THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 32 April 2002




APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS!






A THOUGHT

How little it costs,
If we give it a thought,
To make happy some heart each day!

Just one kind word,
Or tender smile,
As we go on our daily way.




A NEW FEATURE

A new feature of the newsletter which I am starting this month is the mystery child picture. Just send Judy or me a picture of you when you were young and we will have fun getting guesses from the readers who will try to identify you! It doesn't have to be a school picture--even younger if you wish.

Yes, let's play STUMP THE READER? Send your guesses to me at Roleta1@aol.com

Now here is the first one!


Who is this sweet child?




HELP ME PLEASE

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

I receive many e-mails each month and I love it. A million thanks to you people who write, it certainly makes my job easier. Without your input, there would be no newsletter. I just wish I would hear from some of you other readers too, I don't know what more I can do to encourage you. Of course, I realize that some people never write letters but e-mails are so much easier, you don't need to find paper, pen, envelope or a stamp, just one or two little sentences will do the job!

I have a plea for HELP from all of you, when you write, will you put your full name, school and year on the bottom of the e-mail for me ..... I don't always recognize the name now that I have over 500 in my mailing list for the WI NEWSLETTER. It will make it easier for me, I usually have to look up this information and it is beginning to take a lot of time. Remember, all of you people who read the newsletter and who aren't from WI --- you are always welcome to contribute your memories of Clarksburg, friends and events. We all shared growing up in Clarksburg. I realize that it wasn't your fault that you didn't get to go to WI -- blame those parents again for living in the wrong place but at the right time!!!!



O. B. S.
( Older Brother Syndrome)

submitted by: David B. Noe (WI '65)
DBN4par@aol.com

I'm not an older brother! I'm a younger brother, who feels that there is some sort of conspiracy or mental malfunctioning which has been going on for years.

Let me explain. My brother is 4 ½ years older than I and as kids, never cared whether I lived or died, much less was a part of the family. There are many examples to choose from to emphasize my point .

My brother got enormous delight from my being disciplined at home or at school, from my being physically or mentally " beat up", from "tattle taleing" on me, and from generally making my life miserable. My best memory of my brother was when he left home to go to WVU. It was heaven sent. I was free from the tortures (mental & physical) and the non-stop practical jokes.

I remember the time at the baseball field by Hite Field, I was 10 years old, when Sammy Gallo ( 8 ) was being picked upon by an older visiting boy. The older boy had Sammy down and was teasing him unmercifully. There was probably a 4 year age difference and being older than Sammy, but still younger than the older boy, I took up for him (the "code" we all lived with or behind). I knocked him off Sammy only to get pinned down myself. There being a crowd of boys around as this was a welcomed diversion from playing baseball in the heat of a summer's day, I employed my brother, who was standing close by with his friends for help. He laughed as the older boy slapped me around. Eventually, I escaped and ran home.

Another time, we had gone to the baseball field adjacent to the VA Hospital, which I think is or was called River Bend Park. Living in Chestnut Hills, we walked through Hartland and over the train trestle to get to the park. At age 11, I was afraid to cross the trestle, because of the spacing of the railroad ties and the river below so I lagged behind. Then we all heard the sound of the train whistle coming towards us. I froze and called for help (similar to the scene from the movie, "Stand By Me"). My brother called for me to hurry up, but I stood frozen. I couldn't move! A friend of ours who lived a few streets away, Eddie Toms, came running from the end of the trestle, where my brother stood with some of his other friends laughing hysterically, and picked me up and carried me to safety.

Or there were the times when my brother made fun of the girls I liked or was dating: Beverly Henderson; Susan Sappington; Carol Malfregeot, Janet Lemasters to name a few.

There are many, many more incidents, like the time one of his friends pinched me with needle nose pliers numerous times to the point of bleeding, because I didn't make the pizza fast enough or just maybe because he was a little psycho! That was real fun for them!

So, at the time of my father's funeral wake, several of my brother's current friends were in attendance and as luck would have it, they were all older brothers! After a few drinks, they whooped and hollered and laughed at all of the pranks they had played upon their younger brothers. They delighted in these tales, like it was some ritual of nature, the torturing of the younger brother, through jokes, tricks, embarrassments, etc. They even thought out loud of establishing a club of older brothers, the OBC!

Being the only younger brother there, I couldn't believe my ears. Did this ritual thing happen to all younger brothers? Unless there was a lot of BS flowing, the universe of 5 which I surveyed that night, all delighted in the so called abuse of their younger brothers.

Two things, I know I don't know, does this syndrome, if it is genuine, affect the female gender (older sister to younger sister or older brother to younger sister)? And for all of the older brothers out there reading this, if this is really true, are my brother, his friends, and all older brothers in general, really that "disturbed"?



A FRIEND'S FROWN IS BETTER THAN A FOOL'S SMILE.

quote by C.E. Locke



A CORRECTION IN THE PICTURE

submitted by: Becky McClain Werner (WI '60)
Mrzip60@aol.com

Dear Roleta,

In the picture of the Florida picnic where several people are putting up the plastic wind breaker I believe the man third from the right that is identified as Guy Wright is in error. My Uncle Bill Hymes was attending that picnic with his wife Dorothy Jean Smith Hymes who graduated in the late 40's and live in Port Charlotte, Fla. I believe the man in the picture to be him. Aunt Dotty said he had gone to the lumber company and bought some wood strips to nail the plastic down.

Ron and I really enjoy reading the newsletter and thank you for all the work you put into it. You really do a great job.

Editor's note: My apologies to Bill Hymes. In the last newsletter, I misidentified him and the work he did at the picnic.



WANT TO BE CUT OFF THE NOTIFICATION LIST ABOUT THE WI NEWSLETTER?


If you no longer want to be notified about anything concerning the newsletter or anything else I send out, just notify me Roleta1@aol.com.   Remember -- once you are removed from my list, you will not reappear until you notify me. Also, you will be removed from the list if you change your e-mail address and fail to let me know. I am sorry but I just do not have time to trace or track you down. I now have close to 500 people on my notification list. If your e-mail is returned to me as not being delivered for a couple of months, I have no choice but to erase your name from my files. Thank you



HELP FIND MISSING CLASSMATES WI CLASS 1962

contact: John Teter (WI '61)
jteter@balmar.com
or
Margaret Heflin Bailey (WI '62)
Mabailey44@aol.com


Editor's note: Class of 1962 is working on their 40th Class Reunion. Below are the names of a few people from their class who are "missing" from their address books. If you can help in any way, please contact either Margaret or John. John is helping Margaret. Any clue you have may open that magic door to success in finding someone.

Here is a list of current needs for addresses.

WI Class of 1962 Still needs addresses for:


1. Jeff Marks
2. Eddie Brown
3. Roger Bowen
4. Gene Colin
5. Carolyn Cornell
6. Allen Harvey
7. Vance Ice
8. Brenda Burroughs Burnett
9. Roger Livingston
10. Gary Norris
11. Mike Sturms
12. Keith Roach
13. Patricia Hoblitzell Cook
14. James Glascock



HAPPY BIRTHDAY


Do you see the name of an old friend? Why not drop them a line and say Congratulations on the special event.

April 1      Harriet Danley VanVoorhis (WI '58)      bill.vanvoorhis@mail.wvu.edu

                Vicki Limbers Moore      (WI '67)      vndmoore@aol.com

April 4      Gary Robey (WI '57)      Garcar407@cableone.net


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

April 5    Frances Tate Barrett (WI '50) and James Barrett, Sr (Anniversary 1952)      Fran.Barrett@att.net


Write to Gary Weiner at cias@iolinc.net or Roleta at Roleta1@aol.com and register your special dates.




1941 "FIFTH ANNUAL HARMONICA FESTIVAL"

submitted by: Charlie Means (WI '50)
CMEANS@cfl.rr.com



Hey Roleta,

Again, thanks for the great picnic. Looking forward to next year. Found some interesting pictures the group might like to see again. OR NOT.

On Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7, 1941 The Kappa Sigma Pi presented the "Fifth Annual Harmonica Festival" in Clarksburg, WV. The celebration was highlighted on Tuesday by a Grand Feature Parade consisting of "A mile of decorated floats, bands, drum and bugle corps and novelties," at 4:00 PM followed at 5:30 PM by the Coronation of King and Queen Harmonica V by Senator Byron B. Randolph at the Kappa Sigma Pi Home. The King and Queen were Howard Fortney and Betty Jean Rogers. A banquet was held at the Waldo Hotel on Wednesday at 7:00 PM with music by the Kappa Sigma Pi Harmonica Band.

The official program included pictures of the Harmonica Bands participating, some of which are shown here. I see names under the pictures from the classes of 46 through 52 and maybe more.

Charlie
Semper Fi








LIFE IS NOTHING WITHOUT FRIENDSHIP

quote by Cicero




OBITUTARY



ALAN EDGAR BRASSEUR

WESTON -- Alan Edgar Brasseur, 64, of 119 Jackson Street, Weston, WV, departed this life at 1:50 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2002, in West Virginia University Hospitals Ruby Memorial.

Born on May 9, 1937, in Clarksburg, WV, he was a son of the late Paul Marcel Brasseur and Alma Alice (Hatfield) Brasseur.

On September 2, 1961, he married the former Margaret Jenedean (Bevan), who survives.

Survivors also include two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott Alan (wife Beth) Brasseur, Prospect, PA, and Timothy Paul (wife Lisa) Brasseur, Hurricane, WV; one daughter and son-in-law, Julie Lynn (husband Vincent) Rubino, Stroudsburg, PA; four grandchildren, Hattie Brasseur, Prospect, PA, Katie Rubino, Stroudsburg, PA, Thomas Rubino, Stroudsburg, PA, and Jacob Levi Brasseur, Hurricane, WV; one sister, Paula Jane Riley, Clarksburg, WV.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jack E. Brasseur.

Mr. Brasseur was a 1956 graduate of Washington Irving High School; and a United States Naval Air Force Veteran. He was a professional photographer specializing in school portraits with over forty years service; and was the owner of Alan of Hewett Studios. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a strong supporter of Lewis County Wrestling Programs. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent



REMEMBER JIM BAILEY


submitted by: Margaret Barrett Tate (WI '50)
fran.barrett@worldnet.att.net

Browning Boggs, Mary Ann Sutter with husband Hoppie Hopkins, Ruth & I had the privilege of attending Jim Baileys funeral service. The place was filled with Jim's family, friends and strong acquaintance from his many interests. Browning is convinced many more of Jim's classmates from the WI Class of '50 showed up during Friday's visitation.

There were 4 outstanding heartfelt speakers. The highlights were that Jim lived by his code of conduct to "try hard, care and laugh." His code was reinforced with this poem framed and over his casket along with a picture of Jim laughing with friends and family.

REMEMBER ME

To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated.
But to the Happy, I am at peace.
And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore,
gazing at a beautiful sea, remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest
and its grand majesty, remember me.
As you look upon a flower
and admire its simplicity, remember me.

Remember me in your heart, your thoughts,
and your memories of the times we cried,
The times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me,
I will have never gone.




submitted by: Cheryll Gill Rasmussen (WI '59)
WOW41@casco.net

I will be a Great Grandmother in September!! Can you believe it! Never thought I would ever be 60 years old either! Thanks for all the hard work you gals do on the Newsletter. I look forward to reading it each month and especially seeing all the past and present photos. Is Twin Oaks still there??? Ellis drive-in? What about Maple Lake and Lake Floyd? One of my favorite spots was Audra State Park. What a beautiful area. Also the picnic area at the airport. We would go there and have hot dogs, play ball and watch the planes come in .... maybe if any were scheduled .... What a thrill then to see airplanes land!

Love to you, and thanks for a wonderful job.





submitted by: Margaret Snow Crocker (WI '49)
marorgeo@aol.com

Betty Jo wrote me that she received your newsletter. I would love to receive one. George and I are living in the small town of Denver, NC in the winter and in the summer, we are in Blowing Rock, NC. It would be great to hear from any WI folk.





submitted by: Louanna Furbee (WI '55)
FurbeeL@missouri.edu

Hi,

I'm a 1955 graduate of WI and would love to receive the WI newsletter. I got news of it via Mary Stump Harrell, who heard from Sandy Lough Limbers, who with husband Steve had attended the WI picnic in Florida. Now you see how word travels! What a great idea it is. Anyway, I'd really appreciate getting a copy. In the event, if it is of interest, news of me is that I continue to teach at the University of Missouri; I'm still married (to Bob Benfer), have a stepdaughter (Ardith Benfer) who recently moved back to town, live on a small farm, and have horses, dogs, and cats. I just became a great aunt. I would love to hear from old friends.

From March 28-May 10, I use Louanna100@yahoo.com. For this year and next, I am on research leave to write a book on a miracle that is associated with the Zapatista Revolt in Chiapas, which is a wonderful luxury and an exciting project, but my horses are not getting enough exercise as a result of my travels.

Thanks a lot. Louanna Furbee

Prof. N. Louanna Furbee
Department of Anthropology
107 Swallow Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211 USA





submitted by: Judy Zabeau Shepherd (ND '58)
JZShepherd@aol.com

Roleta, I really enjoy the WI Newsletter and look forward to it every month. In fact, my month can't start without reading it. LOL

It sounds like everyone had a great time at the Clarksburg Picnic in Florida this year. I am sure your attendance will grow and grow as more alumni hear about it and are able to make plans far in advance.

All of your hard work is greatly appreciated.





submitted by: Burt Spangler (WI '38)
burtsbs@nccn.net

Thanks so much for your newsletter and for the notice of the new addition. I enjoy the letters and memories although most do not go back as far as I do, having graduated in 1938. There were also many changes in the old town between my day and when you guys came along.

Your Florida gathering sounds like fun, but we are a little far away to be taking part.





submitted by: Becky Stalnaker Fowler (WI '60)
rebeccaf@mymailstation.com

Again a fantastic job with the picnic.. You are just amazing with your planning. Bill and I had a wonderful time and are looking forward to next year. We'll get after some of our classmates that we know live in Florida or will be down next winter.

You really outdid yourself. Our best to Bill. He worked so hard and didn't go to W.I. It was so good to see you both.

Keep in touch.





submitted by: Mary Beth Jeranko Hilburn (WI '55)
hilfarm@hawaii.rr.com

I would be interested in receiving your newsletter about WI. I was in the class of '55, and live (this seems so great it's almost unbelievable) in Hawaii, on the Big Island on a macadamia nut farm. We call it "Academia Nut Rd" since several teachers live on our road. We've lived here for 24 years, and spent 10+ years in Alaska prior to this, so have not been around for reunions. I would love to hear from classmates.

Much aloha Mary Beth Jeranko Hilburn




HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES

A cute joke about high school classmates. I think many of us can all relate to this one.

While waiting for my first appointment in the reception room of a new dentist, I noticed his certificate, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered that a tall, handsome boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 40 years ago. Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was too old to have been my classmate.

After he had examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended the local high school.

"Yes," he replied.

"When did you graduate?" I asked.

He answered, "In 1958."

"Why, you were in my class!" I exclaimed.

He looked at me closely and then asked, "What did you teach?"




A LITTLE LOST SPOON

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

I am a lost spoon. I was forgotten and left behind at the Clarksburg picnic. Roleta found me and has been kind enough to keep me warm, dry and safe out of that wind. It is amazing but I am the only lost article that Roleta found at the picnic. I miss my home where I rest in a drawer with other members of my family. I must be missed by them. I think I held a prominent place in the drawer at my home, you see I am a Tablespoon---not the little teaspoon but the larger of the set. I have distinct markings on me which should make it easy for the people in my household to identify me. On my back are the words, ONEIDACRAFT-- DELUX -- STAINLESS. On my front I have a little four petal flower at the very bottom and a flower with a couple of leaves on each side of the spoon. Roleta is willing to mail me back to my family and the people in the house if someone will just let her know where to send me. She will send me in the mail! I will get to take a nice trip home if someone in my people family will please contact Roleta1@aol.com.




ANOTHER HOT DOG LETTER

submitted by: Rick Waldemar (someplace outside WV)
rjw@digitalusa.net


Editor's note: POOR RICK NEVER EVEN LIVED IN WEST VIRGINIA!

Hi Roleta and all!

Sending a "West Virginia Hot Dog Update!!"

THANK YOU!! My thanks to the WI Newsletter editor, Roleta, for printing my letter, and for her West Virginia hospitality in doing so! I have even heard from a few people who read the article, and my thanks to them for getting in touch. So friendly!!

LISBON FLORIDA WEST VIRGINIA HOT DOG CONNECTION:

Several people requested this information. My first exposure to West Virginia Hot Dogs was at the Spillway Tavern, E. Hwy. 44, Lisbon, FL That's on Haines Creek, at the Burrell Lock and Spill, in Lake County, FL. Roughly between Leesburg and Eustis, and not too far from Tavares. Call (352) 728-3420 for directions. It is a very small, simple place, but I like their hot dogs (but I'm new at this.)

BUZZY FLOYD'S RECIPE A SUCCESS!!

For the first time, (March 8, 2002), we served up West Virginia Hot Dogs at our house, by following Buzzy's recipe in the May, 2001 WI newsletter. My wife's from Detroit, I'm from New York, our humble abode is in Inverness, Florida, and as I brought the hot dogs to the table I announced, "Welcome to West Virginia!" Piled that STEAMED BUN high with special recipe chili and just gorged and enjoyed. My wife and I were mystified at an ingredient called "Cracker Meal." Never used it before, never heard of it, but now we found out there are several brands, its not so exotic an ingredient after all, and we've been initiated. Deeelicious!

And, of course, you knew that Buzzy's recipe has been reprinted in the Dominion Post, July 1, 2001, in a column by Norman Julian. (http://www.dominionpost.com/a/news/2001/07/01/bb/)

ANOTHER WEST VIRGINIA HOT DOG LINK TO CHECK OUT:

South of Clarksburg about 135 miles lies the city of Charleston, W.V., and in the last few days, I have found out they are as passionate about their hot dogs as the rest of you! We find fans of cole slaw there, and if Buzzy Floyd says that's because they are hillbillies, at least one person I ran across was raised calling these things "Hillybilly Hot Dogs."

You are welcome to check out archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/WVKANAWH/2001-12

There are more than a dozen posts there of chili lore and recipes and cole slaw recipes and lots of memories. One posting by Rich Crank gave a history of the Cole Slaw version of WVHDs, and he seems a little touchy that anyone would dare call them "Slaw Dogs." He says the WVHD (with slaw) was developed in the latter years of WWII when meat was scarce and hot dogs otherwise tasted like something you would feed the hogs. The folks at the Stoppette 21, a drive-in on Rt. 21 heading north out of Charleston, added cole slaw and chili and onions to the fixin's, and the rest is history. Another poster at that site said the toppings commonly used in the northern part of West Virginia are "unique," but they did not elaborate.

There are other "hot dog" websites all over the WWW, but nobody else is celebrating the West Virginia Hot Dog like you and your neighbors at RootsWeb. I enjoy checking in on the "Chowhound" regional food sites, and have gotten some great ideas of where to go out to eat in Florida and also New York and others, but the Chowhounds/South site has very little West Virginia cuisine.

Hope you will be able to add the chili recipe of Sue Ellen Stalnaker Crawford to "the mix" right here in an upcoming newsletter! It apparently comes very highly recommended as well!

We are coming into picnic and grilling weather, so chow down, and all best wishes,




E-MAIL ADDRESSES OF NEW READERS

Betty Jo Nichols Laine (WI '49) BettyLaine@aol.com
Margaret Snow Crocker (WI '49) marorgeo@aol.com
Nancy Jackson (WI '50) DeeryIR@aol.com
Judy Ash Guy (WI '50) jguy@gggha.com
Ron Love (RW '54) Rlove17783@aol.com
David C. Nichols (WI '55) Dnicholsii@aol.com
Mary Beth Jeranko Hilburn (WI '55) hilfarm@hawaii.rr.com
Bob Clousson (WI '55) BOBDARCLO@yahoo.com
Louanna Furbee (WI '55) FurbeeL@missouri.edu
Robert B Knight (WI '55) bnite66@juno.com
Carl Besterman (WI '56) cfkb@mindspring.com
Charlene Rolland Leon (WI '61) Carl326@aol.com
Jim Scolapio (WI '82) scolapio.james@mayo.edu


CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Bill Van Voorhis (WI '58) bill.vanvoorhis@mail.wvu.edu
Phil Gloss (WI '59) pgloss@comcast.net
Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI '57) marmer1@attbi.com
Barbara Warren Williams (WI '58) barbwilliams@swfla.rr.com




INTERESTING SITE

You interested in West Virginia --- of course you are or you wouldn't be reading this newsletter, RIGHT? So, check out this site --- go to the CATEGORY LISTINGS on the bottom left side of the first page .... click on a category --- newspapers for instance --- and check it out! Thanks to Evelyn Georgeadis Kitts (VHS '58) for this site. http://www.cyndislist.com/wv.htm



DID YOU KNOW?

You can read the Clarksburg Exponent on line at:
http://www.cpubco.com




ALUMNI FOUNDATION
FOR
RW--WI--KM--RCB

Love your WI Newsletters!!! Melissa Morris Phillips (WI '71) provides me with a copy each month as my e-mail device is portable but can't get The Web, etc. I hear that this is THE newsletter that everyone wants to read!

Here's some info about our R-W/WI/KM/RCB Alumni & Friends Foundation, Inc. that I want you to consider putting in your next issue! We organized in 1997 to help support the students of Robert C. Byrd High School. RCBHS benefits from the proud heritage of 3 of the former Clarksburg public high schools (R-W, WI, KM). Last year we were proud to award 10 scholarships worth $500 each so that deserving RCB students could be helped in furthering their education beyond high school.

Currently, I am serving as Chair. of the Board, Chris Meighen (WI) is VP, Debbie Frum (R-W) is Secretary & is the RCBHS Parent Rep. on the Board; Carolyn Burnside (WI) is Treasurer. Other Board members are: Don Douglas (WI), Mike Queen (R-W), Jill Ruziska (R-W), Patty Yonavyak Britton (R-W), Marilyn Jenks Kidd (R-W), T K Crowley (RCBHS Student Rep.), Allen Lee (KM), Eric Giaquinto (RCBHS Teacher Rep.), Leon Pilewski (RCBHS Principal), and Marilyn Hurst Lee (WI). We are looking for qualified persons to add to the Board who are RCBHS Alumni.

Plans are in the works for our first membership dinner on Mon., April 8, 2002 at Robert C. Byrd High School's Cafeteria. We'll be deciding soon what time & how much. Our hopes are that many old grads will come to support the current grads so that this will become an annual event. Another hope is to support alumni of the 4 schools (R-W, WI, KM, RCB) by offering them assistance with keeping up names & addresses for making class reunion plans. We had a successful Alumni Nite on Feb. 1 at the Liberty vs RCB boys basketball games. The RCB Pep Band even played our old fight song; "WI Will Shine Tonight". Still makes me get up & cheer and I even remembered the words! Incidently, we're looking for the music for Kelly Miller's fight song...hope someone can help us find it!

Membership in the Foundation is $15 per year or $200 for a Lifetime Membership. We currently have 63 Life members! Dues and/or contributions may be sent to:

Carolyn R. Burnside, Treasurer
32 Garden Circle,
Bridgeport, WV 26330

Be sure to include your name, address (incl. E-mail), phone, school, & year of grad.

For further information you may contact any of the Board members; we all live in the Clarksburg area. With your support our goal is to establish an endowment large enough to provide several annual scholarships and to aid RCBHS in other, Foundation Board-approved projects.

Looking forward to reading your March & future issues! You are invited to attend the Foundation Dinner on April 8!

Emma Lee Hite (WI '60)






The Clarksburg Picnic that was held in Sarasota , Florida on March 2, 2002--(Now known as the windiest day of the year). Other than the wind, it was a great day as reported in the last newsletter. I couldn't put everything about the picnic in one article so here we go again.

If anyone has pictures taken during the picnic, please send them to me along with a description as to who appears in the picture. I was so busy that I didn't take but one picture. I will try to put several pictures in the newsletter over the next few months. I want to thank everyone who attended and made it such a success.

There are a few people who helped me and I wish to acknowledge them. I want to thank Babe Bisping Cashman (WI 1956) and husband Stu who took charge of the grills this year and turned out the burgers and dogs on time even though the wind played a mean game with the fire. Also, thanks to you brave souls who helped them. Thanks to Skip Smith and wife Sharon Dillmore Smith (both WI 1958) who brought the ice for drinks. Carolyn White Rector and hubby Bob Rector - (both WI 1959) brought the card table and chairs for the registration area; however, due to the wind, we couldn't set the table up as it would have blown away. Thanks also to Sharon Wendler Jacobson (WI 1960), who helped me so much by making sure everyone had a name tag and made sure all was listed. Many thanks to my sister Jalon Smith Burton and her friend Tim Weinmeister -- they helped us load the car with all the picnic goodies, unload the car at the picnic, cover the tables, and then Tim saved the day with the construction of the wind barrier. Thanks to Jim Alvaro for bringing not only his yearbooks but several scrapbooks which were very interesting.

I just wish the wind wouldn't have been so strong and we could have displayed all he brought. I was afraid to place them on a table as the wind might have destroyed them. I forgot to get the name of the man who traveled the farthest (California). Whoever you are, thank you for attending. Many, many thanks to all of you who spread the word and encouraged others to attend. I only spread the word via the internet .... it is up to the rest to get the word out! I am sure next year will be even bigger and better....I vote next year we have hot dogs with Sue Ellen Stalnaker Crawford (WI 1971) and hubby Jack Crawford bringing the chili sauce for the dogs!! I am sure all of you are interested to know who attended, so here is the list I have of those who registered. If you didn't register, I didn't know you were there. If your name isn't listed, please contact me so you can be counted. Those of you who attended last year and couldn't make it this year, we missed you and hope you will be able to attend next year.

Kay Lawson Adair (WI 1958); Ray Adams; Beverly and Tom Allen (WI 1957); Fred Alvaro (WI 1959) and Karen Poe Alvaro (Bridgeport 1959); Jim Alvaro (WI 1957) and Sonja Grossa Alvaro (Bridgeport 1958); Mariam and Bill Berger (WI 1960); Jim Brown (WI 1957) and Pam Wolfe Brown (WI 1960); Charlie Burkhammer (WI 1959) and Naomi Burnell Burkhammer (WI 1964): Stu and Babe Bisping Cashman (WI 1956); Dick and Connie Bailey Casto (WI 1959); Don Cinci (WI 1956); Darlene and Bob Clousson (WI 1955); Jack and Sue Ellen Stalnaker Crawford (WI 1971); Jim and Clara Jason Davis (WI 1959); Mike and Jeanne Long Dyer (WI 1960); Marty and Jane Poulicos Faust (WI 1966); Becky Stalnaker Fowler (WI 1960) and Bill Fowler (WI 1959); Bill Garner (WI 1942); Dick and Betty Gardner Gibson (WI 1943); Jim Gill (Victory 1959) and Katie Sue Holder Gill (Victory 1957); Allen Hefner (WI 1956) and Sandy Drummond Hefner (WI 1959); Annabelle Lee Huston (WI 1960) and Dave Huston (WI 1957); Bill and Dorothy Smith Hymes (WI 1945); Steve and Sharon Wendler Jacobson (WI 1960); Marolyn Tustin Jett and John Jett (both WI 1956); Alex Poulicos Lancaster (WI 1964); Tom Lee (WI 1958) and Marilyn Hurst Lee (WI 1962); Steve Limbers and Sandy Lough Limbers (both WI 1957); August (Auggie) Malfregeot (WI 1956); Charlie Means (WI 1960) and Marcie Fernandez Means (Victory 1949); Bill and Roleta Smith Meredith (WI 1959); Betty Beverlin Miller (WI 1948) and Marvin Miller (WI 1945); Dave and Vicki Limbers Moore (WI 1967); Karen Nelson (ND 1965); Constance Wikinson Pois (WI 1950); Bob Rector and Carolyn White Rector (both WI 1959); Dotty Taggart Rutan (WI 1958) and Rusty Rutan (WI 1957); Kitty and Don Sager (WI 1956); Martin and Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI 1957); Bud Smith (WI 1955); Sharon Dillmore Smith and Skip Smith (both WI 1958); Carolyn Burreti Spagnuolo (ND 1962)--hope I got that maiden name right --if not, Carolyn please contact me ---; Phil and Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956); Melinda Mazza Sutter (WI 1964); Liz Brumage Tustin (ND 1959) and Buck Tustin (WI 1955); Erma Lynn Loria Uhle (WI 1959); Frances Lover Webb (WI 1936) --- who was from the earliest class represented at the picnic --- Shirley Burnell Welling (WI 1962); Phil and Janet Webb Wendt (WI 1956); Jerry Westfall (RW 1954) and Janna May Clark Westfall (WI 1954); Bob Williams (WI 1945) -- who came in a cast after just having an operation on his foot -- and wife Barb Warren Williams (WI 1958) -- who was suffering from tennis elbow and had her arm in a wrap; Guy Wright (WI 1950) and Libby Bramham Wright (WI 1952); Sharon and Ron Ogren (WI 1950); Bill Swats (WI 1958) -- anyone have his e-mail address; John and Kitty Wysong Cobb (WI 1962); Al Fleming (WI 1958), Jalon Smith Burton and Tim Weinmeister.

Amount of money left from 2001 picnic collection after expenses was $90.00. Amount collected at the March 3, 2002 picnic was $505.00. -- Amount on hand before expenses was $595.00. The expenses for the picnic this year totaled $331.31. Amount left over after expenses and to be put toward next year's picnic is $263.69. Thank you for your kind contributions and helping to make this picnic possible.





   MINSTREL SHOW TUNES   

submitted by: Carol VanHorn Dean (WI '58)
DBLU2@aol.com


Editor's note: Below are words to old minstrel show tunes ... Minstrel Shows are a thing of the past, but weren't they fun?

All that I can say about the words I wrote to you is that those are the words we sang in the Minstrel show. I'm not sure if the songs we sang were the complete songs or just parts because we jumped from one song to another. Such as, when we first started the show:

There's nothing like a Minstrel Show
There's nothing like it that I know
Black faced folks tell funny jokes
It's really a thrill I'm tellin' you folks
There's nothing like a Minstrel Show
There's nothing like a Minstrel Show

Watch them shufflin' along
Here that music and song
It's simply great, mate waitin' on the levee
Waitin' on the Robert E Lee

Are you from Dixie, I said from Dixie
Where the fields of cotton beckon to me
I'm glad to see you, tell me how be you
And the friends I'm longing to see
If you're from Alabam' or Tennessee or Caroline
Anyplace below the Mason Dixon line
Are you from Dixie, I said from Dixie
Cause I'm from Dixie too.

Swannie, how I love you, how I love you
My dear old Swannie
My folks up north will see me no more
Till I get to that Swannie, Till I get to that Swannie
Till I get to that Swannie shore.

Sweet LaLonie, Heavenly flowers
Nature fashioned roses kissed with dew
And then she placed them in a bower
It was the start of you.


That is as much as I can remember in sequence. Hahahaha!! When the Clarksburg song was mentioned, it came back to me. The show was televised and businesses would call in to make a donation (like a tele-thon). I remember the Canteen called in a donation and requested Aunt Martha and I to be shown.




MARCH TRIVIA PICTURE

The picture was of the US Post Office located on Pike Street in Clarksburg, WV.


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

The March Trivia Picture is of the United States Post Office which was on Pike Street just west of the Robinson Grand Theatre and the Ritzy Lunch. The post office was on the first floor (is it no longer there?) and offices were on the second and third floors. My mother, Gayle Christie Limbers, worked for United States Senator Jennings Randolph in his Clarksburg office which was located on the third floor (front and center) above the main steps of the building. She was his secretary for 14 years.

I recall high ceilings, large rooms, and sturdy furniture (I'd love to have some of the wooden chairs that were in the office). Notice the smaller windows on the third floor left front corner......the rest rooms were housed there and I remember needing a "special" key to get inside. The rooms were enormous and spotless!

The most interesting memory I have regarding this building is of a bomb or fall-out shelter in the basement. I was visiting my mother in her office one day after school when we had a "bomb" drill and were required to go into a vault which was filled with canned food and water!

What has happened to the building? My interest has been peaked.





submitted by: Rex Zickefoose (WI '59)
RexZickefoose@peoplepc.com

The picture is of the Post Office. Not much change today just some add on stuff like parking lot and garage. Handicap ramp in front.





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

This is the old post office at the corner of 6th and Pike. It was directly across from the large Baptist church and near the Robinson Grand Theater. It was the most grand post office that I have ever been in. I simply cannot imagine why it would not still be in use. Barring some such event as an earthquake or a bomb, it was built to last for 500 years.

By the way, Roleta, the picnic was wonderful. It was worth driving over 1000 miles to attend although I could have done without the wind and the blowing sand. I am still shampooing grit out of my hair.





submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)
fgl46vhs@aol.com

Roleta: Just finished reading the March news letter and of course you girls " done good" again.

The trivia photo is of the new Federal Courthouse and Post Office located at 500 W. Pike Street. It was taken in the summer of 1932. Several years ago a new addition was added on to the left side of the building to house the U.S. Marshals office and four jail cell holding areas for federal prisoners. Also a larger dock was added for the U.S. Postal service to load and unload mail trucks. Most of this area is now equipped with security cameras and security guards. To go to the federal court room now upstairs you have to go through a metal detector. Guards are posted around the clock now since 9-11.

Have a good day. [Freddie]





submitted by: Ron Love (RW '54)
RLove17783@aol.com

HI ...This Picture was of the new Post Office...It replaced an old abandoned Stone Mansion on Pike St..

Received your newsletter from Shirley Stallings. Was unable to attend the picnic but have put it on the schedule for next year.

Please add me to your mailing list. Ron Love...R-W 54....thanks





submitted by: Bud Smith (WI '55)
virgo37@worldnet.att.net

Roleta, I believe this to be the Post Office (artist rendering) on Pike Street.





submitted by: Bob Davis (WI '59)
RAD29063@aol.com

I started working at the Post Office in Clarksburg on 10/29/63 after 3+ years in the Navy and 1 year at Monroe Calculating Co. All employees started as subs and worked as either clerk or carrier. (You also had to work the other craft when needed.) I was a clerk, worked at the B&O station as a RPO clerk, then worked midnight shift for many years. I was a supervisor on tour 1 and then became the Safety/Injury Compensation Specialist for Northern WV. I worked there until 1985 when I transferred to Columbia, SC.

The Post Office has a basement with a boiler room and several other rooms. The ground there is soft and there were pilings driven into the ground to stabilize the building. The first floor had the workroom floor for the Post Office and the box section. On the second floor was the federal court room and U. S. Marshal's office. The third floor had offices for the Postal Inspection Service and managers for the Clarksburg facility. There is also a large attic which is full. I could go on --- many stories, etc. There are many others from WI who worked there --- Ron Werner, Mike Nelson, Mike Swiger, Bob Childers (60), etc.




submitted by: Jim Hovey (WI '62)
jhovey@mdot.state.md.us


Of course, it's the Post Office. And you can maybe see the side of the building that housed Romano's Pizza (still the best I ever ate) and still has John Solario's restaurant- was it the Sanitary? Anyway, the newsletter is fantastic. Thanks again for all your hard work.





submitted by: Davis Flynn (WI '59)
davis_flynn@warrantech.com

Does the Selective Service aka draft board make anyone else shutter? What was her name? I have forgotten.





submitted by: Constance Wilkinson Pois (WI '50)
apois@sprintmail.com

Just saw your newsletter and got all the way to the end (but didn't read everything!) I'm glad the site is limited to just the newsletter which makes it easier to access. And, the building at the end of the newsletter, because of its size and simple architecture, could only be federal building-- the post office. Am I right? Not too many thoughts were brought to mind except that the Baptist Church was nearby where I went to Bible school at the age of five. On the first day of attendance I was ridiculed for my very short hair-cut. It created a family argument resulting in my father ruling that my hair was no longer to be cut like a boy's!




submitted by: Elizabeth Teter Akin (WI '56)
LibAkin@aol.com


This Post Office is still there at the corner of Sixth and Pike, just much expanded upon. I remember a mansion (a large Victorian style home) that stood to the left of it, and south of that a playground that I spent time at when very young. That house was demolished to make way for a MODERN Pure Oil gas station (formerly there had been one on the lower corner of Chestnut and Pike). There was parking lot behind the newer gas station, and we who lived off Chestnut often cut through that parking lot on our way home from school.

What intrigues me about this view is a house that stands on the corner, between Sixth St and the Robinson Grand. Now that is before my time. That corner "always" held shops in my memory...a news stand, Central Pharmacy, Michal Adams Tailors, and, of course, Central Restaurant, a favorite hangout after games in the mid-fifties.

In mentioning businesses I remember between Sixth and the Grand, I left out Ritzy Lunch! How could I forget! Lefty Salario was in my class, and we still get hot dogs from there when we are in Clarksburg!




submitted by: Ron Werner (WI '59)
MrZip60@aol.com


Dear Roleta, The trivia picture is of the Clarksburg Post Office as it looked prior to the addition which was added in the early 70's. I worked as a letter carrier out of this building for 35 years. I am sending you some pictures of the construction of the addition that now covers the whole city block. Some of the buildings that were removed were the Pure Oil Co. gas station and parking lot, a used car lot, and the Garden Fresh Market.

Becky and I really enjoy the newsletter and you are to be commended for the wonderful job you do.


Corner of Chestnut and W.Pike Sts.
picture submitted by: Ron Werner (WI '59)
MrZip60@aol.com


Corner of Hewes Ave. and Chestnut St
picture submitted by: Ron Werner (WI '59)
MrZip60@aol.com


Garden Fresh Market with background of Boron Station and Pierpont School
picture submitted by: Ron Werner (WI '59)
MrZip60@aol.com





APRIL TRIVIA PICTURE



Do you recognize this? What is your guess? Did the picture stir a long lost memory? If you said yes to these questions, write to me and tell me about your thoughts.... Write to the newsletter at Roleta1@aol.com



WANT TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN?

Go to your server and type in www.google.com --- then type in your last name or if (like me) you have a very unusual first name use it. Or try WI or Victory or Clarksburg --- it is interesting what you will find. Thanks to Dick Hanifan for sharing this site with me.


CONGRATULATIONS GREAT GRANDPARENTS

submitted by: Gary Robey and Carol Grow Robey (both WI '58)
garcar407@cableone.net


Wanted to share with you that Carol and I are first time Great Grandparents as of 10:30PM MST March 5, 2002.

In Chandler, AZ our little bundle of joy was born. A girl, 7.7lbs and 21". She is the daughter of our oldest grandson a Rock Musician. He and the group he is with start their first national tour in June and have dates and commitments all over the country for the summer.

They are now cutting a new CD Demo to sell on the road but have a CD out now that they made earlier in the year called Shotstar under The Label Luna Records. They have a Web Site at: www.shotstar.com. Eric Hoskin in the group is our grandson. Gary and Carol



IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN

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


Time for me to write a closing remark. However, I have written so many remarks within in the newsletter that I am going to take this special space to say a few special thanks. I can never say THANK YOU enough to Judy for all the help she gives me with the newsletter. She brings the color to the page! A special thanks to Bob Davis for keeping the e-mail records straight, he does a marvelous job. I would be lost without him. Thanks to Gary Weiner for taking care of the birthday and anniversary records. To Charlie Burkhammer who comes through when I request he research something for me, to Sharyn Cottrill McGahan who takes pictures around Clarksburg for me--we are just waiting for proper weather so she can get out again with her camera. And a special thanks to all of you who contribute--I have said it a dozen times but I will say it again and again--This is your newsletter. It is only as good as you make it with your contributions. Thanks to everyone.




HERE'S HOPING YOU HAVE A GLORIOUS SPRING!


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