Some of these stories are not too exciting and a lot of people won’t remember the locations, but some people might have had relatives that worked there, or they kept their checking account and savings there.

I remember this bank all through my childhood and I always liked the way it was on that corner of 16th and Market streets and the main door was a corner door. Please enjoy the photos.

It has been a passion of mine to showcase and preserve Wheeling’s rich history with this series of historic photographs that briefly highlight a business or building that is “Gone Forever” from the fabric of Wheeling life and the Upper Ohio Valley.

I hope with this series, I will be able to show the large amount of industry and businesses that thrived here in the early 1930’s and 1940’s, attracting people from many countries and all walks of life, all of whom helped to make Wheeling the greatest city in West Virginia.

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.

A historic photo of a bank.
Instead of a new business moving in, and structure was demolished.
A bird's eye view of a city.
The Center Wheeling and downtown areas of the Friendly City.
A historic photo of a bank.
The bank became “First West Virginia Bank” before it closed.
A historic photo of a bank.
The bank was located on the corner of 16 and Market streets.
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 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.