(Publisher’s Note: Wheeling’s James Thornton has archived much of the city’s history on his YouTube page where he presents historical videos for everyone’s enjoyment.)
If you are around my age you probably have a photograph on Santa’s lap from The Hub.
The Hub was a department store that was located on the corner of 14th and Market streets for many years. I’m not sure of the dates of when they started the business and when they closed but there are many photos from as far back as the 1913 flood. I have included a few that I have archived so readers can see what was near that corner before the Wesbanco Bank Headquarters.
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 who all 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.
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.
