Points of Interest

Ebenezer, KY 42345
270-338-2520

Merle Travis, born on November 19, 1917 in Rosewood, Kentucky, was one of the pioneers that developed the complex picking style unique to Western Kentucky. On October 19,1983 Merle Travis died and his remains were cremated and scattered around the Travis monument in Ebenezer, KY The last Merle Travis birthplace contains his memorabilia, which is located in the Paradise Park Museum Complex in Powderly, KY.

Everly Brothers Monument

208 N. 1st St.
Central City, KY 42330
270-754-2360

"From Brownie, to Iowa, to Knoxville, to Nashville, to Hollywood, to England, and around the world. Don and Phil have taken the music of Kentucky, as taught by their parents, and now they are bringing it back home to Central City" reads the inscription on their monument. This tribute to the Everly Brothers is located at 208 North First Street.

Mose Rager Monument

KY 176
Drakesboro, KY 42337
270-476-8690

Born on April 2, 1911, Mose played the thumb and finger style of picking the guitar. He credits Kennedy Jones (who "borrowed Arnold Shultzs' style and added his own") with teaching him to play the thumb picking style that would carry Merle Travis and Chet Atkins and many others to glory and fame. Mose died on May 14, 1985 and is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery. A monument in his honor stands between his home in Drakesboro, Kentucky and City Hall.

House of Onyx

120 N. Main St.
Greenville, KY 42345
270-338-2363 or 800-844-3100
www.houseofonyx.com

As one of the world's largest gemstone dealers, jewelry of every description can be viewed while strolling through the main showroom. In addition, there's a bargain room, mineral hall and warehouse of Mexican onyx carvings. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every third Saturday of each month

Central City Civic and Convention Center

302 Golden Tide Ave.
Central City, KY 42330
270-754-2360

In July 1996, the city purchased the former Central City High School gymnasium which now houses memorabilia from years past and also provides a place for civic activities to occur. Artifacts, fundraising projects and alumni donations were solicited and the project of restoration/renovation began. Various artifacts of school history and a rich sports tradition are house in this building. A walking track has been added to the upper area which is used daily by the public. The museum is open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays and by appointment other days.

Paradise Park Museum Complex is a full size coal mining town from the 1920s era. The complex celebrates Muhlenberg's once world class coal mining as well as some of the old country homes, schools and musical traditions. The late Merle Travis birthplace, which contains his memorabilia is housed in the complex. Located between Greenville and Central City Kentucky, the museum complex is also the site of the two-day international thumb picking event.
Contact: 270-338-5961

Springridge School, was located off River Road in Central City. It is a two room school house that was built in 1935. It was the first structure to be moved to Paradise Park. Today it contains articles and antiques from Muhlenberg County’s past.

The Hall of Fame Stage is located in the museum complex and is complete with a small dressing room and a sound and equipment room. In 2001 concerned thumb pickers (via the National Thumb Pickers Hall of Fame) met and agreed to underwrite the cost of a stage, which was estimated to run around $5,000. When completed in 2002, the cost --after donations of materials and labor—was just over $1,700. “Pickin’ in the Park” is held every Friday night June-September.

The Coal Mines Shotgun House was the second structure moved to the Paradise Park area. The shotgun house, formerly a company house, was furnished to coal mining families who worked at the local mines.

Merle Travis Birthplace

Merle Travis was born on November 17, 1917 in Rosewood in the southern portion of Muhlenberg County to Rob and Laura Etta Latham Travis. His birthplace was moved to Paradise Park where it was renovated. Today the birthplace contains not only Merle Travis memorabilia but also Hall of Fame pictures and other interesting items given by many pickers.

The Four Legends Fountain is a tribute to four great guitarists (Kennedy Jones, Ike Everly, Mose Rager, Merle Travis), who used the thumb picking style of guitar playing. The fountain stands in Drakesboro, KY near Highway 176.

Central City, Kentucky Tourism Commission