​Today in Wheeling History: November 19—The parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church purchased the Ukrainian American Citizens Club for $10.00, a building once used as a livery stable, dance hall, and Ukrainian Club, which now serves as the parish hall annex, Xata (1967).
 
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church, a Byzantine Rite parish at 4136 Jacob Street in South Wheeling, traces its roots to the late-1890s arrival of Ukrainian immigrants, primarily from Galicia, who came seeking freedom and employment in Wheeling’s steel mills. Early worship was modest, with parishioners sometimes standing during services before pews were installed. The parish was originally known as St. Mary’s of the Perpetual Help (Greek Catholic Ruthenian), a name preserved in early documentation and photographs. A major milestone came with the construction of the present church building, which replaced earlier worship spaces and gave the growing Ukrainian community a permanent spiritual home. On November 19, 1967, the parish purchased the Ukrainian American Citizens Club for $10.00. The building, which had previously served as a livery stable, dance hall, and Ukrainian Club, became the parish hall annex, Xata, and continues to support cultural and social activities. Today, the parish remains a vibrant center of liturgical life and cultural continuity, marked by devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, annual feast observances, and community traditions such as pierogi sales. Parishioners have been highlighted in local media for their resilience and renewed efforts to preserve Ukrainian heritage, especially amid global attention to Ukraine since 2022.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library – Historical Sketch (https://tinyurl.com/ys4he5fa), Ohio County Public Library – Parish History (https://tinyurl.com/y4hrryjj), Historic Churches of Wheeling Area  (https://tinyurl.com/43rh4wfv), Parish Website (https://tinyurl.com/2s439vmb), Weelunk Feature on Parishioners (https://tinyurl.com/2ps7wu3t), Catholic Travel Guide (https://tinyurl.com/34u3jeza), YouTube – Parish Feature (https://tinyurl.com/9ezx3er2)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; West Virginia Public Broadcasting, Google Maps

​Today in Wheeling History: November 18—John G. Inglis, PCC streetcar pioneer and 1930s electrical engineer for Wheeling’s Co-operative Transit Company, died (1990).
 
John Gordon Inglis was born in Atwood, Ontario, Canada, on September 8, 1899, and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto in 1923. He entered the United States via Detroit that year and spent a decade at Westinghouse Electric in East Pittsburgh, where he contributed to the early development of the PCC streetcar—work that positioned him at the forefront of modern urban transit technology. In the early 1930s, Inglis moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, serving as the Electrical Engineer for the city’s Co-operative Transit Company, applying PCC innovations to local streetcar operations and power systems at a pivotal moment in Wheeling’s transit evolution. In 1936 he returned to Canada, joining the Toronto Transportation Commission’s Rolling Stock Department, rising through leadership until he became General Manager – Operations in 1959. Inglis guided the TTC’s acquisition and operation of the world’s largest PCC fleet, shaping reliability, standardization, and rider experience across Toronto’s extensive streetcar network, and oversaw the adoption of aluminium-bodied, 23-meter subway cars in the early 1960s, reflecting his commitment to efficient, durable rolling stock. He retired in 1968 and died on November 18, 1990; in 1991 the TTC named the Hillcrest Complex Administration Building the J.G. Inglis Building in his honor. His Wheeling tenure bridges local transit modernization with a continental legacy in urban rail systems.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/3sph3fk5), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/2syykazb), Wikitree (https://tinyurl.com/3njnhurk), Facebook (https://tinyurl.com/246cbpmw), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/3kbkubn4)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Seashore Trolley Museum, Wikimedia Commons, Trolleys Streetcars & Interurbans of America (Facebook page), Find a Grave

​Today in Wheeling History: November 17—Nexstar Media Group finalized its acquisition of WTRF-TV, bringing Wheeling’s CBS affiliate under the ownership of the nation’s largest local television broadcasting company (2017).
 
On November 17, 2017, Nexstar Media Group completed its acquisition of WTRF-TV, Wheeling’s CBS affiliate, marking a pivotal moment in the station’s long history. WTRF had been part of West Virginia Media Holdings, which also owned WOWK-TV in Charleston, WBOY in Clarksburg, and WVNS in Beckley. Nexstar, founded in 1996 by Perry Sook and headquartered in Irving, Texas, had already become the largest local television broadcaster in the United States, operating nearly 200 stations nationwide. 
 
The purchase expanded Nexstar’s footprint into the Ohio Valley, integrating WTRF into a national network while preserving its strong local identity. From its downtown studios at 96 16th Street, WTRF continued to deliver regional news, weather, and sports, while also managing its digital subchannels. These included ABC, which gave the region its first full-time ABC affiliate, and MyNetworkTV, which evolved from an earlier Fox subchannel. 
 
Nexstar’s acquisition reflected broader industry trends of consolidation, enabling companies to pool resources, invest in digital innovation, and strengthen advertising reach. For Wheeling, the change meant access to Nexstar’s technological and financial support while maintaining WTRF’s role as a trusted community voice. The transition underscored Wheeling’s importance in West Virginia’s media landscape, linking the city more closely to statewide coverage and national broadcasting strategies, while ensuring that local stories remained central to the station’s mission. 
 
To learn more: WTRF-TV - Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mwu3fz68), Nexstar Media Group – Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/mr2eunyc), WTRF Station Profile – Nexstar Media Group (https://tinyurl.com/ms3ywrzs), Nexstar to Purchase West Virginia Media Holdings’ TV Stations – WTRF  (https://tinyurl.com/yk97th9p)
 
Photo caption and credit: WTRF-TV, 96 16th Street in Wheeling (Google Maps)

​Today in Wheeling History: November 16--The Anthony Wayne Oil Corporation of W. Va., later best known for operating downtown parking facilities such as the Center Wheeling, 10th Street, and Wharf garages, was officially chartered in Wheeling (1932).
 
Founded on November 16, 1932, the Anthony Wayne Oil Corporation of West Virginia played a distinctive role in Wheeling’s industrial and municipal landscape. Chartered as a domestic profit corporation, it was headquartered at 1401 Main Street and later operated from P.O. Box 1130. Though its name suggested petroleum production, the company became recognized for managing parking facilities across downtown Wheeling. For decades, Anthony Wayne Oil oversaw operations at the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center, the former Center Wheeling garage, the 10th Street garage, and several surface lots. These included the 9th Street lot, Market Street lot, the lot behind Sims Tower, the lot behind WesBanco Arena, and the 22nd Street lot. Its services also extended into transportation support, packing and crating, and road construction and asphalt work.
 
The company was led for many years by Terry P. Smith, who served as president, secretary, and treasurer. In 2019, the City of Wheeling ended its longstanding management agreement with Anthony Wayne Oil, opting to take direct control of parking infrastructure. Anthony Wayne Oil Company in Wheeling, WV, is now permanently closed. Past business listings indicate its former location at 1401 Main Street, but the corporation is no longer in operation. Despite this, its legacy reflects the evolution of municipal partnerships and infrastructure management in the Ohio Valley.
 
To learn more: Company profile on Bizapedia (https://tinyurl.com/4sc4fh95), Historical business registration (https://tinyurl.com/2f4jvnp6), City parking transition article – The Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/yt7zamhw), FederalPay PPP loan data (https://tinyurl.com/2ja95byz), Company listing on Manta (https://tinyurl.com/3jyx3c7j)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; City of Wheeling, Wheeling Heritage, Google Maps

Today in Wheeling History: November 15—The Capitol Theatre held the premiere of "A Christmas Tree Miracle," a holiday film shot in Wheeling, WV, and Belmont, Ohio (2013).
 
"A Christmas Tree Miracle," directed by J.W. Myers and written by Ty DeMartino, showcases both Hollywood talent and local artistry. The film stars Claudia Esposito (Julie George), Barrett Carnahan (Nick), Emily Capehart from Wheeling Park High School (Natalie), Siomha Kenney (Nina), and veteran actor Terry Kiser (Henry). Shot in 2011-2012 at the Feisley Tree Farm in Belmont, Ohio, and throughout Wheeling, West Virginia, the film follows the George family's transformation from materialism to meaningful living. Executive producer Kristin Seibert led the production through Flyover Films and Route 40 Films, creating opportunities for local talent and locations to shine on screen. The premiere event exemplified community involvement, with proceeds benefiting St. Matthew's Episcopal Church's Food Pantry, the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, and the Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless. The film received the Dove Foundation's highest rating and reached national audiences through UPTV in 2014, highlighting the Ohio Valley's capacity for professional film production.
 
To learn more: YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/yc86j339), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/yntzmrv2), IMDB (https://tinyurl.com/28pvcf6k), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/yzyxza6h) (https://tinyurl.com/29w44dsh)
 
Photo Credits: YouTube, Wheeling Intelligencer

​Today in Wheeling History: November 15—The Capitol Theatre held the premiere of "A Christmas Tree Miracle," a holiday film shot in Wheeling, WV, and Belmont, Ohio (2013).
 
"A Christmas Tree Miracle," directed by J.W. Myers and written by Ty DeMartino, showcases both Hollywood talent and local artistry. The film stars Claudia Esposito (Julie George), Barrett Carnahan (Nick), Emily Capehart from Wheeling Park High School (Natalie), Siomha Kenney (Nina), and veteran actor Terry Kiser (Henry). Shot in 2011-2012 at the Feisley Tree Farm in Belmont, Ohio, and throughout Wheeling, West Virginia, the film follows the George family's transformation from materialism to meaningful living. Executive producer Kristin Seibert led the production through Flyover Films and Route 40 Films, creating opportunities for local talent and locations to shine on screen. The premiere event exemplified community involvement, with proceeds benefiting St. Matthew's Episcopal Church's Food Pantry, the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, and the Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless. The film received the Dove Foundation's highest rating and reached national audiences through UPTV in 2014, highlighting the Ohio Valley's capacity for professional film production.
 
To learn more: YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/yc86j339), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/yntzmrv2), IMDB (https://tinyurl.com/28pvcf6k), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/yzyxza6h) (https://tinyurl.com/29w44dsh)
 
Photo credits: YouTube, Wheeling Intelligencer, IMDb

​Today in Wheeling History: November 14—Cornerstone laid for the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church building on 16th Street, with a sermon by Rev. F.W. Conrad of Philadelphia (1868).
 
The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wheeling, West Virginia, was founded on August 12, 1860, by 24 charter members under the guidance of Rev. Thomas W. Dosh. Dosh had arrived in Wheeling in 1859 as part of a missionary initiative by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Virginia. The congregation initially met in Zion’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church and later in a rented Baptist church on Clay (18th) Street. On November 14, 1868, the cornerstone for their own chapel was laid at 35 16th Street, with a sermon by Rev. F.W. Conrad of Philadelphia. The lot was purchased for $3,500, with only $50 paid upfront. The building was remodeled and formally dedicated on January 16, 1898. Over the decades, the church supported missionary work, helped establish other Lutheran congregations, and remained a vital part of Wheeling’s religious life. On May 23, 2023, the Wheeling Life Hub purchased the church to serve the homeless and prevent homelessness, marking a new chapter in its civic mission. The building now continues its legacy of service, adapting its sacred space to meet urgent social needs in the community.
 
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library – Church History (https://tinyurl.com/2m4df36k), Cornerstone Laying – OCPL (https://tinyurl.com/26xeuj2v), Historic Wheeling Wiki (https://tinyurl.com/bddeu8pz), Wheeling Heritage Church Brochure PDF (https://tinyurl.com/3u5nn9b5), Wheeling Life Hub Facebook (https://tinyurl.com/yxu2a4zk), Archiving Wheeling Facebook Post (https://tinyurl.com/3uwr9ca8)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV

Today in Wheeling History: November 13—The Wheeling Thunderbirds reach 100th standings point in team history during a 7–6 overtime loss to the Johnstown Chiefs (1993).
 
On November 13, 1993, the Wheeling Thunderbirds, a professional ice hockey team in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), reached a milestone by earning their 100th standings point in franchise history. This achievement came during a dramatic 7–6 overtime loss against the Johnstown Chiefs. The Thunderbirds had relocated from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1992, following a concerted effort by local leaders and the Ohio County Commission to bring professional hockey to the Wheeling Civic Center. Their inaugural season began in 1992–93, and under head coach Doug Sauter, the team quickly became a regional favorite, drawing thousands of fans and energizing the local sports scene. By the time of their November 1993 matchup with Johnstown, the Thunderbirds had established themselves as a competitive force, finishing the 1992–93 season with 88 points and reaching the ECHL finals. The 100-point milestone underscored the team’s rapid ascent and community impact. In 1996, the franchise rebranded as the Wheeling Nailers, a nod to the city’s industrial heritage. Today, the Nailers remain the oldest surviving franchise in the ECHL, continuing to play at WesBanco Arena and serving as a vital part of Wheeling’s sports identity.
 
To learn more: Wheeling Nailers Team History (https://tinyurl.com/8yadem4a), 1992–93 ECHL Standings (https://tinyurl.com/4ykpr5ds), ECHL Playoff Results 1992–93  (https://tinyurl.com/7p8ubc8d)
 
Photo caption and credit: Wheeling Thunderbirds logo (YouTube)

​Today in Wheeling History: November 12—The Charles W. Russell House was added to the National Register of Historic Places (1993).
 
The Charles W. Russell House, located at 75 12th Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a Greek Revival-style brick residence built in 1848. It served as both the home and law office of Charles Wells Russell (1818–1867), a prominent Wheeling attorney best known for representing the Wheeling Suspension Bridge Company in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Russell’s legal acumen helped secure the bridge’s future, a vital link for commerce and travel across the Ohio River. The house gained further historical significance during the Civil War. Though Russell himself left Wheeling to join the Confederacy, his home was repurposed as the headquarters of the Union’s Army of West Virginia under General John C. Frémont during the war’s first winter. Frémont, a famed explorer and the first Republican presidential candidate, used the house as a strategic base. The structure’s architectural elegance and wartime role earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Today, it stands as a testament to Wheeling’s legal, architectural, and military history, anchoring the city’s downtown historic district and offering insight into antebellum life and Civil War tensions in the region.
 
To learn more: Wikipedia – Charles W. Russell House (https://tinyurl.com/mpwzne6z), Historic Wheeling – Russell House (https://tinyurl.com/2h8dwjbt), Historical Marker Database (https://tinyurl.com/4avc4meu), Waymarking – Russell House (https://tinyurl.com/zehaf62d)
 
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Historic Wheeling, Historical Marker Database, Waymarking

​Today in Wheeling History: November 11—News of the Armistice ending World War I reached Wheeling, sparking jubilant celebrations across the city as citizens poured into the streets to mark the end of the "War to End All Wars" (1918).
 
At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, the armistice ending World War I took effect, bringing an end to the Great War that had raged in Europe for over four years. When news reached Wheeling at 3:50 a.m., the city erupted in spontaneous celebration that lasted all day and into the night. Within thirty seconds of receiving the Associated Press flash, Officer Edward Gohring fired five celebratory shots from his revolver, joined quickly by other officers. Policemen fired their guns into the air, firehouses rang their bells, factories all along the Ohio River blew their steam whistles, and 20,000 joyous people jammed the streets of downtown Wheeling. The Creek Mill plant of the Wheeling Corrugating Works was the first to sound its whistle, soon joined by factories in Martins Ferry, Bridgeport, Warwood, Benwood, McMechen, and Moundsville, creating a deafening chorus. Streets filled with automobiles and trucks laden with cheering citizens parading down Market and Main Streets. Confetti covered the pavements like snow, and businesses closed as the entire city celebrated. More than 3,000 Ohio County residents had served in the war, with between 70 and 100 killed. Most Wheeling soldiers served in the Army's 80th Division and trained at Camp Lee, Virginia. The Wheeling Intelligencer estimated 20,000 people filled the streets during what residents remembered as the greatest day in Wheeling's history.
 
To learn more: Archiving Wheeling – WWI Memorials (https://tinyurl.com/mrxwprv3), WV News – Armistice Day History (https://tinyurl.com/4uw4a5s5), Wikipedia – Armistice Day (https://tinyurl.com/2e6syk2p), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/bdewt664), Wheeling Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/mry5jztt) (https://tinyurl.com/8mvz2uvb), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/pa4wc7zk) (https://tinyurl.com/m3a952rf), Wheeling Daily Register (https://tinyurl.com/2s4vsjwv)
 
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling News-Register, Wheeling Daily Register, Wheeling Intelligencer, Wikimedia Commons