I remember Old Branson

[leo]

Hi,

I worked at Rverlake Resort while in high school some 30+ years ago when Alan and Donna Thompson owned it. Yes, I cut grass, painted the dock, and helped guests load their boats, but I also got to take folks out fishing (first timers) and put them on trout.

My memories of the lake are unspoiled, before condos, and yes, even before bass boats were popular on the lake. There used to be a flashing red light in downtown Branson, and that was it.

I now have children, (4&8) but am hesitent to come back down because of all of the changes. I want to share with my kids now, just like my dad did with my brothers and me but I want to protect them from the crowds, bad mannors, and rudeness that appears to dominate Taneycomo now.

Comments?

[Flysmallie]

I think we may have given you a bad impression about the area. Yeah there are more people around than most of us would like, but it's still a wonderful and beautiful place. I have three daughters (2,7&12) They absolutley love the area. We live in Springfield, but spend at least one week a year and several weekends there. We also spend at least one week a year at the beach and have been to Disney. The people in Branson are just as friendly as every where else. I don't think the places have changed as much as everyone's overall attitude, and that is all over the country.

If I was you I would take them back and let them enjoy what you enjoyed. Yeah sure, it's not the same as it was when you were younger, but it will be all new to them.

[Packman]

You cant let a few bad apples ruin the whole truck. There are so many nice friendly people on the water that its hard to fish cause people are asking how your fishing is going or waving. I would deifinately come and bring the kids, what a good time you will have.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I haven't found it any different then any other place. it all depends on the time and the day, and whether you're in the right place at the right time.

[Phil Lilley]

Funny- I talk to alot of people about the way Branson was and what it is now. But places like Riverlake don't change. There's no new construction on Acacia Club Rd, no construction across the lake, may be a few more boats but really not that many more. And for the most part people are very friendly on the water.

BTW - we had a contract on RL when the Thompson's had the resort in 1982... Bob Klein came up with the money first and beat me out of the sale. I like the way things have turned out though.

[crappiefisherman]

Oh the way it used to be.Work 8 months a year, draw unemployment the rest.Nothing to do for the teens except cruise the lake front.Sit on the steps and enjoy the cool air off taneycomo on those 90 degree days.I miss the good ole days but tell you what, there are many good people in branson still, some arent so desirable cause money is the only thing in there lives.You wont find the good ones till you look for them and show your one of them.Branson is still good and I pray it stays good for some time.I have 3 children also and I am not afraid to take them anywhere in the area.The good ole days for tommorrow is today, so live it up.Oh and smile and the world smiles with you.Of course that may only work for the incredably good lookin folks like me.Ha Ha Ha