Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Coleman Fish Market, Tuesday are Jodi Carder, left, and her father, Joe Coleman.
WHEELING, W.Va — When Joe and Nellie Coleman started their fish business in 1914, they could buy fresh fish, delivered, for 3 cents per pound. They began selling fish sandwiches in 1940 for 5 cents each.
Prices have since changed with the times, but the Coleman brand has endured for 100 years.
On Tuesday, the company held a 100th birthday bash, complete with live music, a cake, prizes and a special promotion that had customers lining up the length of Centre Market and out the door. Face painters and balloon artists joined the party.
For the past 40 years, the business has been owned by Coleman and his sister, Mary Rich. Jodi Carder, Joe’s daughter and heir apparent, has been office manager for four years.
Joe and Mary’s grandparents, Joe and Nellie, started the business as the Union Fish Market on Short Market Street between 10th and 11th streets. In 1920, they moved to Center Wheeling’s Fifth Ward Upper Market House Stall 50.
Ray and his wife, Maria Coleman, took over the reigns until 1973 when they passed it to when Joe and Mary.
Wheeling author and historian John Bowman, who compiled historical facts about the business, remembers a conversation he and his wife, Glinda, had with Maria Coleman…
