Anyone from Harlan County (Lexington, Ashland: home, high school, closing)

[jehnifer]

Thats where my parents and grandparents are from. Anybody out there still live in Harlan County? I miss visiting there.

[Blue Grass Fever]

Yes! Lived halfway between Harlan and the tri-cities! (Cumberland, Benham and Lynch) Still have family and friends down there! I miss it down there alot, only place i ever felt 'at home'!

[desiree253]

I worked with a guy in Lexington as a corrections officer and he had just come from Harlan. His whole family lives there... Name of Steven Day.. really nice young man and funny as all get-out.

[and the]

I have some family who live in Lynch in......the teens and 20's. And Bill Bosch has a great website about Lynch and coal mining. He was a teacher at the high school. I believe he's in his late 70's now:

Black Diamondl-Net Home Page

[PrettyToez08]

Harlan ain't jack.....if you leave Harlan for work and/or a better life, STAY GONE!! Why return? The only reason I return is to visit my mother and father who still live there, unfortunately.

[ramcbm]

I lived in Harlan until I was 18 years old, and even though it has obvious down falls, Harlan does have a lot to offer. This is the second thread I have seen that you have been hostile towards Harlan. Try to look at the positives instead of the negatives so much. It has beautiful mountains, "most" of the people there are friendly (friendlier than bigger cities), and there is a lot of history in Harlan. My guess is you grew up in Harlan, and as a teenager I know there is not a lot to do in Harlan, but if you would have opened your eyes past your high school and your clique of friends, you would have discovered a beautiful area with a lot of activities to offer. I have lived in Harlan 18 years, Lousiville 2.5 years, Lexington 3.5 years, and Roanoke, VA for less than 6 months. I always dream of going back to Harlan, if for nothing else, than to appreciate what I couldn't see when I was younger.

[Blue Grass Fever]

Just came back from Harlan county yesterday! Spent a few days with my family and attended a funeral of friends' family. Also spent a bit of time seeing everybody and attending church for a bit!

Had to say it was a bit strange riding through eastern Kentucky on 23 from Ashland to Hazard in January while it was 71 degrees out! Worked out great!!

The ladies who sang at the funeral service did a really nice "old-timey" song which was fitting! Good job ladies!!

Sidenote-They are consolidating schools in the Harlan county area and it's going to be just one (high) school for the whole county. (off of 119 S just before Harlan city) They are closing Cumberland High School after this year. (and others..) Just wondering if this is a bad thing or good thing for kids, jobs and communities? (anyone out there with an opinion??..)

The mines are and have been on the boom side for the last two plus years. Jobs are available for those who want to work. On the bad side-the major mine companies are creating subsidiaries which means less pay and other things.

Cumberland (the city) just seems to be getting more and more dilapidated, but come to find out that they are building a flood dam along the river (something like Pinevilles') which will probably get rid of the condemned buildings. (hopefully..)

There is a big stray dog problem in Harlan county nowadays. Never seen so many stray dogs wondering about. They were mostly nonagressive and timid. (good thing..)

Well, that's all that comes to mind now.....

[censusdata]

My dad was from there (Cumberland and Hiram areas)

[PINKTOES]

I am from harlan.I was bon and raised there till i was 17 .I have resided in cincinnati ohio csice and i miss harlan.It's different in the city people are rude and always trying to get over on you , and it's not a god place at all to raise children ,everyday it's a murder or rape or both.I miss the simplicity of it ,everyone knows everyone .I hate the city !!!

[SueMills]

Moderator cut: cut - orphaned post

Dang Prettytoez What did Harlan do to you!!! You are out there. I happen to love Harlan when I grew up. I do realize alot of stuff is not there anymore as when I grew up but hey, my peeps are from there, my heart is from there, my folks are buried there. and I will always remember and visit Harlan as long as I live. It is pretty county. You are the one that is trippin.