Today in Wheeling History: February 1--C. A. House Music Store, a prominent music retailer in Wheeling, West Virginia, moved to its new location at 1141 Market Street (1917).
C. A. House Music Store was founded by Chauncey A. House, who came to Wheeling in 1870 from Meadville, Pennsylvania. Initially, House managed the Howe Sewing Machine Company for 12 years before opening a small music business in 1882 at 1324-1326 Market Street in the Hub Building Complex. This modest beginning laid the foundation for what would become the largest music store retailer in the state. In 1900, C. A. House Music moved to 1305-1307 Market Street and continued to grow. On February 1, 1917, the store relocated to the old Security Trust Co. building at 1141 Market Street. Chauncey House passed away on January 6, 1921, and his widow, Rose Tucker House, continued running the business. Under her leadership, the store moved to 1126-1130 Main Street (1934-1935), then to 1327 Market Street (1936-1943) with a wareroom at 1312 Main, and finally to the Hawley Block at 10th and Main Streets. In early April 1946, Mrs. House sold the business to three employees: Oliver Edwards, Thomas Killeen, and Albert Wasemann, and passed away shortly after on April 16, 1946. In 1964, Pete Ceo purchased the controlling stock of the company. In 1977, the store moved across the river to St. Clairsville, Ohio. Today, C. A. House Music continues to serve the Ohio Valley with multiple locations, offering a wide range of musical instruments, lessons, and services. The store remains a beloved institution in the region, known for its commitment to music education and community engagement.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/3yhp4bmd), C. A. House Music (https://tinyurl.com/4d5pt7px), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/mumws3x8)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Google Maps, Find a Grave
C. A. House Music Store was founded by Chauncey A. House, who came to Wheeling in 1870 from Meadville, Pennsylvania. Initially, House managed the Howe Sewing Machine Company for 12 years before opening a small music business in 1882 at 1324-1326 Market Street in the Hub Building Complex. This modest beginning laid the foundation for what would become the largest music store retailer in the state. In 1900, C. A. House Music moved to 1305-1307 Market Street and continued to grow. On February 1, 1917, the store relocated to the old Security Trust Co. building at 1141 Market Street. Chauncey House passed away on January 6, 1921, and his widow, Rose Tucker House, continued running the business. Under her leadership, the store moved to 1126-1130 Main Street (1934-1935), then to 1327 Market Street (1936-1943) with a wareroom at 1312 Main, and finally to the Hawley Block at 10th and Main Streets. In early April 1946, Mrs. House sold the business to three employees: Oliver Edwards, Thomas Killeen, and Albert Wasemann, and passed away shortly after on April 16, 1946. In 1964, Pete Ceo purchased the controlling stock of the company. In 1977, the store moved across the river to St. Clairsville, Ohio. Today, C. A. House Music continues to serve the Ohio Valley with multiple locations, offering a wide range of musical instruments, lessons, and services. The store remains a beloved institution in the region, known for its commitment to music education and community engagement.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/3yhp4bmd), C. A. House Music (https://tinyurl.com/4d5pt7px), Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/mumws3x8)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Google Maps, Find a Grave
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