Mel Lockcuff: A Heckuva Day At Dogpatch USA

Blogger Mel Lockcuff – who writes at MamaBzz.com and OnlyInArk.com – took a tour of the old Dogpatch USA theme Park in mid-December. The one-time family tourist attraction nestled in the Ozarks between Jasper and Harrison has been purchased by a new owner who has designs on resurrecting the abandoned property.

From Lockcuff’s report:

Recently, the new owner of Dogpatch USA opened up the grounds to the public for one weekend only (stay tuned, as he plans to open it again in the spring). Charles L. Pelsor purchased the property this year for 2 million dollars. The property has seen its fair share of neglect the past 20 years; Mr. Pelsor has been quite busy cleaning up the property, restoring buildings and structures as much as possible, and working on a plan for the old theme park.

I think the thing that struck me most was how many people were there, exploring right along with us. If you listened, you’d hear stories of memories gone by…stories from people who worked at the park when they were growing up. One visitor was telling about how she used to drive the train; she’d take that train across the trestle and come back to find out she was in trouble for going way too fast. I’d hear tidbits and stories from years gone by… People had a genuine affection for the park and the memories they created there.

Read more on this report and feel free to add your comments to memories of Dogpatch at this link from OnlyInArk.com.