Nye was defeated by Van Lear in the 1916 mayoral election, mainly on the strength of two issues:

Today, Van Lear is a diverse residential mix of new and old, modern and historic, all side-by-side.

In Van Lear's newer neighborhoods, larger modern homes are common.

Eventually five coal mines were opened and operated in Van Lear from 1910 through 1946.

Currently, Van Lear is an unincorporated community.

There are no deep mines operating in Van Lear proper, although some mines operate nearby.

The present population of Van Lear proper is roughly 1600.

The museum is administered by the Van Lear Historical Society.

Along with Consol's office, the building also contained several businesses and has even housed Van Lear's city hall.

A documentary of Van Lear during the 1930s.