THE WI NEWSLETTER 05/06

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Issue 81

May 2006

LET’S PLAY BALL!
submitted by: Bud Collins (WI '55)
KEMils@aol.com
I played fast pitch softball with Stealey Playground. The sponsor was Darnell Insurance Agency. Mr. Darnell lived in Broad Oaks and I believe on Rosemont Ave. He had a son who played football at WI in 52 or 53. Me being born and raised a Broad Oaks Boy I should remember all these things. Some of my teammates (and don't remember them all) were Bob "Meatball Trent our pitcher and captain, Ron Talkington our short stop (another Broad Oaks boy), Paul Clayton, Bernie Gregory, Baldy Gregory, Bob Summers, Fred Reger, Buck Tustin, Roy Smith and can't remember who else. We traveled all around and got to all the games with whoever had the cars. We were a pretty good ball club and won the biggest majority of our games. It was a great life and kids today should know what a pleasure to play ball all the time, seeing as no one had much money, if any! WI was one of the few high schools that didn't have a baseball team. Track was our spring sport. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in that era and to play so many sports with so many great guys.

submitted by: Bob “Meatball” Trent (WI '55)
meatball@iolinc.net
Fast Pitch Softball: An American Tradition

The game was very popular in the 40's, 50's and 60's in the Clarksburg area. My first memories of the game are when I was a kid of 10 or so watching the members of "Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation" after returning from the service competing full bore in a game that I fell in love with immediately, and played for 30 years. Actually, I could make this an autobiography and write something comparable in length to War and Peace but I'll spare you the ennui that would result from that type of story and comment on the local Playground Leagues that was my generations answer to "The Boys of Summer."

While I can't compare the Stealey Playground to the playing fields of Eton, I can tell you that the lessons about competition, fair play, and teamwork learned there where invaluable to us as adults.

Not long ago, I received a picture from Bernie Gregory (alias "Bones"), which had been taken about 1950, of the Stealey Jrs softball team that I helped coach. Others in the picture included Jim "Doc" Hutson, Bobby Hart and his dog "Nosey", Jimmy Warren, Bobby Willet, the playground director, "Teke" Rexroad, and the team sponsor, Mr Darnall. Mostly all WI boys and some pretty neat nicknames. I, of course, bore the nom de plume "Meatball" and I am still called that by most of the guys in that picture whenever I'm lucky enough to see one of them.

Shortly after receiving that picture, I received an e-mail from Jon Darnall, (WI '53) stating that he had a softball with the names of the 1952 Stealey Seniors championship team that his Father, our sponsor, had kept in his possession all these years until his demise. Jon asked me if I would like to have that ball and was good enough to send it to me. I am looking at it as I scratch out this epic. Thanks again, Jon. A few names that some of you may remember are: Buddy Collins, Baldy Gregory, Ron Talkington, John "Cookie" Lynch, Jim "Jock" Juergens, Roy Smith, Freddie Reger, Bobby Somers and Sid Beauchamp. We beat Chestnut Hills in the championship game that year on the Coleman Park field. Sonny Nutter pitched against us and he was really tough. Somehow we found a way to score late in the game and bring home the trophy. Some of Sonny's teammates, all WI boys, were Wayne Miles, Jim Kiddy, Clifford Booth, and Worder Henline just to name a few.

That Chestnut Hills Team was a good team but there were other teams in that league that were just as good. Coleman Park had Herbie Cottrill, "Sut" Elliot, Tommy Wycoff. While Northview had "Dopey"Reed, Eddie Ash, etc. Norwood, Adamston, Jackson Park, were other teams and all had good teams. It was the best of times.

You may have noticed that many of the guys had nicknames in those days. Roleta’s brother, Roy, got off easy because "Smitty" was a natural for him. Some guys came up with their own nicknames. I remember my old friend Bill Nicholson telling us one day, "Call me Duke." Well after a little razzing it was "Duke", no problem. (You may have guessed that I was not one who chose his own nickname. Oh, well.)

Softball gloves were a precious possession in those playground days. Those lucky enough to own one would keep it oiled and in flexible working condition while those of us who didn't own a glove would have to borrow one from the opposition when it was our turn to play defense. "You can use it, but don't get it dirty." How many times I heard that admonishment. I remember "Jock" Juergens had a Trapper model first baseman's glove that had a "pocket" you could catch a watermelon in, no joke. What a great glove.

Today, as a rule, fast pitch softball has been taken over by the ladies and they play it very well. An old teammate asked me to help him coach a middle school team in 2004. That's when I discovered that I am unable to even make that windmill pitching motion let alone trying to throw with any speed or accuracy. There was Ladies softball in the 50's too. We had a girl pitcher on the Stealey Midget team named Nancy Schlicker that competed very well with the guys her age and before her a girl named Greta Samuels who was very good also. I wish them well wherever they are today.

Well, enough is enough already. Those of you who were at home collecting stamps or something, when we were defending the honor of Stealey on the playing field, be happy that you are not plagued with torn rotator cuffs and various other aches and pains that can be attributed to that head-long slide into second base or that collision with the opposing teams catcher trying to score that winning run, but, be sad, also, that you never felt the joy of taking that trophy home to your playground and your buddies.

submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah '57)
billmere@aol.com
Baseball was always a big sport when I was in high school. Unlike W.I. , at Monongah H. S. we had a baseball team, but did not have a track & field team. In the 1950's there was only one classification in baseball. No Class AAA, AA, or A. Only one state champion. We were a very small school, with only about 300 students in the four grades. However, in 1955, Monongah was fortunate enough to have several very good baseball players. Led by pitchers Frank DeMoss & Ron Vingle & players like Bernie Vingle (Ron's cousin), Dan Manzo & Merlin Davidson we won the W.Va. state championship, beating Weir H.S. from Weirton in the championship game. Frank & Ron went on to have minor league careers. Frank later became a scout for the Chicago Cubs, working that job until his death a few years ago. Bernie Vingle's son, Mitch, was the sports editor for the Morgantown Dominion-Post for many years, and is now sports editor of the Charleston Gazette. Merlin & Dan went on to lead Monongah to two state football championship games, one of which we won. As for me, I didn't play high school baseball, but was fortunate enough to have been part of the fine football program. As my good friend Jim Alvaro knows, we did our training at "Billy's Meadowbrook". We didn't have a weight room, so we had to do 12-ounce curls to build up our strength. Incidentally, thanks to all of the Clarksburg gang for your friendship & kind words about the annual picnic in Sarasota. Believe me, all the work is worth it just to see the smiles on all of the faces when you see a friend or classmate for the first time in many, many years. What wonderful memories. Aren't you glad you are from West Virginia?

This 1955 photo shows the male members of the Alvaro family, as submitted by Fred Alvaro Jr. The father, Fred Sr., top left, worked at Pittsburgh Plate. Jim, middle at top, graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1956. He played WI football and Babe Ruth baseball, then went on to West Virginia Wesleyan College where he played football. Freddie (Fred Jr.), top right, graduated from WI in 1959. While in WI he played football, basketball and ran track. He played on three Babe Ruth state championship teams, the one in 1956 beIng third in the national Babe Ruth World Series. He went on to Potomac State College, where he played baseball. Larry, the youngest, graduated from WI in 1967, where he played football and track. He also played Babe Ruth baseball. He went on to Columbia College in Washington, D.C., where he played football, then on to Falrmont State, where he played baseball. Freddie and Larry now reside in Columbus, Ohio, and Jim in Atlanta, GeorgIa.

submitted by: Fred Alvaro (WI '59)
FAlvaro33@aol.com
Playing baseball was a big part of my life during my younger years from age 10-17. In Little League, I played with the Clarksburg Moose; then Babe Ruth League, Zeising (Spelter). Playing baseball enabled me to meet players from all areas of Clarksburg, plus players from Lumberport, Shinnston, Bridgeport, Salem, Rosemont, Philippi and Belington. I was fortunate enough to participate in four W.Va.State championship games; one in Little League (lost) and three in Babe Ruth League (won). My first year in Babe Ruth League, we were third in the United States. This experience I will treasure forever.

Some of my teammates and opponents, who most of you can remember, were Charlie McGlumphy, Dave Hutson, Dr. Dave Hess, Bob and John Teter, Anthony Julian, McGahan brothers, Dick Frush, Mayf Nutter, Phil Carter, Gene Donaldson, 'Cotton' Thomas and many, many others. My special teammate was Bobby Secret, who I consider one of the best (if not the best) all-around athletes from Central W.Va. Bobby would hit a home run 320-350 ft. at the age of 15-- a distance same as some big league fences.

Our sponsors provided uniforms and we were responsible for our shoes and gloves, although my Uncle from Hepzibah purchased mine provided that I would play for Zeising. I also was provided bus tickets although Dave Hutson's father would give me rides to and from practice and games. Thanks Mr. Hutson. I and many other WI Class-mates regret that WI did not have a baseball team at that time. I can go and on, but I think that is enough.

submitted by: Herb Cottrill (WI '52)
herbc@vsba.org
I recall playing in the summer softball league in the early to mid-50s. Night games were played at the Clearlite field in Northview and a field in Nutter Fort. This was adult softball and was fast pitch. Teams had uniforms and equipment paid for by local business sponsors. The games were well attended and very competitive. I don't recall who coached the teams....but the league winners would go to Kansas City each year to participate in a national softball tournament. If I recall they did fairly well and one of the most well known pitchers was named Robby Robinson. Fifty some years has really dimmed my memory. I do recall that one of the players on the team I played with was a Victory graduate named Charles Wells. I played either short stop or 2b. Cannot remember any of the other players on the team mainly because not only would there be many player changes each year but most were adults.

WI did not have a baseball team. I don't recall baseball being a common sport with any HS in the area. I did play in a summer baseball league at the same time I played softball. We did a good bit of local travel (Buckhannon, Weston, Fairmont, etc.). We had full uniforms that were also paid for by local sponsors. Travel consisted of 6 to a car and we shared the gas cost. I remember playing baseball at a field in Buckhannon where a stream crossed the field behind 1st base and a corn field extended into right field. I can recall playing as many as three games in one day (baseball and softball). Two of the players on the baseball team at the time were Bob Thomas and Bob Poole of Lumberport.

Softball and baseball dominated my time in the summer. In 54-56 I coached the Moose Little League team. At one time we won 52 straight games. We practiced almost every day in the summer. Fred Alvaro (Little League All-Star) played on those Moose teams. The players came from the Broadway area (Mike Blackshire, Tom/Doug Mills, Doug Vanscoy, the Nicewarners, Ayoub, White, etc.). We had so much fine parent support from the area....it was unbelievable.

submitted by: Bob McCarty (WI '52)
Rlmccarty3@aol.com
Boy, Joe's e-mail really brought back some great memories, but unfortunately not a whole lot of specifics. I hate to admit it but Joe's recollection of the American Legion team is "right on". I only played one year on the team, the summer of 1951. (I was cut the previous year). The team was made up of guys from WI, Victory, RW, and Bridgeport (don't remember if there was anyone from St. Mary's). I don't think I'm leaving any other schools out. My memory is that the team was a good one and we got better as the season progressed. Dave Hawkins played LF and I played CF. Some of the other players on the team were Bill LaDue from Bridgeport who played 1B, Ralph Holder from Victory who played SS, and Louie LeRoy from RW who, I believe, played RF and some 2B. Unfortunately I don't remember who our pitchers and catchers were. I believe Holder pitched some. I also don't remember Sugar Vincent being on the team. If he was, I apologize to him. (Sugar, were you our catcher?) I was a big supporter of Earl Orme (even though he cut me the previous year) and really enjoyed playing for him.

As an aside, I will also always have warm remembrances of him as the coach (basketball) who first developed me as a player and, along with Clay B. Hite, prepared me for the rest of my HS and College playing days. Coach Hite was the person most responsible for me getting a scholarship to UVA.

The American Legion teams split the state in half, the Northern and Southern Sections. As I recall, our biggest competition was the team from Weston. They had a great player, Fred Wyant, who went on to be the starting QB at WVU and had a long and distinguished career as an NFL official.

There were season-ending State tournaments for both sections and we went undefeated, beating Wheeling for the northern championship in Morgantown, before losing to the southern team (don't know from where) who had a pitcher who was phenomenal I think we got one hit off of him.

Sorry I can't provide more detail, but it was a team who probably went further than anyone thought possible. Nobody gave us much of a chance to get to the finals of the northern section, let alone beat Wheeling who was a powerhouse. I think most of the players played their best ball of the summer during the tournament and I was fortunate to be the one named MVP.

Hope this provides you with some "fodder" for the Monthly WI Newsletter.

submitted by: Bryan McIntyre (WI '65)
bmcintyre@ec.rr.com
As my classmates will remember, I was never known as a star athlete. However, baseball was my favorite sport (still is - and I met Roleta Meredith for the first time at a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game in Bradenton this March 2006). My hero was Roberto Clemente. When I played outfield in little league for Dawson Mines and caught flies with a "basket catch" I was imitating Roberto, not Willie Mays. In little league days I lived on the Victory H.S. side of town and played against future W.I. classmates like Bruce Chapnick and Tom Stealey. The oddest playing field was in Stealey with the huge embankment in the outfield, kind of like the "green monster" in Boston's Fenway Park. It was at that field that I was picked off first base by left handed catcher Richard Iaquinta and the first baseman was Jim Sutton. The pitcher I feared the most was Jim Salentro. I remember batting against him when he pitched with a cast on his glove hand wrist. I think the only time I got on base against him was a walk. Then as I was trying to score from third base on an infield hit, he threw to the catcher but unfortunately the back of my head was in the way - I woke up in our dugout and immediately looked for the Ted Williams baseball card I kept in the front of my baseball cap to keep it standing up straight. I think that was the same game (at Clearlite field in Glen Elk) that I ran into the light pole in left field foul territory and was knocked out. Hmmm...two slight concussions in the same game may explain my adult behavior! Playing at our home field in Dawmont was always an adventure - we played on a field created from the outcropping of the mines, so there were always interesting pieces of slag to get imbedded into your elbows or knees if you dared to slide into 2nd or 3rd base. Dawson Mines was usually at the bottom of the standings but when I was a 12 year old we made it to the league championship. I was on third base in the last inning and when the pitcher dropped the throw when the catcher returned the ball after a pitch, I took off for home. I slid across the plate before the catcher got the throw and tagged me - I was clearly safe but the umpire called me out. Our coaches Vito Second and Sherwood Oldaker argued and were both thrown out of the game. Later the umpire told some parents that Dawson Mines "was not supposed to win the game" so the call was correct...guess being on the wrong side of town truly worked against my team! Later as a freshman at RW I made the varsity baseball team but was the absolute last player on the bench behind some great players like Tim Brinkley. Unfortunately when I came to WI as a sophomore, baseball was not a varsity sport.

submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
jpulice@msn.com
Baseball team, sure did we played on several.....favorite one was the Bakery Ally Gang....Joe Marra (58).. Frank Robinett N.D. (59)...Buddy Bise.. W.I. 58 Pat Carter. N.D. 60...Dave Patsy.. N.D. 60...Pete Secret N.D. 65...Bill Panella W.I. class of 65...Mickey Capage. N.D. 65...Guy Costello W.I. 62 Frank and Denny Mazza. W.I. 63 and 64 .....Babe Grilli N.D. 62....Bob "Seeks" Secret W. I. 60.....and myself Jim Pulice W.I. 62...If any one remembers where Tiano’s Bakery was located--- this is where we played....Most of the older fellows would knock the ball over top the houses into Baltimore street....How many windows where broken out of the Farons house. I would not want to imagine....We all played on other teams that were sponsored by a company....such as Rosco, Clearlite, Knight of Columbus. little league, Babe Ruth and American Legion...But the Best games and most memorable....were and still are...The Bakery Ally Gang

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)
JAlvaro@aol.com
top row I-r: Coach Bill Lawrence, JIm Alvaro WI ‘56, Bob Linville, Walt Shroader, Harold Brewster WI '56, Sonny Hormick, Bill Chandler

front row l-r: Ed Philco, Fred West, Bob Swiger, Bob Campbell, Larry Bostick, Ken Clifton, Bernie Cohen WI ‘56

The three of us from WI traveled to West Milford and practice for all our games. The reason was that the other players all were from that area and it was more convenient for the coach to take the three of us there than it was for all of them to try to get rides to Clarksburg. I know there are a lot of people from other schools who played in the Babe Ruth League who would have memories of playing baseball in that league. As I remember, the only league, other than the Babe Ruth League, was the American Legion and I know several people who played in that league. Maybe someone would share their experiences with us.

I played Catcher, and First Base and we played most of our games at St Brigets (SP?) Field in Stonewood and the right field fence was so short that it was an automatic double when you hit the ball between a light pole and the right field line. Also, Pete Romano who was the director of the Babe Ruth League would have a couple of little boys chase foul balls that went out of the field.

submitted by: Jim Ashley (WI '62)
Jashley4@cox.net
Another great issue last month!! I thought I'd add my own guess about the students lining up for the charter bus and say that it was more likely a trip to the state basketball tournament in a long-ago March? I remember sitting in my fifth grade class at Morgan Grade School listening to one of the WI tournament games and it's a joy to recall the excitement that surrounded those events.

You also stirred up a lot of memories by asking about baseball teams that we played on. In 1954, I tried out for the Rusco Glass Little League team. There were no "minor" league teams such as they have today and you either made the team or you didn't play. The day that they announced the roster, my name was on it and my friends were thrilled as much for me making the team as they were in having a ride to the field with my dad since their own dads didn't have shifts that made it easy for them to get transportation. We all showed up at practice the next day to get our uniforms and caps and when the coach went down the list of names for the uniforms, I was no longer on the roster. I just sat in the bleachers until my dad came to pick us all up after practice and I never got up enough nerve to ask the coach what had happened. My dad was too angry to ask, so being dropped from the roster will always be a mystery (although, when I got older and learned about "league age" for Little League, I came to suspect it was because they saw that my birthday was on the cutoff date for determining age and that I was actually only 9 for league purposes while everyone else was 10 or older). I never tried out again in future years, but I loved going to see my friends play at the VA Hospital field and was immensely envious of those woolen uniforms they got to wear in all that summer heat.

The (eventual) happy ending to the story is that I've coached approximately 30 different Little League, LL All Star, Babe Ruth, and CYO teams over the years and have always given just a hint more attention to the development and enjoyment of the kids who needed a little boost. I also spent many years as a member of the local Little League's board of directors and implemented programs to increase the enrollment of girls into Little League, to expand opportunities for the Challenger Program, and to provide assistance to lower income families who wanted their children to be part of league play. My youngest son and I are ready to graduate out of Little League this summer, his 12 year old season. He's already playing (and I'm already coaching) his CYO team for 7th and 8th graders, marking the fifth year that I've coached for more than one team in the same season (my wife has her own thoughts on this, but she's not from West Virginia, so she doesn't get to make those comments here; come to think of it, we're also not going to let my sons comment either since one of the happiest days of my older son's life was when he started playing high school baseball and no longer had me as his coach).

I had a long career playing adult softball and I think I enjoyed the trophies more than any other person on the team (I was playing with 20 year olds when I was in my 40's and hated to finally admit that I was just too slow to keep up with them).....can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy coaching youth teams!! My own kids got a lot of athletic talent from my wife (8 kids in her family and they all played high school sports and 2 brothers and 1 sister went on to play college sports)....our two sons have rung up a ton of all star selections, so always have that vicarious thrill of seeing them get their awards)

I stretched out my kids from 1967 through 1993 and have the somewhat dubious distinction of having fathered a child in four different decades ;-) .....and as they say at the academy awards, let me extend my appreciation to the wives without whom I could not have made it where I am today (even if there was that unfortunate thing about the house, car, and bank accounts :'( )

ps: Roleta, my apologies for adding another email to your reading list, but thought you'd enjoy an addendum to our baseball story.

I just received notification that my 12 year old, Dan, has been named to the roster of a northern Virginia regional team that will be playing in an August tournament in Cooperstown, NY. I have also been offered an opportunity to be an assistant coach for the team, but that is based a lot more on my willingness to live in a dormitory with the other coaches and a million twelve year olds, while the other parents are in hotels, than it is about any coaching ability that I may have.

This will give Dan a chance to see his cousin's plaque (Goose Goslin) in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I grew up listening to my dad's stories about playing baseball with Goslin. He and my dad were born a year apart and played together on semi-pro teams in southern New Jersey before Goslin went on to his professional career. My dad once got to hit against another Hall of Fame player, Satchel Paige, during a barn-storming tour that took Paige's team through New Jersey. Although my dad never got to play professional baseball, his job as a glass cutter certainly came in handy whenever the kids in our neighborhood broke a window while playing ball. A fresh pane of glass from PPG was never far behind. The closest I came to glory was being named after my grandfather (James Goslin Ashley).....maybe if my mom had agreed to keep the middle name instead of coming up with a new one, I'd be in the Hall of Fame too?

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JTETER@balmar.com
I played LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL during my younger days living in Clarksburg. I played for the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS and played at several ball fields in the Clarksburg area, extending to Salem and Fairmont, but I do not remember playing any games in Bridgeport (which would be kinda weird NOT playing in Bridgeport).

I played EVERY POSITION possible on a baseball team, the most HATED POSITION being behind home plate and playing CATCHER. I am still not sure how I got talked into playing that position, but I can remember Anthony Julian also playing catcher, so it might have just been for one game (which would explain the BRAIN FADE that I had).

A lot of our games were played at a field at Veteran's Park that was up from the road, between the hospital and the river, and a lot of our games were in Norwood Park and Broadview (?).

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM 1955

PLAYERS on the team, but not in the same order of the pic.

Jr, Mc (not sure who this is or what the name is)
Clarence Gross
Pat Kelly
Hoppy Junkins
Bobby Comer
Jim Pratt
Boesti Berger (not sure who this is or what the name is)
Jeff George
Dick Overmeyer
Carl Smith
JOHN TETER
Louis Martino
George Reeves
Paul Dillmore

Front row left is Paul Dillmore
Front row right is JOHN TETER

Middle row left is Carl Smith
Middle row right is Jeff George

submitted by: Jim Warren (WI '56)
tanniswarren@hotmail.com
Dear Roleta, Jim doesn't do computer or e-mail--but here goes. I got him to look up an old scrapbook that his mom kept, here is some info. I'll let you edit.

There was little league--teams were Ziesing Ac, Clarksburg Moose, Cities-Service team

Jim was on Clearlite, Clarksburg Elk, Shinnston, Lumberport, West Milford

They played at St. Bridget's Field, Norwood Park, Rolland Field, Clearlite Field, Ziesing, Shinnston, and Lumberport. The transportation was mostly by parents. In 1952-53 He played for WVA mine Supply on the Little Bigger League--also playing in the leagues: were Ron Grow, Sonny Malfregeot and Ed Christie. Uniforms were provided by sponsors, and balls and bats came for League Fees.

There was a Stealey Midgets Softball Team. Sponsored by Harold A Darnall Agency. Coached by Harold Darnall. Members were Jim Warren, Jim and Dave Hutson, Bob Willett, Dick Hall, Bob Hart, Neil Armour, Bernie Gregory, Tom Hostutler, John Allen, Don Moran, Jim Lunsford, Sidney Beauchamp and David Criss. I don't know what year.

Finally, the Babe Ruth League--Teams were Clarksburg Moose and Rotary. Jim played for Rotary, Broadway Reds, Pittsburg Plate, Clearlite, Ziezing, Garden Fresh, Bridgeport Lions Shinnston Moose, and Lumberport. He said the big team was Ziesing--1954. Team members were Donnie Martin, Ed Christie, Ted Waroblack, Jim Warren Bill and Jim White, VanVoornis, McGowan, Gulas Spencer, Monteith, Dennison and Duncan.

There was no baseball team at WI only RW. Jim ran track in the spring.

HIGH SCHOOL MAJORETTES
Look how similar the uniforms were for the high school majorettes from WI and RW. Styles were so important then.

submitted by: Janice Hall McPherson (WI '65)
JanMcPhrs@aol.com
Yes, I was a majorette and I remember the beautiful Blue and gold uniforms. Putting on the leg make-up was a definite challenge and did funny things to your legs in later years but all is good now.

The thing I remember most was the camaraderie we had and the wonderful times at all the games even in the snow and rain. Margie Glass was our twirler and very good and then there was Boo........does anyone remember Boo? She was my big sister in Lambda's and how I loved her.......would love an update on her because, guess what, I eventually married a guy she had a crush on from Philippi, Jim McPherson...........ha, ha small world.........my first marriage gave me a wonderful son name Solomon Blake Sorrells but alas, we did not last even though we were deeply in love. Life certainly has it's twists and turns. Jim is wonderful and is a coal miner. One of the guys recently killed lived right out the road. Yes, we live up a holler.......pretty far back in, about 5 miles.........I certainly do remember all the times on the bus going to all the away games and my boyfriend was so loyal at the time and so very good to me. Like I said...........life takes many turns.

Of course we did some ornery things like the time we put bubble gum in someone's hair on the bus getting ready for a parade..........that was not nice and for the life of me I don't know why we did that but we did. I guess girls will be girls.

WI sure was a great school and we were all so blessed to have grown up at that place in that time. I use to tell my mother when she was living that I wish my son would have had half the fairy-childhood that I had. We did not lock the doors and if you were cross town and did something wrong........you guessed it............your Mom knew it before you even got home. Those were the days........

Kind Regards to ALL

submitted by: Pat Sprout Newbrough (RW '57)
rich.newbrough@sympatico.ca
Sandra Zickefoose's story of being a majorette brought back memories for me as I was a majorette at R-W. Those were really fun times, parades, football & basketball games, the festivals, and the bus rides. We had those starched white uniforms also and it’s true we couldn't sit without our skirt standing straight up our back since it was too stiff to bend. We had our regular red & grey uniform plus the white one. We only used the white one in warmer weather. At the games we always did a baton routine with the band at half time and most exciting was twirling fire.....that was quite a fete! I love marching bands and that is something we miss at Canadian Football Games. For some reason marching bands and halftime shows are not a part of Canadian Football. Also, not to forget Danny Sayer who was always down in the end zone taking our pictures either before or after the game. Of course if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have the many pictures of the fun we had, since none of us carried cameras like we do today.

submitted by: Martha Pulice Williams (WI '64)
mwilliams9@msn.com
When Mr.John Puffenbarger called out my name to say I was picked to be a majorette, I high stepped all the way over the Fourth St. Bridge going home that day. It was such an exciting time to be a part of our band.

Edith Kline, Carol Tibbs, Susan Beakes, Sherry Emory, Penny Shanaman were also called. Our drum majors were Linda Ferguson and Pam Wygal. We were all good friends and shared so many many laughs and good times at home and away games. Barney Yeager was in the band and he was always there to carry our hats, batons, or get us snacks or drinks if we had to stay in formation.

It was always fun going to the V.F.W. dances after the games and then to Twin Oaks for hoagies. I loved every minute of my high school years. I got to spend one year there with my sister Mary Jo and two years with my brother Jimmy. Now, that will have to be another story!!!!!!!!! Ha ha,,,,,,,

WI CLASS OF 1961
Perhaps you would like to read a little about the WI Class of 1961….here is your website;

http://www.wihs1961.com/

REUNION PLANS
Below is the schedule for the reunion for the class of 1961 coming up July 21st - 22nd, 2006 in Clarksburg. If anyone has any questions and/or comments, please E-mail John Teter at JTETER@BALMAR.COM and/or JATETER@AOL.COM.

They are still missing 3 classmates that we have not been able to find anything about them over the past 5 years, and now they are missing UPDATED ADDRESSES for another 8 people.

Linda Brown, Nancy Diamond, Catherine Henline, Constance Kittle, Robert Nichols, Patricia Patrick, Sue Rudd, Patricia MAE Taylor, William Taylor, John Wagner and Roger (Toby) Wise.

If anybody knows anything about these 11 people, please contact jteter@balmar.com.

CLASS OF 1961 45TH REUNION
Our 45th class reunion will be held on July 21 & 22, 2006 at the Village Square Conference Center, Rt. 19 S. The schedule is shown below. A map and list of motels in the area are enclosed.

The fee will be $50 for the graduate and $90 per couple. Please make your check payable to the W. I. Class of 1961 and mail it to:
W. I. Class of 1961
C/o Charlene Leon
32 Lewis Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2006

7:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.	Registration & informal get-together
	Wings, veggie, cheese & fruit trays.
	Music by D.J. Ed Morrison

SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006

9:00 a.m.	Golf Outing, Bel Meadow Country Club, Route 20
	(Golf fees payable to BMCC)
10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.	Tour of alma mater & the memorabilia room at Robert C. Byrd High School
11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.	Veteran’s Park, Box Lunch, Mini Golf Tournament
	(Golf fees payable at course)
6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.	Social Hour Photograph at 6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.	Buffet Dinner & Program
9:00 p.m.- 12:00 p.m.	Music by D.J.- Ed Morrison

Contact John Teter at 703-658-2888 or E-mail at jteter@balmar.com or Elizabeth S. Layton at 304-622-4755 or E-mail at ekl120@aol.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in July.

Please return this portion whether you plan to attend or not; so that the reunion committee will be able to determine that all classmates have been contacted. Thank you.

____ NO, I will not be able to attend
____ YES, I will attend the following events.

	Number	Amount
Friday & Saturday evenings (Single $55, Couple $90)	______	$_______
Saturday - Veteran’s Park (Single $8, Couple $14)	______	$_______
Picture ($10 per picture)	______	$_______
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE	______	$_______
Balance due by June 15, 2006	______	$_______

Golf - Bel Meadow Country Club ______

1961 CLASSMATE HONORED
Gregory Jaranko, (WI Class of 1961) has been promoted to the position of Director of Mechanical and Electrical Services for the Mid-Atlantic Region for his company Clark Construction of Washington, D. C. Gregory joined Clark in 1986 as an MEP coordinator after working several years as the contract manager for a national mechanical company. In his early years with Clark, he focused on life safety and commissioning requirements for projects, during which he developed relationships with local fire marshals, design engineers and commissioning companies. As a senior MEP manager, Gregory continued to develop his expertise on mechanical and electrical systems on a variety of notable projects in the Mid-Atlantic Region, including the FBI Washington Metropolitan Field Office, MCI Center, U. S.Botanic Gardens, NIST Advanced Measurements Laboratory, Washington Convention Center, Discovery Communications Headquarters as well as the University of Maryland's Kim Engineering Building. At present, one of his major projects is the partial renovation of the famous Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. In addition to his role in the field, Gregory is actively involved in developing a series of classes for Clark's Corporate University, including a Basic MEP, Advanced MEP and MEP continuing education course for coordinators and other field employees. Gregory holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University. He is LEED certified and a member of the National Fire Protection Agency and Automatic Fire Alarm Association. Gregory is recognized by the GSA as an expert in the MEP field. He and his wife and two sons, Greg and Brad, live in West Virginia. He is the son of Dr. Arreta Jaranko (WI class of 1940) and the late Harry G. Jaranko and is the nephew of Darrell M. Radcliffe,CE, (WI class of 1944) of Bridgeport, WV.

WI CLASS OF 1946 TO HAVE REUNION
submitted by: Dian Gantz Hurley (WI '46)
WIHSclassof1946@aol.com
The Washington Irving High School Classes of 1945 and 1946 will hold a 61st and 60th Reunion, respectively, on Saturday, June 24, 2006. It will take place at The Holiday Inn on Bridgeport Hill. The one day event will begin at 12:00 PM with a "get together," to just visit, get reacquainted and enjoy each others company. Finger foods will be offered. This get together will end around 3:00PM. At 6:00PM there will be a sit down dinner. Entrees will be Prime Rib, Stuffed Chicken Breast and/or Lemon Baked Cod. Appropriate sides will accompany these entrees. There will be a cash bar for those who desire this service. The cost will be $50 for each classmate attending. Reservations must be made by the 20th of May. Letters will be sent to those who have indicated they plan to attend. Letters will also be sent to those folk and the classmates that have not been replied to post cards sent last month.

Reservations for the classmates of 1945 should be sent to:
Polly Costlow Dennison
306 Davis Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301

The classmates of 1946 may send theirs to:
Edith Post Cooper
3340 Pinnickinnick St
Clarksburg, WV 26301

The post cards gave another address for that class's replies, due to the illness and death of Edith's husband John. Our sympathies and prayers go out to her. We are glad she is able to once again lend her able assistance with this reunion. She has always worked in the position of Reunion Secretary for the class of 1946 in the past.

AWARD GIVEN TO JOHN STEALEY (WI 1959)
Amazing the things one can find while surfing the web!

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!

Hey, everyone check it out !

http://www.shepherd.edu./university/releases/2006/stealey.html

SHOP CLASSES AT WI
submitted by: Burlin Tustin
Burlin_C_Tustin@Dom.com
Reading the news letter this morning brought back a story I remember about Mr. Hall's shop class. If I remember right, we had to walk to Central for shop from WI for one or two periods and then back up the hill to school.

Mr Hall was famous for teaching the proper name for each tool & the proper use of each tool for the job. He would become irate if you didn't abide by this practice.

So---one day during shop class a friend of mine, was working on a project and proceeded to ask one of the other boys to hand him a wrench.

The boy said "what kind of wrench do you want?" and my friend's reply was. It doesn't matter; I'm going to use it for a hammer anyway!

Well Mr. Hall was in hearing range & went ballistic !!!

CAN YOU SAY WHUUPPING!!!!
Out came the paddle & I swear when he swung that paddle, it actually sounded like it was whistling a tune. He lifted that boy about a foot or two every time he smacked him. Thank goodness he only gave him five or six licks with that thing.

Needless to say we all were very careful what we said in class from then on. It got the point across. That young man went on to be a Shop teacher in the Maryland school system for thirty years. He stopped by the other day & informed me he was retired--said he couldn't deal with the kids anymore.

It’s a real shame when the teacher can't discipline anymore for fear of being sued.

STILL REMEMBERING THE FUN AT THE CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC IN SARASOTA
Pictured below are Dottie Tygart Rutan (WI '58), Kay Lawson Adair (WI '58) and Joan Johnston Hart (WI '55).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

The next Clarksburg Reunion Picnic will be held in Sarasota, Florida on Saturday, March 3, 2007.

SEE YOU THERE!

PRECIOUS CHILD IN MARCH
EDITOR’S NOTE: This email was received too late for the newsletter last month….the cut off date is the 24th of the month. However, I saved this for this month as it is such a nice letter written by Penny Christie.

This month's precious child has to be Dottie Spears Rinehart.......Dottie and I belonged to the First United Presbyterian Church together besides going to Towers grade school.. She was a great majorette for the WI band too...One of the best times that we had in high school was going out to her family cabin on Lake Floyd and spending the night...I remember the spaghetti dinner we all prepared....Judy Wolf taught me the secret of a great Italian salad by rubbing garlic onto the wooded salad bowl before putting in the greens...What a fun time. Dottie's mom was a really nice person I remember...great memories Dottie!!!!! Penny Christie Johnson (1960)

PRECIOUS CHILD IN APRIL

April's Precious Child was Buzz Floyd Victory 1956.

PRECIOUS CHILD FOR MAY

Do you recognize the above child? Do him a favor, write to the newsletter with your guess as to the identity and include a little memory of that person. Write to Roleta1@aol.com. Only correct guesses with a memory will be included in the newsletter due to space. I am sure this person would love to know someone remembers him.

WAS THERE A CLARKSBURG FLAG?
I would guess from your response that you had no idea and you didn’t care to participate by voting. The answer is YES there was a Clarksburg flag. Two people responded with:

I forgot to vote “Yes” Clarksburg has a flag. Ron Harvey (WI ’55)

AND:

Pertaining to the Clarksburg City Flag I have an original story on it's birth if I can locate it. Also I am owner of an original Clarksburg City flag. My father bought it when they were sold I think in 1924. The original flag date was 1923. Real nice letter as usual. [Freddie-VHS-1946]

YEAR BOOK WANTED
submitted by: Barbara Smith Elder (WI '57)
Bse57@hotmail.com
Hi all. I have a request if anyone out there can help. I graduated with the class of 1957, but my family moved to Columbus Ohio in 1963. My parents are both deceased but my sister, Jo Ann would have graduated in 1966. She has asked me to see if I could possibly find someone who might want to sell or whatever a 1966 year book. We all went to Morgan, then Central and her and my brother, Jim Sutton started at W.I. but of course they graduated from Columbus High Schools. My baby brother, John only attended Morgan before the move. So if any one can give any info on a 1966 year book, I would be very willing to pay for the book and mailing charges.
Please e-mail me if you can help.
Thanks so much,

BIRTHDAY PARTY

picture submitted by: Nancy Ogren Anderson
NancyOA@aol.com
In the April newsletter we ran the above picture ……Now for the rest of the story:

The Birthday Party Picture the people are:

Back row, left to right: Mary Devine, Sue Dennison, Saundra Coffindaffer, Nancy Van Horn, Margaret Spicer.

Front row, left to right: Nancy Ogren, Connie Thompson, Darlene Sweeney, Suzette Van Horn, Judy Dennison (deceased), Carol Van Horn.

Hope this does some good, and is what you are looking for.

Names provided by: Mark VanHorn.

NEW READERS

Mary Virginia Duncan Johnson Wilke (WI '55)	mwdusty1@aol.com
June Hoffer Albright (WI '49) and Dick Albright (WI '47)	jada50@earthlink.net
Bob Fazzini (WI '58)	Papa-fuzzy@comcast.net
James E. Callis (attended WI from '50 to '52 then transferred to Greenbrier Military)	jamesedwardcallis@hotmail.com
Suzette Van Horn (attended Morgan but graduated from Bristol)	vanhorne@nbnet.nb.ca
Dave Gianettino (VHS ’58)	dgianettino@charter.net
Carol Shinn Schweiker (WI '56)	cschweiker@yahoo.com
Nancy Ogren Anderson (Would have been WI '56)	NancyOA@aol.com
Jo Ann Reed Carini Sharber (WI '54)	cnjsharber@frontiernet.net

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS

Ruth Anne Martin Hill (WI '59)	ruthanne@atlanticbb.net
Marty Elliott (WI '57)	Rustyelliott@aol.com
Robert J. Dennison (WI '57)	wvcarolinasue@ma.rr.com
Jeanne Walters Webster (WI '59)	jeanneis@peoplepc.com

NAME TO BE ERASED FROM MY FILES
Below are several names of people who will be erased from my notification list and my email file. These names have been bouncing back to me and the mail has not been delivered to them. It may be that I forgot to erase an old name when one of these people sent me a new email address, or it may be that they got a new server and didn’t notify me. Anyway, if you know any of these people, let them know that I don’t have their new address and they are off!

BarbarioL@verizon.net---I don’t know to whom this email belongs.
Bill226301@yahoo.net---Bill Bowie (WI 1962)
Boom36@tds.net---no name
cterango@citynet.net---Connie Combs Terango (WI 1961)
Debevan445@hotmail.com---David Bevan (WI 1961)
haartbella@msn.com---no name
Lmoran44@cox.net---Lee Galdwin Moran (Salem HS 1962)
Jdaviswedia@wi.rr.com---Jane Davis Weida (WI 1962)
Kato@clasicnet.com---Mickey Drummond (WI 1960)
Maple@software.org---no name
Armer1@attbi.com---Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI 1957)
Madcw9@iolinc.net---Charlie Wagner (WI 1955)
Mutzing@aol.com---no name
nandreh@localnet.com---Nancy Andre Hatton (WI 1952)
Rdc1920@webtv.net---Regina Dare Conaway (WI 1938)
Tocommor1@verizon.net---no name
tgarrett@access.k12.wv.us---Tom Garrett
WKWhaley@cs.com---Warren Whaley (WI 1958)
edavis@midlandpaper.com---Eugene Davis (WI 1959)

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
submitted by: Jerry Hustead (WI '63)
JJHustead@aol.com
In the April issue Dr.Ron Cleavenger wrote about the paddling at Central Junior High. Do you remember the "Banana boat" song?

I was in a seventh grade class with Joe Tammara. Joe was singing the Banana boat song. "Day-O....Day-O .... Day ay ay O" daylight come and he wan' a go home". The teacher grabbed Joe by the arm, had him bend over the table and said "Now sing Day-O you day-go SOB". How humiliating to a 14 year old. I will never forget the look of hatred on that teacher’s face.

Does anyone remember that Coach Bond would use a "Two handed" paddle with holes when he held court in the lunch room? The teacher mentioned in the above story at Central was not Coach Bond.

submitted by: Bob Fazzini (WI '58)
Papa-fuzzy@comcast.net

I'll start this e-mail by introducing myself. My name is Robert Fazzini Class of 58 WI. I left Clarksburg in the same year by joining the Air Force, which I made into a carrier of 22.5 years. I retired form the Air Force in 1980. During that time I got married, raised two sons and lived in many places around the world. I now live in Tacoma, Washington on the left coast. I visit family and friends in Clarksburg about every two years.

I received an e-mail from Carol Dean the other day with photos of your picnic last month. I wish I would have known about it before hand I may have taken the time to go. This is why I would like to be put on your list of WI events.

submitted by: Corrine Tiennebaumn Levy (WI '59)
krinee12@yahoo.com

Yes I still want to receive the newsletter. It certainly brings back all kinds of memories. In September I started classes at the Univ. of Pittsburgh. I am studying 17th century art and architecture. So I have been spending most of my time reading and doing research. It takes the old brain a while to comprehend and process all of the material!!!. Hope all is well with you and your family.

submitted by: Mary Virginia Duncan (Johnson) Wilke (WI '55)
mwdusty1@aol.com

I would like to be put on your mailing list for the newsletter. I have really enjoyed reading all & seeing all the pictures. I graduated WI in 1955 & last fall attended my 50 reunion. It was so very nice & I really enjoyed seeing all my former classmates! I look forward to another reunion in 5 years.

Thank you all for the Salt Rising Bread recipe. This was my favorite homemade bread when I was growing up & it is a hard recipe to find! Mom always baked white bread, which was good, but on the day she baked the salt rising, we all knew - it really smells BAD when baking but is so very GOOD to taste!!

I, also, have a recipe for you. Hope this is what you want. It was given to me by a neighbor lady, Mrs. DeMundo in the 50's. I made them for years for my family.

PIZZA PEPPERS
1/2 bushel of tomatoes, cook tomatoes until tender.

Put tomatoes back on stove. Add handful of salt, basil leaf, oregano, 3 cloves of garlic & 1 tablespoon baking soda. Cook 45 minutes slowly or until sauce has thickened. Cut up 1/2 bushel of green bell peppers & add to sauce. Just bring to boil. Put into jars & seal quickly.

(These were especially good on pizza but also, between slices of Italian bread.)

Bernice McHenry was asking for Judith Schlicker Bower address. It is 5315 Boulvard Place, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Speaking of WI & the teachers: I, too, had teacher that taught my Mom. Mrs. Moore was a Home EC teacher & she still taught the formal tea party. Tea & scones were delicious but I never gave a tea party of that size. Mrs. Hollins was also her teacher.

At Towers, when I attended, Miss Robinson was the principal & held the paddle. I saw it but never experienced it, thank goodness! I had Miss Heater for 6th grade & she always reminded me of the "Wicked Witch of the North".

I attended Central & some may remember me as the Popcorn Girl. That helped me to get over my shyness.

I started school in Bridgeport where I was born & lived until I was 9 yrs. When we moved to Clarksburg, I attended Linden for 1 1/2 yrs & then Towers.

Our Easter Sundays were great. We held Sunrise Services at the Chapel on the hill at the Bridgeport Cemetery. Now that might sound gruesome, but it was a beautiful place. We always had special new clothes for Easter & always a jacket, because it snowed some Easters. My Mom made our Easters very special, even when we were grown. She made all our Holidays special.

Well, I had better close for now. I am looking forward to the next newsletter. Thank you for making it available to all of us.

submitted by: Becky Hollandsworth Day (WI '59)
name@server.com

I am always glad to get the newsletter - I'm just too busy trying to keep up with my full-time job and other organizational commitments. I have forwarded the newsletter on to my brother John and to my sister-in-law who knows many of the Clarksburg gang.

I saw the picture of Kay Lawson at the picnic and I grew up with Kay - her house backed up to the lot where my Dad had his playground - his garden. We worked ourselves silly in the garden picking beans and hoeing corn. It was nice to see a picture of Kay. My older sister, Ann, grew up with Carolyn, Kay's older sister who married Doug Bailey.

I'll try to come up with some stuff this summer while I'm off work a bit.

Get my sister Donna to come to the picnic - she's in Cape Coral.

submitted by: Erma Loria Uhle (WI '59)
ErmaUhle@aol.com

Roleta, thanks for telling me about the newsletter about my brother. I was at the Hall of Fame when he was inducted and my nephew did a great speech. This past Nov. it has been 35 years and they still honor my brother every year. MGM is going to make a film this year and it will be in the theaters sometime next year. Tell the person who remembered my bother as a ballerina that I can remember him singing in a play when he was in grade school. He was a very talented guy. If he would have lived, he would probably been coaching Va. Tech. were he went to college with Beamer, the coach now. He left 3 children who now have 6 grandchildren and one of them is named Frank Paul Loria III. He would have been proud. I loved and miss him very much. Thanks again for a great news letter. I hope to see you next year at the winter picnic.

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

I really enjoyed all the FL picnic pictures. It was the next best thing to being there. One of these days I'm going to make the FL picnic. However it is difficult to leave Southern Arizona in March. Low humidity and a near zero Mosquito population is a hard combination to beat. And the March temperature is about the same as Florida. I wonder if there are enough Clarksburg People in Southern Arizona in March for an Arizona picnic?

submitted by: Anne Pears Jones (WI '58)
anannaj@earthlink.net

HOT PEPPERS IN TOMATO SAUCE

Sweet green peppers

For one peck:	For one bushel:
1 cup sliced onions	3 cups sliced onions
1 cup ground hot peppers (1 lb.)	3 cups ground hot peppers
4 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce	2 (6 lb. 9 oz) cans tomato sauce or 8 (1 lb. 14 oz) cans
2 small cans tomato puree	2 (15 oz) cans tomato puree
½ cup sugar	2 cups sugar
1 quart cooking oil	1 gallon vegetable oil

Add salt, basil, onion, parsley and garlic salt to suit taste.

Grind hot peppers in food chopper. For hotter sauce you may prefer to use more hot peppers and onions. Cover ground peppers and onions with water and cook dry.

In large kettle, combine tomato sauce, puree, sugar and seasonings. Add cooked onions and hot peppers.

Heat two inches of oil in a large roaster. Add as many sweet peppers as will cook at once. Continue to cook until peppers are as tender as you like. Dip peppers out of oil, a pint or quart at a time into a saucepan; add some of the tomato mixture and bring to a boil. Pack in hot jar and seal with hot lid.

You will need to add oil each time peppers are added to the roaster.

Peppers should be washed thoroughly and dried before slicing. They can be prepared the night before canning so some of the water evaporates from them before frying. Spread on dish towels in a single layer to dry.

I think my mother used hot banana peppers for the hot peppers

This recipe was given to Miriam Pears by Mrs. Charles Brannon and is now submitted by Anne Pears Jones, WI ’58. I have never prepared this recipe, but when mother did it, it tasted like Oliverio’s!

submitted by: Frances Tate Barrett (WI '50)
flmom1cat4@juno.com

I think the picture in the April Newsletter is the angle inn by the Hartland Planing Mill where Pike and Main St. separate.

Some one in a past Newsletter was mentioning their gym teacher. I remember mine all too well. Her name was Jacquline Simpson. I don't think I ever did anything to her satisfaction all the time I had her for a teacher.

submitted by: Nancy Ogren Anderson (Would have been WI '56)
NancyOA@aol.com

Thanks for putting my letter and photo in the April newsletter!

I received letters from two people today as a result - what fun!

Then I had to write to my brother, Ron, to get the URL so I could go and look at your newsletter - well that was so much fun that I decided I'd like to be on the mailing list and have my address posted on the website. I would have been in the class of 1956 if I had stayed in Clarksburg. Thanks again -

submitted by: Jo Ann Reed Carini Sharber (WI '54)
cnjsharber@frontiernet.net

Hi Roleta, I don't think that I know you, however, Mary Elizabeth Carder and I graduated in 1954. She forwarded a copy of the WI Newsletter, and it was the first I knew of any such publication. If you are doing all of this, you certainly are doing a great job. As I said, I graduated in 1954 and for three years Shirley Vickers and I were the Drum Majors for good ole Mr. Mayer. Someone mentioned in your article that they remembered big fuzzy hats. Well, that's what we wore. We wore long pants and jackets with the gold braid all across the front. The Majorettes behind us wore the skirts. I think we had six or eight majorettes. I have some pictures, but unfortunately do not have a "scanner" so can't forward them. However, I will try to get a copy of some of the band pictures on our digital and maybe I can send them to you later.

I was glad to see that the Obituaries were mentioned, especially since "Dutch" Schulte was on this last list. He lived here in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee with his wife Sue. She has been my best and closest friend for at least 40 years, and Dutch was the Best Man in my wedding back in 1956. I married Dick Carini and we had 5 children. In fact my 3 boys were Pall Bearers at Dutch's funeral. Dick passed away and I have been married to my current husband for 27 years. All my children live in the Nashville area. I also have 15 grandchildren. We were back in Clarksburg a couple of weeks ago, since Sue had a visitation for Dutch there also. He was then buried in Holy Cross cemetery. I would like to be added to your list of e-mail contacts Thanks for listening, I didn't mean to "Ramble".

submitted by: Carol Shinn Schweiker (WI '56)
cschweiker@yahoo.com

I have been receiving the newsletter via a forward from Mary Ellen Killingsworth Shachat for over a year now and I think that it is time for the newsletter to come to me directly.

Thanks for all the extraordinary work that you do on the newsletter, I know that so many people have felt reconnected to "home" because of it.

A NEW SECTION OF THE NEWSLETTER
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith
As you know the newsletter has helped many people find old friends and “new” relatives. I have always honored requests from people who were trying to locate someone. Since most of you know you can write to the newsletter concerning this, we are now hoping it will become a monthly thing. Just write to Roleta1@aol.com with the name of the person you wish to find and any other details you have about that person. We would like to have the name, high school, and year of graduation, plus any other information…for instance, the married name if it is a female, any activities or hobbies the person might be involved in or their profession. Sometimes a person might belong to an organization which would give a hint….We hope that each of you will read this section and help in any way you can with information.

Now to lead us off: this month we are looking for Sue Rudd (WI 1960) Sue lived on Milford Street near Duff Street in Stealey. Prior to living in Stealey, she lived in Rocky Mt., N.C. Any clues? Write to me at Roleta1@aol.com....Thanks..

MEMORIES FOR DISCUSSION
Please write to me with your memories of the 5 and 10 cent stores in downtown Clarksburg. What were their names and which one was your favorite shopping spot…..and why? Did you ever work in one of these stores after school on Monday or Friday evening, Saturday (the Blue Law was in effect when I lived in Clarksburg and there was never any shopping downtown on Sundays) or did you have a summer job at one of the 5 and 10 cent stores? (I really don’t remember many things only costing 5 or 10 cents do you?) Please write to me with your memories…these will be put in the June issue of the newsletter. Write Roleta1@aol.com.

READING THE NEWSLETTER
Remember, most of the things in this newsletter never go out of date---heck, most of the newsletter is out of date before it appears on the computer the first time. That is the way it is supposed to be….20% current information (if we are lucky) and 80% memories….(give or take a % or two). If you are one of the newer readers who didn’t receive the notices about the newsletter about 6 years and nine months ago when it started, you might have missed some very interesting things that you would like to read. It can all be yours. Judy Daugherty Kimler came up with an idea of a way to earn money for the WIN Scholarship by saving all of the past issues of the newsletter on a CD and selling that CD for $10.00. All profit from the sale of the CD goes to the WIN Scholarship fund. Judy’s efforts have earned several hundred dollars for the scholarship. If you are interested in purchasing one of these CD’s, please contact Judy at jkimler@verizon.net.

PROGRESS OF THE 2006 WIN SCHOLARSHIP
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com
Bill and I stopped in Clarksburg in September 2005 at R.C. Byrd High School and had a meeting with Jim Moore, one of the school counselors. At that meeting we described how the scholarship got it’s name and how many of the caring readers contributed to make this dream of mine come true. The dream being that this newsletter would have a purpose for those of us from the past---by keeping us in touch with classmates and friends; .a purpose for today---by helping us stay connected and regain the pride we have of our high schools and our town---and most importantly to have a purpose in the future by helping a student in Clarksburg with their college expenses. We talked about the application for the scholarship and the things we thought were important for the application. Jim Moore and several other members of R.C. Byrd worked up an application and faxed me a copy. I changed a few things and deleted some thus fine tuning a great job they had done to meet with my expectations. Mid April I again spoke to Jim and he assured me everything was in progress and the scholarship applications were being considered. The scholarship this year will be for $1,000.00 to one graduate and will be awarded at the Senior Awards Assembly.

Thanks again to so many of you readers who cared enough to contribute. The contributions have been from $2.00 and up. I never disclose how much anyone gives as some struggle to give $2.00 and others easily give much more. Each person is giving from their heart and every dollar helps.

This month those who cared enough to share were:

George W. Scholl (WI 1952) in memory of his brother Jerry Scholl (WI 1954)

Jerry Winerman (WI 1957)

I just know all of you care enough to see this dream continue, I know you want to send a gift but have just put it off or just forget. I have a positive attitude and I am sure you do also. Now is the time to stop and stick a check or a few dollars in a letter and send to:

Roleta Meredith
3201 Chares MacDonald Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34240

MAKE CHECKS OUT TO: Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship.

THANKS

TRIVIA PICTURE FOR APRIL
EDITOR’S QUESTION: Why was the Planing Mill called the Hartland Planing Mill---this area wasn’t Hartland. Was it at one time located in Hartland and moved there or were the owners from Hartland and wanted to pay homage to the area? Does anyone know? I don’t….Write to me with your comments….Roleta1@aol.com.

submitted by: Bill May (WI '63)
billmay@bellsouth.net
Looks like West Milford Street to me, or just before it became West Milford. I think that Main and Pike streets join in the background towards town. Many of us who lived in Stealey walked to and from school passed by this location daily. On the left are Rokiski's Esso Station, and I think Hartland Planing Mill is the tan building in the background.

What is that funky white stuff on the streets? We don't have any of that in Florida.

submitted by: Don Marple (WI '53)
dmarple@bellsouth.net
This is the confluence -- or split -- of Main and Pike Streets near the West End. You can see the Ford Dealer across the street. The Esso Station and Skidmore Motors are gone now. The car on Main Street is a Buick, I think, probably a 1950s model. There was a monument dealer -- O. A. Jones -- a little farther down Main, in the direction the Buick is traveling.

I lived a few blocks away, on Mulberry Avenue, from 1947 until I went away to college after graduating from WI in 1953. My Mother still lives there.

I'm sure about this one; it's in my ol' stompin' grounds.

submitted by: Bob Feltner (WI '63)
bobf@cfl.rr.com
This is a picture of the intersection in the west end of Clarksburg where two-way East Pike Street splits into Main St. (one-way eastbound) and Pike St. (one-way west). My "educated guess" is that it must have been the winter of 1949 - '50. My reasoning for this is that the Buick driving up the street looks like a '49 or '50 model. Additionally, the building in the background with the "watch the Fords go by" sign was the old Wilson Motors Ford dealership prior to their move out to Bridgeport Hill. I remember the slogan as being from the 1950 model year because they had a display of toy 1950 Ford sedans in the showroom window that were driven in a circle by an electric motor. During a visit to the showroom, I (being approx. 4 years old) was given one of those model Fords. I enjoyed playing with it for years afterward. Skidmore Motors (the sign in the right foreground) was a small used car dealer who took up the space in the triangle formed by the divergence of Main and Pike. The building in the far background (white wall) housed the state liquor store and the building of which you can just see the corner on the left was the Hartland Planing Mill. Set back out of the picture but between the planing mill and the Esso station was Danser Hardware. I grew up in Stealey, so I've passed through that intersection thousands of times through years of change.

submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
fragilegranny34@msn.com
The trivia picture for April looks like what we referred to as the "Angle" leading from Pike Street to Main Street. I remember the Ford Garage pictured to the right and the Esso Station. Could this have been taken after the melting of snow from the BIG snow of 1950??? Hope your toes are healed..........Great Newsletter,

submitted by: Ron Cleavenger (WI '63)
RonCleaven@aol.com
The trivia picture is the intersection of West Pike Street (Rt.50 West) with Main Street (Rt. 50 East) in the West end part of Clarksburg. The building in the upper right corner is the Pierpont Grade School. The building beyond the ESSO sign is the Hartland Planing Mill Company. I believe the building with the sign “Watch the Fords Go By “ across the street is the old Muntzing Motors Building; it subsequently became the “Carousel”, a popular dance place operated by Albert Merandi in the 1960's; later still the Social Security Administration erected a building in that location.

Danzer Hardware was next to the ESSO and Hartland Planing Mill. This area was a common staging area for parades, as the bands would go up Main Street through town, circle back on Second or Third Street to West Pike and return to the start in the West End. The building beyond the Buick vehicle in the intersection, with the bill boards plastered on it goes up by Parrill Court, and housed the liquor store for a number of years.

I grew up on Mulberry Street two blocks above the intersection. Al Schroath Oldsmobile had a place farther west of the Hartland Planing Mill on that side of the street,

submitted by: Willard "Bud" Wheelock (WI '60)
hawkewoode708@yahoo.com
This picture is of "the triangle" in the West End where I grew up. Just to the right and out of the picture was Pierpont Grade School that I attended. This was taken before my time. Off to the left was Danser Hardware, a gas station, and Hartland Planing Mill. Lots of changes since that picture was taken. About the only thing left from that time is the planing mill. The area has largely gone the same way the rest of the city has-down the drain.

Keep up the great work on the newsletter. I really look forward to it! Best regards,

submitted by: Jerry Hustead (WI '63)
JJHustead@AOL.COM
April trivia picture is the apex of West Pike and Main street in the West end of town. Bud Skidmore was one of many used car dealers to sell cars at the triangle. I believe the property was originally a gas station. Across the street on West Pike you can see Wilson Ford and Towers grade school. The ESSO station in the picture was located beside of Hartland Planning Mill on the Main street side of the "Triangle".

submitted by: Bill Phillips (WI '60)
CAPTBILL2001@aol.com
Could this be the Main and Pike St. Y, in the west end of Clarksburg? Just beyond the Esso station were two cheap gas stations. One was the Red Head Station on one side and another across the street. Gas was about 22.5 cents a gallon. One gallon empty milk jug from the back porch of Ryder’s Grocery Store on the hill was worth a quarter. Just a little over a gallon of gas................. Beyond that was Dairy Queen and Kroger’s.

submitted by: Fred Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@aol.com
The April photo is where West Pike and West Main Street are divided and is also known as “Angle Inn”. This photo was probably taken in late winter of 1953 as this may be the year of the automobile shown in the photo. The ESSO sign on the left is at a station that was owned and operated at the time of the Standard Oil Company. It was later called Frank’s Service Station. The used car lot on the right was Skidmore Motors owned by C.c. Skidmore from Salem. He opened it up in 1949 and then early in 1954 the Ellis Brothers took over the lot. Wilson Ford dealership can also be seen plus their parking and used car lot. The edge of the former Pierpoint Grade School is shown in the right corner of the picture.

submitted by: Dick Hanifan (WI '59)
RKHanifan@aol.com
I would call this the "Y" where West Main and West Pike Street meet. At eleven o'clock just behind the Esso sign is the Hartland Planing Mill. As of last summer it was still in operation. Across the street at two O'clock is Wilson Motor the Ford Dealership. Wilson Motor burned down about 1954-55. After the fire they purchased land and put up a new building on Bridgeport Hill. Years later Wilson Motor was sold but the Ford dealership is still in the same building on B-port Hill. I remember going down after the fire and volunteering to help salvage what little was left. I worked all day. There were a lot of people out that day helping the Wilson's.

submitted by: Jeanne Walters Webster (WI '59)
Jeanwbstr@aol.com
I believe the April Trivia Picture is of the West End area of Clarksburg where the one-way streets of West Pike & East Main meet (West Pike leaving the city of Clarksburg and East Main headed towards the city). I believe the Hartland Planing Mill was located right next to that ESSO station in the photo. I had an uncle who managed the Spur Gasoline Station just a little further down the street (headed west). When I went to WI and the weather was really nice I used to walk to and from school along that "path" from my home on Fairview Avenue in Stealey.

submitted by: Phyllis Alton Nichols (WI '57)
Nmimiphyllis@aol.com
The picture is of the angle where W. Pike Street and W. Main Street come together in the west end of Clarksburg. I remember walking home from town on pretty days and passing some of these places. It doesn’t look like there could have been a gas station at the angle, but there was. The Gas Station was there, but the used car lot is what was right on the angle. In the picture you can see just the corner of the old Pierpoint School up to your right.

submitted by: Wilma Costlow Allman (WI '53)
wallman5@verizon.net
This is a picture of what we always called (and still do) angle inn. It is where the street becomes one-way going up the hill (Main) and coming back down the hill (Pike). The Ford garage was Wilson Motor.

I really enjoy your newsletter every month but I very seldom add anything to it for which I should be ashamed. I know you all go to a lot of trouble to do this and everyone should submit things to you.

Please continue to keep up the good work!

submitted by: Jim Dumire (RW '60)
rjrd@charter.net
This is a picture of the used car lot at the 'Y" where Pike Street meets Main Street. The picture was taken from the Main Street side looking where Pike Street comes down the hill and runs into Main Street. Most downtown parades stated in this area.

submitted by: Keith (D.K.) Roach (WI '62)
WVFord28@aol.com
The angle where W. Pike St. and W. Main St. intersect. Wilson Ford is located behind the used cars sign painted on the wall. I remember when the Ford garage burnt. A few years ago some of the tile in the showroom floor was still visible. From the first grade until graduation from WI, I walked by this intersection.

submitted by: Rex Zickefoose (WI '59)
I remember the Ford garage burning. That big A-1 sign would be in the picture if it were still there. Several used car lots that tried to make a go of it at the triangle. That line pole by the Hartland Planing Mill still shows signs of side swipes by vehicles as it did back in the old days.

submitted by: Charles H.McClung (VHS '48)
CMCCLUNGSR@MSN.COM
My how that picture brings back memories. I haven’t driven in that type of weather now for over 40 years. One can never forget the "y" on the west end of town where Main Street starts to become one-way traffic. In the background is the Ford garage, where there was a sign "Watch the Fords go by". I Passed that intersection every day going to work at Gabbert’s Sinclair Service in 1949. Would love to see that area today, bet it has changed some. I hear the Ford dealership moved to Bridgeport hill.

Maybe someday I can get back for a visit and walk the downtown area to see all the changes that I see and read about in the Newsletter and hear about from family and friends. I would love to come back to a meet Roleta and classmates from all the high schools at the annual reunion.

submitted by: Larry Floyd (WI '58)
LarryFlyd@aol.com
That intersection is hard to forget. That was the shortcut going out to the football practice field from Central Jr. High. We walked the railroad track beside the feed house along the West Fork River. Saved the walk up the hill beside the cemetery.

The years of 1952 and 53 are a ways back. We also could look for marbles at the old Acro Agate plant if we hurried.

submitted by: Chuck Wilson (WI '67)
cwilson@aviall.com
This picture looks like the West End, looking east up Pike St., from Rokisky's Esso. Next to that was the old Kroger Store and then a Dairy Queen.

submitted by: Wayne Smith (WI '60)
waynepawco@verizon.net
This is the car lot at the intersection of Pike and Main street in the west end of Clarksburg...The location is across from Hartland planning mill and the Esso gas station,,This was called the angle as it was right on the split coming out of the West end of town...The location now is the location of Advanced Appraisals Real Estate Appraisers..The Address will be 705 West Pike Street. This location has had different business but the Appraisers has been there for a while.

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JTETER@balmar.com
The trivia picture in the April issue of the newsletter is taken from the Main Street side of the triangular intersection where Main Street and Pike Street intersect on the Stealey-side of downtown Clarksburg. At the right in the picture you can see the side of Pierpont Grade School where I went for 6 years. To the left is the Esso Gas Station which stood where Hartland Planning Mill is today (if I remember correctly). Facing toward Stealey today, the Kroger's Grocery Store would be further down on the right side of the street.

submitted by: Marlene Parsons Andre (RW '53)
rw53@verizon.net
The Trivia Picture is of the junction of Pike and Main Street, and the site of the Angel Inn Service Station in the 1930's, even in the 50 and 60's they called it the angle inn Junction. Cars going down Pike St. and cars coming up E Main St..

I am sending a Photo (below) scanned out of Harrison County Book 76

submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
jpulice@msn.com
Looks like the Triangle....coming up the hill on main street....on the left was a SPUR gasoline station....when you bought gas they gave you a dish or a glass...across the street was the Red Head gas station...gas was cheaper there 17 cents a gallon....

EDITOR’S NOTE: A question---Why was it called the “Angle Inn”----Was there once an Inn located at the triangle? I understand the “Angle” is probably shortened from “Triangle”. But is there an explanation for the “Inn”? Also, what is the name of the street after Main and Pike come together at Angle Inn? Please write to Roleta1@aol.com with your comments…..I don’t know if there is an answer to this question….I can’t tell you if you are right or wrong….I am just curious…Yes, I must be an inquisitive person! LOL

TRIVIA PICTURE FOR MAY

picture submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
Do you recognize the place pictured above? Please send your guess to Roleta1@aol.com. Remember I don’t publish incorrect guesses so you won’t embarrass yourself. Also, we enjoy a memory included with your guess.

OBITUARIES
MYRTLE V. BISPING
Myrtle V. Bisping, formerly of 110 Rodney St. in Clarksburg, died March 23, 2006, in Elkins Regional Convalescent Center. She was six days from her 100th birthday.

She was born March 29, 1906, at Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Dr. Frederick Krueger and Emily Elizabeth (Richert) Krueger Cardosi. Her husband, Franklin H. Bisping, preceded her in death Feb. 23, 1981.

Surviving are one son, Jack and daughter-in-law Iris Bisping, of Richmond, Ky.; two daughters, Merlyn “Nichy” and son-in-law, Ronald E. LaNeve, of Elkins and Anita “Babe” and son-in-law, F. Stuart Cashman, of New Smyrna, Fla. Also surviving are her many grandchildren.

Mrs. Bisping was treasurer and secretary of Permanent Builders Inc. for 25 years. Her volunteer work consisted of assistant treasurer and bookkeeper of Harrison County Red Cross for 10 years, leader of Girl Scout Council and member for 25 years, past president of Harrison County Meals on Wheels and member for 26 years, and was selected by Clarksburg Publishing Co. in 1997 as the first Citizen of the Year. This award was received on her 91st birthday on Easter morning.

She was a member of Stealey United Methodist Church for 50 years. Communion Steward for 25 years, a member of the Sewing Task Force for more than 20 years and treasurer of Stealey United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star 50, second vice president of Altrusa International of Clarksburg and a charter member. In her spare time, she knitted more than 200 dishcloths for the Elkins Regional Convalescent Center gift shop in Elkins.

LOUIS “ZEKE” TRUPO (Victory HS 1937)
My husband, Louis “Zeke” Trupo was a 1937 graduate of Victory High School. We have been married for almost 60 years.

Louis enlisted in the U.S. Marines on April 9, 1942. He fought battles in the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima and Roi-Namur. Louis was a radio telephone communications specialist. He was wounded on the Island of Tinian on the last day of fighting in August 1944. He was hit by a sniper with bullet wounds over his heart and right leg. A prayer missal and spoon he carried in his pocket and his dog tags that hung around his neck deflected the sniper’s bullet that would have otherwise hit his heart. Louis was recognized in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” for this. The bullet bent his dog tags and spoon and went through several pages of his prayer book. I have these in a frame. My husband Louis received the Purple Heart for this battle. He was taken to Saipan for treatment. He was very lucky to be alive and that the bullet did not penetrate his heart. After treatment, he rejoined the 2nd Battalion in time to make the Iwo Jima landing. This battle was worse. He was wounded on Iwo Jima with mortar shells. The mortar hit his hands, face, legs and arms. None of the wounds were serious enough to require evacuation. After affidavits and documentation from his former commanding officer, my husband, Louis received his 2nd Purple Heart award from U. S. Senator Jay Rockefeller. God answered his prayer and Louis returned home to his family. He always remembers his friends he left behind. He was near the famous flag raised on Iwo Jima. He was discharged on November 16, 1945.

We have three wonderful children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

SALLY ELLEN ORR ROGERS
Rogers, Sally Ellen Orr, 69, of Lexington, KY, died Thursday, March 30, 2006, at the Hospice Care Center after a brief illness.

She was a retired Staff Associate at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. Sally was born February 5, 1937, in Canon City, CO.

Sally grew up in Clarksburg, WV. She, like her parents, was a graduate of Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, John L. and Helen Johnson Orr; and two brothers, John L. Orr Jr. and Richard M. Orr. Sally is survived by her husband of 44 years, Bob; her son, Jeff, and his wife Kathy, Burlington, KY; her daughter, Ellen, and her husband Doug Rohs, Cincinnati, OH; her four grandchildren, Matthew (15) and Ashley (13) Rogers, and Michael (3) and Max (18 mos.) Rohs. She is also survived by three nieces, Rebecca Campbell, Susan Brown and Elizabeth Smith; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Orr.

Sally was a graduate of West Virginia University, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and was proud to have been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

PHILLIP D. MESSINGER
CLARKSBURG - Phillip D. Messinger, age 70, of Buckhannon, WV, and previously of North View, Clarksburg, WV, and Westerville, OH, departed this life Friday, April 14, 2006, at his residence following a sudden illness.

He was born in Philippi, WV, on Jan. 5, 1936, a son of the late John C. Messinger and Ella Regina (Jaggi) Messinger.

Surviving are a previous wife, Paula Messinger, one daughter and son-in-law, Heather Messinger Bodak and Justin Bodak, Hilliard, OH, three sons, Phillip D. Messinger II, Avon, IN, Chris S. Messinger, Holly Springs, NC and Steve A. Messinger, Hilliard, OH, one brother, Patrick Messinger, Buckhannon, WV, two sisters, Betty Jo Armstrong, Morgantown, WV, and Juanita Messinger, Clarksburg, WV; and three grandchildren, Colin, Sydney and Ella.

He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Mr. Messinger attended St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Philippi, WV. He graduated from Victory High School and was the only student to get a football scholarship to play at West Virginia University where he graduated.

Mr. Messinger retired in 1995 as CEO of Medex Inc., in Columbus, OH, with over 20 years service. After retiring he moved and lived in Audra State Park in WV.

Mr. Messinger served his country during the Vietnam Era in the U.S. Army.

The above obituary was sent to me by Buzzy Floyd---he added this note:
Phil was a standout player in both football and basketball. He helped lead the VHS 1953 football team to an undefeated season, winning both City and Big Ten Championships. Victory was considered the number three team in the state that year. The 1953-54 basketball team won the Big Ten Championship and broke every team scoring record in the school’s history. That year Victory won all but three games with losses to RW, and Shinnston, by two points each, and one end of season loss to WI. I recall Phil being very emotional in the locker room over that first loss to RW. When he went on to play for WVU all of us North View boys were very proud.

Thanks to the Clarksburg Exponent for permission to run excerpts of the obituaries from their publication

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