Our History: Wheeling’s Parade Past

An Introduction by Steve Novotney

Was the first Christmas parade in Wheeling in 1930, or in 1940?

That question is addressed on the Archiving Wheeling website, an off shoot of the Ohio County Public Library and a wealth of historical information on the region.

It was 79 years ago today, Sean Duffy reports, when a Christmas parade took place along Main and Market streets in downtown Wheeling but was it actually the 10^th annual? One thing that is true is that it was a procession, according to photos available on Archiving Wheeling, that featured elaborate, inflated attractions atop floats that local businesses funded.

And that tradition has continued through the decades, but one major schedule change took place soon after the Oglebay Park Commission flipped the switch in 1985 for the annual Festival of Lights. Up until then, the city’s Christmas Parade was on Saturday afternoons.

Officials of the Wheeling Police Department advise local residents wishing to watch this evening’s parade to leave early to park in areas where parking meters are not bagged. Market Street closes to traffic at 5:30 p.m., and Main Street closes at 6:30 p.m.

A parade float that has the "Old Woman in the Shoe." — *Stone & Thomas was a staple for downtown Wheeling for many years, and during this time of year the owners had an entire floor dedicated to toys.*

A military transport vehicle and local reservists. — *The men and women who have served the American military always have been honored during the annual parade, and this evening the Grand Marshalls will be 12 veterans of World War II.*

A float in a Christmas Parade in downtown Wheeling. — *The Hub was a very popular business for many years in downtown Wheeling.*

Crowds along downtown streets stretch into the roads. — *Thousands of folks are expected this evening in downtown Wheeling, but in the late-1970s the crowd overflowed onto Main Street.*

An elaborate float for a Christmas parade. — *Business was good in the Wheeling area, and that is why some floats were so elaborate.*

Many people on a city street. — *It was estimated by reporters of the Wheeling newspapers that as many as 100,000 spectators lined Main and Market street to watch the 1940 Wheeling Christmas Parade.*

A large crowd gathers for a Christmas parade. — *The corner of the 12th and Market was once known as the busiest intersections in the state of West Virginia.*

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.