​Today in Wheeling History: December 5: The Talking Christmas Tree, which had been a beloved fixture in the front window of L.S. Good & Company's department store from 1965 to 1984, began greeting patrons at Wheeling's Centre Market (2014).
 
The Talking Christmas Tree was a beloved holiday fixture in the front window of L.S. Good's department store along Market Street in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia from 1965 to 1984. An employee would sit inside the tree wearing black clothes and speak into a microphone, engaging with shoppers passing by and calling out children's names after overhearing them, creating a magical effect. While some children were delighted and others were frightened by the talking tree, it left an indelible mark on the community. After Good's closed, the tree sat in storage for decades before local businessman Bill Bryson tracked down the original owners and restored it. Beginning in 2014, it resided at Centre Market during the holidays and allowed new generations to experience the iconic Talking Christmas Tree thanks to the efforts of dedicated Wheeling residents. Although its appearance has changed slightly over the years, the tree provokes nostalgia and community spirit, solidifying its legendary status in Wheeling.
 
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Photo Credits: Weelunk, Holiday Memories and Traditions of Wheeling, West Virginia (Facebook page)

Today in Wheeling History: December 4—Charlette Wynters, a stage and film actress, was born in Wheeling (1899).
 
Charlotte Wynters was born Charlotte Winters on December 4, 1899, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was raised in a prominent family by her parents Richard Isaac Winters (1864-1927) and Mary Virginia Baird Winters (1867-1941). Wynters had an acting career spanning over 50 motion pictures, often playing wives, mothers, secretaries and other supporting roles. Some of her notable films included "The Struggle" (1931), "Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring" (1941), and "Foxfire" (1955). She was married to actor Barton MacLane from 1939 until his death in 1969. Upon retiring from acting in 1957, Wynters spent her later years ranching and supporting libraries and state parks. She passed away on January 7, 1991, at the age of 91 and was buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California.
 
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/47tuu9d5) (https://tinyurl.com/54em32cz) (https://tinyurl.com/ywd9c4vr)
 
Photo Credits: Wikipedia, Find a Grave

Today in Wheeling History: December 4--Feminist Betty Friedan, president of the National Organization for Women and author of "The Feminine Mystique," spoke at Wheeling College's Field House (1968).
 
The class of 1969 at Wheeling College hosted Betty Friedan, author of the groundbreaking book "The Feminine Mystique," as part of the Benedum lecture series sponsored by the women's group Gamma Pi Epsilon. On December 4, 1968, Friedan gave a lecture in the Wheeling College Field House about her controversial bestseller and ideas. She had recently returned from an extensive trip abroad doing research for her forthcoming book "The New Woman." In her talk, Friedan stressed the need for full equality between the sexes and renewal of the revolution in women's rights. She spoke of the "New Woman" who can take her place in society and home as an equal, sharing responsibilities. This new vision of womanhood, along with the "New Man," would bring better male-female relationships, intimacy and companionship. Her message resonated with many American women seeking change from traditional gender roles. Friedan emphasized continuing to push for equality using civil rights tactics but avoiding separatism.
 
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Photo Credits: Wheeling Intelligencer, Wikipedia

Today in Wheeling History: December 3--Tyler County formed from Ohio County (1814). Named for John Tyler Sr., eighth governor of Virginia and father of John Tyler, tenth president of the United States. (https://rb.gy/rtirg) 

Today in Wheeling History: December 3--Wheeling holds its first Christmas parade (1931).
 
The parade featured 10 high school bands and was almost a mile long. It was led by the Linsly band, followed by Bellaire High's band and 24 children dressed as Eskimos from the fresh air school. Next came Santa Claus with his reindeer, the Steubenville High band, 10 circus clowns, the state championship Triadelphia band, the Warwood High band, and finally the Wheeling grade school band.
 
After marching through downtown Wheeling, a band contest was held outside the city-county building. In the Class A contest, Triadelphia High's band placed first and received $100, Wheeling High was second receiving $50, and Martins Ferry and Steubenville tied for third each getting $25. In Class B, Magnolia High of New Martinsville placed first winning $100, Bridgeport was second winning $50, and St. John's of Bellaire and Warwood tied for third each receiving $25.
 
Following the contest, the bands marched up Market Street again before crowds that jammed downtown late into the evening. Many businesses stayed open until 9pm that night.
 
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2enr97dx) (https://tinyurl.com/3xukpb6k)
 
Photo credits: Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling Register

Today in Wheeling History: December 2--Henry N. Nickerson, a Boatswain's Mate in the U.S. Navy who was was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the seizure of Veracruz in 1914 despite being severely wounded, was born in the Edgwood neighborhood of Wheeling (1888).
 
Henry Nehemiah Nickerson was born on December 2, 1888 in Edgwood, West Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1907 and served as a Boatswain's Mate. During the United States occupation of Veracruz in 1914, Nickerson showed extraordinary heroism aboard the USS Utah. Though wounded three times, he took charge of a squad to build an barricade under fire, then occupied a dangerous corner position where he was wounded three more times, resulting in the amputation of his left leg. For his conspicuous courage, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 6, 1915, as well as a $100 gratuity. After retiring from the Navy in 1915, Nickerson lived the remainder of his life in Wheeling, West Virginia. He passed away on May 2, 1979 at the age of 90 and was buried with full military honors in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling.
 
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2a4mdm8x) (https://tinyurl.com/chtxkh8k) (https://tinyurl.com/2b7c5rpw)
 
Photo Credits: Wikipedia, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Find a Grave

Today in Wheeling History: December 2--Winter Festival of Lights debuts at Oglebay Park (1985).
 
The Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia, began in 1985, spanning 125 acres with 125,000 lights. By 1990, it had expanded to 300 acres. Creative talents Dick Bosch and Robert Otten designed the first displays. Notable displays over the years include the Snowflake Tunnel, Polyhedron Star, Poinsettia Wreath, and Candy Cane Wreath. In 2008, Oglebay switched to energy-efficient LED lights. The show features animated displays created by Wheeling Park High School students and synchronized lights set to music in the Good Zoo and Gardens of Light. The festival attracts tourists nationwide and is on the American Bus Association's Top International Events list. It has become a beloved 38-year tradition.
 
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Today in Wheeling History: December 1--Ellis R. Dungan, internationally acclaimed filmmaker who founded Ellis Dungan Productions in Wheeling, passed away (2001).
 
Ellis R. Dungan was born on May 11, 1906, in Barton, Ohio. He attended St. Clairsville High School, where he played football, was involved in music, and served as president of the Student Council and editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. After high school, Dungan studied at Long Beach State University, the American Library in Paris, and the University of Southern California, where he earned his undergraduate degree in cinematography.
 
In 1935, Dungan traveled to India to direct films. He spent 15 years there, directing 17 films in multiple languages and producing newsreels and training films for the British Indian government during WWII. In 1992, India welcomed Dungan back, honoring him as a “living legend and creative genius” in their film industry.
 
In 1960, Dungan founded his own production company, Ellis Dungan Productions, with offices in Wheeling, WV and Pittsburgh, PA. For Wheeling, he co-produced "Wheeling 1959 -- Wheels to Progress" in 1995. He lived on Brentwood Avenue in Wheeling.
 
In 1994, Dungan was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in the Music and Fine Arts category.
 
Dungan passed away on December 1, 2001, at age 95 in Wheeling. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling.
 
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Photo Credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave; Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV

Today in Wheeling History: November 30--A portion of Ohio County was set aside to create Brooke County, named for Robert Brooke, who served as the governor of Virginia from 1794 to 1796 (1797).

Today in Wheeling History: November 30--Wheeling's original Washington Hall was destroyed by fire (1875).
 
On November 30, 1875, a fire broke out in Washington Hall in Wheeling, West Virginia while the state legislature was holding session there. The fire started small but grew out of control due to issues with lack of water and problems with the fire hoses and steam engines attempting to put it out. Three men were trapped on the third floor and had to be dramatically rescued, with one later dying from his injuries. The building was completely destroyed, leaving only bare walls by the afternoon. There was discussion later about potentially rebuilding. The state legislature was temporarily relocated but resumed sessions quickly thanks to arrangements made by the Capitol Committee to set up temporary quarters in the courthouse and a hotel.
 
Washington Hall in Wheeling, West Virginia was originally built in 1851 in the Gothic Revival style and played a role in West Virginia's statehood, hosting the first Wheeling Convention in 1861. The original structure was destroyed in a fire in 1875. A second Washington Hall with an opera house was built on the site in 1877 in a Victorian Gothic style. After being purchased by a bank in 1898, the building underwent a major redesign by architect Frederick Faris in 1911 into a Classical style which incorporated the original corner entrance. The 1911 structure still stands today under the name Laconia Building.
 
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Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV