It seems I started running a BBS in Lufkin, Texas around 1989 or so. It ran under OS-9 which allowed me to still be programming on my computer and such while a caller was online. Fun times.
Delta, meaning change, was significant here. The BBS would change themes! (This idea came from, I believe, an MC-10 buddy of mine I knew in Houston. Hello, Paul, wherever you are!)
I recently found a few of the themes and thought I’d share them here… Welcome screen, bad password screen, login screen, and goodbye screen.
DeltaBoard (native theme)
____ ____ _____
| \ | | | /\
| ) |--- | | / \ Online Since December, 1991!
|___/ |____ |____ | /____\ Originally Online in 1989!
/) The DeltaBoard (\
3/12/2400 Baud - MNP5 - 8/N/1
Co-SysOps: Axel and OSIRIS
"Online Home for Sub-Etha Software!"
To request a password, press [Return] at the UserName prompt.
Special Login Accounts (type at the UserName prompt):
Special \\ Guest - Forget your password?
Login >> OldDelta - To login to the ORIGINAL DeltaBoard circa 1990.
Account // PKZip - To download the latest version of PKZip (2.04G)
---
The password you have entered is invalid.
Please check your password then try your call again.
If you need assistance, or have forgotten your password, you may call back
and logon as "guest" then leave feedback to the SysOp and tell him what you
want for a new password that you can remember...
---
Access granted to Allen's Half-Meg 6809 Based Multi-Tasking Timesharing System.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
/ / /__ _ /__/ The DeltaBoard - Lufkin, Texas \___ _\__ \ _
/__/ ___/ ___/ Area (409) Hub for StG Net International __\ \__ \__\
---
[Y)es - End call.\
[N)o - Return to main menu.\
[F)eedback - Leave mail to SysOp.\
---
Goodbye, Farewell, Etc...
____ ____ _____
| \ | | | /\
| ) |--- | | / \
|___/ |____ |____ | /____\
/) The DeltaBoard (\
3/12/2400 Baud - 8/N/1
Thanks for calling - please call again.
...and check out:
DataWare - 637-4973
Didinium - 637-7115
EasTex - 637-7728
Junker's - 637-7134
Plus BBS - 637-PLUS
Qwiff - 632-5442
Castle Delta
Welcome to Castle...
____ ____ _____
| \ | | | /\
| ) |--- | | / \
|___/ |____ |____ | /____\
King: Allen Huffman of Nothingham
Surf: Sire Axel of Oile
Chief Peon: Osiris
"It has been a long fortnight for you, I see," says the Greeter. "Well, come
inside and chat with the King, or have a tankard of our finest ale. All is
well here!" he finishes.
To request a password, press [Return] at the UserName prompt.
Special \\ Guest - Forget your password?
Login >> OldDelta - To login to the ORIGINAL DeltaBoard circa 1990.
Account // PKZip - To download the latest version of PKZip (2.04G)
---
"Halt!" screams the greeter, suddenly not beeing so greetful. "I do not
recognize you! Are you the imposter we have heard of in the village? Please
call back and knock again when you can remember who you are lest the guards
throw you in the dungeon! If you still need help, you may pretend to be
"GUEST" and the castle helper will help you...
The doors shut.
Click.
---
The old wooden doors creak open slowly. Inside, you can see that there
is a ball in progress with ladies dressed in their finest and gentlemen
laughing boisterously. A sense of excitment fills the room as the ladies
pause to glance at you and the gentlemen rush to shake your hand.
"Welcome back! So glad to see that the battles have left you none the
worse for wear!" someone says.
King Allen himself is here, and is waiting to speak with you about your
journeys. But first, you must meet with your beloved mate.
"Tell me about it," your mate requests. "Tell me everything...!"
Of course, your mate cannot hear you over the party so you must write
everything down. For your convenience, Castle Delta has a list of options for
you to use. Enjoy all we have - all one needs to do is ask, and it shall be
given. Enjoy your stay!
---
The time has come for you to depart. Beware the many pitfalls in your path\
and remember: when you need a break from the world, come to Castle Delta.\
We will always welcome you as our most important guest. If you would like\
to leave word with King Allen about your stay, feel free to do so...\
\
[Y)es - Leave the castle.\
[N)o - I forgot something. I gotta go back and get it!\
[F)eedback - Leave the King mail. {Not chain mail, though...}\
[O)ptional - Talk with, or leave a message to, a peon...\
---
As you exit, the castle door slams shut, leaving you to wonder just what
lies ahead in this dark, sinister world. But, you take solice in the fact
that you may return at your next opportunity. After all...your mate is here
behind the walls of Castle Delta!
(Castle Delta script/ideas by Osiris)
Click.
Delta Hotel
Welcome to...
____ ____ _____
| \ | | | /\
| ) |--- | | / \
|___/ |____ |____ | /____\
H O T E L
Manager: Allen Huffman
Clerk: Axel
Bellhop: Hopsing
[.. VACANCY]
To request a password, press [Return] at the UserName prompt.
Special \\ Guest - Forget your password?
Login >> OldDelta - To login to the ORIGINAL DeltaBoard circa 1990.
Account // PKZip - To download the latest version of PKZip (2.04G)
"Please sign the register..." the clerk requests.
---
"Are you sure this is your credit card?" the clerk asks.
"Please come back again when you have proper identification and sign in
{and make it legible next time, buddy!} or, if you have never stayed with us
before or cannot remember if you have, register as a "GUEST" and someone from
management will be happy to help you with your luggage...
The clerk dissappears into the back room. No amount of bell ringing will
bring him back so you decide to leave...
Click.
---
"Welcome to 'zee Hotel" the clerk says. "Hopsing will take your baggage,
not to worry. In the main lobby you will find a comprehensive directory of
our services. Since you are a Valued Guest, all services are free of charge!
You also have a listing in your room, if you are weary. The hotel manager is
at your service. Press the 'C' button at the elevator and you will belifted
to his suite! If he is not there, just leave him a message. He will have
Hopsing hand deliver it to your door" finished the clerk. {whew!}
"It is encouraged that you talk with other guests and staff so that we
all may be to know each other better," starts the clerk again, "therefore
making your visit more enjoyable! There are many activities to choose from,
and the conversations run from docile to very lively! If you ever need me,
just press the 'H' button at any elevator and I will assist you in any way.
Thank you for checking into Delta Hotel..." stops the clerk.
---
We hope you have enjoyed your stay at Delta Hotel. If you care to, leave\
comments to the manager!\
\
[Y)es - I gotta run! I have to catch a plane and BOY are my arms gonna\
be tired!\
[N)o - I left something in the room! I'll be back shortly...\
[F)eedback - Leave word with the hotel manager.\
[O)ptional - Express sympathy to Hopsing {he never gets mail}...\
---
Thank you for sleeping with us! Tell your friends! Tell your
neighbors! Tell your Uncle Fred in Idaho! The Delta Hotel is open 24 hours
a day to serve you, so feel free to drop by any time. Hopsing has loaded your
baggage and you are all set to go...
{And bring back those two towels in your suitcase when you return, eh?}
(Hotel Delta script/ideas by Osiris)
Click.
From the way these are numbered, there was at least one more theme but the files were not with the others (odd, that).
Meanwhile, in Iowa…
In 1995, I moved to Iowa. I put my BBS online here, with a set of new themes:
- DeltaBoard – “Online in Iowa since last week!”
- Star Dreck – The Lost Generation
- Castle Delta – with a new look
- Hotel Delta
- Haunted Mansion – Disney, eh?
- Phone # – just showed the phone number, and seemed to have snarky menus
- Al’s Den of Iniquity – “Beware: No Furniture”
I had forgotten about most of these. I’ll have to share those sometime. And a few more I have also found (or at least partially found).
Until then…
