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The property was utilized in that capacity until 1937.

In addition to the spacious hall, there was a dirt racetrack, stables and a small amusement park on the fairgrounds. The Exposition Hall itself was built on an elevated foundation to help protect it from periodic Ohio River flooding. STATE FAIRGROUNDSĪccording to the Ohio County Public Library online archives, the rink at the south end of Wheeling Island was constructed in 1924 by the West Virginia Exposition and State Fair Association as part of the state fairgrounds. Roller skating was thought to be a perfect date destination. Long before the roller disco phenomenon of the late ’70s, couples from older generations learned to “figure skate” to waltzes and tangos and used the rink as a stage to showcase the beauty and fluidity of their moves. Mothers and their preschool children enjoyed skating together in the afternoons. Girl and Boy Scout troops earned roller skating badges to display on their uniforms. “Overweight? Roller skate!” was a popular advertising mantra of the era.Įveryone from youngsters to senior citizens seemed to be swept - or dare we say - rolled away by the craze. Skating was touted as wholesome recreation and entertainment for all ages. In the 1940s, one such popular hot spot for couples was the Wheeling Roller Rink on Wheeling Island.Īn ideal date night activity during that decade, roller skating mixed young love with movement and music - a potent combination. In the ’50s, it was the neighborhood soda shoppe. At this time, we do not have any future plans for the site.” “Boys and girls and music! Why do they need gin?!” – Annie, the Bailey family’s housekeeper, “It’s a Wonderful Life” Through the decades, the teenage dating scene has had its preferred destinations. We are currently focused on the safe evaluation of the remains and proper cleanup and disposal of the burnt items. It served Wheeling Island well for nearly a century in many capacities ranging from a skating rink to, most recently, a storage area for the casino. Wheeling Island General Manager Kim Florence told Weelunk, “We are saddened by the loss of the Exposition Hall.

31, the building and its contents were lost to a devastating accidental electrical fire. Writer’s Note: In recent years, the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack used the former Wheeling Roller Rink as a storage facility.

Wheeling downs race track uniforms casino