Today in Wheeling History: July 23--Wheeling celebrated its centennial at Mozart Park with speeches, fireworks, and festivities, drawing a crowd of 8,000-9,000 people despite controversial opposition and threatening weather (1895).
On July 23, 1895, Wheeling, West Virginia held its Centennial Celebration at Mozart Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the town government. Despite threatening weather, around 1,500 people attended in the afternoon, with the crowd growing to 8,000-9,000 by evening.
The event featured several prominent speakers. Hon. G.W. Atkinson gave the opening address, discussing Wheeling's progress over the past century. Dr. C.F. Ulrich, introduced as a German immigrant who arrived in Wheeling in 1836, spoke about the influence of German-born citizens on the city. Hon. C.W. Seabright, a former mayor, provided a sketch of the city as he knew it when he arrived in 1849. Congressman B.B. Dovener gave a speech emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring the city's pioneers.
The celebration included daylight and evening fireworks displays, dancing, and other festivities that lasted well into the night.
The event was not without controversy. Dr. Albert Riker of the 4th Street Methodist Church had strongly opposed holding the celebration at Mozart Park, which he considered a "beer garden." In his protests, Dr. Riker claimed that Mozart would be "turning over in his grave" and that his "bones rattle with holy horror" because such a place was named after him. He also argued that even "wicked cities" like Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York wouldn't hold their centennial celebrations in a beer garden. Riker urged people to think of the children and Sunday schools, and not attend the celebration.
Despite the controversy and the threatening weather, the Centennial Celebration was considered a success, with large crowds attending and participating in the various activities throughout the day and night.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/9xFML) (https://shorturl.at/mM4gg) (https://shorturl.at/7eDcN)
Photo credits: Library of Congress, Find a Grave, Prominent Men of West Virginia, Wikimedia Commons, Wheeling Register
On July 23, 1895, Wheeling, West Virginia held its Centennial Celebration at Mozart Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the town government. Despite threatening weather, around 1,500 people attended in the afternoon, with the crowd growing to 8,000-9,000 by evening.
The event featured several prominent speakers. Hon. G.W. Atkinson gave the opening address, discussing Wheeling's progress over the past century. Dr. C.F. Ulrich, introduced as a German immigrant who arrived in Wheeling in 1836, spoke about the influence of German-born citizens on the city. Hon. C.W. Seabright, a former mayor, provided a sketch of the city as he knew it when he arrived in 1849. Congressman B.B. Dovener gave a speech emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring the city's pioneers.
The celebration included daylight and evening fireworks displays, dancing, and other festivities that lasted well into the night.
The event was not without controversy. Dr. Albert Riker of the 4th Street Methodist Church had strongly opposed holding the celebration at Mozart Park, which he considered a "beer garden." In his protests, Dr. Riker claimed that Mozart would be "turning over in his grave" and that his "bones rattle with holy horror" because such a place was named after him. He also argued that even "wicked cities" like Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York wouldn't hold their centennial celebrations in a beer garden. Riker urged people to think of the children and Sunday schools, and not attend the celebration.
Despite the controversy and the threatening weather, the Centennial Celebration was considered a success, with large crowds attending and participating in the various activities throughout the day and night.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/9xFML) (https://shorturl.at/mM4gg) (https://shorturl.at/7eDcN)
Photo credits: Library of Congress, Find a Grave, Prominent Men of West Virginia, Wikimedia Commons, Wheeling Register
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