Phillips House, 653 Main Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the oldest houses in Wheeling

 

• 1797: Area of 653 Main in first addition to original Old Town Wheeling.

• 1818: National Road reaches Wheeling, coming down 7th St and turning south on Main, in front of 653 area.

• 1831: Construction of Arthur & Hannah Phillips House based on date stone on sandstone lintel of 2nd floor window. Andrew Jackson president of the USA.

• 1832: Arthur M. Phillips, one of the first steam engine builders in the West, started building engines for boats constructed by Elijah Murray.  Engine works (foundry, pattern shop and boiler works) were behind house at lower lever where Providence Green Apartments are today. Dozens of boats were built here.

• 1834: Wheeling water system installed in North Wheeling, using 14” iron pipe and steam powered pump. Reservoir was between 7th and 8th streets, east of Lane C.

• 1836: Wheeling incorporated as a city.

• 1843: Phillips forced into bankruptcy  during national panic or depression. House and business auctioned, with three Phillips sons buying them. Addition of 655, 657 and 659 homes for Phillips sons.

• 1849: Wheeling Suspension Bridge built – reputedly the first in the world.

• 1852: Son Hans Wilson Phillips buys family foundry business.

• 1852: The Intelligencer newspaper founded.

• 1852: Arrival of B&O Railway in Wheeling.

• 1859: Arthur Phillips appointed Inspector of Boilers and Hulls by President Buchanan.

• 1861: Arthur Phillips removed from inspector position by President Lincoln.

• 1861: Arthur Phillips & two sons vote for secession from the union as the Civil War begins.

• 1863 Jun20: West Virginia becomes 35th state with Wheeling as capital.

• 1869 Feb 23: Arthur Phillips dies at age 85 and funeral was held at 653 Main before burial at Mt. Wood Cemetery. Ulysses Grant president of USA.

• 1870: Map showing 853 House and Phillips steam works. Ulysses Grant president of USA.

• 1873: Hans Phillips sold business and riverfront property to Wheeling Centripetal Company and sometime later the rail yards replaced the Phillips engine works area at bottom of the hill.

• c. 1900: House split into two properties, 653 and 653 1/2.

• 1918:  653 and 653 1/2 houses sold outside the family and divided into apartments owned by W.H. Zimmerman, Jr. (653) and Mary J. Moore (653 1/2).

• 1985: 653 1/2 sold at auction for $3,000 to Debby Shondrick. Ronald Reagan president of USA.

• 1996, Aug 12: Fire at 653 and 653 1/2 Main – I think it is safe to say it is a total loss, according to Fire Investigator Mike Witt. Bill Clinton president of USA.

• 2004, Jan: After being abandoned nearly 8 years, Jeanne and Ken Weisenborn purchase 653 and 653 1/2. They cut down a tree growing through the roof, removed fire debris and tore down remaining roof and back wall, replacing them with a new steel roof and new brick wall. Plywood floors, room divisions and wonderful 12 over 12 front windows installed, but Weisenborns decide not to make this their home. George Bush president of the USA.

• 2005, Oct.: Vera Uyehara and Chuck Wood buy property from Weisenborns and reunite two properties into a single family home. Architects Steve Avdakov and Wills –Loustau redesigned the interior, and Dick Knecht Construction company rebuilt the structure between Dec 2007 and Dec 2008. George Bush president of the USA.

• 2009, Jun 20: First public showing of renewed Phillips House.  Barack Obama president of USA.

 

Much of this information has come from Thad Podratsky, home owner and historian of North Main Street.

Compiled by Chuck Wood, July 2009