The Many Lives of the 1400 Block of Market Street

The historic 1400 Block of Market Street has seen many businesses over the years, from restaurants and saloons to car companies and candy shops. Based on extant records and architectural styles, the current buildings on this block were probably starting to be built in the mid-to-late 19th century. Each building has its own history, but their pasts are intertwined as the downtown area grew. Take a look at these advertisements for some of the various businesses throughout the 20th century!

Many of the earlier businesses in the 1800s are difficult to find information on, let alone advertisements, but they ranged from saloons to the Standard Cigar Works to a dry cleaning business to various hotels. At 1429 Market, Killian Bader and Phillip Mauer opened the Bader & Mauer Saloon and Restaurant at the very beginning of the twentieth century. It eventually expanded to include a hotel and a “turf exchange,” which was where you would place or redeem gambling bets. Other businesses from the block included the Wheeling Candy Kitchen, Washington Restaurant, the Capitol Car Company, and one of the final ones, Fette’s News Depot.

Zeller’s Steak House is probably the most memorable business on the 1400 block because it was owned by “Big Bill” Lias, a mid-20th century crime boss in Wheeling (Wheeling Intelligencer, July 1, 1948)

Probably one of the most remembered businesses was Zeller’s Steak House at 1429 Market Street, primarily for its role in organized crime. On the surface, one would see a typical steakhouse in the 1940s, marketed to middle-class people looking for a special, yet affordable, night out. However, it wasn’t a secret that Zeller’s was owned by William “Big Bill” Lias, one of the most well-known crime bosses in Wheeling. A well-known figure in Wheeling, Lias was allegedly involved in illegal gambling, prostitution, breaking liquor laws and was eventually arrested for tax evasion.¹ But, can you imagine getting a full lobster dinner for $2.50 today?

What is the next life of the 1400 Market block going to be? If you or anyone you know is interested in buying and developing this historic city block and its buildings, click here for more information!

• Emma Wiley, originally from Falls Church, Virginia, is an AmeriCorps member currently serving with Wheeling Heritage researching and writing historical content for Weelunk. Emma has a B.A. in History from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and is passionate about connecting communities, history, and social justice.

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