Notes for: Thomas Knotts "T.K." Wolfe

A prominent Philippi businessman and councilman, he started his business in Barbour County in 1937, when he opened a feed store in what was known as the Hawkins House. Two years later, he expanded his business and erected a new building, which was later occupied by Smokey Ray’s Restaurant. The new business was called Wolfe & Co. and eventually expanded to a Belington location. Five warehouses were utilized to store the wide variety of merchandise sold in the two stores. In addition to the feed, farm supply, warehouse and builders supply business, Mr. Wolfe opened the first discount store in Barbour County in the Crim Building, which he closed when he sold the building to First National Bank. He also dealt extensively in real estate, buying and selling eleven farms and three service stations. At one time, he owned property where the following businesses were located at the time of his death: Hardees of Philippi; Freedom Bank and the parking lots of the the BC Bank; and the Philippi City Building. Mr Wolfe owned the Geneva Motel & Lido Theater in Philippi and St. Dennis Milling Co. in Ravenswood. A Philippi City Councilman for several years, he was instrumental in securing federal funds for the erection of the city building. He was also a sportsman, winning the West Virginia Senior Skeet Championship for three consecutive years, as well as being a licensed pilot.