Wheeling Hall Of Fame Welcomes 2023 Class | News, Sports, Jobs

Photo by Derek Redd

Eleven people were inducted Saturday into the Wheeling Hall of Fame. Pictured are, from left, Scott Thomas, son of late inductee Ann Thomas; Andrew Hogan, son of late inductee Mary Ann Hess; Albert Whitaker Franzheim, representing late inductee Edward Bates Franzheim; Bob DeFrancis, representing late inductee Edith Lake Wilkinson; Arch Riley, representing late inductee Alfred Paull; Bob Otten Jr., son of late inductee Bob Otten Sr.; Stephen Steckel, son of late inductee Ned Steckell; Karen McKenzie, Andy McKenzie and Madeline Johnson, representing late inductee Chickee Williams; Joan Corson Stamp; Dr. William Mercer and the Rev. James O’Brien.

Another group representing the best the city of Wheeling has to offer earned their inclusion Saturday into a prestigious group, the 2023 class of the Wheeling Hall of Fame.

Hundreds gathered at WesBanco Arena on Saturday evening to honor 11 people whose contributions shined a positive light on the city and its people. The 11 inductees entered the Hall of Fame in six categories — the late Edward Bates Franzheim and the late Alfred Paull in Business, Industry and Professions; the late Mary Ann Hess and Joan Corson Stamp in Philanthropy; Dr. William C. Mercer and the late Robert J. Otten in Public Service; The Rev. James A. O’Brien, S.J. and the late Beatrice Ann Thomas in Education and Religion; the late Edith Lake Wilkinson and the late “Chickie” Williams in Music and Fine Arts; and the late Edwin M. “Ned” Steckel Jr. in Sports and Athletics.

Franzheim made his mark on the city as the architect of some of Wheeling’s most prominent buildings, including Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church and the former City Bank of Wheeling.

“Many of those being honored tonight or already in the Hall of Fame are remembered for their influence and leadership abilities and how they affect or inspire other people in a positive way,” said Hall of Fame board member Kim McCluskey. “But there may be no physical monument to their legacy. In contrast, the person I’m wanting to introduce tonight, Edward Bates Franzheim, his legacy can be witnessed still to this day all around the city.”

In accepting this award for Franzheim, his great-great nephew Albert Whitaker Franzeheim also mentioned his ancestor’s love of the theater.

“He belonged to the golden age of the theater,” he said, quoting historical text. “He lived for the theater and I believed everything else was secondary.”

Paull not only became prominent in the insurance business and held office on both the Wheeling City Council and Ohio County Board of Education, but he also founded a men’s bible class at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church that grew at its height to 500 members.

“The Paull family legacy, like the legacy of many people that are here tonight, is important tp the character of the city,” said Paull’s great-great grandson Arch Riley, who accepted the award. “And it’s what makes this, in today’s standards, very, very small community so strong, so vibrant and so forward looking.”

Hess’ philanthropy has boosted so many organizations around Wheeling, including Oglebay Park, Liza’s Place, Youth Services System and Towngate Theatre, to name a few.

Hess’ son Andrew Hogan said his mother’s giving nature was not flashy, but was so important to many in the community.

“I never knew of my mother’s giving until after she died,” he said. “People would quietly come up to me and tell me their story of how my mother helped them.”

Stamp’s giving nature has been integral to many local and regional organizations as well. Among them are Oglebay Park, Oglebay Institute, Wheeling Symphony Society, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, WVU Rosenbaum Family House, West Virginia University, WVU Foundation, the WVU Alumni Center, National Symphony Orchestra, and The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley.

“I was afforded some wonderful opportunities to serve,” she said. “And in doing so, met many interesting people, learned a great deal and hopefully made some meaningful contributions.”

Mercer’s contributions to Wheeling weren’t just in his award-winning work as a doctor and medical director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department. He created the “Joe Too Cool To Smoke” campaign that used Charles Schulz’s beloved Snoopy character to educate kids on the dangers of smoking. He also founded Project HOPE, which has provided necessary health care to the homeless and poor of the region.

“I’ve been blessed to have a wonderful family,” he said, “and to be part of Wheeling and hopefully making Wheeling healthier.”

Otten not only was integral in the creation of Oglebay Park’s Festival of Lights, designing 50 of the annual event’s light displays, he also founded the Wheeling Amateur Hockey Association, which has grown to hundreds of members and laid the foundation for hockey in the city.’

“Dad loved Wheeling and Oglebay Park and just about everyone he met,” Otten’s son Bob Otten Jr. said. “He was really a true people person.”

O’Brien is the longest-serving Jesuit priest at what is now Wheeling University. He arrived at the former Wheeling College in 1962 and was active there for 50 years, influencing countless students along the way.

“I’m embarrassed to the be the center of attention,” he said, “because I think we all of us are called to be service leaders. And all of us do that in remarkable, steady, everyday ways.”

After graduating from the newly integrated Wheeling High School in 1956, Thomas became the first Black student to ever enroll at Ohio Valley General Hospital’s School of Nursing. Thomas graduated in 1959, became a registered nurse and worked at OVGH for 12 years. In 1971, she began a 30-year career as a nurse with Ohio County Schools.

“Wow,” said her son Scott Thomas. “To have such a wonderful mother who was a contributor to the community and was an example for my brother and I, not only am I humbled and proud, but I’m blessed.”

An accomplished artist, Wilkinson’s work was hidden for decades. A Wheeling attorney took advantage of her, absconded with her inheritance and had her committed to an asylum. But in the 1960s, her pieces were unearthed and her work was introduced to the modern day.

“There is indeed justice in the universe,” said Wilkinson’s grand niece Jane Anderson in a statement read at the ceremony. “Today, her shining talent is being recognized and she has been embraced as one of Wheeling’s own. It’s especially gratifying that she’s in the company of such good and generous souls.”

Williams was a prominent voice in country music for decades with her husband Doc Williams. Her original arrangement of the hymn “Beyond the Sunset” was a No. 3 hit that later was recorded by Hank Williams and Red Foley. She was a cast member of WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree program for 52 years, retiring with her husband.

“If my grandmother was here today, she would tell you she was not deserving of such an honor,” said her grandson, former Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie. “She would be sure to let you know that she has just lived her life doing what she loves most – sing and sing with her husband, sing harmony with her three daughters, cook for her family and enjoy the company of their fans around the world.”

Steckel gained fame with ABC Sports, working with executive producer Roone Arledge. As a producer and director, he won eight Emmy awards for “ABC’s Wide World of Sports,” college football, and various summer and winter Olympic games.

“After 20 years on the road and millions of miles traveled, Dad returned to Wheeling to teach like both his parents and to be with family,” said his son Stephen Steckel. “This community made Dad who he was and we’re grateful for his life well lived.”

Wheeling Vice Mayor Chad Thalman said Saturday’s inductees blazed the trail that has led Wheeling to revitalization and further success.

“The real credit belongs to the countless individuals who work behind the scenes in their own way in their own field to improve our community, help our citizens and make Wheeling a better city,” he said. “And the 11 individuals who have been inducted tonight have laid a foundation that the citizens of Wheeling both past and present have benefitted from.”