have been there taking pictures. Hopefully this is resolved quickly & the damage is repairable!
My daughter and I were leaving today about that time, and they had the main Hill Road closed. We went around and saw three fire trucks lined up but could not make out what was happening. That is very sad.
OMG! We were AT SDC today! We never went near Grandfather's Mansion, so never noticed anything wrong. Even when leaving at the end of the day, didn't see anything strange, of course, the nearest we got to GM was... well, we did walk behind it on the way to the train at around 5pm. Didn't notice anything.
Unable to find any info if this is true or not and the extent of damage if there is any
Oh wow, I wonder how anyone would even be able to start a fire unnoticed with all the people who go through. I doubt it did much damage though, without a bunch of starting fuel I don't know that there's that much to burn in there, and it sounds like they got to it pretty quick. However, if it was in fact a larger fire and it did do some damage, I don't know how the park would even be able to open the mansion back up again without solving the ADA issue.
Fires tend to be bad omens for classic attractions...
NOOO. >:( I really hope something can be done and that it was only minor damage. Those pesky Baldknobbers need to be stopped! ( too soon?)
Well, there weren't a whole lot of people at the park. The number I overheard was over 9,000; that was in the late afternoon. So I suppose it's possible for GM to have been fairly empty at some point or another.
I hope it turns out to have been minor.
The only thing I can report is that at the Echo Hollow show, a fellow employee asked me if I had heard anything about the false alarm fire call. Sooooo....maybe there was no real fire. But I don't know.
I hope that is all it was zephon...
GM is a "classic" at SDC. I pray that nothing has happened here. I fear that if there is substantial damage, it might mark the end for this attraction, because, as we all know it has narrow hallways and a staircase, and is not easily accessible for some handicapped guests. Just a note for those who don't know, Grandfather's Mansion is the "upgraded" attraction that was initially known as "Slantin' Sam's the Miner's Shack." The playroom of GM is the original gravity house that was Slantin' Sam's. I remember as a kid that my dad had to have our passport ticket punched prior to going in to visit back in 1970. I have relayed a story on another thread about my old work buddy Kevin McPhail and his getting fired by Miss Mary when the upgrade work was being done to Slantin' Sam's. It was because he cut down a tree that Miss Mary did not want to loose. As an employee, I cleaned and swept out GM daily 1981-1983. It was prior to park opening, nice, quiet, cool, peaceful work prior to rope drop on Main Street. Wonderful memories about this attraction as both a child, and employee. I'm glad my grandson and I had a chance to go through the mansion in June when we were last there. He really enjoyed it. I was happy that he did enjoy it, just like I always have.
Very sad to hear this news. I'm praying that it was a false alarm, or a very minimal damage. Classic attraction, that all of us know & love.
This also really worries me. If indeed there was a fire that destroyed any part of the mansion, I fear that it will never get replaced. It will be be like the waterfall out front, that just got a wooden facade. They will just quick fix it for cheap. Worse yet, it there was extensive damange, the mansion might just sit there closed, just like Huck Finn's Tree Fort.
I really do hope that all this turns out ok.
:o I'm starting to get really worried. If this is true, I don't know how somebody could do that! And I'll cry forever if GM gets closed for good. Somebody find the whole story and QUICK!! :o
This is my first post, wanted to let you know what we saw yesterday.
My son and I were there yesterday when this happened. We were going to eat a late lunch at Big Jack and walked by GM to get there. They had the area blocked off and asked us to walk around. For some reason we thought someone had gotten sick inside, I can't remember if the security guard told us something that made us think that or if we just did.
While getting our food we heard and saw a fire truck. After eating we walked back by, they didn't have the entire path blocked at that point just the section in front of GM, with the stairs. We could smell smoke and my son said it smelled like fireworks.
We kept walking and a few minutes later over heard an employee telling another guest that a kid had set off a smoke bomb inside GM. Later I could see someone standing in the entrance blocking the way in but then noticed not long after that it looked like people were going in.
So I'm not positive but it did look like it was open as we were leaving the park.
Let's all hope it was just a smoke bomb!!
zachsmom, thanks for the onsite report!. Hopefully your details are accurate and the is no damage to GM
last time I was at GM one of my issues was that you could sea a security camera in the area before you go down the stairs. I even wondered if their was a real need for the camera. Apparently there is if some kid is inconsiderate and ignorant enough to ruin something fun for so many family. One of the reasons I love going down to SDC and Branson because you meet so many people that would bend over backwards to help you out compared to here in St.Louis. It just a shame that there are people that have no consideration for others and thing something like that is funny.
Quote from: jmc75 on August 15, 2011, 05:09:16 PM
One of the reasons I love going down to SDC and Branson because you meet so many people that would bend over backwards to help you out compared to here in St.Louis.
My plans after high school was to move to Branson because of that reason exactly! It's a more Christian community than where I live. There is a meth lab half a mile down the street from me, and somebody is always getting arrested for fights or drugs. I seriously witnessed 3 drugs deals in the girl's bathroom at school last year.
The reason I didn't move yet is because I have A+ money for college so I figured I would use that for the next two years then figure out what I'll do.
There were incidents in the past (while I worked at SDC) when guests sometimes got extreme in their behavior. During a Young Christians Weekend one year, a bunch of kids jumped up and down on the swinging bridge until one cable gave way. No one was injured, but the bridge was closed for repairs for weeks. There were other incidents, too. Theft from shops, inconsiderate behavior while in line for attractions and shows, but to a limited amount only. I'm sure as the 1990's and the 2000's rolled through, there were more incidents, as that is unfortunately what we deal with in society today. Let's hope it was a smoke bomb only, and all is well with GM!
I'm also hoping that this is just a minor situation. It is just a huge pet peeve of mine when inconsiderate idiots ruin things for other people, which is what could've happened here. It is just uncalled for.
Glad to hear no one was hurt at least.
well?? Anybody been back to the city? Able to verify actual damage or not? zephon?
Will anyone be going soon to check if Grandfather's Mansion has reopened? The park has been closed all week, so I assume if there was any damage it has been fixed now. Haven't heard anything from the park, and none of the news agencies picked up on the story, but something definitely happened because there have been tons of eyewitness accounts now.
We's be at the park Sat. Will TRY & make a pass thru G'pas Mansion but i cant promise ya anything, we gotta newbie goin' with us. I will take more pics, & when my video gets made & on YouTube, i'll post it. ;)
It's interesting to read how everyone considers grandfather like family, and how much everyone truly cares about his mansion. When someone allegedly causes damage to something so beloved, it shows disrespect to us all.
The facts are certainly not in yet, but if damage was done, I hope grandfather has a speedy recovery! :)
we too will be at the park on Saturday, so we will check on the status as well. I'm sure we will be through that area as we are bringing our middle two children as well as a nephew that hasn't ever been to the City before. So if we find anything out I will be sure to post it.
I'm gonna try to be there next Saturday. Does anybody know which room it happened in, so I know where to pay extra attention?
We were at SDC during the incident at Grandfather's mansion. My husband sat down next to the exit to wait for the rest of us to go through. But we found it closed instead. An employee at the entrance had the door closed and stated it was closed for a moment. We stood around a couple minutes and more employees showed up. None went in the entrance but stood around talking outside. My husband said while he was by the exit, one guy came out coughing and said he couldn't be in there. We took off and noticed the fire trucks showed up shortly after. So the story about smoke bomb/fire crackers may be exactly what it was.
I posted a question about this on their facebook page, we'll see if I get a response. As an aside, how would they get fire trucks actually in the park? They can't go through HH obviously, don't think theu could drive across the bridge(or maybe they can?) And they wouldn't fit under the train trestle.
There is at least 3 ways I know of getting vehicles into the park and probably more. There is an entrance between FITH and the Opera House, also between Geyser Gulch and the old Splash Harbor, and also in the back of the Grand Exposition.
yes, thats right . plenty of room for full size vehicles on cardiac hill,
and i dont know about the weight capacity of bridge..probbaly would support a small engine/water truck.. Good question though ??? ???
There is an entry for a large vehicle adjacent to the cave train track and hospitality house. Another entry is the area next to Brown's Candy Factory between it and funnel cakes. There are several others. They have to follow local, county, and state and federal laws about accessibility, they have more ways to get big vehicles into the park than you would think.
I knew there would be a way just didn't know how. It seemed to me that right on the square would be the hardest to get to with a fire truck before I learned of the entry by Brown's Candy. I'm having a hard time picturing somewhere by the HH though. Is there a road between it and the homestead?
It's kinda disappointing. I loved the Grandfather's Mansion. Let's hope it was nothing too serious...
I've heard no news on GM which means it's probably ok. The smoke bomb story seems very likely.
Large vehicles are driven on park all the time. Fire trucks, cement trucks, etc. They even bring in a big crane when erecting the Christmas tree on the square. The bridge by blown glass carries the weight just fine. The crane comes up Hill Street through the gate by the Opera House.
Quote from: Zephon on August 18, 2011, 06:27:08 PM
I've heard no news on GM which means it's probably ok. The smoke bomb story seems very likely.
Large vehicles are driven on park all the time. Fire trucks, cement trucks, etc. They even bring in a big crane when erecting the Christmas tree on the square. The bridge by blown glass carries the weight just fine. The crane comes up Hill Street through the gate by the Opera House.
I suspected the bridge was more sturdy than it appears. (not that it appears flimsy! :) )
Now this is strange. I posted a question about this on their facebook page this afternoon. When I got home I didn't see the post. Thinking it was because I did it from my phone, I reposted form my laptop. Now that one's gone. ?????? Must be something they are wanting to get out.
ok, i just left a question for them also on facebook. lets see what happens.
They've been deleting most messages about it. The reference from the SDCFans page is still showing up in their feed though...
Seems strange. I guess they don't want to release any info about it because it might entice other people to do similar stunts inside the mansion, and it could harm their reputation I guess.
No news is good news though, so long as the Mansion isn't closed this weekend.
Kind of like school violence, or negative youth stories on the news. Though they are important to safety to allow all to learn about the problem, news will avoid the stories to keep others from repeating the negative actions of others. They more than likely are working on squelching the negative PR and to avoid copy cats.
when i left a message on SDC site, it did not show up.... BUT there are NO new statements on their wall..,,
But when I went to the momsblog, the question posted, soooooo ??? ???
Quote from: rubedugans on August 18, 2011, 09:18:22 PM
Kind of like school violence, or negative youth stories on the news. Though they are important to safety to allow all to learn about the problem, news will avoid the stories to keep others from repeating the negative actions of others. They more than likely are working on squelching the negative PR and to avoid copy cats.
When I was in 8th grade, a bunch of 7th grade boys let loose a bunch of snakes in the boy's bathroom. School was closed for 2 days to make sure none of the snakes got out of the bathroom and into other parts of the building.
People disappoint me. Why do people have to be so disrespectful?
If the rumored smoke bomb story pans out, that troubles me a bit. That means someone had premeditated the crime, and actually snuck fireworks into the park for the purpose of causing mischief.
One thing about it, Silver Dollar City is definitely pushing this story under the rug. However, the story isn't really high priority news for people who are not overly passionate about the park like we all are. ;)
Are we in the spin zone...or the no spin zone? ;) Yeah, my guess is they are quelling any negative chatter and don't want copy cats. I tell you, if I had just paid full admission, I would not be stupid enough to risk being tossed out of the park and maybe into the Stone County Jail. Would not sacrifice my season pass for a stunt like this either. Some idiots just don't get it, do they? Why do something that could result in someone else being injured?
All I asked was "Is grandfathers mansion open? There's rumors going around of a fire or some problem there". I hadn't thought about the copy cat angle, but my question didn't say anything about it being intentional. Seems like they could have just replied with "everything's fine, it's open" instead of making the mystery bigger. When the tower at AP got hit by lightning last year, I don't think they were try to hide that.
Don't worry, nobody is coming down on you. All is well. We'd all like to have the same straightforward answer. Looks like nothing will be "officially" forthcoming on this topic. I understand though. Big companies all react the same when it comes to something that could be more trouble down the line. Silence is golden.
There are some posts on their facebook page about, not sure if they are yours or not. You have to hit the "recent posts" at the top of their wall to see them
Here's a link
https://www.facebook.com/Silverdollarcity?sk=wall&filter=1 (https://www.facebook.com/Silverdollarcity?sk=wall&filter=1)
I must not have been looking in the right place. They did respond to my post and said grandfathers mansion is open as scheduled. Good news!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
yes, i got an answer also.. NO damage to Gm and is open as usual... ;D
Very glad it wasn't damaged. now about that waterfall ::)
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 14, 2011, 10:09:54 PM
However, if it was in fact a larger fire and it did do some damage, I don't know how the park would even be able to open the mansion back up again without solving the ADA issue.
ADA issue? what's that?
American's with Disabilities Act (Specifiacally Title III- Public Accomodations-and commercial facilities) no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regards to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation. Title III also has application to existing facilities. One of the definitions of "discrimination" under Title III of the ADA is a "failure to remove" architectural barriers in existing facilities.
There are exceptions to this title; many private clubs and religious organizations may not be bound by Title III. With regard to historic properties (those properties that are listed or that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or properties designated as historic under State or local law), those facilities must still comply with the provisions of Title III of the ADA to the "maximum extent feasible" but if following the usual standards would "threaten to destroy the historic significance of a feature of the building" then alternative standards may be used.
This means (in my mind) that seeing that the GM is a historic Tilt house that only a handful of these are remaining in the US, this structure does not need to comply due to the age, and significance of the stucture as it would destroy the significance of the structure. This means that if it WERE damaged, then it would, by law HAVE to comply with the standards of ADA leaving the tilt house a thing of the past.
Quote from: rubedugans on August 20, 2011, 09:49:54 AM
This means (in my mind) that seeing that the GM is a historic Tilt house that only a handful of these are remaining in the US, this structure does not need to comply due to the age, and significance of the stucture as it would destroy the significance of the structure. This means that if it WERE damaged, then it would, by law HAVE to comply with the standards of ADA leaving the tilt house a thing of the past.
The ADA is easily (and often!) abused by lawsuit trolls. It's spawned an entire industry of "victims" and their advocates. (Victims of access discrimination can't get monetary compensation under federal law, but their lawyers are awarded all fees and expenses.) It's also frequently misunderstood; I think we've touched on the issue before when it came to Marvel Cave.
Here is some good reading:
http://access-board.gov/recreation/guides/amuse.htm
http://www.ada.gov/t3hilght.htm (See "IV. Eligibility for Goods and Services")
I have had to become VERY familiar with the ADA lately in a different aspect. As an IWS in one of the largest school districts in MO. I am responsible for assuring all content is compliant, and if not...it's my butt! Mine only limits font sizes, colors, Alt Text must be on all images, and a few other things. Not too tough, but I am always aware of it.
The Cave wouold be on the register of historic Places...which could exempt it. But you WILL NOT see anything like the old tilt houses like GM built this way ever again.
The staircase leading down towards John's Room would need to be replased with a lift of some sort, and I cannot imagine a tilt room ADA accessible. I do believe repairs can be made, just no fulloverhauling...am I wrong here? I would believe a % of the building would need to remain original in order to remain ...well original and keep exempt status. Just thinking out loud here.
If GM is not accessible - it's not accessible! There isn't any reason to change it for the few of us that can't manage to enter and enjoy it safely. I can no longer visit GM, but I don't want it changed or restructured if it's going to take away the integrity of it. I would rather it be left as is for those that can enjoy it. There are plenty of other things to do in the park. People need to use common sense.
gilligan, WELCOME to the site..
first of all gilligan welcome too the site. i wouldnt want too see anything changed my self.
As we already know per the SDC officials on Facebook, I am here to confirm that as of our day trip on 20 Aug 2011 that GM is up and running and packed to the rafters with SDC patrons. The only thing that was amiss was that the " Rocking Room" was not working. Which is not an unusual thing.
Welcome as well Gilligan!
Also Bobber, when I was there the last week in July, the first room (the rocking room) was not working either.
Seems like it is hit or miss if it is running correctly LOL.
Also to Gilligan, Welcome Aboard!!!!
Quote from: rubedugans on August 21, 2011, 01:51:46 PM
Welcome as well Gilligan!
Also Bobber, when I was there the last week in July, the first room (the rocking room) was not working either.
I don't think that room has worked any time I've been there.
That "Rocking Room" in GM is operated with a chain system, similar to a chain on a bicycle. It has been in place since GM was upgraded from the miner's shack about 1968-69. It broke down ALL THE TIME when I was working there in the early 80s. It was broken in June when I made my last trip up there. I think the maintenance guys probably get tired of fixing it all the time. Sometimes it takes two or three guys climbing around above it and behind the walls to get it back on track and stablized. Sometimes they fix it, and a few days later it slips off track again. Every now and then you get some clown who wants to get off the pathway and get onto the floor of the room for a little thrill...that will knock it off track every time. PLEASE don't try this. You might wind up falling and hurting yourself. Seriously. It's too bad it breaks down all the time, but it is a pretty cool effect when in operation. Even when it does not work, it tilts to one side significantly, and adds to the weirdness of the mansion. The attraction would just not be the same without it.
As long as they don't "waterfall" the rocking rooom too! (I felt the need to create a new verb from a noun pertaining to the GM's former entry waterfall that was removed)
I could have also said "They better no Diving Bell that too!"
Ahh new verbs are always fun.
I always enjoyed the rocking room, but I always wished it would rock a little more dramatically, or a little faster. It's funny watching those old walls shake, and tremble back, and forth.
If it is a maintenance issue, surely they could find away to prevent it from jumping track as Junior alluded to.
And no, never should they "waterfall" any other part of Grandfather's Mansion! ;)
I am sure, if they wanted to repair/modify the rocking room. they could easily add a hydraulic system to do the tilts!
I do not know what it looks like behind the walls, but there would be more tahn likely a few ways to retrofit, or change the attractions mechanism. Hydraulics would more than likely be the easiest.
Quote from: rubedugans on August 23, 2011, 09:32:52 PM
I do not know what it looks like behind the walls, but there would be more tahn likely a few ways to retrofit, or change the attractions mechanism. Hydraulics would more than likely be the easiest.
ohh guys, I think I know what our next mission is:
Finding out what's behind the walls in Grandfathers Mansion! haha
Quote from: DollarCityBoy on August 24, 2011, 10:09:52 AM
ohh guys, I think I know what our next mission is:
Finding out what's behind the walls in Grandfathers Mansion! haha
Well, as long as it's not grandpa in the shower I think were okay. ;)
so maybe I am completly bonkers here but I do not recall a rocking room.....I know if you walk slow in the begining the optical illusion is that is seems all hilter kilter and the tilting room where the bed is but other than that what are yall talking about???? HEEEEEEELPPPPP this youngin!!!!
They are referring to the optical illusion, as you put it.
It's the room to the right, after the "Parlor" with the music box.
The room is more than just an optical illusion with the 3 squares on the wall ahead.
I know I am late on this topic, but I am new to the forum. I am aware of this incident. I know several people on the Southern Stone County Fire Department. This turned out to be a smoke bomb, no damage, no fire. Since it was a commercial property though, there were several inspectors called to the scene, and from what I heard, there were some compliance issues with ADA and stuff like that.
Grandfather's Mansion has always seemed to be topic of ADA compliance issues. Some say that the Mansion will be grandfathered in (no pun intended) due to the age of the building. Others say that changes will have to be made eventually.
Ozark, Your right.. eventually GM will have to be brought up to code, BUT when that happens I am sure they will close it >:(.
So hopefull the PTB can keep the the "feds" happy for a long time. ;D
I have mentioned this before when it comes to amusement rides the overall ADA does not apply. It is just like any other ride, its like if you are to big you can not go on it sometimes. Otherwise some of the places like GG or HDH could not even exist. If you are in a wheel chair I do not see you going thru HDH. So as much as the ADA would love to see equality for everyone and everything. It is just not possible.
"""""So as much as the ADA would love to see equality for everyone and everything. It is just not possible"""""
Dont let "them" hear you say that,,,,, :o :o :o :o :o