Branson RV Facilities

Following is a list of six RV facilities in the Branson area compiled by Jerry Pennington (63-64) from the 1999 edition of the "Good Sam - - Trailer Life Directory." These selections are based on "Good Sam" ratings and accessibility to entertainment areas and services. Most accept Visa, MC and Discover credit cards.

• America's Best Campground (Private), 499 Buena Vista Rd, Branson 65616. Paved and gravel roads; 167 full hook-ups, 136 pull-throughs, laundry, grocery, pool. 1998 rates: $18-26.00. Reservations 800-671-4339. Information 417-336-43339
• Blue Mountain Campground (Private). Box 8410, Branson, 65616. Paved and gravel roads. 65 full hook-ups. Laundry, grocery, pool. 1998 rates $12-19.75. Reservations 800-779-2114; Information 417-338-2114.
• Branson City Park (Public). 300 S. Box Car Willie Dr. Branson 65616. Adjacent to Lake Taneycomo. Paved roads, 350 sites, most full hook-ups. Fishing. 1998 rates: $15.00. Reservations/information 417-334-2915.
• Branson KOA (Private). 1025 Headwaters Road, Branson, 65616. Paved and gravel roads, 165 sites, most full hook-ups, laundry, grocery, pool, fishing. Quiet and secluded. 1998 rates $23-27.00. Reservations 800-562-4177, information 417-334-7450
• Musicland Kampground (Private). 116 N. Gretna Road, Branson, 65616. Centrally located, walking distance to shows, outlet malls and restaurants. Paved roads; 107 sites, most full hook-ups, laundry, pool. 1998 rates $22.50-30.00. Reservations 888-248-9080; information 417-334-0848.
• Tall Pines Campground (Private). HCR 9, Box 1175, Branson, 65616. Located on Hwy 265 one block south of Hwy 76. Paved roads, 82 sites, most full hook-ups, laundry, grocery, pool. 1998 rates $15-24.00 Reservations 800-323-8899; information 417-3387-2445; Fax 417-338-8991.

Letters

Dear Ed:

I am sure looking forward to the big reunion in Branson, Missouri. Please tell everyone I said "Hi" and will be looking forward to seeing them all in Branson. My health is improving and will continue to do so if I behave.

I am still riding shotgun with the Bullhead City Police, but not too much longer. Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous new year.

John Hojaboom (60-68)

Dear Ed:

My wife had surgery on Jan. 4th. She will be out of work for 4-6 weeks. She will be returning to work (and good health) at that point.

We had a great time in Boston at the '98 reunion. Wanted to pass on what a wonderful job Jack and Eva Kehoe did. We heard only praise from everyone the whole weekend. Thanks also to all the people who keep the association running for us.

Larry Patriquin (61-64)

Dear Ed:

Just passing through and found your WebSite. It is a very nice site, gentlemen. I still keep in touch with some friends from Topeka (SSN-754). Got out of the navy before she came out of new construction. I was the first guy in the water during the launching.

Keep up the good work.

Blaine Burns
Former crewmember, 
USS Topeka (SSN 754)

Dear Ed:

I recently spent the holidays with my parents and read the latest newsletter. I have also found your WebSite and I think it is great. They both bring back lots of memories. Even though I was only a dependent, I have fond memories of our dependents' cruises on Topeka. I never really stopped to ask what my Dad did in the Navy, but I knew it was important. On the cruise, we were running through the ship and someone went to stop us and I heard someone else say, "Those are the Chief's kids." From then on I knew two things: 1) we were the Chief's kids and could get away with a lot. 2) We were the Chief's kids and would get our hides tanned but good if we destroyed anything or embarrassed my folks.

My memory of the Topeka and the people we knew are good memories. It was a trying time in our lives with Dad and many of you over in Vietnam. It was always exciting to get a letter from him. Nothing replaced our Dad being gone, but people were so good to us. When Dad came home, it was Christmas! He would be home a day then get out his sea chest and we would have cool stuff from places no one else had.

The Topeka years were difficult as a kid. I can't imagine the pressures of the war and separation my parents felt, or the rest of you for that matter. I appreciate the opportunity to share some of my memories with you.

Cynthia Lohr Crothers
daughter of BMC Ralph D. Lohr (64-66)

Dear Ed:

I have been looking for info on the good ship Topeka for some time now, and finally found the web page. I can be reached at email eaglesnest@olynet.com and would like to hear from other shipmates.

I would appreciate any information on AG2 Donald Cusson. I lost track of him the year he left the ship for a new assignment in 1966. I believe he was reassigned right after we returned from Vietnam in '66.

I hope to get to reunion 99. My work schedule is not yet known but I will know in March. Thanks for all the good work, and I will be sending in my membership dues soon.

John R. Peterson, Jr. (65-67)