Today in Wheeling History: January 11--Inuit Family and Reindeer Parade Through Downtown Wheeling (1927).
In a unique cultural exchange organized by the Business and Professional Women's Club of Wheeling, an Inuit family and their reindeer team participated in a highly anticipated parade through downtown Wheeling. The family consisted of parents Mary and Tom, along with their sons Billy and Tommy, ages 3 and 5. The parade began at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Fourteenth Street, proceeding through a carefully planned route that included Chapline, Market, Main, and Sixteenth streets, concluding at the city building on Fifteenth Street. The day prior, on January 10, the family visited numerous educational institutions throughout the Pike district, including Elm Grove Children's Home, Kruger Street School, Bridge School, Park View School, Triadelphia District High School, St. Michael's, Mount de Chantal Academy, and several other schools and orphanages. During their visits, they shared their native songs and were hosted for lunch at both Triadelphia High School's cafeteria and Mount de Chantal Academy. The family also made a special stop at George E. Stifel's home. The event marked the first time many Wheeling children had encountered Inuit people or reindeer, making it a significant cultural moment in the city's history.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/wNSle); Wheeling Register (https://shorturl.at/GRFnu)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Register
In a unique cultural exchange organized by the Business and Professional Women's Club of Wheeling, an Inuit family and their reindeer team participated in a highly anticipated parade through downtown Wheeling. The family consisted of parents Mary and Tom, along with their sons Billy and Tommy, ages 3 and 5. The parade began at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Fourteenth Street, proceeding through a carefully planned route that included Chapline, Market, Main, and Sixteenth streets, concluding at the city building on Fifteenth Street. The day prior, on January 10, the family visited numerous educational institutions throughout the Pike district, including Elm Grove Children's Home, Kruger Street School, Bridge School, Park View School, Triadelphia District High School, St. Michael's, Mount de Chantal Academy, and several other schools and orphanages. During their visits, they shared their native songs and were hosted for lunch at both Triadelphia High School's cafeteria and Mount de Chantal Academy. The family also made a special stop at George E. Stifel's home. The event marked the first time many Wheeling children had encountered Inuit people or reindeer, making it a significant cultural moment in the city's history.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/wNSle); Wheeling Register (https://shorturl.at/GRFnu)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Register
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