Wheeling has thousands of interesting, unique, and funky details around town…but how often have you taken the time to look up? We have provided a scavenger hunt of ten of our favorite architectural features, logos, or other weird details. Challenge yourself and try to figure out where each detail is before revealing the zoomed out photo. Which ones did we miss? What are your favorite hidden details around Wheeling?
1.
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“HS” Logo on Henry Schmulbach’s townhouse on Chapline St.
Location: 2311 Chapline St. (the logo is on the gate)
Henry Schmulbach, the founder of Schmulbach Brewing Co. and president of the German Bank (now WesBanco), owned this townhouse around the turn of the century and it still boasts his iconic “HS” emblem.
LISTEN: Henry – The Life Life and Legacy of Wheeling’s Most Notorious Brewer
2.
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Architectural detail on Vigilant Firehouse in North Wheeling
Location: 650 Main St.
The Firehouse was home to the Truck Co. No. 1 and Engine Co. No. 2 since the 1890s. The Firehouse closed in 1976 and moved its operation a block south on Main Street.
3.
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Letters on the Mail Pouch “ghost sign” in South Wheeling
Location: 3900 Water St.
Mail Pouch Tobacco was a popular product sold by the Bloch Brothers Tobacco company, headquartered in Wheeling. Throughout the 20th century, advertisements like this were painted on barns across dozens of states.
4.
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Guttae on the Blue Church
Location: Byron and 12th Street, East Wheeling
As an element from the doric order of classical architecture, these “lego-like” details are found when pedestrians take the time to look up. The Blue Church is an 1837 Greek Revival structure and was originally home to the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.
5.
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“CF” Logo on the Centre Foundry factory in Warwood
Location: 72 Warwood Avenue
In 1881, Centre Foundry & Machine Company became the first incorporated business in Ohio County. Existing under various names since 1840, the nail and steel business fit in well in the “Nail City.”
6.
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A livestock head in Centre Market
Location: The lower market house, near the door
Centre Market was built in 1853 and these figural details remind visitors of the market’s original use as a center for wholesale produce, meats, and other goods. Look closely by the door and find one of several livestock heads.
7.
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“Wheeling, VA” on the Artisan Center building
Location: 1400 Main St.
Sometimes, instead of looking up, you actually have to look down! Even though West Virginia has been its own state for over 150 years, there are still traces of when Wheeling was part of Virginia.
8.
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Close up on one of the letters on the Victoria Theater marquee
Location: 1228 Market St.
Opening in 1904, Victoria Theater is the oldest operating theater in the state of West Virginia. It is a Victorian-style theater with some Beaux-Arts design elements.
READ MORE: Wheeling’s Last Remaining Vaudeville Theater
9.
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Flood Wall Arch on Wheeling Island
Location: Corner of Virginia St. and South Penn St. on Wheeling Island
The flood wall on Wheeling Island has documented the water level of each flood since the early 20th century. The original numbers were painted in 1979, but were repainted in 2014 when the wall was recreated into a park. The other side of the wall commemorates the local businesses that once stood in the area.
10.
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Close up on Madonna of the Trail
Location: Wheeling Park on National Road
The Madonna of the Trail statue is part of a series of 12 identical monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women that are placed along the National Road from Maryland to California in the early 20th century.
The Fun Continues…
If you want to explore even more areas in Wheeling, then pick up a copy of Find Me in Wheeling, an interactive coloring book. Wheeling Heritage partnered with local artist Mindi Yarbrough to create a one-of-a-kind coloring book that encourages you to explore the Friendly City, enjoy the outdoors, and support local art. You can purchase a copy of Find me in Wheeling at the Wheeling Artisan Center Shop online on in-person.
When you find a new spot outlined in the book, take a selfie in that location and share it on social media along with the hashtags #FindMeInWheeling and #WheelingWV.
• Emma Wiley, originally from Falls Church, Virginia, was a former AmeriCorps member with Wheeling Heritage. Emma has a B.A. in history from Vassar College and is passionate about connecting communities, history, and social justice.
