Today in Wheeling History: July 18--Falling river levels were reported to be alleviating a months-long sand and gravel shortage that had been hindering concrete work in the area (1917).
In 1917, Wheeling, West Virginia, experienced a shortage of sand and gravel due to unusually high-water levels in the Ohio River throughout the spring. This shortage significantly impacted concrete work and construction projects in the area. However, as river levels began to fall by mid-summer, local contractors anticipated relief from the shortage. With sand and gravel dredges able to resume operations in the lower water, they expected supplies to become more readily available within a matter of days. This situation highlights how Wheeling's construction industry and concrete production were dependent on the river as a source of raw materials, and how natural factors like water levels could impact the local economy.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2y7xybyk) (https://tinyurl.com/2vm79k9x) (https://tinyurl.com/yvmccv3f) (https://tinyurl.com/mr2ajr6d)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling, WV; Google Maps
In 1917, Wheeling, West Virginia, experienced a shortage of sand and gravel due to unusually high-water levels in the Ohio River throughout the spring. This shortage significantly impacted concrete work and construction projects in the area. However, as river levels began to fall by mid-summer, local contractors anticipated relief from the shortage. With sand and gravel dredges able to resume operations in the lower water, they expected supplies to become more readily available within a matter of days. This situation highlights how Wheeling's construction industry and concrete production were dependent on the river as a source of raw materials, and how natural factors like water levels could impact the local economy.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/2y7xybyk) (https://tinyurl.com/2vm79k9x) (https://tinyurl.com/yvmccv3f) (https://tinyurl.com/mr2ajr6d)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling, WV; Google Maps
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