John Key Wilson residence as it appeared in 1874. PO1.442

History of the John Key Wilson Home.

Fraternal Order of Eagles - NILES #1476 was established as a not for profit organization in 1898 in the United States of America. In 1998, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #1476 located on South Main Street celebrated their 100th anniversary in Niles, Ohio. The planning committee placed an article in the Niles Times requesting readers to share photos, stories from the past and any memorabilia relating to the Eagles # 1476.

From the “Pictorial History of Niles”, published by the Niles Historical Society, Barbara Gilmore recognized the house of John Key Wilson. Mr. Wilson resided in the home at 316 South Main Street in 1874. He was born in Scotland and later moved to Niles, Ohio. He married Sarah Porter and had one daughter, Alice Wilson who was born in 1878. Mr. Wilson died in 1888.

By comparing the photo and an early picture taken of the Eagles building she realized it was the same building. The roof structure was the same and the twin gables and the copula were all the same.

A title search was started to verify if it was the same building. After spending several days at the Trumbull Court House Archives Department and the Warren Library seeking information it was confirmed it was the same building. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Map 1867-1970 and the Niles Census taken in 1870-1880 were also very helpful.

In September 1919, the house was sold to the Eagles, #1476 and an addition was added on to the back of the house consisting of large ballroom upstairs and large social quarters downstairs.

This photograph with the large upper and lower porches and back additions shows the new Eagles Building, ca 1919.

This photograph appeared in the 1834-1934 Niles Daily Times Centennial Edition.

The Nile Bridge project was first suggested some time prior to 1924. A consulting engineer was hired to estimate the cost of the bridge and assist the county engineer is preparing plans which were presented in 1926. Three prominent real estate men were appointed to make an estimate of the damage to the adjoining properties that in any way might be involved in the work of construction.

The general plans were approved and adopted in 1927 and a permit was secured from the War Department for the construction of the bridge over the Mahoning River which was still classified as a navigable stream. Notices were served upon the property owners in April 1927 and they were notified to file their claims. The total cost of the bridge construction and settlement of property claims was $627,000.
Damage claims began to be submitted and when all were filed there was a total of $630,000 demanded by the property owners.

The Iron Bridge was a flat steel bridge which spanned the Mahoning River. Main Street sloped down to the bridge beginning at State Street and past Water Street. On the South Side, First Street was level with the bridge. The buildings along both sides of Main Street would either be destroyed or access the new Viaduct with a higher entrance on the second floor. The Eagles Building is a good example of the height change that would occur in the viaduct construction.

On September 16, 1932 the first load of material arrived for the construction of the Viaduct. On September 19, work started on the temporary bridge and it was opened October 20th, at which time, this old iron bridge was torn down. The new Viaduct was dedicated on October 28, 1933.