Posts: 3
From: Wilmington, NC, USA
Registered: Nov 2010

posted 11-28-2010 09:30 AM               

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Anybody ever been to Coalwood, West Virginia? I'm sure everyone here is abundantly aware of what its significance is, but for any passers by, it is the town where NASA engineer Homer Hickam, subject of the book "Rocket Boys" and the movie "October Sky" grew up.

If you've been there, is it worth stopping by? I believe they have a fairly large scale model of a Shuttle outside somewhere with some plaques around it. I know their sign says something to the effect of "Welcome to Coalwood, home of the Rocket Boys." Is there anything else to see (other than Homer's house, school, etc.)?

I'm from NC, but driving up to see a friend in Michigan for Christmas. On my way back, I plan to stop by the Michigan's Own Military and Space Museum, the Neil Armstrong Museum (and his house) in Wapakoneta, Ohio, the Air Force museum near Dayton, Ohio, and I was thinking about Coalwood, WV as well, though that will be the most out-of-the-way place as far as my route home, so I was wondering if it was worth it. Thanks!

Posts: 106
From: Topmost, KY
Registered: Nov 2002