When the Wheeling Park Casino burned in 1925. The White Palace was contructed in its place. (Click to see a larger image.)

There has been a Wheeling Park since before the turn of the 20th century. Until it was deeded to the newly-formed Wheeling Park Commission in 1925, however, the property was in private hands. First, it was an estate so beautiful that people came from miles around to walk the grounds. English immigrant Thomas Hornbrook welcomed his visitors to "Hornbrook's park." Later, it became a private amusement park complete with arcades, amusement rides and games, holiday celebrations, and a swimming pool and casino.

The first White Palace was a wooden pavilion that is no longer standing. (Click to see a larger image.)

In its heyday, old Wheeling Park was owned and operated by the Reymann Brewing Company, who patterned it after the colorful German beer gardens. Changing tastes, World War I and the pending shadow of prohibition led to the closing of the park in the late teens. Soon after, Wheeling Park was deserted and run-down. City officials had high hopes of raising funds to purchase the park for public use, but their first attempt in 1923 was not successful. Otto Schenk, president of the Chamber of Commerce, refused to let the issue die.

The original entrance to Wheeling Park is pictured here. (Click to see a larger image.)

In December 1924, two Wheeling businessmen, Charles Sonneborn and Louis Haller took an option on the property with the intent of subdividing it. First, however, they offered to give the park to the public if $350,000 could be raised to buy and equip the park, and if it would be placed under non-political management.

The plan was announced in the newspapers and the public was given two weeks to raise the funds. W.E. Stone, prominent businessman-philanthropist, offered to give the first $100,000 and his offer drew in other substantial gifts (including one from Earl W. Oglebay of Cleveland). By 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, more than 170 pledges assured that the goal had been reached.

In its headline on December 25, 1924, the Wheeling Intelligencer proclaimed, “Wheeling Park is a Christmas Gift to the Wheeling Public.”