THE WI NEWSLETTER 01/05

THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 65 January 2005



CHRISTMAS IS OVER

We hope that you had a Very Merry Christmas. May you have a very Healthy, Prosperous and Happy New Year. From Judy and Roleta

What was the favorite thing you received for Christmas? Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Wasn’t that December issue the best “little magazine” you have ever seen? I still can’t get over how many different people contributed to make it outstanding. I sure hope you enjoyed it.




EDITOR’S NOTE: Many of you know Buzzy Floyd from Clarksburg days and others have become familiar with him through his contributions to the newsletter. You may want to drop him a line and everyone add him to your prayer list. On Tuesday before Christmas he suffered 22 cardiac arrests in one hour! A record I am sure. He has an implanted defibrillator which kept him alive. He spent Christmas in the hospital surrounded by loved ones. We are so happy you fought to live and are still with us Buzzy! He is now home and back on the computer…proof that you can’t keep a good MOUNTAINER down!

CURE THOSE WINTER BLUES

submitted by: Buzzy Floyd (VHS '56)
floyds4@cox.net

Here's a story from today's Las Vegas Review Journal about the Ellis family recipe for eggnog, Frank Ellis, who founded Ellis Island Casino here in Vegas back in the 60's, is the nephew of the Ellis brothers who owned the two drive-ins back home. His kids run the place now. Ellis Island began as The Village Pub back in the 60s. Now the family operates it as Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, plus they have nine sports bars scattered about town, all called The Village Pub. I'm wondering if anyone remembers the eggnog from Clarksburg. It's possible, of course that the recipe came from their mother, Mary Adams Ellis, who's father was Michael Adams, of Michael Adams Cleaners near the Robinson Grand Theater, and it could be an Adams family recipe, too. But, whichever, it still has a Clarksburg connection. I suppose I could just call one of the family and ask, but I'm too lazy for that.

Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

TASTE OF THE TOWN:
Time again for Ellis Island eggnog

Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, 4178 Koval Lane, has announced the annual bottling of its holiday eggnog -- a nog that will leave you agog.

Marcus Zavala, Ellis Island food and beverage director, said the nog is the secret family recipe of Gary Ellis, owner and chief executive officer of Ellis Island. Originally, it was bottled only for family and friends.

"As time went on, it got so popular, we decided to offer it to our customers," Zavala said. This is the third year it's available to the public.

The eggnog is $19.95 for a one-liter bottle, $2.50 per glass, and is available at Ellis Island and at the nine Village Pubs across the valley. ...



STOP!!

Before you start scanning down through the newsletter to see if you recognize any names of friends who wrote----STOP! You are going to miss some interesting things…….

LOOK OVER the subjects below and see if you can find a subject with which you can relate and share with me. Maybe one or the other of these subjects will bring back a few memories--

SUBJECTS

I must apologize to you for not going into deep discussion on some of the subjects I suggested for the newsletter. As I wrote to many of you, limited time this month has not permitted me to go into some of the subjects….So in the next couple of months we will feature:

1. What was that school on the hill before it was named WI? No one tried to guess the name---come on, now you have 20 days of January to think up some clever guesses---I bet we get some good ones from our readers who didn’t attend WI. I will print all that are sent to me—(keep it clean).
2. Any guesses as to when WI was built? (How old do you think the building is?)
3. When was the first graduation class from WI?

THANKS to Freddie Layman, I know the answers so I am looking for guesses---not research so you can save your time there!

4. Glass Factories…..
   A. Name those that you can remember
   B. Share a story about your connection to a glass plant.

5. Name the DJ’s that sat high above Ellis Drive-In and brought us our favorite requested tunes.

6. Basketball:---It is that season:
   C. Did you play basketball? Tell us about that experience. What was your position on the team, what was your number, what team did you most like to play against, etc?
   D. Did you attend the games? What was the most fun about that?
   E. Do you remember a favorite cheer or song you sang at the games?
   F. Were you a cheerleader? Tell us what it was like and what bus did you ride to the away games? Share a memory with us.
   G. Were you in the pep band? Was that fun? When did you practice? Did you wear a uniform or certain outfit? Did you travel to away games? Any memories?
   H. What other things happened in connection to the games and will you share them with us?
    I. Where were the high school games played when you were in school?
   J. Where did RW and Victory play their football games?

These subjects should be enough to keep you busy for awhile. This is one way to get through that boring January and the let down that always comes after Christmas…..especially if you live in the north where the weather isn’t great!

Write to Roleta1@aol.com. These are all new subjects----so WRITE TO ME!

WHEN YOU WRITE---SIGN YOUR NAME, SCHOOL AND YEAR. I don’t care if you didn’t graduate from high school, just tell me where you would have graduated and with what class.



MANY WILL NEVER FORGET PARSONS-SOUDERS



EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from Bob Stealey’s column of January 2, 2004 which appeared in the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram.

submitted by: Bob Stealey (WI '64)
Bobnalong1@aol.com

In the recent past, I’ve received some literature about the old Parsons-Souders Department Store in downtown Clarksburg, which was one of the most, if not the most, visited clothing store in the city---years before the advent of area malls and shopping centers.



For readers who are relatively new to the Clarksburg area, Parson-Souders founded back in 1903, was sold to Stone and Thomas Inc., headquartered in Wheeling, in 1959 although the store was known familiarly as “Parsons” for years afterward.

The bricks and mortar of the downtown store came down in 1993, although a Stone and Thomas store and home store remained at Meadowbrook Mall until 1995, when the company was sold to Elder Beerman. Sometime in the 1990’s—I’m guessing around 1993—an article about the Parsons-Souders store being gone from its familiar downtown site appeared in the Sunday Exponent Telegram. It was written by John S Grisso, a Clarksburg native who was affiliated with an advertising firm and later lived in Morgantown.

Mr. Grisso’s account, while it wasn’t particularly lengthy, would take too much space. So, if you please, I’ll just quote portions of it.

“How do you morn the loss of an old friend? Or say goodbye to something you’ve known since childhood? A place you had visited often throughout the years and still associate with so many of the special memories of growing up in Clarksburg.”

He wrote, “It had stood there resting on its proud history, and even if perhaps just a little old-fashioned in appearance, had remained a glorious monument to what shopping was like before you had to cross two miles of parking lot just to get to a store. It had always been there, and like so many things in life, many of us had assumed that it always would be.”

Grisso said it was among the familiar places he looked for when he’d return from Pittsburgh or New York over the years.

“Parsons! That’s what everybody called it. Every major shopping trip to town that I could remember (while) growing up had to include a stop there,” he continued. “After our mother had taken us to the old Melet’s or Maunz store for our elementary school clothes, it was usually off to the long, glass cosmetics counter at Parsons where she could replenish her lipstick supply and try the latest perfume, no doubt from New York.”

The writer pointed out that all along the wooden walkway of the main selling floor, you could savor the smell of the colognes as it mixed with that of roasted cashews in the next department and the leather handbags hanging nearby. He said Parsons even had its own elevator, and even if it only went up and down a floor or two, it had big, shiny silver doors that half-reflected your image while you waited.

Grisso also mentioned the store’s restaurant, the Submarine, in the basement, which was crowded every day until the store closed.



This is the 3rd Street side



THE SUBMARINE RESTAURANT AT PARSON SOUDERS

submitted by: Marcia DeMarco (Bridgeport '77)
MDWYANT@aol.com

I grew to love the Submarine although not at first.  I did love going with my Mom, Frances Oliverio-DeMarco and sister Francine Wilison-Perry after shopping in all of the wonderful shops in Clarksburg.  Back then, Clarksburg was a shopping Mecca! You sat where ever there was room and it seemed there were never "strangers" in the Submarine.  I was a picky eater back then and they served hamburgers but did NOT didn't serve French fries!!  Can anyone relate to my dilemma? Thanks to my older sister I discovered hot roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy.....This is when the Submarine became my favorite lunch spot!!   Much later when Stone & Thomas took over they kept the Submarine open.  I worked in downtown Clarksburg in the early 80's and still had lunch at the Submarine until is sadly closed!!  Does anyone remember Julia?  Julia operated the elevator at Parsons Souders and was the sweetest lady, she new me by name.    Marcia DeMarco (class of too many to mention)!



submitted by: Jean Wells Himmel (WI '59)
dhimmel1@cox.net

The Submarine Restaurant:  My grandmother Carpenter worked at the League for Service Thrift one afternoon a week.  For several years, I would meet her at the Submarine for lunch every Tuesday or Wednesday.  I always had a chicken salad sandwich (not toasted) and a chocolate milk shake - always.  It was a special time with her - she was a special and giving lady.  I think I was in the Submarine only a handful of times other than those lunches.



submitted by: Wilma Costlow Allman (WI '53)
WAllman103@aol.com

I am responding to what I remember about the Submarine Restaurant in the basement of Parson-Souders.  I ate there quite frequently when I was employed at the Board of Education.  It was a very friendly place.  If you went in and there was no empty table, you just asked someone if you could sit with them.  I remember their Submarine sandwich very well.  It had pimento cheese spread, bacon, lettuce, and I think ham.  It was made with three slices of bread and cut into fourths.  Their salad was also very tasty.  I was given their recipe for their dressing from a friend and co-worker.  They would just pile a big spoonful on top of your salad.  It is as follows:   

PARSON-SOUDERS SALAD DRESSING  

1 carton French Onion dip
1 sm. Onion, minced
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup salad dressing
2 tsp. minced chives




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

Most everyone who worked downtown in Clarksburg had heard of and had a quick lunch at a decent price in Parson-Souder’s Submarine Restaurant. I’m assuming the name was chosen because it was located in the basement of the store. If I recall correctly, the stairs to the basement were located in close to the entrance of the diner. In my first fourteen years working at the courthouse I made many trips to the Submarine for some of the ladies with whom I worked. Most of my trips occurred in bad weather especially after the big snow in 1950 and some tipped me very well. When I became the building engineer at the courthouse in 1951, I didn’t have time to run those errands any longer.



submitted by: Jack Emerick (WI '53)
cadilacjak54@aol.com

Gee Whiz Roleta, I almost forgot to write about the Submarine. My fathers oldest sister, Carrie McKinley, worked at Parsons-Souder in the awning and slip-cover department. She was a wonder and could come to your house and whip up a set of slip covers for your couch or chair in just a little while. She also was very good at making awnings. Most of the up-town stores had large crank out awnings made from canvas with bright stripes and patterns.

My mother and I would go to town and sometimes we would visit my Aunt Carrie, or my dad's other sister, Aunt Margaret ("Margie"), who worked at Watts-Sartor-Lear, which was next door to Parsons. Anyway, if it was near lunchtime, they might go down in the basement of Parsons and go into the Submarine Restaurant. One end of the restaurant extended out under a twenty foot section of the sidewalk on Third Street I was probably 6 to 9 years old, and really got excited sitting in the booths or at one of the tables and watching the sidewalk above our heads which had three inch square glass blocks set in the concrete. As the people walked on the sidewalk, you could see their footprints as they crossed over the glass blocks. I loved going there, as they had great chocolate rickies.

I have many fond memories of the city in the 40's and 50's. It was a booming business place, and so much fun during the Christmas Season. I can hardly believe it is the same town that I grew up in when I go up there now. Anyway, that is my remembrance of the "Submarine" Restaurant.




We have been created in order to love and be loved. Love does not measure…..it just gives
Mother Teresa




A WEBSITE TO VISIT

Boo Beall found this website and thought some of you might be interested.
http://www.usswestvirginia.org/default.htm




SCHOOL PATROL

submitted by: Marcia DeMarco (Bridgeport '77)
mdwyant@aol.com

I attended Linden Grade school in 6th grade. I have many memories of Linden especially my teacher Mrs. Scott. I loved her so much. I see Alexis Julian Scott to this day and she laughs that I still call her Mrs. Scott!!  I remember the Dairy Queen on the corner where you could get a Mr Misty for 11 cents, there was a penny tax back then!  I also remember, thanks to Mrs. Scott, being asked be a patrol girl!!  I was told I could be a patrol girl but could NOT go to Washington DC with the boys!!  I didn't care. I was just so excited to wear the silver badge and belt, carry the big flag and on rainy days wear the bright yellow rain hat and coat .  I'm thinking this was in 1971!!  Seems like yesterday. Thanks for letting me share my memories. 

Marcia DeMarco-St. Mary's grade 1-4, Carlisle 5th, (I loved Carlisle with the curved staircase, but it was condemned after my first year there), Linden 6th, Central Junior High 7th & 8th (The freeway came in and took my house on at 223 E. Pike St next door to the East End Lunch and my family moved to Bridgeport), Bridgeport Junior High 9th, Bridgeport High School 10-12th.




DECEMBER SCHOLARSHIP DONORS HAD THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

I received several donations to the WIN Scholarship fund in the month of December. In case you didn’t know, the Newsletter has started a scholarship called the”WIN SCHOLARSHIP”. THERE WILL BE TWO SCHOLARSHIPS OF $500.00 EACH GIVEN TO 2 GRADUATES OF RC Byrd High School this spring. There is absolutely nothing in this world as important as an education.

I am proud to say that several of our readers have answered the call to help the future leaders of our country. I am sorry to say that less than10% of the readers have contributed but everyone has their reason why they can’t give.
If you would like to join us in helping a young person pursue their future, just write a check, or send a money order to me. Any donation from $1.00 to $1,000.00 would be wonderful. Heck, I would love to see a $1,000.00 donation but I know Bill Gates isn’t reading this newsletter….(by the way, if you know Bill Gates, ask him to send the scholarship some money).

Make your check payable to Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship.
And mail to me at my office:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Those who gave so generously in December were:

MIKE SNYDER     WI 1957
BILL BRYAN     RW 1957
GLADYS WILLIAMS &     WI 1971
TOM WILLIAMS     VHS 1967
HERB CASHDOLLAR     RW 1957
SHARON BEE ARMSTRONG     BRISTOL 1959
(IN MEMORY OF WILSON VICTORIA HOWELL BEE-HER MOTHER)
SHARON BEE ARMSTRONG     BRISTOL 1959
(IN MEMORY OF FREDA MAE LYNCH DAVIS—MOTHER OF BOB DAVIS AND A LOVING NEIGHBOR OF SHARON’S MOTHER LATER IN HER LIFE)
SUE ROBINSON PIERSON     WI 1965
DOTTIE SPEARS RINEHART     WI 1960

I HOPE YOU WILL GIVE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP---START THE NEW YEAR OFF WITH A BANG




PEANUT BUTTER FLOPS

submitted by: Wilma Costlow Allman (WI '53)
WAllman103@aol.com

This recipe was given to me and I was told it was the one that Blands used.  All I know is that it is delicious and dangerous to keep in the refrigerator for you find it is wonderful just to eat a spoonful.
 
PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE SAUCE

Boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water until clear.  Add 2 cups peanut butter, 1 cup Hershey's syrup and 1 cup marshmallow creme.  Mix well and refrigerate.  Serve over vanilla ice cream.




DO YOU KNOW THE ANSWER?

Several people have written to me recently and wanted to know if Dan Patrick and Mike Patrick of ESPN are related? I think that Dan Patrick is from the Dayton area of Ohio and Mike Patrick is Mike Patrick Frankhouser who graduated from WI in 1962. I think he was from the Stealey area of Clarksburg, WV. Did he have any siblings who attended WI? Can anyone lend some light to this subject? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.


NEWSLETTER CD

Many of you have written to say how much you are enjoying the CD you bought which contains all of the newsletters. I believe Judy Daugherty Kimler and her husband Larry came up with a great way of saving the newsletters. Larry made the first CD last summer and in August, Judy gave me a gift of the CD which contained all of the newsletters from the past five years. I thought it was a wonderful gift and really do appreciate it. Judy and I were talking and thought others might like to have a copy of the CD to enjoy past newsletters. So we thought about selling copies and giving the profit to the WIN SCHOLARSHIP fund. If you would like to purchase a CD of the past newsletters, please send a check for $10.00 to Judy. Include your name and mailing address. It makes it much easier on both of us if you send your order directly to her

Mail your order to:
Judy Kimler
1130 Huntington Ave
Barboursville WV 25504

Many people bought CDs as gifts this month. Those who bought CDs in December were:

BOB AND SUE MC NUTT     WI 1955
SUE ROBINSON PIERSON     WI 1965
TOM ALLEN     WI 1957
FRANK MARTINO     WI 1960
MAROLYN TUSTIN JETT     WI 1956     BOUGHT 2
JO ANNE MARLETTE     (GAVE NO SCHOOL OR YEAR)
SHARON DIMARIA     (GAVE NO SCHOOL OR YEAR)
(Sharon bought 3 CD's, one for herself and 2 as Christmas gifts)




DECEMBER TRIVIA PICTURE



What the Ellis Drive-In looks like now as of Dec. 8, 2004, now called Davis Produce.
This picture is taken of the front of the produce store and is where the Drive In parking lot was once located.




This is where we once parked to watch the movies..




This is where the ticket booth was located and the drive way where many stopped to hide one more person under a blanket in the back seat or in the trunk, ha ha


Above pictures submitted by: Ralph Hardman
WeR1@aol.com

Boy do I remember this place, ELLIS DRIVE-IN. I had a lot of fun meeting friends and classmates there, and listening to music from the SKY CASTLE on the radio. Pull up along side a speaker and order your hot dogs or hamburgers, with fries and a coke, with a date or friends in a shined up car that took all day, so your parents would let you have it for the evening. Great memories..... Ralph Hardman  




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

Many people wrote to me about the Skycastle and the DJ from their era. I was wondering when that Castle in the Sky was built. Who was the first DJ? Was Carl “Pooter” Clovis the first and followed by Dick Hustead (my era)—with his famous theme song “Night Train.?” Until this day whenever I hear “Night Train” a flash of Ellis Drive In, the Skycastle and Dick Hustead flash before my eyes. Of course, I seldom hear that song but I love it. I heard also that Ray Allen of the class of 1960 was also a DJ there. Someone else mentioned Wayne Satterfield taking a turn in the SkyCastle. Does anyone have any further information on the years when each DJ sat high above the parking lot? What years (or in what order did they appear?) did these DJ’s spin the records? When did they quit spinning the records there and move back to their stuffy studio? Did they tear down the Skycastle before they tore down the restaurant? Was that little building air conditioned or heated? So many questions come to mind now that I remember that spot. The place to go to be seen and to see! Write to me about the Skycastle----write Roleta1@aol.com.




submitted by: Ron Cleavenger (WI '63)
RonCleaven@aol.com

This is the famous "Sky Castle" at the Ellis Drive-Inn Theater on Bridgeport Hill. A popular hangout in the late 50's early 60's. I never went there much as I had no wheels. I did go there with others on occasion.

Thanks For The Memory.




submitted by: Jim Caputo (Bridgeport ‘59)
caputo@triad.rr.com

The picture is taken in front of Ellis Brothers restaurant-and drive in. The small structure to the left rising from the roof was known as the Sky Castle. The first DJ, playing records upon request, was Dick Hustead. His theme song was a Jazz classic "Night Train". Teenagers from Clarksburg schools as well as Bridgeport would cruise the area going in circles around the parked cars who were fortunate to order food and drink and eat in the cars while watching the rest go around several times. Great place to meet friends and make new ones.

I believe Dick Hustead continued to live in Clarksburg for a number of years and I think he recently died in the past year. Many of us who knew him will remember him and the great cursing tune he played for all of us




submitted by: Mel Muntzing (WI '58)
mmuntzing@ma.rr.com

This is the old Ellis drive in. I spent so much time there at the drive in and restaurant and yes, later on at the bar inside. Nothing but good memories.




submitted by: Kenny Winters II (WI '65)
kwintersii@hotmail.com

Hi Roleta,  This a picture of the famous Ellis Rest. and Sky Castle broadcasting booth.  Went there every Friday and Saturday nite and requested many a song to be played on the air.




submitted by: Bill Phillips (WI '60)
CAPTBILL2001@aol.com

The Ellis Drive In and restaurant is the trivia picture for December. Upstairs was the small building from which a local radio station did a remote every evening. It was called Skycastle. At one time the DJ was Wayne Satterfield. I think he graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1960. The 4 Ellis brothers---John, Sam, Louie and (I think) Joe owned the site. Many would meet there then drag race up Bridgeport hill…..being sure to look across the road to see if the state troopers were there.




submitted by: William Bryan (RW '57)
PBRNRX64@aol.com

The trivia picture for December is Ellis Drive-In Restaurant.  I imagine every reader of the Newsletter will get this one!  After four years in the Navy, immediately after high school, I spent almost every evening in my early 20's driving around the speakers to see who was there!  (Great French fries, too)  I was such an enthusiast, a few winter nights with bad snowfalls; I had the only "tracks" into the Restaurant on a couple different bad nights (early 60's).  I also remember going home (Broadway) over Bridgeport Hill one evening (circa '61-'63) and coming upon three horses that had been hit by a car or cars.  Something I'd rather not remember! It was a great place to meet.  Of course the theatre, too! While at my age now, I find I have trouble remembering many things, I do, for some strange reason, remember

"WHAT'S TO EAT, WHAT'S TO DRINK,  GOOD THINGS GALORE, QUICK  AS A WINK.....
VISIT OUR CONSESSION STAND BEFORE THE MOVIE STARTS!"

Aaaaahhh, nostalgia. A natural high!!!




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

Roleta;--You do such a great job....(in case no one has told you before this?...hahahaha-yeah sure...) The ---"Mystery Picture"--is the   Ellis Drive-in Theatre and Restaurant in the Bridgeport area.  The radio-station-DJs  that broadcast live from the small room on the left above the restaurant going into the drive-in theatre area was not up too far in the air, but the DJ's with tongue-in-jaw would continue to tell their listeners "broadcast coming to you from the "Ellis SKY-CASTLE"  high in the air over Bridgeport...." When everyone finally saw it and realized the fun put-on, many of the DJs would get cards asking if they get nose-bleed up so far in the sky. The DJs were big-time local personality stars in those days before TV took over the airwaves, and the fans. WBOY- had to first broadcast from the "Sky Castle"in the middle 1950's.... Anyone  remember PAUL ELLISON who had "Painted Rhythm" on WHAR-Radio? Spinning those rock and roll 78rpm records locally..?  We listened to him around 11PM--especially after the ball games.......and JOHN PETERS who worked at WPDX around 1949-1951--did the "morning wake-up" show as we got ready to head out for school. --- Paul died about 5 years ago, John passed away only last year.

I got to know Dick Hustead pretty well. When WBOY-TV channel 12-Clarksburg started I was one of the original staff members, and Dick was yet on their radio station. He hosted a local TV-movie at night for about 4-5 weeks, and then went to Ohio with George Clinton the general manager and ran a radio station -- for Clinton..... Dick came back to Clarksburg and bought into a local radio station, but couldn’t make it go and died only a couple years ago. He had crippling arthritis and if you saw him on the street, you would think he was bending over to pick up something. Dick started out very young working at the Clarksburg railway express office at the B&O depot and telling everyone he was going to be a big star someday in broadcasting.  In a way, he succeeded on the small local scene anyway for a couple years. As everywhere else, many valuable-land located movie drive-in Theatres became more-valuable real-estate and closed, as the Ellis...now residential, and professional sites for other business. The Ellis Brothers had the Sunset Drive-In Theatre at Shinnston also, yet showing movies there at dark in the summer months and in the daytime a popular flea-market.

---Old DJS like them and myself, we don't pass away.we just ---"sign off..!"---(




submitted by: Judy Allen Scharle (WI '62)
JScharle@aol.com

The Trivia Picture for December is the Ellis Drive-In on Bridgeport Hill!  My brother, Ray Allen, was the DJ in that little booth above the restaurant during the 1959-1960 period!  He used to sign off at night saying, "This is Ray Allen wishing you blue skies, green lights, and God bless ya!"  Remember, in those days, radio stations weren't on 24 hours a day!  In fact, I think it was even AM!  Wow!  What memories were made in that place!




submitted by: Bill Bowie (WI ’62)
bill26301@yahoo.com

Heck, there is no guessing about this one. Skycastle with Pooter Clovis. We use to race our 6 cyl hot rods over Bridgeport hill and never break the speed limit. I can remember paying 65 cents each to go the Ellis Drive-in right behind the restaurant.




submitted by: Mary Beth Riddle Sterling (VHS '58)
marybwv@ma.rr.com

This looks like the Ellis Drive in Restaurant with the Sky Castle showing where Dick Hustead used to broadcast his DJ radio show.  I ate many hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries there while talking to my friends after ball games and going to dances at the Moose Teen Hop, or maybe the Elks on Friday nites (all in the late 50's).  Sometimes we'd even go to Willow Beach afterwards as that was the only place open that late.  Wherever there was a dance was where I wanted to be.

Thanks so much for doing the Newsletter, Roleta.  Happy Holidays to you and all your readers.




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

I think this was the Ellis Restaurant and the drive in behind it on Bridgeport Hill.  Is there anyone who doesn't have memories of it?




submitted by: Mickie Ford (WI ‘61) and
Dick Brumage (ND ‘61)
micdic324@sbcglobal.net

The picture this month I believe is Ellis drive in with the great SKY Castle. We would drive around checking out the girls. I graduated from ND-61. It was traditional to go there after we played a football game. We'd also make request from the DJ.




submitted by: Marcia Wyant
mdwyant@aol.com

This is a great photo of the Ellis Supper Club and Drive-in.  My memories are not of the Supper Club, I was too young to go there, but of watching the movies and fireworks on the 4th of July from my Uncle Tony and Aunt Victoria Caputo's driveway in Twin Oaks.  The Ellis's lived across the street from my Aunt and Uncle.  I'm going to copy my 2 cousins James "Bo" and Toni Louise, and hope they can chime in because they lived there! Francine is trying to remember something about you all having a speaker at the house to hear the movies??  I thought that was the Baldini's........ Guys you should both subscribe to the WI newsletter it's filled with nostalgia from our homestead!  love, Marcia




submitted by: Mary Ann Conrad Cowger (WI ’58)
mcowger@berryenergy.com

This picture sure looks like the Ellis Restaurant and the little building on the top was Sky Castle where Dick Hustead played the music.  It was nice being able to drive up outside and be served in the car.  Again a first for me---- pizza!  Jesse and I went there a lot and he actually worked for Dick several years ago at WOBG.  Ellis Drive In was there too and I believe the only one left now is the Sunset Drive In run by the Ellis family. 

What a marvelous issue for December.  You're right, its like a magazine.  I have a friend who graduated from WI in the 40’s and she does not have a computer so I print the newsletter out and share it with her when I can.  Unfortunately, she recently moved to Pittsburgh, so I won’t see her very often, but when I do, she will get copies. 

Thanks again for this wonderful Newsletter.




submitted by: Jack Emerick (WI '54)
Cadilacjak54@aol.com

Now for the Mystery Site. Here I have a story. First of all, it is the Ellis Drive-in Restaurant with the Sky Castle radio broadcast booth at left center. The kids had a great time there in the late fifties and sixties. But  that place is nostalgic for me. My father, known to so many as "Turk" (real name Thomas Fulton Emrick) worked in the Strand billiard Hall on Pike Street for over 30 years. There were many owners over the years; Gus Shaffer, John and Louie Ellis; Hugh and Dan McNichol (of the McNichol Pottery family), and lastly Patsy Scott and Mike Tiano (I say lastly, but I am wrong, as the place burned in the early 60's, and my dad and his longtime chum Jim "CUTTY" Cutright sanded all of the char from those old Brunswick tables and re-bumpered and re-covered them and they were sold to Tony Pinion and Mike Allawat and moved to the Recreation next door where my dad and Jim went to work; the Strand was remodeled and re-opened under the ownership of John Daffin). The Ellis Brothers (Sam and Frank Ellis owned the Recreation Billiard Hall next to the Strand) owned the two pool halls from the late 40's through the 50's. My dad, was sort of the un-official manager of the place. He came home one night when I was about 13 and said "How would you like to work for the Ellis Brothers in their new "drive-in theater?" I said " Wow"! The drive-in wasn't even on paper yet and I had a "Job". I worked there for a couple of months helping to park cars. We could handle about 350, but thanks to my dad, who installed four oscillators in four strategic locations, we could take in another 100 cars and have them tune their radios to about 1500 kilocycles (or kilohertz if you prefer) so they could hear the sound track. We got away with that for the entire summer, but the FCC found out that we were doing it and stopped us. We would, as a courtesy, install your speaker, and clean your windshield. Of course there were several drive-ins around: The Sunset (on Rte 19 N , and also owned by the Ellis Bros.), the Skyline which was on Rte 19 S, and the Park which was on Rte 20 S. Those were the local ones. There was the Lovett in Weston, and the Grafton on Rte 250 and the one on Rte 73 at Eldora near Fairmont. TV was very new then, and it took a while for it to begin to cut into the theater business, both conventional and drive-in. When school started my employment ended. That was a great era, and all of us that are older have many memories of it.




submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI ’62)
jpulice@msn.com

Ellis's Rest and the famous Skycastle....what great memories.....we had it all when we were young...these kids today do not know what they have missed......I did some of my best work at Ellis Drive Inn........Does anyone remember Wayne Satterfield who was a Disk Jockey at SkyCastle.............




submitted by: Tom Marshall (WI '59)
marshall@rmu.edu

What a nice, newsy Christmas newsletter.

TRIVIA PICTURE FOR DECEMBER 2004 is the Ellis Drive-In on the Bridgeport side of Bridgeport Hill. We all used to cruise the drive-in most nights to what was up. I remember one night three of us, none of whom were eighteen, drove up to a speaker and ordered some beer. We had been served even though we were underage before. But this time the person taking the order said we would have to show our draft cards as proof of age. None of us had one, so we panicked, and quickly backed the car up to leave. As we began to pull away, one of the owners ran up to our car and shouted, "Stop!"
We stopped.
He came to the driver's window and said, "Do you know what you boys did?"
"We tried to get beer without a draft card?"
"No," he yelled. "You placed an order without paying for it."

An early lesson in capitalism.

I also remember that Dick Hustead of WBLK radio used to broadcast rock 'n' roll record shows from the second story tower with the large glass window in front. My step-father, Don McWhorter, who also worked for WBLK, loved jazz and the big band era music but hated rock 'n' roll. He also thought Hustead was a jerk, and who derided Hustead for calling old songs "stand-bys" instead of "standards." My step-father said once as Hustead's show came on the air, "There's that damn Hustead in that shithouse on stilts."




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

I believe the trivia picture is of Ellis Drive In. The little booth on top I believe is where Carl "Pooter" Clovis broadcast live his radio show.  He even got my mother up there one night and interviewed her and I was listening on the radio and couldn't believe that was her.  Yep, looks like Ellis Restaurant and Theater.




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

I am a couple of days late getting to read the December Newsletter, but that is definitely Ellis Drive-In Restaurant and the famous "Sky Castle". I spent some few hours in that booth and in that parking lot.

Thanks for bringing back some good memories.




submitted by: Frank Bush (WI '59)
frankbush@sbcglobal.net

December's trivia picture is the Ellis restaurant and drive in. I wonder how many times my buddies and I "cruised" out there looking for girls, particularly when the WBOY DJ was playing music from the little room on top. The newsletter always brings back some memories and most of them are happy ones.




submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
jteter@Balmar.com

I believe that the trivia picture for December is SKYCASTLE at the Ellis Drive-in Theater and Restaurant.  I can remember going to the drive-in that is directly behind the restaurant, but I think that I spent more time at the Parkette located on top of Bridgeport Hill in my high school days.  Parkette has since moved down the hill, just above the Chevrolet dealership.




submitted by: Freddie Alvaro (WI '59)
Falvaro33@aol.com

Trivia picture is SKY CASTLE of the Ellis Restaurant. (I am sure Freddie Layman will give it’s history.) The disc jockeys, as I recall were Dick Hustead, Wayne Satterfield and a couple more. A very popular hangout for high school students.

One evening while I was home talking on the phone to girlfriend, Gigi Selby, my mother came into room and said someone was outside honking their horn and yelling for me. I went outside and it was Holly Furbee and some of the classmates in Holly's Jeep. They told me to look inside and when I did they pulled me into the jeep and took me to the Skycastle (a kidnapping if I ever experienced one.) I left Gigi on the phone and my mother wondering what happened to me. Sorry Gigi. 




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

I think the picture is of Ellis Drive-in restaurant with booth for WHYY radio where Karl (Pooter) Clovis was the D.J. Behind is the drive-in theater. Dick (a close friend of Pooter) and I used to sit in our car and listen to Pooter and drink cokes with French fries. Good memories. 




submitted by: Sherry Hutchison Keith (WI '64)
SKeith1514@aol.com

Just looking over the Dec. Newsletter.. Wasn't it great?  So many wonderful memories from so many!

This is the "Skytower" at Ellis Drive-in on Bridgeport Hill, of course..

Remember bumming a ride with Anyone who had a license and car... Or what would pass for a car.. ha ha , just to go there after WI football games..

If you could get up the courage, you could go up the steps to the tower and request songs over the radio and run back to the car and listen to your request with the person you requested it for... neat! Loud speakers blasted out the music into the parking lot too.

The older kids were always there visiting from car to car and loud laughter was everywhere! You could get food too, you know. But it was the camaraderie that was the draw! No one wanted to be the first car to pull out  and head home!

Loved it!




submitted by: Bob Teter (WI '60)
bteter@chartertn.net

Looks to me to be Ellis Drive In. Was owned by the Sam Ellis family. Son David was a member of the class of 1960. Were other siblings, a brother Sammy and, I think a sister. In the center of the picture, above the clock is the 'Sky Castle', home of radio show hosted by Dick Hustead on WHAR. Obviously the drive-in stands are in the foreground. There was the drive-in theater located behind the restaurant. Who doesn't have memories of these places? Drag races from the bottom to the top of the hill to mention one memory, but there are many other great memories. We used to load cars and sneak a bunch of folks in "free". What fun!

Another great job with the newsletter.




submitted by: Barb Warren Williams (WI '58)
tanniswarren2001@aol.com (a temporary email address)

The picture is of Ellis Drive-in. I used to go to lots of movies there. I'm still at my brothers living and surviving. We hope our house will be ready in about three weeks. We are really anxious to get settled. We really have enjoyed it here with the cold weather. I have been babysitting my two great nieces which I really enjoy. Hope to see you at the Clarksburg Reunion in March.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Barb’s home in Punta Gorda suffered a lot of major damage due to Hurricane Charley. She is able to read the newsletter on a computer at the home of her brother (Jim, WI 1956) where she and husband Bob (WI 1945) have been staying since the disaster.




JANUARY TRIVIA PICTURE



Can you identify the above picture? Write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com. Please include a memory you might have of this location....Thanks



CLASS OF 1959 REUNION COMMITTEE GET TOGETHER

submitted by: Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI '59)
mtmama41@msn.com



The above picture was taken Nov 4th at Oliverio's in Bridgeport when Judy Aspy Payne and her husband Jim got together for a lovely dinner with the Class of 59 reunion committee.

Back row--left to right: Becky LaRosa Fresa, Mike Fresa, Allen Hefner, Larry Martino, Jim McGahan, Jerry Warne, Naomi Burkhammer, Charlie Burkhammer and Hank Ross

Front row--Jim Payne, Marilyn Ross, Sandra Drummond Hefner, Judy Aspy Payne, Sharyn Cottrill McGahan, Carolyn Pinella Warne, Rosemary Grow Warne.



FREDA PERKINS

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

Since you stated the news letter was rather long I had a snack close by in case I got hungry. Very nice letter as usual.  I read one letter where a Jody [jbuffaud@comcast.net] asked the question if Freda Perkins taught math at Morgan Grade School. I informed her that she taught 6th grade but not sure what subject. Ms. Perkins started her teaching career at Morgan in 1967. She then went to West Milford as a 5th grade teacher in 1974. Then she moved on to Sardis as principal in 1976. She transferred from Sardis to be principal at Alta Vista in 1982. When Alta Vista closed in 1990 she ended up as principal at Van Horn in Salem. Lost track of her in 2000 as she moved to Rt. 2, Jane Lew, WV. Late this afternoon I did some more checking up on Ms Perkins. She is still the principal at Salem Van Horn Grade School. This school is scheduled to be discontinued I believe as of next June, end of the school year. They are now in the process of building more building[s] at the Salem Middle School property. Also Hardman School in Salem will be done away with as of the end of this school year [2005]. It will also be sending their students up on the hill to the Salem Middle School.  Have no idea of Ms Perkins future employment although she has enough years to retire.  The Gore Middle School in my neck of the woods is also scheduled to be done away with I think June 2006??? It was only opened back in 1963. Our local school board wants to move from Kelly Miller Building down to the Gore Building. A new middle school will be built next to Liberty High School. Have no idea what name it will be called but I expect Liberty Middle School???? That's the name I would use.  Just thought I would give you some insight on our school situation.

By the way I received an e-mail from a Ronald Chartrand wanting to buy both of my 1927 WI books. His father graduated that year. Guess What? I knew his father, Porter, and his mother, Ruth, from way back in 1948. You may recall that there was a print shop down below WI [left side] in a new like brick building. They built it in the early fifties. Mrs. Chartrand was asst. court reporter for the late Judge Homer Strosnider and had a small office in the Stonewall Jackson Hotel Bldg. She did legal typing for various clients.  After they built the new office building on Lee Avenue she worked from there. I mailed his books out this afternoon via priority mail, insured, as per his request. Ronald lives in Maryland. Thanks for listing my books.




WI CHEMISTRY CLASS OF 1948-1949



The picture above was furnished to us by Fran Tate Barrett (WI 1950)

This is WI class of 1950 in Chemistry Class our junior year. 1948-1949. Mr. Sobak was our teacher and David Saucer was our student teacher. (See the obits at the end of the newsletter for the obituary of Mr. Sobak.)

The students are:Jim Bailey, Bob Bush, Barbara Christie, Opal Drummand, Nancy Ferguson,Janet Gletcher, Fred Flint, George Haddox, Lee Hefner, Nancy Jackson, Sue Jeffries, Patty Miser, Ronald Ogran, George Samaras, Frances Tate, Ruth Warnock, Lynn Welch, Richard Woodly and Chester Gainer from St. Mary's HS




CLARKSBURG PICNIC IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA

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

It’s that time again---Time to make your plans to attend the 5th annual Clarksburg Picnic to be held in Sarasota, Florida. March 5, 2005 is the date. You must make reservations with me in order to attend. We gather together at 11:00 (begin visiting) and start dining at about 1:00 pm. (Be prepared to not eat until that time! We do have snacks set out so you can nibble some while visiting before lunch is ready). Then we visit some more until we feel like leaving! Each couple should bring a covered dish to share, their own drink and money to put in the pot to help cover expenses. (Remember the pot is empty now because I donated all the money collected last year to the WIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND). I will furnish the meat, plates, silverware and napkins plus I rent a big pavilion at a nice park.

People are always asking what they can do to help me at the picnic. I have never been able to tell anyone. But this year I have a list of jobs with which I can use help.

I need someone to the following:

1. Man the registration table for half an hour! (I will need 6 volunteers)
2. Help me unload my car and Bill’s car
3. Cover the food tables with paper
4. Tell people where to put their food
5. Help serve food where needed
6. Take digital pictures and share them with me
7. Call out the number of each class year and school to make sure everyone has a chance to take pictures of their group. Make sure all are gathered in the designated area. (Yes, this year I will have a designated photo area)
8. Group others (without a school or class) from Clarksburg so they can get take pictures.
9. Get special guests together for a picture.
10. Sell raffle tickets
11. Pass the hat and collect lots of money for me to cover the expenses.
12. Clean up the food area
13. Help Bill and I load our cars


None of these jobs will take you long but when all added together, I never have even had time to eat. So with much prodding, I am asking for help.

If you can volunteer for one of the above jobs, please write to me—Roleta1@aol.com.

Here is some motel information for those who may need it. No motel seems to want to give much of a discount this year. Last year they were more generous. They claimed it was during peak season---Some said that they would give a bigger discount if I could guarantee at least 10 rooms would be rented by people who are going to attend the picnic. I wanted to give people a choice as to the motels in which they wish to stay—not just stay at the one I would select.

Ramada Limited on Clark Road is about 1 mile from the park where we will have the picnic. They offer a deluxe breakfast, heated pool with Jacuzzi, microwave and frigs are available. Non smoking rooms are available also. This hotel is located approx: 15 minutes drive from Siesta Beach. Price is $119… plus tax per night for 2 people per the manager Kim. If you decide to stay here, tell them you will be attending the Clarksburg Picnic— 941-921-7812.

Comfort Inn is located next door to the Ramada on Clark Road. I imagine you can work out approx. the same price as Ramada with a senior discount, AARP or AAA discount. 941-921-7750

Holiday Inn Express Siesta Key—US 41 South—This is not located on Siesta Key, it is within walking distance from the beach but it is a long walk. (not too bad a walk for those who walk often). Their price is also higher than last year. Special price is $99 plus tax for those who say they are attending the Clarksburg Picnic – 941-924-4900

Hampton Inn and Suites --This is located at exit 207 off IR75—off Bee Ridge and Cattleman —The picnic is at exit 205 which means about 3 miles from the park. This is a fairly new motel. Use any discount you can! 941-371-1900

Country Inn and Suites (I visited this one also, it is very new. Open maybe a year or 2) It is very lovely. They have microwave/frig., coffee maker, and free deluxe breakfast, heated pool with Jacuzzi, meeting room, fitness center and in room movies. This Inn is located on Clark Road nearly across the street from the Ramada and the Comfort Inn. Manager offered no discount for the picnic as I couldn’t guarantee a need for a large number of rooms. He did suggest that discounts were available with AARP. There may be other discounts available. 941-925-0631




PRECIOUS CHILD FOR DECEMBER




I guess we stumped you. No one guessed the Precious Child for December was Mary Sue Clark Spahr WI 1956.


PRECIOUS CHILD FOR JANUARY



Do you recognize the child pictured above? Please write Roleta1@aol.com with your guess and a memory or two.



LINDEN GRADE SCHOOL



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

Linden Grade School received it’s name from the street where it was located. Some principals through the years were E.A. Payne; J. Dale Johnson; Charles Flanigan; George Van Syckle; Martha J. Harris; Robert Swiger and Mildfred Fragale. The last school term was 1993-1994. The building is now occupied by the Stanley Technical Institute. It is a training school for professionals.



The 2 pictures above were submitted by: Ralph Hardman
WeR1@aol.com





submitted by: Tony Marchio (WI '65)
Tony.Marchio@appo.k12.de.us

The photo is of my fourth grade class at Linden Elementary School taken in 1956.  I had the same teacher, Mrs. Merle Miller, for both fourth and fifth grades.  She was a wonderful teacher and is still going strong at age 92 living in Shinnston.  I had a great experience at Linden with the highlight of my elementary career playing the whistles in the Linden toy band.

A lot of students went through that school, and it was a great place.  I am a school superintendent now, and I keep that picture in my office.  People get a real kick out of it with the nice, neat rows and the students all dressed up. Things have really changed.  Before I sent the photo to you, I called Mrs. Miller.  She was just as sharp as ever and thrilled to talk to one of her students after 40 some years.   

My entire family attended Linden and WI. I graduated from WI in 1965, taught there from 1973 to 1981 and was the principal there from 1989 to 92.  I was also the principal at Roosevelt-Wilson four years prior to that. 

I can't tell you how much I enjoy your newsletter.  It's wonderful that you keep those special years alive in our hearts. Thanks for producing it and touching so many lives.   It's good to be able to keep in touch. 




submitted by: Marcia Wyant
MDWYANT@AOL.COM

I attended Linden Grade school in 6th grade. I have many memories of Linden especially my teacher Mrs. Scott. I loved her so much. I see Alexis Julian Scott to this day and she laughs that I still call her Mrs. Scott!!  I remember the Dairy Queen on the corner where you could get a Mr Misty for 11 cents, there was a penny tax back then!  I also remember, thanks to Mrs. Scott, being the first girl to be a crossing guard!!  I was told I could be a crossing guard but could NOT go to Washington DC with the boys!!  I didn't care I was just so excited to wear the badge and carry the big flag.  I'm thinking this was in 1971!!  Seems like yesterday thanks for letting me share my memories. 

Marcia DeMarco-St. Mary's grade 1-4, Carlisle 5th, I loved Carlisle with the curved staircase, but they condemned it after my first year there, Linden 6th, Central Junior High 7th & 8th.....The freeway came in and took my house on at 223 E. Pike St (next door to the East End Lunch and my family moved to Bridgeport), Bridgeport Junior High 9th, Bridgeport High School 10-12th.




submitted by: Skip Smith (WI '58)
Shanangels@aol.com

Linden School brings back memories of good times. All the teachers were excellent and wouldn't they be surprised how we all turned out! The teachers were First Grade--Miss Chesterfield; Second Grade Mrs. Wells; Third Grade Mrs. McMillian; Fourth Grade Mrs. Horner (the best of all time); Fifth Grade Mrs. Dolan; and Sixth Grade Mrs. Faucet. One thing that has stayed with me all these years is Square Dancing. In the fourth grade our special project was Square Dancing. We entertained at numerous places around Clarksburg. Some of the people that went to school with me were: Sandra Cabo, Martha Kinney, Jim Selario, Joe Torjak, Charlotte Clifford, Delores Charcandy, Mary Jo Reger, Ruth Zigmont, Ida Steffich, August Pinti, Sandra Chidester, the Fazzini's, and Buttcher's. Everybody loved the Dairy Queen on the corner that Allan's parents owned. That was the time when you walked to school, went home for lunch, no buses like today. Don't want to forget Bruce Hays the Custodian who watched over me during that time. Sometimes we forget just how many people had an effect on our lives. Roleta thanks for a chance to return to a good time in our lives.  




submitted by: Bob Hall (WI '56)
rhall9171@charter.net

Great December newsletter!  I read it early in the month but forgot about Linden comments until this week.  Now that the kids are gone from Christmas gatherings, I can do a little soul searching!  

Since finishing WI in 56, I guess I finished Linden in 50'.  Must have started in 43-44.  Wow!  Doesn't sound right since I was born in Jan.39!    Oh well, I was young finishing WI.  

First grade:  Transferred in from a country school in Clay County, WV  (One room, with all classes, and a pot belly stove).  I think the first grade teacher was a Ms. Lynch.  I remember her being very strict and getting hit on the back of my hand with a ruler.  No Idea why but I'm sure I deserved it!   

The 4th grade teacher was Ms Horner.  I remember starting clarinet in the school band.  We sounded horrible.  My brother, Bill, was a year ahead of me and played the Alto Sax.  We were in the school patrol band which met and practiced on Saturdays down around Kelly Miller School.  I can't remember what that band did, whether we were in parades or went to DC with the school patrol trips.  No idea!  

The 5th grade teacher was Ms Dolan.  I believe she lived out near Clarksburg CC.  She was my favorite teacher because she came to visit me in the hospital when my appendix was removed.  I can't remember any other reason for her being my favorite!  Maybe she showed special interests in patrol boys or band members.

The 6th grade teacher was Ms. Fossett.  She was pleasant but I can't remember any profound learning experiences.

I don't remember the third grade teacher but I do remember having to sit on the floor under her desk one day.  A friend, Rex Reed, and I must have done something NO NO, as he went to the coat closet and me to the desk. 

The school did not have any playground area, nor food prep/consumption areas.  We walked home for lunch or rode bicycles.  I remember throwing/dropping a snowball down the smoke stack of a train and getting blasted with ashes in the face.  Looked like shotgun shot and we were having a play at school about military (perhaps November 10-11) and the teacher felt I looked right for a wounded soldier.  Don't remember the details.

I don't think the school had two of any grade classrooms.  That means there were 6 rooms with 25-30 students each.  The auditorium seemed like it could hold the entire city.   That is where tap dance lessons with Frankie ??, as well as chorus and band practices were provided.  The playroom in the basement was where recess? was held. 

Attaching the 1948 Linden Choir.  I'm the back row far right.  I recognize some of the kids but not 90% of them

Use what you can...discard what you want....  

Thanks for the memories.



EDITOR’S NOTE: In 1950 Linden Grade School had 207 students and the principal was Dale Johnson.


TOWERS GRADE SCHOOL

NEXT MONTH

If you attended Towers Grade School, I hope you will share a memory or two with the readers. Towers was a majestic grade school----surely you want to give it a nice story in the February issue. It is sad that so few people took the time to remember and honor Linden Grade School. I thought there were people who would remember a little something about every grade school. As we get older it seems our memories of our early years becomes clearer. I guess it is that “downhill” glide that makes us open our eyes, ears and hearts to the wonderful days of our youth. After the feature of Towers, there will only be 1 grade school left to honor. Hope you didn’t miss honoring your grade school? Write your memories of Towers to Roleta1@aol.com.




SLEDDING ADVENTURES TO REMEMBER!

submitted by: Bryan McIntyre (WI '65) now Wilmington NC
BMcIntyre@pharmatechsolutions.com

When I was in 1st and 2nd grade at Towers, my family lived on Wilson Street at the top of the 3rd Street hill near Jane Gribble and the McQuillans (Sergeant, Mackie and Colleen). 3rd Street was very steep at the top, so when there was a new snowfall, cars did not try to get up the hill. The dangerous part of the sled ride was at the end because if you didn’t get stopped, your sled might end up at the intersection of 3rd and Lee or then 3rd and Washington at the bottom of the hill, well within striking distance of downtown cars! Halfway down the hill past Dennis Logue’s house, Hickman Street crossed Third and after you rode down the hill, the protocol was to watch for cars coming across on Hickman and then wave the next riders down the hill. One time I went down the hill without a traffic guard and was very surprised to see a City dump truck spreading cinders on Hickman, crossing 3rd. I steered my sled under the moving truck, behind the front tires and in front of the back tires, then wrecked my sled further down the hill. The driver stopped and screamed at me. Before I got home, someone had already called my mother. She took my sled away for the rest of the winter.

The steep part of Wilson Street where Mike “Tinker” Moffett lived was also a great sledding street. One time I ran my sled into the storm drain on the corner of Wilson and 6th (?) Street and was knocked unconscious. After moving to Edgewood Addition in 3rd grade and attending Adamston grade school the best sledding location (longest sled ride) near Edgewood was a cow pasture on the Frum’s property. The older kids would build a fire in a metal drum to keep warm and the only injuries occurred when you had to climb over the barbed wire fence with your sled to get into the field or running into a “surprise” cow pile hidden under the snow on the hill.




submitted by: Jack Emerick (WI '53)
cadilacjak54@aol.com

As for sledding, there are all kinds of great places. When I was in grade school, they would close Elm Street. We would start at the top of the hill by Smith's Pharmacy on the Goff Plaza Bridge, and ride to the bottom and make a left turn onto Buchannon Avenue and go across the Dublin Bridge and then slightly uphill till we stopped. At the bottom of the hill on the right on the corner of Despard and Elm was a large lot. There was a telephone pole laying there and someone got a 55 gallon drum and made a stove and brought wood and we would sit there and almost melt our boots getting warm. Then we would start again.

When I got to high school the best spot was Wilson Street behind the school. The hill is very steep and you were really flying when you got to the bottom of it, and you would go across S. Fifth St. and then up the other side of Wilson. As I recall , there were many broken bones, and skinned up bodies during the snowy season. The best ride was the last ride of the nite. I lived on Virginia Ave in the East End of town. We would go down Wilson from the S.Seventh Street end, across S.Fifth and up the other side of Wilson and then turn left on Preston and then right onto Hickman and since it was pretty level, you might have to use your hands and help your sled get you down the block and then left on Holden St. Then down that short block and right onto Lee Avenue; a little pumping with the hands and then you would do the "chicane " which was a quick left onto Third Street, and then a quick right onto Washington Avenue (a little more pumping) . Then across S. Second Street, and then down the long Washington Avenue hill, past the Union Protestant Hospital and lastly a quick left turn onto Water Street, and some more pumping to get to Main Street. At that point, I would start pulling my sled as I was only 2 blocks from my house and it was all uphill. I think that I will take a drive up there and measure the distance. I think that it might be more than a half mile. Wow, what a ride. That is the best one that I can remember.




submitted by: Jeannie Wells Himmel (WI '59)
dhimmel1@cox.net

Sledding:  I lived at the top of South 7th street all my growing up years.  I would go to the top of the street, at the alley, and come down the street for quite a ways - there was a short slope, then a level area to slow you down.  I remember that two of our neighbor children, Julia and Sharon Jones, came down once and went under a car.  They ended up in the hospital, but not too badly hurt.  The FUN sledding was down Wilson Street - that is a steep street.  Kids would man the intersection of Wilson and Fifth at the bottom of the hill and signal when it was safe to come down.  I never did it alone, but went down with my boy friend, Tom Brown, me on his back.  What a rush!! And it was a great time with the other kids.  The walk up was not easy.




submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
jteter@balmar.com

MY favorite place to go sled riding was the ALLEY between Broaddus Avenue (where I lived) and College Street.  It just seemed to be the BEST; PLUS, it was not that far to go to get warm after long hours of sled riding.  Looking back at the DANGER of going out the bottom end of the alley and into Elk Creek now looks like that could have been a MAJOR disaster, whereas back in my young days of sled riding, not going over the creek bank was just part of the challenge.  I know that there were probably several better places and/or hills to go sledding, it just seemed like the alley was the BEST!

During my sledding days, the alley was dirt and gravel, but over the past 6 months (or so), "somebody" has paved the alley. I am usually not back in Clarksburg during the SNOW DAYS now, but it would be interesting to see if the kids in that area use the alley for sledding these days.




submitted by: Burnell Lynch (WI '49)
burnelllynch@prodigy.net

I had fun sled riding with our friends down Wilson Street, yes a steep hill, but exciting.  We built a sled lift from the snow, so we would come down the hill and go air bourne, great fun.  The city tried to put ashes on the snow, so all the kids got their sleds together at the top of hill and managed to stop the ash truck from spreading ashes over our winter play ground.  At night the truck must have come back, so all the kids got their parents brooms from their home and started sweeping those ashes off the snow and so we started again (sledding). Those were the days.  I enjoyed them all until I went off the sled lift, almost like ice by then, up in the air I went and as I landed on the sled, the old Flexible Flier, and it broke into several pieces.

Before the Wilson street sled rides, my brother, John and I, got our sled outs and went down a much calmer hill, a side walk down a hill beside our home on Lee Ave.  That was great fun too.  Not as exciting.  That side walk is still there.  Almost an extension of Fifth Street.

Who remembers the walk up Fifth to Lee, the girls on the left and guys on the right.  When my brother was home, he would throw a football to guys on the right.  Then after school we would play football in our front yard or basketball in our side yard on Lee, and the guys would sit on the concrete retain wall, holding our front yard in place.  Great memories!   More memories soon! 




submitted by: Lance Miller (WI '61)
lancemillerrjd@aol.com

Having lived on the corner of Lee Avenue and Chestnut Street, I can remember two sledding venues that were not more than a dozen American Flyers apart.  The first was the hill on Dodge Court - a run that would put you at the door of Henry Mayer (band director) if you didn't negotiate a hard right turn at the bottom.  I can assure you, one didn't want to miss that turn.

The other was dodging the tombstones at the adjacent Oddfellows Cemetary.  Talk about your 50's version of the "slalom".  Dangerous, yes.  But sometimes the misfortunes of "wiping out" were less traumatic than a scolding by Mr. Mayer.

It's lots of fun strolling or sledding down memory lane.  Thanks Roleta and Judy for allowing us to relive our youth.

Lance (Lanny) Miller
Would have graduated in WI CLass of '61

EDITOR’S NOTE: Now that you have read about the favorite sledding place of some of the readers, are you sitting there remembering your favorite sledding place? Or how about that one big sled wreck that you will never forget? Won’t you please share your memories this month with us—write to Roleta1@aol.com .



A CHRISTMAS GATHERING


Recently Jim Alvaro of the Atlanta, GA area visited his brother Fred in Westerville, Ohio. A few people got together at a local restaurant for dinner. Seated left to right are Jim Alvaro (WI 1956), Bud Collins (WI 1955) and his wife Kaye. Standing in the back are Fred Alvaro (WI 1959) and Roleta Smith Meredith (WI 1959). Many laughs were shared. Touchy b.



WI FIGHT SONG

submitted by: Bob White (WI '72)
rwhite@djs.state.wv.us

I think the fight song was the one used by the University of Notre Dame.



submitted by: John Timberlake (WI ’48)
JGTimberlake@aol.com

The song was the Notre Dame fight song.  It went something like this "WE never stagger; we never fall; WI wins over all; we’ll send McConkey out for gin and not let a sober freshman in." That is all I can remember. There was more but I'm not sure. Bob Malone was a cheerleader; he should be able to give you the words. We had Pep rallies during lunch.



submitted by: Melissa Morris Phillips (WI '71)
melissamphillips@earthlink.net

If you are referring to the official WI fight song "WI Will Shine", I believe it's a generic fight song entitled "Our Boys Will Shine Tonight". It was in a march book that I had at some point in my band career -- Towers Grade School, Central Jr. High School, WIHS. I'm not sure what, if any college, uses it. If you are referring to the unofficial fight song, "Beer Beer for Old WI", it's sung to the tune of the University of Notre Dame's fight song. FYI, when I was in high school, Victory's fight song was to the tune of "On, Wisconsin", the University of Wisconsin's fight song.



submitted by: Lance Miller (WI '61)
lancemillerjd@aol.com

I'll take a wild stab and say the WI Fight Song was patterned after the Notre Dame Victory March. I first thought it might be the Michigan Fight Song, because WI Band Director Henry Mayer was very close friends with the Univ of Michigan Director of Bands and had him as a guest in Clarksburg several times.

Also, I'd have to guess the trivia picture for December is that of the Ellis Drive Inn.  I went to school with Sammy and David Ellis and my folks and I would have Sunday dinner (lunch) at the drive in restaurant.

Really appreciate the time and effort you and Judy put in to bring us back to "the good ole days".  May 2005 be full of wonders and peace.



MY DAYS AS AN EARLY MORNING PAPER BOY

submitted by: Chuck Thomas (WI ’56)
DrCRThomas@lcsys.net

At the age of 10, I became a morning paper boy, initially helping Mike Tricot deliver his early morning papers downtown on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the three days of the week the papers were heaviest because of the advertisements and supplements

In the winter after an overnight snow, I would dress in layers—tee shirt, flannel shirt, two sweaters—the top one my father’s too large, too bulky, slightly tattered, heavy navy wool sweater—skivvies (under shorts), heavy corduroy pants, two pairs of wool socks, and heavy laced-up boots. Over all this, I put on my warmest old coat, a long wool scarf wrapped around my neck and covering part of my face, and either two stocking caps pulled down over my ears or a heavy winter cap with two fur-covered flaps that snapped under my chin, and, of course, my gloves before I went out the front door.

Usually, I would pause for a moment on my front porch to survey the unblemished beauty of the newly fallen snow. Then—my delivery bag slung over my left shoulder—I trudged through the snow. My solitary footprints were recorded in the snow as I walked to Tricot’s house, and then the two of us headed for the bundle of the awaiting, “still-hot-off-the-presses” papers. Once there, we momentarily pulled our gloves off, then took turns warming our hands inside the bundled, still warm papers.

Each Clarksburg morning paper route usually had its share of apartment buildings, shortcuts, hostile watchdogs, and steep streets. After a winter snow, some streets and steps were hard getting up and downright dangerous going down. But growing up, we paper boys just considered those weather conditions—snow, ice, sleet, and heavy rains—part of our adventures.

Not long after helping Mike, I quite often began to deliver another boy’s paper route by myself. At 10, I considered myself on my way to being financially independent. I made 65 cents a day for delivering on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; 75 cents on Wednesdays; 85 cents on Thursdays; and $1.00 on Sundays. (There was no Clarksburg Monday morning paper.) And I could earn $4.55 when I delivered papers for an entire week, which I considered “big money.”

The high point for me, however, came after delivering my morning papers and then heading to the Industrial Bakery—only a few doors from the Court House—buying a just-made glazed donut or a donut twist for a nickel, and then savoring each delicious bite of the warm pastry as I exchanged greetings and insulting remarks with the early morning bakers who knew me by name. I felt like a king.

Scott Fitzgerald, the Jazz Age American novelist, is still remembered for his extreme fascination with the lifestyle of the rich—e.g., their wealth, their appearances, their culture, and their power. At 10, I had not yet heard of Fitzgerald, but neither he nor any rich man or woman could have convinced me back then that after delivering my early morning papers and enjoying my morning twist or donut that I too was not rich. If I was not a working man, I was a working boy. Even more importantly, I was in charge of my own destiny.



NEW READERS

Jim Caputo (Bridgeport ‘59) jcaputo@triad.rr.com
Richard Johnson (WI '62) RICH-SHER4@msn.com
Willadene Small Degler (RW '50) Punkindegler@AOL.COM
Linda Stump (WI '60) LINDA-P-STUMP@BANKONE.COM
Toy Hardman   (WI '80) Toyland62@aol.com
Ken Nesselrotte (RW '56) kennan@delanet.com
Herb Cashdollar (RW '57) hcash@visi.com
Glenda Gregg Long (WI '57) GlendaL26@aol.com
Don Azelvandre (ND '57) jazelvan@columbus.rr.com
Jean Fleming Tucker (WI '61) jtucker@knology.net
Charles McClung (moved away but would
have graduated from VHS '48)		 cmcclungsr@msn.com
Ed Nutter (WI '58) EWNutter@aol.com


CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Nancy Rice DeLaney (WI '62)    is now    NLDelaney@aol.com




CLASS CONTACT

Mere Gurson Schwartz will be the class contact for the WI Class of 1957…thanks Mere




SARASOTA

Sarasota is located on I-75 about 1+ hours south of Tampa and 1-1/2 hours north of Ft. Myers on the Gulf of Mexico. Many of you are planning a little vacation trip to Sarasota, Florida in order to attend the CLARKSBURG PICNIC on March 5, 2005. Let me tell you about a couple of things that you may want to take the time to see while visiting.

The lovely beaches---Siesta Key is rated as one of the top 25 most beautiful beaches in the USA. It is also ranks as one of the worlds whitest beaches. There is also Longboat Key, Lido Beach, Anna Maria Key and many other beaches nearby. (Remember Key means Island---it doesn’t mean part of the souther Florida Keys.)

The Mote Marina-this is a wonderful marina and is often featured on National Geographic specials.

The Ringling Winter Residence---The Ca’ D’ Zan, John and Mable Ringling’s Venetian Gothic mansion, is one of America’s important historic houses. The imposing structure was originally intended to combine certain architectural features drawn from two of Mrs. Ringling’s favorite Venetian hotels. The Ringlings moved into the mansion just before Christmas 1926.



This is a picture of me at Ca' d' Zan--home of John and Mable Ringling in Sarasota

Constructed of terra cotta, the mansion boasts French doors glazed with tinted glass, wings with balconies, carved window frames, balusters, and ornamental cresting. The terrace, paved in marble, leads to the lower dock where Mable Ringling tethered her Venetian gondola, and guests could board John’s 125 ft yacht. There is a fee to enter the recently restored 32 room mansion. Call ahead as some days there is a discount for seniors.



Another view of the Ringling mansion

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, affiliated with FSU, is the largest museum university complex in the nation. The 66 acre estate is the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), one of the great business tycoons of his day. The Museum of Art, includes 21 galleries of internationally recognized European and American art with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin, and other Baroque masters.

Also on the property is the Circus Museum; the historic Asolo Theater; the Rose Garden; and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Shopping---Everything is available from WalMart, Sam’s to Saks, there is also the famous St. Armand’s circle which is a mass of wonderful boutiques and specialty shops.

Boating---You can rent a boat for a few hours or for a day.

Fishing---Charter a boat or sign on to join a group. Make your connections at Marina Jack…..you can charter a boat with a captain and mate and arrange your own small group to go out fishing.

Parasailing----There are many companies that offer this for a price…..compare prices.

Golfing---There are many public courses in the area. If you are a member of a country club where you live, ask your pro if he can set you up a tee time on a private course in Sarasota. Sometimes golf pros are able to arrange this..

Accommodations---You say you want to stay someplace close to the beach? Well, better get on line and try to line up a place now as they reservations are often made months ahead. Make sure you ask how far you must walk to the beach. Some motels say they are located on Siesta Key and they are across the inner coastal water way from the beach---over a mile walk. You may wish to stay at the Ritz; Holiday Inn; Residence Inn, Hampton Inn or a list of hundreds from which you may wish to take your pick.

Theater-there are little theater groups, dinner theaters and movie theaters. Something for all tastes.

VanWezel-the Sarasota theatre of the performing arts. Many top name talents appear at the VanWezel each year. Check it out on their web site. http://www.vanwezel.org You can check the schedule and purchase your tickets on line.

Restaurants--There is every type of food you can imagine. Cajun; Mexican; seafood at open air restaurants on the water; American; BBQ; Sports bar (if this is your style, check out the Sarasota Ale House-a fun place, great food and lots of TV’s for your favorite sport); and there are many great Italian restaurants….from the chain style to the privately owned-(my favorite food so I know a lot of Italian restaurants).

As you can see, there are many things to do and see in Sarasota. You can check out Sarasota on the web also.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!





submitted by: John (Giovanni) Christie (WI '59)
JBChristieII@cs.com

Roleta,  I just read through the latest newsletter--very enjoyable! I'm writing to advise you that I have finally located Jerry Belt: he is still in Alabama and did retire 5 years ago but is still consulting half time and playing a lot of golf. His address is 103 Valley Head Court, Huntsville, AL 35811; email j.belt@mchsi.com; cell phone 256-603-4594.

Your photo trivia has to be Ellis Drive-in, and from the cars in the photo this must be a photo from 1957...what memories of our favorite hangout once we all got our drivers licenses! I remember the "races" up Bridgeport Hill after meeting favorite opponents in the parking lot. Fortunately, my dad's 1956 Desoto didn't have enough power to be competitive, so I guess that was the Lord's way of protecting me from my capriciousness.

I also enjoyed the many articles, and especially the ones like Bill Pinella's which described his Italian heritage and Glen Elk. My senior year I spent many hours with the hospitable Pulice family and my "steady", Mary Jo, and still treasure those times in my memory. When I went to the Naval Academy and was asked what language I wanted to study and was given the choices, I immediately chose Italian--what a blessing it was to me, and as fate would have it, my naval travels included a lot of stops in Italian ports, in which I became (with the help of my dictionary) the ship's interpreter. One of the highlights was hosting a family of 3 generations, none of whom spoke English, touring our ship and spending several days with them, culminating in a memorable picnic high above the beautiful blue Mediteranean Sea west of Rome near the beaches of Terracina. We ate bologna (I think) with big hunks of Italian bread and I played the guitar, with them making up their own words to the folk songs I sang....I still claim to be "half Italian" due to my upbringing in Clarksburg....

Thanks, paesani, e'  Viva Italia!





submitted by: Jean Fleming Tucker (WI '61)
jtucker@knology.net

I have been introduced to the WI Newsletter through my brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Helen House Fleming of Hillsboro, WV.  We all attended WI. 

In elementary school, I attended Linden Grade School.  Our home was literally behind the grade school.  I attended Central Junior High and Washington Irving.  I was active in band.  At WI, I played the saxophone and bassoon.  In the summer after my freshman year, we moved to Panama City, FL.. Sill the memories of West Virginia are very vivid.  I enjoy catching up on the events and news of the area through your newsletter.

My husband and I are retired schoolteachers.  We have two wonderful married children.  This summer we became first time grandparents, and we our expecting our second one in June.

We visit my brother often.  He lives in Hillsboro in a beautiful home on Droop Mountain.  It is a wonderful site.  We have a condo at Mountain Lodge at Snow Shoe.  I enjoy returning to the mountains even if it is for short visitations.

I would love to hear from any  classmates or band members.  I am a graduate of the class of 1961.  While attending WI in 1957-58, I was Jean Fleming.  My e mail address is  jtucker@knology.net.  I would like to receive your newsletter monthly.  





submitted by: Frank J. Martino (WI '60)
frank@martinogroup.com

Thanks for including me in the next mailing. I am Larry’s cousin. He, his brother Louis (61) and his other brother Frank (Tyke) class of 64, I believe, and I all grew up together. I live in Florida (Palm Beach Gardens) and Larry and brother Tyke live in Clarksburg while Louis lives in Myrtle Beach. They were at the Florida party last year and left from my house. I couldn’t make it but I will be there this year.

You do such a great job with the newsletter. I can’t imagine how you are able to get it all done. Thanks for allowing many of us, who are no longer in Clarksburg, to be able to keep up with all those wonderful people that we really grew up with and were so fond of.





submitted by: Ed Nutter (WI '58)
EWNutter@aol.com

Please add my name to the newsletter notification list. My name is Edward W. Nutter and I graduated from WI in 1968. My father Edwin W. Nutter graduated from WI in 1936 and my son Edward Paul in last graduating class of 1995.

Have lived in Clarksburg area except for 4 years absence in 1969 to 1973 while serving in U.S. Air Force.

Have been working on Nutter and connected family history for last 5 years.





submitted by: Jack Emerick (WI '54)
CadilacJak54@aol.com

I am sorry to report the death of an old high school friend Edward A. Gaskins.  I am not sure, but I believe that he was WI 52 (51 ?). He married Mary Katherine "PETEY" Tutwiler WI 54, and they resided in the Parkersburg area. His obituary is in the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram of Monday Dec. 27, 04 which you can read at http://www.cpubco.com/. 

I also learned in the last few days of the death of the mother of Mary Sue (Kerns) Carr who was class of 53. Her name was Winnie Kerns.  This is also in the local paper at the same site, but was one day last week.  I don't know what the protocol is in the case of classmates parents.  Who knows, she may have been a graduate of WI herself. 

Well Roleta, as is usually the case I have gone on way too long.  Feel free (I know that you do) to edit, correct, addend, amend or delete. I have or can get those obits, should they prove difficult to find. If you need them. So, until next time. Have a great new year, and God bless.





submitted by: Charles McClung (moved away but would have graduated from Victory 1948)
cmcclungsr@msn.com

I like reading your website as it brings back memories of my home town. I was born and raised in Harrison County. Attended schools in Wilsonburg, North View and Victory High. I worked at Gabberts Sinclair behind Court House for many years where I met many friends. I read all school websites as I have found many friends and relatives. Left WV 54 yrs ago, spent 16 yrs in Ohio, moving to Az. in 1966. Keep up the fine job you doing on this website.

HAVE A NICE DAY.





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

Hi Roleta! I'm sorry that I didn't recognize Penny Christie Johnson's picture in the last newsletter. I didn't know her when she was little, but got to know her when we were cheerleaders together at good ol' WI. Penny was a really sweet girl then and is probably even more so, today  I'm glad she was a part of my life, even though it was such a short time! We had lots of fun, along with the other W.I. fans, cheering on the football and basketball teams!

By the time the next Newsletter is printed, Christmas will have come and gone. I hope it was beautiful for you and all of your readers!

Happy New Year Everyone!





submitted by: Penny Christie Johnson (WI '60)
penem329@optonline.net

Hi Roleta,
Newsletter came yesterday afternoon and I have already received notes from several old friends....Thanks for using our family...You are correct about this issue REALLY TERRIFIC!

Thanks again





submitted by: Steve Griffith (ND ‘60)
sgriff2393@aol.com

WOW! Another memory from the past! Point Comfort School.....  

My dad grew up in Point Comfort and attended school there before going on and eventually graduating from WI with the Class of '29. Dad was able to skip a grade while in school there. It was something he always reminded me of when I would bring home a not so great report card from Notre Dame.





submitted by: Judy McDougal (WI '57)
siders_judy@hotmail.com

I hope everyone had a happy holiday season.   This letter is really about Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful one in Clarksburg.  My sister and brother- in-law, Jim and Cassie Duncan had 38 people all family members for dinner at their home in Bridgeport.  It was the happiest of times.  The family was from South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio and Massachusetts (the out of towners). We ranged in ages of 6 mos. to 80 yrs.  We spanned 4 generations at this time but no. 5 is on the way.  We had another 6 from Ohio that couldn't be there.  Happiness to all.





submitted by: Sharon Greitzner Dial (WI '56)
Luman4804@aol.com

EDITOR’S NOTE---Sharon writes a little on each subject ---very interesting!

Submarine Restaurant in Parson Souders was a regular every 6 months at least as I outgrew a pair of shoes!  Grandmother Greitzner would take me shopping, and it just so happened that the Shoe Department was right next to the Submarine Restaurant.  The mind was just not on food, but the new pair of Mary Jane's - and I could choose, too, either black, red or the white patent leathers were my favorites!  

Flops - Oh meeeeeee, Roger's Drugstore (I believe that was the one next to Aaron's Shoes - you can see I'm hung up on shoes!) had absolutely the most heavenly taste, divine fragrance that to this day is unforgettable, smoothest  swallowing food ever created on this planet is without a doubt the best.

Now as to how the Peanut Butter Fudge Flop originated ~ it was one hot, hot day after school in May and when the waitress came around to get our order, it was either Ruth Reger,  Martha Blair (Norris) Chartrand, or Carolyn (Lawson) Bailey  who asked for a Chocolate Fudge Flop and could you add the Peanut Butter Sauce on top of that?  I'll try, was the response!  Ummmmmmm  goooooooood as all of us got a taste that day!!

The best place to sled had to be Lowndes Hill because it was the longest trip downhill.  Of course, I never gave it a thought to the climbing back up again and again!  Probably, 2nd best was down Ash Avenue because it was the fastest hill and believe me, I knew them all!!  This hill was the fastest and because of this: there was always a "guard" posted at the bottom for those at the top sledding down.



EACH MONTH

Each month, when I try to send out the notifications about the newsletter I have trouble sending some groups as there is often one or two names in each group of someone who changed their email address and didn’t contact me. This causes me trouble each time. I would certainly appreciate it if you would notify me if you change your address or if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter or if you are going to discontinue using an email service…thank you.

Names to be deleted from my newsletter notification are:
Doloris Mitchell Hicks (Unidis 1962) dolorishicks@mycoupons.com
Doug Aspy (WI 1962) dougaspy@yahoo.com
Susan Thomas (WI 1980) sthomas@ma.rr.com
Sonny Talkington (WI 1957) sonny57talking63@hotmail.com
Richard Underwood (WI 1960) undie@zoominternet.net
Rosanne Malfregot Oliverio (ND 1958) Lao@iolinc.net
Rick Waldeman (NY 1969) Rjw@digitalusa.net
Herb Skidmore (WI 1959 Herbie4@ix.netcom.com
sipplynnmac@city.net (I can’t find the name or the school)
mrskane2003@yahoo.com (I can’t find the name or the school)

If you know how to reach any of the above people, tell them they are being dropped unless they write and ask to be kept on the list. Remember they must sign their name, school and year.



OBITUARIES

RICHARD L. "DICK" HINKLE

Richard L. "Dick" Hinkle, age 74, of Cape Coral, Fla., and formerly of Clarksburg, died Friday afternoon, December 3, 2004, at Cape Coral, Fla.

He was born in Harrison County on July 6, 1930, a son of the late George William Hinkle and Thelma Pearl (Means) Hinkle.

Surviving are his wife, Joan Elizabeth (Borror) Hinkle; two sons, William L. Hinkle, Maple Lake, and Bradley L. Hinkle and his wife Rebecca, Bridgeport, WV; one daughter, Teri Joan Carroll and her husband Michael, Dallas, TX, six grandchildren; one stepdaughter, Lizabeth White and her husband Michael; and one stepgrandson.

He attended Washington Irving High School, Potomac State College and West Virginia University. Mr. Hinkle founded and operated Hinkle Construction and Sales Corp., Woodson Pallet Co., W & H Inc. and Eastern Overthrust Drilling Inc.

Mr. Hinkle served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Excerpts from Obituary that appeared in the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram




TANYA S. (BURT) COLE

Tanya S. (Burt) Cole, 64, of Martinsburg, WV, went in peace to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, surrounded by her family at the Winchester Medical Center.

Born June 12, 1940 in Johnson City, TN, she was the daughter of the late Roy Carl Burt and Helen Elizabeth Jewett Burt. Tanya graduated from WI in 1958.

She retired from the Berkeley County Board of education after teaching for more than 28 years. She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She is survived by her children Wendy Gregory and husband David of Martinsburg, WV; Kristin Douty and husband Dwayne of Martinsburg, WV; Bradley Cole and wife Kerry of Bunker Hill, and Suzanne Crump and husband Bill of Potomac, Md. She is also survived by six grandchildren and a number of cousins.



RICHARD D. 'DICK' MORRISON

CLARKSBURG -- Mr. Richard D. "Dick" Morrison, age 71 Nutter Fort, WV, died on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born in Nutter Fort, WV, May 29, 1933, a son of the late John Morrison and Myrtle Allison Morrison.

Surviving are two sons, John Edward Morrison and Richard David Morrison II, both of Bridgeport, WV; one sister, Mrs. Gloria M. Mazzei, Nutter Fort, WV; one half-brother, Eddie Morrison, Maple Lake, Bridgeport, WV and three granddaughters. He was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Class of 1953, and had attended Salem College on a football scholarship. He was formerly employed as a meter reader for the Town of Nutter Fort and was a heavy equipment operator at Union Carbide Corporation. He had also served as manager of Mazzei's Billiards. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class.



WINNIE B. KERNS

RIPLEY -- Winnie B. Kerns, 96, of Ripley died December 17, 2004, after a long illness at Jackson General Hospital.

Winnie was born September 6, 1908, the daughter of Emory and Alberta Spaur Bowyer in Braxton Co. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Sue (WI '53) and Cyril "Dink" Carr of Levittown, NY, and Patricia Kerns (WI '59) Pate of Ripley. Two granddaughters, Christy Lane Quinland, and Patricia Lynn Galligan; and two great-granddaughters, Taylor Nicole Quinland and Vanessa Mae Quinland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles William Kerns, and a daughter Jo Ann Landfried.



EDWARD A. GASKINS

PARKERSBURG -- Edward A. Gaskins, 70, of Parkersburg, died December 23, 2004, at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, August 18, 1934, a son of the late Vance Edward and Edna Virginia Ridgeway Gaskins.

Mr. Gaskins was a 1960 graduate of West Virginia University, where he earned a BS Degree in Forestry. He began his career in West Virginia and retired in 1986 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a State Wildlife Biologist in Missouri. He was a Korean conflict Army Veteran serving from 1955-1957. He was a member of American Legion Post 15 Parkersburg, a member of the National Rifle Association, he enjoyed participating in Civil War re-enactments and was a member of the Buckskinning Club in Missouri.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Mary Katherine Gaskins; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen Virginia and Thomas Pino; 2 grandchildren, Jennifer Maxwell and Casey Stoehman.



ZYGMUNDE C. SOBAK

submitted by: Fran Tate Barrett (WI '50)

This was my Chemistry teacher in my junior year at WI. What a wonderful teacher he was. We even got away with calling him Ziggy once in a while.

WESTMINISTER -- Zymunde C. Sobak, age 97, died Thursday morning, Dec. 23, 2004 at Homewood at Plum Creek, Hanover, PA. He was born in Natrona, PA the eldest of three sons and a daughter of Bronislawa and Frank Sobczak. In 1927 he graduated from Harback-Union High School where he played football and captained the basketball team.

In 1931, Zyk graduated cum laude from Salem College, Salem, WV with AB and BS degrees in science. While there he was student government president and captain of the football and basketball teams.

He met Mary Frum at Salem Colelge and they married in 1932. Zyg taught chemistry and math at Harrisville High School, Victory High School and Washington Irving High School. For a time he also worked for the Hope Natural Gas Co. His work with that company included research at Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh and at the Standard Oil Development Co., Elizabeth, NJ.

In the early 1960s Zyg and Mary moved to Westminister, MD. After teaching for two years at Francis Scott Key High School he was recruited to teach chemistry at Westminister High School, a job he greatly enjoyed until his retirement in 1972.

Zyg truly loved teaching and had great respect for his students and colleagues. Recently, he said, "I guess the secret is to find out what you do well, and what you enjoy doing, and do it”.

He is survived by two daughters, Helen Sobak Sturm, Hedgesville, WV and Lola Sobak McKnight, Bloomington, IL, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 1994 and by his sister, Helen Sobak Kopacki, his brother Chester and Edward, his half-sister Genevieve Gogolewski and half-brothers Casmier and Boneslaus Gogolewski.




HONORING THE COACH

Former Notre Dame boys basketball coach Angelo Basile was honored by the school on Tuesday, December 14th with the dedication of the basketball court in his name.

ANGELO D. BASILE

Angelo D. Basile, 60, of Clarksburg, died December 19, 2004, a son of the late Angelo Basile and Cora Scott Basile. Regina Petitto Basile, his wife of 36 years, survives him.

Mr. Basile has two sons, Angelo "David" Basile and wife Chastity of Princeton, WV, and Derek Robert Basile and wife Jodi of Martinsburg, WV. He also has one daughter, Deanna Virginia Basile of Martinsburg, WV. Others in his family include one brother, Thomas Basile and wife Folly of Clarksburg, WV, and one sister, Mary Amelia Voldeck of Clarksburg, WV.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Dominick Basile and an infant brother, Dominick Basile, and one sister, Anna Minnocci.

A 1962 graduate of Notre Dame High School, Basile excelled on the basketball court as a guard for Coach Sam Scolapio. A 1966 graduate of A-B College, Basile was an outstanding guard for his college Battlers for two and one-half seasons, scoring over 500 points. He also was named to the WVIAC All-Tournament Team while wearing the Blue and Gold.

After graduating from A-B College, he went on to earn his masters degree in Education from West Virginia University. He has served as a boys basketball coach in several schools, earning an overall record of 389-289, with 351 of those wins coming as head basketball coach at Notre Dame High School, where he coached from 1971-1999.

Basile's 1977 team at NDHS won the WV State Catholic Basketball Championship. His 1986 team was WV State Single A runner-up. In 1978 and 1989, his teams were in the Final Four and three of his teams were ranked number 1 in the state, with 19 of his 27 teams ranked in the Top Ten. He coached 18 All-State players and had 16 consecutive winning seasons. Basile was named Harrison County Coach of the Year five times and named to the St. Joseph Invitational Tournament Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Alderson-Broaddus Battler Hall of Fame in October 2003. He also received the Alumni Achievement Award in 1996. Basile was a teacher at NDHS for many years, where he retired as their basketball coach in 1999. He also served as principal at St. Mary's Grade School.

Thanks to the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram for allowing us to use excerpts from their obituary column.





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