THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue39 November 2002




THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

submitted by: Sharron Williams Ashford (WI '67)
Sharr1116@aol.com


My fondest memory is my mother getting up at 5:00 a.m. to start the turkey so that it could cook slowly in that large blue w/white speckles roaster. She got up that early to cook the turkey because it had to be done so she could cook the fantastic bone-in ham. Sitting here writing this, I can experience the smells in the house on Thanksgiving morning. Pumpkin, raisin (my favorite) and sweet potato pies were also made the night before. Thanksgiving was a grand celebration in our home. I continued the tradition with my family (4 children) and, now, I have three grandchildren to pass this tradition on to. What a wonderful memory!!

P.S. This newsletter is fantastic. Thank you Paul Wycoff for directing me to this site.




submitted by: Mary Ann Baily Donato (WI '56)
Mmdonato23@aol.com

Hi Roleta, I can't tell you how much your newsletter means to me. Living up here in Vermont it is wonderful to be in touch once again with WI, Clarksburg and West Virginia friends. Thanks so much for all that you do. I’m going to tell you about Thanksgiving at our house in Clarksburg. My cousin, Jane Stout Galvan, and I lived in the same house on East Main Street. Thanksgiving was a small family affair but we always had the same foods each year. What we called outside dressing was our favorite, along with sauerkraut. How many of you ever ate sauerkraut with your Thanksgiving Dinner? What we loved most was the day after when we would go into the kitchen and have outside dressing, sauerkraut and gravy for breakfast. We didn't think of cholesterol then. It was delicious and even though Jane lives in California now we always talk on Thanksgiving Morning and wish we could be together to share that special menu.




submitted by: Pam Wolfe Brown (WI '60)
Pameez@aol.com

Nothing is like homemade dressing!!! My Grandmother Stout and my Mother always used Salt Rising Bread along with white bread in their stuffing. All the bread was toasted and then torn, not cut, into small pieces. I remember going with Grandmother to the Bakery on Milford Street close to the Stealey Lunch and Allman's Grocery Store. We had to sneak the bread into the house, because my Father hated salt rising bread. If he ever knew, he never let on. You can't pick out the flavor, but it makes a difference.

The turkey neck, liver, heart and gizzard were cooked with onions and celery to make a broth in which chopped celery and onions were cooked before adding to the prepared bread. It was seasoned with sage, salt and pepper. Later on when I started cooking, about jr. high, we would add a package of Pepperidge Farms seasoned stuffing. This allowed you to get to the correct seasoning quicker. There was enough broth added to make moist stuffing that was then shaped into balls and put in a baking dish. The stuffing was baked until it was browned on the outside and moist on the in.

I have always made my dressing this way, it is easy to serve and a good way to judge if you have enough when you are cooking for a large crowd.



submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
Jpulice@msn.com

Thanksgiving was always so special at our home. My brothers and I were deer hunters! Having the Thanksgiving holiday off from school meant we could go hunting! My family home was always the hub for all to meet for any activity and Mom and Dad loved it. We would meet at my house at 5:00 am go to the bakery and get hot pepperoni rolls to take with us. Usually there would be 2 carloads full of hunters. We would hunt all day in Doddridge County, if we saw a deer track we would get excited.... Today they are eating off our back porch. We would hunt till dark. Mom always held the dinner till we all got home. Mom and my aunt would make wonderful pumpkin pies the day before. Wonderful memories of so long ago.



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


I was an only child and Thanksgiving dinners at our house were really small. Occasionally my mother would have my aunt, my cousin Mary Ellen and my grandmother for dinner but usually it was just the 3 of us.

My most memorable Thanksgiving was in 1980. That was the first year I had dinner with my husband Larry's family and I was overwhelmed. There were his six brothers and sisters, their spouses or friends, nieces and nephews, my mother-in-law's father, her brother and his wife, my father-in-law's sister and her family. Including children, there were 45-50 eating dinner. Extra chairs were used at the huge table that could easily seat 18-20 adults but that wasn't enough. Three or four card tables were set up in the living room for the younger children. Some tray tables were also set up for the adults that couldn't get around the dining room table.

My mother-in-law is a small woman, only 4' 10" but she ruled the kitchen. She started several days before Thanksgiving and had prepared enough food for an army. Everyone pitched in and eventually all the Thanksgiving goodies were put on the table. The turkey and ham were carved and placed on the bar between the kitchen and dining room. All the desserts were put on the buffet. Then we got our plates, our turkey or ham or both and tried to sit at the table. I ended up at the table but on a chair that wasn't very high. My chin was almost on the table. My brother-in-law who is 6'3" sat beside me in a chair that was too tall. We laughed all day about what a strange sight we must have been. Talk about Mutt and Jeff!!

So many funny things happen at these family gatherings but you will have to wait until another time for the details.



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

I really thought that more people would have happy memories of their Thanksgivings to share. Thanksgiving was one of the special times in our home. I always loved Thanksgiving - the smells of the house were memorable by themselves! My mother loved “cooking up” Thanksgiving. We were very thankful people! LOL!

We had wonderful Thanksgivings at the Smith house. A tradition? You bet! I can remember my mother and father going grocery shopping after their schools were out on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving. Oh the lovely things they brought home. Mother would get out the stemmed dish and make a wonderful arrangement of fresh fruit for the center of the dining room table. And the wonderful fresh vegetables she put in the refrigerator.

After our evening meal on Wednesday, we started the meal for the next day. She cooked the giblets - yes, long before I was married and fixed my first turkey, I was educated in the fact that hidden inside the turkey’s secret place were those ugly pieces and parts called giblets. We always cooked these to get broth for the dressing and gravy. We chopped celery, onions and cooked these for the dressing also. Mother toasted bread under the broiler-I don’t remember being able to buy dried bread cubes or boxed dressing until much later.

Then on Thanksgiving morning she would arise about 5:00 am, make the stuffing, adding the sage, and other spices. She would stuff the big bird and put it in the oven to cook slowly until just the right time when everything was done at that special magic moment. We had candied yams, mashed potatoes, fresh baked rolls, green beans, gravy, dressing, turkey, salad, baked applesauce with marshmallows on top, dressing from inside the bird, a large casserole of baked (until brown) dressing which was a favorite, and cranberry gel (laid out perfectly straight from the can with just 2 or 3 slices laying in front). How beautiful the table became-just like a picture on the front cover of The Saturday Evening Post magazine, a true Norman Rockwell setting! We always had fresh fruit salad and a variety of pies and cakes for dessert.

For many years my husband, son, daughter and I always made the trip to MaMaw’s (my mother) house for Thanksgiving. After my mother passed away, I carried on the tradition for a while at my home. Then my son was married with children and my daughter was a single lady living and working in Florida so my husband and I went to Florida for Thanksgiving for several years so my daughter wouldn’t be alone for that holiday. While being gone for Thanksgiving, my son and his family started a Thanksgiving tradition and now that my daughter, Vaneta, lives back in this town with her family, we all celebrate Thanksgiving at Victor’s home with his family. He gets up early, puts the turkey in the oven and then he gets most of the dinner ready. The table has basically the same food my mother made 50 years ago. However, now there is “Stove Top” dressing because that is the only kind of dressing the grandchildren like. My daughter and I always take some covered dishes to help out.

We arrive early---because their tradition is that everyone goes to a MOVIE while the turkey bakes. They already have the movie picked out for this year. (I think it is Santa Clause 2) We all attend! I was very surprised the first year we joined with the family at the movie---the theater is crowded-so many others must have the same tradition.

For the dinner I always contribute pumpkin cake. Here is the recipe and I hope you enjoy it this Thanksgiving.

PUMPKIN CAKE

2 Cups sifted flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Cups sugar
1 Cup oil
4 eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves-ground

Combine all ingredients mix well pour in 10x13 or bundt pan-bake 350 degrees 45 minutes to 1 hour. Time may very due to oven, or type of cake pan used.

ICING

3 oz cream cheese-room temperature
½ stick oleo-room temperature
Beat well

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla
½ box confectioners sugar

Beat all until creamy and spread on cooled cake




1959 CLASS REUNION

The reunion committee is busy planning the 45th reunion for the WI Class of 1959. There is no hold over class treasury. There is no working capital. The committee needs money to begin some work. If you are a member of the class please contact Jerry and Carolyn Pinella Warne (wrmychsnut@aol.com) or Terry and Rosemary Grow Warne (Warne02@aol.com) for information on how to send in a small prepayment which will be deducted from the final reunion costs to you. They are asking that each classmate contribute a prepayment of at least $20.00. This money will be used for down payment on the country club, booking the music, mailing costs, or any one of the million things that have to be done months ahead of the event. Please, if you haven’t sent your money, send an E-mail now and become a part of the planning for the big event. Your help is needed if the class reunion is to succeed. Or if someone reading this wants to send an anonymous gift-send it to me and I will see that the money goes to the right place.

Send to: Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Thanks



NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST

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


Some of you may have signed the Guestbook thinking that it would put you on the mailing list for the newsletter. I'm sorry, but you must write to Roleta at Roleta1@aol.com to be added. She keeps the list and sends out the notices each month.




submitted by: Pam Wolfe Brown (WI '60)
Pameez@aol.com

Roleta,
When I read the obitutary for Una Jarvis which noted that she was an avid bridge player it made me wonder if she might have been the teacher that started a bridge club after school my senior year (1960). Through the club I learned to love playing bridge. What a blessing it was, as I spent many hours and made many friends while playing bridge during my college years and since. Does anyone else remember the club and who the teacher was that sponsored it? We were so fortunate to have dedicated and caring teachers who were willing to give of their time, without extra pay, to enrich our lives.



submitted by: Delores Costow Wall (WI '58)
Kidneybean60@aol.com

Let's get a discussion going about the band. Remember Hank Mayer? What a guy! His favorite phrases were "Judas Priest" and "I wish I could buy you for what you are worth and sell you for what you THINK you are worth. I would be a rich man."

I played flute in the band for four years. Carolyn Moore was one of my cohorts. Can't remember the rest. Richard ??? played clarinet and sat right behind us. We had some fun times. K.B. Kyle was our first trumpet.

Remember the trips to the field to get ready for football games. Were we any good? We thought we were. We actually marched and played music at the same time!! They don't do that much any more. And we had to memorize the music. We worked hard, but had a lot of fun, too.

That tiny band room. We were really squeezed in there.

How about the parades? Sometimes it was WAY too hot for those heavy uniforms. And those ugly majorette uniforms? No one was allowed to wear a SHORT skirt in front of our band. Funny, seeing what they wear today.

Let's have some other memories of band.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your memories of high school band days to Roleta1@aol.com for publication in the December newsletter. Thanks for the suggestion Delores.



submitted by: Mary Ann Bailey Donato (WI '56)
Mimadonato@yahoo.com

I wanted you to know how much the WI Newsletter means to me and all of our classmates. Each month I mean to write you. I will try to add something soon. I live in Vermont and we never seem to get to Florida by March 1st. Will try some year as everyone who goes to the Clarksburg Winter Picnic has a wonderful time. I graduated from WI Class of 56. If you ever find your way up here to Vermont please do let me know. We would love to give you a tour sometime. Thanks again for all that you do to keep us united.



submitted by: Harriett Danley Van Voorhis (WI '58)
Bill.VanVoorhis@mail.wvu.edu

Reading Jim Pulice's contribution to the newsletter about places where he hung out, brought back a flood of memories! I do remember buck a car nights at the drive-in, Billy's Meadowbrook, Green Parrot, Friend's, and my personal favorite, Willow Beach. I also remember Little Rock and Clique Club.

After school my friends and I usually hung out at either Roger's Drug Store on Main St. or Harbert's Drug Store on Fourth St. [Does anyone remember Peanut butter Flops?] On Friday nights we were at WI football or basketball games, and on Saturday nights, either at one of the above mentioned places or someone's house. On bright, sunny weekends my favorite place to be was Lake Floyd--great for swimming and dancing! I could go on and on with my memories of terrific times and of the terrific people I was fortunate enough to call "MY FRIENDS".

I would like to say to Allen Alvarez, "Hi Allen! You bet I remember your mom and dad--nice people! As I recall Ruby had wonderful red hair!"

Thanks for another interesting newsletter!



submitted by: Pam Jacobson Wygal Waugh (WI '64)
HowWahwv@wmconnect.com

Linda Thorn Wyckoff (65) told me about this site. The newsletter is wonderful. I spent an entire day and evening reading the newsletters and sending the address to other grads. I was married to David Wygal (62); daughters Kerri (83) and Kim (84); son Dave should have been 87 but finished at Buckhannon for 1 class! Now Kerri's son Sam is at WI Middle School. I've lived in WV all years since 64 except 8 years in NC. Returned to WV Oct 01 and live in cabin at Buffalo Lake next to son's family. “You can go home again” , my friends here make it seem like I was never gone! Your writings bring back so many memories and thoughts....I'm still thinking about them.

Please put me on your newsletter list. I'd love to hear from other grads and what they've doing. My door is always open at the little black cabin…just e-mail me and let’s get together!



OLD FRIENDS

submitted by: Charlie Means (WI '50)
CMEANS@CFL.RR.COM

I'm still sorting through old pictures and found this one. Please don't hold it against me if I named anyone incorrectly. Remember it’s been 64 years. This picture is of the 2nd grade class at Carlisle Grade School, the 1939-1940 school year, which is the class of 1950 at W I. Roleta, this could go into the newsletter captioned "Fill in the Blanks.”

READERS: Put on your thinking caps and see if you can identify any of the people in this picture. If you see a familiar face, write to Charlie and help him remember too.





SUMMER PICNIC



submitted by: Pam Wolfe Brown (WI '60)
Pameez@aol.com


Dear Roleta,
Here is my attempt to put into print my Baked Bean Recipe. I began cooking in junior high school and a lot of the things I make were created by trial and error. Usually when I make the beans I judge the amount of ingredients by taste and appearance, so when I needed to make another batch for our church picnic I carefully measured so that I could share my recipe. I hope that those that attended the WI Picnic and wanted this recipe are successful with it.

BAKED BEANS

1 28oz can Campbell's Pork & Beans, Drained Well
2/3 Cup Heinz Ketchup
1 Tablespoon French's Yellow Mustard
2 Tablespoons Brer Rabbit Full Flavor Molasses
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Cup Donino Dark Brown Sugar, Packed



Mix all ingredients in a bean pot or casserole.

Add on top: 1 onion, cut into wedges (submerge a little) and 2-3 slices of bacon.

Bake at 325 for 2-3 hrs or until they have turned a rich dark color .

NOTE: This recipe needs to be doubled or tripled for large crowds. The longer you bake the dryer the beans become, so your personal preference comes into play. If I do not have a long time to bake the beans I usually turn the oven to 350 and bake for a shorter time. Also, it will take longer in larger quanities but you can shorten the time by baking in a retangular baking dish. Enjoy.

PS: I baked your Peanut Butter Cake for bridge the other night and it was a BIG HIT.



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

The picnic was wonderful in Clarksburg. I saw three old neighborhood friends who I hadn't seen since school. Buck Tustin, Sonny Talkington and Dave Rowe.

Also, my pen pal email buddy from Kincheloe, Sharon Reeves Cottrill.

Since my computer has a new system, my scanner is not compatible. Not sure if I can get an adapter. May need to get a new scanner. When I do, I will be able to send you some pictures of picnic and new house.

A GROUP FROM THE 1930's





AN INTERESTING SITE TO VISIT

submitted by: Boo Beall (ND '58)
Bbeall@buggs.net

Check this out!
http://members.aol.com/jeff560/westvirginia.html




DO YOU REMEMBER NOVEMBER 1950?

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

      


Above are pictures from one of my albums of the big snow of November 1950. I thought this would be a good time to jack-up your memories of that time long ago! Makes me shiver! It was so cold. I remember the snow got so thick on the roof of the little house we rented then in Wolf Summit. My father and brother went on top of the house and shoveled the snow off because my parents were afraid the roof would collapse. It was so cold I remember mother hanging quilts over my bedroom window to keep out the cold wind! (Wish I had one of those lovely quilts now, I sure wouldn’t put it over a window!) My parents bought a house and we moved to Clarksburg the following fall.




submitted by: Bill Gardner (WI '42)
BGDG2335@aol.com

We were not living in W VA in 1950, but do remember that we were visiting friends in Fairmont in 1950 when the snows fell and it took us two and one-half days to return to Detroit, Michigan. The roads were closed from Fairmont to Clarksburg and we were stranded on the mountain in Little Washington for 9 hours until the snowplow was able to clear the road. Fortunately we had blankets in the car to keep us warm as we did not want to keep the car running and use all the gas as we were afraid that we would not be able to find a gas station that was open. A farmer came by with a horse and sleigh with hot coffee after some time and we were so thankful to get something hot to drink. Our friends in Fairmont had given us 4 quarts of canned peaches, we ate one quart with our hot coffee and they were sooo good. After the snowplow came thru and cleared the roads, we were able to proceed north to the Pennsylvania turnpike and on to Michigan.

I don't know if you will want to use this experience, but we thank God that he was looking out for us during that snow storm in 1950.


This is a page from the 1950 diary belonging to J. Ralph Layfield of Lee Ave. Clarksburg. Note the correct date of the snow. Also, other writings show this to be correct ... someway the paper had the incorrect date.



submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)
Fgl46vhs@aol.com

The Big Snow
November,1950
Effecting Clarksburg-Harrison County

The snow in Harrison County started lightly Thursday evening, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Day. On Friday the 24th it began to snow heavy early in the morning. By 4:30 p.m. it was over a foot deep. Many workers had to leave their cars parked as it was too deep and visibility was poor. By Saturday, 25th it was 30" deep and still snowing. Temperature stayed around 24o above freezing. It as still snowing on Sunday 26th and the temperature dropped to 12o above. The City of Clarksburg closed all the theatres, poolrooms, and halted all taxi and bus service. The courthouse and city hall remained open but only with a skeleton crew as most employees could not get to work. Schools were also closed. Due to the fact that Clarksburg didn't have much equipment for snow removal they contracted Keeley and Byron Construction Companies to help out. Most of the snow was dumped over in Glen Elk into the Elk Creek. It was virtually impossible to buy tire chains and rubber boots as they sold out real quick. The WV State Road Commission also had limited snow removal equipment. All funerals were delayed for several days because back then graves were dug by hand. It was on Wednesday, November 29th before Clarksburg got back to normal.

Out in the county two elderly gentlemen died in remote areas. One was in Grass Run and he was put in the barn where it was cold as no one could get in this territory for a couple days. The other gentleman died on Tetrick Road and they couldn't reach him either for some time. He was also stored in an out building.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I extend a great big thank-you to Freddie Layman (a Victory grad) for all of the historical help he gives to this newsletter. He mails me packets of information and pictures so often. He truly is a Clarksburg History Book. Please continue to inform us Freddie!



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

Memories of the 1950 snow:
I remember sled riding on my old Flexible Flyer that my Dad had as a kid. It was one of the fastest sleds around. On the first day of the snow, the longer we rode the sleds down the hill, the slower we went. The snow was building up too fast--this had never happened before or after. Usually you went faster the more you rode. On that day, we had to quit sled riding as the snow got too deep. Then after the snow, everything was covered and no one could get out. On the hill in Broad Oaks where we lived, eventually each family shoveled to the street and a narrow path was made down the street. There was about 36 inches of snow (I do not remember exactly.) We made snow ice cream and not much else as it was too deep to walk in. Made a few tunnels then jumped on them and broke them down. Later, several days after the snow, I remember the bulldozers coming up and clearing off the streets. As it melted, a few of us kids made igloos with shovels--played in them for a little while, then rode the sleds through them.



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

To read about the snow of 1950---go to:
http://www.weather.com/activities/holidays/storms1950.html

EDITOR’S NOTE: Last year the first of December, Buzzy reminded me of the snow of November 1950. Since November was past for you readers, I decided to sit on this story until this year. But, I must have sat to hard (LOL) I lost the website someplace along the way. This year, I remembered the snow of 1950 and that Buzzy had provided a great web site on this subject. Thanks to Buzzy (a Victory grad).



PRECIOUS CHILD

      


submitted by: Jim Martin (WI '59)
JEM12641@hotmail.com

Ruth Ann Martin

No relation with the following exception. In the early grades at Pierpont, she played Martha Washington and I played George. In the play we had to kiss, maybe that is why I remember?



submitted by: Beth Twigg Craven (WI '59)
Craven@westol.comm

My guess on the October picture might be Ruth Ann Martin.

I always read the newsletter every month. You do a great job. I look forward to reading it. When I am not babysitting my granddaughter I do get on the computer some. But we are expecting our second grandchild the first of March. We are excited. We go to Daytona in February for the Daytona 500 so we are hoping this baby is not early. Keep up the good work.



submitted by: Phil Hooper (WI '59)
Bumpes@aol.com

The picture is none other than Ruth Ann Martin. I went to school with her at Pierpont Grade School, Central and WI. She was always a great classmate.



submitted by: Bob Teter (WI '60)
Bteter@chartertn.com

Sweet little Ruth Ann Martin (Hill) is my guess. She was a good friend growing up and we visited she and Bruce a couple of times several years ago when our kids were swimming in Atlanta. Our families were members of Temple United Methodist Church on Sycamore St. Brings back a lot of good memories.

Really appreciate the job you and Judy do with the newsletter.



submitted by: Rosemary Grow Warne (WI '59)
Warne02@aol.com

That is my dear friend, Ruth Ann Martin Hill. We went to Pierpont grade school together, and remain good friends today, keeping in touch.



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

Of course I know it is Ruth Ann Martin Hill. I put her picture in the newsletter last month. But I just had to take this opportunity to thank her for all the good times she provided during our school days together. From the 1st grade at Pierpont till our senior year at WI she was one of my best friends. Not only did we go to school but we also attended the same church, Methodist Temple. I would have to write a book to tell about all the wonderful memories I have of her and her Mom and Dad. She was and always will be one of the nicest people I have ever known.



NOVEMBER’S PRECIOUS CHILD



Do you remember this child? Write to me and tell me who you think it is and tell me a little memory you have of that person…I only publish correct answers-so write with you guess-you can’t be embarrassed and you will be contributing some interest to the newsletter. Write Roleta1@aol.com---remember to sign your e-mails with your name, school and class.



GROWING UP IN CLARKSBURG

The following was written by John Iaconis (WI 1959). John put down some thoughts when preparing to attend a recent class reunion. It was published 3 years ago in this newsletter but I felt it was time to share it again since we now have about 10 times the readers we had then. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to John who gave me permission to reprint it. I think it really expresses our feelings.

GROWING UP IN CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.

Borrowing a phrase or two to help express these thoughts.

AND HERE IT GOES:

It was the best of times.
It was the worst of times.
It was an age of innocence.
It was a period of uncertainty.
It provided a reference for life.
It provided purpose and meaning.
But external factors created permanent change.
Change that effected all of us.

As we grew into young adults, the winds of change were blowing.
The economic base of the area was rapidly diminishing.
Technological advances and economies of scale adversely impacted us.

After graduation, our lives diverged along many different paths.
For some the paths traveled were planned; and for others it was less so.
And now our paths converge at this reunion for awhile.

This small hill town was a microcosm of a larger world.
A beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Alleghenies.
Composed of many separate neighborhoods - each different and distinct.
It was proud. It was vibrant. It was a wonderful place.
Its citizens' culture and character created a certain atmosphere.
Many were immigrants seeking a better life.

The area had an abundance of natural resources.
Bituminous coal, natural gas, and timber were highly valued.
The fuels were of the highest quality.
It provided steel and copper products.
Its plate glass, glassware, and marbles were prized.
Its engineered carbon products used in numerous industries.
But times changed during our growing years.
Changes occurred as the industrial age evolved.

Absentee owners got wealthy from our resources and factories.
But they did not share and reinvest in central West Virginia.
The coal mines shut down.
The glass plants closed.
Manufacturing facilities left.
Resources dwindled.
It was not economical to continue on.
Business opportunities were not taken.
This was to our disadvantage.
Employment followed job creation elsewhere.
Families were forced to move.
Many young adults started their careers elsewhere.

For Washington Irving High School Hilltoppers --
-- it was a special place and time.
For its students best reflected the diverse makeup of the city.
Our hopes were to better ourselves and contribute to the world.
“To seize the day”, as the saying goes.

We were a part of the end of a golden era.
We were happy. We were sad.
We did not always understand what was happening.
What was provided to and shared with us.
For some - it was the best of times or the worst of times.
After graduation at WIHS, our paths diverge.
We went along many different roads.

Sometimes after being away for a long period-
I liked to revisit what I once knew.
I traveled the surrounding country roads.
I drove through company coal towns in the hollows.
I went around the neighborhoods.
I saw what was left of the downtown.
And I liked to lean against the Courthouse wall.
- All of this helped to remember what once was.

The industrial age diminishes.
The service and information ages rise.
There maybe a rebirth of this city but not as we knew it.
The character and culture of its people will differ.
There is some current urban renewal and revitalization.
But the path will be lengthy and difficult.
The city struggles to survive.
There is an uncertain future.
It needs visionaries, entrepreneurs, and political leaders.

We are part of Appalachia.
We share some of its problems.
But its people's strength and character are forever.
They say that mountaineers are always free.
Hope and faith remains eternal.

One often thinks of West Virginia.
One always returns if not in body at least in spirit.
It is good to go back and to reflect.
To know where we came from
To know where we have been.

Washington Irving High School is gone but not its ideals.
I remember [in no special order]: assemblies in the auditorium,
school plays, the band, homework, chemistry labs,
writing English compositions, learning history,
memorizing poetry, reading about other cultures,
Hite field, Carmichael auditorium, the front steps,
foreign languages, math, science, walking up the hill,
various teachers, and classmates.

There may be many other areas with similar plights.
But, there is only one Clarksburg and WIHS for us.
It is our heritage.
It is our experiences.
It is our memories.
It is our special place.
It is our special time.
It binds us together.
It is what we all share.

As for me --
I say to the WIHS class of 1959
"thank you all".
And to some I offer an apology.

----AND SO IT GOES----
It is all relative.
It is all relevant.


EDITOR’S NOTE: I hope you enjoyed this writing. I think I enjoy it a little more each time I read it. I believe it really expresses our love for out “Mother State.” I hope you will write your thoughts on this article to the newsletter at Roleta1@aol.com




GRANDCHILD

Congratulations to Bob and Carolyn White Rector (WI 1959) who are once again grandparents.

Ainsley Suzanne Rector was born on 9/4/02. Mom,dad and grandparents are doing well.



IT IS A SMALL WORLD

submitted by: Steve Limbers (WI '57)
Limberses@cs.com

I thought some of your readers might enjoy this "small world" story. My wife and I both had Miss Smith for math in 7th grade at CJHS. But half the seventh graders had Mrs Feeney, whose room was directly across the hall.

Years later, when our oldest son started junior high in WIlmington DE, we were surprised to find that his math teacher's name was Mrs. Feeney. A visit to her classroom during the first school visitation confirmed that she was indeed the same teacher who had taught at CJHS -- and she remembered us.



POEM

submitted by: Frank Bush (WI '59)
Frankbush@legacynet.com

LOVE'S RIDE

When hoof beats are not heard
And the moon cast strange shadows
Look around Look around

Do you feel a hand holding yours
Do you feel a coat covering your shoulders
Do you feel the warmth of love

But you see no one there
The space around is empty
But the presence is strong

Let your heart and mind roam
For it is me taking you in my arms
On a ride of Love and Life forever

As you drift off to sleep
Look at the moon with clear eyes
It is us riding across the sky

When hoof beats are not heard
And the moon casts strange shadows
Rest in my arms and sleep.




BASKETBALL

submitted by: Ron Werner (WI '59)
Mrzip60@aol.com




RECORDING OF WI BASKETBALL GAME

submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)
Mysto99@aol.com

Again I apologize for sending you so much, and taking up your time. I just thought of something that might be of interest to some others. I have a recording of the WI-Shinnston Basketball tournament game of the last 2O-25 minutes from Clarksburg's Carmichael Auditorium. As a student -- for a couple dollars..had bought an old much used -- Wilcox-Gay 78rpm -- wax-disc- recorder from a WI teacher .. and recorded this from live radio with very good quality. I believe it is 1950 with Chauncy Rush, Dave Limer, Dave Corsini ... play-by-play by Ed Siegrist, a local attorney who just recently retired.

About 10 years ago I found this in my collection and gave a copy to Ed. He was thrilled and told me later he had taken it to the local bank where Dave Corsini was employed and played it for him..and they got a real kick out of it... Ed (WI Grad) said he had no recordings of his play-by-play games of some 50 years ago--and had really never before heard himself doing them.

If someone wants a cassette copy, it will only cost you a buck, just contact me via e-mail and I will provide you mailing instructions. There is even a brief bit - interview of a WI teacher.



OCTOBER TRIVIA PICTURE

GORE HOTEL TODAY

photo submitted by: Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI '59)
mtmama@iolinc.net


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

Roleta: Your trivia photo for October is of the former Gore Hotel located on Pike Street. The first section of the hotel where the date is inscribed was built in 1910 by the six [6] Gore Brothers but didn't have a formal opening until 1913. In 1912, one of the Gore Brothers namely Dr. Truman E. Gore, a local dentist, wanted to extend the hotel next to the Fordyce Building which housed the Roberts Hardware Store. The hardware store had opened in 1903. This was done giving the hotel 217 sleeping rooms. In the rear of the hotel on Second Street were located the Gore apartments.

When the hotel opened there was a bowling alley located in the basement. Also on the first floor facing east was a Wolks "Gents" Store and the Steil Piano Store. In 1920 according to the late Truman E. Gore II the Gore Cafeteria opened in the basement. One of the Gore Brothers, Howard M., was West Virginias 17th Governor. Another brother, Claude W., was a well-known stockman. He lived in the community of Gore, as did Howard. Later Truman E. Gore II moved into the family residence at Gore. Claude Gore's residence was taken by eminent domain to build the Gore Jr. High School and bus garage. VICTORY High School's home football playing field was built there in 1923 and used up until the late forties and was called Gore field. After that they called Hite Field their home and played their games on Thursday Night if WI was using the field on Friday Nights. Victory also played some games there on Saturday nights.

As the hotel business diminished in Clarksburg, the Gore Hotel rented the rooms to mostly local senior citizens or some living on welfare or social security. Today the hotel is beginning to run down some and there are only two [2] renters located on the main floor. As far as I know none of the rooms are being occupied today. The last known renter was a Charles Jenkins who has been deceased for many years.



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

I believe this is the Gore Hotel at the corner of Pike and Third Streets. A couple of memories come to mind from this building. First, my introduction to the world of dentistry came in this building. Dr. John Young, I believe, had an office facing Third Street. At about age six, I had a tooth extracted. I do not remember this being a terribly traumatic experience, so the dentist must have been skilled. I was accompanied by my big brother, Keith (WI 1941), who bought me a nice, white handkerchief at Bland's after the extraction. I kept that handkerchief for many years. Keith died in 1991 of cancer.

My second memory is of ballet lessons somewhere in that building. I think the ballroom where the dance lessons were held faced Pike Street and was on the second floor. In any case, my memories of the Gore Hotel are rather nice ones.



submitted by: Nancy Gaines (WI '50)
Nanielee@aol.com

Dear Roleta,
I think the picture is the Gore Hotel. Of course, next to the hotel was Bland's our favorite meeting place. Who can forget the fountain cokes in all those wonderful flavors, delicious sundaes, meeting your friends there. Watching the parades in front of the hotel.



submitted by: Phil Hooper (VHS '46)
Bumpes@aol.com

I believe this is the Gore Hotel at the corner of 2nd and Pike. There was a bowling alley in the basement of the building. I use to go there a lot. It didn't cost much to bowl and I don't remember it being very busy. I think Mike Hinton use to set pins. No automatic pin setters.

Memories just keep popping up, thanks to this newsletter.



submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
Jpulice@msn.com

The photo is of the Gore Hotel....on Pike Street...across the street was the Coffee Mill Restaurant...where we sometimes ate lunch while at Central Jr. High...In the early "70’s" there was a late night Bar that was VERY popular in Gore hotel called the "Voyager". It was a place where you went and didn’t want to be caught...A lot of the locals in there were not with there wives or girl friends...but with someone else. Lots of good memories I can't mention in this newsletter about the "Voyager" in the GORE HOTEL



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

The building pictured is the Gore Hotel Building was built as a four story building in 1910 on the southwest corner of Second and Pike streets, Dr. Truman E. Gore extended the building west to where Roberts Hardware once stood and added a fifth floor. The hotel had a formal opening Saturday, August 2, 1913. Dr. Gore and his brothers including Gov. Howard M. Gore who was Secretary of Agriculture in President Coolidge's administration, owned and operated the hotel, In recent years the building has had limited use. Does anyone remember the bowling alley in the basement of the building? I remember the duck pins and the pins being reset by youngsters who had to be nimble because some of the younger bowlers thought it more fun to throw the ball at the pinsetters than the pins.

Gary

I get some of my info from the "History of Harrison County" by Dorothy Davis.



submitted by: Ron Watkins (VHS '54)
Ronw@ticnet.com

Trivia picture, is the Gore Hotel, at the corner of Pike and 2nd street. I remember there used to be a bowling alley in the basement and when I was a kid I used to set pins. That was before they had the automatic pin setters and you had to manually put the pins in a frame and drop it down to the alley to reset. It's been a long time ago but I think we made something like five (5) cents a game.



submitted by: John Cooper (VHS '51)
Mysto99@aol.com

The October edition was wonderful stuff! I am only sorry I could not make the recent Clarksburg grads picnic. I was out of town for that one. I look forward to next time.

Freddie Layman has so much knowledge of Clarksburg/Harrison County. He must sit down and write that all down before he is called to the happy-hunting grounds. Or better yet --get a tape recorder and start talking--and start again the next day, etc. To lose all of that would be terrible for those who value so much detailed facts he has stored up over the years of watching and remembering in this area. He is indeed a walking history book, and has many rare photos to back-up his statements.

The Mystery Picture is the wonderful GORE HOTEL. My father-in-law was night clerk for many years during 1940's and during WW2...and couple of his sons worked as bellhops. They had many-many stories to tell--as you can imagine. In the late 1990's the local Clarksburg Art Center was refurbishing the downstaires where the restaurant was located to turn that area into a theatre for their productions. But before they were finished, the hotel was sold and the new owner never allowed the project to finish.

Yep--Like many others, I could tell you some unforgettable incidents that involved me --however--- I'll wait 'tilI I get with the 'ole grads at the next WI-Picnic to tell it all...!!



TRIVIA PICTURE FOR NOVEMBER 2002



Do you recognize this site? Write your guesses and memories to Roleta1@aol.com-thanks. Remember I only print correct guesses. Please contirbute!



ICE CREAM

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)
Jalvaro@aol.com

As usual Roleta, a great newsletter. Several people mentioned the Pure Ice Cream Parlor. My dad use to take my brother Fred in one hand and me in the other and we would walk from Haymond Hwy down Monticello Ave cross Main St. turn right on Pike. Across from St Mary's High School was the Pure Ice Cream Parlor. We would get big 10 cent cones, which were fantastic, and then we would walk East on Pike where there were two great hot dog restaurants. I believe one was Cook’s Restaurant and just across Pike St was I believe, East End Lunch. We would see which one had the cheapest hot dogs and sometimes they would have a "Hotdog War" which would bring the hot dog down to 7 cents. Generally you could get them for 10 cents. We would get a dozen and then walk back home to eat them. This would happen about once a week. Those are memories I will never forget along with the Christmases we had in Clarksburg.

Again, thanks for the great job on the Newsletter.



E-MAIL ADDRESSES

CORRECTIONS:

Ron Watkins (WI '54) ronw@ticnet.com
I APOLOGIZE, Ron, my fingers put an extra letter in your address.


CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Karen Myers Lattin (WI '59) dlattin@co.lincoln.or.us
Bill Gardner (WI '42) BGDG2335@aol.com
Judy McDougal Siders (WI '57) siders_judy@msn.com
(note: remember that space between siders and judy has an underline mark)


NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS

Sharron Williams Ashford (WI '67) Sharr1116@aol.com
Pam Jacobson Wygal Waugh (WI '64) HowWahwv@wmconnect.com
Ray Carter (WI '62) rcarternc@aol.com




HELP ME WITH
THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Do you remember the Broad Oaks Dairy Bar? Many readers are interested in your memories. Please write and help this section become interesting.

ALSO-do you have some favorite Christmas memories? Write and share them-Let’s make the December issue one to remember! Here are a few suggestions to write about: A family event, a tradition, a favorite recipe, a favorite gift given or one received. Do you remember an exciting time when you visited Santa? Or a favorite memory of the holiday season….write to me….I will edit for you, and even run a spell check! We can do it together. This doesn't have to be about something from your childhood, it can be from a more recent time in your life.



GETTING TO KNOW THE EDITOR

I have been asked many questions, many different times. So here to let all of you know at one time:

I attended grade school in Wolf Summit through the 4th grade. Then we moved to Clarksburg where I attended Morgan, Central, WI and Fairmont State College. My goal was to become a teacher.

I have one brother, Roy Smith who graduated in 1955 from WI. Yes, he was the little guy who ran so fast for the Hilltoppers football team-I think he was number 32. I also have 1 sister, Jalon, born when I was a sophomore in WI.

My family moved to Ohio in 1960 and I still live here. However, once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer. I love visiting the scenic state of WV in the summer or fall. I hate winter. My license on my convertible is : SNO H8R.

I am married to Bill Meredith who graduated from Monongah High School in 1957.

I have one son, Victor; one daughter, Vaneta; 6 granddaughters, and no live pets. (through the pet stage in my life!)

Victor is well, the cancer was encased in the tumor on the thyroid which was removed. In about 3 weeks he will drink a radio active iodine cocktail which is like an insurance policy in that it will seek out and kill any cancerous blood cells which may have escaped from the thyroid. The Dr. doesn’t think there is any cancer any place else. But we all want to be certain. Thank you for your cards, prayers and concerned e-mails.

I enjoy family, friends, travel, golf and writing the newsletter-crazy?

I collect many things, the largest collection being teddy bears-most are Boyds. . I have over 150 and prefer the ones who look like they have been loved awhile before I received them. They are an active working part of the family. One travels with me, one is my pillow when I watch TV, several are on my computer armoire, some are at my office at work, many are in my kitchen, they are all toys for any child who visits. I will write about my collection in an upcoming newsletter and tell you how I name them! Yep, most have names and believe it or not, I remember most of their names-sometimes I forget mine though. Now you know why Judy puts a teddy bear at the end of every newsletter…Thanks Judy.

Hope this answers your questions---Roleta1@aol.com




OBITUARIES

SAM SIRIANNI
RW-1954
Sam Sirianni, died October 4, 2002 in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer in January 2000.

He was the son of coal miner Samuel Frank Sirianni (deceased) and Virginia Yankosky Sirianni. Sam had a brother 4 years his junior. Both brothers played football at RW. However, they never played together due to the 4 year age difference. After graduating from RW, Sam went on to Marshall University where he started as a fullback and linebacker. After graduating from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, Sam and his wife moved to Ft. Myers, Florida. There in 1959 he started teaching history and was an assistant football coach. His career stretched over 33 years of teaching and coaching. He retired in August 2002. Siriani was ranked number 8 on the all-time career victory list in Florida….His record was 244-103-4.

Sam is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margaret, whom he met in college. He is also survived by a daughter Stepahnie and a son Sam, Jr., his brother Frank and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life was held October 10, 2002 at the Sam Sirianni Field at Edison Stadium in Ft. Myers, Florida.



LINDA C. SCHMIDT DOWNWARD

Linda C. Schmidt Downward, 50, of West Milford died October 3, 2002. She was born May 13, 1952, in Clarksburg, a daughter of Katherine A. "Kitty" Seders Schmidt, who survives in Clarksburg, and the late Francis C. Schmidt, who died March 8, 2002.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by 5 children, T. Jason and his wife Tina Downward, Nashville, Georgia; Jennifer Lynn Downward Cook, West Milford; David Keith and his wife Jennifer Downward, Lost Creek; John C. and his wife Regina Downward, Laurel Valley; and Rebecca Jean Downward, West Milford; and her companion Oscar Stutler.

Linda was a graduate of WI High School and received an Associates degree from WV Business College in Accounting.

Excerpts from the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram



MARLOW D. DAVIS

Marlow D. Davis passed away while surrounded by family on September 29, 2002, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 83.

Marlow was born February 16, 1919, to Thomas and Dolly Davis in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He grew up in Ohio, Florida and West Virginia. He was a graduate of Washington Irving High School in 1940. After serving in the U.S. Army, Marlow attended West Virginia University and graduated with honors with a degree in accounting. At the time of his death, he and his wife, Betsy, had been married for 53 years and had lived in Phoenix, AZ, for 47 years, where they raised their family and Marlow practiced public accounting with exceptional care and integrity.



CLARKSBURG ELKS CLUB BURNS


ELKS LODGE
Picture submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)


GRILL ROOM - ELKS LODGE

Official- Elks fire damage $1M
by Darlene J. Taylor
STAFF WRITER-The Clarksburg Exponent Telegram

CLARKSBURG -- Fire officials are estimating damages to the nearly 100-year-old Elks Lodge destroyed on Saturday at $1 million.

Smoke, water and fire damage to the Masonic Lodge, located just four feet away from the historic brick and stone structure, was estimated at nearly $500,000, said Clarksburg Fire Chief Joe Gonzalez. The building had about eight feet of water in the basement."The Clarksburg Water Board brought their pumps in to remove the standing water in the basement of the Masonic Lodge," he said.

David Gross, who served as manager of the Elks Lodge from 1975-1982 and is a current trustee, said there is insurance on the building, although he did not know how much.

The state Fire Marshal's Office will meet with Clarksburg Fire Inspector Danny Hamrick on Tuesday to go over any information collected and try to determine the cause of the fire, Gonzalez said.

While firefighters worked through Sunday morning to completely extinguish the blaze, a meeting was being held by the Elks Board of Directors to address safety issues with the building.

"They agreed to contact Lyons Construction for demolition. We have one unsupported wall that is a safety issue," said Gonzalez.

Workers boarded up the front door and windows Sunday, and demolition work is expected to begin today.

"They will begin with a chimney that basically has to be taken down brick by brick to a certain level until it is safe to raze it," Gonzalez said.

The fire chief said heavy black smoke billowing from the building upon their arrival indicated a fire starving for air. "There was a large explosion that was a backdraft of superheated gases in the hall," Gonzalez said.

About 50 firefighters, including all 43 from Clarksburg and seven from Bridgeport, were on the scene beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday. The final team left about 11 a.m. Sunday.

Although the Elks building is lost, the written history of the organization has been preserved. Gross was cleaning at the site Sunday when he found the original minutes and membership books dating back to 1899, when the Elks was chartered in Clarksburg. "They were wrapped in cellophane and stacked in boxes. They are a little wet but they can be saved," said Mike Queen, Elks spokesman.

In another surprising discovery, firefighter Art Kapis recovered a suitcase on Sunday that contained the undamaged sterling silver regalia of the Elks."These ceremonial pieces are needed to perform many functions of the organization. They are probably worth between $12,000 and $13,000," Queen said.

The trademark mounted Elk head that hung over the entrance to the lodge was also salvaged. It was estimated to be worth about $30,000, said Queen.

The Elks Lodge has been a piece of Clarksburg history for nearly a century including Aug. 8, 1924 when it hosted a luncheon for John W. Davis just prior to him accepting the presidential nomination in Clarksburg.

"It's just sad. This building was for the members, past and present. Everything was still in there, waiting for a new home," Gross said.

Gonzalez commended the city, businesses and individuals who offered their support on the scene.

"It is tremendous to see how our community comes together to lend support to overcome a very serious loss like this. It was an excellent show of unity," Gonzalez said. The Elks Club is currently located in Village Square Conference Center. The organization moved there when it was determined that the costs of renovations needed to the downtown landmark, including handicapped-accessibility, were too high.





BIRTHDAYS


Happy November birthday to:

Ruth Jean Werner Davis WI '59    Nov. 11     Rockwellrjd@aol.com
Becky McClain Werner WI '60    Nov. 17     Mrzip60@aol.com
Maureen Quinn Colasessano WI '59   Nov. 18 Quinn1118@cs.com
       Ron Werner WI '59        Nov.20        Mrzip60@aol.com
Barbara Warren Williams WI '58   Nov.22    Barbwilliams@swfla.rr.com
Margaret Snow Crocker   WI '49   Nov 30    marorgeo@aol.com


Write your friends and tell them you are thinking of them on their birthday. And don’t forget to write to Gary Weiner Cias@iolinc.net and tell him you birthday.



HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU
FROM ROLETA AND JUDY




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