The Reymann Residence

Anton Reymann, like his competitor Henry Schmulbach was known as a beer baron, and one of Wheeling's brightest entrepreneurs.  Where they differed, though, would be in their moral character.  Schmulbach, a roughneck, lived in the heart of the German section, South Wheeling.  Reymann, a man of upstanding moral character lived at the corner of 15th and Eoff Street.  At the corner was a massive stone mansion.  Elegant in traditional Victorian style, the home itself was far from ordinary.  It's an empowering sight that no longer stands, and only a few images of the mansion can be easily found on-line, all in post card form.

Recently, Reymann was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame for his contribution to the economic success of Wheeling during its heyday.  Some of his more notable ventures where the Reymann Brewing Company, Wheeling Park Casino and Amusement Park, and the Altenheim Home for aged and friendless woman.  Just like Schmulbach, Reyman invested in railroads, and served as vice president and president of various enterprises.

Henry Schmulbach and Anton Reyman were not simply millionaires of Wheeling, they helped build the city.  As I've already briefly explored with Schmulbach, certain monuments to his life still stand in his memory, like the Schmulbach building.  But, on the other hand, we have also  seen the monuments to their legacy crumble in time, such as the Schmulbach mansion.

It's said that Schmulbach and Reymann were fierce competitors during their time, and even in their death I suppose they are still competing.  Whose accomplishments can outlast that of the other?



The Reymann residence no longer stands in its glory, but one structure of the property has remained standing, the carriage house.  Constructed of red brick (that has a wonderful reddish orange glow).  The second story is decorated with two round medallions and wonderful round windows.  A feature that is quite well known to brewery architecture can be seen on the front, and that is the face.

One of the brew gods faces can be seen from the top of the carriage house.  Coinciding with the Victorian Era and brewery architecture, faces on buildings was a common theme. As of right now, I am unable to identify the god depicted on the carriage house, and I would be grateful for any help in that subject.  It's also important to note the design of barley above the face.



The carriage house is all that remains of the old Reymann Residence.  At some point an addition was added to the front of the structure which is now home to Padden's Pharmacy, 1414 Eoff Street.

More detail of the building can be seen here:

• the side of the carriage house


• detail of the medallions


• another view


• another view of the face