Today in Wheeling History: December 8--A fire originating in the basement of the Red Bull Lounge in downtown Wheeling destroyed four businesses and damaged a fifth, resulting in over $1 million in damage (1977).
On December 8, 1977, a major fire broke out in the basement of the Red Bull Lounge at 41 12th Street in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia. The fire completely destroyed the building housing the Red Bull Lounge as well as three surrounding businesses - Joysweet Shop at 1171 Market Street (formerly Loft's), Your Father's Mustache bar at 1167 Market Street, and Revco Optical at 1165 Market Street. The estimated $1 million fire also caused damage to a fifth business, Ernie's Cork and Bottle bar at 39 12th Street, though it was ultimately saved from destruction. Over 30 Wheeling firefighters responded to the 4:15am alarm and battled the blaze throughout the day on December 8th before declaring it officially extinguished on December 9th after clearing smoldering debris. In the aftermath, officials planned to demolish the destroyed buildings at 41 12th Street, 1171 Market Street, 1167 Market Street, and 1165 Market Street before rebuilding.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/bdjyktvb) (https://tinyurl.com/5n6njc4h) (https://tinyurl.com/mpwrjbf2) (https://tinyurl.com/4kj42zxe)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
On December 8, 1977, a major fire broke out in the basement of the Red Bull Lounge at 41 12th Street in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia. The fire completely destroyed the building housing the Red Bull Lounge as well as three surrounding businesses - Joysweet Shop at 1171 Market Street (formerly Loft's), Your Father's Mustache bar at 1167 Market Street, and Revco Optical at 1165 Market Street. The estimated $1 million fire also caused damage to a fifth business, Ernie's Cork and Bottle bar at 39 12th Street, though it was ultimately saved from destruction. Over 30 Wheeling firefighters responded to the 4:15am alarm and battled the blaze throughout the day on December 8th before declaring it officially extinguished on December 9th after clearing smoldering debris. In the aftermath, officials planned to demolish the destroyed buildings at 41 12th Street, 1171 Market Street, 1167 Market Street, and 1165 Market Street before rebuilding.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/bdjyktvb) (https://tinyurl.com/5n6njc4h) (https://tinyurl.com/mpwrjbf2) (https://tinyurl.com/4kj42zxe)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
RSS Feed
