Thi is the iconic Bell Studio shown at its 101 East Main Street location that was owned by Bob Nichols for decades after he purchsed the business from Jess Bell. Nichols shot many of the photos of past businesses and scenes in Bridgeport and for many years was the individual who shot portraits of Bridgeport High School seniors.

More than a century ago, train travel was a big deal in West Virginia and across the United States. This image shows an unknown event, perhaps a political rally, at the train depot in Pennsboro in Ritchie County. The photo is from 1910.

 

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, 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 dickdo@citynet.net