Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Loar Building

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

1. Loar Building Marker

Inscription.
William R. Loar was a topographical photographer for the United States government working primarily in the West when he retired to Grafton in 1891 to open a photography business. In 1896, he purchased the old Henry O'Leary property and used it as his studio until 1902.

His business had grown so much that at that time, he tore down the O'Leary house and built the present four story structure. His expanded business also included the sale of photography equipment such as cameras, plates, and film to both amateurs and professionals and eventually a second studio in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Erected by West Virginia Humanities Council and Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 39° 20.483′ N, 80° 1.277′ W. Marker is in Grafton, West Virginia, in Taylor County. Marker is on West Main Street (U.S. 119) just west of Latrobe Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 West Main Street, Grafton WV 26354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colerider Block (a few steps from this marker); Jolliffe Building (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Merchants & Mechanics Savings Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Brinkman Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Grafton (within shouting distance of this marker); Gough Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome To Historic Grafton West Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

2. Loar Building Marker

Marker is located between the two doors.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 163 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.