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[Ozarks Gal]

The only Lightnin' Chair I remember was a prop electric chair used in the Courthouse Theater drama of Melvin the Chicken Thief back in the early, early 80s.
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Yup...I checked ebay and indeed the lightnin' chair postcard is of the famed Courthouse Theater drama where Melvin the Chicken thief takes a seat in the chair. It was a great show, and that fellow in the chair is Dan Embree, who some of you will remember as Mr. Potter in last Decembers "It's a Wonderful Life" which was performed at SDC. The woman next to him is Bonnie Arnold, formerly a Ma Hatfield, who was probably playing Ma in the Courthouse Theater production. Many of you younger folk will remember her as Miss Bonnie, the Schoolmarm at the school house. She has since retired and last I heard was in a nursing home with serious health complications. Other featured performers on that postcard are the famous Wayne Milnes as the Judge, and Marvin Themis as the lawyer, and Ray as the bailiff.

By the way, the Courthouse Theater is now known as the Riverfront Playhouse.

One character had a girlfriend named Elvira, right?  And when he sat in the chair, and it was activated, he would yell for his girl:  "Elvira, Elvira, my heart's on fire for Elvira!"  I was much younger, 40 years ago, but this I remember.

Thanks! I knew I could count on folks here to know

[mhguy77]

The electric chair was the first show I remember in the courthouse.  It was lots of fun.  I used to enjoy this type of show at the park but I am afraid that audiences have grown impatient and if its not a 1:50 min long you tube video they cant keep interested.  I am afraid we grew out of this type of offering, sadly.

[rubedugans]

Got the lightning chair card...I'll post a pic/ detail once I get a chance.

[Ozarks Gal]

I found this unused (!) SDC ticket packet from the early days (1960s).  I noticed the "Butterfield Stagecoach OR Miner's Pack Train".

Rube has a post from a while back that I think is mentioning the same thing.  So, history buffs, what can you tell me about the pack train?

[Junior]

I never heard of the miner's pack train. You learn something new everyday!

[How-doFolks]

Wow! Priceless item there!

[rubedugans]

I have 2 of those, not sure where they are, as I am packed up and between 2 different houses...when I find it...I'll let you know if it is that exact one.

[okiebluegrass]

I never heard of the miner's pack train. You learn something new everyday!

Neither have I. Very interesting. Nothing about it on google either.

Those tickets are over 40 years old and look like they could have been printed yesterday 

[Ozarks Gal]

Fun SDC brochure from 1983 (I think), detailing "Evenings are really special at Silver Dollar City!". Highlights the Echo Hollow dinner show, and special craft demonstrations at the park from 5-8 pm. 

[History Buff]

That looks to be well before 1983.  Echo Hollow hails from further back than '83 if I'm not mistaken, and to think the brochure wouldn't have any mention of rides in '83 - that couldn't be right could it?  It seems they would be touting LR, AP, FM, and FitH at the very least.  This would have been the time period for Tom Sawyer's Landing, or at least shortly before.

What do you guys think?  I guess it does only refer to "after 3pm", so maybe this was something handed out at the City only after people were there.

[Clanouper]

i have the board game as well. LOVE IT

[Junior, too!]

The brochure pictured above is from 1983. First year of Echo Hollow.