Today in Wheeling History: November 21--The Daily Intelligencer reported on the upcoming opening of the Security Trust Company in Wheeling (1902).
 
The Security Trust Company was organized in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1902 and officially opened its doors on February 27, 1903, in temporary quarters on the first floor of the former Grand Central Hotel at 1145-1147 Market Street. The company quickly established itself as a significant financial institution in the region. In 1917, Security Trust moved into a newly constructed building at 1143 Market Street, featuring an elegant marble and mahogany interior. This building served as the company's headquarters for several decades. In 1959, the company purchased land across the street where the State Theatre had stood, at 1114-1116 Market Street, and constructed a modern bank building with amenities like a drive-through window on Chapline Street. The new building opened in May 1960. In 1962, Security Trust merged with the National Bank of West Virginia to form the Security National Bank & Trust Company. This merger marked a significant expansion of the bank's services and reach. The name of the bank was changed to Bank One, West Virginia, in 1993, and the organization was acquired by JP Morgan Chase Bank in 2004. The downtown Market Street location of Chase Bank was closed on August 3, 2017. The site was later acquired by the city, and the vacant Chase Bank building was demolished to make way for the new Market Street Parking Structure, a six-deck parking garage with modern amenities, which was officially opened on November 20, 2024.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/F6PDs); Security National Trust Company (https://shorturl.at/Jvk8W), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/1ETUv), The Times Leader (https://shorturl.at/MzgwE)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV

​Today in Wheeling History: November 20--Legendary singing group The Lettermen perform at Wheeling College's 10th Anniversary Dinner and Dance (1964).
 
The Lettermen, one of America's most beloved vocal groups, made a memorable appearance at Wheeling College (now Wheeling University) in 1964. The performance, which took place at the Wheeling College Field House, drew a crowd of 1,200 enthusiastic fans. The evening got off to an amusing start when one of the group members discovered he had left his trousers on the bus, causing a 15-minute delay to the show. Despite this minor wardrobe mishap, the group delivered a spectacular performance that lasted well beyond its scheduled time, with the audience keeping them on stage for an additional thirty minutes with individual song requests. At the time of this performance, The Lettermen consisted of original members Jim Pike, Bob Engemann, and Tony Butala. The group had already established themselves as major recording artists with Capitol Records, having achieved several hits including "The Way You Look Tonight" (1961) and "When I Fall in Love" (1962). The concert was part of the college's decade celebration, marking ten years since its establishment. The Lettermen would return to Wheeling multiple times over the years, including a performance at the Capitol Theatre in March 2022, where they shared the bill with The 5th Dimension.
 
To learn more: Wheeling Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/A9bdH), Wheeling News-Register (https://shorturl.at/Yy7xE), Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/yRwqw), Facebook (https://shorturl.at/k6MaC) (https://shorturl.at/sz70l)
 
Photo credits: Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: November 18--Mary Louise Snider Efron, a pioneering medical researcher known for her work in detecting amino acid deficiencies and PKU in newborns, was born in Wheeling (1926).
 
Mary Louise Snider Efron was born on November 18, 1926, at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia. She grew up in Wheeling, attending Mount de Chantal Academy, where she excelled academically. Efron received a scholarship to Barnard College, where she earned her BA degree. She then graduated with honors from Harvard Medical School, showcasing her dedication and intellect.
 
Efron married Robert Efron, also a medical doctor, and they had three children: Carol, Paul, and Sonni. Her career in medical research began at University College Hospital in London, where she gained laboratory experience in human metabolism. She contributed significantly to the development of new methods for investigating the urinary excretion of amino acids. Efron later became a research associate in Neurology at Harvard Medical School and an assistant in Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
 
In the Joseph P. Kennedy laboratory at Harvard Medical School, Efron developed new methodologies for detecting disorders of amino acids, becoming a leading researcher in the field of mental retardation and children's diseases. Her work led to the development of mass screening programs for newborn infants to detect amino acid deficiencies and PKU, a practice now required worldwide.
 
Mary Louise Snider Efron passed away on September 2, 1967, at the age of 40 from lupus. She is buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling. Her contributions to medical research have left a lasting impact on the field of neurology and pediatrics.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/gZQiD); Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/nqDN4)

Today in Wheeling History: November 17--Chris Stirewalt, a prominent political news commentator known for his insightful analysis and contributions to major news networks, was born in Wheeling (1975).
 
Chris Stirewalt, born on November 17, 1975, in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a prominent political news commentator and analyst. He graduated from The Linsly School in 1993 and began his journalism career at age 17, writing baseball box scores for The Wheeling Intelligencer. Stirewalt attended Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he graduated in 1997. His career in journalism took off as he served as the politics editor at the Charleston Daily Mail and West Virginia Media. Stirewalt gained national recognition when he joined Fox News Channel in July 2010, where he became the network's main on-air analyst of polls and voting trends. He co-hosted the podcast "Perino & Stirewalt: I'll Tell You What" with Dana Perino from 2016 to 2020 and hosted the weekly Power Play show on Fox.
 
In January 2021, Stirewalt was fired from Fox News. His dismissal came after he called the Arizona election results early in favor of Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, which reportedly angered former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Fox News claimed his departure was part of a "restructuring," but many believe it was due to the backlash from the Arizona call. Stirewalt quickly joined The Dispatch as a contributing editor in February 2021 and later became the political editor at NewsNation. He also hosts "The Hill Sunday," a public affairs program that debuted on March 3, 2024. Stirewalt's career is marked by his insightful political analysis and his ability to engage audiences with his expertise and charisma.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/5n84z99u), Newsweek (https://tinyurl.com/3d54mrhr) (https://tinyurl.com/3hdmm7jt), Market Realist (https://tinyurl.com/3d54mrhr), Mediaite (https://tinyurl.com/69bmtapd), Politico (https://tinyurl.com/mrytdd7w), PBS (https://tinyurl.com/5n6at7d9), Naijan News (https://tinyurl.com/4sj6jhm6), Biographypedia (https://tinyurl.com/4wpmwpt4)
 
Photo credits: Biographics World

Today in Wheeling History: November 17–Edward T. Rose, former Wheeling Fire Chief who served two terms (1912-1919 and 1932-1946), modernized the department by transitioning from horse-drawn to motorized vehicles, implemented the two-platoon system, introduced the squad system, and improved firefighting techniques with booster and 1½ inch hose systems, passed away at age 78 (1952).
 
Edward T. Rose was a pivotal figure in the Wheeling Fire Department's history, serving as Fire Chief twice during his extensive career. Born on March 28, 1874, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Rose dedicated over 40 years to firefighting in his hometown. He resided at 25 Vernon Ave., Elm Grove, and was a veteran of the Spanish-American War.
 
Rose joined the department on August 16, 1904, during the horse-drawn era. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1907. His first tenure as Fire Chief began in March 1912, lasting until 1919. During this period, Rose oversaw the transition from horse-drawn steamers to gasoline-powered trucks, modernizing the department with four Peerless Combination Hose/Chemical Trucks.
 
After a 14-year hiatus running his own roofing business, Rose returned as Fire Chief in 1932. He implemented several innovations, including the two-platoon system, which improved efficiency, and the squad system to address manpower issues in outlying areas. Rose also introduced the booster system and 1½ inch hose system, significantly reducing fire damage and improving firefighting capabilities.
 
Rose was active in various organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Wheeling Lions Club. He faced the challenge of leading the department through World War II during his second tenure.
 
Edward T. Rose passed away on November 17, 1952, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of modernization and innovation in firefighting techniques that continued to benefit the Wheeling Fire Department long after his retirement.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/gzPYM) (https://shorturl.at/UJHKB) (https://shorturl.at/RxmsM)
 
Photo Credits: Find a Grave, Wheeling News-Register

​Today in Wheeling History: November 16--WWVA, WOVK, WVKF, WKWK, WEGW, and WBBD were announced for sale as part of Clear Channel's divestiture (2006).
 
On November 16, 2006, Clear Channel Communications announced the sale of six radio stations in Wheeling, West Virginia: WWVA, WOVK, WVKF, WKWK, WEGW, and WBBD. This decision was part of Clear Channel's broader strategy to divest nearly 450 small and middle-market radio properties across the United States. WWVA, one of the most notable stations in this group, has a rich history dating back to its first broadcast on December 13, 1926. Known as "The Big One," WWVA is West Virginia's only Class A 50,000-watt clear-channel station, providing extensive coverage throughout the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The station has been a significant player in the Wheeling area, offering news, talk shows, and agricultural programming. WOVK, WVKF, WKWK, WEGW, and WBBD also played vital roles in the local media landscape, each catering to different audiences with formats ranging from country music to contemporary hits. The Clear Channel Wheeling stations were initially slated to be sold to Florida-based GoodRadio.TV LLC in May 2007, but the deal soon collapsed prior to FCC approval. Clear Channel later rebranded as iHeartMedia in 2014 to reflect its evolution into a multi-platform media company.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/GF3DT), Everything Explained (https://shorturl.at/GzSt6), Wikiwand (https://shorturl.at/7XLBc), iHeartMedia (https://shorturl.at/vX2As), Billboard (https://shorturl.at/N0qDI)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons

Today in Wheeling History: November 15--Al Lukens, Major League Baseball pitcher who hailed from Wheeling, was born (1868).
 
Albert P. Lukens, known as Al Lukens, was born on November 15, 1868, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Growing up in Wheeling, Lukens developed a passion for baseball, which led him to pursue a career in the sport. He played for local teams before making his Major League Baseball debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 23, 1894. Lukens was a right-handed pitcher, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 168 pounds. During his brief MLB career, he played in three games, starting two of them. Despite his efforts, Lukens struggled on the mound, finishing with a win-loss record of 0-1 and an earned run average (ERA) of 10.20. His last MLB appearance was on July 4, 1894. After his short stint in the major leagues, Lukens continued to play in the minor leagues, including teams like the Allentown-Bethlehem Colts and the Hazleton Barons. Lukens' brief but notable career in Major League Baseball remains a point of historical interest for Wheeling sports enthusiasts.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/h1nn4), Baseball-Reference Minors (https://shorturl.at/Oa8sb)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Baseball-Reference Minors

​Today in Wheeling History: November 14--Simon Girty, frontiersman and Loyalist who played a significant role in the Siege of Fort Henry in Wheeling, was born (1741).
 
Simon Girty was born on November 14, 1741, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His early life was marked by tragedy when his father was killed in a drunken brawl, and his family was captured by Native Americans during the French and Indian War. Girty was adopted by the Seneca tribe, where he lived for several years, learning their language and customs. This experience profoundly influenced his later life. During the American Revolutionary War, Girty initially served with the Pennsylvania Continental Army but later defected to the British side, becoming a Loyalist and an agent of the British Indian Department. He gained notoriety for his role as a guide and interpreter for Native American warriors fighting against American forces. Girty was involved in several significant conflicts, including the Siege of Fort Henry in Wheeling. His actions earned him the nickname "The White Savage" and a reputation as a traitor among American settlers.
 
During the Siege of Fort Henry in September 1782, Girty led a force of about 300 Native Americans and 50 British Loyalists against the American outpost in Wheeling. The defenders, led by Colonel David Shepherd, included 40 men and boys protecting 60 women and children. Girty demanded the fort's surrender, but Shepherd refused. The attackers attempted to burn the fort and surrounding buildings, but the defenders, including the Zane family, successfully repelled them. Girty's leadership and tactics during the siege were instrumental, but ultimately, the fort held out, marking an American victory.
 
After the war, Girty continued to live among Native Americans and later settled in Canada. He suffered from arthritis in his later years and died on February 18, 1818, in Malden, Upper Canada. Girty's complex legacy as both a frontiersman and a controversial figure in American history remains a topic of interest.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/jWPuk) (https://shorturl.at/74pJ8), Weelunk (https://shorturl.at/tHDWD), West Virginia Department of Culture and History (https://shorturl.at/JgMEd)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons

​Today in Wheeling History: November 13--Five prisoners escaped from the Athenaeum Prison in Wheeling (1863).
 
The Athenaeum, once Wheeling's largest building, was a four-story structure constructed in 1853-54 at the southeast corner of 16th (then John) and Market streets. Originally built as a warehouse for the Crescent Manufacturing Company, which manufactured boiler, sheet, and railway iron, the building's first two floors served industrial purposes while the upper floors housed a theater that opened in January 1855. The theater hosted notable performances, including "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in 1856 and appearances by famous Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth.
 
The building's role transformed dramatically during the Civil War. In fall 1861, the federal government rented two large second-floor rooms to house secessionist prisoners from Camp Carlile. By October 1863, the entire building was converted into a military prison, barracks, and hospital, earning the nickname "Lincoln's Bastille." The facility held Confederate prisoners of war, civilian dissenters, rebel spies, court-martialed soldiers, and bushwhackers. Under the direction of Provost Marshal Major Joseph Darr Jr. of the First West Virginia Cavalry, the prison population fluctuated between 50 and 100 inmates. The facility operated until October 1865, when it returned to civilian use. The building's story ended tragically on October 10, 1868, when it burned down in what became Wheeling's largest fire, prompting the city to organize its first fire department.
 
To learn more: West Virginia Sesquicentennial Timeline (https://shorturl.at/CCcpx), West Virginia Encyclopedia (https://shorturl.at/A2SGQ), The Historical Marker Database (https://shorturl.at/egfX0)
 
Photo credits: Wheeling Intelligencer, The Historical Marker Database, West Virginia State Archives

​Today in Wheeling History: November 12--Henry C. Brown, who worked as a joiner and carpenter in Wheeling and later took those skills to Denver, Colorado, to become a prominent builder and real estate developer, was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio (1820).
 
Henry Cordes Brown was born on November 12, 1820, near St. Clairsville in Belmont County, Ohio. After becoming an orphan at the age of seven, he worked on farms until he was 16. He then learned the trade of joiners and carpenters and moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he honed his skills. Brown married Anna Louise Inskeep in 1841, and they had two children. He traveled extensively, seeking business opportunities across the western United States and South America.
 
In 1860, Brown moved to Denver, Colorado, where he became a significant figure in the city's early development. He homesteaded 160 acres in Denver and donated land for the state capitol. Brown's most notable achievement was the construction of the Brown Palace Hotel, a luxury hotel that has hosted numerous historical figures, including U.S. Presidents. The hotel, built in 1892, remains a landmark in Denver.
 
Brown's contributions to Denver's growth and his philanthropic efforts, such as donating land for public use, left a lasting legacy. He passed away in March 1906 in San Diego, California, and his remains were returned to Denver for burial. Brown's life and work exemplify the spirit of pioneering and development that characterized the American West.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/FioIJ), History Colorado Collection (https://shorturl.at/Y50ma)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons