Time Travel: A 1987 Valley Hills Shopping Center Sign and a 1940s Visit to the Philippi Covered Bridge
By Dick Duez on July 26, 2026 from History Blog
Who remembers the Valley Hills Shopping Center off of Virginia Avenue and U.S. Route 50? Although the site is still there, it has since undergone a name change. Today, it is "The Square." Who remembers any of the old businesses from years gone by? If you recall any, comment on on our social media pages.
As the picture says, the Philippi Covered Bridge was the site of the first land battle of the U.S. Civil War and was erected in 1852. It's been modified, restored, repaired, and completely rebuilt after a fire leveled decades ago. The photo above is from the 1940s.
Editor's Note: This ongoing photo feature of pictures from Bridgeport and throughout the Mountain State is part of local historian Richard "Dick" Duez's collection. Duez, the unofficial historian of Bridgeport, would appreciate any scanned photos emailed to him for use here or to include in his ongoing efforts to preserve local history. You can email photos, or let him know how to acquire copies of photos you may have in your possession, to Duez at at dick@duez.ws
