(The Knights of Pythias organization was founded in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 19, 1864)
It stood at the corner of 27th and Chapline streets and I grew up across the street from the building.
Many people of my age might say they don’t remember this building, but as you can see in these photographs, there were many businesses within it over the years. Several bars were there, as was a laundromat and dry cleaner, offices, and even a bingo parlor.
One business once located inside the Pythian Castle was the Towne Club, an establishment where me and my friends spent many nights there over the years. The owners, Johnny And Mamie Vaneski, were very kind to the young people that frequented the tavern.
It has been a passion of mine to showcase and preserve Wheeling’s rich history with this series of historic photographs that highlight a business or building that is no longer here in the Upper Ohio Valley.
If you have suggestions on a favorite business or location that has vanished, please submit that to me at cre8m@comcast.net. I will do my best to search out and tell that story.
I hope with this series, “Gone Forever,” I will be able to show what made Wheeling the greatest city in West Virginia, and the large amount of business and industry that was here in the early 30’s and 40’s that attracted people from everywhere.
James Thornton has published several volumes of history on the city of Wheeling, and those interested in purchasing one of them can do so by contacting him at cre8m@comcast.net or visit the Creative Impressions website. The books can be purchased at the Wheeling Heritage Center, Kroger on Mount de Chantal Road, Miklas Meat Market, Nail City Records, the UPS Store in the Washington Avenue Plaza, VC Wares at Centre Market, Bower’s Decorating at The Highlands, and on the website www.wheelinghistory.net.
