Today in Wheeling History: August 2—Joseph Edward Hoffmann, Wheeling-born historian and journalist known for penning the popular Wheeling News-Register column "This Was the News That Was," is born (1918).
Joseph Edward Hoffmann was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on August 2, 1918. He launched his journalism career in 1937 with the Wheeling News-Register, immersing himself in the city’s cultural and historical narrative. In 1940, Hoffmann transitioned to work with several key institutions across the state, including Oglebay Institute and Bethany College, deepening his engagement with West Virginia’s educational and artistic communities. In 1952, he joined Monongahela Power Company in Fairmont, remaining there for over 20 years before returning to Wheeling in 1973. Once home, he rejoined the News-Register and authored the memorable column "This Was the News That Was," which ran from 1975 to 1976. The column brought Wheeling’s past to life through vivid storytelling and careful historical research.
Hoffmann’s enduring legacy is his photographic collection, which captures Wheeling’s development from the late 19th century onward. This archive—containing over 200 images, clippings, and printed materials—is preserved at the Ohio County Public Library and serves as a cornerstone of local historical research. Hoffmann died in Wheeling on May 8, 1985. Though specifics about his schooling, neighborhood, and burial remain elusive, his commitment to historical preservation has left a lasting imprint on the city.
To learn more: Joseph Hoffman Collection – Ohio County Public Library (https://tinyurl.com/4avbj2hp), OCPL Flickr Album – Historic Wheeling Photos (https://tinyurl.com/2bt7rtnd), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/5d47mbjt)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling News-Register
Joseph Edward Hoffmann was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on August 2, 1918. He launched his journalism career in 1937 with the Wheeling News-Register, immersing himself in the city’s cultural and historical narrative. In 1940, Hoffmann transitioned to work with several key institutions across the state, including Oglebay Institute and Bethany College, deepening his engagement with West Virginia’s educational and artistic communities. In 1952, he joined Monongahela Power Company in Fairmont, remaining there for over 20 years before returning to Wheeling in 1973. Once home, he rejoined the News-Register and authored the memorable column "This Was the News That Was," which ran from 1975 to 1976. The column brought Wheeling’s past to life through vivid storytelling and careful historical research.
Hoffmann’s enduring legacy is his photographic collection, which captures Wheeling’s development from the late 19th century onward. This archive—containing over 200 images, clippings, and printed materials—is preserved at the Ohio County Public Library and serves as a cornerstone of local historical research. Hoffmann died in Wheeling on May 8, 1985. Though specifics about his schooling, neighborhood, and burial remain elusive, his commitment to historical preservation has left a lasting imprint on the city.
To learn more: Joseph Hoffman Collection – Ohio County Public Library (https://tinyurl.com/4avbj2hp), OCPL Flickr Album – Historic Wheeling Photos (https://tinyurl.com/2bt7rtnd), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/5d47mbjt)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling News-Register
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