Was there any other thing more fun than going to one of the downtown theaters in Wheeling on any given Saturday?

I could take a quarter and go to the Liberty Theater at the corner of 16th and Market streets and see a double feature, have a drink and candy or popcorn … all on a quarter.

It was a wonderful life.

Over the years and in some cases at different times Wheeling had at least ten theaters. The ones I remember: The Capitol, State, Rex, Victoria, Virginia, Southern, Colonial, and Liberty. They really knew how to build them during those days, and they knew how to illuminate them to make them as exciting as possible.

I hope you enjoy the ones I have pictured in this chapter of, “Gone Forever,” but unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of the Colonial and none of the the venue that once rested along National Road near Edgington Lane.

It has been a passion of mine to showcase and preserve Wheeling’s rich history with this series of historic photographs that highlight the businesses or buildings that are no longer here, but are still remembered by many in the region.

If you have suggestions on a favorite business or location that is gone 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, 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 all walks of life.

The Capitol Music Hall.
Capitol Theater. Here are two views at two different timeframes. Although the venue is still here, the movie theater that it once was has vanished near the intersection at 10th and Main street.
A historic photo of a theatre.
Victoria Theater. Again, here are two views at two different timeframes. This venue continues to operate as a Vaudeville theater produced by Earl Brown.
A large crowd outside a theatre.
Virginia Theater. There are two views, one showing the beautiful design of the building, and one showing the Jamboree crowd. This theater was located behind the Board of Trade Building where the Court Theater was once located.
The former theatre is now an office building.
Court Theater. Located at the corner of 12th and Chapline streets, this was a more modern theater than all the others in Wheeling. You can see the Virginia Theater behind it on the left.
A black and white photo of a theatre.
Rex Theater. Located on Market and 14th streets, this theater later was remodeled, and the name was changed to the Coronet. This structure was torn down to make way for an office supply business.
A color photo of an old theatre.
Liberty Theater. This venue was located at the corner of 16th and Market streets, and what a beautiful building it was. When I was growing up, it was an older structure and struggling for business. The owners always promoted showing double features to try and hang on. This building is no longer there, and the land is now part of West Virginia Northern Community College.
A photo of an elegant structure in a downtown district.
State Theater. This beautiful structure was located at 10th and Market streets and amazingly the building is still there. For many years, it was Security National Bank and later changed to Chase Bank. The structure building is currently vacant.
A photo of a man with grey hair.
James Thornton

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.ions website.

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