Today in Wheeling History: December 12—Dave Wojcik, a notable basketball coach known for his tenure at San Jose State University, his contributions to various collegiate basketball programs, and his current role as head boys' basketball coach at The Linsly School, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia (1968).

David Edward Wojcik, born on December 12, 1968, in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a prominent figure in the world of basketball coaching. He grew up in Wheeling, where he attended Wheeling Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1987. At Wheeling Central, Wojcik played as a point guard and was recognized as a McDonald's Honorable Mention All-American during his senior year. After high school, he pursued higher education and continued his basketball career at Loyola University Maryland, where he played as a guard for the Greyhounds. Wojcik's passion for basketball led him to a career in coaching. He began his coaching journey as an assistant coach at various institutions, including Loyola University Maryland, Xavier University, and the University of Tulsa. In 2013, Wojcik was appointed as the head men's basketball coach at San Jose State University, a position he held until 2017. During his tenure, he worked to rebuild the program and develop young talent. After leaving San Jose State, Wojcik returned to Wheeling and took on the role of head boys' basketball coach at The Linsly School, where he continues to mentor and inspire young athletes. Wojcik's dedication to the sport and his contributions to basketball coaching have made him a respected figure in the Wheeling community and beyond.

To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/Zk6vb), Wikiwand (https://shorturl.at/ETMbr), OfficialUSA (https://shorturl.at/pG0vo), Linsly Athletic Teams (https://shorturl.at/6pDQ7)

Photo caption: San Jose State University men's basketball coach Dave Wojcik after his introductory press conference on April 2, 2013. (Arbor to SJ, Wikimedia Commons)

​Today in Wheeling History: December 12--The Wheeling Tunnel, West Virginia's first interstate tunnel, was dedicated and opened to traffic (1966).
 
The Wheeling Tunnel, a landmark infrastructure project that transformed transportation through the heart of Wheeling, opened after three and a half years of construction. The $7.6 million project consisted of twin tubes cutting through Wheeling Hill, each carrying two lanes of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 250. The tunnel required 1.6 million pieces of bright yellow tile to line its sides and ceiling, along with 57,000 cubic yards of concrete including ventilation buildings. Measuring 22.5 feet high from roadway to arch and 1,425 feet long, it was constructed by C.J. Langenfelder & Co. and Mountain State Construction Co. The project faced challenges during construction, including a work stoppage in 1964 due to carbon monoxide exposure affecting workers. The dedication ceremony featured Governor Hulett Smith as the main speaker, with performances by the Wheeling High School band and participation from local leaders including Mayor Charles Ihlenfeld and Wheeling College President Rev. Frank R. Haig, S.J. The tunnel's completion also marked the opening of three other I-70 system links and the Wheeling Interchange at the western portal. Project engineer Bill Lunstrum noted that the most challenging aspect was constructing the east portal walls due to their size and precise fitting requirements.
 
To learn more: Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/8HVMX), Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/xFncS)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV

Today in Wheeling History: December 11--Wheeling industrialist Ralph R. Spears receives patent for revolutionary axle box turning lathe (1894).
 
Ralph Reed Spears (1859-1943) was a Wheeling-born inventor and businessperson who revolutionized transportation manufacturing through his companies, starting with Spears Axle Company at Main, Water, and 27th streets in the 1880s. Here, he patented his innovative axle box turning lathe in 1894. The machine solved a crucial challenge in wagon and carriage production by precisely crafting axle boxes - the protective metal sleeves that housed wheel axles. His lathe featured several groundbreaking elements: a hollow live spindle for precise alignment, adjustable cutting tools for different axle box sizes, and an innovative feed carriage system.
 
The machine's most ingenious feature was its self-adjusting spring-projected work guide, which automatically centered and held the axle box during cutting operations. Later, through his firm Spears & Riddle Company, he entered the oil industry, where he created Fleet-Wing, the first successful jobber brand in petroleum distribution. Under this banner, his company became the first to market Ethyl gasoline in 1923, handling 600-700 rail cars of gasoline monthly. After Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) purchased Fleet-Wing in 1929, they established the Fleet-Wing Corporation as their first subsidiary. His axle box lathe patent exemplified how his various enterprises contributed to America's industrial development during the late 19th century.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/auGFb); Google Patents (https://shorturl.at/jjoZW), Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/y315o)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; U.S. Patent Office

​Today in Wheeling History: December 10—Ron DiLorenzo, beloved educator and musician who significantly contributed to Wheeling's educational system at Wheeling Park High School, Madison Elementary School, and Ritchie Elementary School, and enriched the local music scene by performing with numerous Ohio Valley bands and the popular SHOP band, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Weirton, West Virginia (1947).
 
Ronald Jacob DiLorenzo, affectionately known as Ron, Ronnie, DiLo, or Mr. D., was born on December 10, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Weirton, West Virginia. He graduated from Weir High School in 1965 and pursued his undergraduate and advanced degrees at West Virginia University. Ron married his wife, Roberta "Robbie," in 1971, and they shared 48 years together. He was an active member of St. Michael's Church in Wheeling, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Engaged Couples Sponsor, and Confirmation instructor. Ron dedicated 42 years to Wheeling Park High School, where he served as Dean of Students and Chairperson of the Guidance Counseling Department. Before his counseling career, he taught elementary music at various schools, including Madison Elementary School and Ritchie Elementary School, and was an assistant band director at Wheeling Park High School. A professional musician since the age of 14, Ron played the trumpet and sang in numerous Ohio Valley bands, most recently with the popular SHOP band. His contributions to education and music earned him the title of WV Character Educator of the Year in 2007 and Wheeling Park High School Educator of the Year in 1999-2000. Ron passed away on August 3, 2019, at his home in Wheeling, surrounded by his loving family.
 
To learn more: The Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/cDqau) (https://shorturl.at/OJWUu), Weirton Daily Times (https://shorturl.at/BWJWJ)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame  

​Today in Wheeling History: December 9—The North Wheeling Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places (1988).
 
The North Wheeling Historic District, located in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, is a significant area recognized for its historical and architectural value. The district encompasses approximately 15 acres and includes 134 contributing buildings and one contributing object. This area, known as "Old Town," features a variety of architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate, and Late Victorian. Notable buildings within the district include the Vigilant Engine House (circa 1891), the William Goering House (1885), the Alfred Paull House (1880s), the Williams Duplex Tenement (1880-1884), the George W. Eckhart House (1891-1892), the Christian Hess House (1876), the Edward Hazlett House (1893), and the Henry K. List House (1858). The Pollack Memorial Monument, erected in 1916, is the district's contributing object. The district's inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places on December 9, 1988, highlights its importance in preserving Wheeling's rich architectural heritage. The district has seen boundary increases in 2008 and 2022, further emphasizing its ongoing significance. The North Wheeling Historic District remains a testament to the city's historical and cultural legacy, offering a glimpse into the architectural trends and community life of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/txSgC); Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/6W2V0)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: December 8 - Jac Grouan, Syrian immigrant and Wheeling resident inventor, receives patent for innovative cheese cutter (1908).
 
Jac Grouan exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit of early 20th century immigrants in Wheeling, West Virginia. As a subject of the Sultan of Syria who made his home in Ohio County, Grouan contributed to Wheeling's diverse industrial landscape through his invention of an improved cheese cutter. His device, which became U.S. Patent #906,220 on December 8, 1908, was specifically designed for cutting Schweitzer (Swiss) and other rectangular cheeses. The invention featured an innovative system of rollers, adjustable plates, and a computing scale that allowed precise measurements based on price - a valuable tool for merchants. The machine could accommodate cheeses of varying widths and included a clever mechanism for advancing the cheese block. Grouan's attention to detail is evident in the patent's three detailed technical drawings and comprehensive description. His invention represented a practical solution for cheese merchants of the era, combining mechanical innovation with business practicality. The patent filing and subsequent approval demonstrate how immigrants like Grouan contributed to American innovation and commerce in the early 20th century through practical inventions that improved everyday business operations.
 
To learn more: Google Patents (https://shorturl.at/IsVel)
 
Photo credits: U.S. Patent Office

​Today in Wheeling History: December 7--Then-West Virginia Governor Cecil H. Underwood issued a proclamation naming Interstate 470 in West Virginia the USS West Virginia Memorial Highway, honoring the battleship USS West Virginia and its crew who served at Pearl Harbor (2000).
 
The proclamation was issued on the 59th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, where the USS West Virginia was severely damaged by seven torpedoes and two armor-piercing bombs. The 10.63-mile Interstate 470, which bypasses the city of Wheeling, became a memorial to both the battleship and its brave crew. The battleship USS West Virginia, commissioned in 1923, was a source of pride for West Virginians throughout its service. Despite sustaining heavy damage at Pearl Harbor that claimed the lives of 106 crew members, the ship was salvaged and reconstructed. It went on to play a crucial role in various Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Surigao Strait - the last battleship-versus-battleship engagement in naval history. The naming of I-470 as the USS West Virginia Memorial Highway serves as a lasting tribute to the vessel's significant role in World War II and its special connection to the state. The highway, completed in 1983, remains an important transportation artery through Ohio County, connecting Ohio and West Virginia while preserving the memory of the historic battleship.
 
Wikipedia: (https://shorturl.at/NrWI8) (https://shorturl.at/06iV1), Wheeling News-Register (https://shorturl.at/Co2mY)
 
Photo credits: U.S. Navy, Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: December 6--Tyler County formed from Ohio County (1814).
 
Tyler County, located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, was officially formed on December 6, 1814, from a portion of Ohio County. It was named in honor of John Tyler Sr., the eighth governor of Virginia and father of John Tyler, the tenth president of the United States. The county seat is Middlebourne, a small town known for its historic charm and community spirit. Tyler County is bordered by the Ohio River to the west, providing a picturesque landscape and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.
 
The county's early economy was primarily based on agriculture, with residents growing crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and natural gas brought economic growth and development to the area. The Sistersville Oil Field, discovered in 1891, became one of the most productive oil fields in the state, attracting workers and businesses to the region.
 
Tyler County is also home to several historic sites, including the Tyler County Courthouse, built in 1854, and the Sistersville Ferry, one of the oldest operating ferries in the United States. The county hosts various annual events, such as the Tyler County Fair and the Middlebourne Christmas Parade, which celebrate the community's heritage and foster a sense of togetherness among residents.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/qQ8p8)
 
Photo caption and credit: Tyler County Courthouse in Middlebourne (Wikimedia Commons)

​Today in Wheeling History: December 5--William Pallister Hubbard, U.S. Representative from Wheeling, passed away (1921).
 
William Pallister Hubbard was born on December 24, 1843, in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was the son of Congressman Chester D. Hubbard and Sarah Pallister Hubbard. William attended public schools and the Linsly School in Wheeling before graduating from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1863. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1864. During the Civil War, Hubbard enlisted in the Union Army as a private in 1865, serving in the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry and rising to the rank of first lieutenant before being honorably discharged.
 
After the war, Hubbard returned to Wheeling and began practicing law. He served as clerk of the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1866 to 1870 and as a member of the House of Delegates in 1881 and 1882. He was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1888 and 1912, supporting Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. Hubbard was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 1st District, serving from 1907 to 1911. He declined renomination in 1910 and returned to his law practice in Wheeling. William Pallister Hubbard passed away on December 5, 1921, in Wheeling and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/bDcrT), Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/t99Za)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave

​Today in Wheeling History: December 4--Jesse Burkett, Hall of Fame baseball player, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia (1868).
 
Jesse Cail Burkett, nicknamed "Crab," was born on December 4, 1868, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Granville and Ellen Burkett. His father worked as a laborer and painter for the Wheeling and Belmont Bridge Company. Burkett grew up in the Wheeling Island neighborhood, where he developed a love for baseball and swimming in the Ohio River. He began his professional baseball career as a pitcher, winning 27 games for the Scranton Miners of the Central League at age 19. In 1889, he compiled a 39-6 record for the Worcester Grays of the New England League.
 
Burkett made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Giants in 1890. He later played for the Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos/Cardinals, St. Louis Browns, and Boston Americans. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Burkett batted over .400 twice and held the major league single-season hits record for 15 years. He was a three-time National League batting champion and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946. After his playing career, Burkett managed in the minor leagues and coached at Holy Cross College. He passed away on May 27, 1953, in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was buried.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/klLD4); Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/oJ0za), Society for American Baseball Research (https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/jesse-burkett/)
 
Photo credits: The Sporting News, Library of Congress