THE WI NEWSLETTER 12/05


THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 76 December 2005








Somehow, not only for Christmas
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others
Is the joy that comes back to you.

John Greenleaf Whittier




A PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for good health to return to Hubert Hall—husband of Sharon Myers Hall WI 1965. Thanks




MERRY CHRISTMAS, MERRY XMAS

A lot of folks find a problem with the term "Xmas". Did you know that it is an ancient term?  "X", the Greek letter Chi is a very early symbol for "Christ", and when added to "mas" becomes Christ's Mass.




PRUNTYTOWN

submitted by: George Scholl (WI '52)
georgegin@juno.com

Yes, I use to be told that I would be sent to Pruntytown if I did not behave myself. Pruntytown is where bad boys are sent to serve their time. It is located just west of Grafton on US 50. I was in the area this summer. The new National Cemetery is located there. It is a beautiful place. It was opened when the National Cemetery at Grafton was filled.



submitted by: Jon Darnall (WI '53)
jondarnall@dslextreme.com

Roleta, My father had his insurance office in the Prunty Bldg. right next to the bank. I worked for Wilber Marr Jewelers part time. Now you know why the place shined all the time. 

My recollection is that WV folks bragged that the state only needed one boy’s industrial school. As a gridiron hero in the making and a player on the freshman WIHS football team, we played Pruntytown. Their team was older and not the easiest going lot. It was at that time we learned that a handful of lime marker and dirt in the face were used offensively as a tool to gain control by the offending team. That stuff wasn't flavored to my taste, I preferred chocolate. Though we complained to Coach Columbo, little sympathy was forthcoming. If nothing else came of our whining....we did gain solidarity and fighting attitude that led us to victory, even as an underdog that was not expected to win. I remember our uniforms that were left over from the civil war, the bouquet was a bit much, but we foraged on through the whole season with little more difficulty. Those were the good times before we were older than dirt.



submitted by: Bob Swiger (WI '61)
BobSwiger@raspberryfalls.com

Pruntytown was the West Virginia reform school for boys and was located in Pruntytown.  Yes, It was common to hear that unless you were good you might be sent to Pruntytown.

Our WI Freshman football team traveled to Pruntytown in 1957? To play there football team ( they didn’t have any away games) and beat them.  I have to admit that we were a little afraid before the game since we didn’t know what to expect from such “tough boys”.  I remember that we later laughed that some of our worse injuries from that game were beard burns.  Those guys seemed awfully old and experienced to us



submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah '57)
BillMere@aol.com

When I was young, all of the young boys knew about Pruntytown. I even remember one boy from our town who was sent there for a short time. I remember when my brother played football against a team from Pruntytown. Everyone always said that Pruntytown's football team never was allowed to call a long pass, since the receivers never stopped running.



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

When I was young my father would threaten me with sending me there often...He would pick up the phone and act as if he were talking to the Superintendent of the school there telling them that he had a child that was being unruly and that could he drop me off there ....I was scared to death !!!! My father was a disciplinarian. When I entered the service  basic training was a walk in the park for me.....I had a drill sergeant at home...if my room was not in order.. he would come in...upset it all and make me do it all over......I feared him till the day he passed at 52 years old....



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

I do not remember knowing a whole lot about Pruntytown during my school days, but after I graduated in 1961 and gave up on Fairmont State College in 1962, I moved to the Washington, D.C. area. After I bought my first car, I used to make the drive on Route 50 going thru Pruntytown and I can remember always SPEEDING UP as fast as the speed limit would allow me (or a little faster) as I was concerned about there being an escaped FELON just waiting for me to drive by so that he could try to get me to pick him up. And, because of this FEAR, I NEVER picked up any hitch-hikers in that area and/or any area anywhere close to Pruntytown. Now, whenever I take the long way back to Virginia after visiting my mother in Clarksburg, Pruntytown is JUST A TOWN that I pass thru on my way back here. Pruntytown is located about halfway between Clarksburg and Grafton, on Route 50. It was a home for JUVENILE BOYS (I believe), and I think that it is still in use today as the same.




EMAIL ADDRESSES TO ERASE THIS MONTH

If you know someone listed below ---please notify them that unless we hear from them they will be erased from our notification list. These addresses no longer work for me!

Nancy Mayer (WI 1959) Rcapilla@worldnet.att.net
clyde9465@carolina.rr.com
Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1957) ASLINDKE@worldnet.att.net
Harriet Murphy Pansing (WI 1957) Hpansing@earthlink.net
GODFREYM@BREVARD.K12.FL.US
HAYMANDJ@MANPOWER.USMC.MIL
jdaviswedia@wi.rr.com
jigil1225@yahoo.com
Mildred@citynet.net
Marg@citynet.net
wmapes@ntelos.net
dpbp2020@iolinc.net
Barry Rosenthal (WI 1963) barryrivka@sbcglobal.net



Editor reminder:::::::

DO I SOUND LIKE A TEACHER?

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

For about 4 or 5 months last spring I wrote in each newsletter begging for you readers to write to me with any names, school, rank, and branch of service of any veterans from the Clarksburg area. We received a great number of responses but some of you didn’t see or just failed to respond to my request for one reason or the other until after the SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF OUR VETERAN HEROES was completed I have begged and begged you readers to not just scan the newsletter and read things submitted by someone whose name you recognize…..THAT IS NOT the purpose of this newsletter……The purpose is to inform and to entertain but mostly it is a means for us to come together into one body of people who have that one thing in common---We grew up in that special city at that special time and we want to remember those times together…..So DON’T SKIP over things in the newsletter—you miss some good things (like my request for your response re: the veterans)…..Judy and I had no way to research this, We had to depend on you readers….. We offer an apology to those veteran’s name that were omitted.

READERS PLEASE---Just Read and Respond with your memories…..We really can’t do all this alone! We NEED YOUR INPUT.



NOVEMBER 11, 2005
VETERAN’S DAY ISSUE
RECEIVED SOME RESPOSES AND ADDITIONS


Dear WI Newsletter,

Your Veterans Day tribute was very nice.  I forwarded the newsletter to the Belgian Researchers which distributes a newsletter "Belgian Laces" to our organizations throughout our country and Belgium.  The Belgian Heritage Societies are affiliated with the Embassy in Washington D.C.

Our "lister" Regine Brindle and publisher was wanting to know if it would be okay with you if they can post your "Veterans Day" tribute in the Belgian Yahoo groups.  Regine was very amazed the contributions of so many on your list who are of Belgian descent (second and third generations.)

Please let me know if you are fine with this request.  Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Victoria Zabeau Bowden
Belgian-American Heritage Society of WV
ND Class of 73



submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah '57)

Proud to be a West Virginian & an American

I was not born in Clarksburg. I did not go to school in Clarksburg. However, I am from West Virginia & I am a very loyal American. If anyone has ever done a finer tribute to those who served their country so graciously & courageously, I'd like to see it. Thank you to all those who contributed to this project.  I have traveled extensively. Each time I return to the USA, I feel like kissing the ground at the airport. Why? Because these heroes kept me & you free. We live in the greatest country in the world. Not just the greatest, but by far the most desirable. Believe me, there is nothing out there that even comes close. I'm sure all were not recognized. I'm sure there were mistakes in the text. However, Roleta, Judy, & Nancy did something no one else has ever done. They recognized West Virginia men & women who sacrificed untold years of their lives to keep us living in paradise. Thank you ladies! But more so, thank you veterans. Without you, I could be writing this in German, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Arabic.  As for me, I kind of like English. How about you?



Roleta - Sent this to my new bride in 1966. We'd only been married six months when I went off to Vietnam. Think it's still apropos with all our troops in harms way. Dave Bates, WI '51

VIETNAM…CHRISTMAS…1966

'Tis the time for bells and holly,
Christmas trees and toys and, Golly!
It's a happy time of year,
But you are home and I am here.

At His birth, the King of Kings,
Shepherd kneels and angel sings.
It's a happy time of year,
But you are there and I am here.

Candled windows, tinseled trees,
Christmas carols on the breeze.
It's a happy time of year,
If we were but together, Dear.

Underneath an empty sky,
Lonely hours creep on by.
It's the saddest time of year,
'Cause you are there and I am here.

David B. Bates (WI 1951)




submitted by: Elaine Zabeau Norteman (ND '62)

I was so touched reading the Veterans Newsletter.  What a wonderful job you did on it!!! I look back to those I know mentioned and thank each one for serving our country in various capacities.  I hold them in such high esteem.  I especially enjoyed Randy Coyner's note as I remember him in high school.  It is so good to know he is doing well and happy. Keep up the good work, Roleta.



submitted by: Jeanne Colasante Thomas (ND '61)

A little note on just what great guys we have serving over there.  One of Frank's dental team members (who is single) was scheduled to come home Dec. 3, but has switched his orders with Frank so that he can come home early to be here for my mom's 93rd birthday in Dec. and to be with his wife and sons for Christmas.  Truly unselfish guys in our military.  While my brother is very well protected within the walls of the prison, he is required to wear 30lbs. of body armor each day while working on prison patients.  The most dangerous part of his deployment is the traveling around the area due to the many car bombs, land mines, and helicopter explosions.  Just getting to and from the airport is quite dangerous.  I just pray that all our guys get home safely.

My father's name was Fred Colasante.  He was born and educated in Italy, came to the states as a young man and entered WWII when all of his brothers-in-law  were being drafted.  He served in the Navy Seabees and was killed in 1945.  It took until 1949 for his body to be returned to Clarksburg where he is now buried.

My brother's name is Frank Lopez.  He is a graduate of ND High School and is presently a Major in the Medical Army Reserves serving a tour in Iraq at the Abu Ghraib prison hospital.  The e-mails he sends are amazing.  Truly a different view of the war from the inside. 

Visiting the American Cemetery in Normandy was probably the most humbling thing I have ever done.  It truly is breathtaking and gives real meaning to the term “Proud to be an American”.   As a charter member for the building of the WWII Memorial in DC., I was so happy to see a picture of it in the newsletter.  My sister, husband and I were honored to be invited and to have attended the dedication.  Sad to say, it was long overdue.

Again, congratulations and thanks for the tremendous job you did in honoring those from Clarksburg who have served our country so proudly.



submitted by: Ron Cleavenger (WI '63)

This was in the common vernacular of today---AWESOME !!!!!!

Thank you and Judy for your efforts. Although, I was in the Army instead of the Marines, it sounds like the basic training experience with the Smokey Bears, as per Richard L. “Larry” Stout, is similar—sounds like they went to the same communications school as the Army D.I. ‘s; drill instructors.

I too was drafted during the Vietnam Era, and was very reluctant to go, BUT would not trade the two years experience for anything—I really grew up during those years. I have always thought that the Israeli's requirement of a two year commitment to their company is something that would benefit many a young person, and give perspective and inspiration for their life.

While I spent my time stateside, which did not make me unhappy given what was going on in Southeast Asia, I was within 40 miles of Washington, DC, for 21 of the 24 months-----Somebody had to defend our nation’s capital. Fought the Battle of Georgetown many a night. In fact, I saw Charlie McGlumphy there one night---he was a civilian, I think, I did not really know him, just who he was. One of the first times I had seen him without the hearse.

Well, I shall stop rambling for now. Thanks for allowing me to vent.



submitted by: Chuck Thomas (WI ’56)

Roleta and Judy—

My God!!! When the two of you do a special WI Newsletter edition honoring veterans, all of Hollywood could not do better!!!   You both deserve A LOT of credit!

I got up in the middle of the night to quickly check my e-mail because I have to leave early Friday morning to do some research at the WVU Library in the Archives and West Virginia Regional History Collection.   But I was completely overwhelmed by the professional quality of the November 2005 Veterans Issue of the WI Newsletter.    So many parts of this recent special issue were outstanding: your layout, formatting, and especially Judy Daughtery Kimler’s excellent choice of photos and other graphics, starting with the photos of Flanders Field with its accompanying poem, the Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the hallowed Vietnam Wall, and the extensive list of 368 veterans from our local area high schools.

I especially enjoyed the poem “The Debt” by Nancy Starett (WI ’53) and the personal salutes by people I knew—e.g., Randy Coyner, Roger Duncan, Mimi Lee Fanning, Vicki and Steve Limbers, Dick Fitch, Sam Urso, Brooke Beall, Don Sager, Warren Whaley, and Buzz Floyd—to veterans and/or family members who have served our country and by still other contributors I didn’t know or don’t recall with certainty.

Roleta and Judy, the two of you are great people in my book, and I commend your joint vision, hard work, profound dedication, and amazing teamwork. And if there were—or is—a national contest for newsletters, I think your WI Newsletter Veterans Day issue would—or should—win first prize!!! With no reservations whatsoever, I salute the two you—excellent publication!!!

USMC (’56-’58)



submitted by: Susan Beakes Madia

Roleta,  You and Judy really do such a wonderful job.  This newsletter is esp. memorable for me, my Dad was a Marine in the South Pacific in WWII and my husband, John Madia spent about 41/2 years in Viet Nam.  This was/is a very nice tribute.  Thank you



submitted by: Terry Tibbs Davenport

Thank you for the great Veteran's Day salute. What a wonderful idea and such a nice format. Thank you for including my Daddy!



submitted by: Don Sager (WI '56)

Roleta...........Great job again on the "extra, extra" edition of the Newsletter. I enjoyed the articles....especially the one written by Chuck Thomas. Remember all his antics when he begins "blaming me" for his behavior in Central Junior and WI.



submitted by: Joy Gregorie Stalnaker (WI '59)
joy@hackerscreek.com

Great, as always, Roleta.  I truly do appreciate your dedication - and Judy's.

We're working on a book about Central WV Veterans at HCPD.  As soon as I get the website submission form fixed, I'll send you the information for the newsletter.



submitted by: Louanna Furbee

Hi Roleta,
I appreciated your and Judy's tribute to those from our high schools who served in the military. I'd add my brother, Charles W. Furbee,  to the list (WI 1960).  He served in Viet Nam starting about 1965 as a  Marine Corps lieutenant fresh from his NROTC program at West Virginia Wesleyan College and some additional training at Pendleton. He rose through the ranks as an active then reserve officer, retiring as Colonel in the 1990s. He's done a lot of other stuff in his life, but he's still a Marine.



submitted by: Barry Rosenthal (WI '63)
barryrivka@sbcglobal.net

Having waited with anticipation for your memorial day edition, I feel dishonored as you couldn't even get my correct graduation date or that I was in Vietnam.  I am proud to have served my country in the Marines and Vietnam.

Please remove my name from your mailing list.........



submitted by: Barb Charles

Dear Roleta and Judy,  

What a great tribute. You did a wonderful job.  



submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)

My first reaction when I read the very long list of folks serving this country, I was amazed at the number of names that I knew personally, others not so well, and had no idea that many served from this area.

I went to the Vietnam Memorial probably a dozen or more years ago.  I only knew one person personally on that long, long wall--Loel Rexroad, known to his friends as "Teek".  He was a pilot in the Air Force and I certainly had a tear in my eye as I walked the distance of the wall.  He lost his life in Vietnam flying in enemy territory.

I read the names of my brothers, Zeb and Don Westfall; my deceased husband, Don Simpson; my husband, Dick Tetrick and my son, Gregg Simpson.  As most of you know, I lost Gregg in August.  He retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of Lt. Col. in 2004.  He spent seven years active duty and the remaining time in the Active Reserves at Andrews AFB.  He was fortunate to serve in the U.S. and was not involved in active combat.  I certainly thank all who served and protected this country.  To the families of those who lost loved ones in one of the wars, I send my sympathy.

P.S. Kudos to you, Roleta and Judy for another fine Newsletter. 



submitted by: Bob Gordon (WI '73)

Bob Gordon (WI '73) Roleta,
Was the list of people who served only for the Vietnam War or was it a list of all who served in the military? If it was the latter my Dad Dr. Paul Gordon was a Capt. In the Army during the Korean War. Stationed in Germany helping to establish the Medical Base that is still in use today. We have always been proud of his service and he IS a WI Graduate Through and Through.

Thanks for keeping the newsletter going.



submitted by: Burt Spangler (WI '38)

Thanks for a beautiful tribute--



submitted by: Linda Blankenship Stevenson (WI '58)
mandlstevens@comporium.net

My brother, Nelson Blankenship, who was at the WI picnic in Sarasota last March with me and me sister, Kathleen, is gravely ill in Englewood.  He is on a ventilator with pneumonia due to his COPD.  Please pray for him and his wife, Cindy.  He is receiving IV antibiotics to try to clear the infection. 

I just looked at the Veterans Day site and it is wonderful.  Thanks to you and all who put it together.  My oldest brother, Jennings Blankenship, Jr. is listed.  He served in WWII in the Army Air Corp, and then in the late 1940's served in the Air Force and returned to Clarksburg about 1953.  He was employed with the railroad and lived in Clarksburg until his death in 1990.

Thanks again or the newsletter.  I wish you many happy years in your new home.



submitted by: Jane Anderson (WI '56)
eanders324@earthlink.net

This salute to Veterans is absolutely awesome.  It is informative, inspirational  and emotional.  Thank you, Judy and all those involved so much for putting it together.



submitted by: Frank S. Martino (WI '65)
Ttyke1@aol.com

This is a day that we all should remember so well, but there are those people who think it is just another day off, but they don't remember how many young men gave their lives so that they could have that day off, I pray for all you have died and I pray that all come home safe to there love ones, thank you again for putting out this newsletter for Veterans!!! As a Vietnam Veteran, I thank you and may God Bless You!!!!!!!!!!!



submitted by: Holly Furbee Berger (WI '59)
hollyivy@midsouth.rr.com

Dear Roleta and Judy,
The Veteran's Day salute is excellent!  How did you compile all those names?  Quite a feat. My Dad, Jim Furbee, graduated from Washington Irving in 1930 and served as a lieutenant in the US Navy during WWII.  He's told me many stories and at 93 has a much better memory than I do.

Thank you for honoring our veterans.



submitted by: Karen Myers Horton (WI '66)
Hortongreg7@aol.com

Yes, I honor Veteran's Day every year.  One thing my Son, who is now retired from the Army with 20 years in this past year, He has served his time in Baghdad and believe me I prayed 24 7.  He is my only child.  But he came home safe to a wife and 4 children.  Thank God.  His name is Robert.



submitted by: Martha Ann Jeffries Rice (WI '55)
Lonoma@aol.com

I found the list of names very poignant.  The men and women who have been involved at any level in defending our country deserve huge accolades.  They are true patriots!  

I want to thank each of them for their contributions and hope that the surviving family members know that what their loved one did is appreciated.



submitted by: Steve Limbers (WI '58)

That was a beautiful tribute.  You and Judy should be proud of it.



submitted by: Harriett Danley Van Voorhis (WI '58)

Dear Roleta and Judy,
What a beautiful job of compiling the names and stories of our military personnel! Thank you for reminding us that the freedom we all enjoy does not come easy or cheap  As I read your tribute to them, I was filled with emotions ranging from pride in their service to sadness at the thought of those lost.

Although we can never repay the debt we owe, I would like to send a very inadequate "Thank you" to each and every one.
God bless you all and God bless America!
                               



submitted by: Susie Young (VHS '56)

Thanks so much for the tribute - very good reading.



submitted by: Betty Latstetter Burke (WI '58)

Thought the Veterans' Day Newsletter was beautifully done! Congratulations! Hope you have some idea of how much we appreciate your hard work and effort.

Thanks!! Keeping in touch with such a newsletter means so much.



submitted by: Nancy Crane Jones 1948

Frank C. Gaylord of the WI class of 1942, was in the paratroopers during the 2nd World War.  He is the sculptor of the Koran War Memorial. He lives in Barry, Vermont.   What a wonderful tribute to our armed forces.

Thanks for all your effort.



submitted by: Bill May (WI ‘63)

I want to thank you, Nancy and Judy for your inspirational tribute to our veterans.  It made my day. 

I attended WI from 1959 until graduation in 1963 and was amazed to see how many veterans there are listed from those years alone.  I can only imagine how many others there are that we don't know about.  No one can ever say that we "Hilltoppers" did not do our duty.

I know that Bobby Combs and Charlie Cooper are veterans from my class, but were not mentioned probably because they are unaware of your newsletter.  My brother, Jimmy May, class of 1967, is also an Army veteran, and served as a military policeman in Germany.  My father spent 33 years in the Navy and served during WWII and Korea.  Every man in my family has spent time in one service or another.  My only uncle, John Kirby Boyles was killed on his first mission as a pilot in WWII.  My mother and her family never got over that loss.  I spent 22 years in the Army retiring in 1988 as a Lieutenant Colonel.  I had tours of duty in Viet Nam, Korea and the Middle East.  I was an Infantry Officer and a pilot, flying  helicopters and airplanes.  It was a ball and I loved every minute of it and would do it again.  My wife, Edie (Edith Kline, class of 64) has stuck by me for 37 years and we are semi-retired in Palm Coast Florida.  I think she enjoyed military life as much as I did with the exception of the long and frequent separations.  It clearly made us stronger as a family.

I ran into John Madia (WI '60) in Bangkok Thailand in 1969 during one of his tours in Vietnam.  I was there on R & R and John was between flights I believe.  It is truly a small world.  My college room mate, John Brown from Notre Dame in Clarksburg, was in Viet Nam when I was.  Needless to say, we stayed in touch.  John was an awards and decorations clerk in the southern part of Viet Nam and I was up north in the 101st Airborne Division.

Again, thank you for your wonderful newsletter and let us never forget the guys and girls serving our armed forces now.  Pray for their safe return when the job is done.



submitted by: Deedie and Bill Souders

Thanks for the note on Vet.'s Day I think you all did a wonderful display of honor to our service men...

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  These men have given so much and we want to say:

THANK YOU & GOD BLESS AMERICA....


Bill Souders was in the service during the Korean Conflict and was with the WI class of 1946.
It is my fault because I thought I had turned it in but must have missed doing so...
Bob Souders was in the Air Force in WWll and was in the class of 1943...
Perhaps you can add these two names to next years list...

I know I told my son Steve to send his name and he did, and we are VERY proud of his service in the military today.....thank you Roleta for including Steven in the list.....

Did you know that the War Memorial Korean was done by a W.I. student??? Frank Gaylord who live on Carr Ave... He made all of those men...I remember him when I was much younger and my parents use to go over to their house on week-ends during WWll and he had his studio up on the 3rd floor...

Again. our thanks and prayers to each and every one!!

EDITOR’S NOTE:I remember reading about the designer of the Korean War Memorial however, I had forgotten. I wish someone would have written this to me before the Veteran’s Day issue was finished so we could have mentioned it there.



submitted by: Connie Bailey Casto (WI '59)

This was an outstanding tribute to WI veterans. Thank you for your quality  work on behalf of all of us. I especially enjoyed Vince's account as I read and remember his high school days. We have a lot to be proud of in our high school and our city.!!



submitted by: Mary Sue Spahr

There is nothing to forgive.  My brothers were listed, but just not their branch or service.  This is not something to cause you agony.  I am only correcting an oversight.

I sent the original information to whomever the link took me to.  Then I guess when you put out the plea, I just sent their names to make sure you had them.  I don't know how it happened, but it isn't anything for you to be upset about.  There will be many names added as people read the list and email you.  That's why I added Fragale, Holt and Earp.  You will never get them all, Roleta.  You do a wonderful job and you should not punish yourself.  I wasn't scolding you.  I was just filling in info.



submitted by: Connie Coffindaffer Ferrell (WI '58)

Your web site is great!  A very fitting tribute.

Our 11 year old Grandson (Jack Wilkins) sat at the table the other evening and made a list of Veterans in our family to share with his classmates.  We helped him by supplying names, the war they were in, also the branch of the service that was served.  It was a fine experience for all of us.  There were Veterans from the American Revolution to Bosnia on his list!  He just kept saying "WOW"!

I hope and pray that exercise is carried out in classrooms all across this Country! My "hat is off" to his teacher. Our Veterans deserve all the recognition and praise we can give them.

Thank you for all of your hard work.



submitted by: Marolyn Tustin Jett

What a wonderful tribute to the Vets!!  How you had the time to put that all together is beyond me!  After all you've done and been through this last month and even got the newsletter out on the 1st!!  Amazing!  So enjoyed reading all the Veteran stories and learning more about our fellow Clarksburgers.



submitted by: Alex Poulicos

What an inspiring idea to put the Veterans names in a newsletter to honor. My Father, brother and uncle all served and I don't see their names, as I don't see the names of several of the guys I went to school with, for Viet Nam? Paul A. Poulicos, John Poulicos, Alex Poulicos, Jimmy Talkington, David White, Pete Bowie.



submitted by: Ann Yoke (WI '48)

I am certainly impressed with your salute to Veterans. I hope you are settled in Florida, now.     AS ALWAYS, thanks for your efforts on behalf of we W. I. graduates.        


SEND YOUR VOTE TO ME

Let’s see how you readers feel

Do you want it to stay MERRY CHRISTAMS or do you want it to be HAPPY HOLIDAY? Cast your vote. Give me your opinion. I will not use any names when using your opinion on the matter.

Tell me if you are voting for Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday---let’s see which wins—Write to Roleta1@aol.com



JOHN HARRISON'S PROOF


John Harrison sent the above picture to prove he once played in the band at Towers Grade School.



CARLISLE HARMONICA BAND



NOTE FROM JUDY: Last month I said that I had lost the name of the person who contributed this picture. I finally found the information.

The picture was sent by John Timberlake WI '48 with the following identifications.

Harmonica band Carlile School 1938-39. Most Elementary Schools had bands similar to this one up to about WW 11.

Front row L to R: ?, ? , ? , ?, Jean Cunningham, ? , David Johnson, Laura Fisher, Peggy Stamm, Dick McDonald, ? , ? , ?
2nd row, l to r: John Thomas, ? , Bob Blair, George Finlay, ? , ? , Sara Wilson, Betty Golden, Martha Gandy, Carole Read
3rd row l to r: ?, ? , ?, Jack Cook?, Malcolm Corpening, ?, Margaret Sinsel ?, Bob Snodgrass, John Timberlake
4th ?. ?, ?, ? , Jim Morgan, Patty Black, ?, ?, ?

The kids in the first two rows are in the third grade mostly, the others are in the higher grades.




CHRISTMAS MEMORY

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

Christmas time at the TETER house was always a LOT of FUN, and it was not the idea of our getting presents.  It was the idea of our family all getting together, and crowding into my parents' living room.  A tradition that continued for many years after my sister, brother and I all graduated, moved away, got married, and had kids.  We still tried to make the trip to the house on Broaddus Avenue and instead of the room being filled with adult people; it became crowded with kids and PRESENTS for all of the kids.

Another thing that I can remember is the TETER FAMILY CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL GAME, held on Willison Street at Broaddus Avenue.  The teams were comprised of, John Teter and son John-Michael, Bob Teter and sons Mike and Bryan, Bill Akin and my sisters son Binker Covert.


Pictured above are back row l-r: #52 Bill Akin (Elizabeth Teter's (WI '56) husband), #32 Bob Teter (WI '60), 14 John Teter (WI '61)
Front row l-r: #14 Bryan Teter (Bob's son), # 7 Mike Teter (Bob's son), #85 John-Michael Teter (John's son)

I can remember my father always buying a turkey for Christmas dinner that was big enough to feed two families, and we would have leftover turkey for DAYS!

Sadly, now that all of the GRANDKIDS have GREAT-GRANDKIDS, it is a little harder for all of us to get to Broaddus Avenue, so many of the family converge on my sister and her husband in Collegeville, Pa.

And one of the most consistent attendees at my sister's house is my 89 year old mother, who is still doing well and going strong.



GIVE A LITTLE SOMETHING TO SOMEONE FOR CHRISTMAS

One donation was received this month to the WIN Scholarship:

Thanks to the

Victory Class of 1946 for their donation.

For EDUCATION, for thanks, to give a present, to honor someone….no matter the reason, can’t you give a little something?

This year one College Scholarship of $1,000.00 will be given to a Robert C. Byrd High School graduate. Wouldn’t you like to take part in this endeavor? It is a wonderful feeling to be part of this giving back to Clarksburg.

Make out your check to: Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship

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

I thank you, Judy thanks you but most of all a child in Clarksburg will thank you.



SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION FOR JANUARY 2006

1. Remember Miss Shackelford’s visit? Please send me your memories:

The very structured writing program in Harrison County.
Remember the push-pulls and the ovals?
Writing for those Zaner-Blosser certificates?
Miss Shackleford—herself!

2. Pre College sororities: Write your memories of initiations, activities, parties, meetings, etc.

Sub Deb in Central Junior High School
Lambda in WI
Delta Iota Delta in WI

3. Were there fraternities in high school? In what type of social societies did the males participate?



ICE CREAM

submitted by: George Scholl (WI '52)
georgegin@juno.com

I guess I had better say that the best ice cream in Clarksburg was at the Pure Ice Cream Cone at the corner of Milford and Park Boulevard. I say this because it was run by my aunt, Polly Clark. The fact that she always gave me my ice cream wouldn't have any influence on this, would it?  I had my first banana split there. The cone was torn down and replaced with the current building.



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

Roleta.........As kids, we always thought Joe's Dairy Bar in Broad Oaks had the best ice cream. But in HS, I always liked Hagen's on Main St.



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

I remember Hagan’s located on Main Street a few store fronts from the court house. It had really good ice cream but I also remember the place over close to Central grade school….was it the Clarksburg Creamery? When you entered the door it had a sort of warm milk aroma…not quite sour but pungent in that recognizable way. However; I don’t think I have ever had an ice cream cone since them to compare with the rich creamy flavor. In my memory--I vote it Number 1 in Clarksburg even though I can’t remember the name.




BOBBY FLYNN’S EXCELLENT CHRISTMAS

submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)

  Bobby Flynn’s family survived on limited means for as long as he could remember. His mother worked in a glass plant to support the family after his dad got hurt. But Bobby had his parents, good food, lots of love, and three sisters who thought that he was spoiled.

He never asked for much though, as he’d long since learned the answer; “We can’t afford it,” whatever ‘it’ was. But he did look forward to Christmas as he could usually count on getting something new of his very own. But most of his toys were hand me downs. Some were new; trucks, soldiers, a cap pistol, even a basketball, but he didn’t have the one thing that he had wanted all his young life...a bicycle. So after Halloween he started dropping hints, and whenever he mentioned a bike he could see the worried look on his mother’s face. She’d say, “We’ll see, but don’t get your hopes up too much.”

Then in early November the factory shut down. Even Thanksgiving dinner would be whatever she had canned that summer plus a loaf of Spam baked with brown sugar and cloves. For Bobby it was all over...no bike was coming from Santa this year. When the factory shut down he stopped hinting. He knew it would just upset his mom and dad.

A basket of goodies came from the church and made a nice Thanksgiving dinner, but he was aware that the meal had been mostly charity. Then right before Thanksgiving she returned to work.

Now, not only was he disappointed but his mom was hardly ever home. She’d go to work and be gone for hours. His dad and sisters also seemed upset but they never confided in him much. Bobby wished Christmas would just go away, and Christmas morning he wasn’t anxious to even get out of bed. When his friends’ showed him their presents that day he knew he’d just have to swallow his pride once again. So when his mother woke him and said, “Bobby, come into the living room,” he moaned and looked away. Then when she said, “Come see what Santa brought,” a glimmer of hope twinkled in his eye.

Still, he was in no hurry for a new pair of jeans or socks, so he took his time. Entering the living room, he saw his sisters on the floor in front of the tree, his dad and mom looking happy, the lights on the tree were lit and looked bright and cheerful.

Then his sister MJ said to him, “Well stupid,” and he said “Huh?” and dropped his eyes from the tree to look at her. It was then he noticed it. ‘It’ was a fancy, red and white, JC Higgins, 26 inch boys bicycle with reflectors, rearview mirrors, and red, white and blue streamers flaring out of the handlebar grips. It was a thing of beauty.

Later his dad told him, “Son, your mother had to work a lot of overtime for that bike. Now you take good care of it and don’t get hurt.” But, Bobby already planned to cherish that bike forever. Now he knew. There was a Santa, and she was Mom.



QUIET DELL

submitted by: George Scholl (WI '52)
georgegin@juno.com

Quiet Dell, Yes I remember the story. Of course I wasn't born yet. In the early 30's,  Harry Powers would bring  "lonely hearts" people from the Chicago area.  Eventually he would take them to Quiet Dell where he would murder them and bury them in a shallow grave. I do not remember how many he murdered. His "trial"  was held in the Moore's Opera House on Fourth Street. I guess it was kind of a circus.

I was born [11-34] across the street from where his widow and her sister lived. The sister ran a small store there where we bought most of our bread and breakfast cereal. The widow would never come into the store, but would talk to my brother and I through the closed door.

In the late 50s the sister passed away and the widow died just one month later. I was a pall bearer for both of them. I do not remember which cemetery the are buried in except it was a small country one.


submitted by: Doris Jean Walters Webster (WI '59)
Jeanwbstr@aol.com

Roleta
Here's the story that, I think, made Quiet Dell famous (acquired from www.wvculture.org/history/wvhs941.html

On March 18, 1932, West Virginia's most famous mass murderer, Harry Powers, was hanged. The story first hit the Clarksburg press on August 28, 1931, and within a day, "it was on the front pages of most of the newspapers of the country." Powers, the proprietor of a neighborhood grocery store in the Broad Oaks section of Clarksburg, allegedly corresponded with two widows, using the pseudonym Cornelius O. Pierson. In July, Pierson abducted first Asta B. Eicher and then her three children from their home in Park Ridge, Illinois. When neighbors questioned the disappearance, Pierson told them the children were in Europe.

Later that month, Dorothy Lemke of Northboro, Massachusetts, became Pierson's next victim. Meanwhile, Illinois investigators traced the name Cornelius O. Pierson to a Clarksburg post office box. On August 28, Harry Powers was arrested. Upon searching the garage at his home in Quiet Dell, outside Clarksburg, police discovered trunks filled with love letters and Asta Eicher's personal effects. A trail of blood and a pervasive stench led police to the corpses of Eicher, her three children, and Lemke, buried in a drainage ditch beside the garage. Investigators soon discovered Powers had previously served time in other states for defrauding widows.

Powers' trial was held in a specially constructed courtroom at Moore's Opera House in Clarksburg, and the jury returned a guilty verdict in only two hours. Powers, known nationally as the "Bluebeard of Quiet Dell," maintained his innocence until the very end, despite claims by prison guards that he had confessed to the five murders as well as the killing of salesman Dudly C. White in 1928. Both Powers and White had worked for the same carpet company in Clarksburg and Powers had taken over the agency following White's disappearance. Powers told the authorities that White had stolen some missing sweepers and left the state with the company's profits. Police later discovered the sweepers in Powers' garage. They were convinced that Powers had obtained the sweepers from White and was about to return them to the company.

There are two interesting sidelights to this story. First, Powers was married and shared the Quiet Dell home with his wife. Her possible involvement in the crimes apparently was never investigated. Second, former Clarksburg author Davis Grubb used the name Harry Powell for one of the characters in his classic novel, Night of the Hunter, set in Depression-era Moundsville. Like Powers, Powell played upon the affections of a widow and killed her for money.

Hope this is what you were looking for about Quiet Dell.


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

Quiet Dell  Aug. 28, 1931 from the Clarksburg Telegram.

(NOTE: Jim’s father kept many old newspaper articles which chronicles some of the history of Clarksburg and events there…—this being from one of those newspapers.)

Harry Powers, alias Cornelius Pierson, 42, of 111 Quincy Street in Broad Oaks (down the street from  Alta Vista Grade School) after an all night grilling by detectives and police officers, broke down and admitted killing Mrs. Asta Eicher and her three children.  He was badly bruised and tired and started yelling "I did it. If you'll let me get a little rest, I will tell you all about it.  Mrs. Eicher was a wealthy woman from Park Ridge, IL..

Powers was taken to Quiet Dell on a tip from someone who said he rented a garage there. This was before the bodies were found.  Asked where the bodies could be found, Powers refused to talk.  They took him back to the county jail. The police went back to the garage and started probing around.  A 15 year old boy told Sheriff Grimm that he had helped Powers dig a ditch from the garage to the creek and that Powers had only laid 3 pieces of tile into the ditch and that was at the creek end.  Then trustees with shovels started digging up the ditch.  While digging they found something by the terrible odor coming from the ditch. At the lower end of the ditch they found the body of Mrs. Asta Eicher. The bodies of her 3 children were removed a short time later. On Aug 29th, the day after the discovery of the bodies at the Quiet Dell "Murder Farm" the sewer grave was found to contain another body that of dark haired, heavy set woman, which showed had been buried about three weeks. "She is a Chicago woman", Powers told Sheriff Grimm.  Now they are demanding Powers to tell how many he had killed. He said that was the last one.  There was a book in which a name of Dorothy Pressler Lemke was inside. It was from the Merchants Savings Bank of Worcester, Mass. The Clarksburg police contacted Worcester authorities.

  A message was received by the Clarksburg Police.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Flemming of Northboro, Mass telling the Clarksburg Police that Cornelius Pierson had been at their home July 27 and stayed all night as their guest, leaving there the next day with Mrs. Flemming's sister, Dorothy Pressler Lemke, for Iowa to be married. That was the last time Mrs. Flemming saw her alive.  She withdrew over $4,000.  The Flemmings got a letter from Mrs. Lemke telling them that Powers left her there after a quarrel. Sept 4 the Flemmings identified several pieces of clothing at Romine Funeral Home in Clarksburg.  There were also pictures that were shown to them from a roll of film in Powers camera.  The identification was positive.

When all was finished they found five bodies, two women and 3 children.

Promoters had fenced in the land where the murder farm was situated and charged admission of 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. The fence was built the morning of Sept 12 and lasted less than 24 hours.  On September 13th at 2:00 a.m. a crowd of 200 soaked the enclosure with gasoline and applied to the fence. The enraged citizens told the watchman the structure is not to be rebuilt.  But the crowd was informed that the promoters were rebuilding the fence about the place.  The Sheriff said that when he arrived the wire enclosure had already been completed. Shortly after the Sheriff returned to Clarksburg a small band of Vigilantes tore down the second fence.  On the front of the garage the following sign was posted:

                           
"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
                            "Let this be a warning that this fence not be rebuilt again.
                            "Signed:  Good Citizens of Harrison County."


NOTE..... Harry Powers and his wife Luella owned and operated a grocery store on Quincy Street in Broad Oaks. I delivered either milk or ice to Mrs. Powers.  If remember correctly, she was a very nice, quiet person. 


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

This tragic story started when Harry Powers, alias Cornelius Pierson, put an ad in the May 1931 Lonely Hearts Magazine. Answering the ad was Asta Eicher of Park Ridge, Ill. She was a widow with three young children. After a long correspondence with Mr. Pierson she decided to come to Clarksburg on the pretext of getting married to him. In Clarksburg Mr. Pierson was known as Harry Powers and was already married to Louella Strother Powers. They lived at 111 Quincy Street. Mr. Powers owned a dilapidated cottage at Quiet Dell and had built a garage close by. He lured Mrs. Eicher and her three children to Quiet Dell, into the garage and killed them with a hammer. Later he had correspondence with Dorothy Lemke of Worcester, Mass. Who was a sister to Mrs. Eicher. He persuaded her to come to Clarksburg and he would marry her. He took her out to Quiet Dell to show her his property and when in the garage he strangled her around the neck with a belt. Her time of death was thought to be in early August of 1931. Mrs. Eicher and her three children, Annabel (9), greta (14), and Harry Eicher (12), were thought to have been murdered July 3rd or 4th. The bodies were discovered August 28th, 1931. His trial was held at the Moore’s Opera House due to the construction of the new courthouse. Mr. Powers went to his death on the gallows at the Moundsville State Penitentiary on March 18, 1932. All of these murders were caused for the greed of money that he took from these ladies which was approx. $4,000.00.

FREDDIE SENT THE FOLLOWING PICTURES OF POWERS AND HIS VICTIMS.






submitted by: Ted Wolfe (WI '74)
Wolfetm95@aol.com

Quiet Dell was where Harry Powers had his "murder farm".  I'm sure anyone my age or older from Clarksburg could tell you the basics, (the lonely hearts letters, his killing the women he lured there and their children, and burying them there).  Mr. Duckworth's (taught physics at WI) father had been one of the police involved in the case and he could tell stories about it.  They would probably have to throw his confession out nowadays, they brought in detectives from the Chicago area to beat it out of him. I-79 has really changed the terrain where the farm was.


submitted by: Marsha Golden Caplinger
WI1965@aol.com

The “Quiet Dell Murder Farm” was definitely a household word in my home.  My father, Edward Golden grew up in Quiet Dell.  In fact, his family rented a small house from Harry Powers, alias Cornelius Pierson, alias A. R. Weaver.  For as long as I can remember, my parents and my grandparents talked about the way he robbed and murdered 2 women and 3 children.

Harry Powers lived in Broad Oaks.  He met his victims by placing ads in a Lonely Hearts Magazine.  My father always said Harry Powers was a strange man and they often thought he would wander around their home at night, my grandfather often had a loaded rifle ready for an intruder.  The murders occurred in 1931.  My father was in his teens.  He told us stories about Harry Powers digging ditches and putting in new sewer lines around the farm.  My father offered to help him cover them, only later to find out that he actually had been helping to bury some of the victims.

I have a paperback book titled “A Pictorial View of Early Clarksburg and Harrison County.”  It does not have a publication date, but it was published by Out and About - Harrison County Magazine.  There is a section devoted completely to the Powers “Murder Farm.”  It is very descriptive and has many photos.  According to the book, there were 39 witnesses called by the state.  Two of those witnesses were Wade Golden (my uncle) and Edward Golden (my father).  My father died in 1991.  My mother said that my father was the last living witness that testified against Harry Powers at his trial.   His trial was held at the Moore’s Opera House located on 4th Street in Clarksburg.  At that time the courthouse was under construction.  After being found guilty as charged, Harry Powers wrote a detailed confession describing how he killed his victims.

Harry Powers was hanged at the state penitentiary in Moundsville, WV, on March 18, 1932.   



OUTSIDE POWERS TRIAL AT THE MOORE’S OPERA HOUSE




ITEMS

I know that several of our readers are talented, some are photographers who have a beautiful picture they could frame, I know some are painters, some are woodworkers, knitters and many other talents are represented. Won’t you join the others who have stepped forward with an item to donate? This is a way you could donate to the WIN Scholarship and show off your talents too. Even if you can’t attend the Clarksburg Picnic in March, I would love for you to participate.

There will be two raffles at the picnic this year. One raffle will be for the Quilt of Memories being made by Sue Selby Moats with donated squares from many of our readers. This quilt is mainly gold and blue---WVU and WI colors…most of the donated squares have something to do with Clarksburg, and our time in life. For a ticket contact Sue Selby Moats at moatsue@aol.com. These tickets cost $1 apiece or 6 for $5. You do not have to be present at the picnic to win the quilt.

The other raffle consists of many WVU articles, a beautiful hand made basket made by Sharon Greitzner (Sharon donated a basket from her shop last year)….these are beautiful. I saw Bernie Cohen this summer and he showed me a soccer ball with an advertisement for his company on it. Not being bashful, I ask him for a second one for the Reunion Picnic Raffle…he was delighted to donate one. Pat Hardman Nicholson sent me 4 Christmas ornaments she made with the WI seal inside of them. These are beautiful. I would appreciate any donations to this cause…any purchased gifts or hand made items. All proceeds from the raffle are donated to the WIN Scholarship fund. Last year the picnic and raffle made a profit of $422.00 for the WIN Scholarship.

You can email me for my mailing address so you can send your gift directly to me…Roleta1@aol.com.




CHRISTMAS TIME, CHRISTMAS JOY

Carols wafting on the breeze,
Holly, lights and Christmas trees,
Reindeers pull a loaded sleigh,
Isn't it a happy day?
Santa's bringing lots of toys
To eager little girls and boys
Memories are made of this.
All the house is filled with bliss.
Soon we'll gather 'round the table,

To eat as much as we are able.
In the lighted candle's glow
Me and you and mistletoe.
Everything's a real delight,
Sure's a mighty merry sight!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Come listen to the age old story,
Here in all its ancient glory.
Reaching down, God touches me,
In an instant, I'm set free!
Singing with the angel host,
To the One beloved the most.
Manger lowly, cold and bare,
And the baby lying there.
Son of God to man came down,

Just to give us all a crown.
Our only hope for paradise,
You and I, by Him, will rise.

David B. Bates (WI 1951)




A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AT GORE HOTEL

submitted by: Bob Stealey, Editor
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Thanks to the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram for permission to print the following article.  

For no particular reason at all, today’s Bob’n’Along topic will be the 1950 refurbishing of the Gore Hotel. The building is located on West Pike Street, almost directly across from Huntington Banks Clarksburg Branch.

Much of the information I’m using is from the April 23, 1950 edition of The Sunday Exponent-Telegram. The headline read, “Gore Hotel Names New Manager” and a large photo of most of the block accompanied the story.

It was Ott G. Harris who was named the new manager of the hotel. It was when the Gore was nearing completion of a program of renovation, redecoration and enlargement of the facilities, “designed to add to the pleasure and comfort of the people of the Clarksburg area and the traveling public.”

Harris, who was to supervise the finishing touches of the refurbishing program, had been manager of two hotels in Parkersburg, including the historic Blennerhassett, and was an assistant manager of a Baltimore hotel.

The Gore Hotel was under the indirect supervision of the heirs of the late Dr. Truman E. Gore, founder and builder of the hotel, and the heirs of the late Howard M. Gore, former governor of West Virginia and associated with the operation of the hotel before his death.

It was under the direct supervision of Truman E. Gore, son of Dr. Gore and nephew of Gov. Gore. This Mr. Gore had formerly been chief fiscal officer of Harrison County and had served in the sheriff’s office for the preceding 14 years.

The five-story hotel building covered more than half a block and contained 200 rooms, in addition to the lobby, dining room, two banquet rooms, the kitchen, and storage and heating rooms, as well as nine large storerooms.

Forty of the individual rooms were occupied by various professional and business interests, including doctors, dentists, coal companies, insurance companies and others. Fifty of the rooms were utilized in apartments for permanent residents. The remaining 100 rooms were available for transient guests and, of course, constituted the hotel portion of the building.

When the newspaper article appeared in April 1950, seven new private baths had been installed and several more were to be added. Fifty of the transient rooms were redecorated and refurnished to complete that phase of the renovation program, Harris was quoted as saying.

In addition, the Gore provided an automatic sprinkler system to ensure the safety of patrons of the hotel.

There were 52 employees of the Gore Hotel in 1950, allowing the hotel to become “the best in hostelry facilities and the finest in food.”

The article also pointed out that the oldest employee in point of service was Miss Carrie Weber, chief bookkeeper, who had been on the staff beginning on Aug. 15, 1915. The next oldest employee was Mrs. Grace Olds, chief desk clerk. Mrs. Bea Criss served as chef switchboard operator, Herman Jamison was the bell captain and Mary Williams was assistant bookkeeper.

By 1947, the hotel’s lobby had been completely restyled, with comfortable chairs and sofas “abundantly provided and conveniently arranged to take advantage of the large plate glass windows fronting on West Pike Street.”

Writing desks, supplied with stationery and pens and ink, were provided for the convenience of the guests.

The room clerks’ and cashiers’ desk was at the rear of the lobby and was flanked on one side by the switchboard, and on the other side by the bell captain’s stand. The manager’s office was located behind the lobby desk.

In addition, a complete newsstand and post office facilities were provided at the lobby desk.

What was described as the “Pride of the Gore” was the completely redecorated hotel dining room that provided “the finest in foods at the most moderate prices.” It was enlarged so that 90 persons could be accommodated at the same time.

A hostess would be on hand to guide patrons to tables with a minimum of delay. Hours for the dining room, which was open daily, were: From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast, luncheon and a la carte service, and from 5 p.m. to midnight for dinner and a la carte service.

The dining room menu was prepared under the careful supervision of the chef and would be changed daily, offering a wide variety of foods. A different seafood was offered daily. Two other chef’s specialties were spaghetti and chow mein. Steaks, chops and other staples were also prepared to individual taste.

The hotel maintained an automatic coffee-maker in the kitchen, ensuring fresh coffee at all times. Bread was always kept warm and fresh, and rolls or biscuits were served with all meals.

Construction on the original part of the Gore Hotel was started in 1910 and completed in 1913. At that time, the original structure was constructed on the corner of 2nd and West Pike streets, but didn’t extend as far south on 2nd Street or as far west on Pike as it did in later years.

Who built the structure? It was built by Dr. Truman E. Gore on the lot where he operated a livery barn.

“It was his practice to meet all of the incoming trains with horse-drawn hacks to provide transportation for travelers to their destination in the city. In order to further cater to the public, Dr. Gore decided to build the hotel.”

Well, for those who can recall the hey-day of the Gore Hotel, I hope you enjoyed this little trip down Memory Lane.



NOVEMBER TRIVIA PICTURE

EDITOR’S NOTE: this is a very funny story. I doubt if Don thought it was funny when it happened….but I hope you will enjoy his memory as much as I did. He has withstood a lot of jokes over the years due to this incident.

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

Dear Roleta...

This was the Robinson Grand Theater on Pike Street. I cannot believe that a building like this on a main street would be allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair. Reminds me of urban blight in Detroit and Washington D.C. (places where I have resided).

The Robinson Grand always had the extravaganza type of films from MGM and Paramount, as I recall. It was the fanciest theater in C-burg and in the 40's people got dressed up to attend a movie. The lobby had a slight slant upwards and the concession stand was at the top. And Steve Limbers and I would always study the Coming Attractions on the side walls to plan our next visit. While I attended many movies around town (Ritz, Moore's, Orpheum), the RG holds a special memory in my childhood.

I once sat through the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis" six or seven times in one day at the RG. (I know some of my friends are saying--here we go again).  My father used to take me with him uptown on Saturday while he shopped, visited around and frequented the Pike St. pool rooms and "beer joints". Well, one Saturday, he took me to the Robinson Grand to see "Meet Me in St. Louis" and then slipped out to have a beer while I was enjoying the popcorn and movie.

I suppose one beer led to another, as I soon learned when I reached the Red Top and Carling Black Label age. Anyhow, I was probably about 7 years old and all I could do was wait for my dad to return. In the meantime, my father thought that he left me in the Ritz, so there was an all out search by the State Police, Sheriff and Clarksburg city police.

When the lights went on in the theater after midnight, I think my older cousin was searching the theater and found me still in my seat. I remember going to the Police Station with a big hullabaloo. I am sure that my father was embarrassed, as was my mom, since the Desk Sergeant was my Uncle Phil and the Sheriff was a long-time friend and deer hunting companion of my dad. I guess I could have had an Amber Alert, if they existed then.

But my dad never, ever believed that he left me in the RG and not the Ritz. He passed away in 1961 and I am sure he never changed his mind.      



submitted by: George Scholl (WI '52)
georgegin@juno.com

The November mystery picture is the Robinson Grand Theater on Pike Street. It was the nicest theater in Clarksburg with the Ritz Theater next. I did not go to a lot of movies when growing up, and still don't. The Robinson Grand was where I took my wife to be on our first date in 1956. The movie was " The King And I". On another occasion, for a birthday party for Dave Campbell, also WI '52, does anyone know anything about him now?, We were taken to the Robinson Grand. We got to running around the theater and eventually removed from the theater.



submitted by: Alex Thwaites (WI '65)
ATHWAIT1@Fairview.org

I believe this is the Robinson Grand Theater on Pike Street. In its day it was a beautiful theater with an elegant art deco theme. This was the theater for top rated movies, Saturday morning children's events, pageants, orchestra concerts (facility had actual orchestra "pit"), dance recitals and out-of-town theatrical presentations (backstage dressing rooms with old fashioned make-up lights). I also recall first-run movie premiers with actual movie stars attending. There were uniformed ushers with white gloves and flashlights to escort you to your seat. Great movies were accompanied by previews, black/white news feature and, of course, Tom & Jerry cartoons.



submitted by: Janet Cottrill Kownacke (WI '64)
princess13ga@yahoo.com

Janet Cottrill Kownacke (WI '64) princess13ga@yahoo.com   I believe this to be the picture of the Robinson Grand Theatre on West Pike Street.  My father use to go there and count the number of people who went to see certain movies; there were several occasions when I would help him and, of course, got to see the movie free.  



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

Lots of wonderful reading in your  current November WI Newsletter again!........ gotta send you something on the 'ole Robinson Grand Theatre now  Jim Larosa's "Rose Garden Theatre..".he said he always wanted to own the local movie palace where he  attended when he was young.. so-under his  new ownership a few years ago..--for awhile it was a busy place.."live" productions, but no movies.....sad to say it is empty and nothing now going on.

A couple years ago, local people were trying to get  a grant to restore it and put it on the national record books, and fix it up again ..like have been the Metropolitan-theatre in Morgantown but that idea locally I understand has vanished and the Theatre sits empty with no Art Center local type productions as  the late TV-weatherman Mike Simon would produce  them, or anything else.... I was in a number of the local productions, they were actually really pretty great, all of them, (--with or without me)...highly professional productions, too bad Larosa is now allowing the theatre just to set there and fall down..!

A new local art-center type of production group has been formed, but they do all of their shows at the new RC Byrd high school - theatre auditorium.  At the Robinson Grand-Rose Garden Theatre, I have been part of Art Center productions, special fund raising events for Salem College, American Cancer Society, and others.

One time, during a PETER PAN performance, kids in the cast were asking each other and everyone who the old guy was that was quietly moving around back stage that seemingly no one knew and was peeking out the curtain out into the audience to check the overflow crowd, etc.. ...(simply--  The owner  Mr. Larosa was  having a  fun visit  backstage in his own Theatre..!  (You can file this  along with  a follow-up I will send you of attending the Robinson Grand during my local school years...if you wish



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

The correct guess is the "Robinson Grand Theatre", later named the "Rose Garden" and used for many local productions, wedding receptions, etc.  This is where I spent a lot of time in my youth as my mother used it as a baby-sitter when she shopped and ran errands in Clarksburg.  A time when you could trust that your child would be protected while watching a movie alone in the '40's and '50's.  Times have really changed, huh folks?

Love your newsletter and "Kudo's" to you and Judy for all the hard work. 

By the way, I used to play with Judy as a child when she and her parents lived on Birch St.  I often stayed with my grandmother, Maude Gatrell, who lived on the same street.  Many good memories from the old neighborhood. 

NOTE FROM JUDY: Mary Beth, I remember you, too. You stayed near Suzanne and Robert Suddereth (sp), and Sammy Folio. It was a great neighborhood to grow up in. Lots of kids to play with.



submitted by: John Timberlake (WI '48)

I think its the old Robinson Grand before it burned. Located on Pike St.



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

The TRIVIA PICTURE FOR NOVEMBER 2005 is the Robinson Grand Theater. My stepfather, Don McWhorter, used to be an announcer and program director at WBLK radio, which had its studios on the second floor of the Robinson Grand. I used to enjoy going there watching the broadcasts. There used to be live music and studio shows from WBLK in the 1940's and early 1950's.

The Robinson Grand was the premier theater in town. I remember going to live musical performances as a child as well as the movies. Of course, for Saturday matinees with cowboy double features and serials like Flash Gordon or Rocket Man, we went to Moore's Opera House. The Ritz had good cartoon shows on Saturdays, as I recall.

I remember with nostalgia the vibrant downtown in Clarksburg in the '40's and '50's with its four movie theaters--The Robinson Grand, the Ritz, Moore's Opera House, and the Orpheum. It had great shops like Melet's (I still have an old wooden hanger from Melet's), drug stores, bakeries, newsstands, department stores. All gone now. Welcome to the world of Wal-Mart. Not quite the same, is it?



submitted by: Stephen Chapnick (WI '60)
schapnick@yahoo.com

The picture of the month is the Robinson Grand Theater on Pike Street. My parents for some odd reason would only let me go to movies at this theater or the Ritz Theater next to the Library. As a lover of science fiction and horror movies, I cannot count the number of times that I spent in that theater. I even remember that during my childhood the theater was remodeled. It was more modern (for those times) than the Ritz Theater. What was really nice, one did not have to stand in line outside in the cold to purchase one's tickets as one had to at the Ritz. My third grade teacher at Morgan Elementary (Ms Wright) gave me 8 gift tickets to the Grand for my 8th birthday, and I used all of them up at once by taking my friends to see Singing In The Rain with Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner.

By the way that picture of the Morgan School Band, I am the second student from the right after the School Principal Mr. Sheets.



submitted by: Barbara Warren Williams (WI '58)
bjwilliams@roverusa.com

The picture is of the Robinson Grand Theater. It was always the best movie theater in town.  I remember when Bob's (Bob Williams, Class of 1945) son David was with the Columbus Boy Choir School in Princeton, NJ and they sang at the Robinson Grand.  On the billboard was "Clarksburg's Own David Williams".  David graduated from WI I believe in 1968.   I remember Madge Douds was manager for years.



submitted by: Marsha Golden Caplinger (WI '65)
WI1965@aol.com

I don't think there could be a person in Clarksburg who would not recognize the Robinson Grand Theater.  I spent many Saturday afternoons there.  My brother Eddie and I would go to the movies when the door opened and stay all day long. You could just stay and watch the movie over and over. It would get dark and our mother would have to come and drag us out.  I remember once my brother and I got kicked out because he spit on someone from the balcony.  But, my most memorable time going there was on Thanksgiving 1956 when the first "Elvis" movie came out.  "Love Me Tender".  I can remember waiting in line with my sister Carolyn and we all got autographed pictures.  We were in heaven.  I think we paid 25¢ to get in.  I remember paying 10¢ and 6 Pepsi caps at one theater, but not sure if it was the Robinson Grand or the Ritz Theater.  I worked at the Ritz Theater during my senior year at WI.  To this day, there is nothing I love more than a good movie. 



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

The November trivia photo is of the former Robinson Grand Theatre located at 444 W. Pike Street. The “Grand” opened February 5, 1913. It was named after the Robinson Brothers, Claude and Reuben. When this building was built in the early 1900’s it was known as Keith Brand Vaudeville Theatre. At first it had silent movies and then in 1927 sound was installed. The seating area was destroyed by fire on May 31, 1939. It was restored and opened again in 1940 at a cost of $600.00. It was the first theatre in our area that had spring loaded seats. While the restoration was being done all Robinson Grand movies were shown at the Moore’s Opera House.


In the above photo of the right and left side of the marquee list the movie Mickey Rooney starring in “THE HARDY BOYS”. The center of the marquee reads, “Now showing at the Moore’s Opera House Robinson Grand Bank Night at the Opera House-Wed., Thurs., Friday”.



Freddie also sent this Robinson Grand ticket The price was 33 cents.


One of the first movies to be shown after it reopened was “SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS”.

The final manager of the theatre was Madge Douds. After the theatre no longer showed movies it was renamed “THE ROSE GARDEN”. For awhile it had special attractions but sits mostly idle today.



submitted by: Vincent Merendino (ND '64)
jvbond0007@att.net

This is the front of the Robinson Grand Theater on West Pike street close to Fifth Street. Weber's flower shop was somewhere to the right, Michael Adam's tailor shop was to the left and a hot dog place on the corner.

My Mother was Mary Berger Merendino, the owner/operator of the Mary Berger Dance Studio. I remember that she presented her Company’s dance recitals, at the Robinson Grand, in the spring of every year. She owned the only dance studio in Northern W.V. from 1930 until 1958. A large number of the local young girls, and a few brave boys, who were interested in ballet and/or tap, performed on the stage at the Robinson Grand. It was pretty scary to look out and see the audience starring at you. I took tap and remember dancing on that stage when I was 8 or 10 years old. My Mother’s recitals were quite popular at the time. I am sure that a great number of the WI Newsletter’s readers will remember.

I had a crush on Nancy Kerpatrick, my tap instructor. I also had crushes on some of the older dance students: Margie Evans, Mary Sue Kerns, Nancy Higginbotham, and Jo Donna Powell, to name a few. It was a kid thing.

When I was a kid, the Aspy twins, Gary Harper, Mike Rector, and I, while walking to the Robinson Grand, to see a double feature, would stop by the Hamburger Mart (close to White Top Cab Co. on Main street) and purchase two or three hot dogs apiece. We would order them to go and take them to the theater with us. It was an all day thing, if there was also a cartoon show in the morning. When we opened the hot dogs it took about 5 seconds for the whole theater to smell like onions. What good times these were!

My family subscribed to the Community Concerts that were presented there. There a small town boy could get a taste of culture. I remember seeing the Romeros family perform. They were classical guitarists. My Father and I attended this performance. This is a great memory.

Yes, the Robinson Grand Theater brings back many wonderful memories.

Thanks Roleta for your Newsletters-



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

The picture of the month for November is the Robinson Grand Theater.  During its heyday it was a very grand theater indeed.  I had my first date as a teenager there (cost less than a dollar for both) and I was sorry to see it deteriorate and unused as a theater over the years.  We were very fortunate in Clarksburg to have a number of theaters, e.g., Moores Opera House, the Emphorium (SP), Ritz Theater, and of course we can't forget the fun we all had at the drive-ins. The Robinson Grand was the grandest of all.



submitted by: Judy Allen Hutson (would have been class of 1956)
judithahutson@webtv.net

Would this have been the Robinson Grand Theatre?  If so I remember many of our dance recitals there in the early 50's.  What fun, we all felt like stars and of course I think that was the idea.



submitted by: Beverly McClung Eye (WI '70)
beverlyeye@bellsouth.net

I am not sure, but I think it may be the Robinson Grand Theatre.  If so, I have lots of memories.  I remember saving tops from bottles and redeeming them on Saturdays to go see the movies.  I also remember attending a series of cultural event (I can't remember what this series was called).  These events were offered 3 or 4 times a year to ticket holders and they offered a variety of entertainment: orchestra, plays, big bands, etc.  I remember that when I attended with my family I had to spiff up a bit and wear Sunday type clothing.

My VERY favorite memory is from the Christmas Party that the Continental Can held there annually. They must have rented it as it was for children of the employees.  Santa came and gave out gifts. One year I won a Patty Play Pal Doll. That is probably the best thing that I have ever won in my life.



submitted by: Diana Shablack Sandy (WI '69)
IcedTeaDee@aol.com

This is the Robinson Grand Theater - I remember it well. It was also the place my dancing school (Barbara Beassi) held it's recitals every spring.



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

Robinson Grand Theatre, for sure! Lots of history in my family as sister worked there during school years. Mr. Felts was an usher I can remember. I remember going to movies prior to Little League baseball games to relax! Sold by Harry Lang to LaRosa's who converted it to the Rose Garden for several years. Quite a grand place, owned by Mr. Lang's in-laws, the Robinson's at the time my sister worked there. Do remember pictures of her with Aldo Ray a long time ago. She could write a book (and likely will) so I will stop with these few fractured comments.



submitted by: Doris Jean Walters Webster (WI '59)
Jeanwbstr@aol.com

  This month's picture is of the old Robinson Grand Theater. I watched many movies there in my youth. I remember my first date took me to the Robinson Grand, but I can't remember what the movie was.  I also performed there a few times. I attended Broadway in my fifth, sixth and seventh grades. I was on the Girls Tumbling Team and we used to perform on stage at the Robinson Grand once or twice a year.



submitted by: Charles H.McClung (VHS '48)
cmcclungsr@msn.com

After reading the Nov Newsletter I believe ( after all the trivia pictures shown in past issues in which I never got right) my guess will be it is the Robinson Grand theater. As I was more a Western, Detective, and serial buff, I mostly went to Moores Opera House and Orpheum theaters. The picture I remember that was showing in 1946 was The Jolson Story. I had saved my money so I could afford that picture. I walked from North View (it cost seven cent fare at that time to ride the street car). It was a great picture.

Having moved to Kincheloe I believe it was the last time I went to any of the movies in Clarksburg.



submitted by: Cindy Este Loy (RW '78)
Loyclan@aol.com

I believe that looks like the Robinson Grand Theatre in Clarksburg.  I haven't been back to downtown in quite a few years, it's hard to see this beautiful building empty.  I spent all of my Saturday's in this building.  It was always fun to sit in the balcony.



submitted by: Blair Holden (WI '64)
hold6670@bellsouth.net

The picture is the old Robinson grand theater. On Saturday we could get in the theater for 10 bottle caps. If you knew the manager (I forgot his name. His son went to WI.) you could get in free.

When the Methodist Church burned down, we would have Sunday services for many years until the current church was built. The Minster was Dr. Hanifan. Go memories!



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

I promise I recognized this without help from the photographer! 

This is the Robinson Grand Theater on Pike Street.  I had my first job at the Robinson Grand, working at the candy counter.  I also worked the ticket booth on occasion and ushered as well. I started my junior year and continued to work at least on holidays through my Freshman year in college.  Some of the others who worked there when I was there were George Felts and Art Villain, both projectionists, George's son Stewart who manned projectors and the main door, Donald Drummond, Sanci Coffindaffer, Ilo Rogers, Virginia Nuzum and Carol Grow. I worked the dinner hour several nights and, I believe, one full night a week. One of my favorite memories is of Coach Folio always coming to the movies after school on nights that there were football games.  Guess it was his way of relaxing before the game.  He was in at about 4:00 and out by 6:00, whatever was playing.

I guess the most exciting thing that happened while I worked there was that Aldo Ray made a personal appearance in conjunction with a movie called "We're No Angels."  Humphrey Bogart and Peter Ustinov also starred in the movie.  Madge Douds called me into her office and I had my picture taken with Aldo Ray.  What a thrill that was!  I still have that photo and a hand-autographed photo of Aldo Ray.

The theater was such an elegant place in those days.  I always loved the ladies room where you could pretend you were the Radio Music Hall Rockettes, all by yourself!  I am so sad to see it going to ruin.  I suppose it, like so many other landmarks, will go one of these days.

Because Harry Lang, the husband of Dorothy Robinson Lang who co-owned the theater, was a relative and a photographer, I have several photos of events, etc., at the theater.  I am attaching some of those for you to use as you see fit.


The above picture shows the marquee and entrance featuring "The Greatest Show on Earth."  The photo is dated March 11, 1952.



The above picture is a portion of the entrance showing the inside of the lobby.


This picture may jog some memories for someone.  The featured film seems to be "Night of the Vampire."  The woman in black is, of course, Madge Douds. I don't know what, other than the movie, brought out such a crowd.  Note the girls with overnight bags. They may have been going to a slumber party after the movie. This was not an event that I remember.  Maybe someone else will recognize the occasion and some of the people. The photo was not dated, but I would guess mid 1950s.


This picture is older.  I included it to remind us all of days when air-conditioning was not to be taken for granted. The Marquee features "Take a Letter Darling" with Rosalind Russell and Fred McMurray, with an Our Gang comedy.

I have some other Robinson Grand memorabilia from the Robinson-Lang family, although no posters, darn it! I have donated some material to and shared copies of other material with the Clarksburg Library.

As always, use at your discretion.



submitted by: Ted Wolfe (WI '74)
Wolfetm95@aol.com

The picture is what was once the Robinson Grand Theatre, later called the Rose Garden.   It is the last movie theater to operate in Clarksburg, outlasting the Ritz by a few years.  The last movie I saw in it was the first Star Wars movie in its initial release.  I didn't see too many movies because I lived out of town, but usually saw what ones I did at the R Grand.  I remember my dad took me to a Saturday matinee once. He griped about the kids in the balcony throwing popcorn etc., down.  He said we could either set in the front and get hit by the popcorn or  set in the back and watch the movie through a snowstorm.

I also remember they had an usher that I thought looked, well, dressed, like an undertaker, in black.

I also remember Mrs. Douds (sp.?),  the owner? was arrested once in the early 70's for a movie they showed, ("Carnal Knowledge", an R rated movie starring Jack Nicholson and Ann Margret, among others).  It was supposedly pornographic, but I would imagine they would show it on TV now with a little editing.  I know it eventually didn't amount to anything.



submitted by: Jerry Winerman (WI '57)
gerjer@adelphia.net

The picture of the month is the Robinson Grand Theater. I used to go into the projection booth and play chess with the projectionist, Clarence Hunter. His daughters, Gloria and Susie get the newsletter.

My brother, Marty, was also a projectionist there before he joined the Navy.



TRIVIA PICTURE FOR DECEMBER 2005



Do you recognize the place pictured above? Write to me with your guess and a memory. Remember I only print correct guesses with a memory included. Write to: Roleta1@aol.com




WEST VIRGINIA is the only state to be created from another state.

WEST VIRGINIA has had the nation’s lowest crime rate for the past 26 years.

WEST VIRGINIA with an average altitude of 1,500 feet is the highest state east of the Misissippi.




CHRISTMAS MEMORY

submitted by: Michelle Been Liga (WI '86)
Mliga34@aol.com

  I remember marching in the Christmas Parades every year, no matter the weather!  I played "Sleigh Ride" so much that I could hear it in my dreams.  In fact since I started writing this note I can hear "Sleigh Ride" in my head and it has been a few years since I played it.

My most memorable was the time the temperatures were in the mid twenties.  It was so cold that my mouth stuck to my metal mouthpiece on my Sousaphone (marching tuba), boy did it hurt!!!

Have a blessed and MERRY Christmas!



SOUTHERNER?

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

I do not feel that my being from West Virginia makes me a SOUTHERNER!  I feel that living in Virginia today makes me more of a Southerner than my living in West Virginia ever did, even though I live in the Northern Virginia area.

Sometimes I think that the people that live in the SOUTHERN PART of West Virginia are deemed to be Southerners, but more because of their STYLE OF LIVING than anything else.



submitted by: Bob Swiger (WI '61)
BobSwiger@raspberryfalls.com

Definitely Southern!!!  I have spent 40 years in either South Carolina, Virginia, or New Orleans and much of what I have observed from the southern culture is the same I was taught as a child growing up in Clarksburg.  When we played War between the States, the confederates were always my favorite.  Actually we were a good mixture of both in Clarksburg depending on where your ancestors were from.



submitted by: Ted Wolfe (WI '74)
Wolfetm95@aol.com

It doesn't make me one, I'm a West Virginian, and that’s enough.  Seriously, any one from the South wouldn't consider us southerners.  Even people from the southern part of the WV say we talk like Pennsylvanians.



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

I left WV in 1960 but people still ask me if I am from the south. I guess it is my accent which we don’t hear but others seem to pick up on. I love a southern accent but I don’t have that exactly---it is more a southern hill twang (and I am sure you all can relate to that). I really consider Clarksburg in the north. Even if it lies south of the Mason Dixon Line, it is in a northern state! I have always loved to read historical novels (with a little romance) which took place during the Civil War. We once visited Charleston, SC and I felt as though I had been there before….maybe there is such a thing as reincarnation? Or maybe (as Bill explains it)---I have read a lot of books about the place! Northerner or Southerner? Perhaps this is just one more reason I am such a mixed up person……



SCHOOL GIRLS CHEER JURY’S VERDICT,
GET LECTURE FROM BENCH

From a November 14, 1943 copy of The Clarksburg Telegram


Thanks to: Fred Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@aol.com

The bobby sockers are, of all places, hitting the court room, and Frank Sinatra wasn’t even around. It happened in Harrison County criminal court at a trial one day this week.

A class from a local high school largely composed of girls, listened intently as a trial was in progress. They whispered among themselves, and became fidgety while they waited for the jury to return.

The twelve tried and true finally returned to their seats, and announced a verdict of “not guilty.” Whereupon, a group of the girls forgot they were in a court of law and not at a football game and stood and applauded.

Judge Arlos J. Harbert wasn’t particularly miffed, but asked the class to remain for a moment after the court recessed. He then delivered a little lecture on proper conduct in keeping with the dignity of the court.

After leaving the court room, some of the girls lingered in front of the courthouse and when the acquitted man emerged, asked him to autograph books in the best Sinatra manner. He did.

NOTE: These girls were from WI. Were you one of them? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.




WEST VIRGINIA HOT DOG SAUCE

submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah '57)
BillMere@aol.com

Just finished reading the October Issue of "Wonderful West Virginia" magazine. Among the articles was one about "Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili" which is packaged in Webster Springs, WV. It is apparently sold frozen in plastic containers all through the east and midwest. Has anyone tried this product? If so, is it worth buying? The article I read said it was the best "chili" around. I'm always looking for a good hot dog & so far have found very few outside of West Virginia. I'll try to find some of this sauce in Ohio on my Thanksgiving visit. Perhaps Kroger has it available. I'll keep you informed.



submitted by: Rose Hamrick (ND '61)
roseham@msn.com

A friend from home told me about a newsletter you put out. I would like to receive it. My name is Rose Hamrick, I graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1961, I now live in Pigeon Forge TN.  



submitted by: Dian Gantz Hurley (WI classes of '46 and '47)
WIHSclassof1946@aol.com

For the life of me, I do not know how you get so much done!!  I think they should start nick-naming you "Wonder-Woman!!"  Mercy...

We should be saying "Thank you!" for all the work you do on behalf of the WI newsletter!  It could not be an easy task to begin with, and then adding a monumental move to the mix is more then anyone person could/should have to do!!  I hope you are happy in your now permanent home, and wont miss the northern winter and summer, unpredictable Ohio/West Virginia weather!! I can relate to saying goodbye to old memorabilia.........I have a house full of it, and is one of the reasons I remain in the house I am in at 76 years of age!

I don't want to part with anything!!  Like you, I have things that have been in my family for generations, and I have a daughter who has not room or desire for it!  That’s the way it goes.......... Thanks again for all you do to keep the Washington Irving High School newsletter "alive and well!!"



submitted by: Marsha Golden Caplinger (WI '65)
WI1965@aol.com

Roleta, please add me to the Newsletter notification list:  My email address is WI1965@aol.com. That is the email address I use for communicating will all class members from the class of 1965 mostly in preparation for class reunions.   I have worked on the committee since our first reunion in "1975."  Thank God for email.  Also, I forwarded information regarding my brother "Eddie Golden" with regard to veterans.  When will that issue appear.  I thought it would be in the November issue.  Please advise.  Also, let me know if you received the information.  Thank you for your wonderful newsletter.  I enjoy it so much. . 



MY LAST CHRISTMAS IN CLARKSBURG

submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)
jkimler @verizon.net



Going back home to Clarksburg for Christmas had been a big part of my life for 25 years. I always looked forward to that trip for months. Finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list was a priority. My mother and I spent days shopping, wrapping, packaging and mailing gifts to relatives around the country. Then we started getting gifts for each other. That was the hard part. Trying to find something for my father was not easy.

Then the traditional "Trimming of the Tree". They had a beautiful artificial tree and many antique ornaments collected over nearly 60 years. Each ornament was individually wrapped and boxed to prevent breakage. It took several days to get the tree just right. Every ornament placed with so much care to insure perfection. Then it was time to turn on the lights. At last, it was done.

In addition to the tree and all its trimmings, we decorated the whole house inside and out. The manger scene with an angel choir was the final touch. Time to sit back, relax and enjoy all our hard work.

My parents moved from Clarksburg to Barboursville in January of 1991. My father was ill and my mother could no longer care for him herself. I was so caught up in his illness and the big move that I didn't realize that I had just celebrated my last Christmas in Clarksburg.




PRECIOUS CHILD FOR NOVEMBER 2005


The Precious Child for November was Rosemary Grow Warne WI 1959




PRECIOUS CHILD FOR DECEMBER 2005



Do you recognize this person? Please send your guess to Roleta1@aol.com. Remember, I don’t print incorrect guesses! Include a memory of the person.




CARTOON CHARACTERS

Who were your favorite cartoon characters? Please write and share your memories of your favorites—tell us something about the character….Read below to see what Skip Bowie remembers:

submitted by: Grover Cleveland Bowie (WI '57)


It started all over again last Saturday morning.

Somehow I managed to get caught with the grand kids for the morning by myself. It was too early for beer and pretzels and it was raining. They didn’t care, because they were glued to the TV. So I stopped and watched what was happening. What ever happened to Heckle and Jeckle? Mighty Mouse, Oil Can Harry, Popeye, The Road Runner? What was Porky Pigs' wife name?

The time that I spent watching was an extended education in a very short time slot. Bigger, faster, more powerful that a speeding bullet, names that I had to ask the "our gang" to pronounce again for me. The same action always to place, however a lot of the "plots" were more brutal. The costumes were terrific, voices were "Stars Wars".

All in all, this was the new reality.

One asked me, Was the world black and white when you were little and when did it changed to color?  

EDITOR’S NOTE: Write your memories of your favorite cartoon character to me at: Roleta1@aol.com



NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES

Rose Hamrick (ND '61) roseham@msn.com
Marsha Golden Caplinger (WI '65) WI1965@aol.com
Larry Marra (VHS '65) and his wife
Susan Sloan Marra (WI '67) 		LMarra@cebridge.net
Marty Elliott (WI '57) rell904@bellsouth.net
Ron Harvey (WI '55) w4rrh@wt4ra.org
Bob Dennison (WI '57) wvcarolinasue@comcast.net

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS

Marcia Jean Booth (WI '65) change to: marciabooth05@yahoo.com
Mickey Drummond (WI '59) MDrummond1@tampabay.RR.com
William "Bill" Losh (RW '54) ncbl@charter.net
Bill Bowie (WI '62) bill26301@yahoo.com
Barbara Moore Losh (WI '63) ncbl@charter.net
Barbara Boreman (WI '55) adylake@tds.com
Bill Norris (WI '62) and
Carolyn Norris (WI '63)		 bcnwv@verizon.net
Carolyn Layfield Cady (WI '53)
she has moved-If you wish her mailing address
write to her		 cady@garlic.com
George Eicher (WI '57) geicher@verizon.net
Janet Post Hodges (WI '59)
and David Hodges		 change from: Britt33169@aol.com
to: Britt33169@adelphianet.com




QUILT

submitted by: Sue Selby Moats (WI '55)
moatsue@aol.com



Dear Fellow WI Graduates,

Thank you again for participating in the first (annual??) WIN Scholarship Raffle Quilt by sending blocks to include in it. I am having a good time piecing the blocks together and am anxious to get it quilted so I can take it to FL. We leave for Englewood FL on 31 December 2005 and will be staying until 15 March 2006. Looking forward to the warm weather!

Here is a listing of the blocks and their makers by row. I apologize if there are any mistakes. Please let me know if I have identified any incorrectly.

Row A: 1. Lowndes Hill, Sherry Keith; 2. Broad Oaks Bunch, Kitty & Don Sager, '56; 3. WI by Liz Custer Carder, 54; 4. Stonewall Jackson photo transfer, Kitty & Don Sager; 5. WV map, Selby family

B. 1.house block by Myrt Bolton Smith; 2. gold/blue log cabin block, Myrt Smith; 3. photo of Washington Irving Rice, Ralph Hardman, '59; 4. blue & gray log cabin, Myrt Smith; 5. Bear's Paw by Carol Dean

C. 1. Clarksburg "Jewel of the Hills" by Sherry Keith; 2. old WI building photo, Liz Custer Carder; 3. gold/blue WI needlepoint seal by Patricia Hardman Nicholson '56; 4. Secretary Pearl Custer by school clock-Liz Custer Carder; 5. photo transfer by Gloria Kennedy's Father of the burned Grand Theater

D & E. Black & white Parsons Souders photo transfers with black & white fabrics designed by Deedee Swisher Souders, '52; gold triangle-Liz Carder; Jumping Frog-WVA shape by Kitty & Don Sager; WI gold sweater letter from Augie Malfregeot; Schoolhouse block by Carol Dean, '58; some of the blue/gold signature blocks.

There is another blue/gold WI block from Myrt Bolton Smith which will be added. The quilt is not yet finished: a narrow gold border will be added all around the squares. Then more of the blue/gold signature blocks will be put in a border around that. There will be blank signature squares for people to sign on the quilt at the picnic if you/they wish. After sewing on all the borders, I will quilt the quilt and bind it.

I hope that you will choose to purchase tickets so that the quilt will raise a good amount toward this worthy cause. Where would we all be without our education from WI as well as wherever we pursued a higher degree? The tickets are 1 for $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. You may send a check to me for any additional tickets you would like.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the WI picnic in Sarasota FL.

Best Wishes for 2006,

Sue (Selby) Moats '55
109 Normandy Drive
Silver Spring MD 20901
301-587-6177


OBITUARIES

EDWARD ELLIS BOYLES



Edward Ellis Boyles, age 65, a resident of 102 Seasame St., Philippi, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2005, in the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center.

He was born October 21, 1940, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Raymond Dellit and Virginia (Ice) Boyles.

He was united in marriage November 18, 1967, to Beverly Jane (Jones) Boyles, who survives at home.

Also surviving are one daughter, Molly and husband Troy Walters of Frankfort, Indiana; two sons, Edward and wife Tracee Boyles of Lebanon, Indiana, and Thomas Boyles of Philippi; three grandchildren, Emilee, Hannah and Kathryn; and one great-grandchild, Mackenzie.

Mr. Boyles worked for GTE Phone Company for 28 years as a supervisor.

Mr. Boyles served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-66. Mr. Boyles was a member of the American Legion.

Mr. Boyles graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1958.

Mr. Boyles was a Catholic by faith.


ROBERT CAYLOR POLEN

Robert “Bob” Caylor Polen, 70, formerly of Charleston and Moundsville, died on Nov. 4, 2005, at The Heritage, Bridgeport, W.Va. from complications of Lymphoma.

A native West Virginian, born on July 15, 1935, in Moundsville to the late Lloyd and Iva “Mamie” Caylor Polen.

He is survived by his fiancée, Emma Lee Hite of Bridgeport; children, Mark (Debbie) Polen of Cross Lanes, John Polen, Cynthia “Cindy” Polen, both of Moundsville; and many other relatives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carrell Polen and a brother-in-law, William “Bill” McNinch.

Mr. Polen graduated from Moundsville High School in 1953 and attended West Virginia University. He was employed by PPG at Natrium for 27 years as a research chemist. He also spent 33 years working with the West Virginia Legislature in various capacities.

He was elected eight times to serve the people of Marshall County in the State Legislature as a member of the WV House of Delegates. He was executive director of the Railroad Assoc., State Government Affairs Representative for the Railroad Corporations in West Virginia and retired from the State of West Virginia as assistant legislative liaison for the Governor's Office.

He was honored with the “Distinguished West Virginian” Award by Governor Cecil H. Underwood in 2000 for his “Outstanding Achievements and Meritorious Service”; it is the highest award bestowed upon a state citizen. Mr. Polen was a member of the Masonic Marshall Union Lodge 8 AF & AM, WV Chamber of Commerce.


WILLIAM LOVELL LAWSON

William Lovell Lawson, age 67, VHS 1956, of Leesburg, VA, formally of Reston, VA died on November 17, 2005 at Loudoun Health Care, Leesburg, VA. Beloved husband of Kim P. Nguyen; father of Dustin and Wendy (deceased); brother of David Michael Lawson, Capon Bridge, WV, Alberta Hanshaw, Williamstown, WV, Jane Villers, of Gordonsville, VA and the Late Harold Bruce Lawson; grandfather of four and great-grandfather of one.

Mr. Lawson was a member of Airborne in the U.S. Army, worked in the private sector for 21 years and most recently was with the United States Postal Service for 25 years. He attended West Virginia University and Maryland University


ROY L. BEVER WI 1957




I-77 CRASH KILLS TWO
By WAYNE TOWNER

PARKERSBURG - An Ohio man and woman died Saturday evening when their vehicles collided in a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 77, just south of the Emerson Avenue exit.

Roy Bever, 66, of Hilliard, Ohio, and Agnes Patterson, 74, of Zanesville, Ohio, were pronounced dead at the scene following the accident about 6:29 p.m. Saturday, said Deputy B.A. Pickens with the Wood County Sheriff's Department.

Pickens said the incident began about 6:28 p.m. when the sheriff's department received a report of a vehicle driving the wrong way on I-77. The accident was reported a minute later.

Patterson's 2000 Honda Accord was driving south in the northbound passing lane of I-77 when she was involved in a head-on collision with a 2005 Cadillac DeVille driven by Bever, Pickens said.

Traffic was stopped in the northbound lanes of I-77 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, with traffic rerouted to U.S. 50 while the accident was investigated and the scene was cleared. Volunteer firefighters from Williamstown, Waverly and East Wood and members of Wood County Emergency Services helped with traffic control and at the accident scene, Pickens said.

The accident remains under investigation. Blood samples were taken from both drivers for testing as part of the normal procedure in such accidents, but there did not seem to be any indications of drug or alcohol use, Pickens said. He believes driver error might be a more likely cause of the accident.

Both vehicles were listed as total losses.

Article from the Parkersburg News and Sentinel






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