The William Whitley Historic Site has been under the ownership of Lincoln County for just over a month and operations have already hit a snag.

During the transition of the property from the state to the county, some information has been misplaced or lost, including the receipt book which logged the booking schedule for the shelters, tour groups, weddings, etc.

“I saw the receipt book there before (transition), but now it is gone and that poses a problem,” said Jane VanHook, Lincoln County Historical Society member and part-time guide at the William Whitley House. “Now we don’t know when the shelters have been booked. We don’t want to double-book a shelter and then some reunion or party showing up that has rented the place for years and finding someone already there.”

To help resolve the situation, VanHook is asking for the public’s help in making sure such double-booking situations don’t occur.

“If you have reserved the shelters, scheduled tour groups, weddings, reunions or other events, please call the Lincoln County Courthouse at (606) 365-2533, as soon as possible,” she said.

VanHook said callers will have to produce a receipt as proof of their previous reservation.

Due to an anticipated increase in interest, the William Whitley House staff welcomes reservations by calling the courthouse. Shelter rentals are $75 for the large shelter and $25 for the small shelter.

The William Whitley House grounds (playground, picnic tables and hiking trails) are open year round. Restrooms are open April 1 – Nov. 1.

The William Whitley House is open for tours beginning May 15 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Special tour requests can be scheduled by appointment Monday-Thursday.

The county has announced the admission costs for house tours. The individual fees are:

Adults – $6.

Children 12 & Under – $4.

Senior Citizens/Military – $5.