THE WI NEWSLETTER 05/07

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Issue 93

May 2007

"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY"

"Happy Mother's Day" means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
We never get to say.

First of all, it means I love you,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you.

But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
Your happiness on this, your day,
With pleasure and with love.

GIVING FOR EDUCATION IS NOT A HAND OUT BUT A HAND UP

MY NAME
submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com
Many people wonder where my name came from and many of you have no idea how to pronounce my name. I am called a lot of things….from Rowanda to Juanita and every other kind of name that starts with an R. I guess if you can’t pronounce it, it really doesn’t matter what you say if it is not correct. Now the story—maybe this will help you.

My maiden name is Smith. When my mother was expecting me they were planning that they would have a girl. They were only thinking “girl”. They had no names picked out for a boy. Back in the “dark ages” when I was expected, most common girl’s names were already used by some other Smith families. My parents, being teachers with a flare toward individuality in names and being a little artistic, decided before I was born that I should have an individual type name. Thank Goodness because I love different names and I love my name.

Now how did they create the name Roleta? Daddy was named Roy and my mother’s middle name was Leta. So they dropped the y off of Roy making it Ro. They added Leta…thus you have Roleta. That is exactly how it is pronounced…Ro Lee Ta…--put it all together and you have Roleta! Make it easier? Hope so.

TIME FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL PROM WHAT DID YOU WEAR? WHERE WAS YOUR PROM? WHO WAS YOUR DATE?
submitted by: Anne Pears Jones (WI '58)
anannaj@gmail.com

I am sending a photo of the gown I wore to the prom in 1958. The prom was held in one of the hotels in town, but I am not sure which one. Maybe someone else will remember. Maybe the Stonewall Jackson?? My date couldn't dance because he was on crutches. I am cleaning out getting ready to move and just happened to run across this photo.

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

Don Sager (WI '56) and Judy Hudkins (WI '56) at their prom.

submitted by: John Teter (WI ’61)
jteter@balmar.com
I can remember going to the prom my Junior year at WI, with a girl by the name of Patty Barman, class of 1960. I double-dated with my brother Bob, class of 1960, as that was the only way that I could get to and from the prom.

My Senior year, I went with the girl that I was dating at the time, and even though she was only a Freshman, we had a wonderful time. I can remember driving out to Maple Lake during intermission and/or after the prom, but in full respect to the LADY that does read your newsletter, it was a VERY INNOCENT EXPERIENCE.

Interestingly, I do not remember WHERE the proms were held; either year.

Clarksburg – My Hometown! Words/Music by Meyer Siegal Circa 1950
This shared by: Rusty Sloan (WI '51)

Verse:

Some folks think they're lucky,
If they're born in old Kentucky,
Or in ten, ten, Tennessee,

Say nothing could be finer,
Than to be from Carolina,
Where the sentiments don't mean a thing to me,

I'll never be found, Alabama bound,
Get me right, just put this down,

I got my opinion,
I'm a thorough West Virginian,
And Clarksburg’s my hometown.

Below is a small bio on Mr. Siegal provided to us by Freddie Layman (VHS ’46)
Once again---thanks Freddie..

Mr. Siegal was a veteran of World War 1.
After the war he became an outstanding Clarksburg entertainer.
He was a member of the annual St. Marys minstrel shows.
He owned a jewelry and pawn shop in room 113 in the former Waldo Hotel building.

50TH REUNION
W. I. H. S. CLASS OF 1957
The W. I. H. S. Class of 1957 will hold its 50th Reunion on Friday and Saturday, August 24th & 25th, 2007. Events will be held each of those evenings at the Bridgeport Country Club.

In addition, the picnic for all W.I.H.S, graduates and friends that has become a regular event in the last few years will occur at mid-day on that Saturday. Class members attending the reunion will also be welcome at that event.

Registration forms will be sent to class members by regular mail and/or e-mail in the next few days. For additional information, class members are asked to contact the Reunion Committee at one of the following e-mail addresses:
jb1obx@aol.com or jbrown@gabrown.com

by regular mail at:	G. A. Brown & Son, Inc.
	215 Mill Street
	Fairmont, WV 26554
	Attention: Jim Brown

or at one of these numbers: 304.265.0411, 304.363.4500 or 304.290.6368

Also, there are several class members for which addresses are unknown. All readers of the Newsletter are urged to share any and all addresses or other contact information they may have for class members.

COMBINE WI AND RW, BUT WHAT TO CALL IT?
submitted by: Raymond E. Cox
buttonpuller@AOL.com
NOTE FROM EDITOR… I have been cleaning out some files from my computer. Below is one letter that I don't know if I ran in the newsletter or not…but it is clever enough to read again:

Dear Roleta:
Thank you very much for the WI newsletter. I enjoyed it very much. Several of the names and articles were familiar. Being a graduate of RW, WI was always one of our arch rivals. Back in 1963 there was talk of joining the two schools. Our principal, Louis Bauld, (who I think graduated from WI), had been to a meeting of the Board of Education where the issue was raised. One of the main issues was what to name the new school. Mr. Bauld suggested that they take the R from RW and the W from WI and call it RW. I guess that idea didn't catch on. Thank you again and I will be looking at some of the older issues.

THE AUP PRESENTED MY THREE-ACT SATIRICAL COMEDY
submitted by: Chuck Thomas (WI ’56)
DrCRThomas@lcsys.net
I was never in a play in Central or WI. Maybe the teachers knew what a terrible actor I was, but during my senior year, I did write a few comedic sketches for our WI Hi-Y and Be Square Assembly. That effort was one of the few positive things I did academically during my entire 12 years of schooling in Clarksburg. However, during graduate school for my first master’s degree, I became interested in writing plays and completed a total of 23 plays—including both comedies and dramas. Later as a university professor, I taught two drama courses—not acting courses—and also taught Sophocles, Shakespeare, Ibsen, Shaw, Sartre, and many other playwrights in two world literature courses.

On April 9th, the Association of University People (AUP) presented my three-act satirical comedy entitled Adam & Estelle: An Alternate Version of the Story of Creation and the Fall of Man. The character of God was never seen on stage, but his booming voice thundered through the sound system, establishing his awesome power. Adam, the first human, proved that he would never be in contention for being the brightest man ever to set foot on the planet Earth. Estelle—remember this is an alternate version!—Adam’s mate in the Garden of Eden, seems far removed from a modern day woman; she is vain, power-hungry, nagging, flirtatious, and manipulative. Cam Moo, the first cow and the first existentialist is based somewhat on Albert Camus, the French existential writer and philosopher. The Serpent supposedly is the first creature to use his verbal abilities to deceive. He states in the play that one of his descendants will later become a Congressman or Congresswoman and end up Speaker of the House . . . not, of course, that an idea like that could ever become a reality. In the play, the Serpent and Cam Moo are both sent to the Garden of Eden to tempt Adam and Estelle. Nancy Santangelo directed the 75-minute comedy at the University Center Quality Inn in Oakland near Pitt University and deserves the credit for its great success.

If we went to WI together or if you are somehow connected to a community, college, or university theatre group, I’d like to hear from you, especially if your group or your friend’s group is located in West Virginia, the Pittsburgh area, or nearby Ohio. Unfortunately, I am still a terrible actor. I hope you are not, and I’d like to hear about your theatre group.

JUNIOR- SENIOR PROM
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com
I remember my date to the junior prom was Mark Garrett, a classmate. We were friends. I don’t remember ever having a date with him before the prom or after the prom but it was a nice experience and I thank him for taking me. I think perhaps the prom was at Stonewall Jackson Hotel. I am sure it was a magical night because how often did a girl get to dress up in a formal gown and have a date with a boy?

My senior year I was going steady with Bill. Of course the high school rules were that you couldn’t take an outsider to the prom. Your date had to be a junior or senior at WI. I guess this was a way to insure that more people had dates. Roger Taylor, a classmate, invited me to the senior prom. I am pretty sure it was held at the Carmichael. It was very nice of him to invite me since I was going steady with a guy at WVU. I don’t have a picture as I remember telling Roger that we didn’t need to spend the money on a picture since I was going steady with someone else, boy was I stupid!

The senior prom went on all night….well, we lasted all night by going to parties and breakfast, etc. Then in the early morning I was taken home to get a nap and freshen up because we then went out for the day with a few other couples. Perhaps swimming at Lake Riley or Lake Floyd? I don’t remember but it seems there was swimming in very cold water involved. I really can’t remember the details of either prom date…

At the time a date to the prom was so important but now it is so foggy.

Mark Garrett and Roleta at the Junior Prom 1958

APRIL TRIVIA PICTURE
submitted by: Nancy Mayer Capilla (WI ’59)
rcapilla@verizon.net
I think it could be Boridas across from Parson Souders side entrance. We just bought a place there for the winter. You and Judy due a wonder job with the Newsletter I really enjoy reading it……………

submitted by: Betty Beverlin Miller (WI ’48)
betts08@verizon.net
It has to be the Broidas store on Third Street. It was the best Clarksburg had to offer at the time..

submitted by: Phyllis Alton Nichols (WI '57)
nmimiphyllis@yahoo.com
I was just reading the Newsletter again (I read it more than once) and I realized that the trivia picture this month is the store front of Broida's. It was a very exclusive and expensive store located on S. 3rd Street. The clothes were probably the most high fashion clothes in Clarksburg. It was very classy. There was a stairway in the middle of the store which led to a balcony where the dresses were. The lower floor as you entered was more for accessories I wasn't able to buy a lot there until I raised my children and went to work at Union National Bank, but I loved to browse in there.

submitted by: Elaine Zabeau Norteman (ND ’62)
enorteman@roadrunner.com
I had to search my memories and place myself there as I just knew it had to be Broida's Women's shop. Many the times I have looked into those windows. They had such beautiful clothing; it was always fun to browse in there.

submitted by: Bill Philips (WI/Elkins ’60)
CAPTBILL2001@aol.com
Could that be Broidas on Third Street? I believe it was owned by Madeline Cohen and managed by Ron Wildt.

submitted by: Wilma Costlow Allman (WI '53)
wallman5@verizon.net
This one was easy. It is the old Broida's store located on 3rd Street. I never frequented it very often as clothes were quite expensive. After I started working, I did buy a few dresses from the junior department which was located on the 2nd floor.

submitted by: Sally Alvarez Watts (VHS ’65)
sallywatts@comcast.net
I believe the picture is of Broida's. (It's been so long that I hope I spelled it correctly.) This is the first place that I opened a charge account when I started teaching at WI in 1970. I taught French and English for 2 years before moving to Florida. They were 2 enjoyable years for this 1965 Victory graduate.

submitted by: Sharon Kinney (WI ’64)
sharonymc@citynet.net
The picture is of the old Broida's store on Third Street in Clarksburg. I remember buying my first real work clothes there when I went to work at Steptoe & Johnson after graduation. They had good quality clothes, a little expensive, but well worth the money.

submitted by: Shari Josephs Collins (WI ’65)
sjoseph4@columbus.rr.com
I'm not sure of the spelling but I think it is Broida's (bro-dahs). I remember the store because my mother shopped there. When a new outfit arrived that they thought Ethel would like, a salesperson would call her on the phone to tell her about it. Try getting service like that now - unless your last name is Trump. I also seem to remember that the owner was murdered - someone knocked on the back door of his home and shot him when he answered. I don't believe it was solved or am I getting reality and fantasy mixed up from watching too many CSI's and Law and Orders. Does anyone else remember what I'm talking about?

submitted by: Pam Bokey Mitchell (WI '70)
jmitchell@msn.com
I believe the trivia picture is that of Broida's located on Third Street. It is now the site of Embellishment's and Wicked Sisters. When my husband, Jeff, and I got married in 1975 I purchased my wedding gown and bridesmaid's dresses there

submitted by: Molly Lynch Knotts (WI ’66)
Hotknots99@aol.com
The trivia picture has to be of Brodia's....the most elegant store that Clarksburg had to offer....and it was ruled over, with an eagle eye, by Madeline Cohan. My mother bought a good amount of her wardrobe from there and I always longed for the day when I would be old enough to wear clothing purchased from the store. During the mid 60's I worked there over the Christmas holidays and during the summer. At the time, I was the only teenager on the floor...in the handbag and perfume departments. The top floor offered the most tasteful clothes of the line and the staff always made the customer feel happy to part with their money, knowing that they were leaving the store with a bright pink bag filled with stylish clothing. The furrier would redesign your old mink into the latest fashion and top it off with a Jackie Kennedy pill box hat. The "cruise clothes" were always my favorite, arriving in January, and making one know that spring time was just around the corner. My favorite suit of all time was one I purchased the day it was unpacked on a cold January Saturday....I can still picture the off white 3/4 length jacket and skirt lined in pink silk with a raw silk pink lapel and pleated shell. I wore it with pink pumps and matching handbag for Easter that year and naturally had a broad brim pink straw hat and off white gloves....oh, those were the days!!!!! You gals can relate, but I am sure that the fellas reading this are just rolling their eyes. In any event, it was a sad day when the store closed its doors....kind of symbolized the ending of an era.

submitted by: Beverly Ellis O'Grady (WI '58)
logrady@cfl.rr.com
I think April's Trivia Picture is Broida's. It was a women's store on 3rd Street across from the side entrance to Parsons Souders. As I recall, Broida's was a rather expensive place to shop. The only thing I remember buying there was a nightie for my honeymoon. I guess I thought the occasion was worth a splurge.

Thinking about shopping in downtown Clarksburg brings to mind the messy, slushy streets after a snow; not so nice then, but fond memories now.

submitted by: Diana Shablack Sandy (WI ’69)
IcedTeaDee@aol.com
Think this one is Broidas on 3rd Street. My cousin Melissa (Tenda) Mazza is now one of the co-owners of Wicked Sisters which is on the 2nd floor of the old Broidas Building

submitted by: Marcia Lynne Fox Schatz (WI ’63)
LSchatz@CROWN-CHICAGO.com
It was spelled Broida’s, I think. Pronounced Brode-uhs though. Will spare you the explanation of why it was written that way and why Mr. Broida’s family probably was originally from Brody, in the Ukraine. The name is sometimes written as Broda, Brody, Prode, etc.

Alas, don’t have any prom pictures. Only went to one my junior year – with a friend who was dating a girl from another high school, and “imports” weren’t permitted. My senior year, I dated a sophomore (who was only 13 months younger – he was one of the oldest in his class, and I was one of the youngest in mine), and only juniors and seniors were permitted to attend the prom.

The whole prom topic brings back memories of what I detested about high school – was NO FUN being plain and a socially awkward geek. What a relief it was to head off to college!

submitted by: Fred G. Layman (VHS'46)
FGL46VHS@AOL.COM
The April trivia photo is of the former Broida's Ladies Shop located at 130-136 S. 4th St. in downtown Clarksburg. It was established in 1935 by Milton J. and Madeline B. Cohen. They came to Clarksburg from Parkersburg, WV. Their residence was at 530 Stanley Avenue. During World War II when women's nylon hose were rationed, the young girls and ladies would form a line on 4th street when the word got out that the store had received a small shipment of nylon hose. Many left disappointed before they got near the entrance.

If I recall right Mr. Cohen was shot and killed at his residence through a back wooden door. The bullet entered at a 45o angle and hit him in the stomach. This occurred in the late sixties and I don’t remember this case ever being solved? Some of your readers that lived in the Goff Plaza section of town may have more information on this subject.

After Mr. Cohen's death Daniel Pettrey, owner of Pettrey's Shoe Store, took over Brodia's along with Ron Wildt. The two gentleman closed Brodia's in 1987 and Mr. Pettrey moved his shoe store to the Meadowbrook Mall.

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI ’59)
Roleta1@aol.com
During the summer between my first and second year of college I got a job at Broidas selling and modeling clothes on the second floor. I worked almost every day…remember the stores were open Monday nights until 9:00 pm and Friday nights until 9:00 pm….closed Sundays. People went to church on Sunday and it was a family day, besides the “Blue Law” was in effect in Clarksburg, WV. When I applied for the job I was told that I would have to wear dresses as I would be selling dresses. I didn’t have many dresses…I was a college student; I wore skirts with blouses or sweaters. I didn’t have many high heeled shoes either which were required. I had sneakers. I couldn’t afford a lot of dresses, so I got some material and made several dresses. Yes, I could sew and did make most of my clothes. I had to buy shoes to go with the dresses. Those shoes had at least a 3” heel. Those things killed my back and legs while standing and walking about 8 hours a day. Remember, this was BP—(before pantyhose) so it was either wear a girdle (ouch) or a garter belt---UGH….Basically I was uncomfortable but I was in style! I carried a large purse and took two or three pairs of shoes with me to work each day so I could rest my feet by switching back and forth between styles of shoes. Remember the elevator to the second floor in Broidas? When that elevator door opened, we had to look busy if it was only spacing the clothes that were hanging on the hangers…Putting the same space between each hanger on the rack. We also were to greet the customer and see if they needed help. This meant helping select the clothes and attending the customer in the dressing room by helping them get out of their clothes and helping them into the selected garment they wished to try on, then hanging up the unselected clothes and returning them to the rack. There weren’t too many young girls shopping the second floor of Broidas…not many could afford the price. I was also the department model if needed. I modeled hats, coats, and dresses upon request. There was a small room at the front of the building on the second floor where there were a couple of pretty chairs and a little couch. The customer and guests would sit there enjoying a supplied cool drink while I modeled their selected items. That was a fun part of the job. I remember that I modeled wedding gowns for Jerry West’s bride to be. The clothes there were too expensive for me to buy. I was astounded that a simple cotton dress was $165.00. In those days and these days too that is a lot of money.

This job was the first time I ever had to punch in and punch out on a time clock. (and the last time) Several days after working a couple hours, I would remember that I had forgotten to clock in…”tough”…I had just worked free for a couple hours…so I would go downstairs and clock in. That was a hard way to learn a lesson!

When I told the management that I was leaving to return to college they did everything to try to convince me to stay. They offered me more money and even commission…you see, I was the top sales person on that floor for the last 2 months I was there. I enjoyed working with the lovely clothes, the nice people and in the beautiful store where I couldn’t afford to shop. But I had to return to school. I wish there was a Broidas near me, I would love to browse through that shop now that I am older and could probably do some major damage to a credit card there!

SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION FOR JUNE:
A lot of you have never written to the newsletter. There is no financial cost to you to read and enjoy this. But you do have an obligation! If you want to see this WI Newsletter continue, I need your help. You need to write to the newsletter. I spend too much time looking for and writing fillers and begging people to write. So many say they enjoy reading the WI Newsletter but if you don’t write we have nothing to read and the WI Newsletter will soon die. So come on, we have done this for 7 years and 10 months, let’s keep it alive. Won’t you make it easier for me so I can continue doing it for you?

This month some suggested subjects are:

June, the beginning of summer vacation. What did you do in the summer?
What was your favorite activity in the summer?
As a teen-ager, did you have a summer job? If so, where?
Where did you swim in the summer?
What did your teacher do in the summer?
Write to: Roleta1@aol.com

PROM

Above is a picture taken by Harry Lang, who is a cousin of Elizabeth Teter. Harry graduated with the WI Class of 1924. This picture is of a few people outside the Robinson Grand Theatre at the 1953 post prom event.

OLD NEWSLETTERS
Most of our news doesn’t get old as it is old to start with….Most of it is made up of our memories. Many of you know what happens to the old newsletters. But for you newer readers, let me tell you that they are no longer on line (not the first 7 years) but you may purchase a copy of a CD on which Judy has preserved all of the past newsletters. This CD works in all computers…it is easy…just pop it into your disc tray (that little thing on your computer tower that looks like a cup holder---you push a little button on the front and out the tray pops) All directions are included to walk you through the usage of the CD. It is so simple. The CDs are only $10.00 and they will be mailed directly to you. All profit from the sale of the CDs goes to the WIN Scholarship. Write to JKimler@verizon.net

PROM TICKET 1956

NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES

Dave Hardman (WI '67)	davehardman1@aol.com
John Campbell (WI ’55)	jrcpastor@earthlink.net
Diane Gaston (Former resident of Clarksburg)	LadyDi1947@aol.com
Ann Lewis Leaseburg Nutter (RW ’54)	ann1236@ma.rr.com
Sam Fiorenza (WI ’54) and Jane Haynes Fiorenza (WI ’58)	Sjanefiore@aol.com
Patti Morelan Gyorda (WI ’57)	patty.gyorda@thicare.com
Judy Ash Guy (WI ’50)	jguy@gggha.com (my office) or feathertree@comcast.net (my home)
Babe Bisping Cashman (WI '56)	s_bcashman@yahoo.com
Sandra L. Smith (attended Morgan Grade School 1st grade and visited Clarksburg often)	smithsandral@msn.com

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESSES

Judith Noe Ashland (ND '57)	Judith7448@msn.com
Skip Bowie (WI ‘57)	sbowie11140@aol.com
Anne Pears Jones (WI '58)	anannaj@gmail.com
Jeannie Dillmore Mason (WI ’58)	masonimo@suddenlink.net
Gary Robey and Carol Grow Robey (WI ’57)	robey.g@gmail.com
Bucky Tustin (WI ’55)	glenwi55@yahoo.com
Dale Palmer, O.D. (WI ’59)	bar10p4@yahoo.com
Judy Allen Hutson (WI ’56)	judithahutson@webtv.net
Joyce McDonald Hoskins (WI '61)	Wvjoyce@comcast.net

CORRECTION

Last month I copied this email incorrectly---so change your records.

Larry and Beverly Ellis O'Grady (WI ’58) logrady@cfl.rr.com

ON MAY 28 WE WILL HONOR THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED WHILE IN THE MILITARY SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. MAY WE BE FAITHFUL TO THE LEGACY WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN, SO THAT TRUTH AND FREEDOM MAY PREVAIL.

I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN MEANING TO DO IT!
IT, you ask? Yes, IT…..have you been putting IT off? I have done IT. I know you want to do IT too! I am waiting for you to do IT. Won’t you do IT too? Do IT for me. Do IT for yourself. Do IT for others. You will enjoy doing IT. You will be glad you did IT. You will feel better after you have done IT. Do IT because you really want to, do IT because you need to, do IT because others are counting on you. Do IT as a way to say thank you.

This month 8 people did IT:

Don Sager (WI ’56) did IT to join me in my passion and in honor of me as a “Broadoaksian”. This is the sixth time Don has done IT.

David Grimes (WI ’53) did IT because he wants to help.

Bill Bryan (RW 57) has now done IT several times.

Nancy Downey Starett (WI ’53) has done IT many times.

Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI ’56) has done IT more than a lot of others.

Anne Pears Jones (WI ’58) did IT to help an RC Byrd graduate.

Bud Collins (WI ’55) has done IT once again!

Marianna Waroblak (WI ’56) did IT because she believes in the cause.

What is IT? IT is a way for you to say thank you to Clarksburg, thank you to your teachers, thank you to your principal, and thank you for your education. Some people even do IT to say thank you to Judy and I for the work we do each month. One hundred and twenty four (124) others who read this newsletter have done IT.

This year two students from RC Byrd High School will be awarded $2,000.00 WIN Scholarships to be paid to the college of their choice toward their education. That is $4,000.00. Also, the WIN Scholarship of $1,000.00 is going to Briana McQuillan for her second year of college…that check will be written to West Virginia Wesleyan College. No money goes directly to the child….all money is paid to their college and into their account. . Just write out a check (or send a money order) and join the 124 others who are supporting the WIN Scholarship.

Now you know what IT is , won’t you please do it? No gift is too small.
You can’t accomplish much for a student with $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, or even $100.00.
But your donation put together with those from others adds up to a good amount to help a student..

Won’t you do IT with us?

Write check to: Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship and mail to me at:
3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.
Sarasota, Florida 34240

Any questions? Call 941-342-0030 or write to Roleta1@aol.com.

THINK SPRING QUILT PROJECT
submitted by: Sue Selby Moats (WI ’55)
moatsue@aol.com

It's time to "Think Spring" for the 2008 WIN Scholarship Quilt. Will all quilt block makers please contact me privately with their mailing address so I can send you some of the focus fabric? Please let me know how many blocks you may be making so I can send enough of the fabric. moatsue@aol.com

In the true spirit of friendship and giving to the scholarship, Mary Liz Custer Carder (WI '54) has donated the Heirloom Lilac focus fabric for the quilt. If you would like to see it, you may view it online at either Keepsake Quilting.com or The Quilter's Stash. Heirloom Lilacs is a fabric line by Debbie Beaves for RJR Fabrics.

HEIRLOOM LILAC
We are using the Large Lilacs-Cream. You will add other cream, green, lavender, or purple fabrics from your quilting "Resource Center" to make a 12 1/2 inch block of your choice (finishing to 12") that reminds you of Spring in those beautiful WV Hills.

Let's join together to raise even more money in 2008 for the Win Scholarship Fund which gives scholarships to Clarksburg graduates who want to attend college.

PROM

The above pictures are of Fred Alvaro WI 1959 and Judy Aspy also WI 1959 at his JR Prom and Fred and Sue Rudd WI 1960 at his SR Prom. Pictures submitted by Fred Alvaro. Thanks Fred

submitted by: Diane Gaston (Former resident of Clarksburg)
LadyDi1947@aol.com

My name is Diane Gaston and a friend from Clarksburg sent me the link to your newsletter - because of the picture of the Skyline Drive-In. I didn't attend HS in WV, I'm originally from Baltimore, MD. I lived in Cburg for 20 years then moved back to MD. I lived in Cburg from 1981 through 2001. Raised my daughter there and she attended grade school and high school there. She graduated from Fairmont State College. My husband was born and raised in Cburg, but only went as far as grade school. His sister & brothers did go to WI.

If possible, I'd like to be added to your mailing list to receive the WI Newsletter. I really enjoyed reading about the people and the area where I lived - and loved - for so many years. I miss Clarksburg very much.

submitted by: Beverly Ellis O'Grady (WI ’58)
logrady@cfl.rr.com

Just a short note to thank you again for the wonderful newsletter! And also to say again that we regret having to miss this year's picnic. I appreciate the inclusion of my recollection of "winter days on Main Street" in the newsletter, and was relieved to know that my memory has not gone completely by identifying the mystery picture.

I have to tell you that the newsletter has led to the renewal of old acquaintances; on our next trip toward the northeast we are going to visit two of Beverly's classmates in Maryland.

Just a parting note...you may include our email in the "New Email Addresses" next month; however, it is incorrect as it appears with the above mentioned note I sent. It's logrady@cfl.rr.com (the "l" was left off in the newsletter)

submitted by: Judy Zabeau Shepherd (ND ’58)
JZShepherd@aol.com

I just returned from Clarksburg where I spent 10 days helping my mother while my sister, Vickie, and her son Brad, visited Beau Bowden in CA. While there I took my mother up to the Senior Citizens Center to see if she would be interested in their exercise classes. She recently had knee replacement surgery and has been going to the Spatafore Rehab Clinic. We decided to have lunch there which is $5 for non members and $3.50 for those who have a membership at the Senior Citizens Center. While we were eating our lunch, who should appear but "Whistling Pete"! He hasn't changed a bit, just somewhat older. That also brought up memories of other characters I remembered from the past; namely, Rosie and also the blind man who sat outside one of the dime stores. I always managed to put something into his cup. It's always nice to go back and reminisce once in awhile. I spent a part of each day walking all over Clarksburg. From Broad Oaks to Stealey, around Veteran's Park where they have a great walking trail and also Norwood Park.

The picture this month is of Broida's. It is now occupied by Embellishments (a gift shop) and Wicked Sisters a dress shop.

Thanks again for a great newsletter. Hope to make it one day to the WI Picnic.

PROM MEMORIES
submitted by: Phyllis Alton Nichols (WI '57)
nmimiphyllis@yahoo.com

The Junior Prom was 1956 at the Waldo Hotel . My date was Jim Collins and we had a really nice time. After the prom, the Rotary Club and maybe others, sponsored a movie and an all night dance at the Carmichael Auditorium.

My Senior Prom was at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and I went with Dick Childers. He was a very good dancer, and I love to dance, so we had a great time. Again there was a movie and the all night dance at the Carmichael. I think they even served breakfast.

Great memories!

YEARBOOKS / ANNUALS FOR SALE
submitted by: Anne Pears Jones (WI '58)
anannaj@gmail.com
I have the following yearbooks that I no longer need. I would be happy to have them find a new home at $10.00 each, which would include the shipping within the U.S.

Fairmont State MOUND	1965
	1966
WVU MONTICOLA	1959
	1961
	1962
WI MEMOIRS	1956
	1957
some writing in both of these WI yearbooks:

Please contact me if you wish to buy one of the yearbooks, anannaj@gmail.com Thanks

NEWSPAPER CLIPPING FROM CLARKSBURG EXPONENT

Sent to the newsletter by: Jim Alvaro (WI ’57)

PROM
submitted by: Judy Aspy Payne

Mike Fresa and Bobbie Johnston Swisher...Judy Aspy Payne and Habie Snyder at the WI Senior Prom 1959

CARING
submitted by: Roleta Meredith
Roleta1@aol.com
It doesn’t take a special person to have caring feelings for someone. Each and every one of you is equipped to care. The depths of your caring may vary but each one does care. Each person on earth has at least one person for whom they care more than others. Each person has a reason for caring. I know you care for someone….hopefully you care for a lot of people. I do. I love a lot of people. I am so full of love and I just have to share my love. Recently I told someone that I loved a certain friend. I was told that the word “Love” should be reserved for a special person and that it should be used carefully. This person said that they had only told 3 or 4 people in their lives that they loved them. I was shocked. I don’t agree. I think there are different degrees of love. I love a lot of people—for instance:

Friends…These are people I would hate to not have in my life. People who mean a lot to me and make my life so enjoyable, people I would hate to get up in the morning and know that they were missing from my life. This is the kind of love one has for another special “human”—not love because they are family and not a sexual love….but one that is important to me. I love my friends…

Family…I honestly have a wonderful family. My siblings and I get along probably better than any family I have ever heard about. I can’t remember ever being angry at my sister and haven’t been angry at my brother since he left home and got married. We laugh together and we cry together…We care for each other. We love each other.

Children…Well, my children have never given us a bit of trouble. (Oh, I know they tried to sass and tried to change rules when they were growing up—but do you honestly think I would allow that?) I consider my children my trophies for what I have done with my life. I love my children.

Grandchildren----if there were humans who were angels, my grandchildren would be there, and they are the products of my trophies so they have to be the best. This is unconditional love. These little ones love you if you treat them nicely….and how can you not? Aren’t they precious? No matter their age. I have often heard and I agree, “It would make more sense if we could have grandchildren first”!

Husband….Sure we have had difficulties. We argue, but we make up. Then everything is wonderful again. I guess that is what keeps our marriage alive and strong. We have been married for 47 years. Someone recently said, “Well, I bet you have him whipped into shape by now don’t you?” My reply, “No, but I sure have worn out a lot of whips”. I consider him a project in progress. Someday he will be perfect. Probably for his second wife!

How do you feel about this subject? I would like to hear your opinion. Write to Roleta1@aol.com

PRECIOUS CHILD FOR APRIL 2007

The precious child pictured in the April newsletter was Virginia "Ginny" Bonnett.
No one recognized the picture.

PRECIOUS CHILD FOR MAY 2007

Do you recognize the child pictured above? Write and name the child. Please include a memory if you can. Only correct guesses will be printed. Write to: Roleta1@aol.com, thanks

GENEALOGY
submitted by: Catheine Custer Burke (WI ’52)
katiecbur@verizon.net
Interested in researching your family history? The West Virginia Division of Culture and History through its Vital Research Records Project is placing Birth, Death, and Marriage certificates on line.

While not all counties' birth and death records are available, those for Calhoun, Gilmer, Hardy, Harrison, Mineral and Pendleton are online. Users can search the records and view scanned images of the original records. The website is http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/.

FROM THE EDITOR: This story is about a Starlite Drive-In. It is not the StarLite that was near Fairmont and to which many of us went for movies. But when I read this article sent to me, I just knew that it would bring back a lot of DRIVE-IN memories for all of you. I hope you enjoy it.

HEAVY GROPING AT THE STARLITE DRIVE-IN

Here's how I remember it...

I'd drive to the back of the large field partially filled with scores of other cars. Stars blazed in the black sky overhead Finding just the right spot, well back from the refreshment stand, I'd swing my '39 Studebaker up onto the mound, secure the speaker in the window, kick back, eat popcorn, and pretend to watch the movie. As soon as possible, like every guy around, I was inelegantly groping my date.

It was dark. We were alone — a rare, illicit luxury for teens in the early '50s. Romance, even sexual expectation, sparked the air.

Windows steamed. Guys everywhere schemed to get to second base. (One — not me, mind you — routinely spilled his root beer on the passenger seat, forcing his date to sit a bit closer.)

The drive-in movie was the sexual touchstone of my youth.

Little did I know that — like live TV, great finned cars, and sexual repression — we were living in its Golden Age. Back then, there were more than 120 outdoor picture shows in my home state of Illinois. Today, about a dozen remain open.

MORE POPULAR THAN INDOOR MOVIES
It was on June 6, 1933, that the first drive-in theater opened. With a sheet for a screen and a 1924 Kodak projector on the hood of his car, Richard Hollingshead invented what some later would call "The greatest threat ever to women's purity" in his New Jersey driveway.

The idea didn't take off until after the war.

By 1950, however, the patronage of drive-ins exceeded that of indoor theaters. A few years later, the number of drive-ins peaked at 5,000, ranging in size from 64 cars to space for more than 3,000.

The baby boom created the surge. Most theaters had large playgrounds with concession stands serving every junk food imaginable. It was a cheap night out for these young families. At a cost of maybe a buck — in the days with gas was 20¢ a gallon and bread 14¢ a loaf — parents could have a night of family fare at the movies. No baby sitter necessary.

High schoolers back then — we guys, anyway — preferred horror films, like "Blood of Dracula." Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi — those guys were perfect. Scary enough to frighten our dates into our protective arms, boring enough that, once there, the movie was soon forgotten.

I was dating Jean Walsh that summer of 1952. We were in high school, inseparable, and in love. She was Catholic; I Protestant, a lethal combination in those bigoted days. My mom prayed daily for our break up.

Jean preferred that era's Doris Day/Rock Hudson "Pillow Talk" films. This was fine with me. They were about as sexy as movies got in those days of twin beds and fade-out kisses, a mirror of my own sex life in the early '50s.

One lavender-skied evening, I took Jean to see the new Otto Preminger comedy, "The Moon is Blue." In spite of a plot line where virginal Maggie McNamera resisted every temptation offered by David Niven and William Holden, holding out for marriage or nothing, both Hollywood's Production Code and the Catholic Church banned the film.

Shamefully, Preminger had used the words "virgin," "seduce" and "mistress," all in one script. If he’d added “pregnant,” the film would surely have never have been released, condemned at birth by the Hollywood censors as way too salacious for pure American youth like me.

As innocuous as those words seem today, Jean at first demurred, then steadfastly declined to watch, which, at the time, I thought might be better for making out than even Dracula.

Alas, Jean's religious convictions turned to stomach convulsions. We were out of there long before "seduce" ever came to play.

Let me be the first to admit that, in spite of its randy reputation, the drive-in was always about little more than an innocent first and only kiss in the dark.

TRIVIA PICTURE FOR MAY 2007

Do you recognize the subject pictured above? Please write your guess and a memory of the location to Roleta1@aol.com.

PICTURES
If you have any pictures we can use in the WI Newsletter, please contact Judy Kimler at jkimler@verizon.net. You may scan and email the pictures or contact Judy and she will give you her address where you may US mail the pictures to her. She will then scan them and return them to you as soon as possible. Thanks for your help.

PROM

Pictured above are Sharyn Cottrill McGahan and Jerry Paugh at the 1959 WI Senior Prom.

YOU WERE MY MOTHER AND MY FRIEND

You were my mother and my friend,
Which was unusual.
Somehow our characters still blend:
Your wisdom and my will.

I turned, and you were there for me;
I spoke, you understood.
I felt cared for, but also free;
You loved, and I was good.

I'm fortunate that I was born
To someone just like you;
I love you still. Though you are gone,
You live in what I do.

OBITUARIES
NANCY LYNNE RICHARDSON HESS
Mrs. Nancy Lynne Hess, 59 years of age, of 423 Liberty Avenue, Bridgeport, WV, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 13, 2007, following a brief illness, with her loving family beside her.

She was born December 18, 1947, the daughter of Juanita Richardson and the late T. Joe Richardson.

She was married on June 14, 1969, to Kerry A. Hess, who survives her.

She is also survived by three children and their spouses, Eric and Mira Hess of Grafton, WV, Kristin and Eugene “Wink” Carter of Clarksburg, WV, and Jeff (twin of Kristin) and Stacy Hess of Bridgeport, WV; her eight grandchildren, Ryan and Alex Hess, Jessica, Beth and Andrew Carter, Hayden, Camden and Nathan Hess; one sister, Cindy Byers and her husband Pat of Twinsburg, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy graduated in 1965 from Washington Irving High School and in 1969 from Fairmont State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education.

She was a teacher until the birth of her first son, when she became a homemaker to take care of her family.

WILLIAM DAVID “Bill” GATSON
William David “Bill” Gaston, 49, of Englewood, CO, formerly of Clarksburg, WV, died unexpectedly Sunday, April 15, 2007, at his residence.

He was born March 27, 1958, in Clarksburg, WV, a son of Albert William “B.G.” Gaston and Arrena Kirkpatrick Gaston, who survives.

Also surviving are his wife, Dana Addington Gaston, whom he married on July 12, 1986; two children, Jacqueline K. Gaston and David M. Gaston, all of Englewood, CO; a sister, Brenda Gaston Workman and her husband Randy and son Michael of Bridgeport, WV; his mother-inlaw, Mrs. Kit Addington, and two brothers-in-law, Gary and Mark Addington of the Denver, CO, area; several nieces and nephews and cousins and many friends in Colorado and West Virginia. Mr. Gaston was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Brady Gaston and Rev. and Mrs. Homer R. Kirkpatrick, and his father-in-law, Mr. Dan Addington.

Bill attended Harrison County Schools and graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1976, where he was a member of the varsity football and track teams. He continued his education at West Virginia University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, graduating in 1980 with a B.S. degree in Business.

After graduation, Mr. Gaston moved to Colorado, realizing his lifelong dream to live and work there. He was employed by National Piggyback Company until the last eight years of his life, when he operated and directed many youth sports programs in Denver. He helped and encouraged hundreds of children with his work. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, and brother. Mr. Gaston was a Methodist.

Thanks to the Clarksburg Exponent for permission to use excerpts from their obituary column.

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