Fow Tour - 1040 Main Street (former Kaufman's Store)

Friends of Wheeling toured 1040 Main Street on October 28, 2023.
The history of this property is a bit confusing, in part because it appears that it was originally three separate structures. Street address numbers also vary and include 1034 Main (the furthest north section, adjacent to the alley) to 1038 Main (the center section) to 1040 Main (the furthest to the south). The Ohio County Assessor uses two addresses – 1034 Main and 1040 Main – both of which are described as being part of Lot Number 36, and both of which were included as Parcel 1 and Parcel 2 in recent deed documents.

The 1978 National Register nomination for the Wheeling Historic District names 1040 Main as the “Zinn, Steger, Graham Building, c. 1868” and includes the brief description “brick classical revival commercial buildings” that are in the category of buildings “significant as contributing to the historical/architectural ambiance of the entire district.” No separate listing was included for 1034 or 1038 Main, and by the time of that nomination, the existing false façade would have been in place, which makes the description problematic.

An 1871 map shows buildings at this location, south of Madison Street (now 10th) and just south of “Market Alley.” Street numbers at that time appear to have been 170 (on the north), 168, and 166 Main Street.

A more detailed Sanborn Insurance Map from 1884 shows three brick structures (as indicated by the pink color), with a three-story B&S (boots and shoes) store on the north/alley end of the property, a two-story candy store in the middle, and a two-story jewelry store to the south. Street numbers include 1034, 1036, 1038, and 1040 Main.

Deed records indicate several owners from around that time, including Ann Graham who obtained part of the property from Peter Zinn through an early 1875 court decree that included “shelving, counters, and gas and water fixtures,” and Allen Graham, who obtained another portion from Nicholas Steger and his wife Barbara in early 1868. Of interest is that the second parcel had been listed in the will of a prior owner, Jacob Berger, who stated that the property was intended “for the sole use and benefit of Ann Graham and free from all control or disposal of her husband.”

The 1884 Wheeling City Directory shows several people residing at 1036 Main, perhaps on upper floors: Mrs. Barbara Steger (widow), Miss Amelia Steger, Edward J. Steger, Miss Lizzie M. Steger, and William N. Steger. Allen E. Graham, grocery salesman who resided in Martins Ferry is also shown at 1036 Main.

In late 1889, Miss Kate Garver, who had a millinery store at 22 11th Street, purchased the property for $12,000 (roughly equivalent to $375,000 today). By that time, the Steger family was still listed as living at 1036 Main, and Alexander Durst was living at 1038 Main and operating a confectionary and fruit store at that address. Anton Stauver had a jewelry store at 1040 Main.

On December 3, 1890, a small fire occurred in Anton Stauver’s jewelry shop. The newspaper reported that at about 5:30 p.m. “a man passing … saw flames issuing from under the counter, and he immediately communicated the fact to the people in the neighborhood. Patrick Kennedy, one of the key holders in that section, quickly turned in an alarm from box 21, and the department was soon on deck. The chemical engine was the first to the scene, and a heavy charge of the anti-flame fluid was turned on the fire, which almost instantly checked the progress of the fire, and in a few moments completely subdued it. The work of the chemical was wonderful, and all who saw the performance were not slow to appreciate this new and valuable addition to the department. This is the first time the chemical has had a good opportunity to test its merit.”

The article continues with the information that “The block in which the store is located is owned by Mrs. (sic) Kate Garver, and the loss is fully covered by insurance. There was no insurance on the stock, which is considerably damaged, especially some of the repairs in process of construction.”

It appears that other small businesses came and went over the years. For example, in 1898, a clairvoyant offered his services from the second floor “parlors” of 1036 Main.

The 1902 Sanborn Insurance map shows a building configuration similar to that in 1884, with a three-story drug store building indicated at 1034 Main and the adjacent buildings shown as being two stories in height.

In 1905, Kate Garver, who never married, deeded the property to her nephew, Joseph H. DeVille, during his lifetime.

The confectionary run by the Durst family continued at 1038 Main for decades, under the names of Alexander Durst, then Alexander Durst and Sons (Frank, Charles, and Robert), and finally as Alexander Durst’s Sons following the death of Alexander in 1910. Reportedly needing additional space, the business moved to Chapline Street by the time the 1930 city directory was published.

The 1921 Sanborn map indicates some additions to the rear of the property and a restaurant in the center/1038 Main building. This map indicates that both 1034 and 1038 Main were three-story brick buildings by 1921.

Other businesses at these addresses included:
•1919-1920 – Pieper & Sons (dyers and cleaners) and A.F. Kaufman (painter) in 1040 Main
•1930 – Millers Clothing (men’s and women’s clothing) and Joseph S. Steger (dentist) at 1034 Main; Apollo Confectionary at 1038 Main, and Star Clothing (ladies and men’s clothing) at 1040 Main. Several people also lived at these addresses at the time, presumably in apartments on the upper floors.

The right side of a streetscape shows the property around the 1930-ish time period, with the 1040 Main Star Clothing sign visible on the right side of the picture and the larger Stone & Thomas Store to the north. The buildings at 1034-1040 Main appear to be three stories in height.

Later city directories show the following:
•1940 – Joseph S. Steger (dentist) and Jennie Wren (women’s wear) at 1034 Main; Apollo Confectionary, Laura Vaas (furrier), and several tenants at 1038 Main; and Kween Kotton Shops (ladies wear) at 1040 Main.
•1949-1950 – Mary Lee Candy Store and Joseph S. Steger (dentist) at 1034 Main; Apollo Confectionary (also called the Apollo Restaurant), Laura Vaas (furrier), the Beauty Nook, and several tenants at 1038 Main; and Star Clothing (“Clothing for the Entire Family”) at 1040 Main.

The 1955 City Directory had similar listings to those in 1949-50, but by the time of the 1956 City Directory, 1040 Main is shown as being vacant, with the Mary Lee Candy Store and dentist Steger still occupying 1034 Main and one tenant in 1038 Main.

Jack and Richard Kaufman purchased the property in mid 1957 and may have added the false front shortly after that, as evidenced in the shiny façade on the right side, just south of Stone & Thomas that shows in the 1958 Christmas Parade picture.

The company apparently remained at their prior location at 28 11th Street until their grand opening in late March, 1960.

The property was sold to Kabro, Inc. (Bernhard G. Kaufman) in 1991, and Kaufman’s remained a popular women’s clothing store until it closed in 2010. The store specialized in ladies’ formal wear, featuring prom and wedding gowns.

The Vineyard Christian Fellowship purchased the property in 2018 and sold it in 2022 to Brian Huggins.

Youtube link of tour: youtu.be/Yoa8RZZS5T8