THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 29 January 2002


NOTE FROM JUDY - Sorry for the inconvenience but we are having a big problem with Freeservers, the company that hosts our web site. They are not allowing us to upload files. This might only be a glitch but just in case it isn't, we have found a new permanent home for the web site ... Tripod. This month's newsletter is on the Tripod server. You can still access everything else on the original site. Hopefully by next month we will have it all fixed. If you have the newsletter in your Favorites/Bookmarks you need to redo it.






LIFE
We write the record of our lives on the Scroll of Time. Memories of friends we have made, ecstasies we have lived and unsullied joys we have felt through the years form the pages of the Book of Life.

Lest we forget , we pause from time to time and turn the pages of this Book to live again past thrills, remember friends, and recall pleasant association.

Author unknown



A GREAT BIG THANK YOU

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com

During December, I was very surprised to receive Christmas cards, gifts and notes of appreciation from so many of you readers, I can never thank you enough. I am sorry that I was unable to return a Christmas card or write a thank you note to each of you personally but there were so many. I just can't seem to find the proper words to thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It was very special to receive these thoughtful expressions and to see that you really do enjoy the newsletter. You don't know how many times I nearly stopped doing this newsletter. It was only encouraging words from a few that kept me going in the beginning. Now I am so glad I kept writing!

THANK YOU and I hope each one of you have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous year of 2002. May there be peace in the world.



THANKS FROM ME TOO

submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)
jkimler@ezwv.com

I would like to thank everyone for the cards, goodies and flowers. I wish I could find the words to express exactly how much I appreciated them. I was overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness. I do the newsletter as a real "labor of love". Each month I look forward to finding just the right graphic to go with Roleta's articles. It is a pleasure to work with Roleta and everyone else who sends me pictures and ideas for future newsletters.

Again THANKS and I will try to live up to your praise.



TRIVIA QUESTION

submitted by: Fred Alvaro (WI '59)
FAlvaro59@aol.com

What are the four streets that border the old W.I.? (W.I. as we knew it!)




NEW E-MAIL ADDRESSES
EDITOR'S NOTE: Each month we publish new e-mail addresses. These are people who have just found out from one of you readers that the WI NEWSLETTER exists, they then contact me and wish to receive the monthly notice. So since they are all new to you, if you recognize a name, drop them a line and stay in touch.

Diane Tillman (WI '52) Tillmanor@aol.com
Marie Tillman (WI '82) ACEPUPPIE@aol.com
Dave Tillman (WI ?) Tillmanism@aol.com
Tammy Tillman Martin (WI ?) RLM56619@aol.com
Elisa Tillman Thompson (WI ?) etpassgo@hotmail.com
Betty Gardner Gibson (WI '43) dbgibsonaa@aol.com
Mel Muntzing (WI '58) Muntzing@aol.com
Jim White (WI '58) WhiteJ@wwnet.net
Phil Wyatt (WI '70) wyatt@iolinc.net
Marty Elliott (WI '57) Omphalos01@aol.com
Judy McDougal Siders (WI '57) siders_judy@msn.com
Glenna Pick Phillips (WI '38) glp13121@webtv.net
Arbradella Pat Maylee Mace (WI '57) amaceoh@webtv.net


CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Sam Iaquinta (WI '56) sam_iaquinta_mba70@post.harvard.edu
Ron Werner (WI '59) MrZip60@aol.com
Becky McClain Werner (WI '60) MrZip60@aol.com



    COME JOIN US!    

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com


We are having a Clarksburg Winter Picnic in Sarasota, Florida on March 2, 2002. Have you made your reservations? We had a large tunrout last year. I am expecting more this year.   I have rented a larger pavillion with more privacy.  There will only be one more newsletter after this one with a mention of the upcoming picnic.  I need to make plans and I HATE leaving things until the last moment. Please e-mail me or call 941-349-3590 and make your reservation now. Each person who responds will receive an e-mail from me with directions to the location of the picnic area. We will not be at the beach this year. There will be no problem with parking or with traffic. So please if you are interested, don't wait until the last minute, don't make me worry about no one wanting to come this year. Do me a favor --- contact me today. I am starting a list right now of those who will be attending.

Thank you ... Roleta1@aol.com




A SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT MR. FREDERICK

submitted by: Gary Robey (WI '58)
garcar407@cableone.net




I just wanted to share with all of you that our old history teacher is still alive and kicking. Still living alone at his family home at 98 Main Street, Shinnston, WV 26431.

We have remained friends now for 43 years. During our reunion Carol and I went to his home and visited him. He is so lonely he just cried like a baby and hugged us, it was a sad/happy affair.

So, if you can spare a little extra effort, (for who knows how much longer he will live?), I am sure he would be overwhelmed to hear from all of you.

If nothing else just a card or a short note. Let him know how many times you have thought of him in conversations with other students and how he is appreciated. Not too much to ask is it friends? It would be nice if you spread the word to others.





EDITORS NOTE: The first line is direct quote from Glenna---love that sense of humor!

From an old HILLTOPPER
submitted by: Glenna Lee Pick Phillips (WI '38)
glp13121@webtv.net

Roleta, I received a copy of the WI newsletter from Carol Van Horn Dean this morning & was so excited over all the news of Clarksburg. My name is Glenna Lee Pick Phillips & I'm a 1938 grad. of WI. I lived in Stealey until 1958 when my husband "Rusty Phillips " & I moved to Weirton. W.Va. I now live in New Philadelphia, Oh. The letters all brought back such good memories of my younger days. The Johnson Hardware that was mentioned in one of the letters, was owned by my husband's uncles Fred & Harry Johnson. I went to WVa Business College when it was upstairs over Blands Drug Store, I ate many an ice cream cone at Candyland & I took the train to Washington, DC many times during WW2 while my husband was overseas & my sister was stationed there while she was in the WAVES.

Thank you so much for the newsletter. I'll try to remember it in Jan.





submitted by: Millie Gardner Gregoire (WI '39)
Hi Roleta:

Loved the picture of the Glass Plant. It is either the Adamston Glass or Hazel Atlas Glass Plant. My name is Millie Gardner Gregoire (Class of 39 from W.I.). I lived on Adams Ave. My niece is Joy Gregoire Stalaker. I was at your last picnic in Clarksburg. My husband, Bud Gregoire, is a graduate of Victory High in 1936.

I am visiting in Florida with my brother, Bill Gardner and Donna Gardner, and my sister, Betty Gardner Gibson and her husband who is also here for the winter. Both Bill and Betty attended WI and have pleasant memories of the area especially the B. & O. Railroad.

I am writing to you on Betty's computer. E mail DBGIBSONAA@AOL.COM

Enjoyed the newsletter,





submitted by: Barbara Christie Morris (WI '50)
Bibliobarb@aol.com

Roleta,

You amaze me every month with the quality of your newsletter. Even those of us who are a decade removed from your class appreciate the chance to stay in touch with the enduring spirit of our school. In the November issue, an inquiry was made about two teachers -- Jack Frederick and Virginia Robinson. Both were faculty members when I graduated in 1950. By the time I returned to teach in 1966, only Jack was there; Virginia Robinson had left for a career in personnel at what was then Consolidated Natural Gas Co. and is now Dominion Resources. Virginia attended my class's fiftieth reunion with me the summer before last. Unfortunately, it was apparent to me and others that she was suffering from some type of senile dementia. She is presently living in a care facility in Morgantown, but she really had a good time at that reunion. Jack Frederick retired some years ago and lives at his home in Shinnston where he is now around 90 years old, is in frail health, and is homebound.

Funny story about Jack Frederick (who could be very prissy, if you recall). He kept a lot of his "stuff" in the storage room off the WI Library balcony. I didn't know he was up there one afternoon after school, I turned out the lights, locked the Library door and went home. I didn't know what had happened until the next morning when I arrived at school, met Jack coming down the hall in his inimitable way, telling me that he was "going to tell the principal on me". He'd managed to get out of the Library by shouting out a window to a custodian who happened to be standing out back. Cactus Jack (as he came to be called) was a little miffed, but we had a good laugh together.

Thank you again for the Newsletter.





submitted by: Arbradella Mace (WI '57)
amaceoh@webtv.net

Hello I'm Arbradella Pat Maylee Mace..I just wanted to say I received your news letter and enjoyed it very much. I have been in the archives reading everything I can.Such fond memories of my class of 57 and Clarksburg.. I live in Columbus,Ohio. I return from time to time because my son Greg Mace manages Big Lots in Bridgeport, WVA. I was married to the late Cary Ray Mace that went to R.W. (Class of 55)...I hope to receive all future news letters..thanks for all the memories...





submitted by: Phil Wyatt (WI '70)
wyatt@iolinc.net

I was pleased to see the WPDX stars! My father was Dewitt Wyatt (the guy in the middle) and I was a graduate in 1970. My brother Chris graduated in 1971 and sister Alice was a graduate in 1974. It was appropriate from my vantage point that the picture be in the December Newsletter as he died Dec. 7, 2000, a year ago! We had many fond memories of being in and around the radio station as kids, watching the parades from the windows and going to Hagans for hot dogs and cherry cokes (made the old way with the syrup from the fountain)!

As for Cherokee Sue, I'll have to look around and see if I can get a good picture! Hope I can find the old pictures!!

I currently am the band director at WI Middle School. The building has undergone a lot of change, but the memories are there! The band room is where the boys gym used to be and my office and storage areas are over the old pool!

Thanks again and add me to your list for the newsletter!





submitted by: Al Starkey (WI '60)
A2E4SE@aol.com

Hi Roleta I, like everyone else who e-mails you, enjoy the newsletter very much. I look forward to it the first of every month. I believe that the trivia pictures stimulate a lot of old memories, I know they have for me and I bet they do for a lot of other people too. That should encourage many others to respond from time to time.

The reason that the Clarksburg Bus Terminal in the November newsletter got me to thinking is that my grandfather, L.T. Perkins, (most people called him Perk or Perky) worked out of that building for many years. He started as a 'streetcar' operator back in the 1920s and continued until the 1940s when they were phased out. As I remember the 'streetcars' were an operation of the Monongalia Power Company. As a very young boy I remember him taking me for a ride on the streetcar. When the streetcar was discontinued he went to work as a bus driver, and continued as such till 1959 when he had to retire because of a heart attack. So you see he drove a bus around Clarksburg during the time I was in Central Jr. High and WI High School. I can remember getting a free ride on his bus more then once. I don't know if they are still the same now as then, but I remember some the bus routes were, Hartland & Despard (which I rode in from Chestnut Hills), North View & Broad Oaks, Norwood & Stealey. Do you remember the 'transfers' they would give you to go from one bus to another?

My grandfather and I were very close so I can remember spending many hours around the bus terminal offices and in the bus garage, watching them work on the buses. If you look closely at the picture of the old terminal to the level below the street level you see a row of columns and the outer wall sets back in the width of a railroad track, which was used many years ago to unload into the lower level of the terminal. I think when you drive by on the expressway you can still see how it was. My grandfather told me that in the earlier years when the Circus came to town on the train, they would unload the circus animals off there into the lower level of the terminal. It was just a short distance to the Carmichael Auditorium on Sixth Street were they performed.

I'll not take up any more of your time for now. Love the hard work you are doing. In closing "How about them DIAMONDBACKS!!" Wasn't that an exciting World Series?

Enjoying the winter in Phoenix.





submitted by: Dolores Costlow Wall (WI '58)
Kidneybean60@aol.com

I was visiting my mom and we decided to do some cleaning out in her attic. She still lives in the house we moved to on Davis Street when I was a junior. I found a box of my old stuff. What memories it brought back. I found a majorette doll and a drum majorette doll that I had won at a band banquet. I offered them to my classmates and Anne Pears Jones now has the majorette and Carol Van Horn Dean has added the drum majorette to her collection. I found an old photo album full of memories. I have scanned some and sent them along. Some from high school, some from college.

Remember Camp Horseshoe? Girl Scouts? All in there. Also in the box were several copies of the Hilltopper and one even called the Valleybottom with some very strange stories in it.

I found my autograph book from JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL! Some of your names are there wishing me well in my journey through life. Maybe next time I will scan some of the ones that I know read this newsletter.

After high school, I went off to Marshall (GO HERD) and my freshman beanie was there. It is probably the only thing from that long ago that still fits. I could not believe that that box was still there and that I had saved all those things. Now I am glad that I did.





submitted by: Steve Griffith (NDHS '60)
SGriff2393@aol.com

December issue is really great!!! Wonderful graphics!!! Great comments and input. You do a wonderful job.

Thanks.





submitted by: Judy Siders (WI '57)
siders_judy@msn.com

Just read your newsletter, it is wonderful. How long have you been doing this? My name is Judy Mc Dougal Siders WI 57. Everything brings back so many memories. My dad drove the bus for years with WEST VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION from Clarksburg to Wheeling, with a layover in Belton. My granddad was a traveling salesman from Parkersburg and when he came to Clarksburg, we would go stand on 4th street bridge to watch the trains until my dad got in. I still love trains to this day. When I was 40 years old, one of my daughters got me an HO gauge. I live in Columbus, Ohio and they keep talking about starting a train service, maybe someday, always keep the fighting spirit for this event. Is there any way to see the past issues for the newsletter. Keep up the great work!!!!

EDITOR'S NOTE: To answer a question from Judy McDougal Siders -- and any other readers who might be interested -- you can read past issues of the newsletter by clicking on the word ARCHIVES at the bottom of the newsletter. After clicking on ARCHIVES you will see a main page with all of the past issues listed by month. Save the newsletter address in your FAVORITES file and you can return to read the newsletter as often as you wish. We have about 500 hits on this newsletter each month.





submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@aol.com

Greetings: Roleta: Just finished reading your wonderful December news letter. I received an E-Mail from a W-I Graduate (1956) by the name of Marolyn Tustin. She said she really enjoys the newsletter. She was requesting some info on street cars that served our county from 1902 till 1947. I'm mailing her a packet of info on Monday. She now lives in Florida.

Also read with great interest the article that Joy Gregorie inserted. I worked with her grandfather, George Gregorie, back in 1945 at the Chicago Dairy & Baking company. He worked mainly the produce department and I worked in the bakery. I was only 15 at the time and a Junior at Victory. My uncle, Harry Kinnard, owned the bakery at that time. He had a son that attended W-I and they called him "Bucky". He was a radio announcer and ended up in Hollywood, Florida. Joy mentioned the House of Resta Baby Bottle Warmer. I purchased one in 1956 when my son was born. We lived on VanBuren St. at that time and we needed it when we traveled down to the farm or on short trips. That was a nice invention at that time providing you had a cigarette lighter in your automobile.

Take care.





submitted by: Vicki Limbers Moore (WI '67)
VnDmoore@aol.com

Thank you for my first newsletter and for introducing me. By the way, my name is spelled Vicki (not Vickie) just for the record ..not that it matters.

My husband, Dave, and I plan to attend the picnic in Sarasota in March. I look forward to hearing about the exact location and other details. It will be fun just seeing and talking with everyone. Thanks for organizing it and thanks for the newsletter ........... it's terrific! Plus, I notice that you got the thumbs up from the editor of the Clarksburg newspaper

My brother, Steve Limbers, and his wife Sandy MAY also attend the picnic. They live in Wilmington, Delaware.

And yes, I believe I've heard every April Fool's Day joke ever made! It truly is a FUN birthdate!

I've gone back about four or five months in the archives of your newsletter so far. Saw a photo of my brother on the steps of Alta Vista and read an article from my aunt, Penny (Christie) Johnson about Candyland. Anxious to read ALL the issues. Thanks for all your hard work. I will try to share.

My husband and I just bought a log cabin at Maple Lake this past summer. It needs a lot of work before we can spend time there. It is going to be our little "get away" place. My father still lives in C-burg as well and a cousin and an aunt. My husband is from Blacksburg, Va. and also enjoys getting back to the "hills".





submitted by: Harriett Danley VanVoorhis (WI '58)
Eerfanvan@aol.com

I would like to add my memories of the B&O Railroad, if it's not too late.

When I was about 5 years old and my sister was 10, back in the days when mom and dad didn't have to be so cautious about their children's safety, our parents allowed us to go alone on our first train ride to West Union, to visit our grandmother. During the trip, I went to the bathroom, which I thought was pretty cool, until everything suddenly went black! Absolutely terrified, I went screaming down the aisle to my seat and to my sister's total embarrassment and anger!! No one had told me about tunnels! To this day, I remember that there were 9 tunnels between Clarksburg and West Union.

My guess on the trivia picture is either Hazel Atlas or Clearlite Glass Company, but then it may not be either one!

By the time the newsletter comes out, Christmas will have come and gone. I hope it was joyful for all! As far as the new year is concerned, I would like to say to you and your readers, "May 2002 be very, very good to you!"





submitted by: Gloria Caruso Shaffer (WI '58)
MShaf26478@aol.com

My husband, Mike Shaffer (WI 58) thinks the picture is of the old Hazel Atlas plant. It looks like the picture was taken from the B&O bridge that crosses the road going into North View. Speaking of North View I remember riding the street car with my mother to visit her cousin that lived there. If it stopped in 47, I was really young when I did that.

I also remember taking my daughter on a final train ride out of Clarksburg to Parkersburg before the B&O abandoned passenger service. Goodness how long ago was that?

Do you remember the Deb Shop in the Arcade? I really thought I was something when I got to buy a dress there.

Isn't it funny we can remember something from so long ago,but have a hard time remembering what we did last week?

My husband and I really enjoy this news letter, but wish more from the class of 58 would participate.

No amount of thanks would be enough for all of your hard work!




TRAIN TRIP

submitted by: Mike Shaffer (WI '58)
MShaf26478@aol.com


Pictured left to right are: Marilyn Wolfe Ross (WI 62), Hank Ross (WI 59), Gloria Caruso Shaffer (WI 58), and Mike Shaffer (WI 58). This picture was taken during a train ride from Belington, WV to Elkins to the Cheat junction.

Hank and Mike, friends since grade school (Morgan), retired from CNG Transmission Corporation and have been enjoying train travel throughout West Virginia. Marilyn and Gloria have spent their retirement keeping the guys straight.

We wish all of our classmates "Happy New Year and Good Health".

Let's hear more from the Class of 58, pictures would be great.




JANUARY TRIVIA PICTURE

submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)
jkimler@ezwv.com


Hope you recognize this picture and that it stirs up some memories that you can share with us. Just send your guesses and memories to Roleta1@aol.com. Thank you for contribution and helping this newsletter survive.







JANUARY BABIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
For the birthdays this month, I have included the e-mail address so it will be easier for you to drop your friends a line and wish them a happy birthday.

Elizabeth Teter Akin (WI '56)    January 5 LibAkin@aol.com
Mary Ann Conrad Cowger (WI '58)   January 7 Mcowger@excite.co
Helen House Fleming (WI '59)    January 9 jamming@citynet.net
Bill VanVoorhis (WI '58)    January 10 Eerfanvan@aol.com
Erma Loria Uhle (WI '59)    January 10 ErmaUhle@aol.com
Dolores Costlow Wall (WI '58)   January 13 kidneybean60@aol.com
Jim Martin (WI '59)    January 26 JEMartin12641@email.com
Karen Moffett Lattin (WI '59)    January 29 KMYER @harborside.comt
Jim Alvaro (WI '56)    January 29 jalvaro@aol.com

Please send you birthdates to either Gary Weiner at cias@iolinc.net or Roleta1@aol.com.





ARCADE MEMORIES

Freddie Layman (VHS 1946) sent the following information for us.

I don't think anyone remembered more than a couple of these --- isn't it funny some of the things we can remember?

Listed below are the names of Tenants at 349 Arcade Building in 1956. The fire destroyed the building in 1957.

Rooms:

1. Roberts Shoe Store (side)
3. Arcade Beauty Shoppe
4. Arcade Barber Shop
5. Crown Clns
6. Debuteen Shoppe
7. Drexal's Music Store
8. Arcade Shoe Rebuilders
9-11 Frieden Calculating Machine Co
        Heaster, Harold L typewriters
10-12 Lawson, Raleigh H typewriters
13. City Paint Store
      Roccisano, GG Art Studio
15. Christian Science Reading Room
16. Bokey's Alteration Shop
17. L&N Advertising Inc.
18. Sewing Machine Exchange
19. Gabbert Insurance Agency
20. The Rummage Shop
22. Arcade Fur Shop
23. Helen Marie Kitchen (bakers)
24. Real Estate
26-27 Coal Cln Co. (mining machinery)
        Central Oil and Gas Co.
        Standard Gas Co.
        Watson Oil and Gas Co.
28. Vacant
29. Harrison County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Assn. of WV
30. Violet's alteration Shop
31-33 American Health Insuracnce Corp.
        Duncan Insurance Agency
34-35 Voge Dressmaking Shop
36-37 Beltone Hearing Aid Center
38. State Automobile Mutual Ins.(claims office)
39. Girl Scouts (Harrison county Council)
40-42 State Automobile Mut. Insurance Co
        Lewis and Lynch Insurance

EDIOTR'S NOTE: Now you know why you didn't remember most of the businesses located in the Arcade Building? Re-read the list and you will see that most are insurance companies or businesses that really didn't concern we kids! Yes, we remember the important things like the Debuteen Shop and Drexal's...some remembered the shoe repair. So, now you don't feel so bad after all do you?

Thanks for trying and for writing your memories to us. So sorry that more didn't have memories of the Arcade.


Here are a few e-mails with some memories of the ARCADE.



submitted by: Evelyn Georgeadis Kitts (VHS '58)
Chkaboo@aol.com

I really enjoyed this month's newsletter ..... Thanks to you.. I appreciate you keeping me on your mailing list...

I wanted to submit on the B &O but i figured you would be swamped ........:) and you were .........

My daddy, the Greek barber from Summit Park, had his shop in the Arcade at one time ........ Some Hilltoppers may have been under his clippers .......:):) I was a teenager then ...... He was known as "Louie The Greek" -- Smile ........ I just had to put that in. I can't really remember some of the stores in the Arcade ........ My daddy also had his barber shop in Summit Park....

Keep up the great work on your newsletter, oops, also your staff ......:):)

I enjoy them along with all Hilltoppers and my fellow Eagles ..........



submitted by: Gary Weiner (WI '58)
cias@iolinc.net

The Arcade -Dominion Hope Annex

The Arcade Building was built ap. 1919. At one point my father passed up the opportunity to buy it. In 1948, Marion Realty bought it from Melvin Sperry. After it burned, Marion found a tenant that would occupy a building made for its needs -JC Penney Co. Thus, the new building's layout was determined by the new tenant to be. Marion didn't plan on staying on as the landlord but erected the building to be sold with a twenty year lessee. My father bought the building under Clarksburg Iron and Steel Co. When the Meadowbrook Mall was being planned they needed a couple of large anchor stores. JC Penney ended up being one and vacated in the early '80s. Soon after that the Gas Company occupied the premises. Until July 6, 1999, Clarksburg Iron continued as owner although from Spring 1998 until July 6, the business was under the control of another party who had taken control by fraudulent means. As part of the settlement, the Gas Annex with some other property went to the defrauder.

Miscellaneous problems this summer causing the employees to become ill forced the evacuation of the building. What will happen now with the building is anyone's guess. Even if the building's problems are resolved, Dominion Hope has been retrenching and may eventually permanently vacate. Downtown Clarkburg has been in a steep decline for years with many buildings vacant. The lack of business and governmental leadership added to the general downturn, as well as the location to the outskirts of Clarksburg and outside city limits to avoid the hated B&O Tax and constant nit-picking harassing regulations, do not bode well for the downtown. Changes must be made but the town has resisted needed changes for forty years and the mentality doesn't seem to have improved.

The factory pictured was the Hazel-Atlas which has had various owners including: Continental Can Company, Brockway. Anchor Hocking and Newel who ceased its operations. After a fire last year it is being at least in part demolished.




WE NEED YOUR HELP

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com

What can we print to stir some memories for you? We need pictures... Do you have any pictures of buildings in Clarksburg during our times? Or maybe a picture from school or one of some friends? Maybe we could use your picture in the Monthly Trivia and perhaps it will stir a memory for someone. Would you please either scan them to Judy or I? You may also contact one of us via e-mail and we will give you an address to send the pictures to us and we can scan and return the contribution to you in the next mail.    jkimler@ezwv.com or Roleta1@aol.com ..... thanks




A MEMORY OF A PAST WINTER

submitted by: Judy Noe Ashland (ND '57)
JUJUBEE40@aol.com


As I sit here looking out the window at the 9 inches of snow here in Minnesota, a thought of a wintery occurrence came bursting into my mind and it stirred memories of fear, laughter and a bittersweet memory of my dear father who passed away 3 yrs. ago.

My two brothers, Mom and Dad and I were leaving for church one Sunday morning. We had received a good amount of snow over the past several days and the roads were icy. My dad was a good driver and even so, we never questioned his decisions. We were supposed to drop off Allan's girlfriend who lived in Chesnut Hills. The city had recently built another road to accommodate the newer residents of the "hills". It was quite steep and of course, covered with snow. We made it up the hill and were on our way down when our car seemed to acquire sled runners. It took off like a shot and we went flying down that hill. I don't think there was a sound coming from anyone as we all shared the same thought: Please don't let there be anyone on the road below. We probably made quite a sight, the car racing down that hill and faces pressed against the windows silently mouthing a chorus of: " Oh, God, save us". It was over in seconds, but it felt like an eternity. Fortunately, there was nothing on Chestnut St. as we slid across, almost landing in an empty field. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry. My dad, who I always believed was the greatest man alive, said: "Well, that was fun, wasn't it?".

He continued on home as if nothing had happened, but my feelings about the strength and courage of my dad were fortified that day and his stature grew even taller in my eyes. We were blessed to have him in our lives for 84 years and my feelings for him never waivered. I miss him terribly, but I am thankful that I have many memories to keep him alive in my heart. We never knew fear or uncertainty because of my dad and since I have been a parent for many years, I realize what an unbelievable task it was to assume the wheel, ride the course and bring your family safely home.

God bless you, Daddy.




DECEMBER TRIVIA PICTURE
ANSWER: HAZEL ATLAS GLASS PLANT

Above is a current picture of what we knew as the Hazel Atlas. This is what is left after the fire.
Picture supplied by Sharyn Cottrill McGahan.-- Thank you Sharyn.


A few RESPONSES about Hazel Atlas



submitted by: Gary Weiner (WI '60)
cias@iolinc.net

The Republic Glass Company, in 1900 built a plant in Clarksburg which by 1901 employed 600 people. That same year, the plant was sold to the Atlas Glass and Metal Company of Wheeling.The next year the name of the plant was changed to Hazel-Atlas Glass Company.

At one time it was the largest pressed-ware tumbler factory in the world. During the '30s a lot of Depression Ware of various colors was made.The company developed the first workable automatic glass tumbler press used in the glass industry.

Continental Can Company bought the factory in September, 1956. Brockway Glass bought the business in September, 1972. This was followed by Anchor Hocking in 1979. In July 1987, Newell Corporation bought the plant and closed it November 1, 1987. At the time of the closing there were ap. 900 employees. There was a large fire in 2000 started, presumably from cardboard being stored there.

Thank you Gary



submitted by: Sam Iaquinta (WI '56)
sam_iaquinta_mba70@post.harvard.edu

The picture in the December issue is the Hazel Atlas glass plant. Below the tracks in the foreground is the underpass to North View. I understand that the plant had been empty for quite a long time and a large part of it burned down a few years back. Because of the amount of asbestos in the buildings, it was not economical for anyone to do anything with the plant after they stopped making glass there.



submitted by: Carolyn and Jerry Warne (WI '59)
Wrmychsnut@aol.com

Looks like Hazel Atlas Glass Plant (which burned down last summer) My Dad worked there for 38 Years.

The newsletter is the most wonderful way to keep in touch with our classmates ... Sometimes we just wonder what our friends are doing and you have made it such a neat way to read the goings and comings of so many of our friends.

The newsletter is always so colorful as well as informative ... We get caught up in a busy world and then take time out to read the most interesting news that you made possible ... Many thanks and our sincere wishes for Peace, Love and Joy this Holiday Season.

Sincerely, Carolyn and Jerry Warne



submitted by: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI '56)
MSSpahr@aol.com

I have no memories of the Hazel Atlas glass factory. I do, however, know a lot about the Pittsburgh Plate glass factory since my dad worked there for many years. He died three months short of retirement in 1964.

Mary Sue this is for you


Did you know that there once was a marble factory in the vicinity of Chestnut Street and the west ends of Main and Pike Streets? All kinds of glass was made in Clarksburg including plate glass, marbles, pottery (McNickel), glass dishes and drinking glasses, etc. You name it, it was made in Clarksburg. The abundance of natural gas to fire the furnaces and the close proximity to the B & O Railroad to supply the raw materials and transport the finished product made Clarksburg a great place to produce gas. Add to this the Irish and Italian immigrants to work the factories and you had a thriving city ............... once upon a time.



submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
Floyds@lvcm.com

The December trivia pic looks very much like the old Hazel Atlas Glass Plant where I once worked after high school. In fact, several members of my family retired from there, and my Mom worked there for 16 years before she passed away in 1958. During WWII she became the family bread winner after my Dad was hurt when he slipped on ice while trying to get to work at the Hazel Atlas just about a month before I was born. I was born in a house on Baltimore Street near the entrance to that old plant. I suppose if it hadn't been for the War my Mother would not have been able to get a good job like that in those days. Then she wouldn't have been able to "juice" me into a job there so that I could save enough money for a year at WVU ($900.00 was all it took).

I was on a lay-off from the factory when I went to work at WBOY-TV and started my career in broadcasting. So, you can see that the H/A has a lot of significance for me. I was sorry to see it go. I hope that they can come up with something good for that property. By the way, I can still spot Hazel Atlas Glass from a mile away when we go to the Antique Mall.




OBITUARIES
Excerpts from Clarksburg Exponent Telegram

DONALD L. BRINKLEY


WINCHESTER, VA. -- Donald L. Brinkley, 62, of Winchester, Virginia, died December 8, 2001, at his home. Mr. Brinkley was born June 9,1939, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the son of Harry Freeman and the late Caroline Kyle Brinkley. He retired as an Administrative Officer from the Department of Defense, February 3, 1995. He was an avid crafter. Since retirement from the Defense Department, he worked part-time at the Best Western, Lee Jackson Motel, located at Rt. 50 and I-81, Winchester, Virginia, as a front desk clerk. Surviving are his father, Harry F. Brinkley, living at Winchester Manor, Winchester, and his aunt, Inez Brinkley, also a resident of Winchester Manor; an aunt, Ella Grace Spears of Clarksburg, West Virginia; an uncle, Robert Williams, of Washington, Utah ; his sister, Mitzy B. Williams, (WI '60) of Ft. Myers, Florida. He was a 1957 graduate of Washington Irving High School, Clarksburg, West Virginia.


FRANK ANTHONY ZANNINO

CLARKSBURG -- Frank Anthony Zannino, 84 years old, of 258 Ocala Street, Clarksburg, W.Va., died early Sunday morning, December 9th,at the United Hospital Center. He was born in Clarksburg, W.Va., on July 14, 1917, the son of the late Rocco and Sophia Zannino.Mr. Zannino is survived by his wife, Stella Theresa Pandora Zannino,at home.Other survivors include: One daughter, Linda Diane Brinkley of Bridgeport, W.Va.; two sons, Rockey Zannino (WI 1959) of Quiet Dell, W.Va., and David Anthony Zannino of Clarksburg, W.Va.; two sisters, Mary Dosier and Angeline Crites, both of Clarksburg, W.Va. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Marconi Lodge, Sons of Italy, VFW and was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Frank enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Clearlite softball team.


HARRY V. TANNENBAUM

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Harry V. Tannenbaum, died Tuesday, December 25, 2001. He was the husband of Bernice Ackerman Tannenbaum. Beloved father of Edris (David) Weis of FL, Corinne (Irvin) Levy (WI 59) of Pgh, and Craig Stein and Hedy (Jerry) Orodanker of Philadelphia; brother of Evelyn Silverman of Pgh, Herman Tannenbaum of FL and Ivan Tannenbaum of CA. Graveside Services and Interment will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at Beth Shalom Cemetery, Shaler Township, PA.

Arrangements by Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., Shadyside, Pittsburgh, Pa.




ON A LIGHTER NOTE

This was just too good, I have to share! Thanks Buzzy...

A Texan was touring the State of West Virginia and got lost. He saw a West Virginia farmer working in his field and stopped for directions. The farmer told him how to get to Morgantown. The Texan wanted to talk a bit so he asked the farmer, "Is this your farm?" "Yep", the farmer answered. "How big is it?" asked the Texan. "Well, it starts down the road there where the creek is and follows the creek up and over the hill to about where you can see that big tree. Then it runs across back of the barn to a big pile of stones up yonder and then down along the fence there to the road up that way." The Texan smiled and said, "Well, that's a nice place. Let me tell you about my place out in West Texas. I can get into my car and start out from one end of my property just as the sun is coming up in the east. I can drive all day and just as the sun is setting in the west I reach to other end of my ranch. What do you think of that?" The farmer thought for a minute and then said "I had a car like that once".




TRAVELING CLASSMATES

submitted by: Mike Schaffer (WI '58)
MShaf26478@aol.com


Grand Canyon 2001 vacation.
From left to right - Gloria Caruso Shaffer (58)., Mike Shaffer (58), and Annette Shaffer White (63).

We plan a trip together at least once a year. The trip is usually on the West Coast where Annette White has lived for the past 15 years.




TAKE ME HOME WV
www.takemehomewv.com

EDITORS NOTE: For some interesting reading try this web site ... TakeMeHomeWV for West Virginians wherever they may be! Thought all you cyberbillies would be interested in this.

Come Home to West Virginia, The Shelter in the Storm

The events of September 11, 2001 have stunned most of us into a new reality. Americans by the millions are taking inventory of their lives, sorting through their values, discarding the ones that are extraneous and debilitating and holding fast to the ones that are important.

Those of us at Take Me Home West Virginia have taken inventory as well. In our quest for things that are probably not important, we lost sight of the original vision we had for this Web site. But we've adopted a new attitude because we truly believe it may be West Virginia's time to invite America to come home.

We've concluded that this state can offer the environment for the values that many are longing to cultivate in the wake of the unspeakable acts of September.

We don't want to leave with the misconception that we are playing off the fears of those who live in the big cites where tension remains high. We West Virginians grieve with all Americans and stand by them as we stand ready to sacrifice in order to win this war on terrorism.

We aren't trying to scare people into moving to West Virginia by claiming it's safer here than elsewhere. No place in America is safe from attack. The unpredictability of these madmen who have declared a "holy war" on us will keep us all on alert for years to come, no matter where we live.

We simply believe that West Virginia is a shelter from other aspects of the storm.

We sense that this country's business community will rethink priorities in the months to come. We believe their valued employees will begin asking questions: Why must our business be located in a virtually unmanageable big city? With the state of high tech communication, why must our business crowd into major metropolitan areas for no apparent reason other than a fleeting image that means very little?

The questions will keep reverberating off the manmade canyons of the big cities as workers and managers alike question their lot in life: Why should I commute hours every day, losing precious time with my family, when I could do the same work in a less crowded area where a 10-minute commute is common? What has this lust for the things big cities have to offer gotten us that's meaningful and lasting? Have we given up real lives for the security that big cities offer? Or is it real security at all?

Thousands of people in hundreds of tiny West Virginia hamlets, towns and cities know the answers to those questions. As a result, they hold fast to the very values that city-weary, angst-filled urbanites are seeking. That's why we believe many of these folks will look to places such as West Virginia for the environment where their new attitudes can flourish.

Take Me Home West Virginia has a message for these folks: Come home to West Virginia. You don't need to be a native. You may have never been in the state. But if you feel there's something missing in your harried lives, we may be what you're looking for.

We're not a rich state so we can't offer much money to help heal the wounds. We're not a powerful state, so we can't offer the kind of leadership it takes to change attitudes in the world.

What we West Virginians can offer it shelter from the storm, - not the firestorm of terrorism but the storm of chaos, anxiety and materialism that saps our national strength and makes us vulnerable and keeps us from being the people we want to be.

Come home to West Virginia. That will be our message on this Web site.

Spread the word. And stay in touch.

Dave Peyton
Harold McKeand
Larry Brammer

Founders -- Take Me Home West Virginia




RENE ANDRE


EDITOR'S NOTE: I recently received a package from Freddie Layman (VHS 1946). The package contained much information about boys from WI who served in WWII. I will share some with you every once in awhile. I looked to see if any of the sir names matched any of our readers but didn't find many. One name stuck out from the headlines of an article written about 1944. Does anyone know where Mr. Andre is today?

From the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram headlines:

LT. RENE ANDRE IS CENSOR AT CITY OF BIRTH

W.I. TEACHER IN BELGIAN CITY HE LEFT WHEN BABY

(Special to the NEWS)

With U.S. Forces in Belgium--Second Lt. Rene Andre, of 611 Milford Street, Clarksburg, W.Va., who left Charleroi, Belgium, when 20 months of age, recently returned with the Liberating Allied Army and set up a censorship office in the city of his birth.

Before entering the Army, Lt. Andre was a biology teacher for eight years at Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg. His father, Oscar Andre, Sr., who came from a family of Belgian glassworkers, lives at 611 Milford Street. The elder Andre makes his home with his son, attorney Oscar J. Andre, of the firm of Steptoe and Johnson.

Taught to speak French as a child, Lt. Andre surprised his 94 year old great aunt and some 24 cousins when he rapped on their doors and began talking Walloon, the native dialect of Western Belgium.

"Every time I go out to visit some of them," he said "it always turns into a feast. They bring out the champagne and wine that's been accumulating dust for years, and we eat and drink, and I try to answer the thousands of questions they are always asking."

Lt. Andre is a Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary forces liaison press censor and, working with three Belgian officers, he directs the censorship of 34 Belgian newspapers for military security.

He deplores the inflationary conditions created by the German occupation with butter selling for five dollars a pound, handkerchiefs at one dollar apiece and pocket combs 75 cents.




TOGETHER
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com


This is the twenty-ninth issue of the WI Newsletter. I started the newsletter over two years ago with the main purpose being to keep everyone in touch. It's working! With the year of 2001 behind us and the disaster of 9-11-01 still strong in our minds, isn't it comforting to know that you can sit down at your computer, type a short note and be in touch with an old friend in just seconds? Through this newsletter we have put old friends in touch with one another, connected people with like interests and common backgrounds, brought back long forgotten memories and hopefully we have all realized how great it was to grow up in Clarksburg, West Virginia. My hope for the new year is that we will continue to keep in touch and share our memories


HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS YET?



         




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