(Publisher’s Note: In order for co-publisher and Editor Steve Novotney to relax on vacation with his family and friends, LEDE News will be re-publishing some of our original content throughout this week. Steve’s work will return later this week.)

James Thornton has been a photographer and local historian during his entire career here in Wheeling, and he also has archived the collections of several other journalists and shutterbugs. His collection is a jewel in the Wheeling area, and LEDE News is lucky to have arranged a partnership so he will be able to share more treasures with the readers of this website.

This collection is only the beginning of the original construction of Interstate 70 through the city of Wheeling. Hundreds of homes were razed to make way, and even a cemetery was split in two. The following photos display what Wheeling residents in the 1950s and 1960s witnessed firsthand prior to realizing the convenience would offer local motorists. That, of course, has changed throughout Ohio County.

The west side of Wheeling Tunnel approaching the Fort Henry Bridge.
It was not until December 1966 when the connection was made between Interstate 70 and the Fort Henry Bridge.
The skeleton of the bridge systems near Wheeling Tunnel.
This is what it looked like in the “Goosetown” area of East Wheeling back in the 1950s.
The piers for Interstate 70 in Wheeling are vertical.
Construction continued on the progression of Interstate 70 through Ohio County as crews were gutting Wheeling Hill for the eastbound and westbound tubes.
A photo of the steel supports for the decks of Interstate 70.
The growth of Interstate 70 was an attraction for Wheeling residents, including those working for the local media outlets.
A worker continuing to rehab a cemetery after it was split in half.
Carving Interstate 70 through the city of Wheeling included splitting the Peninsula Cemetery. The graves were moved to a pair of local cemeteries.
A construction worker perched above Wheeling Tunnel.
Constructing Interstate 70 extended a few years before all connections were made between Elm Grove and Wheeling Tunnel.
A photo of a man with grey hair.
James Thornton

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.

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1 COMMENT

  1. I have a Schmulbach beer bottle I found under a wooden basement floor at 35 Poplar Ave in Woodsdale. The owners at the time was Ernest and Elisabeth Doughty of 14 Pine Ave. I have always wondered about its worth if any. Or maybe I should donate it to a Wheeling museum.

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