Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise

[angerie]

I hope everyone has a chance to visit this special cruise. I think we should all find out who to contact & let them know we want this attraction to be part of the new Branson Landing Project. I am going to try to attach a couple of pics of the pirate. I hope I remember how. :)

[Suselit]

Oh, I agree. There's something for everyone to enjoy on the Sammy Lane. And if it does close...well, it would be a shame not to go on it at least once before it's gone forever.

I'm really glad that people on this board told us about the Cruise. It's part of Branson's History....and a fun, cool way to spend 70 minutes.

Suselit

[angerie]

Here's 1 of the pirate. Well, I've tried to upload a pic but for some reason it won't work. I will try again another time. :)

[LauraIowa]

Anxious to see your pictures. We are hoping to take this cruise in August 2-9 sometime.
Can't wait. What time of day did you go?
Laura

[schnauzermom]

This cruise is awesome no matter what time of day you go. The people are very nice and it is so relaxing.

[The Mat Maniac]

See...I told you..:)

Yes..We should preserve this attraction at all costs...even death..;) heheh..
We need ADDRESSES!!! to Write to for the branson landing project and other things..so it stays running for generations to come..

Tim
aka The Mat Maniac

(see...a short post from me about the Pirate Cruise...:) hehe)

[The Mat Maniac]

oh...would this be the pirate you talk about? :)

[Suselit]

Argggg, Matey! Yes, Tim was right!!!

Suselit

[MomTo4]

We WENT! It was really neat. It was so nice and cool! What a relaxing ride. There weren't many people on our cruise so we kinda just sat back and enjoyed the views (and made sure we didn't yawn--so the captian wouldn't shoot us with his water gun!)

Neat!

[The Mat Maniac]

Ya know what...since It probally wont be this year again (though If I can get a weekend trip going ..I might...first thing is to find us a new place)... Im going to go on the trip... and bring a Big Mac for Elmer..;)

The thing that is worse...and me and the Captain talked in length about this.. the current owners (well..sorta..the ones that have been running it)...did not..and do not put any money into the place...which most business people know..you got to spend money to make money.. but if you noticed...not much merchandise at all..like they used to...thye used to have toy swords...pirates and captains hats, tshirts, hats, gilligan hats, etc... as well as BOTH boats running (if you looked around the dock you saw the other one under the tarp)...and more than 3 departures...the same think with the Lake queen...they had more departures..as well as a breakfast and dinner cruise...I pray that it is running still next year...if I dont do it this year...my plan next year is to send or bring an 8x10 pic of me..signed...so have hung up there..:) (I would have this last time..but my pics were in storage..sucks..was gonna bring my autograph album..that has a baldknobbers pic signed by everyone from the late 70's..)..:)

Ya know what....I told most of the jokes from the pirate cruise..but was able to tell one recently...about Saddams 2 sons...if you wanna know the joke let me know..I wont say it so not to ruin the trip..

Oh...I gotta ask...did anyone's boat get hit by the cannon? and if so ...did you spring a leak... cause I wanna know who might have gotten wet..;)

Tim
aka The Mat Maniac

[Avonlady]

There was a article in todays Branson Daily News that the cruise ship was being bought by the developers of Branson Landing HCW.He does not know if it will be in operation but most likely not during the development project.I almost bet it won't be used at all.Not fancy enough!!Don't seem like they want anything from the"old days."
Betty

[LauraIowa]

We are in Branson August 2-9 and are really hoping to do this cruise - will it still b in operation???

[VBeason]

Just a thought, but you never know. If enough people wrote and expressed interest, maybe they might upgrade the boats, etc., and bring it up to par with the landing project. After all -- it is a part of Branson History that should be preserved.

[The Mat Maniac]

Something Ive been suggesting all along...Ive had my letter written ever since I got back from vacation..

I not only want to send one to the Landing developers...but the chamber of commerce, mayor, etc... I mean business when I want to save the Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise

Tim
aka The Mat Maniac

[VBeason]

Tim, I even sent an e-mail to the city to voice my opinion on the whole branson landing project when it started. You might even start with that. I'm going to draft my letter later this week (once I get through some deadlines that I have at my office), but I'm going to follow suit and write to all concerned, city, developer, etc.

[Branson Mom]

Personally I've met Mr. Huffman of HCW. He lives here in town. His kids go to school here. There is a future here, for he and his family. I honestly believe, he has the best interest of Branson at heart and that he wants to preserve some of Branson's past. I think if he says he may try to use it in the project, he really means it. Just my opinion!

Here's the article:

Developer buying historic attraction
By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer

One of Branson's oldest attractions has been sold and it's future is uncertain.
Paul Lentz announced Monday that he's selling the Lake Queen and Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise to HCW Developement, the company that is developing the Taneycomo Lakefront in downtown Branson, where the boat has been docked for more than four decades.
HCW CEO Rick Huffman said the cruise boat may become a fixture in the lakefront project.
"At this time, we really don't know," Huffman said. "That's a completely honest answer. We really want to use it in the project."
He said, however, that the boat would probably have to be kept somewhere, out of service, while the lakefront is developed with a boardwalk, town square, hotel, retail district and convention center.
Regeardless, he said the boat will have to be moved to a lnew location near the city's two campgrounds, just upstream from the boats current location.
According to Lentz, the Lake Queen began operations in 1959, and the pirate cruise in 1963. The business originally started with the Samy Lane Bat Line, which started operations in 1913 carrying mail and passengers along the lake, Lentz said.
"We were on the lake before the Baldknobbers sang their first time, " Lentz said
Huffman said the boat is in great shape.
"It is Coast Guard certified until the year 2008," Huffman said, the Branson Landing project would also likely include an excursion boat that would seat up to 100 peopl for tours of the lake. He said he was not sure, however, who would own or operate such a boat.
Lentz said he ended his season last week. He said HCW is expected to take over the business today.
Monday night, Lentz told the Branson Board of Aldermen that he expcted the lakefront project to be beneficial to the city.
When finished, I think Mr. Huffman will do more than we expect and I believe it will be a shining star for Branson for a long time to come," he said.

[VBeason]

I felt that the way I'd heard about this gentleman was that he wanted to keep some of the branson history (thus the steps, tree, etc.) in as part of the project. I think moving it up toward the campgrounds is a great idea. There is plenty of parking there, etc., and would be easy access to the ride. I still may write a letter, but glad to hear he is wanting to keep it a part of the whole deal.

[Branson Mom]

You're welcome!

I think you should write your letter! I think that any letter writing, emails, etc. could help!!!

I feel that it's extremely important for not only the people who live here, but the people who visit as well, to voice their opinions and wishes to the powers that be.

I know that a lot of the decisions the Board of Aldermen make are based on various studies, demographics, visitor information, surveys and such. I've sat through enough City Council meetings and heard all the details of these studies to know that! Lol!!

Sometimes it may seem that history can't be preserved in the name of progress, but I believe that there can be the best of both worlds. I know that there are so many people in this town who know and value Branson's roots and want to keep as much as possible, but they also know that there is a need to appeal to a wider, changing visitor base as well. These people want Branson to keep being the wonderful tourist destination it is!

Branson may be on the verge of a major change when it comes to the Branson Landing, but I believe that some things will stay the same. The beautiful scenery, wonderfully friendly people, small town atmosphere. Too many of us who live here moved here for that reason and too many of you who visit, visit for that reason!

Have a nice day!

[The Mat Maniac]

Thanks for the post Mom... in my opinion..im glad the current owners are getting out..as they didnt want to put any money into it..

Im still wanting to send emails and letters...if anyone can help with email addresses and postal addresses who would be great to write to would be excellent..I got letters written waiting on a place to go...

I want the Pirate Cruise to last..as well as the Lake Queen (PC first though..) Lets hope they do it..I can understand giving up some thigns for progress...but without SLPC/LQ there isnt anything else cept MrBs, Fudge Shop, Branson Cafe, and Dicks...no much history is being preserved...but Ill be D#@$ed if Im gonna let this one fade away..

Give us addresses and emails so we can write away...

Tim
aka The Mat Maniac

[Branson Mom]

You're welcome!

I'll see if I can find you some addresses to send your letters too!

[Branson Mom]

Ok, here you go. Below is a list of City officials, addresses and emails of those who you can send your letters concerning the Branson Landing project and the fate of the Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise to.

Louis Schaefer – Mayor
Stan Barker – Ward 1
David Eddie – Ward 1
Ron Huff – Ward 2
Jack Purvis – Ward 2
Dick Gass – Ward 3
Beverly Martin – Ward 3
Terry Dody – City Administrator

C/O The City of Branson
City Hall
110 W. Maddux St.
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-3345
www.cityofbranson.org

Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1897
Branson, MO 65616
www.Bransonchamber.com

HCW Development (Branson Landing Developer)
3027 W. Hwy. 76, Suite B
Branson, MO 65616
www.hcwdevelopement.com

These are the ones I feel are the most involved in the project that might be able to do something about the Pirate Cruse. If you think of more, I can try to find out their contact information. Im sure you'll be able to find any information your looking for on the internet as well.

[VBeason]

I knew you'd take care of us letter writers!

Vickie

[Branson Mom]

:) I try to help, whenever I can!