THE WI NEWSLETTER 01/04

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Issue 53

January 2004

MEMORIES FROM ANOTHER GENERATION
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith--editor
Dear Reader:

Have you ever wondered if there were changes to WI after you left school? Bet you, like me, thought that it sat on that hill unchanged until RCB was built. I have been begging for some input from the younger generation ---that is anyone who graduated after we did. I think many of our younger readers are shy about writing their memories. I have heard they didn’t know if their letters would be welcome. (THEY ARE WELCOME). However, it seems that many of them share the same memories that we do. I received a letter in December that enlightened me…..there were changes at WI…I hope you will read the letter from Lori and enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you, Lori.

submitted by: Lori Hostuttler (WI '90)
lohostuttler@mail.wvu.edu

My name is Lori Hostuttler and I am a 1990 graduate of WIHS. I began reading the newsletter while working as an assistant to Carol Schweiker (another proud WI grad)!  Although I am a little younger than most of the people who contribute, I truly enjoy reading the reminiscences about WI, Clarksburg, and Harrison County.   As the world seems to get crazier each day, it is a comfort to me to know that so many still have strong ties to their home, their school, their old friends. You do a marvelous job of putting it all together each month!!

I don't know if there are many other readers who were "on the hill" during my time - the late 80s, early 90s, but I do hope that people will find my reminiscences interesting.

My first year at WI was one of the first, (maybe the first) that the school operated under a "closed campus." Once we got to school, we were supposed to stay there. We had a new cafeteria and gym and were expected to use it. But the allure of downtown was still strong -- my closest friends and I made more than a few lunchtime runs to the Home Industrial Bakery or the Bluebird store (when it was still on 3rd Street) for sandwiches or just cheese and pepperoni. We were caught coming back only once, Madame Jeannine Queen chided us but ultimately never turned us in!

I played clarinet and tenor sax in the band - so many fun memories are associated with band trips and football and basketball games. I think we got new uniforms my freshman year. We looked sharp. We were the only band locally that still performed in a "military" style. No flashy flag corp (just the important ones) and even the majorettes were fairly conservatively dressed. This changed a bit before I graduated, but we were still distinctive.   We won nearly every competition/parade we were in. The legendary Mr. Christian had left WI right before I got there, Randall Hall and then Mr. Ellis had large shoes to fill. I remember standing in the armory parking lot where we practiced the field show as Mr. Ellis demonstrated to us how to do the perfect glide step...Ah the band, I remember that I complained a lot about how much we practiced (and stood at parade rest!) but looking back I can't imagine not having that part of my life.

Another dear memory is my senior political science class trip to Washington, DC with Gary Poling. Most every year, the trip was held in the spring, but for some reason ours got moved up to December. Of course a snowstorm hit while we were there, but we had a great time.   We were there on December, 7, 1989, the 48th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In 1990, Carolyn Burnside, my senior English teacher, asked me to present the class history during the senior banquet at the Clarksburg Country Club.   I remember having fun with it and Tony Marchio, our principal my senior year, complimenting that it was one of the most original and entertaining class histories he had heard. All this must have left some impression, though I buried it for a while, because I'm now working as an archivist and historian at the West Virginia and Regional History Collection at WVU. Funny how things work out!

Thanks so much for your hard work and the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane!

Sincerely, Lori Hostuttler

ENJOY? submitted by: The editor
Wasn’t that a good letter? Did you enjoy it and learn something? I sure did. I never thought about the band practicing anyplace but Hite Field….did you? I never thought about there being a lunchroom at WI….that would have been nice only if we had the option of either eating there or going downtown! I loved those quick lunches at a counter in downtown Clarksburg and then visiting the stores.

I am sure you have many memories to share about your family, school, friends and town. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a memory of WI or even Clarksburg---we also love hearing about the memories of those who attended other Clarksburg schools. We like to hear your memories about your hometown. Won’t you share them with us? You don’t have to be a writer…you put down your memories as best you can, I will rewrite it and then if I have a question, I will send it to you for approval before I publish it….sounds simple---well it is. Write to Roleta1@aol.com

WITHOUT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, THERE IS NOTHING FOR US TO READ.

MIKE SNYDER, WI ’57—OUTSTANDING MARINE, BLACKSMITH, OUTDOORS MAN, AND EDUCATOR
submitted by: Chuck Thomas (WI ’56)
THOMASDRCR1@juno.com

Back in Pre-Sputnik days at WI, I met Mike in a study hall. Given that neither of was pouring over the books, I instantly surmised that we were whelps cut of the same cloth. To his credit, however, Mike’s academic record at WI was much better than mine—which I wish were more of a compliment.

Because after WI I went to the Marine Corps for two years, Mike was sophomore at WVU when I started. We were both Phi Sigs and shared a “deficiency” apartment one year and solved an extensive number of philosophical and world problems. After I left Morgantown and became a university professor, I lost track of him. But thanks in large part to Roleta Smith Meredith’s WI NEWSLETTER, I renewed acquaintances at this year’s WI Summer Reunion. In late October, I headed for the Spruce Knob area to visit my former frat brother. As I drove over the crest of a steep mountain on Route 33 beyond Elkins, the panoramic view of the severe, raw, rustic beauty of West Virginia overwhelmed me, causing me to immediately understand why Mike and his wife, Jill, had made this remote part of the country their home.

And Mike had taken a diverse journey to get there. Before taking a break from college to join the U. S. Marine Corps, Mike was a diver and varsity letterman on the WVU swimming team. In boot camp on Parris Island, Mike won the “Outstanding Marine Award” in his platoon—a meritorious, physically rigorous achievement recognized by anyone who has ever served in the USMC. He returned to WVU and later completed his A. B. in history in 1963. Following graduation, Mike backpacked by himself over Europe—traveling by Eurailpass and staying mostly at Youth Hostels; visiting bullet-scarred East and West Berlin, Germany; skiing on Austrian mountains; and traveling extensively in Norway. He also visited Spain, Italy, France, and even the Canary Islands. Later in early 1967, Mike and Andy Hamilton, a friend and former WI classmate from the Hill and WVU went to the Aspen Colorado ski area—driving taxis at night in order to ski during the day. After that, Mike returned to urban life and took positions as a newspaper writer, state travel writer, magazine editor, and PR specialist.

To me, however, one of the most interesting aspects about Mike’s life is that he was a blacksmith for ten years, supporting his family of four. Quoting from his 1975 HAND-FORGED IRON WORK CATALOG: “. . . Michael Snyder is a third-generation West Virginia blacksmith. He entered the trade of his grandfather and great-grandfather at the age of 31 . . . . learn[ing] to smith in West Virginia and New Mexico [and by] working and talking with older blacksmiths and by experience. His work is for people of varied tastes . . . not locked into any particular vogue or style. Rather, it is an expression of Michael Snyder’s values, perceptions, and experience.” Scanning this catalog, I was impressed by his original designs of a myriad of hand-forged pieces, including an iron work candle chandelier and a “Snyder trivet.” Confirming his skill as an artisan, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, exhibited two of his iron work pieces—which Mike ranks as his “top two lifetime achievements.”

But Mike proved to have other skills—e.g., working with kids. Completing his master’s degree at West Virginia University in special education in 1985, he became a full-time special education teacher at 40 in Randolph County, retiring in May of 2001 after 20 years. As a kid, if you ever went to the Stealey Pool, you may recall Mike Snyder’s interpersonal communication skills as a lifeguard. In any case, always blessed with an understanding of young people, an impish playfulness, and straightforwardness, Mike could successfully bond with students who often frustrated other educators—establishing a communication link and a foundation for teaching.

Mike is married to Jill Smith Snyder—an attractive, intelligent, articulate, and multi-talented woman. Not to diminish his artistic recognition by the Smithsonian, but I think marrying Jill also has to be one of Mike’s lifetime achievements. Besides her proven cooking expertise, she decorated their restored country home—originally a Mennonite church—and last year Jill won first prize at Jackson’s Mill for her hand appliquéd, quilted wall hanging.

Mike and Jill have two children—Enoch, who completed his degree in architecture at the University of Virginia and now works as a professional architect, and Joy, who graduated in elementary education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, served as the captain of the WVWC women’s lacrosse team, and now teaches fifth grade students. Both now-grown children live in different parts of Charlottesville, VA.

The Snyders’ home is located in the Job-Whitmer area near Spruce Knob with a separate large building for his blacksmith’s tools and equipment. An avid pomologist, though primarily interested in heritage apples, Mike and Jill harvest their 21 apple trees each year to make apple butter, cider, and dried apple chips, and they usually grow a large garden. They still raise beagle gun dogs, and in the past, they have even raised sheep and chickens.

During my visit, Mike gave me a crash course on shooting a single-barreled shotgun and single-action revolvers on his rifle and pistol range. Later, he took me to Stink Run on the Continental Divide separating Pendleton County and Randolph County—showing me numerous fossilized rocks with sea life etchings, proving that this high West Virginia ground had once been under water. Next, he took me to see the famous Sinks of Gandy—a place where the water goes underground through limestone caverns before resurfacing. Along the way, we saw 11 deer.

Mike’s personal odyssey includes many other achievements. He and his son, Enoch, appeared in a segment about the work of a West Virginia blacksmith in the PBS documentary film about the river life entitled FORKS OF CHEAT—which was narrated by WVU graduate David Selby of DARK SHADOWS television fame. Since 1978, the avid and expert angler from Clarksburg has been running his own school—Fastwater Flyfishing—enabling him to teach others the fundamentals and strategies of this rugged outdoors sport in mountain area trout streams.

It was great to reconnect with Mike Snyder—an accomplished outdoors man, a great parent along with his wife, Jill, and now a retired teacher who occasionally does some substitute teaching in both Randolph County and Tucker County. Mike, a published writer, continues to write on a regular basis and to read extensively—particularly during the long winter nights. Still quite active and living in God’s Country, each day involves a rustic adventure.

Without a doubt, Mike Snyder, a person I respect a great deal, has made a long, arduous, and distinctive journey from that WI study hall and from Stealey to get where he is now. Should you want to touch base with Mike by e-mail, he gave me permission to share his address: mefastwater@hotmail.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Interesting writing, Chuck, hope you write again soon

YEARBOOKS FOR SALE
submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)
Fgl46vhs@aol.com
Greetings Roleta: I purchased two [2] more Old WI year books at an estate sale a couple weeks ago. They are for the years 1929 and 1933. Also have years 1922 -23 on hand. If any one is interested I will sell for what I paid for them @ $10.00 each and I will pay the postage. They are very interesting to read. Have a good week.

NEW YEARS TIDBITS
submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)
jkimler@ezwv.com
TRADITIONS
The tradition of using a baby to signify the new year was begun in Greece around 600 B.C. It was their tradition at that time to celebrate their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth.

Although the early Christians denounced the practice as pagan, the popularity of the baby as a symbol of rebirth forced the Church to reevaluate their position. The Church finally allowed their members to celebrate the new year with a baby, which was to symbolize the birth of the baby Jesus.

The use of an image of a baby with a New Year's
banner as a representation of the new year
was brought to early America by the Germans.

They had used the symbol since the 14th century.

DECENT CHAMPAGNE

Yes, there is such a thing as decent champagne which doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Recommendations are:

Gloria Ferrer
Korbel Natural
Schramsberg
Cuvee Napa

These are California wines made in the French tradition and are suitable for drinking in your best flutes.

If you are going to mess up the champagne with orange juice for mimosas.....
just get the cheapest stuff you can find that bubbles and is called champagne.

MIMOSA

Champagne
Orange juice
Just put the juice and champagne bottles out and keep cold on ice...
provide glasses and hope that your guests can figure out that
the drink is about half and half.

SMELLS
submitted by: Ann McMunn Watson (WI '53)
annwatson@smco.us
Hi Roleta......
Ah, smells.....who of my vintage can ever forget the sweet (?) smell of dirty feet that came from Chalfont's Bakery at the top of the arcade every Tuesday and Thursday (if memory serves) at 4 PM when they were baking salt rising bread just as we were walking through from "The Hill" to Bland's or the bus stop, or wherever?

submitted by: Mary Stump Harrell (WI '55)
Maryharrell@direcway.com
In 1973 after a year in Sinop, Turkey with the Army, my husband and I were in Istanbul preparing to return home. It was the end of February, cold, and a little snowy. When we left our hotel in the early morning there was a distinct smell in the air that I immediately associated with home (Clarksburg). When I realized what I smelled, it was the fragrance (?) of many coal fires being used to heat homes in Istanbul. Remember when we heated our houses with coal furnaces? Many of us had coal bins in the basement and the truck would come by to load the bins through a chute to stock up for the winter. I don’t suppose all that smoke was good for our lungs, but it was a “comfort” smell of home, warmth, and family – and this is what I felt in Istanbul that cold February day.

submitted by: Martha Jeffries Rice (WI '55)
mrice@swfla.rr.com
Dear Roleta,
When you ask about smells that invoked memories, it made me remember walking through the arcade on my way to or from lunch while attending WI. On Thursdays (I believe) there was always the smell of salt rising bread tickling my taste buds. I have not had salt rising bread since and have no idea how it was made. If anyone has the recipe and would be willing to share it, I would like a copy.

Roleta, you do a wonderful job of compiling all the notes from people. Thank You!

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com
I remember the smell of home made bread in the kitchen of our house. Even though my mother was a full time teacher and nearly always a student working on that next degree, she would often treat us with homemade bread….oh how wonderful it was to take a slice of that bread while it was still warm and slap on a slab of butter—watch it melt a little and then eat away! I also remember the smell of salt rising bread—mother didn’t make it---we bought it at either Ridenour’s market or Allman’s (I think that was the name) market in Stealey. I never liked it straight from the package---I liked to toast mine and eat it with butter. If you think salt rising bread smells funny when it is baking, you should smell it in your own kitchen when it is toasting — smelled a little like puke but the taste was great.

submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS '57)
BillMere@aol.com
Growing up in West Virginia it was very common to smell coal smoke in the air constantly. My family heated our home with coal fireplaces. However this is not true for the younger generations. In the early 70's during the "energy crisis", some of my co-workers in Columbus, Ohio decided to buy some coal to burn in their fireplaces. I went along with the idea, since I thought my children would get a kick out of it. I took home the large bag of coal & proceeded to build a fire in our fireplace which had seen only wood before. The children were amazed to see the coal burn with the different colored flames. Finally tiring of this, they went outdoors to play with the neighborhood gang. Within a short time my son rushed back into the house to report that one of his friends, upon smelling the coal smoke told him that someone in the neighborhood must really be desperate, because they were burning garbage in their fireplace to keep warm. We all got a big laugh from this. When I went outside to smell for myself, it did smell a little nasty, but it brought back the pleasant memories of a more innocent time in my life---the days of my youth in West Virginia. I thought I was poor then, but now I realize how rich I really was.

submitted by: Skip Bowie (WI '57)
SBowie11140@aol.com
The "smells" I remember. The infamous West Fork River. The orange sulfur slime coming from the mine runoffs. The Carbon Plant with an easterly wind. The Pittsburgh Plate glass furnaces. However, the most remembered were Tomaro's bakery early in the morning. The Hartland Mill-saw dust. Anthony Bellotte's mother's spaghetti with her garlic bread. The WI Special Lunch at the Stonewall. Toasted Ham and Cheese on rye with a coke, $2.19. Aqua Velvet and Canoe. The Ellis Drive-In about 50 minutes into the movie. The fresh cut grass at Hite field just before a football game. Big truck tires that the dogs like so much.

Pictured at the Clarksburg Picnic in March 2003 are Allen Alvarez (WI 1958) and Bill Berger (WI 1960). Allen brought some great hot dog sauce to share which was made from the DQ recipe that was given to him by his mother Ruby.

CLARKSBURG PICNIC IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA
submitted by: THE EDITOR
Roleta1@aol.com
ph 941-342-0030
The time is quickly approaching for the annual Clarksburg Picnic that I organize each year in Sarasota, Florida. If you are making a trip to Florida, winter in Florida, or live in Florida, I hope you will plan to attend. All people from Clarksburg are welcome. However, you must send me a reservation---I like to be prepared. I plan this and work on it for about a year; therefore, you people who know you will be there, please take a minute and write me an email so I can expect you. I have to buy the paper products, and the meat so I must have a number of attendees. It is a covered dish dinner---so bring your dish, drink and a few dollars to put in the pot for each person attending. This money is to help cover costs. I do not keep any of the money as my own.

If you are planning to attend and will need to stay overnight, you better make motel reservations now. March 13, 2004 is in the peak tourist time in Sarasota. Motels will be overbooked! I have two suggestions, you may call The Ramada Inn –941-921-7812 and ask for Kim—or tell the person taking reservations that you are planning to attend the Clarksburg Picnic planned by Roleta at Twin Lakes Park….the cost I arranged is a group rate for this event. The price is $89.95 which includes a complimentary breakfast newspaper and heated swimming pool. Kim said there are many non-smoking rooms.. The motel is less than a quarter of a mile west of I-75 and the picnic is about 1 mile East of I-75 on Clark Road (SR 72). Very easy access. Ramada is about 5 miles from one of the whitest beaches in the world. There are many restaurants in the area.

Also, Jim Alvaro wrote about the motel where he stayed in Sarasota when attending the picnic. (Jim and wife Sonja come from Atlanta, GA. for the picnic and the chance to visit with relatives and old friends).
Here is the information about the Holiday Inn where Jim stayed.…
This motel is only about 4 miles from the picnic location:

Holiday Inn Siesta Keys
6600 Tamiami Tr
Sarasota, Fl 34231
Ph # (941) 924-4900

Tell them you are with the Clarksburg Reunion and the cost is $99.00 per night.

I hope everyone who received this from me will attend the picnic.
We had a great time last year and this year should be even greater, thanks to Roleta.
Sincerely, Jim.

Please spread the word. I don’t advertise. The computer and word of mouth is the only way the news about this picnic is spread. The first year we had almost 50 people attend, I expected about 25—a great surprise. Now we have almost 150. So come join the fun. We laugh a lot, and have a great time. REMEMBER—this is a CLARKSBURG PICNIC—all are welcome. That gang from Victory seem to have a wonderful day and they swear that they are all related! LOL

TRIVIA PICTURE FOR DECEMBER
The Trivia Picture for December 2003 was the Grafton Dam. Many thanks to those of you who participated in the fun……

submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)
Fgl46vhs@aol.com
The trivia photo listed in the December newsletter is of The Tygart Valley River Flood Control Dam often referred to as the “Grafton Dam” located in Taylor County, WV. Work began on the dam in January 1935. In March the first fatality occurred when Charles Leary fell 30 feet and drowned. By May 9th, more than 700 men were employed at the dam. On June 15, two more men were injured: One fell 30 feet and the other had a hand smashed. In October of 1935 there were 1,431 men on the job. By June 1937 there were a total of 10 deaths. By August the employment of workers was down to 495. The last bucket of concrete was poured September 19, 1937. “Dedication Day” was held in October 1938. The dam has a storage capacity of 289,600 acre feet or 94 billion gallons of water. The dam contains over 1-1/4 million cubic yards of concrete. It is 1,921 feet long, 207 feet wide at the base and 230 feet high. The total cost of the building of the dam was $18,432,000.00.

submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
floyds4@cox.net
Congratulations on the December Newsletter. They just keep getting better and better (even when you print my ramblings). I think the trivia picture is Grafton Dam. It was a great place for a picnic, and the picture shows the place where my whole family last got together before my mom died. I hope I don't embarrass her, but that day I was showing off my very pretty girlfriend, Patty Kerns, WI '59, and my mom was glad that I was with a nice girl from her old school. The only picture I have of Patty was taken that day with my mom in the background. I think mom was disappointed when we stopped seeing each other, but that's high school romance for you.

submitted by: Jeanne Walters Webster (WI '59)
hillbilly@rivnet.net
I think I would recognize that picture anywhere. It is the Grafton Dam. I had a cousin who was a lot older than I and he had bought a boat. I guess I was about 10 - 12 years old. My Dad and my cousin were avid fishermen and we use to go out to the lake created by the dam and camp out. We would put all our camping and fishing gear and food into my cousin's boat and go out to one of the islands in the lake (it usually took two to three trips by boat). I remember sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground under the stars. That is also where I learned to water ski. I believe I caught my first fish there, too. I also remember there were a lot of bats that lived in the hollow trees that had died when the area was flooded after the dam was built. Boy, your newsletter can bring back a lot of memories.

submitted by: Bryan McIntyre (WI '65)
bmcintyre@ec.rr.comm
It's the Grafton Dam at Tygart Lake State Park. My dad and uncle shared ownership of a 16 ft. boat that we kept at the marina there. I remember many Saturday or Sunday afternoons spent boating and swimming in the lake. My other main memory of Tygart Lake was our Senior Skip Day was held there. There are a lot of stories from that day, but this is a family publication.....

submitted by: Wayne White (WI '60)
WaynePawco@aol.com
The trivia picture is that of Grafton Dam or Tygart River Dam which ever you prefer. It was completed in 1938 and is located near Grafton, WV. It forms a large reservoir in the Tygart Lake State Park. The dam controls the floods on the Monongahela and keeps the crest of the Ohio River reduced. The dam is almost 2,000 feet long and 230 feet high. It has all the things to offer that you find in a state park---swimming, fishing, camping and hiking. It is located on Hwy 50 or Hwy 119—Grafton, WV.

submitted by: Nancy Kirkpatrick Gaines (WI '50)
Nanielee@aol.com
I am pretty sure this is the Grafton Dam. I spent a lot of time there in my youth. My father Russell Kirkpatrick was a boat lover and raced a boat called the Rock A Bye. They use to hold races at the dam and we kept our first boat docked there. That was when there was only one small dock. In the late forties not many people used the facilities there and it was and still is a beautiful lake.

submitted by: Joyce O. Devine (WI '45) Yes, I am still alive!
Jodyvine@aol.com
At last a picture and area that I think I know. I think it is the Dam at Grafton. I am Joyce Devine class year 45 now living in CA. One year, long after we were married, Carl and I and whatever kids were with us camped in the campground which was below the Dam. We enjoyed ourselves very much and it was probably almost dark when we got there so said we would see the upper side in the morning. We drove with the little trailer, 13 feet long and very cozy, up to the marina area for the lake that the dam had held back for many year. When we saw how huge it was, we were aware of where we had slept and thought about the wonder of all that water and were glad we had not known what was just above our camp area. We had a nice time looking at the lake and boats all around it. Thank you for the pretty picture which I think I also have some pictures of it from just at the edge of the stairway that went somewhere down near the far side of this picture of the dam. That was about 40 years ago.

submitted by: Rick Wilson (WI '61)
wilsonmaple@msn.com
Oh, the Dec. picture is an easy one. That's the world famous Grafton City Park located downstream and just to west of that big grayish white thing obstructing Tygart River. It's always fun to visit when they "open the gates," particularly during spring floods. Regarding last month's Airport picture, while attending Marietta College some years ago I once walked from Marietta to the airport across the river in WV and then flew to Clarksburg Benedum on Capitol Airlines (or was it Lake Central by early '60s ) for the impressive cost of $7.50. Train trip on B&O would have cost only $3.90 but I would have had to have thumbed to Parkersburg first. Ah, for the good ol' regulated transport days and real money.

submitted by: Sargent McQuillan (WI '57)
SARGENT827@aol.com
The picture is of Grafton Dam near Grafton, WV. We use to go there on Sundays for picnics. It was like going on vacation; fun, sun, moms' potato salad (Miracle Whip) not mayo. We enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and Wise potato chips were a great treat.

EDITOR’S NOTE: What is the origin of the name Tygart? Please write Roleta1@aol.com. I am surprised that not one reader wrote about having a relative who worked on the dam.

PRAYER REQUEST
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com
Our son, Victor Meredith, has been diagnosed with a cancer on the lymph node near where the thyroid had been located. He will meet with the surgeon on January 9, 2004. Please pray for an early scheduled date for the surgery and for his complete healing from this dreaded disease. I believe in the power of prayer. Thank you.

BASKETBALL
submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
floyds4@cox.net
In the last newsletter you asked, among other things:

“Basketball—the season is upon us. Who was the basketball star of your high school..? What year was it?”, and, “Were you one of people on the team, cheering squad or…”

Well, ever since I got a Voit basketball for Christmas one year, basketball was my favorite sport. A family in North View had a mud court in the backyard, and my buddies, Ancel Greathouse, and Jimmy Este, VHS ’55, plus Vito Contento, and Punky Garrett, VHS ’56, and others, used to shoot horses for hours. I was never big enough or athletic enough to play on a school team, but did play for the North View School Patrol Boys.

In high school, Class of ’56, Hooker Roberti and Punky Garrett were our stars, along with Bob Smallwood, ‘A’ Williams, Perky Hickman, and Tony DeMicco. All but Tony had played together all their lives in North View. I loved the sport so much that I didn’t want to miss any games, so I wormed my way into being one of the team managers, with head manager David Toothman. He didn’t really need my help, and I think he and the coach were just being nice to let me be a part of the team.

At the risk of being booed, I have to remind you all that in January of 1956, WI beat us 59 to 55, and it was the first time I ever heard the expression, “moral victory.” In fact, after the game, Marty (Frey, WI ’59), and I went to Central Restaurant with some WI folks, and I somehow got away with using the term and not losing my life. Then in February that year we met again, and this time Victory won 73 to 70. Those were two of the most exciting games I’ve ever witnessed.

Then after working a year to get some college money, I found myself at WVU in a Psych class with a drop dead beautiful blond from WI ’57 by the name of Jayne Rose. One day, Jayne told me that they were having try outs for freshman cheerleaders, and they especially wanted to start getting more males on the squad. Somewhere along the line I mentioned this to my sweetie, Marty, who was still back in Clarksburg at WI. Somehow, she and Jayne got together on it, and they started working on me to try out. When I was told that I might get to travel to the away games with the number one team in the nation, I said, “Where do I sign up?”

In short, I was willing to completely humiliate myself to see all the games from right next to the bench. It turned out that, a., I was picked for some strange reason, and 2., Freshmen cheerleaders didn’t get to travel; but at least I saw all the home games from courtside. Jerry West was our star, and Fred Schaus was our coach, and we were number one. That was enough to make up for my embarrassment, and I forgave Marty and Jayne for their part in making me make myself look stupid(er). I even forgave another member of that team, WI’s own Jimmy Warren, for all the times he made Victory look bad.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER
submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)
Mysto99@aol.com
I read with interest Sharyn Cottrill McGahan’s reference to Jay Randolph in the recent newsletter. He was the original sports director for Channel 5 (WJPB-TV, Weston-later changed to WDTV, Bridgeport/Weston) "WJPB" was named for Jay Pat Beacom from Fairmont, who was the first owner. He also owned Channel 35 in Fairmont which was on the air in 1952. Unfortunately, there were few TV sets and therefore few viewers. I was part of the original WDTV staff, doing a daily "kid" show, weekend news/sports/weather show, and served as day-time operations manager. My clearest memory of Jay, is when he and his "friends" bid for the rights to broadcast the WVU Mountaineer football and basketball games. For some unknown reason their bid was only a few dollars over the competition bid submitted by the statewide network that had been doing the games for many years. Jay did the football and basketball broadcast for only one or two years. The Mountaineers were not very good during that period. Jay was disappointed in the team, but was proud of the fact that he got to broadcast the games, replacing the legendary Jack Fleming, who worked for WAJR in Morgantown. Fleming kept busy doing pro basketball broadcasts as well as the play by play of Pittsburgh Steeler football games. Probably his most famous call was the memorable Franco Harris “IMMACULATE RECEPTION”.

Jay and I got along great. We did an election night together. He finally left Clarksburg and went to KMOX radio in St.Louis, MO. I believe it was owned by a US Senator friend of Jennings Randolph. Eventually, Jay went into network sports doing golf, football, etc

Jay mentioned that while working at WHAR, he was told by Paul Ellison that he would never amount to anything in broadcasting and should get into politics like his dad. This, obviously proved incorrect since Jay has become a famous broadcaster and is known worldwide

THE LAST STREETCAR IN CLARKSBURG
submitted by: Don Sager (WI '56)
dks@davtv.com
While looking behind some old framed photos, I discovered this picture. I believe it was taken in the 1947/48 time-period. I am the little kid in the leather coat.

This was taken the night that the last streetcar left from Clarksburg to Fairmont. We rode the streetcar out and a City Lines bus brought us back from Fairmont. Most of these folks were City Lines or Monongahela Power employees and relatives. My father, Wise Sager, is standing directly behind me in the tie and hat. At that time, he had operated a streetcar for 34 years and then he switched to driving a bus. He drove the Adamston-Anmore route until he retired with over 44 yrs. service.

A humorous note about the leather coat---my daughter saw this picture years ago and she has always identified me as wearing “a Gestapo coat” since she was a big fan of Hogan’s Heroes then.

Sorry there were no names on the back but I’m sure many of you can identify many of your friends and relatives.

Do you know any of those pictured above, if so, please write Roleta1@aol.com. If we get identifications we will run this picture again in February and identify the people. Thanks

DRAG RACING AT THE AIRPORT
submitted by: Jim Este (VHS '55)
JEste35160@aol.com
I remember racing there very well. I believe it was in the late 50's. It's hard to believe they let us do that. I'm sure you will get a lot of response to this subject.

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

Roleta, I want to thank you and Judy for doing such a great job of putting the newsletter together every month. I look forward to it each month.

Well on to my remembrances.One of those favorite smells was fresh baked bread. One of the ways to go between town and Broad Oaks was to take the swinging bridge between Water Street and Monticello Avenue. There was a bakery located on the Monticello side of the bridge and if you came by it at the right time in the evening you could buy bread fresh as it came out of the oven. Oh, to tear that loaf in half, pull out the warm insides, squeeze it into a ball and eat it. Then eat the crispy crust. It was a real treat.

I remember going with Sharyn Cottrill to one of the Hi-Fi Club radio shows. A group of four or five of us all acted like we were interviewing a recording star but in reality we were reading a script while the announcer played a record with the guest comments. I also remember helping Sharyn decorate the Carmichael Auditorium for one of those Coca Cola dances.

I didn’t recognize the Benedum Airport photo but I do have a story about the airport. My wife, Donna Jo Nutter (WI 61) and I were coming home for the first time (about two years) after our marriage. There was some construction being done on the runway so we had to fly from Pittsburgh to Bridgeport in a Cessna SkyMaster AeroMech charter. As we landed and taxied to the terminal, Donna could see her mother and became excited. The SkyMaster has a very wide door on the passenger side which was opened as the plane stopped. I stepped out of the plane and turned around to Donna. There she was holding her arms out to give her mother a hug but she was so excited that she forgot to unbuckle her seat belt and was still being held in her seat.

submitted by: Mary Stump Harrell (WI '55)
Maryharrell@direcway.com

I am surprised that I did not recognize the old Benedum Airport terminal as I spent much time at the airport during the 50's and 60's. I have two stories - one story is brief, although the experience itself seemed to last a lifetime.

In 1959 I worked in Kingsport Tennessee for Tennessee Eastman Company as a "chemist" (quotes because that was my designation by the company - I had very little idea of what I was doing in that first post-college job) -- anyway I was flying home in one of the old DC 3's and as we approached the airport we were clearly off course. It had been snowing and the runway, even to my passenger's eye, was covered with what looked suspiciously like icy slush. The pilot made three or four circles before beginning the descent - and as I looked out the window I could see that he was descending to the right of the runway - I was terrified. And do you remember that the circles put you at such an angle to the hills that it was as if the plane was going to run into a hill? At the last minute he pulled up and we went back to a circle for a new approach. On that one, I could not see the runway out of the window, and we did land safely. I remember that my legs were weak as water as I got off the plane in the whirling snow. The ride into town on icy roads was harrowing, too.

But my favorite story involves my dog. Pat was a cocker spaniel that I acquired from Mary Beth Jeranko during our freshman year at WI. (I still remember Jennie, the show-quality, parti-colored dam and Topper the cocker mix sire with such a beautiful shiny black coat.) In the Dec. newsletter there is a great story by Linda Spelsberg Wolf about a bear near LakeFloyd. The Spelsberg dog Pat is featured in that story. His full name was Patrick O'Shaughnessy Spelsberg. I greatly admired Pat - lovely red coat, he was an Irish Setter - so my Pat was named for the Spelsberg's dog: Patrick O'Shaughnessy Spelsberg Stump Dog.

For many years, my father flew in and out of the Benedum airport on business. I was usually the designated driver for transportation to and from the airport in the family car. Pat always went with me. He loved the ride - and we would get out and stand by the fence to watch the plane land. He always was very excited to see Dad and wiggled all over in greeting. During the 60's, Pat often had to be boarded when my mother came to the DC area to visit her children. The kennel was on the road not too far from Green Acres, and I am ashamed to say that I have forgotten the name of the people who had the kennel, because they were so kind to Pat and accommodating to my Mother. They even let Pat stay in their house instead of putting him in a run outside and he was content to go there. My father died in 1959 and we no longer were so frequently at the airport. During the summer of 1961 my mother lived in DC with her sister and worked at the Labor Department. Pat was at the kennel - but they called one day to say that he had slipped out the front door and run away. We were all miserable at the news.

Three or four days later, Pat turned up at the airport. Some of the men there saw him hanging around for a few days and someone recognized him. They fed him and began trying to find out who to contact and somehow found out who to call to get him returned to the kennel. We figured that he was lost when he ran away, but made his way to the airport because he knew that this was where he and I and Dad often came... although he had not been there in more than two years because of my father's death. We always thought it something of a miracle that he made his way to the airport, and once there, knew that if he stayed someone he knew would come to get him.

submitted by: George Cinci (WI '60)
GCinci@msn.com

Hi Roleta, I have a memory about the VA Hospital. My family lived on lower Alexander Ave in Hartland until I was about 6. I can remember my father pulling me on a sled on the streetcar tracks across the bridge to go sled riding where the VA Hospital is now located. I can remember being terrified of the ride over the bridge, and of lying on the sled and holding on with a death grip. My brother Don (WI-56) pulled his own sled if I remember correctly.

TRIVIA PICTURE FOR JANUARY 2004

Do you recognize this place? Write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com. Remember, I will not print incorrect guesses nor guesses that don’t include a memory of the pictured location. If you send an incorrect guess, I try to let you guess again and again until you get it correct!

HAD ENOUGH?
You say you have had enough Christmas ham and turkey for awhile? And you have had enough pork and kraut on New Years Eve? Then it might just be time for a pepperoni roll! Check out this website…I bet it will bring back taste and smell memories. Tomaro’s Bakery in Glen Elk is discussed at this site also (As we know, Tomaro’s has the best pepperoni rolls in the world). Thanks to: Nancy Kirkpatrick Gaines- WI 1950 for the following site: http://www.fscwv.edu/users/rheffner/pepperoniroll/what.htm

NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES

Lori Hostuttler (WI '90)	lohostuttler@mail.wvu.edu
Barbara Birshtein (WI '62)	birshtei@aecom.yu
Martha Jefferies Rice (WI '55)	Lonoma@aol.com
Loretta Mayer Brickman (WI '59)	jsullivan@front-n-center.com

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS

Mary Stump Harrell (WI '55) Maryharrell@direcway.com

PRECIOUS CHILD FOR DECEMBER

Precious child picture for December 2004 was of Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI 1959).

submitted by: Jeanne Walters Webster (WI '59)
hillbilly@rivnet.net
Is that a picture of Sharyn Cottrill? It’s been many a year, and I’m not sure, but it looks a lot like her. I remember she lived in Stealey by the playground.

PRECIOUS CHILD FOR JANUARY

Do you recognize the person pictured above? Send your guesses and a little something about the person to: Roleta1@aol.com. I will not print incorrect guesses and I will not print your guess if you do not include something about the person pictured.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a picture of yourself or a friend taken when you were young? Would you like to share it in the newsletter? We enjoy seeing the picture of the young child, a graduation picture or mid life picture and a current picture. However, if you only have a youthful picture, we will use that in our game. You can scan it and email it to: Judy Kimler at jkimler@ezwv.com or Mail it to Roleta Meredith, 3025 Switzer Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Thanks.

A SPECIAL “CAT’S MEOW”
submitted by: Keith (DK) Roach, Jr. (WI '62)
WVFord28@aol.com
I am sure it has been talked about before in the newsletter, but I just received two “Cats Meow” collectibles, the WI seal and the front of the school. We have a small collection of “Cat's Meow.” Have about 80 Shelia houses. Have them around the walls near the ceiling of a bedroom. I was just wondering if anyone has discussed the WI school and seal made by “Cat's Meow.” Nice surprise. My wife just called Country Peddler in Bridgeport, WV. They still have WI and the school Seal on hand. The school is $18.99 and the seal is $8.99.

Their phone number is (304) 842-3371, if you or anyone else is interested. They are rather neat to have. Hope this helps.

SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION IN UPCOMING NEWSLETTERS
WRITE TO: ROLETA1@AOL.COM
1. Where did you eat lunch during school? Did you ever have a cafeteria in any school you attended? I know some have written about going home for lunch but how did you get home and back so quickly? Didn’t you only have an hour for lunch? Did you carry your lunch? What was in that school lunch that dear Mom fixed each morning for you? Did your sack lunch that Mom fixed each day impress you so much that you fixed one for your children when they attended school?

2. Did Mrs. Bauer really have a metal plate in her head? If so, why was it there? Did she really hear or react to whistles that were so high pitched that only a dog could hear? I hear some boys actually brought the whistles to Speech class to torment her. Was that a true rumor?

3. What size shoes did Miss Nutter wear? What size should she have worn? Let me hear you guess on that one!

4. What was your favorite Clarksburg store for shopping? How many 5 and 10 cent stores were there on Main Street and which was your favorite---why?

5. Did Harrison County Schools get snow days—days when there was no school due to snow?

6. YOU----Yes, tell me about you! What is your hobby, talent or what do you collect? I am sure if you write about it to the newsletter others will see your letter and write about their collection, etc. Let’s take a minute and learn about someone else each month this New Year.

THANKS
I wish to extend my thanks to the readers who sent me electronic Christmas cards, Christmas cards through the mail and other expressions of the holiday spirit. It is so nice to hear from each and every one of you. I don’t have nor do I keep home addresses of readers so I must take this space to say thanks I certainly appreciate your expressions….Roleta1@aol.com

I would also like to say "THANK YOU" to everyone who sent me Christmas greetings.

Judy
jkimler@ezwv.com

OBITUTARIES
JOHN E. SMALLWOOD
Mr. John E. Smallwood, age 79, died Wed. He was born Jan. 20, 1924, in Clarksburg, WV, a son of the late Donley and Dora O. Kibble Smallwood. His wife, Norma Brown Smallwood, whom he married July 25, 1953, preceded him in death. Surviving are a son, John Eric Smallwood and a grandson, Joshua Eric Smallwood, both of Potomac Falls, VA.

Mr. Smallwood was a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1942, and of Salem College, where he excelled in basketball in the 1950s. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a professional magician for over 50 years and traveled the country doing his special magic show. Mr. Smallwood was the owner and agent for John E. Smallwood Insurance Company for over 30 years.

GRACE E. HEASTER
Grace E. Heaster, 88, of Hinkle Lake, Bridgeport, passed away early December 13, 2003, at Meadowview Manor Health Care in Bridgeport. Born March 18, 1915, in Richwood, WV, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Ollie Ellison Feather. Survivors include one son, Harold J. Heaster and his wife Barbaree of Bridgeport and Ormond Beach FL; two daughters, Betty Henderson and her husband Clee of Bridgeport and Phyllis Shepler and her husband Thomas of Hinkle Lake, Bridgeport and 9 grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death on September 27, 1976, by her husband, H.L. Heaster, whom she married July 22, 1933.

In 1938 with her husband, they co-founded the H.L. Heaster Typewriter Co. A graduate of Washington Irving High School, she was a member of the Bridgeport Baptist Church, was an avid bowler and a member of the Clarksburg Women's Club and the Trinity Homemakers.

EUGENE EASON
Eugene passed away on December 19, 2003. He was a retired attorney-at-law and husband of Jean Welsh Eason of Charleston, S.C. Mr. in Mr. Eason served with the 3rd Division of Patton's Army as JAG during World War II.

He graduated with honors from The Citadel, Class of 1940, and graduated in 1947 from the University of Virginia Law School and practiced law in Virginia for over 30 years with the Steptoe & Johnson law firm.

Excerpts from The Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram Obituary Column.

DO YOU KNOW?

Where was the first radio station in Harrison County located?

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