This Crumbling Social Club In West Virginia Offers A Glimpse Into A Bygone Era

An overlooked abandoned building in Wheeling, West Virginia holds nearly-forgotten stories. It was a place where wealthy and influential men (and a select few women) would gather and enjoy each other's company. There was a bar, a restaurant, lounges, entertainment, and even rooms to spend the night for travelers. As times changed, the club was abandoned, and the beautifully designed building faced an uncertain future.

The Fort Henry Club was first built in the 1850s as the Howell Mansion.

In 1890, it was turned into a club for the wealthy elite to gather and socialize.

Some of the club's famous guests have included Jimmy Stewart, President Herbert Hoover, Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and Walter Pidgeon.

After membership declined, the building was abandoned in 2011.

Even in the empty building, there are still memories held here.

You can almost imagine walking in and handing over your coat.

You can picture people gathering at the bar...

...and imagine the conversations that once happened in this lounge.

Walking down the hallway can bring some surprises.

This door leads to a hidden room.

The private lounge tucked away here may have been useful during the prohibition era.

On the top floor, there was a theater.

There were also several bedrooms where guests could spend the night.

After years of neglect, the building is crumbling, and at one point it seemed likely to be demolished.

However, the building has since been purchased and is being restored.

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church across the street first purchased the building in hopes of finding someone to restore it. McKinley & Associates then took ownership and will find new use for the building after restorations are complete.

McKinley & Associates has been working to save other historic buildings in West Virginia, as well as Fort Henry Club. You can read about some of the other projects at their website.

Fort Henry Club is located at 1324 Chapline Street in Wheeling, West Virginia.

For another interesting historic building in West Virginia, check out the Whipple Company Store.