WALLACE KNIGHT

The History of West Virginia, Old and New
Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc.,
Chicago and New York, Volume III,
pg. 590
Kanawha

WALLACE KNIGHT. The remarkable building era which
has almost transformed Charleston within recent years did
not have to go abroad for the technical skill and business
organization involved in the work. Wallace Knight, who
has been located here over twenty-four years, head of the
Wallace Knight Construction Company, designers and build-
ers, has supplied a large share of the facilities in this
building era.

Wallace Knight is a native of West Virginia, and
largely through his individual experience has developed a
wide range of knowledge and proficiency as a designer of
first-class residences and apartments.  He was born at
Ravenswood, Jackson County, in 1869, and was a child
when his parents moved to Mason County, where he was
reared and educated. As a youth he learned the carpenter's
trade, worked for several years as a journeyman and in
1897 located at Charleston. From a skilled mechanic he
developed his powers largely through private study to a
comprehensive knowledge of the wide technique involved in
architecture and building construction, and aside from being
a competent designer himself has surrounded his individual
skill with able assistants, so that his office can supply all
the facilities required in any size or type of building con-
tract.

His position as one of the leading builders is asserted by
numerous examples all over Charleston District of modern
and substantial structures which he has erected and many of
which he has designed. Among many business buildings
one interesting example is the Virginian Theater. His
specialty, however, is modem residence and apartment con-
struction, and more of this type of work has been done by
him in Charleston than by any other builder. There has
been a notable building era in fine residences and apart-
ment houses in Charleston in recent years, particularly on
Quarrier, Virginia and Kanawha streets, in the eastern sec-
tion of the city. Some of the conspicuous homes and apart-
ments in that section that testify to Mr. Knight's wort
are the residences of F. K. Homestead, A. P. Silverstein,
L. E. McWhorter, Harry Silverstein, W. J. Builtman, M.
B. Goldman, E. A. Agnew, W. E. Wright and U. G. Thomas.
Mr. Knight is also designer and builder of the Oberlan
Building on Quarrier Street, in which his own offices are
located.

Mr. Knight is a thoroughly alive and up-to-date citizen,
identified with all progressive matters. He is a member of
the Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and Elks. He married Miss
Eva Stoglin, of Kanawha County. They have two children.
Clarence Knight and Miss Iris Knight.

Submitted by:  vfcrook@earthlink.net (Valerie Crook)

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