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.
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.
