Today in Wheeling History: November 1 -- Wheeling-Ohio County Airport (Stifel Field) holds its grand dedication ceremony with thousands attending despite inclement weather (1946).
The dedication of Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, also known as Stifel Field, marked a pivotal moment in the region's transportation history. Despite challenging weather conditions, the ceremony at Stifel Field proceeded with a full program of events, beginning at 1:00 PM. A Capital Airlines PCA "Capitaliner" arrived at noon carrying airline officials from both Capital Airlines and Trans World Airline (TWA), though TWA's planned east-west service was delayed due to a pilots' strike. The ceremony featured multiple distinguished guests, including Ohio Governor Frank Lausche, TWA Vice President Rear Admiral H.B. Miller, and Capital Airlines Vice President Colonel J.D. Henry. The Wheeling Civitan Club presented a flag to Stifel Field, which was raised by members of Wheeling Post No. 1 of the American Legion. Seven local high school bands participated, including those from Wheeling, Triadelphia, Warwood, Central Catholic, Bridgeport, Martins Ferry, and Shadyside. The day's events culminated in a banquet at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, attended by 500 guests. The celebration extended to Sunday with a Navy air show featuring 25 planes from the Naval Air Reserve station in Columbus. Stifel Field began regular north-south service the following Wednesday through Capital Airlines, while TWA's planned east-west service awaited resolution of the pilots' strike.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/aRgEe); Airline Archives (https://shorturl.at/vXAxz), Ohio County Commission (https://shorturl.at/nvzfY), Business Review Magazine (https://shorturl.at/tOAOv), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/24tjuubm)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Ohio County Commission
The dedication of Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, also known as Stifel Field, marked a pivotal moment in the region's transportation history. Despite challenging weather conditions, the ceremony at Stifel Field proceeded with a full program of events, beginning at 1:00 PM. A Capital Airlines PCA "Capitaliner" arrived at noon carrying airline officials from both Capital Airlines and Trans World Airline (TWA), though TWA's planned east-west service was delayed due to a pilots' strike. The ceremony featured multiple distinguished guests, including Ohio Governor Frank Lausche, TWA Vice President Rear Admiral H.B. Miller, and Capital Airlines Vice President Colonel J.D. Henry. The Wheeling Civitan Club presented a flag to Stifel Field, which was raised by members of Wheeling Post No. 1 of the American Legion. Seven local high school bands participated, including those from Wheeling, Triadelphia, Warwood, Central Catholic, Bridgeport, Martins Ferry, and Shadyside. The day's events culminated in a banquet at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, attended by 500 guests. The celebration extended to Sunday with a Navy air show featuring 25 planes from the Naval Air Reserve station in Columbus. Stifel Field began regular north-south service the following Wednesday through Capital Airlines, while TWA's planned east-west service awaited resolution of the pilots' strike.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/aRgEe); Airline Archives (https://shorturl.at/vXAxz), Ohio County Commission (https://shorturl.at/nvzfY), Business Review Magazine (https://shorturl.at/tOAOv), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/24tjuubm)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Ohio County Commission
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