Today in Wheeling History: July 13--The Wheeling Jamboree resumed live theater performances at the Virginia Theatre after a four-year hiatus during World War II (1946).
The Wheeling Jamboree, also known as the WWVA Jamboree, is a historic country music radio program that began on January 7, 1933, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Conceived by WWVA's managing director George W. Smith, it quickly gained popularity, moving to the Capitol Theatre for live performances on April 1, 1933. Throughout its history, the Jamboree has broadcast from various Wheeling locations: the Capitol Theatre (1933-1934, 1969-2005), Victoria Theatre (briefly in 1934, then again in 2009), Market Auditorium (1935-1945), Virginia Theatre (1946-1962), Rex Theater (1962-1965), and Wheeling Island Exhibition Hall (1966-1969). During World War II, the Jamboree adapted by featuring more female performers and offering free admission to uniformed servicemen. Live shows were suspended from December 12, 1942, to conserve gasoline, but radio broadcasts continued. Live performances resumed on July 13, 1946, at the Virginia Theatre, and the show welcomed its millionth visitor on February 28, 1947.
Over the decades, the Jamboree has faced numerous challenges and changes. In 1965, under Mac Wiseman's direction, it strengthened its focus on bluegrass music. The show's home, the Capitol Theatre, opened on November 29, 1928, and has undergone several renovations and ownership changes. In recent years, the Jamboree moved from WWVA to other stations, briefly airing on WKKX in 2008, and currently broadcasting quarterly live episodes on WWOV-LP/101.1 since 2015. Despite these changes, the Wheeling Jamboree remains an important part of country music history, recognized as the second-longest running country music radio program after the Grand Ole Opry. It has played a significant role in the careers of many country music stars and has been a major cultural and economic force in the Wheeling area for nearly 90 years, continuing to adapt and preserve its legacy in the face of changing media landscapes.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/mtmnkm3p) (https://tinyurl.com/3e8cnnha) (https://tinyurl.com/mrjefdc4) (https://tinyurl.com/3hdxm4at) (https://tinyurl.com/4jyvtjmx) (https://tinyurl.com/5eedcp5y)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
The Wheeling Jamboree, also known as the WWVA Jamboree, is a historic country music radio program that began on January 7, 1933, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Conceived by WWVA's managing director George W. Smith, it quickly gained popularity, moving to the Capitol Theatre for live performances on April 1, 1933. Throughout its history, the Jamboree has broadcast from various Wheeling locations: the Capitol Theatre (1933-1934, 1969-2005), Victoria Theatre (briefly in 1934, then again in 2009), Market Auditorium (1935-1945), Virginia Theatre (1946-1962), Rex Theater (1962-1965), and Wheeling Island Exhibition Hall (1966-1969). During World War II, the Jamboree adapted by featuring more female performers and offering free admission to uniformed servicemen. Live shows were suspended from December 12, 1942, to conserve gasoline, but radio broadcasts continued. Live performances resumed on July 13, 1946, at the Virginia Theatre, and the show welcomed its millionth visitor on February 28, 1947.
Over the decades, the Jamboree has faced numerous challenges and changes. In 1965, under Mac Wiseman's direction, it strengthened its focus on bluegrass music. The show's home, the Capitol Theatre, opened on November 29, 1928, and has undergone several renovations and ownership changes. In recent years, the Jamboree moved from WWVA to other stations, briefly airing on WKKX in 2008, and currently broadcasting quarterly live episodes on WWOV-LP/101.1 since 2015. Despite these changes, the Wheeling Jamboree remains an important part of country music history, recognized as the second-longest running country music radio program after the Grand Ole Opry. It has played a significant role in the careers of many country music stars and has been a major cultural and economic force in the Wheeling area for nearly 90 years, continuing to adapt and preserve its legacy in the face of changing media landscapes.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/mtmnkm3p) (https://tinyurl.com/3e8cnnha) (https://tinyurl.com/mrjefdc4) (https://tinyurl.com/3hdxm4at) (https://tinyurl.com/4jyvtjmx) (https://tinyurl.com/5eedcp5y)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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