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Past And Present, Side By Side History lives on, thrills add on to Shepherd of the Hills legacy BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette T he story of the Shepherd of the Hills attraction in Branson begins not with a zipline or a petting zoo or even an outdoor drama. It begins with a book, published in 1907, by a preacher named Harold Bell Wright. As the story goes, Wright was pastor of a church in Pittsburg, Kan., when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. In the spring of 1896, he traveled as far into the Ozark hills as the rails would take him, Branson.com picks up the story. "The end of the line was Marionville, Mo., where he set off on horseback into the rugged hills. Turning back from a flood- swollen White River, he sheltered at the homestead of John and Anna Ross on a ridge near Mutton Hollow. "He intended only to spend the night, but Wright stayed for the summer," the tale continues. "He returned to the Ross homestead each summer for eight years as he slowly regained his health. "In 1904, Wright began recording his impressions of the settlers and the events which shaped their lives at his campsite in a corn field on the Ross homestead. The completed novel lay unpublished until 1907, when one of Wright's friends insisted on backing its publication. "'The Shepherd of the Hills' marked a spectacular turning point in Wright's literary career. The book's success was almost immediate. Millions of copies were sold in several languages, and four movie versions were filmed. Wright's 40-year career as a writer resulted in 19 books, many scripts for stage plays, and a number of magazine articles before his death in 1944." It was just 16 years later, in 1960, that the first outdoor production dramatizing the story took place just outside of Branson at the Shepherd of the Hills attraction, says park spokeswoman Jenelle Hostetter. The drama was performed with 35 actors and handful of horses, supported by tours of the farm and a museum. "The novelty of the outdoor show and the authenticity surrounding its production was what made it a major attraction with fans traveling for miles to witness it," Hostetter says. Now with triple that number of performers, including horses, mules, sheep and donkeys, "this portrayal of early 20th century life in the Ozarks maintains an authenticity unmatched," enthuses Branson.com. "We have our 'fans' and those who have supported us throughout the years," Hostetter says. "They bring their kids to the show, and then their kids grow up and bring their own kids. People love the history of the book and how the story is the reason Branson is here." "After 'The Shepherd of the Hills' was published in 1907, readers began to flock into the Ozark hills to experience the breathtaking views and endearing characters that Harold Bell Wright immortalized in his novel," Branson. com confirms. "Wright had written 'Shepherd' in a spirit of awe at the beautiful work of his Creator, and it FAQ Shepherd of the Hills WHEN — Box office open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; attraction hours vary WHERE — 5586 W. 76 Country Blvd. in Bran- son COST — Varies by attraction: Vigilante Zip-Rider, $29.95- $39.95; canopy tours, $89; outdoor drama, $22.50-$55; historic farm tour, $16; Copperhead Mountain Coaster, $10-$16 INFO — 417-334-4191, theshepherdofthehills. com BONUS — Shepherd's Mill restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sammy Lane's Sweets N' Treats is open throughout the summer season. 8 WHAT'S UP! JUNE 27-JULY 3, 2021 The saga of the Shepherd of the Hills attraction in Branson begins even before the outdoor retelling of Harold Bell Wright's novel was first staged in 1960. (Courtesy Photo/Shepherd of the Hills) BRANSON