Bill’s Hamburger Grill was located in the historic Zinn Building at the corner of 1001 Main Street. This building housed many businesses over the years.

Bill’s Hamburger Grill was in this location for many years. If you worked in Wheeling, chances are you ate at Bill’s. I don’t have much information about the restaurant, but some of these Wheeling Gone Forever stories don’t have and don’t need an elaborate story.

Instead, it’s about the emotions felt when losing these wonderful places that speaks to me, and I hope to you, too. The photographs will speak for themselves. This is one of those places that you wish could be here forever.

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 it out and tell that story.

Gone Forever Series

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.

The interior of a restaurant.
Bill’s Hamburger Grill featured a counter and booths to the customers.
A long line waiting to get into a theatre.
When Jamboree USA was still alive at the Capitol, Bill’s Hamburger Grill always attracted a large crowd.
A photo of a shop owner.
No one knows for sure what made Bill’s burger so good, but the place was always crowded.
A painted ad on a building wall.
Bill’s Hamburger Grill was located on the corner of 10th and Main streets near the Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
A female cashier at the counter.
Those who recall Bill’s Hamburger Grill insist the service was always friendly.
A photo of a restaurant from across the street.
Bill’s Hamburger Grill operated near the Capitol Theatre.
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.mcast.net or visit the Creative Impressions website.

1 COMMENT

  1. Good evening.

    Here is my suggestion; although it is
    not in downtown Wheeling.

    How about the former Hilltop, later
    called the Jolly Roger. Later called ?

    It was at the intersection of Rt. 88
    and Peters Run.

    Thanks.

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