Victoria Theatre Wheeling, WV

Can You Identify These 10 Wheeling Architectural Details?

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.

Schmulbach Chapline St Wheeling WV

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“HS” Logo on Henry Schmulbach’s townhouse on Chapline St.

Schmulbach Chapline St Wheeling WV

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.

Vigilant Firehouse Wheeling, WV

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Architectural detail on Vigilant Firehouse in North Wheeling

Vigilant Firehouse Wheeling, WV

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.

Mail Pouch Wheeling, WV

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Letters on the Mail Pouch “ghost sign” in South Wheeling

Mail Pouch Wheeling, WV

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.

Blue Church Wheeling, WV

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Guttae on the Blue Church

Blue Church Wheeling, WV

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.

Centre Foundry Warwood, WV

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“CF” Logo on the Centre Foundry factory in Warwood

Centre Foundry Warwood, WV

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.

Centre Market Wheeling, WV

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A livestock head in Centre Market

Centre Market Wheeling, WV

Location: The lower market house, near the door

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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.

Artisan Center Wheeling, WV

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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.

Victoria Theatre Wheeling, WV

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Close up on one of the letters on the Victoria Theater marquee

Victoria Theatre Wheeling, WV

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.

Wheeling Island Flood Wall

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Flood Wall Arch on Wheeling Island

Wheeling Island Flood Wall

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.

Madonna of the Trail Wheeling, WV

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Close up on Madonna of the Trail

Madonna of the Trail Wheeling, WV

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.

  • 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.

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