Wheeling’s Upper Market
Some people consider the Upper Market Wheeling’s first mini-mall because of all the different vendors that set up and sold their wares. You could shop for many many things like eggs, poultry, cheese, and many other items.
This block-long building was much more because it also was a skating rink and live entertainment auditorium with great entertainers like the Glenn Miller Band and Count Basie. Also, Wheeling’s once famous Jamboree was located there for a time.
This location was donated to the city of Wheeling and I’m told the Zane Family had one stipulation when donating the property: That it always be used for all the people of Wheeling and not for private enterprise.
This location also had two Market Houses as you will see in the photographs. Naturally, I don’t remember the first one but I did love the way you could go up the alley by Stone and Thomas and you would go under the second floor of the Market. It was like a fascinating tunnel when you were a child.
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 that 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.
