Middlesboro's Arthur Museum and Garden

The Arthur Museum, Middlesboro, Bell County
Named after Scottish businessman and Middlesboro founder, Alexander A. Arthur

The Victorian Garden at the Arthur Museum was beautifully designed by local gardeners.  Garden beds are lined with memorial bricks donated by local families and businesses.

Many trees and shrubs were also donated to the garden in memory of Middlesboro families and individuals.  This tree was planted in memory of Middlesboro founder Alexander A. Arthur and family.

Donated in memory of Hobart and Darlis Lynch by Kyle and Stephanie Lynch

Surrounding the American flag are memorials to three great community leaders and veterans:  Dr. Fred Weller, Mayor Troy "Frog" Welch, and Mr. Dave Rogan.

This beautiful magnolia decorates one corner of the garden and was planted in memory of Joe and Charlcie Collins by their children, Tess, Jess,  Mark, and Cindy

Sculpture in the butterfly garden

Memorial benches are placed throughout the garden.

Images of Downtown Middlesboro

A. D. Campbell's--still open for business and selling women's clothing

The Adams Building (once home to T. H. Campbell's, I think)

Detail on the Adams Building

One of several large displays in the downtown area depicting Middlesboro's past

Apex Medical in what used to be the Montgomery Ward building

The top of the Apex Medical/Montgomery Ward building

The old National Bank building

Detail on the old National Bank building

Window in the old National Bank building

Fountain in front of the Home/People's building

Mikel's Pharmacy

Mikel's Pharmacy

Cardwell Furniture now located on Fountain Square in the old J. C. Penney building

Another corner on Fountain Square.  The upstairs window on the far left used to be the office of Dr. Ben Fuson, dentist.

Site of the old Woolworth store

In the vicinity of the old Ream's Hardware store

This is beside the site of the old Manring Theater

Middlesboro founder, Alexander A. Arthur

Photo taken from the canal walk looking through a now vacant lot toward Cumberland Avenue.  The above image of Alexander A. Arthur is displayed on the brick wall on the right close to Cumberland Avenue.

Middlesboro--My Hometown

Today's photos are from my beloved hometown of Middlesboro in Bell County.  I truly believe that I grew up in a little slice of Heaven, and most family, friends, and neighbors must have been angels in disguise. The mountains completely surrounded us like strong, protective arms, and each night before we went to sleep we could see the cross lighting up the mountainside at the east end of town.  We were blessed.  

View of Middlesboro from the Pinnacle in Cumberland Gap National Park

The Home building c. 1890 (ie. Arthur building, People's building) on Fountain Square in downtown Middlesboro

Detail on the Home building

One of several Build a Better Block efforts to restore and reinvigorate the downtown area

The old National Bank building on Fountain Square

Canal Walk

Detail on the old National Bank building

Bell County Chamber of Commerce is made of coal

The old Middlesboro Hardware building

Sundial at the Arthur Museum came from the home of Middlesboro founder, Alexander A. Arthur

Memorial bricks in the garden of  the Arthur Museum

Arthur Museum

Arthur Museum

This sweet girl seemed to be the official greeter at the Arthur Museum

Fern Lake supplies water to the town of Middlesboro