THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 46 June 2003





SOME FUN IN WV

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



Memorial Day weekend Bill and I returned to WV to attend the 81st Annual Monongah Alumni Banquet. It was great fun. But the reason I am sharing this weekend of fun with you is to tell you about a great place in West Virginia. Bill surprised me with a trip to Stonewall Jackson State Park located in Roanoke, WV. (near Weston) It is situated on 2,000 acres and is next to Stonewall Jackson Lake. If you haven’t been there, you must go! It is really a first rate resort. Very casual and relaxing place to be. Take your jeans, slacks or shorts. No dress clothes needed here.

The water is stocked with fish. I think there are a lot of Muskee there. I saw a man in a boat pull a fish out that was about a foot or more long. Boat rentals are available. I guess you can swim in the water also as I saw a young man dive in but he didn’t stay long as a man in another boat yelled the temperature of the water was 54 degrees. There is also swimming in a pool that is inside the lodge with doors that open and you swim through to the outside. There is an inside and an outside hot tub.

There are cabins for rent. The lodge is a wonderful place with lovely rooms, a nice dining room, exercise room, spa, many meeting rooms and outdoor activities. For the young at heart there are mountain bikes to rent-we passed on this. There is a carriage ride if you schedule it ahead of time. The lodge overlooks the water and there are many boats and houseboats using the lake. In the evening the security man lights the fire in the fire pit located on the lodge patio. We sat on the benches around the pit and talked with other guests The park is only about a half hour drive out of Clarksburg via I-79.

We arrived at the lodge and looked around, went to our room and then to the golf course. We played 18 holes. The player due to the choice of 5 or 6 different tees can determine the difficulty. I of course chose the women’s tee. The course is in wonderful shape. Mother Nature made a great spot for a golf course architect to perform his marvels. It is Arnold Palmer designed. There are elevated tees, elevated greens and many hazards but it is not a tricked up course. The greens are a marvel as they undulate, roll, some are uphill and others downhill to the pin. You name it, and they have incorporated it into the greens. We found it very challenging but really enjoyed them. There are 3 different levels on the practice tees depending on which is open at one time. The day we were there the higher level was open. What a great feeling it was to hit a shot and see it soar for what seemed miles in the air toward a deer who was casually eating grass on the practice fairway without a care if we were there or not. I guess she knew that my ball wouldn’t reach her.

When we left the lodge on Sunday, we stopped to see the dam. It is amazing the work that went into developing this area that dams up the West Fork River. It is a state park so you will not see houses cluttering up the wonderful landscape. You must go! You must stay and enjoy or just drive around. For you golfers, go play! We will return. It was marvelous to stand at a tee and look out and see the tops of other mountains and know that you were on top of the world.

GO --- EXPERIENCE WILD WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

You will not regret this trip. Bill and Roleta give it 4 stars! Call 1-888-278-8150 for reservations.
Check it out at: www.stonewallresort.com




submitted by: Marian Mc Donald Hiller (WI '53)
TheHiller2@aol.com

Hi Roleta,

Your newsletter is great! As my class is coming up to its 50th reunion this August, many of us have been e-mailing each other, and the newsletter address is hot news in those messages.





submitted by: Bob Bartos (WI '58)
rbbarth@ship.edu

Roleta....Great newsletter! It was great reading about so many that I knew and also to remember all of the good times that we had during high school. I graduated in 1958 from WI. Have been in the education business for some 33 years. I taught high school and at the college level. I am presently Dean of Education and Human Services at Shippensburg University in PA. Please add my name and email to your list and keep up the good work......Bob Bartos





submitted by: Ben Nordyke (WI '71)
Mnordyke@cfl.rr.com

Roleta,
After much searching and digging and e mailing with Bob Stealey at the Exponent-Telegram, I have landed in your e-mail box. Bob tells me that you may possibly have information on when and if there will be another WI reunion/picnic this year. I am a WI graduate of 1971 and have yet to attend one. Approaching 50 has kindled thoughts of how all those that have created so many good memories have fared over the years.

I would appreciate any information that you may have or a contact that may lead me in the right direction of the next gathering of the “Hilltoppers”.





submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JTETER@BALMAR.COM

I am trying to find anybody that might have information regarding just what happened to Dave Corbett. I have read his obituary over and over. It is so hard to believe he is gone. If anybody has any information regarding Dave's brother Donald (who I have been told lives in Florida), I would like to have Donald's address and/or phone number. Or, Dave had two daughters (Kimberly Forte and Jeanne Corbett) that I would like to get in touch with. If anybody has any information regarding how to get in touch with any of Dave's family, could you please send it to me (John Teter, WI 1961) at JATETER@AOL.COM and/or JTETER@BALMAR.COM.





submitted by: Jane Stout Galvan (WI '59)
Jognjsg@aol.com

Hi Roleta,
I haven’t communicated in awhile so thought that now that I am on spring break I’d let you know what is happening with us.

I’m retiring this June 20th after 28 years of teaching special education in Malibu schools. Our home in Ventura is in escrow. If all goes as planned, we will move to the San Diego area this summer and will be closer to Laurie and our grandsons, Jace and Max. Ed and I are looking forward to the new freedoms and pleasures that retirement bring.

While packing for our move, I came across a magazine called Clarksburg “Jewel of the Hills”. It was compiled and published by Martin Printing Company in 1983-84 and contains many wonderful old photographs of Clarksburg and Harrison County dating back to 1863. There is even a photo of Washington Irving’s undefeated basketball team in 1954-55. What nostalgia!

As always, Roleta, you do such a wonderful job getting out the monthly newsletters. You are amazing and I want to thank you for all you do.

Now that I am retiring, maybe I can make it to a Florida reunion. It would be great to see you, Connie, Carolyn, Sally, Fred, Jimmy and everyone else that I have memories of, from those Clarksburg days.

I came across this quote the other day and I want to share it. “We already have a global mind-we need to develop a global heart”.





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

I taught dancing for Mary Berger in the 50's and certainly remember the recitals at the Robinson Grand Theater.

I taught Steve Limbers a tap routine in his kitchen for him to do in one of her recitals.

Barbara Ambrose and Mary Sue Kerns also taught for Mary after I got married. Does anyone know what happened to Mary Sue Kerns? When I moved to Fairmont she had married and her husband was teaching at Fairmont State College. We opened a studio for a short period of time together.





submitted by: Marianna Waroblak (WI '56)
Mariannaw@yahoo.com

Dear Roleta,
I am very much enjoying the newsletter that Babe Cashman asked you to forward to me. Sorry I have not responded. I will also write something at some point. Currently I am writing to you in Paris where I am traveling for a month with 4 of my French students from the small private school where I teach and perhaps I will write about that for your letter. This is a French keyboard and it is different enough that it is slow, will cost me a fortune because it is slow and driving me nuts. Thanks again for the good read.





submitted by: Deedie Swisher Souders (WI '52)
DeedieDesigns@aol.com

You all are doing a great job with the WI newsletter. Everyone is talking about it on the Internet, by letter and on the phone among my friends, the class of "52.

I am looking forward to the story about the tunnels in the basement rooms under Main Street in Clarksburg. I know there were none at Parsons-Souders because we were there when they remodeled the store in 53-54. They tore up the sidewalks and put heat under them in order to melt the snow. The downstairs (basement) went clear out to the street.

I have a question. Whatever happened to the beautiful, huge oil painting of Stonewall Jackson that hung in the lobby of the hotel? If I remember, he was in his blue Union uniform -- or was it the grey uniform for the Confederacy? He served in both -- Mexico and Civil War.




NEW E-MAIL ADDRESSES

Woody Garrett (WI '53) Woody585@bellsouth.net
Joe Charles (Bridgeport '55) charlesbarbjo@aol.com
Jackie Evans Cotter (WI '53) cotterwv@aol.com
Melvin “Carroll” Muntzing (WI '58) MMUNTZING@MA.RR.COM
Marian McDonald Hiller (WI '53) TheHiller2@aol.com
Bob Hiller (WI '52) TheHiller2@aol.com
Bob Bartos (WI '58) rbbarth@ship.edu
Ron Prince (VHS '60) rprince 26630@yahoo.com
Pegi "May" Bailey (WI '81) HUSHPEG@AOL.COM
Mike King (WI '61) Tmichael43@aol.com
Edward N. Evans (WI '63) evansplus1@aol.com
David Hornor (WI '59) hornorjones@cswebmail.com
Sandra "Babe" Urso Williams (WI '55) consanwill2@ juno.com
Sue Selby Moats (WI '55) moatsue@AOL.COM
Jean Post Watson (WI '56) Mrsjawatson@aol.com
Marcia Lynne Fox (WI '63) LSchatz@CROWN-CHICAGO.com
Betty Marino Blackshire
and Mike Blackshire (ND '62)		 Mshire1124@aol.com
Ben Nordyke (WI '71) Mnordyke@cfl.rr.com
Marvin George (VHS '62) Mgeorge@westvirginia.net
Les Hall, Sr. (VHS '55) Engleh@aol.com
Catherine Custer Burke (WI '52) Krbur@aol.com


CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Gary and Carol Grow Robey (WI '57) garcar407@fbx.com
Linden Perkins (WI '59) perkins@mchsi.com
Bill Post (WI '61) WVoutpost@aol.com




GETTING TO KNOW YOU


submitted by: Bob Turner (WI '58)
turner.r@erols.com

Wow what a newsletter. I look forward every month to reading each and every article and email you receive. The memories that the writers send to you are fantastic. It makes me think of all the great times we had growing up in Clarksburg. I still go to Clarksburg several times a year to visit my mother who will be 90 on August 1 and my older brother Tom Turner who still lives in Lost Creek with his wife. Tom recently underwent a heart bypass and is doing fine. Mom still is in great health and still lives in Stealey. She is still driving which is to say the least scary, but hey if I make it to 90 who knows I hope I can still drive as well as she does. Tom is retired from his own business and is very active in his church and loves being a good grandfather.

For me, well, the memories are great, I am still working and love every minute of it. I recently (last August) resigned as National Sales Manager for a Manufacturer of a Food Processing Equipment out of Israel. Their economy is worse than ours with all the war problems they are having. I am now the East Coast Sales Manager for a manufacturing company out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, J & D Manufacturing and they are in the agricultural industry. I travel from Maine to Florida and west to Kentucky, Alabama, and everywhere in-between. Mostly flying but some driving. I still enjoy working and have no desire (yet) to retire, perhaps someday.

I have been serving on the Alumni Board at West Virginia Wesleyan College for the past 6 years and am about to move off the board this year. I love playing golf or should I say play at golf. Never the best but have fun and frustration playing the game as often as I can. Just spent two weeks in Palm Springs playing golf and shopping with my wife, Ann. We will be married of 3 years this September. My wife of 23-1/2 years passed away 5 years ago of a brain aneurysm. I am blessed to find a new life companion and best friend to love and live happily in our older years. We live in Hagerstown, Maryland and are active at our local country club. Still go to every available dance and are the last ones to leave the dance floor, guess some people never grow up. Ann is from Queens, NY a good Irish woman with a great family and heritage. How about that. a West Virginia boy marries a Irish Woman from NY. We were married on September 2, 2000 at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV. We had about 150 people at the wedding and a grand time was had by all. We left the next day for 10 days in Tahiti, absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever seen. We are gong to Marbella, Spain in September for 10 days to celebrate our third anniversary. Life is good, very good.

Things remembered from Clarksburg are the dances at Lake Floyd, and Maple Lake, the summer swimming at Lake Floyd with all my friends from school. The hitch hiking to the lakes to spend almost every summer Saturday at the lakes. The Senior Trip to NY City where I had to buy the "Hard Stuff." Playing Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball every summer growing up. Childhood friends were Jim White, Bill Van Voorhis, Glenn Morrison, Buck Horner and many more. Memories were made and enjoyed even yet today.

Again thanks for the writers and all the wonderful articles they write each every month.





The Flag of the United States of America was born almost a year after the Declaration of Independence. The Stars and Stripes to which we pledge allegiance was authorized on June 14, 1777. Just as we celebrate the birth of independence on July 4th each year, the people of our Nation celebrate the birth of our Flag every year on June 14th. That special holiday is called: FLAG DAY




UDO THIEM

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JTETER@BALMAR.COM

EDITOR’S NOTE: Letter sent in reply to inquires made by John Teter about exchange student Udo Thiem.

Dear Mr. Teter,
yesterday I retourned home from my holidays and found your above mentioned letter. I will answer directly by e-mail, because I do not want to keep you waiting much longer. I think, the Udo Thiem you are inquiring after is/was most probably my brother. Our family - my mother, my brother Udo (Rudolf) Thiem and I - lived in Hannover-Kleefeld, Winsener Straße 23.

I remember my brother going to the United States as a foreign exchange student in 1960. I do not know how long he stayed there. He lived in Clarksburg, W. V., staying - if I remember correctly - with a family named Clark (or Clarke). I remember also the names of Jane Clark and of John Clark, who was a good friend of his. This family and my mother, who died in 1971, became friends and probably visited each other. At least the Clarks stayed with my mother in Hannover some time.

I am very, very sorry to tell you that my brother died Nov. 23, 2000, of cancer. Imagine how glad he would have been hearing from his former classmates again after such a long time!

Yours sincerely
Frauke Thiem

Please excuse my bad English.

My address: Leiblstraße 2
D - 33615 Bielefeld
Germany



RECIPE FOR PINK FLUFFY DESERT SERVED AT CLARKSBURG PICNIC

submitted by: Carolyn Tustin Vitolo WI '52


Here is the recipe for the dessert

1 container of cool whip (16oz)
1 container of cottage cheese (24oz-small curd)
1 large box of jello (any flavor)
2 cans of fruit cocktail (15oz each or other fruit drained)

Mix and serve-may make ahead-serves large group


EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks Carolyn, you have made many people happy by contributing this recipe. We are still awaiting the recipe that had corn in it and the sweet potato recipe.



SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR FUTURE NEWSLETTERS

Next month I am going to run articles on the Junior-Senior Prom. Where did Victory, RW, Bridgeport and Notre Dame hold their proms? Each class at WI had to select their prom location. Where was yours held? Where did you go after the prom? What was your transportation? Now days kids go via limo…..when we were young the only limo we ever saw was a hearse owned by a funeral home. Did you and your date go to dinner before the prom? Today kids go to a nice restaurant and have dinner, then go to the prom. Boy I wonder if the evening is as special to them as it was to us? Write me about your prom Roleta1@aol.com.

Also, I am collecting your thoughts about your junior high school. I would like to hear your memories of anything pertaining to those two important years in high school. Write Roleta1@aol.com.



STREET CHARACTERS

submitted by: Frances Tate Barrett (WI ’50)
fran.barrett@att.net

ROSIE

She could be seen on Main Street almost every weekday, sitting on whatever the G.C. Murphy company happen to have handy that she could use for a stool. Her body was frail; her hands gnarled and thin from years of hard work with unkempt fingernails. A face that was wrinkled with age, but the eyes still sparkled. Her hair was a mixture of natural colors, white, brown, and any other color that decided to grow. Her hair was not styled, but was combed and clean. Perched on her head at some jaunty angle, like she just reached up and plopped it on and wherever it landed that’s where she wore it. Her shoes never seem to match, but that was alright, neither did her socks and stockings which she wore in layers, no matter what the weather. She seemed to have a backward way of dressing, usually a sweater under her dress. No matter what the weather, she wore a long coat. I knew where she lived on Water St. by the West Fork River in a basement apartment, which occasionally flooded. When she went to town to sell her wares, you could see her walking across the bridge and up Main Street into the center of town. She absolutely refused to accept a ride from anyone into town. I never could figure out how those tiny hands could make such beautiful flowers. She made roses out of crepe paper in different sizes and colors. And, they looked so natural until you got up close to them, then you realized they were paper roses. She also carefully wrapped the stems with green crepe paper. Selling her roses was how she supplemented her living I presume. Sometimes thoughtless people would tease and call her “Rosie Posie”. She would retort sharply, “you can call me Rosie, but don’t you dare call me Rosie Posie.” I remember no one seemed to know how she came to live in Clarksburg or where she came from. Does anyone else remember seeing Rosie on Main Street in Clarksburg with her handful of paper roses?



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


Hi, Roleta. Thanks for another great Newsletter. In each issue, one of the contributors brings another great memory of WI and Clarksburg in to the present. I was wondering if anyone has a story about some of the locals from the 50’s. What about “ Whistlin’ Pete”? He seemed to be everywhere and he must have been a big fan of WI athletics, because he was always at the basketball games at Carmichal and the football games at Hite Field and on Main Street. What about the man who wore an old service uniform and directed traffic? Or “Itchy” who always was jiggling coins in his hand? I even would see him at the bowling alley on the other side of town. I have no idea how they got from place to place or where they lived, but they were all part of the local scene! Maybe someone out there knows something more about them. Your hard work is really appreciated.



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


ROLETA...
When you mentioned Clarksburg's characters, a lot of them immediately came to mind. Do you think we had a disproportionate number of unusual residents, or were we just walking more back then and seemed to come in regular contact with "street people"???

I remember Henry, who always had his hands in his pocket, jingling his change, almost dancing up and down Pike Street. Then there was "The Major" in his Eisenhower jacket replete with WW II ribbons, either hanging out at the pool halls, or mumbling to himself as he walked back and forth on Chestnut Street. At the Stonewall Billiards, "Rack'm Ray" was a fixture. There was also a small man with long white hair and beard that liked to join in on parades, playing a "fiddle" as he strolled through the bands. Of course the court-house square/bus stop had more than its share of "watch-traders", hustlers and vagrants that used the space under Stonewall's statue as though it was their own personal space. I don't seem to see these kind of memorable regulars on city streets any more, or maybe I paid more attention back then?



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JTETER@BALMAR.COM


STREET CHARACTERS: The only "street character" that I remember is a guy by the name of HENRY. Henry was ALWAYS at ALL of the sporting events that I either played in and/or attended. He had a nerve condition that caused him to lose control of himself. When he was not watching sports, he was just a normal person; but once a sporting event started Henry NEVER SAT DOWN. People used to YELL at him, trying to get him to sit down and sit STILL. His nerve condition had him moving every which way.



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


Paper Rosie: This lady not only sold paper roses but small wooden padded stools that were made mostly from Willow tree branches and bean pole branches. Her name was Rosie Grosse and was also known as “dirty neck Rosie” because she never seemed to bathe. She would cover her dirty cheeks with a lot of rouge. She often wore a hat. She and her family lived on Rail Rd. St. in Adamston section of Clarksburg. Her house caught on fire during WW II but the firemen couldn’t put it out because of live ammunition stored within. Her son, Joe, was a “Home Guard” during the war is the reason for the ammunition. They moved in with a relative who lived next door. All the homes on Rail Road Street were torn down for the new Clarksburg Expressway.

The Crook Brothers known as "Pop Bottle Pete" and "Wheel Borrow Willie" that went around picking up glass pop bottles. They spent most of their time out of the city and worked the county plus other counties. I passed "Pop Bottle Pete" in Lewis County and parts of Marion. Do you remember them? When Pete had a son he traded his wheel borrow for a wagon so as to take him along. Pete got killed crossing the road on old Rt. 50 [Bridgeport Hill] opposite Rollins Fruit Market. It was just after dark and the lady did not see him. I guess you could identify them as "Clarksburg Characters" as they would be in town some times.

Jimmy “Humpty Dumpty “ Rogan: He was an alcoholic and got his name because he fell off the courthouse plaza wall often while dozing.

“Wild Bill” McQuaid: Received his name by getting out of hand after drinking too much “Sweet Lucie”. He was in jail several times a year.

Boyd “Jug Head” Robinson: a courthouse plaza regular who had a drinking problem.

Henry “Doc” Tetrick: Mr. Tetrick was at one time a registered pharmacist from a well known Shinnston family but lost his license around 1946 due to drinking problems. He lived in a flophouse in Glen Elk and was a courthouse plaza regular.

Mildred “Purse Snatcher” Skidmore: Mildred was known for stealing purses in the ground floor ladies rest room of the courthouse. She was caught several times.

Truman “Trash” Griever” He used a home made two wheel flat bed buggy to go around in back of local stores to collect the cardboard for resale. He made a living at this.

Trou Morrison: Many WI student will remember him as the gentleman who had the news stand beside the old city hall building at W. Pike and Third Street. He was only about five feet tall and had bowed legs. His wife would take care of the newsstand while he would walk around selling his papers on the streets.

About twice a year Johnny Roventini, the Phillip Morse Cigarette midget would come to the courthouse and pass out samples. He would stand on the first floor steps and make his famous call---“CALL FOR PHILIP MORRIS!”

We can’t forget all the old timers who met on the plaza wall and traded watches and pocketknives. The most famous was “Pop” Hamilton. He traded the same watch back and forth most of the time.

There are many more too numerous to mention that grazed the courthouse property. Their favorite cheap drink was “Bay Rum” which they purchased in the basement of G.C. Murphy’s Store. A pint would cost only fifty cents.

This gathering of characters phased out in the late sixties as most had passed away.



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


I remember Rosie the Flower lady selling her Paper flowers, she always wore lots of make up. Remember Pete the whistler who worked at St, Mary's Hospital? As he walked the street he always whistled. I remember the Blind man who set in front of Mc Croys and rang his bell on his tin cup for change...he had no eyes, Then of course we must not forget "Henry" who hung out in all the pool halls and walked the streets. He had St. Vida's dance and was always very nervous. We must count our Blessings!!!!!



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


Roleta,
Did you ever wait for a bus or just pass by the wall in front of the courthouse? Winter, summer, spring and fall there were men sitting on the wall seeming to talk to each other with no purpose in mind but to be there for camaraderie or just to pass the time of day. The same men were there day in and day out. Though there were many, I remember them as one. They had gray hair, graying beards, gray skin and colorless clothing. Perhaps to me this symbolized what I thought were their very colorless lives. But what do I know since I only observed them and did not know them? I remember being uncomfortable somehow, waiting for the bus, even though mid-town Clarksburg was usually full of people. It was not really fear that I experienced but a deep discomfort for the men whose lives appeared to me to be so pointless. They just sat on the wall. They just watched the crowds go by. They coughed and expectorated on the sidewalk probably because of too much cigarette smoking or too many hours in the coal mines or the glass factories. Looking back today, I feel pity for the wall sitters for whom I felt minor annoyance when I was a teenager waiting for a bus. Perspective changes with age. Perhaps there are some young people in the mall who feel the same feelings about me when I do my daily walk there. They see me going round and round and must surely wonder if I have nothing better to do. They don't realize that my life is full with my husband, grown children, small grandchildren, family, friends, travel, books, hobbies, my computer and my walk in the mall. Perhaps the lives of the wall sitters were full too. I will never know, will I?




Freddie Layman (VHS 1946) sent this picture to me. The picture is of Rosie The Flower Girl’s house which was located in Adamston. Picture from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram in 1938. A streetcar had jumped the track and nearly destroyed her house.


WEST VIRGINIA DAY - JUNE 20

MONTANI SEMPER LIBERI --- MOUNTAINEERS ARE ALWAYS FREE
These words adorn the state flag of the Great State of West Virginia.

West Virginians are good people. We care about each other. We talk to our neighbors over the backyard fence. We grow tomatoes for the entire neighborhood. We turn around in each other's driveways, and yell howdy when we do. We sit on the porch on warm summer evenings, listening to crickets, and watching kids catch fireflies. We loan a hammer, or a cup of sugar. We don't take two hour lunches, but we do spend a few minutes each day with a cup of coffee, and our feet up on our desk, shooting the breeze. We rarely get in a hurry. We have relatives just down the street. We don't just loan someone a socket wrench, we help them fix their car. We share recipes, and gardening tips, and our last beer. We baby sit each other's kids, we house sit for each other's dogs while we're on vacation, and we loan each other our cars if we have to get to the drug store. We ask each other if we need anything as we're going to the market. We celebrate each other's accomplishments, and we cry over each other's disappointments.

We are a friendly folk. We are West Virginians. Mountaineers are always free. Free to take the time to enjoy life, and hold each moment in our hearts, forever.

On June 20th, 1863 West Virginia was proclaimed a state. "West Virginia Day" became a legal holiday by Chapter 59, Acts of the Legislature, Regular Session, 1927.



FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY

Just put your birthdate in the window when you click on this link and see what happens. Pretty neat! .... http://www.frontiernetnet/~cdm/age1.html




TAKE NOTICE

submitted by: Diana S. Swiger
Mamaswag6@aol.com

Recently I read an article on cemetery monuments and I personally think it makes a lot of sense. The gist was: All females should consider putting their maiden name on their monument. This way you were considered a real person and both families are represented. Also the genealogists will love it too. I think if you’ve been married multiple times, you might consider putting all last names. Thank you.




A LATE LETTER ABOUT THE DAVIS-WEAVER FUNERAL HOME:

submitted by: Don Sager (WI '56)
Dks@davtv.com

This must be the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home on East Main St. My first memory of the “home” was when my grandfather died in 1948. Being still a youngster, it was my initial experience with the death of a close relative and I was a little scared of going through the front door. Following the funeral, the burial was to be in Charles Town. The cars lined up behind the hearse for the drive. At that time there was only Route 50 to travel east. I recall the motorcade stopping in the mountains to put water in the radiators of some cars that had overheated. It seems to me that at that time Davis-Weaver was “our families funeral home” using the term like our grocery store and our gas station. But I do think that my parents were friends of the Weavers in the 30’s and 40’s. Another thought-Since we sometimes walked from Broad Oaks the “long-way” to town, we crossed the street at the fire station by the Golf Plaza bridge to be safe from getting too close to Davis- Weaver. No one was sure what went on in the basement. Just like we always walked to the Robinson Grand on the wide sidewalk on Pike Street. The walks across the street in front of the Davis Funeral Home was always uneven and too narrow and too near the cars going by. AND, someone could also open the door on the sidewalk and drag you in!!! Right??




WI ALUMNI PICNIC IN AUGUST 2003

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

The WI Picnic will be held August 23, 2003 at the Lions Den Pavilion in the Nutter Fort Picnic grounds (same place as last year). The time is 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM or whenever you wish to leave. However, you can come earlier and help Sharyn Cottrill McGahan and husband Jim prepare the location. Help is needed to unload the supplies and decorate the food table.

Things to bring:

FOOD! Your favorite covered dish to share. If you live out of town, stop at the market and get a cake or pie. You can bring some KFC chicken to share or hot dogs from a local shop are always a favorite. Some cheese and crackers are fine for nibbling while awaiting the arrival of the crowd. Fruit is always welcome too.

DRINK: No alcohol please. We don’t want to get kicked out of the park!

TABLECLOTH: We only cover the food table. And some of the tables may be a little nasty!

FOLDING LAWN CHAIR:. Sometimes those picnic benches get hard after sitting a while.

MONEY: The hat will be passed and we need contributions. The money will go to cover the cost of the pavilion, the plates, cups, utensils, table coverings, decorations, etc. Money left in the treasury after expenses will be used toward next year’s picnic.

MEMORABILIA: There will be a section set aside where you can place your memorabilia for all to see. Please put your name on the items. This would be old pictures, yearbooks, love letters, etc.

REMEMBER:

SIGN IN PLEASE: There will be one official sign in sheet. This sheet belongs to Roleta Smith Meredith and Sharyn Cottrill McGahan. Please sign it so you can be counted among those who are in attendance.

ELECTRICITY: There is electricity if you need to bring a crock pot or a roaster and wish to warm up some food.

If you plan to attend or you know of anyone who is coming, have them contact Sharyn Cottrill McGahan via e-mail at mtmama@iolinc.net or they can call her. We need this information so we will know how many plan to attend, we want to be prepared.

We are hoping for 125 to 150 this year. Last year the Class of 1957 had a large turnout. Several got in contact with each other and used the weekend as a mini reunion. The Class of 1959 had a large turn out also. I hope this will be another big year.

This picnic is for anyone who ever attended WI and wishes to come see old friends. If you read this newsletter and want to stop by to meet me and say hi, I would love to see you. Last year I met Freddie Layman who stopped by and donated some old WI yearbooks that we put up for bid. We gave the proceeds to the SCHOLARSHIP FUND.




IDENTIFICATION OF THE PRECIOUS CHILDREN IN THE MAY ISSUE


      




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

These are three of the four Tustin children: Carolyn, Buck and Marolyn. Another brother, Berlin, is not pictured; he is several years younger than Marolyn.

Marolyn and I have been friends since we were in junior high, where we had Mr. Luzader as our eight grade home room teacher. We shared a lot of the fun of high school, football games, basketball games, sockhops at the VFW, dances at the Moose Club, and crushes on a million boys. Carolyn was a senior, I think, our freshman year. She seemed much older to me. Buck was just a year ahead of us and he was a basketball star. Marolyn is a mother, has four children, two girls and two boys. Our mothers had not really known each other when we were in school, but became friends later in life. Marolyn and I still get together from time to time, most recently a year ago this past winter.



submitted by: Deedie Swisher Souders (WI '52)
DeedieDesigns@aol.com

The girl in the middle is Carolyn Jean Tustin. In our 1952 yearbook is her picture and the saying "VITAL SPARK OF HEAVENLY FLAME" She and I have been together for the past 50 years, in fact, we have been on the same page of the yearbook. Just under my picture you will find Carolyn. Each time I opened "the book", there she was always ready to say "HI" with her warm smile,

Time has passed and we have gone in different directions, so I lost contact until our new reunion telephone/address book came out last year. Guess what? We both are in Fla and basically only a few miles apart.

If you notice her last name: Vitola and in the yearbook: Vital --- how about that?

This is my little story about a girl that has been in my home each day but we never see one another anymore. It was my loss -- perhaps we will cross paths someday.



submitted by: John Harrison (WI '56)
johnh@teays.net

Roleta,
There could not be three neater kids than the Tustin three. I know Harlen, (Bucky) WI '55, Marolyn WI '56, and I think the older sister was Carolyn WI '52. Each was an asset to the school. The picture sure looked like the lodge at Lake Riley just outside of Weston. I could be wrong though... Thanks again for all your hard work.



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

Looks like the Tustins to me. Buck hasn't changed a bit except for the hair was a little darker and Marolyn has more teeth now.



submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
Fragilegranny34@aol.com

Dear Roleta, The Precious children in the May Newsletter look like the Tustin Kids. The one in the center certainly looks like Carolyn Tustin. We attended Morgan, Central and W.I. graduating in 1952. If it is indeed the Tustins, the boy should be "Bucky" and the other girl, Marolyn.



submitted by: Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI '57)
Marmer1@attbi.com

The Three Tustins --- Carolyn, Marolyn, and Bucky (Harlan). They were my neighbors on Duff Avenue and I lived on the corner of Duff and Duncan. We had great times together. We would sled ride down Duff Street in the winter. The boys would hang on the bus as it would go up Duff to the top where Morgan School was. I always had the football and basketball and we would often shoot hoops, play dodge ball and horse in the summer during my Central years. It was a great time to grow up in the early 50's. I''m now in Jacksonville, Florida and near 295. Would like to hear from old friends.



Also recognized by:

Barb Williams (WI '58) Bwilliams@swfla.rr.com
Cynthia Molle Oates (WI '58) Coates@nfis.com
Linda DeTurk Jones (WI '60) deturque@aol.com





PRECIOUS CHILD FOR JUNE




Do recognize this child? Send me your guess and also a memory of the child if possible. Send your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com.







PICTURES

Do you have some pictures that you can scan and send to share with your friends? Scan and e-mail to Judy Daugherty Kimler (jkimler@ezwv.com) or Roleta Smith Meredith (Roleta1@aol.com). Or if you don’t own a scanner but have some pictures that would be nice for the newsletter, you can either make photocopies (Xeros copies) at your office or local library and mail them to one of us. Another option that a lot of people use is to mail the pictures to one of us, we then scan them and mail back to you as soon as possible. Contact either of us for our address and instructions on how to mail. Thanks



MARBLES

Are you interested in seeing a little something else about Arko Agate Company? Check out this web site…. http://marblealan.com/akro/ Thanks to Fran Barrett for this information.

submitted by: Barry Mazza (WI '57)
Mutzy007@aol.com

I really enjoy the newsletter, its great to read the "old daze" stories and how people remember things. My uncle was an accountant at the marble factory for years, I had buckets of marbles that he had allowed me to "help myself.” In fact we used to take them into the ball field near my house and swat them into the woods with baseball bats until the bat was almost torn away from contact with the marbles. I remember going through the factory with my uncle and watching the process, he later resigned [in the late 50's]. Later in time my brother-in-law Steve Sutter’s father, [I think] bought the buildings that were to become Sutter roofing and metal.




submitted by: Marvin George (VHS '62)
Mgeorge@westvirginia.net

Because of my interest in marbles, I was forwarded a copy of your May newsletter. If you take all of the submissions and put them together you have a mosaic of the history of marbles in Clarksburg. Each person saw a different but incomplete picture of Akro but taken as a whole gives most of the picture.

Several years ago I spoke with a gentleman from Lumberport about marbles. His name is J. Fred Early. I consider him to be the perfect expert on marble history in Harrison County. You see his father was an engineer at Akro Marbles and was one of the people who left Akro Marbles to form the company called Master Marble. The unique thing about Akro was that they had a patent on a machine that made glass marbles. This patent was in effect until the early 1930's. Akro was the only company that could manufacture glass marbles. This mass production literally made Clarksburg the Marble Capitol of the World.

Mr. Early said that the reason his father and others were successful in forming Master Marble was because they were able to design a machine that was not in violation of the patent laws. No one could compete with Akro if their marbles were hand made. Their design allowed them to flourish and other marble companies to spring up all over West Virginia.

Master Marble was housed in Annmore at the "Carbon Plant." I was told that when Master Marble closed the factory was moved to Bridgeport and the new company was called Master Glass.

Currently there are four West Virginia companies producing marbles: Champion Agate - Pennsboro, Mid-Atlantic Glass - Ellenboro, Marble King - Paden City, and Jabo-Vitro - Parkersburg (manufactures in Reno, OH and Williamstown, WV). Millions of marbles are still being made in West Virginia.

In 1993 a new venture started in Clarksburg. It was the first annual event of what is now "The American Marble Tournament." This tournament has also been held in Buckhannon, Beckley and now in Barboursville. Teachers and volunteers from around West Virginia and other states work to provide opportunities for children to play the classic game of marbles. Children are having fun with marbles and also earning educational scholarship as they excel in this sport. In the 1930's and 40's West Virginia was the "Marble (manufacturing) Capitol of the World." We are now striving to make West Virginia the "Marble (shooting) Capitol of the World." To learn more about our activity, you can visit http://marbles-american.org If life has taken you away from West Virginia, you can come home and bring a potential marble champ with you. We want "American to come to the Mountains."

Roleta please add me to your list. I think this newsletter is a living West Virginia heritage.




JUNE TRIVIA PICTURE WAS LAKE RILEY

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

The mystery picture is Lake Riley a popular spot for WI students for Skip day and after the Prom activities. Lots of great memories of Lake Riley. The Sheriff ask us to Please leave after we set the Mounted Moose head on fire with a lit cigar in its mouth....great dance floor...It was located near Weston, WV. You could also rent their cabins on the lake during the summer months.


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

Hi Roleta,

If I recall correctly this is Lake Riley near Weston, WV. Oh, what great memories. I can remember going to Lake Riley in Holly Furbee's jeep with several of the gals from the class of 1959... It was Senior skip day and we had such a great time.

Then I would go with relatives for a week at a time and loved to ride the horses. It was a fun place.


submitted by: Steve Griffith (ND '60)
Sgriff2393@aol.com

I can't remember if I was at Lake Riley after high school, but I probably was once or twice, but what a flashback!

I believe Ike Morris (Glenville) owns that property now. I searched it out a few years ago (one Sunday jaunt) and found a gate saying private property, and the name I.L. Morris on the sign. Ike is in the gas and oil business and has been quite successful. One of these days I will call him and see about permission for a nostalgic trip. Will take some "now" pictures for you if I do that.


submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
Fragilegranny34@aol.com

Dear Roleta,

The Senior class of W.I. '52, went to Lake Riley near Weston, WV. It was rather cloudy and cold as I remember. Lots of fun.

submitted by: Sonny Talkington (WI '57)
Pnftdf988@aol.com

Picture is of Lake Riley near Weston, WV. 1957 SKIP DAY - Harriet Murphy, Judy Coyne, Judy Rice, Jayne Rose, Bob Dennison, Dave McMunn, Skip Bowie, Anthony Billotte, Sam Ware, Mike Harrison, Mike Snyder, Fred Dunnam, Donnie Martin, Dave Hutson, Rita Drummond, Mere Gurson, Nancy Schilicker, Phillis Tutwaller,and many others. We all had a WILD AND WET SKIP day Unfortunatley this beautiful building and lake have been destroyed by vandalism... last known owner - Ike Morris (Glenville)


submitted by: Jim Este (VHS '55)
Jeste35160@aol.com

It's got to be Lake Riley. Spent a lot of time there and really enjoyed the little island in the middle of the lake. I was up at the lake about two years ago and it doesn't look like the same place. Thanks


submitted by: Deedie Swisher Souders (WI '52)
DeedieDesigns@aol.com

The mystery picture with all the '50's cars in the parking lot is Lake Riley which holds many memories of our Senior Skip Day.

It was a beautiful Spring in the month of May in the year of 1952 that all the good times were taking place for our Senior Year at Washington Irving High School ---"ON THE HILL". Now it is "OVER THE HILL" 50 years later.

Everyone was looking forward to "Senior Skip Day". Back then we had to borrow a car so that we could all get away for the day. No one in our class ever owned their own car like most of the kids do today.

We spent the day at Lake Riley. The weather was overcast and cool and put a damper on a springlike picnic and swim. Everyone took their own box lunch and the music was provided by Joe Malone and his little guitar. Some went fishing, some went for a cold swim, some climbed the tower and others played games. But the best fun of all was the song we sang -- "WI WILL SHINE TONIGHT".

There were many pictures taken to share for a lifetime.

      


   



Others who identified Lake Riley were:

Mike King (WI '61) Tmichael43@aol.com
Lyle Corder (RW '57) WVLyle@aol.com
Bob Davis (WI '59) RAD29063@aol.com



TRIVIA PICTURE FOR JUNE


Do you recognize this place? Please write your guess and a memory to Roleta1@aol.com. If you guess incorrectly, I won’t use your letter, but I will give you a chance to guess again.



SOME MEMORIES OF CLARKSBURG

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

When Charlotte Sharp Smith wrote her "Echo's of Memories" it brought back some of my memories. I worked at the North Pole Ice Co which is owned by Bill Viglianco, (who was best man in my wedding) and run by several of his sons today. Also, I delivered ice to homes and businesses in the Clarksburg area. I still have a few of the signs that were placed in the window and would let us know how much ice to carry to the house and place in the ice boxes in the kitchen. I had one of the signs mounted on a nice piece of walnut and hung in my office for years. Most of the students I interviewed as an admissions specialist at a Technical College saw the sign and thought it was a dart board. When I told them what it was, they fell out. Made me really feel great when they would say, "Man, you don't look THAT old".

I also delivered milk for Producers Dairy on Monticello Ave. I would get up around 3:30 am and walk down the Ave. and deliver milk until time to go to school And of course I delivered the morning paper. Some mornings when the temperature would be around zero, my father would get up and turn my clock off and he would deliver my papers before he went to work. What a great surprise to wake up and the papers were already delivered.

Now my memories of Doc Stalnaker's Place next to the Broad Oaks Bridge were not as pleasant. One time when my brother Larry was about 4 years old, my brother Freddie and I took him for a haircut. I forged a note from my Mom, that read, "Mr. Stalknaker, my son Larry wants a Mohican (sp?) haircut, so please cut it." Signed, Mary Alvaro. Well, she called "Doc" up and asked why he did what he did. He said he still had the note she sent. Well, when she found out what I had done and I am sure my brother Fred said nothing except maybe "Jim did it", I was reminded with a pancake turner or a broom every week until the hair grew out.

Those were some of the memories starting at the bridge. I can go on with the memories from that point on until I hit Buchannon Pike and a thousand more memories with the input of Don Sager, Mary Sue Clark Spahr, and Steve Limbers. A great Newsletter as usual. You and Judy do a wonderful job and the contacts resulting from the Newsletter are priceless. Thanks again.



VICTORY PICNIC

VICTORY HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND PICNIC
HARRISON COUNTY 4-H CENTER
RT. 19 SOUTH FROM THE WEST END BRIDGE-APPROX. 3 MILES
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2003
10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

CONTACT: SAM ANNIE
204 MAGNOLIA AVE.
CLARKSBURG, WV 26301
1-304-623-1100

RESERVATIONS HAVE TO BE IN BY JULY 15TH.
THIS WILL BE A CATERED EVENT.


The cost is $20.00 for the catered meal or $5.00 for visiting. As stated it is a fund raiser for the VICTORY HIGH SCHOOL ALUMINI SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

All money left after expenses goes to the fund. In order for a LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL graduate to qualify he must have had a parent, grandparent or guardian that attended VICTORY HIGH SCHOOL. Students whose relatives were from Salem, Bristol, Wolf Summit, Lake floyd, etc; do not qualify. The VICTORY fund was started back in 1953 in honor of our Principal, Miss Lucy M. Bailey. As you will recall, LIBERTY replaced VICTORY in the fall of 1973.

EDITOR’S NOTE---For more information on this picnic-contact Freddie Layman via e-mail fgl46VHS@aol.com or call the number listed above for Sam Annie who is in charge of the picnic.




OBITUARIES


ALICE A. WOOD NUTTER (WI 1956)

Alice A. Nutter, age 65, Bridgeport, WV, died, April 2, 2003, at her residence.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, February 13, 1938, a daughter of the late Clyde Wood and the late Alice Luther Wood.

Surviving are her husband, Thurman R. Nutter, whom she married in 1971; one daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Mike Harnett, Bridgeport, WV; one son and daughter-in-law, Scot T. and Shelley Norman, Clarksburg.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard C. and Wilbur L. Wood, and by one sister, Vivian Wood.

She had been employed as a secretary at West Virginia Truck Supply Co. for 27 years.

After residing in Florida for the past 17 years, Mr. and Mrs. Nutter had recently returned to the Clarksburg area.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Telegram.





GARY CARPENTER

submitted by: Barry Mazza (WI '58)
Mutzy007@aol.com

Gary Carpenter passed away from this life in Boyton Beach, Florida on Tuesday May 22, 2003. The cause of death was a lung disorder. Gary worked for The Flying Tigers Airlines for 22 years as a flight mechanic at Kennedy Airport. For 10 years he was at Fed Ex as a line supervisor before retiring last year. He was a former resident of Bond Street in Stealey. Many remember him being the owner of a purple pick up and for a super sense of humor. He had a great love of life. He was my friend in grade school and through college. We ended up living in the same area of northern New Jersey for some time. We vacationed together and were friends until the end. We that knew him will miss him. We will cherish our fond memories of our time together here on earth.




FRANK CHRISTOPHER COLOMBO

Frank Christopher Colombo, 89, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on April 29, 2003, at his home following an extended illness. He was born November 16, 1913, in Harrison County, a son of the late Battista and Antonia Colombo.

Surviving are his wife, Lillie Mae Rittenhouse Colombo, whom he married on August 16, 1946. Also surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Edward Kuhl of Keene, New Hampshire; one son and daughter-in-law, Craig Christopher and Jo Ellen Colombo of Mechanicsville, Virginia; five grandchildren and many other relatives.

Frank was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Clarksburg Lodge No. 482. He served in the Army Intelligence Corps from June 1942 until March 1944 and landed in Normandy, France, on D-Day. He graduated from Salem College with an AB degree and began his coaching career at Central Junior High School. He later coached at Washington Irving High School and at Roosevelt-Wilson High School when they won the state basketball championship. He retired from Broadway Junior High School.

Frank was an avid sportsman his entire life. He was the WV Golden Glove Champion of 1940 and represented the state at the National Tournament in Madison Square Garden. He was president of the Northern WV Basketball Association from 1966-67, served as an official for basketball, football, baseball and softball and was a referee for the professional wrestling matches held at the Carmichael Auditorium. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and golf and was a former member of the Bridgeport Country Club and a longtime member of Bel Meadow Country Club. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where he served in the lay ministry.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Telegram.



ROBERT L. RICHARD

Robert L. Richard, 84, of Bradenton, FL, died April 5, 2003, in Manatee Memorial Hospital. Mr. Richard was born in Clarksburg, April 13, 1918, the son of the late William H. and Hazel Carder Richard.

A 1936 graduate of Washington Irving High School, he was a member of the Clarksburg Chapter, Order of DeMolay, and a former member of Hermon Lodge No. 6, A.F.&A.M.

Mr. Richard was associated with his father in home construction until 1958, when he moved to Florida as a construction examiner with the Federal Housing Authority in Tampa. He retired in 1978.

Survivors include his wife of over 61 years, Marjorie Smith Richard; two daughters, Mrs. Gregory (Carol) Brown, Rochester, NY, and Mrs. Taine (Barbara) Rathke of Bradenton; a son, Mr. Robert L. II and (Pat) Richard of Churchville, VA; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Telegram




RICHARD H. (DICK) HUSTEAD

CLARKSBURG -- Richard H. Hustead, 75, of Clarksburg, WV, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at his home.

He was born May 29th, 1927, a son of the late Irene and Hubert Hustead of Clarksburg.

Mr. Hustead is survived by his wife of 44 years, Constance Ann Hustead of Clarksburg; one daughter, Sharon Hustead Conklin of Tampa, Fl; one son, Curt Von and his wife, Suzanne; two grandchildren.

He began his career in Clarksburg at WBLK, where he was the originator of "Sky Castle," broadcast from Ellis Drive-in Theater. He also helped name WBOY-TV. Mr. Hustead was then a partner in WEBC radio in Duluth, Minn. He later owned and operated WWHY Radio in Huntington, WV. He began the first cable TV company in Huntington, West Virginia; HUSCO Cablevision. In 1977, he negotiated purchase of WKLC radio and established WVAH-TV in Charleston, WV.

After surviving a serious automobile accident, he and his wife moved back to the Clarksburg area. Mr. Hustead then began WOBG radio in Clarksburg. He retired in 1989.

He served in the U.S. Marines.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram





RICHARD COX

Richard Cox, 65 Mt Clare, WV died May 18, 2003. He was retired from Lucent Technologies where he worked as an installer. A graduate of WI in 1957 and lived in Stealey at that time. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joyce Sutton Cox, one son Randy and one daughter, Stephanie and three grand children.

Contributed by Wayne White

EDITOR’S NOTE: All obituaries are contributed by readers of the newsletter. Many obits are from the Clarksburg paper. I do not have time to read the newspapers on line and extract the obits for notice in the newsletter. If you see an obit of a WI grad, send me a copy. If you have a friend who passes away but there is no obit available due to the place of death, send me a notice as Wayne and Barry did in this issue. These friends deserve to be remembered. Thanks Roleta1@aol.com.




MEMORIES

Help! I need for you to suggest topics for the newsletter. Write Roleta1@aol.com.





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