Today in Wheeling History: December 31—The Wheeling Island Exposition Hall was destroyed in a fire (2019).
The Wheeling Island Exhibition Hall was constructed in 1924 by the West Virginia Exposition and State Fair Association to host the West Virginia State Fair. From 1924 until 1937, it hosted the annual State Fair. It also housed a roller skating rink from 1924 until 1988 under various names - the Wheeling Roller Rink, the Wheeling Downs Roller Rink, and Wheelin' Around. During World War II in 1944, it was leased by the Hoover Company for war materials manufacturing but resumed roller skating operations in 1946. In its later years, it was used for storage by the Wheeling Island Casino. On December 31, 2019, the hall was destroyed in an accidental electrical fire. The fire caused extensive damage over 3-4 hours before being extinguished. Demolition crews finished clearing the lot in August 2021 after months of work removing the charred remains. Throughout its history, the venue served many important purposes for Wheeling, especially as a beloved skating rink under different names for over 60 years.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/2s3a8w27) (http://tinyurl.com/3zv32frw) (http://tinyurl.com/mr2xs5fe) (http://tinyurl.com/3hc39fvb) (http://tinyurl.com/2xbctcv7)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Fire Department
The Wheeling Island Exhibition Hall was constructed in 1924 by the West Virginia Exposition and State Fair Association to host the West Virginia State Fair. From 1924 until 1937, it hosted the annual State Fair. It also housed a roller skating rink from 1924 until 1988 under various names - the Wheeling Roller Rink, the Wheeling Downs Roller Rink, and Wheelin' Around. During World War II in 1944, it was leased by the Hoover Company for war materials manufacturing but resumed roller skating operations in 1946. In its later years, it was used for storage by the Wheeling Island Casino. On December 31, 2019, the hall was destroyed in an accidental electrical fire. The fire caused extensive damage over 3-4 hours before being extinguished. Demolition crews finished clearing the lot in August 2021 after months of work removing the charred remains. Throughout its history, the venue served many important purposes for Wheeling, especially as a beloved skating rink under different names for over 60 years.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/2s3a8w27) (http://tinyurl.com/3zv32frw) (http://tinyurl.com/mr2xs5fe) (http://tinyurl.com/3hc39fvb) (http://tinyurl.com/2xbctcv7)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Fire Department
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