Talk about memories online.

Parkersburg, West Virginia: A Vintage Portrait is a convenient and fascinating library of old photographs, postcards and even old advertising that capture much of the history of the Ohio River city.

Images of commerce, progress, history and even disasters, especially floods, are sure to evoke memories and even questions about the Wood County seat and environs. Among the most memorable photos are those of long-gone electric streetcars -- an efficient public transportation system that linked Wood County communities and even crossed the Ohio River at Marietta, Ohio.

Architect of the site is Parkersburg native Jim Dawson, who left his hometown in 1962 to serve in the Marines and then earn a psychology degree in 1971 from West Virginia University.

Dawson said he started the Web site in 2000, aware that Parkersburg history had an audience.

"Back in 1969, a friend, Gary Null, and I privately published a photo book ... called 'Parkersburg: An Early Portrait,'" Dawson wrote from Los Angeles, where he has lived and worked since 1977.

"We printed 2,000 copies (over two printings) and sold them all. Some of the cards and photos I had later showed up on the site."

Dawson said he maintains the site as a public service and "people can snatch what they want."

"I frequently get thank-you notes and queries from people who stumble upon it," he said.

Dawson said he has found other West Virginia-related sites online and has linked to some of those from "Parkersburg, West Virginia: A Vintage Portrait."