Time capsules unearthed at former OVMC give a glimpse into life 112 years ago

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — Hundreds of people came out to Wheeling today for a very special ceremony that celebrated the iconic history of an Ohio Valley institution that touched the lives of many.

As the demolition of the Ohio Valley Medical Center continued, two time capsules that were buried under the building were retrieved.

Today, both capsules were revealed at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wheeling, where a group of women initiated the institution in the 1890s.

One capsule was from 1912, when the center was in the process of becoming the Ohio Valley General Hospital.

The second capsule was buried in 1980 when the new building was built to accommodate more patients.

An alumnus of the Ohio Valley General Hospital’s School of Nursing and a long-time employee shares how special it is to honor the thousands of people who worked and were treated in the historic building.

It just shows the continuity of this institution and the fact that it was designed or made to be caring and compassionate for this community. It meant the world to this community in many ways. So, it was important that the employees and the folks that came today understand they made a difference.”

Mary McKinley – Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing Class of ‘72, Former OVMC employee

As people left the ceremony, they had the chance to view the items in the time capsules and take a brick from the building home with them.

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