Home
People

COMIC: Celebrating WSO Founder Eleanor Caldwell

In honor of Women’s History Month, today we are celebrating one of Wheeling’s leading ladies in the arts: Eleanor Caldwell. Her love and devotion to the arts, particularly classical music, were instrumental in creating the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. An artist herself, Eleanor played the drums, piano, xylophone, and cello.1  She was also passionate about education, providing support to The Wheeling Country Day School and West Liberty University. Thanks to Eleanor’s contributions, The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra continues to foster a love for the arts through their regular season performances, special events, and community programs.

Eleanor Caldwell, founder of the Wheeling Symphony.

 

A musician herself, Eleanor Caldwell was passionate about classical music and education. 
In the late 1920s, she and several other musicians would gather at her Woodsdale home to perform together. 
These sessions became the catalyst for what today is a rich, cultural staple of the Friendly City. Thanks, Eleanor!

Subscribe to Weelunk

If you want to learn more about the life and legacy of Eleanor Caldwell, you can check out her Wheeling Hall of Fame biography on the Ohio County Public Library’s website. The Wheeling Hall of Fame was established to honor Wheeling citizens and former citizens for outstanding accomplishments in all walks of life. You can learn more about the Wheeling Hall of Fame by visiting wheelingwv.gov. 

References

1 “Wheeling Hall of Fame: Eleanor Caldwell.” Ohio County Public Library. Wheeling Hall of Fame. Accessed March 23, 2022. https://www.ohiocountylibrary.org/history/wheeling-hall-of-fame-eleanor-caldwell/4146.

• Natalie Kovacs is an illustrator under the moniker Shapelessflame. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a minor in graphic art from Carlow University of Pittsburgh. In her spare time, you’ll find her frolicking through the woods, reading and collecting countless books, crowd surfing at concerts, or testing out new vegetarian recipes. She lives in Bethesda, OH with her husband, son, and their four mischievous cats.

  • Natalie Kovacs

    Natalie Kovacs is an illustrator under the moniker Shapelessflame. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a minor in graphic art from Carlow University of Pittsburgh. In her spare time, you’ll find her frolicking through the woods, reading and collecting countless books, crowd surfing at concerts, or testing out new vegetarian recipes. She lives in Bethesda, OH with her husband, son, and their four mischievous cats.

    View all posts