THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 42 February 2003





CONGRATULATIONS!
From the Happy editor!

THREE CHEERS FOR THE CONTRIBUTORS THIS MONTH!


YEAH ------ You did it. You saved the newsletter one more time. We are still in publication. The e-mails I received this month were terrific! I bet it didn’t hurt to write to me as much as you thought it would, now did it? So, don’t stop, write again…write loads, I love it! I never get too many e-mails. When you write don’t forget to always put your name, school and year in the e-mail----THANK YOU! I guess it did some good to nag! I am sorry but another month like December and preparing the January newsletter and Who Knows???


HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

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

What can I give for Valentine’s Day? Does this seem like a problem for you? Is candy out of the question for various reasons? Some suggestions are - cologne/perfume, a red sweater, red shirt, red flowers, some nice red candles with pretty bows tied around them, a picture frame or a picture framed, anything red, a pretty card-or a funny card, and of course there is always dinner at a favorite restaurant. You could spend some time with someone while listening to soft music and talking while sharing your favorite drink. Any thoughtfulness is always appreciated whether it is for a loved one, friend or relative. This month show someone you care. Smile at someone and say, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” There are a lot of lonely people in the world and just those 3 little words can make someone feel happy all day.




REMEMBER?

Now, here are some topics we will be discussing as soon as you send me enough material to make a feature!

Topic:-- BRIDGEPORT HILL-THEN AND NOW

Some of you may take Bridgeport Hill for granted but do you know that a lot of poor readers haven’t been back since the late 50’s or early 60’s and they have no idea what has happened up on that treacherous hill…..Were you allowed over Bridgeport Hill in the wintertime? My parents were afraid for me to ride with someone or to drive that dangerous hill with that little icy 2 lane road in the winter. However, it always seemed that the best things were over that hill! Starting on top of the hill where we drove to get French fried onion rings---the best! Then over the hill to Ellis drive-in for the movies, the food or the D.J. And there were so many other places but I am not going to mention them---that is up to you. Write and tell me what you remember about the hill and what was over the hill. Where are those places now? What do you think the hill looks like now? --Remember-WRITE- Roleta1@aol.com.

Topic:-- CLAY B. HITE

Were you in WI when Mr. Hite was a coach or were you there when he was Dean of Men or were you one of those unfortunate ones who only heard about the legend? Do you have a memory about Coach Hite that you can share? Anyone know why he was named Dean of Men? Why wasn’t there a Dean of Men at WI before or after Mr. Hite? Please write to me Roleta1@aol.com.

Topic:-- CARMICHAEL AUDITORIUM

Why did you go to Carmichael Auditorium? Did you have fun there? Who did you go with? Where was it located? Is it still there? What is it used for now? These topics should give each and everyone of you something to think about -a memory to remember---a reason to write a note to me Roleta1@aol.com.


            


CLARKSBURG PICNIC

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


As of January 30rd, I have over 80 reservations for the third annual CLARKSBURG PICNIC to be held in Sarasota, Florida on March 1, 2003. Last year we had 100 people attend…this year I am hoping for at least 125. However, we will probably have more since we have so many reservations already.

Everyone who ever lived in Clarksburg is welcome! Invite a neighbor or a friend who only lived in Clarksburg a few years. Come see some old friends or make friends with some of we old people! One great thing about this picnic---you didn’t have to go to any certain school or graduate from a school in Clarksburg. You may see old neighbors from your old neighborhood, people who babysat for you, perhaps an old boyfriend or girlfriend, some of your siblings friends, probably some classmates and most of all---FRIENDS!

We may have a hot dog chili challenge---I have 3 people who say they are bringing hot dog sauce. I can’t wait to taste some of each. (NOTE: Rick W.-here is your chance!) Sue Ellen Stalnaker Crawford has supplied me with her wonderful chili sauce for the past 2 years and she will do so again this year Yep, Clarksburg had the best hot dogs! I plan to have fried chicken for those who don’t like hot dogs or just can’t digest them anymore!

Date: March 1, 2003
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM-or whenever you want to leave
Place: Twins Lake Park in Sarasota, Florida


All you have to do is notify me with a reservation so you and your guests can be counted. I have to know how many plates, forks, dogs and chickens to bring! Then make your favorite covered dish or buy something at the local deli, bring your own drink and a few dollars to put in the kitty to help me defray the costs of the meat, picnic site and picnic products.

About the first week of February I will be writing personally to each person who has made a reservation. At that time I will give you directions to the park, and information on nearby stores and motels for all of you who are coming in from out of state for a few days in a beautiful area of Florida.

So come on---make my day! Write today and be counted among the Clarksburg natives who are going to meet in Sarasota, Florida on March 1. Write Roleta1@aol.com. If you need to speak to me….just e-mail me-I will then reply with my phone number so you can reach me..

   




A MESSAGE FROM A READER

EDITOR’S NOTE: This from a reader-I thank you for this contribution. However, due to an accident with a disc---I lost the name of who contributed these nice remarks. But my thanks go to you and the thanks from all those you mention herein.

I would like to ask Roleta and all of our other friends who work so hard on putting together reunions, picnics, server lists, web pages, and other get-togethers to stand up and take a bow. Don't worry if your co-workers or family think you're strange in bowing towards your computer screen -- they were probably already worried about you anyhow since you've spent so much time either laughing or crying over the memories, nostalgia, and news shared by your friends and classmates.

The most wonderful thing about all these real and virtual meetings is the ability to see our classmates as adults. The cliques have long gone away. The divisions between the "jocks" and the "nerds," or whatever the labels were when you went to school have also disappeared. When we now meet, it is as people who have shared so many common experiences that we just can't see the supposed differences that often separated us in high school.

For me personally, it has been a huge delight to get emails or phone calls from people that I lost track of as far back as grade school. It has been a refreshing revision to many of my high school memories to find that the people who wouldn't step foot out of their clique "way back then" now share so much of their lives with us. To find that some people I remembered so negatively from high school are now people whom I greatly esteem; and to find that all of us have so much love for the memory of life like it was in Clarksburg.

Although I suddenly feel the need to start singing "Getting to Know You", it has been fun seeing so many old and new friends "all grown up".... couldn't have happened without those of you who help get us together.




GETTING TO KNOW YOU

submitted by: Carl Besterman (WI '56)
best@knology.net

A few days ago, Roleta responded to me about a trivia picture and requested that I do the honors of the “Getting to Know You”. Before thinking about this, I said OK. Oh boy, now what do I do? At my age I can’t even remember what I did last week.

Well, it all started August l937 in Swickley, Pa. I was born to Harold and Helen Besterman. Unfortunately, their marriage didn’t last long and they went their separate ways. I stayed in Swickley with my Dad and his parents and Mother and sister went back to Clarksburg, WV to live with her parents. Money was tight back then, and that is just the way it had to be.

Helen went to work at Parsons-Sauders and did over thirty years with most of the time in the “Foundation Department”. In the later years she worked the Infant Department.

The summer of 42, I started a new venture, I came to live in Clarksburg, WV with my Mother. I met grandparents, aunts and uncles who I didn’t even know. What an experience! I started Towers School that fall and finished High School at WI in l956.For those who knew me, I was not boring. The caption under my name in the yearbook, “A Little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men” was lived up to throughout my past.

Upon Graduation, having been in some bad scrapes, I just wasn’t too sure what I wanted. So, I visited the Draft Board, had them put my name to the top of the list and two months later I was off to the Army. I finished my final time at Ft. Benning, GA. where I met my first wife and decided Columbus, GA. will be my new residence. While working two jobs, going to night school, I help raise one son and a daughter. Night school only lasted one year. My first good position of careers was with Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. during the sixties. Ten years later I moved on to bigger and better things, Food Brokerage Company/Food Distribution for the next thirty plus years. During this time my oldest son, Mark, age 17, who was killed in a car accident and my first marriage went down the drain. My daughter, Libby, graduated from school, and has been happy in a marriage giving me a grandson and a granddaughter.

I got married to Karen, second wife, who had two boys and that helped fill the void of Mark. Karen’s two boys have married and given us 2 more grandsons and another granddaughter. So, I now have 5 grandchildren ranging from eight months to twenty-one years of age.

Two years ago, January, I retired. Since then I have been busy with babysitting, keeping the house clean and cooking dinner. Years ago, I wised up and quit my smoking and got into a better health program and am happy with myself for doing so. I find time to run 4 to 5 miles daily. Karen is still working at Blue Cross and may retire this summer. What happens then, who knows? One good thing, there is no mortgage!

Good bye for now, “Barney”



submitted by: Olga Stenger Hardman (VHS '46) {Surely I can't be that old!}
fsa00180@mail.wvnet.net

Although I am a Victory grad (class of 1946) I, too, really enjoy your newsletter. Just hearing all the names you mention is a nostalgic experience for me. Our favorite Harrison County and Clarksburg Historian, Fred Layman, is a classmate (1946) of mine. As he says, "We were the class that had class." But I can tell you that he is one of the greatest guys I have ever known (from any school.) We all owe him a debt of gratitude for all the history he has preserved over the years for US. Thanks so much for all the work you do to keep this Newsletter going. Happy New Year to you and everyone who enjoys this wonderful work. I did teach at WI for a few years, so I feel that I have a vested interest in your "baby."





submitted by: Ruby Matthews Casto (VHS '47)
Recasto@iolinc.net

I think you have one fantastic newsletter and I look forward to it each month. I am a graduate of Victory High School with the class of 1947. I worked with Katherine Dawson a graduate of WI either with the class of 1947 or 48. We worked at F. W. Woolworth and she lived in an apartment down by Roush's Fruit Market. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Katherine? I haven't seen her since 1947. ---Thanks





submitted by: Vickie Zabeau Bowden (ND '54)
bahsofwv@ma.rr.com

Your newsletters are a lot of fun. I remember many of the people on your list from my sisters school years. Our parents always had our friends at our house for many many years, and still do. ha!

I am still living in Clarksburg with my husband Gary and our sons, so the old haunts are now new haunts. I do remember all of what is in your newsletters though and really enjoy reminiscing about it all. I still can drive down the street and see "downtown" and picture the way it was when shoppers were everywhere. I suppose the ghosts come alive for me. No one can take those special memories away and we each have our own.

If by chance we are in the Florida area around the first of March I will certainly attend your outing and certainly will not hesitate contacting you. Please feel free to do the same here. That is what being a West Virginian is all about.

P.S. Yes, with all respect to N.D. I did love WI. I started at Morgan from lst through 4th, and many of my friends were there.





submitted by: Robert Willard F (Bud) Wheelock (WI '60)
Hawkewoode708@aol.com

I was unaware that we had a WI newsletter until I talked with my good friend and classmate from the class of 1960 Gary Weiner. I just perused the latest one and enjoyed it very much. I will have some tales from the hill for you soon. I am teaching history at Robert C. Byrd High school in our eighth year after 25 years of teaching at good old WI. I am just thrilled that the Buckeyes won the championship. I was a big fan back in the Woody Hayes days when I lived in Grove City and was stationed at Lockbourne AFB east of the city. This victory was especially satisfying for me since one of our 2002 grads and my friend Robert (R.J.) Coleman was on the squad this year as a red shirt freshman.





submitted by: Bob Hall (WI '56)
Rhall9171@aol.com

Thanks, Roleta, for putting this monthly newsletter together. You and Judy do a fantastic job. Wish all the readers would make it easier for you.

I don't remember too much about the classroom stuff at WI. I was very involved with band, A choir, and girls. I was 1st clarinet for 3 years for Mr. Henry Mayer. Loved that man! I can remember him saying "Judist Priest Hall" for every mistake made by me or the clarinet section. The band drills at Hite stadium stand out in my mind and the cold or wet weather. I don't think kids do those things anymore in school. Down here in SC, they close the schools for a heavy frost.

I remember practicing several times at Martha Marple's (she accompanied me on piano) to some piece of classical music used for competition in the Spring of '56. I rode the bus home after practice! We did quite well in the competition. I wore my band sweater with a tie! I had memorized this piece of music. When all of the competitors started playing they used the music. I should have asked Mr. Mayer for a little guidance but was to proud.

I don't remember the lady choir director's name. For some reason, they voted me president of the choir which allowed or required me to introduce specials or announce the programs during presentations. I was in a quartet with Tom Hurley, Putt Stencil, and Bill Shaw singing Four Freshmen music which was copied from 33 1/3 albums. Lift arm-write notes/words-replace arm. Spent a lot of time writing (stealing) music but loved every minute of it. Very sentimental singing "I'll Be Seeing You" during all of the graduation activities.

Enough of the old stuff....Just got back from a 5-night cruise in the Western Caribbean. Snorkling last week in 80 degree water. Cold and rainy here now. It's amazing how 900 miles south can effect the weather. Take care and have a good year. Will send some old pictures next time.





submitted by: Judith Allen Hutson (would have been WI '60 but moved to Oklahoma)
Judithahutson@webtv.net

Hi Roleta
A friend of mine, Janet Welch, told me if I wrote you that I could receive your newsletter. Since I have tried for years to find out about people I went to school with, I would appreciate being included. I went to WI my freshman year and that was when Janet and I became friends. At the end of that year we moved to Oklahoma and I lost all contact with everyone. So - if you can put me on your list it would be deeply appreciated.





submitted by: Janet Duncan Welch (WI '55) and Lynn L. Welch (WI '50)
JanandLynnWelch@aol.com

Hi Roleta - please add us to your newsletter list. We are really enjoying hearing the news from all of the classmates. It's so nice to go home! Lynn (class of '50) and I (class of '55) just heard about the newsletter from Lynn's brother, Jim.

We have lived in Akron, Ohio for the last 44 years. Lynn is now retired from the Akron Board of Education and I am still working - go figure.

I remember your brother, Roy. I think he worked in Akron for sometime. I was and still am a good friend of Mary Lou Johnson Alonso.





submitted by: Frank Meligan (would have been WI '50)
Fnnmel@atlantic.net

My name is Frank Meligan, grew up in Clarksburg, Stealey to be precise, and attended Washington Irving for about three years leaving in the spring of 1949 to enter the Coast Guard.

An old friend of mine, WI alumnus, Bob Trent, tells me that you send out a WI newsletter from time to time. Would consider it a favor if you would add my name to your mailing list. Have lived in Florida a long time, but like to keep ties with home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each month I send out a notice of the newsletter being on line for your reading (I hope) pleasure. To receive this notice or other news that I sometimes send….you must write to me and request the newsletter-state your name, school and year you ( or would have) graduated. We keep the names on a list grouped with the people who were in the same year in school. My e-mail lists are done alphabetically.----Confusing? You bet, that is why I need your name, school and year….there are 5 pages single spaced of names and e-mail addresses.





submitted by: Glenna Lee Pick Phillips (WI '38)
Glp1312@webtv.net

I always enjoy the WI Newsletter even though many of the articles are from much younger graduates. My memories keep me going. I was interested in the information on Lillie May Bauer. I had her for my teacher of Speech in my junior year at WI. She graduated from Buckhannon High School with my Mother probably around 1914. She also dated my Uncle some, so she was very nice to me since we had something in common to talk about other than schoolwork. I haven't been back to Clarksburg for many years now and most of my relatives and friends are gone. I still keep in touch with some of my classmates but we are all in our eighties now and scattered all over the USA. Keep up the good work on the newsletter.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Glenna read further, your classmate, Bert Spangler wrote “CLARKSBURG REMEMBERED” which I have published later in this issue.





submitted by: Lucy Wallace Ropp Hornor (WI '54)
Lhornor@aol.com

My maiden name was Lucy Wallace Ropp. I graduated in 1954, and married Paul Hornor in 1958 in Ft. Pierce. Fl, where my parents were living at that time. Since then we have lived briefly in Tex. and then Morgantown where P. finished his degree. We moved back to Clarksburg in 1963 and have been there ever since. Paul went with his family's engineering business, Hornor Bros. Engrs., and is still working part time. Two of our sons run the business now. I am a retired elem. teacher.

Sorry we won't be around for the picnic on March 1. I had heard about it from Don Douglas. But, Paul and I will certainly enjoy the newsletter, and perhaps can furnish some memories sometime. Thanks so much !!!!




SENIOR TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Did your class go on a Senior Class Trip? I have never heard of anyone in the class of 1959 taking such a trip but maybe it is a big secret still? Write to me and tell me about your senior trip. Sounds like some in the Class of 1962 had fun on their Senior Trip.


submitted by: Ray Carter (WI '62)
Rcarternc@aol.com

I have some ideas for the newsletter. Recently some of the classmates from 1962 have been chatting about what we called the "Senior Trip" to New York. Some of our classmates, Holly McMunn (62) in particular, claim they never heard of it. I went on the trip. I know Mrs. Dodds, a Central Jr. High School geography teacher, organized the trip. I believe she did this every year. The trip was by invitation only. I guess Holly and a few others didn't get their invitations. We won't go into why they may not have been invited. Dave Kuhl says I was invited over him because they wanted to get the 'troublemakers' out of town. If Mrs. Dodds did this every year, then several years of WI graduates would have gone with her. Perhaps we could write up a memory jog request and ask those who went to write in and tell us their memories. Perhaps call it Senior Trip Confessions. I believe the statute of limitations should have expired by now. This may get some to respond with material.

I have a couple other ideas also, but I want to think them through first.





submitted by: Jim Ashley (WI '62)
Jashley4@cox.net

Roleta, I am very much guilty of enjoying the input of others and not sending stuff back. Firm kick to the buttocks received and acknowledged.
  (EDITOR’S NOTE- Jim, you are forgiven but don’t let it happen again)  

Here's a topic that maybe some of our alumni could help the Class of '62 clear up. I recently mentioned to some classmates that I had taken a Christmas trip to New York City that pretty much replicated our Senior Class trip. After a number of responses saying, "What Senior Class trip?" I finally dug out the following article from my rapidly decaying collection of The Hilltopper issues from the 1961/62 class year.

After a lot of discussion by our classmates (which included a lot of memories of the Hotel Picadilly), it appears that this was an invitation-only trip run by Mrs. Dodds, a teacher at Central Junior High School. No one can seem to remember the criteria for invitation, however. Did other classes take a NYC trip? Was there ever any official Senior Class trips?

From the May, 1962, Hilltopper:

29 SENIORS TAKE EASTER VACATION

Twenty-nine WI seniors, chaperoned by Mrs. J. M. Dodds, spent Easter weekend in New York City, where they visited several places of interest and did many exciting things.

Leaving on Thursday evening, April 19, the group spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in New York, and began the trip home late Sunday evening.

Included in the places the students visited were the United Nations, where they took a guided tour; the studios of NBC, where they learned about color, sound effects, and other phases of broadcasting; and the Statue of Liberty, which they climbed, to the top.

The group attended a Broadway play, "My Fair Lady"; spent an evening in Broadway's largest supper club, the International; went to Radio City Music Hall, where the world-famous Rockette dancers performed; and took a three-hour yacht trip around Manhattan Island. A bus tour of Lower Manhattan provided, among other things, a visit to Chinatown and a look at Wall Street and the Bowery.

Between tours and excursions, the group had free time, which several used for shopping in the big stores such as Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue.





submitted by: Bill Spears (WI '62)
Spillbears@aol.com

Our Class took a bus trip to New York City in 1962. We left Clarksburg on April 19, 1962 in the evening and we arrived in NYC the morning of the 20th. We stayed at the Pickadilly Hotel and saw many notable places including Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, the United Nations, Chinatown, Peppermint Lounge, Radio City Music Hall. Our boat ride on Easter Sunday took us past the Old Polo Grounds (New York Giants home), Yankee Stadium, and we stopped at the Statue of Liberty. We left NYC Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962 and returned to Clarksburg.

Jim Ashley asked that I send you some pictures of the trip which I am doing. I will send a few more later but I wanted to get these to you.

I want you to know that I appreciate the newsletter and I certainly can appreciate the time you put into doing it. Although it has been some time since I contributed to it I will try to be more diligent in providing input and information.

   






SLEDDING

submitted by: Carol Grow Robey (WI '57)
Garcar407@cableone.net

My family lived in Broad Oaks before we moved to Hartland. I do remember sledding on Quincy Street. We would start at the top of the hill (Buena Vista Ave.) and go all the way down to Hammond Highway.



submitted by: Sargent McQuillian (WI '57)
Sargent827@aol.com

John Harrison's "Sledding" on Wilson Street is correct. We called it Big Wilson and made the jumps at the bottom of the hill. We use to come down Wilson sitting up and throwing snowballs at watchers. We also put potatoes in aluminum foil and put in a fire and ate later. We often got cardboard for fire from Ryders' Grocery.

Many “Wilson Streeters” road the hill: A few who I remember are: Mike Tricot & brother, David Bell, Roy Bever & brother, Aldin Huminston, etc. Wilson WAS “THE BEST SLIDING HILL IN THE WORLD” unless you tried Third Street from the top of Little Wilson, then you went directly across Main & Pike Streets or crashed before you got ----there, big bump at Hickman St..Anyone else remember?



submitted by: Patricia Tayor Smith (WI '61)
Psmith12@netscape.net

Have recently subscribed to the WI newsletter through a contact made with John Teter (61) through Classmates.com. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have browsed through the "archives" finding some wonderfully nostalgic material. I particularly enjoyed John Harrison's contribution this past month about sledding on Wilson Street. My grandparents (Phay & Pansy Taylor) lived midway up Wilson St. (511) for many years and as I stayed with them a lot, I could really relate. The Tricot boys (Mike & Tommy) lived behind us. They were older than I, but I still managed to beat them at Chinese checkers! Tommy Tricot made a futile attempt to teach me to use the punching bag in their basement like a real boxer, but alas, this wasn't a "girl" thing and I failed miserably. I remember their parents "Red" & Jo Tricot as wonderful people. "Red" was a Clarksburg fireman.

Well not only did we sled down Wilson St. in the winter, but I am wondering if John Harrison ever roller-skated from the top of Wilson St. to the bottom? I had many a scraped knee testifying to my failure to negotiate some of the jumps.

I recall so many things: chipped ham sandwiches at Hagan's, double dips of ice cream for a dime, 10 of those famous WV hot dogs for $1.00, Romano's Pizzeria, Anderson's restaurant, Candyland, the Ritz & Grand Theatres, the "arcade", the Jefferson Davis mansion (they tore down to make a parking lot if I'm not mistaken). The wonderful musty smell of the old library next to the Ritz Theatre, the circus coming to town every year and school classes attending. The courthouse square where all the "old guys" used to sit on the wall alongside and visit. The excitement of going to James & Law to get new schoolbooks every year, or sometimes the disappointment of getting them second-hand from an older classmate.

Does anyone remember the blind man and his wife who used to frequent Main St. up & down in front of the dime stores, playing a guitar and singing "Farther Along" with a tin cup for donations? How about "Frank" the policeman that loved kids and helped us cross the street and always had a kind word for us. (Main St.) coming from Towers or Central in the 50's.

Well, enough of this. I certainly do appreciate your diligence in putting out a newsletter like this and I do hope you don't get discouraged. Don't know if you can use any of this, but feel free.



submitted by: Ann Harter Corbett (WI '57)
Boanco@xtalwind.net

Roleta, I just love your newsletter and look forward to it every month. I should have graduated in 57, but we moved. I went to Towers and Central. I am a hill person, we lived on High street and then later moved to the top of Wilson, S. 5th or 7th can’t remember which one it was. Read the letter from John last month on the sledding memories and had to laugh. I remember those on the hill very well. I remember when Alan Brasseur went down Preston Avenue on one ski and dern near broke his neck, God rest his soul. He was a neat person.

I remember a lot of the pictures you show, but don't know the names of the buildings so I just look and wish I had stayed there, so I would remember these things.

Do you or anyone remember Lucy Robinson, she was the principal of Towers school. She wore long dresses and her hair in a bun. Typical old fashioned picture of a school marm, never married etc, she also had a sister named Sally that was a teacher at the same time. When I entered Towers, Miss Lucy was shocked as I was the third generation to pass through her school years. My grandfather graduated from WI in 1915. ( I think I entered about 1946 or so ) I also remember Mrs Richardson in the fourth grade.

Also would like you to know that I definitely plan on coming to this years reunion in Fla. flu or not, that is what kept me from attending last year.




NEW E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Janet Duncan Welch (WI '55)
and Lynn L. Welch (WI '50) 		JanandLynnWelch@aol.com
Dave Ware (WI '62)
and Trudy Shearer Ware (ND '62)		 ohsewneat@webtv.net
Judy Allen Hutson (WI '56)
(Judy’s family moved to Oklahoma and she
had to graduate there but her heart is with
the class with which she would have graduated)		 judithahutson@webtv.net
Bob Clousson (WI '55) BobDarClo@yahoo.com
Frank Milegan (would have been WI '50) Fnnmell@atlantic.net
Judy Wilson Franklin (WI '60) tfranklin@ivwnet.net
Nancy Rossana Gregory (WI '56) ngregory@stargate.net
Randy Moodispaugh (WI '59) moodispaugh@copper.net
Burdiss Woodward (WI '61) BWOODWARD@ADELPHIA.NET
Lucy Wallace Ropp Hornor (WI '54) LHornor@aol.com
Vickie Zabeau Bowden (ND '54) bahsofwv@ma.rr.com
Robert Willard F (Bud) Wheelock (WI '60) Hawkewoode708@aol.com
Debbie Swisher Souders (WI '52)
and William Souders (WI '46)		 DeedieDesigns@aol.com
Ruby Matthews Casto (VHS '47) Recasto@iolinc.net


CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Linda Metcalf Moran (ND '60) rlhinkle@att.net
Granville/Berry Stalnaker (WI '62) JennyDan3@wmconnect.com
Elizabeth Weaver Snead (WI '60) Auntmerts@earthlink.net
Allen Alvarez (WI '58) allen@daytona-twintec.com
Abradella Pat Maylee Mace (WI '57)    Sassymace@aol.com




WI CLASS OF 1948 HAVING A REUNION

submitted by: Patty Showalter Long (WI '48)
PSLong@adelphia.net

The WI Reunion Committee for the Class of 1948 has selected June 27-28th as the dates for the 55th class reunion to be held at the Bridgeport Country Club. We are looking forward to renewing old friendships and sharing our memories all over again.

For more information as it becomes available, please call or e-mail any member of the Reunion Committee.

Fred Wilson    304-594 1343   JFredMugs8@MSN.net
Barbara Tomaro Tiano   304-623-2114   BarBill1950@aol.com
Mike Caruso   304-292-5198   WVUCERT@aol.com
Patty Bickers Day   304-624-6831   MissPat@citynet.net
Patty Showalter Long   304-599-3649   PSLong@adelphia.net
Bob Bates   305-593-3164   BoBates1@aol.com
Nora Griffin Davisson Silver Springs Md.

If you know the e-mail addresses of any of our 1948 classmates, would you please,please forward them to PSLong@adelphia.net so I may compile a Class e-mail Dictionary Thanks...




TRIVIA PICTURE IN THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER

submitted by: Carl Besterman (WI '56)
Best@knology.net

I believe this to be the Blands Drug Store. If so, I remember it being filled up with a lot of High School folks after school each day. I think the first time I went in there was when I was going to Jun. High. Did not feel much at home since most of the kids were older. Sort of out of place.





submitted by: Rick Wilson (WI '61)
Wilsonmaple@msn.com

Yes, looks like Blands to me Roleta, but then all good drug stores used to have an ice cream bar. I think there used to be more booths in back but you know how memory is. A banana split used to cost 35 cents and was worth every penny. Hope I guessed right, could be Harberts or several others. Smitty's on Golf Plaza bridge was similar but smaller and had those neat little wound-wire chairs and tables.

As usual a most excellent newsletter and especially enjoyed John Teter's expose of his wild life. Also I never got to sled ride in the middle of town. We heard lots of wild stories though about "all" the kids hit by cars or run over. Now I find that the constabulary actually closed the streets. Oh I would believe anything in those days.





submitted by: Herb Cottrill (WI '52)
Herbc@vsba.org

Bland's Drug Store.

I used to get the cherry coke every day after school. Crowding in the booths became fun. I remember someone throwing an ice cream cone at Bob McCarty. Across the street was a restaurant (cannot remember the name) where we ate dinner before every away basketball game (Bob Lutz would always lick the bread so he could have it all). What a great place!





submitted by: Jim Martin (WI '59)
Jem12641@hotmail.com

As usual enjoyed the news letter great job!

The trivia picture is Bland's Drug store. I remember it for their "Lemon Blend" slushy drink. It was similar to a DQ, but as a memory much better. Some time in the late fifties there was some sort of a celebration, my Dad had just sold our cottage at Maple Lake for $1,000.00, and had been paid with a single bill (try and find one now) also try and buy a cottage at the Lake for that money. Anyway the story I started we were sitting at the counter at Bland's having a “Lemon Blend" and my dad presented this $1000.00 bill as payment. The waitress had never seen one and thought it was some sort of "funny money" being distributed for the celebration.





submitted by: Sandy Conaway Mason (WI '54)
Jmason1@pdq.net

If I'm not mistaken, that has to be Bland's Drugstore. I remember it was a mad dash to get there and save a booth for lunch, then again after school. Now that I look back, I don't know how they put up with so many of us in there at one time for so many years and not making much money off of any of us. I would imagine they got more than a few complaints from customers actually trying to do business with them. I remember taking a sack lunch and buying just a chocolate or vanilla coke. A special treat was the peanut butter fudge sundae. And of course, you could always find someone hanging around Friday night or Saturday if you didn't have a football game to go to at Hite stadium or a basketball game at Carmichel Auditorium. Bland's Drug Store was big part of a lot of good times and socializing for my friends and me. Thanks for the memory!





submitted by: Linda Spelsbreg Wolfe (WI '58)
Wolfopolis@aol.com

Dick, class of '55, says he thinks it is Bland's on Pike Street, where all the kids hung out. I remember going there when I went to Central, sometimes at lunchtime, and sometimes after school. They had a small hot fudge sundae, priced for us kids, but I can't remember what we called it.....hot fudge flop, maybe?

I thought first of Wells-Haymaker on Main Street across from the Court House, but that was really a long time ago. So we are still guessing. I'll try to send something interesting to write later, like open-house parties, or maybe parades down Main Street. Or the long walk up to Hite Field. Thanks for doing all that you are doing. Hang in there.





submitted by: Nancy Rice Delaney (WI '62)
NLDelaney@aol.com

I think your trivia picture is of Bland's Drugstore. I met my husband for the first time in Blands in 1964. We shared many milk shakes during our lunches while attending WV Business College. Keep up the good work....love reading your newsletters. One of these days, I'll contribute more than a short note!




TRIVIA PICTURE FOR FEBRUARY



Do you recognize this picture? Send me a guess and a memory of this site. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.




BOOK REVIEWS

submitted by: Olga Stenger Hardman (VHS '46) {Surely I can't be that old!}
Fsa00180@mial.wvnet.edu

I would like to see some book recommendations in the newsletter if you can solicit such info. I am currently reading several good ones that I would gladly recommend. I just finished The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and thought it was extremely well written (sorry my e-mail package is not sophisticated enough to underline book titles.) It is a story about a 14 year old girl who has been murdered. The story is told from the young murdered girl's perspective as she observes from Heaven the earth and people she has left behind. It sounds a bit gory, but really is not.

I got Last Train to Paradise by Les Standiford as a birthday gift for my oldest son because he had lived in Key West for 4 years. This book is about Henry Flagler, the mogel who built the railroad from Miami to Key West at the turn of the century. The railroad was destroyed in what was called "the storm of the century" - the great hurricane of 1935. Although it is a true story, it reads like a novel and I think men especially would enjoy it.

Also, for all of us that are terrified at the thought of another war, this book is very enlightening and thought-provoking - War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges. Hedges has been a foreign correspondent for 15 years. He knows war first hand and contends that much of what we believe about war is myth and then proceeds to tell the truth with statistics. He has been writing for the New York Times since 1990. This book is well researched and facts are documented. I highly recommend it to anyone who is concerned about the future of the human race.

Check my website on family history, et al: olgaswritings.com/

"Those who hear not the music -
Think the dancer mad."


EDITOR’S NOTE: We have had several requests for book reviews. Have you read a good book recently? I would love for you to write a little teaser-(review) of the book as recommended reading for others. We have run several reviews in the past and would love to continue….

Please send such material to: Roleta1@aol.com---






BRIDGE NAMED FOR GENE DONALDSON

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

You may have received this information, but I thought I would send it anyway.

The Clarksburg Exponent Telegram reported Thursday, January 2, 2003, that the Clarksburg City Council was honoring our classmate, Gene Donaldson '60, by renaming the Market Land Bridge, which spans Elk Creek from E.B.Sauders Way to Monticello Avenue, THE GENE DONALDSON BRIDGE.

What a great tribute to a great athlete and classmate! Few of us have gone on to make a name nationally at this level. Gene was a WV All-State player and went on to play fullback for Purdue from 1961-63 and played in the annual East-West Shrine Game.

In 1964, he was drafted by the Washington Redskins. He went on to play professionally in the Canadian Football League for Toronto and Hamilton. Gene finished his playing career in 1967 with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

Gene died, at the age of 60, on September 6, 2002, while helping set up for the annual West Virginia Black Heritage Festival in Clarksburg.

Our class of 1960, though there were many social groups from different areas of the city, when we come together we are at one and truly enjoy seeing each other again. We certainly had a very special class with many talented and intelligent members who have gone on to make their mark in the world, no matter how small. Gene was a good class member and represented us, WI, and Clarksburg very well. He will surely be missed at our next reunion.



CLARKSBURG REMEMBERED

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


Clarksburg, as I recall the place from a 82 year old's perspective was a great place to grow up, though I didn't pick a very pleasant time to do it. Most of the readers of this news letter are just about one generation later than my entry on the Clarksburg scene.

My teen years were spent coping with the conditions brought on by what has been called "the great depression". There wasn't much great about it. It was a time of "great" hardship for most people. High unemployment, low wages, WPA. CCC, and all sorts of "character building" things that made up life in the 1930's. We were more fortunate than many. My father was never out of work for long. After the Acro Agate Marble factory closed he went to work for the Hope Natural Gas Company where he worked until retiring, so our family did have some income and my parents eked out a living for our family of five on a little over $100.00/month and considered themselves lucky that they never had to depend on "charity" as many of our neighbors did.

We boys learned the value of a buck--make that a dime--early in life and spent many summer days collecting and hauling scrap metal to the junkyard in Glen Elk for the few cents it brought. Later we worked as milk route helpers for Clarksburg Dairy (me) and Imperial Dairy (my brother) for fifteen cents a morning. We were in clover when we each got a paper route. I delivered the Exponent from lower Chestnut Street -- the down town end of Chestnut to the old water works. My brother had the Chestnut Hills-Pit Carne route for the Telegram. We each earned two to three dollars a week with these routes. We kept them even after we were well into high school.

It wasn't all work and scrimp though--we found a lot of time for fun, sledding in the winter, roller skating in the summer on the streets and later as we became more affluent at the rink. High School brought the joys of school activities--sports, clubs, dances--learning to drive--getting driver's license--learning to be a radio announcer at WBLK--most anything that didn't require much money.

Most of my memories have to do with friends and classmate, to remember a few names: Bill Kramer, Bob Short, Tom Adams, Bill Martin and the girls--Margaret Brace, Joy Chapman, Naomi Hannah, teachers, Rene Andre, Thelma Painter, Mr Bates, Julia Folio, Maud Yoke, C C Armes-- coaches, Hite and Folio, Mr. McConkey and his office staff--many others.

Many of us "hung out" at Bland's Drug Store or at Candyland --how they put up with us I'll never know as most of us spent very little money there but the place was packed after school hours every day. I spent a lot of time at the WBLK studios, learning the ropes. The studio was over the Robinson Grand Theater and the transmitter was over on a hill near Glen Elk. I remember the fire in the theater which drove us out of the studio onto the street where the announcers "covered" the firefighters efforts from the middle of Pike Street.

I know I have rambled a bit in this account but that is how memories are with us ancient ones. All of you fifty's grads can ask your parents if they are still around how accurate my assessment of this area seems to them.-


submitted by: Leon Andre (WI '46)
Leonandre@charter.net


When I went to W I from '43 to '46, the boys walked down one side of the street and the girls down the other side. Also the boys walked up the steps on one side of the building, the girls on the other. Today's students would be astonished to hear that, but that was the way it was. Don't know what year all of that changed or why it was started to begin with.

I have fond memories of walking downtown through the Arcade Building to have lunch, as did many other students. We were orderly and not boisterous, does that tell you something?

I worked for Burton and Heaster during summer vacation. Harold Heaster had the Royal Typewriter Agency located in the Arcade. We would go to different schools, in the surrounding area, during the summer break to gather up their typewriters and bring them to Mr. Heaster's place of business. It was part of my job to tear them down, clean them, reassemble them for Mr. Heaster to give them the final check up. The Arcade burned down in 1957, many businesses were lost along with my anguish at having them gone.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The newsletter pretty well covered the Arcade in an earlier publication. However, we aren’t against writing about that grand old place anytime you send us material. I am afraid that the earlier issue in which we covered the Arcade was one of those lost in cyberspace when our first website crashed.



BROAD OAKS DAIRY BAR

submitted by: Roberta Brassine Palmer (ND '57)
Bertspals@nc.rr.com

I understand from a classmate of mine that there was some mention of the Broad Oaks bunch as well as trying to remember the Brassine's. We lived on Vermont Ave. Bill was the oldest and graduated from WI with Ronnie Talkington, Donnie Douglas and others too numerous to mention. Mary Fern and I graduated from Notre Dame. I married Louis Palmer (WI '57) but now divorced. He still lives in Clarksburg. As for me, I moved to North Carolina in '88 and have made a great life for myself. Mary Fern and I are also graduates from St. Mary's School of Nursing. Would love to hear more news from the Broad Oaks gang. I am enjoying the news and remember many of those mentioned. I return to WV at least once a year.

Another note for the WI graduates--Do you remember Carroll Palmer the Chemistry teacher? He also taught me Chemistry in Nursing School and was my father-in-law.



CLASS OF 1959-TAKE NOTICE

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

Dear Classmates:
The reunion committee is busy planning the fun we will be having when we all get together for our 45th class reunion on July 2004. I don’t know about you but I don’t think I am old enough to have graduated from high school that long ago. Plans include: booking the site (Clarksburg Country Club), selecting the theme, the food, the entertainment, the scheduling, the printing of programs, etc. Some of these things require a deposit or prepayment …. this is the problem --- we have no cash on hand! The committee needs a little cash up front with which to work .… won’t you join me and prepay at least $20.00 on your reservation? I sent mine, won’t you do the same?

Send your check to: Charlie Burkhammer, 108 Coventry Court, Bridgeport, WV, 26330. Charlie is preforming the duties of the reunion treasurer. You can contact him on line at Cbhammer12@aol.com. We want a really nice reunion so it takes a little effort on your part to help with some funding. Thanks….



BIRTHDAYS

Feb. 2 Bobbie Snider Prochello (WI '59)
Prochelob@aol.com

Fec. 5 Tom Marshall (WI '59)
Marshall@rmu.edu

Feb. 7 Bob Teter (WI '60)
Bteter@netzero.net

Feb. 21 Frances Tate Barrett (WI '50)
Fran.Barrett@att.net


ANNIVERSARIES

Feb. 5 Frances Tate Barett (WI '50) and James Barrett,Sr.Kittaning (WI '46)
Fran.Barrett@att.net
***Congratulations 51st anniversary this year***

Feb. 16 Sharon Dillmore Smith (WI '58) and Skip Smith (WI '58)
SHANGELS@aol.com
***Congratulations--40th anniversary ***

Feb. 24 Jeanie Wells Himmel (WI '59) and Dan Himmel
DAN-JEANHIMMEL@erols.com





VALENTINE BOXES

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

Does anyone else remember those little valentine boxes that we had at Pierpont Grade School? Did all the schools have them? When I saw this picture it brought back so many wonderful memories ... making the box with your name on it out of construction paper, those little valentines that were 10-15 for a dime, going up and putting them in everyones box, wondering if your own box would be full. Isn't it funny, I had forgottern all about this until I saw the picture.




VIEW OF CLARKSBURG TODAY

Would you like to see what dear old Clarksburg looks like today? Thanks to Boo Beall (ND '58) we now have a way to view the area..type this address into your browser: Go enjoy!

http://www.wboy.com/towercam/towercam.asp




PRECIOUS CHILD IN THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER

      


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

Hi Roleta, I think this child is Nancy Mayer. If so, I remember she had a pet skunk!

Slumber parties!!! I remember having and going to great slumber parties! We would try so hard to stay up all night. Junk food and cokes, talking about boys, making a few silly phone calls to the "cutest boys in town". Sandy Drummond had a great dance/slumber party at her home. I remember how much fun she was to be with.

Swimming at Maple and Floyd lakes. Use to be a Saturday event to be invited to one of the lakes for the day. The purchase of a new bathing suit each year was a MUST!

Does anyone remember when there were streetcars running in Clarksburg? As I recall the seats would fold frontwards or backwards depending on which direction you were going.

Great Jan. Newsletter again!!!


submitted by: Hank Mayer, Jr. (WI '56)
mpranck@earthlink.net

It would be terrible to not recognize my sister, Nancy Mayer Capilla who traveled to Hilton Head for New Years and is going to Florida because it is not above freezing in Monroe, Michigan.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Many people wrote this month and guessed that the “Precious Child” for February was Nancy Mayer. However, Sheri and Hank were the only ones to share an interesting memory.




PRECIOUS CHILD FOR FEBRUARY



Do you know this precious child? Send your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com. Send a memory of the person also. Come on - guess --- I only publish correct answers!




OBITUARIES

GEORGE PARKER FULTON (WI '59)

George Parker Fulton, age 62, Shinnston, passed away January 20, 2003, in his residence after a short bout with cancer. Born November 20, 1940, in Clarksburg, he was a son of the late George A. and Ila Ruth Jay Fulton.

Survivors include his wife, the former Linda Oldaker, whom he married June 24, 1967; one son and daughter-in-law, George Parker Fulton Jr. and his wife Shannon of Shinnston; one daughter, Jodi L. Fulton of Morgantown; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Fulton and his wife, Carolyn of Denver, CO, and Charles Fulton and his wife Rosemary of Nashville, TN; two grandchildren, Josie and Trey Parker Fulton; and many special friends whom he loved and cherished.

A graduate of Washington Irving High School, George was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from the shipping department of Union Carbide on December 31, 1998, after more than 34 years of service.

He attended the Connecting Point Church of Clarksburg. He farmed most of his life in various capacities and was an all-around outdoors/nature person who enjoyed fishing, swimming and gardening. He was an avid sports fan -- particularly of football and basketball -- and was a huge West Virginia University Mountaineer fan. George also enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, cooking and baking, and was a good yodeler.

George will be remembered as a loving family man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and as a great friend to all who knew him.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram



TERRY L. WARNE (WI '59)

Terry L. Warne died Wednesday morning, January 29, at his home in Clarksburg following an extended illness.

Terry was born March 21, 1941, in Clarksburg. He was the son of the late Joseph and Hattie (Snodgrass) Warne, both of Clarksburg.

Surviving are his wife, Rosemary (Grow) Warne, whom he married May 19, 1962; two sons, Terry and Scott, both of Clarksburg; daughter-in-law, Degree (Ashby) Warne; and two grandchildren, Andrew and Katie. Terry is also survived by his twin brother, Jerry, and his wife Carolyn; two nephews, Stephen and Michael; his niece, Sherry; and great-nephew, Brayden.

Terry was a 1959 graduate of Washington Irving High School.

He worked 18 years for Pitney Bowes Corporation as a sales representative, selling copiers and mailing equipment. In 1976 he was the #1 salesman in the nation for Pitney Bowes.

He was a passionate woodworker, spending countless hours in his shop building custom cabinets and furniture. He attended the Stealey Assembly of God Church. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram



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


I read his obit and it does not say enough about this man.

When I heard how ill he was I went over to see him and Rosemary at his house a few times. I have to describe him, during that short time, as a courageous man. Other than commenting, on my first visit, about how uncomfortable he was with pain I never once heard him speak negatively about his condition or his eminent death.

Whenever I went to visit it seemed that he and Jerry or Rosemary were on their way out the door to do something. He apparently kept himself busy doing normal everyday functions and I am sure making last minute preparations for the day he was to leave.

He always seemed happy and I think content knowing, because of his Christian faith, that it was all in God's will and he would soon be with our savior Jesus Christ.

I don't know why I am unloading on you. I guess I just needed someone to talk to and I keep myself so estranged from my old world that I don't know how to communicate.

Terry was my old childhood buddy and although we parted in 1958 (that is when I flew the coop) I still value his and all those old friendships. Thanks Roleta



submitted by: Penny Christie Johnson (WI '60)
Penem329@optonline.net


Thanks Roleta for letting me know about Terry....He created a new kitchen for my sister this past summer and it was just upon completing it that he was diagnosed with his cancer...So very sad....My sister was very fond of him and I have forwarded your email on to her. Will remember Rosemary and his family with prayer.


PATTY ANN BIAS

Patty Ann Bias, age 64, of Clarksburg, WV, died January 18, 2003, at her residence following an extended illness.She was born in Clarksburg, April 26, 1938, a daughter of the late Roger H. Bias and the late Ann Folio Bias. Surviving are her beloved friend, Martha Griffith; a brother and sister-in-law, Charles (Bud) and Lois Bias, Clarksburg, nieces and nephews.

Patty was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was a former employee of Brockway Glass and American Vending Company.


FRANCES LOVENE (FRITZ) SMITH

Frances Lovene (Fritz) Smith (WI 1934) of Clarksburg, died at her residence, January 22, 2003. She was born in Clarksburg on September 2, 1916, a daughter of the late Fred Phillips and Viola (Waldeck) Phillips Spindle.

Twice married, she is survived by her first husband, Jack Ruland, Georgia, and the late Elmer E. (Bud) Smith Jr., who died in 1986.

Surviving are one son, Larry P. Ruland (WI 1959) of Clarksburg; one daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Roland Hunn, Morgantown; and a grandson, Timothy Hunn.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram



ARTHUR THORNTON MICHIE

Arthur Thornton Michie, age 63, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2003 in Winter Haven, Fl. He was born in Clarksburg, WV to the parents of Arthur and Virginia Michie who have predeceased him. He attended Washington Irving High School and graduated with the class of 1957. He also attended West VIrginia University and was a member of Delta Tau Delta.

He is survived by a son, Kristopher A. Michie (wife Cynthea) of Lakeland, Fl; a daughter Julie T. Michie McManus (husband Bryan) of West Palm Beach, Fl.; and two granddaughters, Taylor Marie Michie and Rowan Maeve McManus. Also surviving are sisters Judy Michie Hayes of Dallas, Tx, Susan Michie Miller of Margate, Fl and Virginia "Pep" Michie Culpepper of Tallahassee, Fl. and several neices and nephews.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram


RUTH KEELEY GRIFFITH

Ruth Keeley Griffith, 85, died at her home on January 21, 2003.

A Clarksburg native, Ruth was the youngest daughter and last surviving child of the late Mary Alice Kearney and John Paul Keeley Sr., who emigrated during the late 19th century from County Galway, Ireland, to Randolph County, West Virginia. She studied at Saint Joseph Academy, then graduated from Saint Mary's School (1935) and Trinity College (1939). Mrs. Griffith was a lovingly devoted wife and mother. Her husband of 55 years, Stephen Douglas Griffith Jr., passed away in 1996.

She is survived by four children and their spouses, including three sons, Steve (ND 1960) and Sherri Griffith, Mike and Mickey Griffith, and Kevin Griffith of Clarksburg; and one daughter, Pat Griffith and Nick Hollis of Washington, D.C

Mrs. Griffith was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and a former member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram


THOMAS R. FERGUSON, JR. (WI 53 or 54)

CHARLESTON, SC -- Entered into eternal rest on the morning of January 28, 2003, Lt. General Thomas Ritson Ferguson, Jr. USAF (Ret), husband to Mary Bird Carder Ferguson. Residence, Kiawah Island, SC. The relatives and friends of General and Mrs. Ferguson are invited to attend the memorial service to celebrate the life and continuing journey of Tom, Saturday morning, February 1, 2003, in Johns Island Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, February 18, 2003, in Ft. Meyer Chapel at 11 a.m. Interment, Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

General Ferguson was born August 26, 1935, in Lyndhurst, Ohio, the son of Thomas Ritson Ferguson and Juanita Hall Ferguson. He attended high school at Washington Irving in Clarksburg, W.Va. Tom received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at West Virginia University in 1957 and his master's degree in metallurgical engineering at Ohio State.

He had a distinguished military career with the United States Air Force. As a command pilot with 4,000 hours of flying time, most of his flying time was in B-52 aircraft with the Strategic Air Command and includes missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis and over Vietnam. He was also assigned to 7th Air Force Headquarters in Saigon. Following on his career was spent in the research, development and acquisition of Air Force systems. He had tours at the Pentagon, Eglin Air Force Base, Andrews Air Force Base and Wright Patterson AFB. His positions included Director of Air Force Laboratories, Principal Deputy, Office of the Asst. Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. His military awards include The Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Superior Service Medal, The Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. He retired in 1993 as Commander of Aeronautical Systems Center with the rank of Lt. General.

He was highly decorated, and his alma mater honored him by inducting him into the West Virginia University Academy of Distinguished Alumni. He also served on the WVU College of Engineering Board of Visitors and the Defense Acquisition University Board of Visitors.


MARVIN BENNETT YOHO (WI '62)

Marvin Bennett Yoho, 60, of Warren, Ohio, formerly of Clarksburg, WV, departed this life to be with Jesus December 31, 2002, at his home after a four-year battle with cancer.

He was the son of Everett and Alice Yoho of 1117 Van Buren Street, Clarksburg, WV.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline Bell Yoho; two daughters, Marlene and Holly, New Jersey; one sister, Marian Quinzon, Minneapolis, MN; one brother, John Yoho, California, MD; and several grandchildren.

He was a 1962 graduate of Washington Irving High School. After graduation he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1962 for four years with a two-year tour in Vietnam.

He was an employee of General Motors for 20 years. After retiring he became a licensed horse trainer. He was a member of the Levittsburg Church of God, Warren, Ohio.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponet-Telegram


REMEMBERING MY FRIEND MARVIN

submitted by: Bill (“Butch”) Berger (WI '60)
Bbaa@mindspring.com

Marvin Yoho was my friend. If you grew up in Chestnut Hills in the 50's you knew Marvin, too. He loved the hills we all ran around in, hiking, exploring and when we were younger playing "cowboys" from early in the morning till after dark most Summer evenings (we all had to be home when "the streetlights came on" back then). We spent numerous hours together in the Water Board Park off of Chestnut Street playing football, basketball, softball or setting around a campfire at night as we got older; in the summer when we weren't in the woods we were at the Chestnut Hills pool.

He was an avid weight lifter in his teens, and actually "ran" his Grit paper route at 6:00 a.m. most mornings, rain, snow or shine. No one was more physically fit than Marvin. When he was 15 he appeared one night at our weekly campfire and announced that the old Marvin was dead and he was a reincarnation named Clint. As we grew older, we grew apart as many friends do, but I often thought of my boyhood friend " Clint". Recently--40 some years after I last heard that he had joined the Marines and had been a "hero" in VietNam (whatever that means)-- I wrote a short story about "Clint" that was published December 26 in one of my cousin's books.

Marvin died of cancer December 31 after a 4 year battle to survive. I can't imagine Marvin ever being anything but in perfect physical condition. I should have stayed in touch. Even though it's been a long time since I've seen him, I miss him dearly......if you knew him, I'm sure you miss him too. If you didn't know him I wish you did. As time passes I have more fond memories of growing up in Clarksburg...thank you, Roleta for providing us this opportunity to remember and to share....



CARD OF THANKS

submitted by: Richard K. Hanifan (WI '59)
RKHANIFAN@aol.com

Thanks to everyone that sent me cards. It sure was an uplift. All the support was a great help. I can tell you from first hand experience that a total hip replacement is not fun. The cards made it easier when the PT people said "one more step." I tried to think of the cards and not the pain. One classmate even sent me some WV Snow Pictures. They were taken up around Elkins at Christmas. When I received the pictures I had the window to my room wide open and I was enjoying some of the Desert Southwest's 79 degree warm dry air. I sure got a laugh out of all the Snow. Thanks again for all the support. By this summer I hope to be pain free, Cain free and have my mobility back. I may even be able to roam some of those West Virginia hills.



HIGH RATINGS

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

I hope you enjoy this February issue as much as Judy and I have. Seems like each month it gets better and better. For this issue I thought a lot, wrote a lot, edited some, smiled several times and even laughed at some of your memories. You know this newsletter gives me as much pleasure as it does you? I enjoy it when you help me publish an interesting issue. I think you did it again this month! This one rates as one of my favorites.

Some of my memories of Clarksburg are very vague. My parents moved to Clarksburg when I was nine. Of course we only moved from Wolf Summit where we had lived for almost 5 years so Clarksburg was “town” to me even before I moved there. My family moved to Ohio in 1960 and I have lived here ever since. So even though I lived there a short time and left there a long time ago, it is still “MY HOME TOWN.”

Thank you for writing. Please write again real soon. When you write be sure to put your name, school and year you graduated or would have graduated someplace in your e-mail.

Thanks, hope to hear from you soon---Until later---take care and WRITE!

WITHOUT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, WE HAVE NOTHING TO READ!










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