on the cover
Andy Locket, David Holt and Robert in Durango Colorado. Robert with Richard Petty.
Meet Robert Van Camp Journalist • Storyteller Historian • Entrepeneur If you’ve watched any of the new Magnolia Network you may have seen Clint Harps’ Restoration Road. In the very first episode Clint shows a group of men renovating and restoring a Pullman Railroad car and turning it into a B&B out west. Well, right here in the Yadkin Valley we have our very own version of that kind of restoration. Only here, they’re not parking the cars, they are being put back on the rails to begin a new life.
A conversation with Rob Van Camp as told to John Norman Photos courtesy
Robert Van Camp
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Meet Robert Van Camp. We introduced you to Robert several years ago with a feature about his creation, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, (GSRJ). Not only has he continued that work, but it has grown by leaps and bounds. Or as Robert says, “One thing leads to another and another and another. Just keep cultivating the great opportunities you are blessed with.” I first meet Robert when he was working for WFMY TV. This man who has never meet a stranger has a sincere interest in other people. Naturally, that makes for a great journalist, who’s always asking questions. In the fall 1993, he left WFMY to produce his first program on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. UNC-TV liked his program so much they submitted his work to the National Academy of Arts and Sciences where Robert was awarded his first Emmy for his filming of the show. Today GSRJ has now grown to be the longest running, highest rated rail travel show on Public television along with airing throughout the world. Since 1994, the
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