Today in Wheeling History: April 17--Stella C. Koerner, who served as the first female mayor of Wheeling, passed away (2000).
Stella C. Koerner, born on February 23, 1916, was a trailblazer in Wheeling, West Virginia, serving as the city's first female mayor from 1986 to 1988. Prior to her mayoral role, she was the second female city council member, following Mae Hughes. During her tenure, Wheeling gained national recognition as the safest city in 1986, and Koerner appeared on the "Today" show to discuss this achievement. She initiated public relations campaigns, including the iconic "I Love Wheeling" buttons, and spearheaded the drive to build the Veterans Memorial at the waterfront, which was dedicated on May 3, 1993. The memorial honored veterans from the Revolutionary War up to and including Desert Storm, and its unique design made it a symbol of service to the United States.
Koerner was an active community leader, participating in various organizations such as the Woman's Club of Wheeling, Pilot Club of Wheeling, Thursday Music Club, Wheeling Business and Professional Women's Club, West Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs, and Greater Wheeling Chapter of AARP, all of which she served as president. She was also the High Priestess of the ISIS Court, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, and a member of the Fourth Street United Methodist Church. Known for her signature hats and high heels, Koerner was dedicated to the city and left a lasting impact on Wheeling. She passed away on April 17, 2000, at the age of 84, and was remembered for her contributions to the community and her abiding patriotism.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/52s7z594) (https://tinyurl.com/mrtydmnu) (https://tinyurl.com/32rart2e) (https://tinyurl.com/2sbu4jda) (https://tinyurl.com/y7vkwefj) (https://tinyurl.com/bhm9dvac) (https://tinyurl.com/2zzb3vzf)
Photo credits: Wheeling News-Register
Stella C. Koerner, born on February 23, 1916, was a trailblazer in Wheeling, West Virginia, serving as the city's first female mayor from 1986 to 1988. Prior to her mayoral role, she was the second female city council member, following Mae Hughes. During her tenure, Wheeling gained national recognition as the safest city in 1986, and Koerner appeared on the "Today" show to discuss this achievement. She initiated public relations campaigns, including the iconic "I Love Wheeling" buttons, and spearheaded the drive to build the Veterans Memorial at the waterfront, which was dedicated on May 3, 1993. The memorial honored veterans from the Revolutionary War up to and including Desert Storm, and its unique design made it a symbol of service to the United States.
Koerner was an active community leader, participating in various organizations such as the Woman's Club of Wheeling, Pilot Club of Wheeling, Thursday Music Club, Wheeling Business and Professional Women's Club, West Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs, and Greater Wheeling Chapter of AARP, all of which she served as president. She was also the High Priestess of the ISIS Court, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, and a member of the Fourth Street United Methodist Church. Known for her signature hats and high heels, Koerner was dedicated to the city and left a lasting impact on Wheeling. She passed away on April 17, 2000, at the age of 84, and was remembered for her contributions to the community and her abiding patriotism.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/52s7z594) (https://tinyurl.com/mrtydmnu) (https://tinyurl.com/32rart2e) (https://tinyurl.com/2sbu4jda) (https://tinyurl.com/y7vkwefj) (https://tinyurl.com/bhm9dvac) (https://tinyurl.com/2zzb3vzf)
Photo credits: Wheeling News-Register
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