Author Archives: BTC News Staff

“Ozarks Romance” first of many Branson historical exhibits during Centennial Celebration

This 1894 nightgown was worn by Delphia Francis Spradlin following her marriage to John Samuel Reish.Nightgown from the Reish Family Collection on loan to the WRVHS courtesy of Joe and Barbara Reish.

BRANSON, Mo “The White River Historical Society’s ‘Ozarks Romance’ is yet another unique and diversified activity for Branson visitors to consider while visiting Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The items from the Reish Family collection are opportune because Branson is celebrating its Centennial this year and the family still operates Branson’s longest running commercial business, ‘Reish Shoes,’ in historic downtown Branson,” she continued.

Information received from The White River Historical Society says “When did the tradition of a bride wearing white develop? What homespun remedy is a ‘sure cure, for a complexion problem? How can you be sure you dream of your future spouse? Answers to these questions and more are answered during the White River Valley Historical Society’s ‘Ozarks Romance’ exhibit, where love is in the air, through March 30.

“The exhibit, created by members of the Society, gives visitors a look at marriage and courtship in the area, including folklore, chivarees, anniversaries, hope chests, and shotgun weddings.  Vintage gowns and nightgowns are part of the display, as well as valentines from the 1930’s, albums, hope chest items, and a ‘parlor’ ready for the big day!”

The White River Valley Historical Society is located at 297 Main Street, Forsyth, across from the Taney County Judicial Facility, its operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and there is no admission charge. For further information on the “Ozarks Romance” exhibit, any of the many other special events that will be taking place during the celebration of the Branson Centennial or Branson’s shows, attractions or lodging, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Unsinkable “Molly” Brown remembered in newest Branson Titanic exhibit

Branson's Titanic Museum always an exciting voyage back into history is even more so during 2012 as the 100th anniversary of its sinking is remembered.

BRANSON, Mo.  “The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson has boarded more than four million passengers since it opened in April of 2006 with many of those passengers being repeat passengers,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is constantly offering its guests special events, such as the National Ice Carving Association’s Championships taking place at the Titanic Feb. 4-5, the 100th anniversary special events being held in remembrance of her sinking and the updating and changing of its exhibits to provide guests with a fresh and exciting experience each time they visit.”

One of those new exhibits is the new “Molly Brown Gallery,” devoted to remembering one of the heroines of the Titanic disaster. According to information released by the Branson Titanic Attraction, “Her real name was Margaret ‘Maggie’ Tobin Brown, but the world knew her best as the irascible, indestructible Unsinkable ‘Molly’ Brown. ‘Beginning this month, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction will explore the myth, lore and legacy of this larger-than-life Titanic heroine,’ announces John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions and leader of the first private expedition’s dive to the wreck site.

“According to Brown’s great-granddaughter, Helen Benziger, ‘My great-grandmother was born in 1867 in Hannibal. She made a name for herself in Denver, Colo., and around the world, with an indomitable spirit that charmed European society and helped her survive the Titanic disaster.

“I was about 13 years old, sitting in a darkened movie theater watching Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, when my mother finally told me that the fictional Molly Brown on screen was, in reality, based on the life of my great-grandmother, Margaret Tobin Brown. Since that unbelievable moment, I have devoted much of my life to keeping her legacy alive.

“Now, I’m thrilled and excited to know that the extensive Molly Brown Artifact Collection will have a new home at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, not too far from where my great-grandmother was born,’ Benziger adds.

“Featured pieces in the collection include furniture, crystal glassware from Ireland, artwork, photographs, Titanic memorabilia and many other treasures gathered from around the world to grace the Denver mansion Maggie shared with her millionaire mining husband, J.J. Brown.

“Museum guests will see original costumes worn by Debbie Reynolds in the movie ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ including the pale-green, elaborately beaded silk gown she wore while celebrating her birthday abroad in Paris.

“‘Helen Benziger was in Branson to help us launch the museum attraction in 2006. She inspired us all,’ says Joslyn, ‘and we’re honored to welcome her back Thursday, March 22, to dedicate our new gallery, entirely devoted to her great-grandmother.'”

For additional information or tickets for the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, any of its 100th anniversary events, the “Molly Brown Exhibit” or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.