THE VAN LEAR HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S
AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION
"THE BANKMULE"


Issues are for sale at the Coal Miners' Museum or can be mailed . Call the museum at 606-789-8540 for details.
Printed exclusively in Van Lear, Kentucky.
Ms. Debbie "Burton" Music - Editor & Ms. Tina S. Webb - Assistant Editor

Fill Out Your Membership/Subscription Application Here !

To submit an article or a photo email thebankmule@yahoo.com

Things To See And Do In Van Lear

Visit the original childhood home of Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Peggy Sue and Jay Lee Webb.


In the central section of the town is a mini park that features a retired C&O Railway Caboose


The museum is located at 78 Miller's Creek Road in the building formerly occupied by the Consolidation Coal Company



The museum gift shop is a very familiar place to those who grew-up in Van Lear in the 1950's and 60's. In the late 1940's a restaurant / store was opened in the basement level of the Consolidation Coal Company's Miller's Creek Division Headquarters. The restaurant was operated by Richard "Icky" Wetzel



The exhibits include : A collection of mining implements,a Doctor's office,where Loretta actually came to see Dr Turner, with original equipment belonging to Dr. Turner, items given to the Van Lear Historical Society by Dr. Turner, and some later by his widow Lynn Turner , 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.

More Photos In The Photo Album HERE !


Some history about Van Lear can be found here.

Mining accidents that occured in Van Lear.

Information about Loretta Lynn.


  

Highlights
  • The Van Lear Town Celebration is an annual festival that is held during the first Saturday 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!
  • Every year Van Lear is visited by thousands of tourists. The vast majority of these tourists are fans of Loretta Lynn and/or her younger sibling, Crystal Gayle, and come to visit Butcher Hollow in Van Lear. Currently, we are seeing a large increase in the number of people who wish to visit our historical museum. We offer this web site as an aid to those planning a trip to our area.
Contact Info & Map

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Contact Us
Van Lear Historical Society
Van Lear, Kentucky 41265
Email: vanleartourism@yahoo

Historical Society Officers

Debra Burton Music
email: thebankmule@yahoo.com

Tina S. Webb
email:vanleartourism@yahoo.com

Glenna L Music / Treasurer


Phone: (606) 789-8540