Today in Wheeling History: May 18--The newly renovated upper market house of the Centre Market in Wheeling was officially reopened with a rededication ceremony led by Governor Gaston Caperton, kicking off a three-day celebration (1989).
The Centre Market in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a historic public market consisting of two market house buildings - the upper market house built in 1853 and the lower market house added in 1890. The upper market house, designed by Wheeling architect Thomas Pope in the Greek Revival style, is believed to be the oldest cast iron market building in the United States. It features cast iron Doric columns, a gabled roof, and a belfry, and was originally complete with gas lights.
The market has been a vital part of the Wheeling community since its establishment, serving as a hub for commerce, social interaction, and public gatherings. The surrounding area quickly filled with a large population of German immigrants and their small shops, churches, and homes. During the 1860 election, while Ohio County showed a preference towards Southern candidates Bell and Breckenridge, the Centre Market area strongly supported Lincoln and Douglas; so much so that a man was hung for voicing his approval of Jefferson Davis.
As the market thrived and the population grew, a second market house was designed by prominent Wheeling architect Edward B. Franzheim and completed in 1891 to meet the demands of the growing community. This lower market house expanded the Centre Market's capacity and influence.
The market played a role during the Civil War and has been a testament to the city's rich history and the influence of its German immigrant population. However, during World War I, the large German population had to remove the word 'German' from the community. By 1930, the area was diversifying, with Lebanese, Polish, and Greek immigrants moving in.
In 1989, the upper market house underwent significant renovations, with a rededication ceremony held on May 18th. The $900,000 renovation project aimed to restore the building's openness and was largely funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds. The reopening was celebrated with a three-day event, featuring the governor's rededication, a public reception, and various other activities.
Poor maintenance of the Centre Market over time led to the deterioration of some buildings. Attempts to save the buildings in the 1960s and 1970s failed, but in 1982, Aetna Life, Casualty Foundation, and the City of Wheeling came together with grant money to fully restore the Market Square. While some buildings were rebuilt to mimic the originals, over two-thirds of the existing 58 buildings, originally constructed in the nineteenth century, have been restored and preserved.
Today, the Centre Market continues to thrive as a vibrant part of the community, offering fresh produce, unique goods, and a variety of dining options, including restaurants, small eateries, a deli, unique shops, a local art gallery, and the famous Coleman's fish sandwich. The historic market houses, along with the surrounding Centre Market Square Historic District, serve as a testament to Wheeling's rich history, architectural heritage, and the traditions of the immigrants who first called it home.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/43e6jjxf) (https://tinyurl.com/6ffxd5ae) (https://tinyurl.com/257t9rwx) (https://tinyurl.com/ymcfpwyb) (https://tinyurl.com/mr44p8mh) (https://tinyurl.com/37x29f5u) (https://tinyurl.com/32p4wyn2) (https://tinyurl.com/3szcmhyp) (https://tinyurl.com/cxk8x4jm)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Google Maps, The Clio
The Centre Market in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a historic public market consisting of two market house buildings - the upper market house built in 1853 and the lower market house added in 1890. The upper market house, designed by Wheeling architect Thomas Pope in the Greek Revival style, is believed to be the oldest cast iron market building in the United States. It features cast iron Doric columns, a gabled roof, and a belfry, and was originally complete with gas lights.
The market has been a vital part of the Wheeling community since its establishment, serving as a hub for commerce, social interaction, and public gatherings. The surrounding area quickly filled with a large population of German immigrants and their small shops, churches, and homes. During the 1860 election, while Ohio County showed a preference towards Southern candidates Bell and Breckenridge, the Centre Market area strongly supported Lincoln and Douglas; so much so that a man was hung for voicing his approval of Jefferson Davis.
As the market thrived and the population grew, a second market house was designed by prominent Wheeling architect Edward B. Franzheim and completed in 1891 to meet the demands of the growing community. This lower market house expanded the Centre Market's capacity and influence.
The market played a role during the Civil War and has been a testament to the city's rich history and the influence of its German immigrant population. However, during World War I, the large German population had to remove the word 'German' from the community. By 1930, the area was diversifying, with Lebanese, Polish, and Greek immigrants moving in.
In 1989, the upper market house underwent significant renovations, with a rededication ceremony held on May 18th. The $900,000 renovation project aimed to restore the building's openness and was largely funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds. The reopening was celebrated with a three-day event, featuring the governor's rededication, a public reception, and various other activities.
Poor maintenance of the Centre Market over time led to the deterioration of some buildings. Attempts to save the buildings in the 1960s and 1970s failed, but in 1982, Aetna Life, Casualty Foundation, and the City of Wheeling came together with grant money to fully restore the Market Square. While some buildings were rebuilt to mimic the originals, over two-thirds of the existing 58 buildings, originally constructed in the nineteenth century, have been restored and preserved.
Today, the Centre Market continues to thrive as a vibrant part of the community, offering fresh produce, unique goods, and a variety of dining options, including restaurants, small eateries, a deli, unique shops, a local art gallery, and the famous Coleman's fish sandwich. The historic market houses, along with the surrounding Centre Market Square Historic District, serve as a testament to Wheeling's rich history, architectural heritage, and the traditions of the immigrants who first called it home.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/43e6jjxf) (https://tinyurl.com/6ffxd5ae) (https://tinyurl.com/257t9rwx) (https://tinyurl.com/ymcfpwyb) (https://tinyurl.com/mr44p8mh) (https://tinyurl.com/37x29f5u) (https://tinyurl.com/32p4wyn2) (https://tinyurl.com/3szcmhyp) (https://tinyurl.com/cxk8x4jm)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Google Maps, The Clio
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