Today in Wheeling History: October 25--Harry Hamm, influential newspaperman known for his roles as city editor, managing editor, editor-in-chief of Ogden Newspapers, advocate for education, healthcare, crime control, urban renewal, and his contributions to the Wheeling Area Conference on Community Development, Wheeling 2000 revitalization plan, and service on the boards of Wheeling College, Wheeling Hospital, and the Benedum Foundation, passed away (1991).
Harry C. Hamm was born on May 26, 1923, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Growing up in Wheeling, he was influenced by his father, a former professional baseball player and city fireman. Hamm began his journalism career in 1941 at the Wheeling News-Register. His career was briefly interrupted by his service in the Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to the News-Register, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming city editor in 1948, managing editor in 1951, and editor in 1956. In 1968, he was promoted to editor-in-chief of Ogden Newspapers. Hamm was a passionate advocate for quality education, healthcare, crime control, and urban renewal. He played a pivotal role in securing funding for local parks, colleges, hospitals, and cultural institutions. Hamm was also instrumental in the Wheeling Area Conference on Community Development and authored the Wheeling 2000 revitalization plan in 1987. He served on the boards of Wheeling College, Wheeling Hospital, and the Benedum Foundation. Hamm retired on September 3, 1991, and passed away on October 25, 1991. He is remembered as a member of the Wheeling Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the community.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/AXPc2) (https://tinyurl.com/3p358m99)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
Harry C. Hamm was born on May 26, 1923, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Growing up in Wheeling, he was influenced by his father, a former professional baseball player and city fireman. Hamm began his journalism career in 1941 at the Wheeling News-Register. His career was briefly interrupted by his service in the Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to the News-Register, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming city editor in 1948, managing editor in 1951, and editor in 1956. In 1968, he was promoted to editor-in-chief of Ogden Newspapers. Hamm was a passionate advocate for quality education, healthcare, crime control, and urban renewal. He played a pivotal role in securing funding for local parks, colleges, hospitals, and cultural institutions. Hamm was also instrumental in the Wheeling Area Conference on Community Development and authored the Wheeling 2000 revitalization plan in 1987. He served on the boards of Wheeling College, Wheeling Hospital, and the Benedum Foundation. Hamm retired on September 3, 1991, and passed away on October 25, 1991. He is remembered as a member of the Wheeling Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the community.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/AXPc2) (https://tinyurl.com/3p358m99)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
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