‘Gone Forever’ – Where Army Tanks Were Made


The Blaw Knox company employed many local people.

I know of two Blaw Knox locations, one at 98 Peninsula Street, and one in Warwood. I had many friends in my lifetime that worked for the factory and I have a few photos from the early days during a time when the company made Army tanks.

These photos are from a wonderful time when work was plentiful and the working people were recognized for their accomplishments.

Enjoy these beautiful images.

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 ’30s and ’40s that attracted people from everywhere.

A large group of men in a Blaw Knox 
 factory.
The employees of Blaw Knox were often rewarded for their hard work.
A photo of a Blaw Knox  tank part.
Army tanks were once fabricated at Blaw Knox.
A Blaw Knox factory executive with a plant worker.
This photo shows a company executive on the factory floor.
A worker in a Blaw Knox factory.
Hundreds worked for Blaw Knox in Wheeling.
Blaw Knox  - A truck hauling tank parts.
Once complete, tank parts were moved for assembly.
Blaw Knox - A factory worker gets a free TV.
If you did well at your job, Blaw Knox officials thanked you with gifts.
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.ons website.

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