Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-07-16

htP oAN NAN
revealed the fact that a famine exists
in this city-not a food famine, nor a
water famine, but a house famine, that
has swept every vacant house into the
possession of eager tenants.
1T is simply impossible" said Mr..
J. C. Devine yesterday, ito supply any
thing like the demand of those who
desire to rem residences. We are on
tinually visited by newcomers, who,
having accepted situations in connec-
ton with u rapidly increasing man.
%ufacturing industries, are Seeking to
rent houses for residences. But we are
absolutely unable to meet their de-
sires.
II do not think there is a real estate
firm in this city that has their house
to rent sign hung out. There ought
W NC uuHlltuo VI ltbihChtC Duiioih6o
going up to meet the demand. There is
also a demand for business stands
greatly in excess Of the supply. The
better and more modern the storeroom
the quicker it is snapped up. The at
tention of outside mercantile men has
been attracted to Wheeling's position
as the commercial center Of a section
containing immense manufacturing
establishments with payrolls Of a mil
lion dollars or more a month, and they
are seeking business stands here. We
need more and better business build
ings. We must have houses"
At Howard Hazlett & Sons 1t was a
similar story. There is a steady de-
mand-far greater than the supply
for residences at twenty to thirty dol
lars per month. Yes, the demand for
residences Of all kinds is increas-
ing"
Another gentleman, familiar with
real estate and business conditions in
Wheeling, said; Il know of no place
where real estate is S desirable for
an investment as it is here. What we
need is real estate owners who will
improve their holdings by the erection
of ~up-to-date structures thereon. The
by the natural topography of its site
and for that reason l believe the cree
tion of modern flats or apartment
houses would be a good paying invest
ment. 1t is a peculiar fact that our
own people do not seem to realize the
great advantages of our city as much
as do those who come among us from
other sections of the United States. We
need to wake up to our blessings and
our opportunities. We are the center
of a marvellous section, a section of
gigantic manufacturing interests and
of immense coal deposits. All about us
are apparently inexhaustible supplies
of oil and natural gas. The eyes of the
world are being attracted to West Vir-
ginia and her wonderful store of nat
aroused to a realization of her oppor-
tunities for expansion. Our city limits
should be greatly extended and our
real estate holders should build on and
improve their holdings"
A gentleman of wide experience in
business matters now visiting Wheel
ing for the first time, hearing the
above, said: Pardon me, but as you
are speaking of Wheeling I am inter-
ested. 1t is my first visit to this Sec
ton, and am simply amazed at what
I see. The Of this Ohio val
ley section of West Virginia have sur
prised me by their variety and extent.
Vast deposits of coal, oil and gas exist
all about your city. | understand that
Pittsburg obtains her gas supply from
West Virginia. Why? am informed
that you have a single mill here which
has a monthly payroll of about $780,
900. And / observe that is only one
of many either in or Immediately in
connection with your city. l am under
the impression that your citi-
Zens do not realize or posi-
bly, appreciate their opportunities.
There must be nearly two million dol
lars a month paid out to wage-earners
in your immediate vicinity. This ought
to mean prosperity to every business
house and to every property owner in
Wheeling. Why is it that it is almost
impossible to rent a residence here?"
Brief interviews with a number of
men employed in the different mills
and factories, as well as with other
real estate people, disclosed the further
fact that it was very difficult to secure
houses or apartments of a lower rental
than above named. Many seek places
that rent for from six dollars to fifteen
dollars per month, but are unable to
secure them. Flat or apartment build
ings with flats containing from three
to seven rooms would meet the de-
mand. But they should be constructed
on the most modern plans, and with