Today in Wheeling History: December 17--Wheeling's J.L. Stifel and Sons closes after 122 years (1957).
J.L. Stifel & Sons Calico Works was founded in 1835 by German immigrant Johann Ludwig Stifel, who established a small dye shop in a log cabin in Wheeling with just $10 and a piece of cotton cloth. By 1844, Johann had moved the shop to the southeast corner of 9th and Main Streets in Wheeling. In 1859, Johann's sons Louis C. Stifel and William F. Stifel joined the company. When Johann retired in 1874, the company had grown into one of the nation's largest calico printing establishments under the leadership of Louis and William. The third generation of Stifels moved the plant to Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets in Wheeling. At its peak, the 70,000 square foot plant exported indigo-dyed prints internationally. During WWII, the company produced uniforms and textiles for the U.S. military. However, foreign competition and recession forced the company to merge with Indian Head Mills in 1957. On December 17, 1957, after 122 years in operation, J.L. Stifel & Sons closed its doors for good. The plant was destroyed in a 1961 fire, leaving only its 275-foot smokestack, which was demolished in 1969.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/ybrfy753) (http://tinyurl.com/35pczus3)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV
J.L. Stifel & Sons Calico Works was founded in 1835 by German immigrant Johann Ludwig Stifel, who established a small dye shop in a log cabin in Wheeling with just $10 and a piece of cotton cloth. By 1844, Johann had moved the shop to the southeast corner of 9th and Main Streets in Wheeling. In 1859, Johann's sons Louis C. Stifel and William F. Stifel joined the company. When Johann retired in 1874, the company had grown into one of the nation's largest calico printing establishments under the leadership of Louis and William. The third generation of Stifels moved the plant to Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets in Wheeling. At its peak, the 70,000 square foot plant exported indigo-dyed prints internationally. During WWII, the company produced uniforms and textiles for the U.S. military. However, foreign competition and recession forced the company to merge with Indian Head Mills in 1957. On December 17, 1957, after 122 years in operation, J.L. Stifel & Sons closed its doors for good. The plant was destroyed in a 1961 fire, leaving only its 275-foot smokestack, which was demolished in 1969.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/ybrfy753) (http://tinyurl.com/35pczus3)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV
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