Wheeling Hall of Fame Board Celebrates June 10 Induction, Adjourns Until September
The Board holds an induction ceremony every other year honoring those who contribute to Wheeling in six different categories.
The Wheeling Hall of Fame Board met on June 13 to discuss the Induction Ceremony held on June 10 at the WesBanco arena. Of the eighteen member board, fourteen board members were in attendance.
Eleven people were inducted, some posthumously. These include:
Business, Industry, and Profession – Edward Bates Franzheim, Alfred Paull
Philanthropy – Mary Ann Hess, Joan Corson Stamp
Public Service – Dr William C Mercer, Robert J Otten
Education and Religion – Rev Jame A O’Brien, SJ, Beatrice Ann Thomas
Sports and Athletics – Edwin M ‘Ned’ Steckel, Jr
Music and Fine Arts – ‘Chickie’ Williams
The Hall of Fame, which began over forty years ago, is on display in the WesBanco arena. After Saturday’s induction there are 166 plaques.
Chair Robert DeFrancis, speaking to me about the event, said, “I thought it went very well. We were very pleased. We had almost a historic attendance.” He continued, saying Wheeling came out in support despite many of the inductees having died decades ago. “I was a little surprised, but extremely pleased.”
The Hall of Fame Board estimated some 250 to 275 attendees.
Board members used this time to discuss how to make the next induction ceremony, slated for June 2025, run more efficiently. One suggestion was to video tape inductions for the historical record. Otherwise, the meeting was jubilant.
New board members will be appointed by the Wheeling City Council at their June 21 meeting, and some board members will have their terms renewed.
Board Member Jay Frey will be leaving the Hall of Fame Board as his term expires at the end of the month. Frey said he believed it was time for new eyes to join the team, and he thanked his colleagues for his time on the board.
The Wheeling Hall of Fame adjourned for a summer recess, with their next meeting scheduled for September 12, 2023.