THE VAN LEAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S

GUIDE TO

LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

THE VAN LEAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF VAN LEAR, KENTUCKY.

A GUIDE TO VAN LEAR AREA TOURISM :

Every year Van Lear is visited by scores of tourists. The vast majority of these tourists are fans of Loretta Lynn and/or her younger sibling, Crystal Gayle. Currently, we are seeing a large increase in the number of people who wish to visit our historical museum. We offer this guide as an aid to those planning a trip to our area.

WHEN IN VAN LEAR BE SURE TO VISIT THE FOLLOWING :

1. THE COAL MINERS' MUSEUM

The museum is located at 78 Miller's Creek Road in the build- ing formerly occupied by the Consolidation Coal Company. The exhibits include : A collection of mining emplements, a recreation of a doctor's office, a large collection of Van Lear School related memorabilia, a model of a large section of the town as it appeared during it's "boom years", a 1950's store, and many other exhibits. For additional information or to arrange a tour e-mail the society at: coalcamp@oocities.com or phone: (606)789-8540

Photo by Danny K. Blevins

Photo by Tina Webb

Above: Crystal Gayle poses for a picture while touring the Coal Miners' Museum.


2. Butcher Hollow

Visit the original chilhood home of Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Peggy Sue and Jay Lee Webb. The home is maintained by Mr. Herman Webb, a brother of the recording stars. Herman gives tours nearly everyday as the weather permits. You may inquire by calling Herman directly or by stopping in at Webb's Stop and Shop (The old #5 store.). (PLEASE REMEMBER THE HOMEPLACE IS PRIVATE PROPERTY AND IS NOT CONTROLLED IN ANYWAY BY ANY STATE OR LOCAL TOURISM AUTHORITY.)

 
The Webb Homeplace /Photos by Danny K. Blevins / Herman Webb


3. The Van Lear Historical Society's Rucker Park

In the central section of the town is a minipark that features a retired C&O Railway Caboose, a picnic shelter and swings for the children. The public is invited to use these facilities free of charge. Rucker Park is also the site of many of the festivities during the annual Van Lear Town Celebration. The park was named in honor of Russell "Bill" Rucker on March 13, 2003.

 
Photos by Danny K. Blevins

Donnie Witten, Jimmy Lee and Ronnie Ramey perform during a town celebration.


4. The Van Lear Gymnasium (The Van Lear Masonic Lodge Hall.)

The Van Lear Gymnasium is an excellent example of WPA architecture. The large stone structure features locally cut stone. (Note : The Van Lear Gymnasium is the private property of The Van Lear Masonic Lodge. Please, show proper respect when visiting.)

Photo by Danny K. Blevins


5. The Annual Van Lear Town Celebration.

The Van Lear Town Celebration is an annual festival that is held during the first full weekend of August each year. The celebration features old fashioned fun for the entire family. Live music shows, games, food, crafts, a parade and much, much more! The celebration will be held on August 5th and 6th in 2005. We hope you can make it!

Photo by Debbie Burton

Above: WYMT-TV Weatherman, Jim Caldwell receives a plaque from Danny K. Blevins in recognition of his being the Grand Marshall of the Annual Van Lear Parade 2003.


LINKS TO OTHER LOCAL ATTRACTIONS :

The Historic Sipp Theatre of Paintsville, Kentucky

PAINTSVILLE LAKE STATE PARK

JENNY WILEY STATE PARK

THE MOUNTAIN ARTS CENTER

Great music shows and plays featuring live performers. Fun for the entire family!

The Mountain Arts Center is located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.


USE THE ITEMS BELOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO VAN LEAR :

WeGoPlaces.com - Search for travel accommodations, activities, tourist attractions, events and restaurants!

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NOTE:TO SEARCH FOR A VAN LEAR PHONE LISTING IN THE LINKS BELOW YOU MUST CHANGE THE TOWN FROM VAN LEAR TO PAINTSVILLE. TO FIND INFORMATION CONCERNING MOTELS IN THE VAN LEAR AREA SEARCH PAINTSVILLE, PRESTONSBURG AND INEZ, KENTUCKY.

YAHOO!'S VAN LEAR WEB DIRECTORY

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WRITE THE VAN LEAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY :

THE VAN LEAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. P.O. BOX 369 VAN LEAR, KENTUCKY 41265-0369 or e-mail coalcamp@oocities.com

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