Today in Wheeling History: August 6--The Fort Henry Club holds its initial organizational meeting at the Howell Mansion, launching plans for an exclusive men’s club (1890).
The Fort Henry Club, located at 1324 Chapline Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, began its journey on August 6, 1890, when 65 founding members convened at the Howell Mansion to organize the club. Each member purchased three shares of stock at $100 apiece, raising $19,500 to fund the venture A. The club was officially incorporated on August 11, 1890, and purchased the Howell property on September 4. Architect Edward Bates Franzheim was commissioned to transform the mansion into a Neo-Classical masterpiece, complete with ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, and elegant furnishings. The club opened on December 23, 1890, offering three meals daily and round-the-clock service.
For over a century, the Fort Henry Club served as a social hub for Wheeling’s elite and hosted luminaries like Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and President Herbert Hoover. Declining membership led to its closure in 2011. After a brief stint under St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, McKinley Architecture and Engineering acquired the building in 2013. Restoration efforts revealed hidden architectural treasures, including a domed ballroom ceiling and original French doors. Today, the building houses offices and continues to reflect Wheeling’s historic grandeur.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/2v8dtybs); Weelunk restoration article (https://tinyurl.com/4zb95t9n), YouTube video: Restoring the Fort Henry Club (https://tinyurl.com/m3vzkrw9), SAH Archipedia architectural overview (https://tinyurl.com/452h69ky), WebUrbanist feature on the club’s closure (https://tinyurl.com/kfjrk5km)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Google Maps
The Fort Henry Club, located at 1324 Chapline Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, began its journey on August 6, 1890, when 65 founding members convened at the Howell Mansion to organize the club. Each member purchased three shares of stock at $100 apiece, raising $19,500 to fund the venture A. The club was officially incorporated on August 11, 1890, and purchased the Howell property on September 4. Architect Edward Bates Franzheim was commissioned to transform the mansion into a Neo-Classical masterpiece, complete with ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, and elegant furnishings. The club opened on December 23, 1890, offering three meals daily and round-the-clock service.
For over a century, the Fort Henry Club served as a social hub for Wheeling’s elite and hosted luminaries like Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and President Herbert Hoover. Declining membership led to its closure in 2011. After a brief stint under St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, McKinley Architecture and Engineering acquired the building in 2013. Restoration efforts revealed hidden architectural treasures, including a domed ballroom ceiling and original French doors. Today, the building houses offices and continues to reflect Wheeling’s historic grandeur.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/2v8dtybs); Weelunk restoration article (https://tinyurl.com/4zb95t9n), YouTube video: Restoring the Fort Henry Club (https://tinyurl.com/m3vzkrw9), SAH Archipedia architectural overview (https://tinyurl.com/452h69ky), WebUrbanist feature on the club’s closure (https://tinyurl.com/kfjrk5km)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Google Maps
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