Today in Wheeling History: March 18—The original Odd Fellows Hall in Wheeling was destroyed by fire (1950).
The Odd Fellows Hall, originally constructed in 1859, stood at the southwest corner of 12th and Chapline Streets in Wheeling, West Virginia. This three-story building was a hub for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization dedicated to community service and mutual aid. During the Civil War, from 1863 to 1870, the hall served as temporary quarters for the Linsly Military Institute cadets, as their building was being used as the state capitol of the newly formed West Virginia.
Tragically, on the night of March 18, 1950, a fire destroyed the original structure. The blaze endangered the lives of 60 women attending an event in the building, though they were safely evacuated. In 1951, a modern two-story building was constructed on the same site, continuing the legacy of the Odd Fellows Hall. Over the years, the site has housed various establishments, including Elby's Restaurant, Metropolitan Citi Grill, and Elle & Jack's.
The Odd Fellows Hall remains a symbol of Wheeling's rich history, reflecting the city's resilience and dedication to preserving its heritage.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/mssv69ef); Historical Marker Database (https://tinyurl.com/38nt4hes), The Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/mr9cv7z5)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Historical Marker Database, Google Maps
The Odd Fellows Hall, originally constructed in 1859, stood at the southwest corner of 12th and Chapline Streets in Wheeling, West Virginia. This three-story building was a hub for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization dedicated to community service and mutual aid. During the Civil War, from 1863 to 1870, the hall served as temporary quarters for the Linsly Military Institute cadets, as their building was being used as the state capitol of the newly formed West Virginia.
Tragically, on the night of March 18, 1950, a fire destroyed the original structure. The blaze endangered the lives of 60 women attending an event in the building, though they were safely evacuated. In 1951, a modern two-story building was constructed on the same site, continuing the legacy of the Odd Fellows Hall. Over the years, the site has housed various establishments, including Elby's Restaurant, Metropolitan Citi Grill, and Elle & Jack's.
The Odd Fellows Hall remains a symbol of Wheeling's rich history, reflecting the city's resilience and dedication to preserving its heritage.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/mssv69ef); Historical Marker Database (https://tinyurl.com/38nt4hes), The Intelligencer (https://tinyurl.com/mr9cv7z5)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Historical Marker Database, Google Maps
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