Home video Tommy Bartlett Water Show July 29, 1980 Wisconsin Dells VHS with sound

VHS home video from a family vacation to the Tommy Bartlett water show at Wisconsin Dells on July 29, 1980. This was recorded with an early Magnovox VHS VCR/Camera combo.

[@AmandaJohansen]

This is the exact show I remember from the '80s. We went several times over the years, and once Tommy himself was sitting in the back of the audience quietly smiling at everyone as we filed out.

[@aaronberns8485]

This is very surreal seeing a high quality amateur recording of a water ski show from 1980 since most people can’t afford vcrs and vhs cameras at the time. The closest you ever get to time travel.

[@robertmartin9901]

Good wholesome entertainment. Took my daughter for her first trip to the Dells when she was 6 years old in 1980, brings back sweet memories we also hit Storybook Gardens and the Ducks. Went every year till she was 18. Best fried chicken in the world at Kalka's but they are gone now..

[@dcrespo9095]

Now it's all waterparks. I believe the only thing left from "old Dells" is the Ducks.

[@ppopovich2847]

As of a few years ago, Wes Harrison was still doing his comedic voice routine at the Tommy Bartlett Show. Very entertaining guy.

[@AnnLippert1]

i saw this probably 5 times as a kid. great memories!!! Grew up in the suburbs of Illinois. Just a 2-hour drive north. Family Vacations there every other year at least!! 1971- 80? OMG 13:20 Wes Harrison! i STILL HAVE his autographed ALBUM!! hahah

[@dcrespo9095]

Same! We bought the album (Wes Harrison) and my brothers and I played it constantly. And he autographed it for us too! Sadly, I have no idea what happened to it.

[@Mszahnclass95]

i miss also the Indian ceremony . so much has changed . in the 80 s at the dells was so much fun 😊

[@kaliguy47]

Yes! The good ol times! Love it-

[@jonrajsl291]

I MET TOMMY WHEN HE WAS IN A YELLOW SECURITY JACKET DIRECTING CARS IN THE PARKING LOT... TRULY A HUMBLE MAN. I ASKED WHY HE WAS PARKING CARS..... HE SAID HE LOVED TO WATCH THE SMILING, EXCITING FAMILIES COMING IN...... TRULY, A HIGHLIGHT OF MY LIFE...

[@dcrespo9095]

Memories

[@ricarleite]

12:48 - "Star wars, nothing but star wars...."

[@edgein3299]

Tommy Bartlett once booted me out of a party he was hosting for his water skiers back in the 80's.

[@aaronberns8485]

2:11 what did I just hear?! LOL 😂

[@Mszahnclass95]

😂😂 i was wondering the same did he say f 🤔

[@ChucksGhost01]

Oh boy!

[@SumAnonymousAcapella]

This area is gone no more water

[@randymagnum143]

A dollar and a half? That's like $63.95 in today's money!