Thunder Mesa Daily Messenger

The **Thunder Mesa Daily Messenger** is a newsletter published weekly in the town of Thunder Mesa. Special editions have been given out at Disneyland Paris to commemorate special occasions within Frontierland, printed in both English and French. Two have been published, so far - one for the reopening of the Mark Twain Riverboat, and the other for the reopening of Phantom Manor.

## Transcript

### Saturday, December 17, 2016 Transcript

#### RIVERS RUN AGAIN! WHOLE TOWN CELEBRATES!

*Big Thunder Mountain* *standing proud amid the Rivers of the Far West, replenished anew.*

“It’s a great day here in our fair town of Thunder Mesa!”, town mayor Artemus L. Hector recently proclaimed. “After months of extremely dry conditions, the river is flowing freely once again. It’s like a fountain of youth, giving new life to the whole community!” It has to be said that our little town has changed a lot over the past year, with many new fences and the sudden departure of several residents. Today, those who had left have come back, and the activities that made this town successful and wealthy have resumed. It’s an event worth celebrating!

Why the river suddenly dried up remains a mystery. After a thorough examination of the area, school teacher and resident science expert Mr. G. O’Logg was able to confirm that this phenomenon was the result of several landslides at two of the river’s biggest sources, particularly at Boot Hill and inside Big Thunder Mountain. “Considering the composition of the rocks and the soil on which Thunder Mesa was built, some earthquakes and small landslides are to be expected. But for these landslides to occur on the same day, and at two of the river’s man sources… I have to say, I’m stumped!”

This strange occurrence has reignited the old superstitions surrounding Big Thunder Mountain, concerning a mysterious Indian legend and a curse of the deity known to the natives as the “Thunderbird”.

#### GEYSERS SPRING BACK TO LIFE

A happy consequence of the prolonged work at Big Thunder Mountain has been the liberation of the geysers, whose magnificent display can be most appreciated from the decks of the riverboats passing Wilderness Island, but which can also be glimpsed from the vantage point of Boot Hill Cemetery beside Phantom Manor. Dozens of workers labored tirelessly for more than a year to free the trapped water sources, and they have succeeded in also freeing the blockage - caused by an earlier landslide - that deprived the area of one of its favorite tourist attractions. A sight worth seeing for all visitors to Thunder Mesa.

Several restaurants in Thunder Mesa have created special celebration menus. At Cowboy Cookout Barbecue, next to Cottonwood Creek Ranch, Chef Angus T. Bone has pulled out all the stops, and his kitchen is ready to serve the multitudes with his spare ribs and Angus burgers. There will be plenty to go around! And to help it all go down, the restaurant’s house band, the famous Cactus Country Band, will set the mood and ensure a great time is had by all. If you feel the ground move, it won’t be an earthquake, just the dancers!

#### TOUR BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN BY RAIL

To mark the occasion, a group of local prospectors has fired up the old mine trains to offer visitors a unique tour of the splendid vistas of Big Thunder Mountain, ranging from the spectacular sights of Rainbow Caverns Grotto to the awe-inspiring panoramic views from Foreboding Gorge.

The route also passes by Mill Camp, around the majestic Spiral Butte and through Cactus Canyon, offering ample glimpses of the island’s flora and fauna, before culminating in a brief foray into the legendary Big Thunder Mine for the grand finale. Rumors of runaway trains, broken trestles or rogue blastings do not seem to have discouraged the first groups of out-of-towners from lining up at the old Big Thunder Mining Co. headquarters.

#### THE RETURN OF THE MOLLY BROWN

*Residents of Thunder Mesa are appreciating the return of a certain billowing cloud of steam and a happy whistle.*

The Molly Brown, with its two water wheels, is the 34-meter long pride and joy of the Western River Line fleet. A truly exceptional vessel, this ship plays a role in keeping the river community connected. Everyone is delighted to see the Molly Brown docked once more at Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing.

Just like pioneer Margaret “Molly” Brown, for whom the elegant sidewheeler is named, the ship is more stylish than ever. Today, she is as good as new, her turbines working perfectly, freshly painted and varnished and her copper sparkling.

Her crew, who had left to work on other rivers, were enjoying adventures and fairy tales in other lands. However, when they heard that the Molly Brown would be setting sail down the river once more, they returned to a man, eager to board their beloved vessel once more. “The Molly Brown is herself a part of history,” explains Bertie Monnier, former captain of the ship and current president of the Western River Line. “She carries the memory of the river’s first pioneers. Each sailor is the guardian of these memories and vicissitudes, and feels attached to the ship’s history. This is why we’re more than a crew. We’re a family.”

The crew’s happy reunion is contagious and smiles light up the faces of every passenger. The youngest passengers run back and forth across the three decks, eager not to miss a single detail of the ship or the landscape. We can see the amazement and enthusiasm in their eyes. Could they be the next generation of sailors? Hope springs eternal!

#### STEALING BACK THEIR THUNDER

To commemorate this exciting day, several pioneers, recently return to Thunder Mesa, agreed to pose for a few minutes for a photograph.

We took the opportunity to get some first-hand information and ask certain well-known town residents about their impressions.

Old Joe arrived at Thunder Mesa before it was even a town. He remembers when there was nothing but an Indian settlement, Fort Cornstock, the tents of a few explorers, and a fur trading post. He was there when the first nugget was discovered and he saw the rush that followed, but he never took part. The thing he cares about most is his fishing spot facing Wilderness Island, where he spends most of his days (though some might say he spends his time sleeping there!), while his loyal companion Moonshine watches the fishing line.

As you might imagine, he was greatly dismayed to see the river dry up. A couple at Cottonwood Creek Ranch kindly took him in while the work was being done, but as you can imagine he wasn’t completely comfortable, since nothing could come close to “home sweet home” for this old homeboy. “It was about time for this dang water to come back! Nothing’ but dry biscuits and shriveled vegetables. I just about done had it! Can’t wait to catch me some fine fresh fish!”

The owner of The Lucky Nugget Saloon, Miss Diamond Lil, took advantage of the quiet period to renovate her property. Among her new ideas is a puppet show, which she has already brought to life on the Lucky Nugget Saloon stage to great acclaim. So don’t miss “The Gold Rush Gang Show”!

For our apothecary, Doc Wassell, the drop in water level also had consequences. On the dry riverbed, he discovered and collected a clay with healing powers that he says is “exceptional”. Unfortunately, with the return of the river water, extracting that claw has become almost impossible, making this precious substance rare… and raising the price all the way up to 29 cents an ounce!

Without a doubt, business is booming once more in Thunder Mesa.

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The Western River Line now offers frequent passenger and freight service by steamboat, connecting Thunder Mesa, Rainbow Ridge, Tumbleweed, Stillwater Junction, and Grizzly Gulch with all points on the Rivers of the Far West. Contact S.L. Clemens and M. Tobin, Agents.

Burke & Burke Boat Repairs and Supplies. “We provide everything you’ll want or need for your journey across the wild Frontier!”

For Apparel and Accessories, Bonanza Outfitters. Thunder Mesa Mercantile BLDG.

Dine like a Cattle King at Silver Spur Steakhouse. The Finest Steaks in the West! Lucky Nugget Lane, Thunder Mesa.

### Tuesday, April 30, 2019 Transcript

#### PHANTOM MANOR UNVEILED!

*The citizens of Thunder Mesa gather to celebrate the reopening of all passages to the old Ravenswood estate and the end of the official investigation.*

On January 7 of last year, the mansion of the Ravenswood family, now known to all as “Phantom Manor”, was sealed shut by sheriff Will Ketchum on a verdict by the Thunder Mesa town council, following numerous - if unsubstantiated - accounts of “strange sightings” and “mysterious occurrences”.

In local lore, the mansion had long been accused of harboring spirits and ghosts, one subject claiming to have seen evidence of no less than 999 such apparitions!

Still, others warned of an ancient curse, provoked by disturbing the depths of Big Thunder Mountain and extracting its riches.

The chilling stories told were as numerous as they were divergent, no doubt inspired by the veritable tragic events in the building’s past.

Yet, even the official inquiry that followed encountered some degree of misfortune (see our special report regarding the Manor's enigmatic history and the troubled investigation thereof).

Its conclusion nevertheless satisfied our elected officials sufficiently to announce that they would soon lift all restrictions, causing substantial celebration from the assembled citizenry.

The mayor of Thunder Mesa, Artemus L. Hector, spontaneously decreed a holiday to mark the occasion, much as he had followed the recent droughts which halted all river traffic and caused perilous rockslides on Big Thunder Island (see the previous special commemorative edition of the Thunder Mesa Daily Messenger).

As the closure and investigation renewed considerable interest in the enigmatic estate throughout and beyond the Western territories, countless visitors are expected to arrive in town to attend the ceremony on this day.

Dare we hope that some will feel enticed to attempt themselves to solve the mysteries of Phantom Manor?

#### ENQUIRY INTO RAVENSWOOD MYSTERY NOW TERMINATED

*Following a thorough investigation, the estate will no longer remain barricaded shut. But have its terrible secrets truly been uncovered?*

The old Ravenswood Manor has long been shrouded in mystery.

Henry Ravenswood, one of our town’s esteemed founding fathers and erstwhile owner of the Big Thunder Mining Co., had his stately mansion built with bright red gables and a white clapboard facade amidst ornate gardens, overlooking the river and Big Thunder Mountain, taking residence with his wife, his daughter and their household staff.

In those early years, the Manor was truly the crown jewel of our burgeoning town. Travelers would arrive from afar to marvel at its beauty.

Alas, the house’s glory days were not to last.

The denizens of Thunder Mesa first became concerned when young Melanie Ravenswood’s four subsequent suitors each passed away under curious circumstances.

Messrs. Barry Claude, Ignatius “Iggy” Knight, Sawyer Bottom, and Captain Rowan D. Falls were noted local personalities, upstanding and respected in their profession, and although their deaths were ruled accidental, citizens did not overlook their close connection to the Ravenswood household and suspected foul play.

Further rumors emerged some time after Henry and Martha Ravenswood’s demise. Miss Melanie all but disappeared from public life and the domain soon began to fall into alarming disrepair.

Locals and visitors alike began to complain of strange occurrences at the state which would now become known only as “Phantom Manor”.

A cold wind always appeared to be blowing throughout the overgrown gardens. Voices or faint music could be heard at times when there was no living soul to be seen. Some insist that a mysterious silhouette in top hat and overcoat could sometimes be perceived lurking in the shadows of the abode.

Eventually, after years of urging, the town council of Thunder Mesa decided to seal off all pathways leading to the manor and to begin an investigation into the countless grave incidents reported in its vicinity.

This activity did little to diminish public interest. Local photographer James Collins used the opportunity to offer passing visitors their own “Spirit Photography” portraits outside the manor gates, claiming that his “spectral camera” would immortalize any passing ghosts invisible to the human eye.

Although the veracity of these depictions remains highly disputed, a few locals have sworn to have identified the very same dark specter previously seen wandering the manor grounds at night.

In the meantime, the official investigation did not proceed quite as planned. Delays were manifold. A first group of investigators hired by our local town council was last seen departing town in a great hurry late one night, frightened half-mad. During the following attempt, a party of intrepid explorers and adventurers simply disappeared and was never heard from again.

The third and final group, comprised of noted scholars from various institutes in the Eastern states, concluded in writing that any and all supernatural sightings must have been mere hallucinations and illusions with no basis in fact.

Faced with this outcome, sheriff Will Ketchum saw no choice but to reopen access to the manor, stating:

“For the life of me I didn’t understand half the words them learned folks wrote but it sure looks like they figured out what’s goin’ on without so much as settin’ foot here!”

He nevertheless declined all responsibility for the safety of anyone venturing too close to the dilapidated edifice.

In conclusion, what is the secret of Phantom Manor?

Is Melanie Ravenswood still wandering the hallways of the old mansion in her bridal gown as some have claimed? What dark fate truly befell her suitors? Who is the mysterious “Phantom” whose laughter echoes across the manor grounds at night? And whatever happened to the Ravenswood family’s domestic staff?

We may never know the answer until some brave and intrepid soul will dare once again step into this decrepit abode… and return to tell the tale.

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## Connections

### Fortress Explorations

The article on the enquiry into Ravenswood Manor seemingly infers that the Society of Explorers and Adventurers visited the manor.

## External Links

* Rivers Run Again! scans
* Phantom Manor Unveiled! scans