THE WI NEWSLETTER 11/07


THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 99 November 2007




FATHER, WE THANK THEE

Father, we thank thee:
For peace within our favored land,
For plenty from thy bounteous hand,
For means to give to those in need,
For grace to help in thought and deed,
For faith to walk, our hands in thine,
For truth to know thy law divine,
For strength to work with voice and pen,
For love to serve our fellow men,
For light the goal ahead to see,
For life to use alone for thee,
Father we thank thee.

By Grenville Kleiser




THANKSGIVING

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

I give thanks not only at Thanksgiving but almost daily for many reasons. I am very thankful for my family, their good health and our happiness. I give thanks to those who formed the United States of America, for those who sacrificed and wrote the Constitution and the Bill of Rights which insures that I can enjoy my freedoms. One of my ancestors was a signer to the Declaration of Independence, he suffered greatly once he put his name on that document but we are living in the most wonderful country in the world due to the sacrifices they made to insure this for us. I give thanks to all of those who fought for my rights from the American Revolution to those who are serving my country today. I am thankful that I live in a democracy. I have the freedom to travel anyplace in this great country without being stopped at the border of any state and checked to see if I can proceed. This is a freedom we take for granted but many people in other countries do not enjoy this freedom. I give thanks that I have the right to worship my God in my way, not the way chosen by some government leader. I am thankful for the right to write this newsletter and for the right you have to read it and to write your thoughts to me each month. I am thankful for the parents and the siblings that God gave to me. I am thankful that I grew up in Clarksburg, West Virginia and was surrounded by people with good moral values. I am thankful that I can celebrate Thanksgiving in my way in my country.

I hope you have reasons for which you are thankful, even if you didn’t write about them this month. But when you sit down on Thanksgiving day, stop and reflect for a moment and give your thanks for the blessings we enjoy. Ask each person sharing your dinner table with you to tell you why they are thankful do it for yourself, for your loved one, for your God and for me!



WORLD WAR II

submitted by: Glen (Bill) Cowgill, Jr. (WI '59)
gcowgill@comcast.net

I remember those years as not having a father because he was stationed in England with Medical Corps at the time. I remember the day in 1945 when he came home, Boy was I proud as he was there standing very tall in his magnificent uniform Today I just don’t eat a lot of chicken because back then we only ate chicken and that was on Sunday only. I remember my mother getting rations and the box of cheese. I am sure there were other things such as the powdered milk and of course the beans that my mother would make soup beans with. I know there wasn’t much money in those days but we survived. I remember going to my grandmother’s house in Broad Oaks and eating quite frequently. My mother and her brothers would all contribute and my grandmother would put together a wonderful meal. (My grandmother was a great cook and could make a grand meal with nothing. Even after the war I always loved the trip to Grandma’s house on Austin Ave. in Broad Oaks.)

I remember when my father came home and bought his first car a 1941 Chevrolet because at that time you could not get new cars. Even though I was only 4 or 5 years old when my Dad came home I can still see that picture of my Dad standing in the doorway tall and proud.



submitted by: Barbara Boreman (WI '54)
ladylake@tds.net

I use to tease my brother (4 yrs younger) about the Germans coming across the Stealey hill. We would go hide under my bed! To make it even more realistic, I would wait til there was an air raid drill when all the houses had to blacked out then whisper to my brother "we better hide from the Germans". Off we'd run for the bedroom! At times I think I even scared myself!

The black outs always came when my grandfather wanted to listen to the news on the radio. Many a time a warden would knock on our door and ask for my grandfather to turn off the radio because the light from the radio could be seen from the street. Finally my grandfather listen to the news with a blanket thrown over himself and the radio.

Double bubble gum was one of the many rationed items along with silk stockings, butter, coffee and sugar and of course gasoline.



WORLD WAR II AS A PRESCHOOLER
“My Recollection"

submitted by: Patrick Elder (ND '57)
St1Pat@aol.com

I was born in May,1939. In Europe, things were already out of hand; Hitler was already annexing Poland. My grandfather, Patrick Dolan, lived on a farm along the streetcar tracks 5 miles outside of Clarksburg below Country Club Addn. My other grandfather, Arthur Elder, also lived on a farm along the streetcar tracks in Jane Lew about 5 miles north of Weston. That was about 20 miles between them. In 1936, my "father-to-be", Duke Elder had graduated from Weston H.S. & got on that streetcar early in the fall to attend his first day at West Virginia Business College to become a bookkeeper. Twenty miles down the track my "mother-to-be" , Margie Dolan, got on the same streetcar headed to her first day, also, at WVBC. "Dad -to-be" was in the back of the car & when "mom-to-be" got on, he told his buddy "Look there--I am going to marry that girl". Long story short - that was how I arrived to witness WWII.

I was born in C'bg, but we moved to Rock Lake Village in S. Charleston along the Kanawha River. My dad became a bookkeeper for the W.Va. State Highway Patrol. He didn't make much money,but we lived in a small cookie cutter house & had lots of friends. Everyone was beyond the depression now & were living in peace & happiness. I do not remember Pearl Harbor, but everything changed quickly. Even though I was about 3 yrs. old when my dad made his decision to join the Army in latter 1942, I specifically remember the blackouts in So. Chas.. That whole area along the Kanawha River was known as "Chemical Valley" & it was suspected that the Germans would try to bomb it just like they were bombing England. I might have been pretty young, but I grew up real fast on that score. My dad was an air raid warden & we took those blackouts very seriously. By now, my little sister had arrived & dad was 26 with a wife & 2 kids-pretty safe from the draft.

All during 1942, the Japanese & the Germans were just kicking our butts!! We didn't have any guns, ammo, trucks, tanks, ships or planes to fight a war with. A lot of people were really scared that we were going to lose that war. All the people at home including the women(Heroes) went to work manufacturing. My dad enlisted in the Army & moved mom & us kids back to C'bg. The Boy Scouts had erected a weekend log cabin between the streetcar tracks & the West Fork River down the hill from my grandfather Dolan's house. That would be our home for the next 4 years. Not only was it dark & remote down there, it was lonely, damp & scary. Dad left in 1943 & got back sometime in late 1946. I listened to my mother cry herself to sleep almost every night. We all joined in the war effort, saving everything in sight: gasoline, food, milk, tin foil, belly button lint...you name it!! Rationing was in & we were all pretty scared. Thank goodness, the farm yielded our necessities. Other than that, things were tighter than a drum. We always tried to come up with a little money each week to go to the movies. Mom would take me & we would get to see some of the war on "Movietones". There was no T V. We always strained our eyes to see if we could get a glimpse of dad. Of course we had 16 million people in uniform in the U.S., so the odds weren't even close. It was about 1944 & we all started getting bad news from our friends & relatives about casualties. Our cousins, Jimmy Byrnes & Johnny Clifford were fighter pilots & both were killed over the Pacific. No one wanted to see the Army car coming toward their house & no one wanted any telegrams. It seemed to be all around us--a frightful time.

The U.S. was sound asleep in 1941. It went from a sleepy world village in '41 to the world's largest manufacturer in just 2 years. In '42, our soldiers were pathetic against the Japanese and the Germans. But, in 2 years we had the most advanced troops in the world. The Germans were over-structured. They had to take orders from someone & if their leader got killed--they were lost. In contrast, our boys were farm boys, and tinkerers who would take over in a second to lead and fix anything with some baling materials. American Ingenuity was priceless!!

We found out that my dad was in the Philippines. There were terrible stories about the atrocities there & we were really worried. That was sometime near the end of 1944. News was so slow--who knew. In the spring of '45, my sister & I were dancing to music on the radio when they stopped with an important bulletin!!! "The Germans have just surrendered". We ran like crazy outside to the meat cellar to tell mom the good news. She thought we were making it up & got furious with both of us. "No, Mom, come in & listen". She just broke up crying & the three of us hugged & completely emptied our tear sacs in joy.

It was time for me to go to the First Grade that fall at St. Mary’s on E. Pike St. in C'bg. Mom explained that she would take me the first time & then I was on my own. I sure wished my dad were there, because then we could go in together. It was time to grow! I had to get on the streetcar & go 5 miles into the bus station. Then I had to walk through Central Junior High to Pike St. & 4 more blocks down the hill & cross the streets & go into the classroom where I knew no one still. Then, after school it was a long trek home. I was the only kid from St. Mary’s that went home that way. Yes, there were more than just a few fights along the way.

Dad was still in the Philippines and they were now marshalled for the attack on Japan. If it hadn't been for the two atom bombs, I do not think I ever would have seen my dad again. The bombs were very tragic, but very necessary. Even after the bombs, the Japanese War Council voted 3 to 3 on whether to surrender or not. Tojo stepped in to cast the tiebreaker, voting to surrender and saved an estimated 400,000 American soldiers lives & about 6million to 10 million Japanese lives. Overall, WWII killed over 60 million people worldwide because of a few nuts like Hitler,Mussolini & Tojo. Can the generations behind us react as the generation in front of us did if this should ever happen again? We have a duty to educate our kids & grandkids about WWII. The recent 7 episode documentary by Ken Burns entitled "The War" was shown on PBS TV recently. The DVD costs about $100.00 for about 16 hours of WWII history. Would it be a good Christmas present to our grandchildren?

Some of us see dramatic similarities between the 30's in Europe and the first decade of the 2000's in the Middle East and Russia. It almost seems like we might be there again. I sure do not want to see that but no one did back in 1941 either. Both times they bombed us. Hitler actually had blueprints of the USA & a full blown plan to occupy us, as well as Canada & Mexico. We had to do what we did. When my dad finally came home he pulled me aside one day & said, "Son, if you ever have to go to war one day as I did, then make sure it is over there and not over here." He never told me what he saw, but I understood from the pictures I had seen of the death and destruction of those countries exactly what he meant. Hopefully we can keep that alive.



submitted by: Ron Watkins (VHS '54)
ronw@tx.rr.com

I remember during the war, my Dad Paul Watkins enlisted even though he was except because of his age and had 3 kids. He served in the South Pacific, and was on Okinawa when the war ended. He had six brothers and all of them were in the service, and I remember the Exponent-Telegram ran a story on his family and had all 7 of the Watkins Brothers in their military uniforms, pictured with a recap of where they were serving. My grandfather was an air-raid warden and I remember when we had air raid drills he always put on his arm band and went around the neighborhood, to notify anyone that had any kind of light coming from their house. When the air raid signal went off everyone was suppose to cover all your windows so that no light would show outside. I still remember the scrap drives when we collected metal and turned it in for the war effort, I also remember collecting "cat-tails" as they used the silk to make parachutes. Everyone had a garden, and we used to buy "war stamps" and put them in a book, I think when we filled the book, we turned them in for War Bonds. Not real sure about that as I was only 9 years old when the war ended. Keep up the good work.



submitted by: Bob Bridge (WI '56)
bridgePSU@aol.com

I haven’t written before, but not for lack of appreciation for the fine product you and Judy produce faithfully each month. I join the legions of your fans and am curious as to just how many subscribers you have.

My memories of WWII are old and fading. One thing that sticks in my mind was contributing to the war effort by purchasing stamps at Morgan Grade School on a regular basis. As I recall, after you accumulated enough stamps they were turned in for a war bond.

Another memory is riding on a Clarksburg bus from Stealey to the other side of town (Anmore?) to shop for grocery staples. My father, who worked for Hope Gas, gave up an automobile for the duration, so we went everywhere by city bus. The bus ride must have cost $0.07 each way. I can’t remember the name of the store, but think of going there as an adventure at my young age. I believe the name of the proprietor was “Sam,” and I think free candy was involved. We got our milk by delivery and bread and meat from Ridenour’s on Euclid. Things were rationed, so coupons had to be tendered for many items on the shopping list. My parents were both smokers, so I imagine they had to conserve on cigarettes which must have been rationed.

My two older brothers saw service during the war, so we had two stars on our flag in the window. Bud, who passed away two years ago, was an officer and a PBY and PBM pilot in the Navy. Bill now lives in Hendersonville, TN. He was a Marine. Both served in the Pacific theater. I was happily surprised to see their names on a plaque recognizing veterans at the entrance to the WI Theater when our class toured the building last year during our reunion. A picture of the plaque would make a nice addition to the newsletter. I’m sorry I didn’t get a good one. Bill enlisted in the Marines while still a Junior at WI, so he returned after the war to complete his Junior and Senior years. There he met Louise Payne. They married while Bill was at WVU, lived in South Charleston and several other places before settling in the Nashville area.

Having served in the Air Force myself for 28 years, I have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices our WWII veterans made. I also know that life on the homefront was not without its own sacrifices, not the least of which was the uncertainty about the fate of loved ones overseas.

Keep up the good work!



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

I was a really little tyke during World War II so I don't remember much. One thing I do remember is that at one time 16 of us lived in a five room and a bath home on Martin Street in BROAD OAKS. My father and two of my uncles were off in the military so my aunts and children moved in with my grandparents. Luckily most of us were small kids. The other story I have comes from that time but lasted a lot longer. My first wife Donna Jo Nutter really liked cheese, particularly Cheddar cheese. To keep Donna from eating a lot of it, her mother kept telling her it was rationed long after rationing ended.



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

I don't really have a story about that war, since I was a War Baby (January 1942), I don't remember much other than what I have read about. I do remember my Mom telling people that when I was born they did not have any rooms available in the hospital as they were all filled with wounded soldiers. They put a bed in the hallway for her (the old Union Protestant Hospital).

I do have a couple of items you might want to include with your newsletter. I have attached some pictures of a book of liquor ration stamps issued to my father on Sept 9, 1943 (the date is stamped on the back of the book), and some pictures (front and back) of a receipt for surrendered gasoline rations issued to my mother dated 4/3/1945. I thought maybe some readers would find them interesting.













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

I was 11 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked. I was home from church and trying to find some guys to have a touch football game. Aurthur Upton and his family came to see his grandparents who lived at the corner of Rosemont and ST Clair. He said I can't play now. Pearl Harbor has been bombed and we are at war. I went home and told my parents. We turned on the radio and got the news. We were uncertain as to where Pearl Harbor was, but the broadcast mentioned Honolulu so we knew it was in Hawaii. In the following months rationing started, gas, meat, tobacco, sugar, butter, etc. My Mom was upset when you could not get silk stockings. We expanded our normal garden to a huge Victory garden, My Mom and grandmother canned, pickled or dried all kinds of vegetables and fruit. My Dad said we lived better with rationing because of price controls which kept inflation in check. My Boy Scout troop spent nearly every weekend collecting scrap paper, aluminum, brass, copper, iron, etc. for the war effort. The war hit home in 1943 when my uncle and several cousins were drafted. I also got drafted by my grandmother's sister to work on her farm near Charles Town. They could not get help as all the available men were in the service.

I worked two summers on the farm, it was a wonderful experience. We also had air raid drills. Bob George and I were messengers. His Dad was a WWI vet and was an air raid warden. Our neighborhood headquarters was in the basement of Jone's store at the corner of Tyler and Harrison in Broad Oaks. There was a set of colored lights connected to civil defense HQ somewhere up town. Green was all clear, yellow was a warning, orange was for a raid imminent and red for an attack.

The drills were at night so everyone had to turn out their lights or cover their windows so that no light showed. The wardens checked the area for lights. I think the whole thing was put on so impress people that there was a war on, We had all heard of the Blitz in England so it did make an impression. Clarksburg had little that any one would have bombed namely the railroad and the carbon plant. Most of the wardens were WWI vets so Bob and I used to sit there "popeyed" at the stories of shooting trench rats, gas attacks, etc. in WWI.

My mother and other women spent at least one day a week rolling bandages for the Red Cross. The bandages had to be rolled in a clean room. Palace Furniture Co donated a display window where the women met. I can remember coming from school and going by the Palace and seeing my mother and others rolling the bandages. In the early days before Pearl Harbor, churches used to hold dinners, auctions, etc. for British war relief. We collected clothes, blankets, bedding, etc. to be sent to Britain.

In '44 and '45, things got rougher, a cousin was killed on D Day dropping into France as an 18 year private in the airborne, My uncle and cousins survived the Battle of the Bulge, one of the guys who worked for my Dad was MIA at Anzio, A neighbor boy was wounded and a POW of the Germans in Italy.

When VE day came we heard it when we went home for lunch and back to school.

Bill Lynch and I decided we would celebrate by skipping school that afternoon, something neither of us had ever done before, so we went to a movie at the Orpheum(sp). When we came out two hours later we saw classmates on the street who said "Where were you guys, we had an assembly and they let school out early" So much for celebrating.

On VJ day I was working on the farm in Jefferson Co. We ran around the area in a truck throwing firecrackers and yelling. Then went home and made a freezer of fresh peach ice cream.

Unfortunately Judge Maxwell's oldest son was reported shot down and presumed dead in the Pacific just days before the end of the war.

The war did not affect our daily lives that much. The inconvenience of rationing and wondering about family members overseas was about it. There was a lot of "black marketing" and hoarding. Several prominent citizens were cited for these operations. At school we were encouraged to buy a "war stamp" every week, when you had enough you could trade it for a war bond. I still have some ration stamps and some of these stamps. I think our population was more disciplined than we would be today. We had not been through the civil rights stuff at that time.

I hope I have not been too long winded, but I think some of the younger generation should know about these things. When I was teaching many kids thought I was making up a lot of stuff.



submitted by: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI '40)
jjaranko@frontiernet.net

Well, I don't seem to have much luck getting my letters to you or they get lost or something but I will try one more time. I had said I wouldn't but WWII was my generation. Many of the boys that I went to school with were killed or wounded and it was a very sad time because of that. During that time, the mountains around Elkins were used to train the boys who would be scaling the cliffs on D-Day. It was not generally known as many things were kept quiet. One of the slogans was “Loose Lips Sink Ships" so their training was kept quiet until their first pass. They swarmed down on Clarksburg and took over the town! I happened to be in town that day on an errand and when I saw all those fellows in uniform coming down Pike St. laughing and enjoying their freedom from training, it was a surprise to most everyone. From the documentaries that I have seen, many of those boys did not come back. And if you have watched the TV show, 60 Minutes, and seen Andy Rooney, you will see one of those boys who trained in the mountains of West Virginia and went up those cliffs on D-Day.



During World War II, people had a ration book for certain products. Gasoline was rationed and that was a problem for many people. My dad had to have gas to get to his work and I remember him keeping an account of how much he used. Also, certain foods were rationed, like butter, coffee, and I think certain kinds of meat. I didn't do the shopping but I remember my parents talking about it. My three brothers were in the service so our family did not have the problem with food that some families did,--besides my dad had a Victory Garden in the back yard. President Roosevelt started that Daylight Savings Time so people could get home in time to garden. Mother had always canned so that seemed the normal thing to do, and it helped with our food supply.

When I was a sophomore in high school, our history teacher told us there was going to be a war and we would be the ones who would fight it. He didn't realize, of course, that he would be one of the first veterans to come home after being badly wounded in North Africa. He died of his wounds. I would come home from school and see my dad sitting on the front porch reading the paper and saying, "There is going to be a war. There is going to be a war". England was being badly hit by the Germans, so with three young sons, it is no wonder my dad was worried. Something else I remember--when a son was in the service, parents would put a little flag with a star on it in their window, sometimes more than one star if more than one son was serving. One day Mother and I were coming home from town, and she said "Oh look! There is a gold star in that window!"--meaning that son had been killed. There was a group called "The Gold Star Mothers" and I know my mother had her three boys in mind when she saw that star. My brothers were fighting on different fronts in different capacities, so we felt the pain. I am happy to say that all of my brothers came home after the war but my oldest brother suffered the rest of his life from wounds sustained in the record cold winter of Germany. I am here in Clarksburg (Bridgeport, really) taking care of the only brother I have left. He was in the 82nd Airborne



submitted by: Burt Spangler (WI '38)
burtsbs@nccn.net

I joined the Army Air Corps before there was a draft and have had some sort of military status ever since, enlisted, officer, reserve, and retired.

Oh July 5th, 1940 five of us from Clarksburg boarded a train for Columbus, Ohio where we were processed, sworn in and sent to Maxwell Field, Alabama for basic training. The basic training was pretty mild by today’s army standards, but we learned to march in formation, wear the uniform properly, salute, and had some marksman training with the 45 automatic. At the conclusion of basic we were “turned to duty”. My section had received a high rating during the training so we were assigned to Maxwell Field’s Air Base squadron. The other sections were sent all over, many to Puerto Rico for what ever duty was available. Upon assignment to the ABS we were asked our preference of duty assignments—I asked to be a radio operator and was assigned to the base radio shop where the aircraft radios were maintained and serviced and worked there until I was sent to Scott Field, Illinois to attend the Radio Operators and Mechanics course. After an early graduation (I knew most of the stuff) I was drafted as an instructor at the school and didn’t get to return to Maxwell. Promotions came fast as an instructor and I became Chief of the Maintain/Inspection Branch as a Staff Sergeant. I was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in July of 1942. The war was now on and we were in for “the duration plus six months” so I decided it would be nice to be an officer and chose to attend Signal Corps OCS at Fort Monmouth New Jersey

After OCS and a short Field Radio Officer school I was sent to Camp Crowder Mo. Then to Camp McCain, Mississippi, Where we organized filled and trained a Signal Operations Battalion, took it to maneuvers in Tennessee and then after a short tour in Indiana to England where we were assigned to be the Signal operations unit for Patton’s Third Army. After five campaigns across Europe with Patton we ended up in Bavaria.

The war now over and I a “high point man” and eligible to go home, decided to stay in Germany until the rest of the men in my unit were eligible to return home. I left Germany on Thanksgiving Day, 1945, and arrived in St Louis, where I was enrolled at Washington University, on Christmas Day 1945.

PATTON STORIES
Third Army’s code name was “Lucky” and the headquarters in England was divided into Lucky Forward located at an estate called Peever Hall and Lucky Rear located at Toft Hall a short distance away. General Patton lived at Peever—wouldn’t be caught dead at the rear—quartered on the estate—but at some distance from the main hall. There was a winding walkway leading down from the senior officer’s quarters to the main hall which housed the headquarters functions including the Signal Center which was on the ground floor. The stone stairway from the ground floor to the first floor had a landing halfway up and a Gothic style window in the thick wall looking out over the grounds. One beautiful spring Sunday morning—there weren’t too many of those—I was the Signal Center duty officer and as there was little or nothing going on, I was sitting in the window looking out. Down the walk comes the General accompanied by Willy. Willy was a nondescript black and white dog of uncertain breed who had the run of the place—never leashed—rumor had it that the dog had been a gift from General Doolittle—not sure if that was true but the General doted on the dog and it could do no wrong—to anybody else at least. The two of them came down the walk, the general, dressed in his finest including his pearl handled pistols and Willy running here and there sniffing at whatever he found. Willy found the lily pond which was a sunken stone rimmed pond with lily pads and some sort of ornamental fish swimming around. Willy looked in the pond—saw his reflection and began to bark. Patton strolled over to see what the dog was barking at and when he saw the dog barking at his own reflection, raised his foot and booted the dog into the pond where Willy swam or waded around as he couldn’t get out over the stone rim of the pond.

Several officers came down the walk—each giving the general a snappy salute and “good morning” which the General returned. Next here comes a full colonel, dressed in pinks and greens—swagger stick and white gloves—He gives the general a snappy salute and proceeds on down the walk. Patton calls “Colonel—Colonel”—The colonel returns—salutes again and Patton says “God damn dog fell in the water—get him out”. The colonel—fancy uniform and all gets down on his knees and tries to get a hold of Willy who isn’t wearing a collar. He finally gets him by the scruff of the neck and one leg and pulls him out. You know what wet dogs do when they get out of the water. Willy did it. The Colonel gets to his feet soaked, salutes asks “anything else, sir” and proceeds back the way he came.

Patton is straight faced, but I was sitting in the window doubling over trying to keep from laughing loud enough to be heard. I thought I had succeeded but the old man came walking just beneath me on the path –looked up at me and winked—He knew I was there all the time and was putting on a show that he figured I would spread all over headquarters. Just to be obstinate—I didn’t tell anybody the story until some time later after the landings and by that time there were other stories.



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

I was not old enough to be drafted ...Do you want those that fought in that war, or memories of us at home going to Central Junior and WI.....during WW2--as we fought the Axis here with our paper drives. Coach Colombo freshman coach at WI came to my house a fall afternoon -- he and I went around the neighborhood collecting paper-steel-Iron-rubber...we had a pick-up truck load to help the wars-crap-drive..!!!!



submitted by: Donna Gardner (wife of Bill Gardner)
lBGDG2335@aol.com

Bill Gardner was in the Navy during WWII and was on board ship when Pearl Harbor was bombed. We were not married at that time so I cannot give you much information on his service days and he is in the hospital at this time. If all continues to go well he will have a pacemaker put in Monday or Tuesday and will most likely be in the hospital until the end of next week.

EDITOR’S NOTE: DONNA SENT THE MESSAGE BELOW AFTER BILL’S PACEMAKER SURGERY-----------Now that is a couple of people who are dedicated to the newsletter…thanks to both of you and Get well soon to Bill!

Bill had pacemaker surgery this morning and seems to be doing very well. Will be in the hospital for another couple of days and then hopefully will be home again. Thanks for your message. Bill graduated from WI the Class of 1942. I ask Bill about his days in the service during WWII and he said that his ship did not sail into the bay at Pear Harbor until the day after it was bombed and they could not leave the ship, had to stay on board, so did not get to see any of what happened at Pearl Harbor. When they left the Pearl Harbor area, their ship sailed to Leyte in the Philippine Islands.

He was an Athletic Instructor and set up baseball games between the US ships. They had the National League and the American League Teams and after each game he set up beer parties on the Islands. Many times they had to call the game off and run for cover when the Japs came flying in and bombed the baseball fields. Some of his friends are still over there playing baseball as they did not make it to cover.

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but it's all that I can get from him right now.



submitted by: Sandra Zickefoose Lindke (WI '56)
alindke@tampabay.rr.com

I can remember some around that time. I spent quite a bit of time at my grandparent’s home in Buckhannon. At sundown they called for a black out, no lights visible from the outside. There was an air raid warden that patrolled and made sure of this. I had the front upstairs bedroom and knew nothing of these rules. One night there was a loud banging on the door and the warden informed my grandparents there was a light coming from an upstairs window and to get it covered or turned out. It was me reading a book. My poor grandmother was very embarrassed. I can also remember having the job of breaking the orange button in the margarine package and mixing it in to make the margarine look like butter. Also my mother would sweeten our orange juice with half a saccharine tablet. Unknowingly my grandmother was putting in a second half tablet. The results were a very bitter orange juice. Took only few days with we kids complaining about the taste before they figured out what was happening. I did love staying with my grandparents and the smell of cucumbers or sugar cookies always brings back pleasant memories of their kitchen.



submitted by: Joanne Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
fragilegranny@ma.rr.com

My first memory of WW11 would actually be Dec. 7, 1941. I was seven years old and we had moved into a new home in Oct. of that year. We had a radio like you have seen of that era that was like a piece of furniture. It was Sunday evening and my Grandmother Buffington was at our house for Sunday Dinner. All of a sudden, President Roosevelt came on the radio and said the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and ships were burning and sinking from the surprise attack. I remember him saying something about "infamy" and wondered what that meant. My Grandmother was crying and I couldn't understand why. Later I knew that she was worried about her four sons. My Uncle Ulysses Buffington was the only one that saw active duty. He served in the South Pacific as a Navy photographer on an aircraft carrier. (He returned safely and owned and operated Buffington Photograph Studio. He is now 89 years of age and lives in Hilton Head.) That initial memory is etched in my mind as if it was yesterday.I don't remember many details of how serious the war was or understood that we were fighting the Japanese and the Germans at the same time. I do have a vivid recollection of the end of the war. I had been quaranteed with Scarlet Fever and my brother, Don Westfall, was upset that he couldn't leave the house to go to town to celebrate. Obviously, the war left mainly a memory of the beginning and end. As a 73yr. old, it is a terrible thing to remember the Holocaust and other atrocities as we learned of them. I pray for World Peace and the safe return of our men and women from the Middle East.



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

Having been very young during the war, I have few memories relating to it. However, those I do have are very clear. Even in a small town, we were required to go through blackout drills. The siren would sound and all lights were turned off for a short period of time. I don't think I fully realized that it was only a drill, because all of my brothers, sisters and I would go outside to search the sky for possible enemy airplanes. In 1943, my oldest brother joined the U.S. Navy soon after graduation from high school and my other brother did the same in 1945. I remember the sad times seeing them leave home. Then finally, on August 15, 1945, I recall going to the small downtown to see the entire area covered with toilet paper, celebrating VJ Day. However, my family wasn't celebrating. My father had died on August 12, three days earlier. For our family, as with millions of other American families, World War 2 was a very unhappy time.



submitted by: Carolyn Burnside (WI '52)
crburnside842@verizon.net

World War II defined my childhood. I was within one month of my seventh birthday on December 7, 1941, and in the second grade at Morgan School. I have many prior recollections of people, outings, my sixth birthday party, but nothing makes much of an impression until World War II. The war permeated our entire lives. We had air raid drills during which my father, deemed too old for active service, donned his Civil Air Patrol hard hat and walked to the top of the highest street in the neighborhood while a small single propeller plane flew over our town. Mother and I viewed this from the front porch of our darkened home.

Our school was well tuned to protecting its charges. We practiced moving to the basement area in case of attack. This was years before “duck and cover” so we just had an extra exercise time in what we called the “playroom.” That was fun.

The school also played an additional part in the “war effort,” by collecting “raw materials.” I remember gathering and somehow taking to school pounds and pounds of newspapers and scrap iron in separate drives. The drives were competitive and I remember having my contributions weighed and tallied. Surely, if I won any recognition for a contribution, I would remember that. But I collected tons (I thought) of paper and scrap metal.

And I remember rationing. My father’s job required him to travel so he could buy more gasoline than many --- and we could take Sunday rides to visit family fifteen miles away --- always an adventure. Shoes were rationed. I overheard a conversation between my parents to know that new shoes for my growing feet meant that one of them would have to do without. In those days, Mother ordered groceries from a store that delivered. I heard many conversations when she bargained for certain cuts of meat and other goodies that were rationed. I remember when we received a special allotment of sugar, made available for canning, but it wasn’t entirely used for canning.

One of my most vivid memories is my grandmother knitting for her sons in the service. Those needles shaped khaki-colored yarn into wonderfully warm mufflers and socks --- never mind that one son never left California and another was in Australia. Her first-born, though, was in Alaska where wool mufflers and socks felt good and sent a message of love and hope.

We went to the movies. After the cartoon came the news, black and white and grainy. My most vivid memories are of London burning after a bombing ---- I will always remember those pictures --- even though I was quite young. And I remember pictures of planes taking off from carriers and pictures of battles with cannons firing.

So many movies focused on the war: Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, The Flying Tigers, Bataan, From the Halls of Montezuma that it was never far from our minds. The war influenced popular songs: “When the Lights Come on Again,” “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” are just a few.

By August 1945, I was ten years old. I didn’t understand atomic in relation to anything, but I was savvy enough to know that significant events were taking place. I sat beside our radio (a Zenith console which had given me many episodes of Mr. District Attorney and The Shadow), and then I heard the anticipated message: Japan had surrendered. Some in our neighborhood went to the street to quietly celebrate.



submitted by: Louis Trupo (VHS '37)
WVAGATA@aol.com

Louis was a veteran of World War II, he was a radio telephone communications specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was wounded on the Island of Tinian by a sniper’s bullet with 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 bullet, that otherwise would have struck his heart. Louis was recognized in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” for this. He received a Purple Heart for bravery and wounds received in this battle. Louis returned to battle on Iwo Jima and was wounded with mortar shell during the battle. He received a second Purple Heart for this battle. God answered his prayers and returned him home to his family. Louis was discharged in November of 1945.



submitted by: Jean Colasante Thomas (ND '61) Thomas4two@aol.com
    and     Laura Colasante Buchanan (ND '60) lmbuchanan@mac.com

Another great Newsletter. I enjoy them so much even tho I did not graduate from WI. Yours and Judy's work goes above and beyond. I hope everyone out there appreciates all the time and effort you put into it.

My recollection and story about World War II may be different than others, because my father, Goffredo "Fred" Colasante didn't return. He, among the thousands of others, was one of the casualties of the war. A native of Scanno, Italy, my dad enlisted for the war when his 3 other brother-in-laws had been drafted into the Navy. Unlike this war, that was the Patriotic thing to do in those days. He probably would not have had to go, but he did. My Mom, who recently passed away and her 3 sisters left Clarksburg, like so many others, and went to Detroit to work in the converted auto factories to make war planes and riding vehicles. My dad was stationed in the Pacific in the Mariana Islands and died there.

While too young to remember the circumstances myself, I can relate to you the story that my cousin always tells me - and now, even 62 years later - he cannot do it without crying. It was March 7, 1945 and my Mom was icing what would be my 1st birthday cake. She and her sisters along with my grandmother, my sister, Laura, and many cousins were at home when the Naval Car drove up to the house. Seeing the car, they knew what it meant - the one thing they did not know was to whom the telegram was going to be delivered. Unfortunately, it was to my Mom. My grandmother went into total shock and died only 6 months later from her grief. My Mom, my sister and I were all given my dad's medals and 3 gold stars to symbolize his death. My Mom returned to Clarksburg; and, in 1949 I remember the night that my father's body was finally returned to Clarksburg for burial.

As I watch "The War" which Ken Burns did a magnificent job of, I cannot help but think of my dad and all of the other courageous young men who died for our freedom. In that war, as the one we are in today, I hope no one ever loses sight of that. As an initial donor to the building of the World War II Memorial in D.C., my family was invited to share in the experience of the dedication. It truly was an experience of a lifetime. Seeing 80 and 90 yr old men dressed in those old uniforms - many pieced together with new material to fit them that day, sitting there in nearly 100-degree weather was an amazing site. They, truly were The Greatest Generation.

After my dad was killed, the Navy renamed his camp on the Mariana Islands "Camp Colasante". His name is engraved on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial in Charleston. Pretty nice honor. I still have the Navy paper with the write-up about it.

My dad only saw me once when I was about 2 or 3 months old. He never returned home after that. So, I really never knew him. My only memories are of the night they brought his body home and on to McGlumphys Funeral Home. The thing that makes me the saddest is seeing these young kids that are being killed today and knowing their wives have gotten the same news my Mom did. When we went through the Vietnam War and you would see the burials at Arlington and the young families, it was hard to imagine that was us. I guess time heals a lot and we were blessed with aunts and uncles who always made us a part of their families. My Mom re-married when I was 6 and my brother, Dr. Frank Lopez, has just returned from his second tour in Iraq.

I think the most moving thing I've ever done was visit Normandy and all the French cities of the war. Truly an experience of a lifetime! I hope to go back again. Have you done that?



SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO A WOUNDED SOLDIER

I received this suggestion from several readers and thought it worth sharing with you.

This year when you are addressing those Christmas cards why not send one to a wounded soldier who is in the army Hospital in Washington DC? Perhaps you can even send one a little earlier ---for Thanksgiving…send to:

A Recovering American Soldier
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

HOLIDAY WREATHS


Above is a picture of Arlington Cemetery after it is decorated by a company in Maine.

YOU CAN DO THIS FOR YOUR VETERAN WHO IS BURIED IN CLARKSBURG
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

submitted by: Jean Colasante Thomas (ND '61)
Thomas4two@aol.com

In relation to your suggestion of writing about World War II, I would like to put out a challenge to all of the people who read the newsletter to make sure that all of their family members who have served and died in any war are remembered during the December Holidays.

I do it in Clarksburg and Bridgeport for my father, step-father and father-in-law. It would be a great sight for all military graves to be adorned.

What a wonderful site it would be if the graves of our family members who were veterans were so decorated for the holidays to honor our loved ones who served our country.

EDITOR’S NOTE: After writing back and forth with Jean, she offered to do some research and get a price for you….remember there is a deadline:

Jean spoke to her good friend Linda who lives in Clarksburg. Linda found that you can purchase a 22 inch pine wreath that would be nice and full with a waterproof red velvet bow…placed on the military grave of a named veteran in the Clarksburg cemeteries, Bridgeport cemeteries and the National Cemetery in Grafton. That is the only area she will cover because of the price of gas. She will charge only $28.00 per wreath which seems very reasonable. If possible she would like to have as many orders as possible by Nov 9th so she will have an idea of how many wreaths to order. She said the suppliers only have a certain number of wreaths and when they are gone it would be hard for her to find more. Last minute orders will be honored as long as she can get the wreaths.

Donna's Holiday Shop and Florist
(304) 622-6541
8:00 to 5:00 Mon thru Fri and 8:00 to 12:00 noon on Sat

IF YOU WISH TO BUY A WREATH FOR THE GRAVE OF A FAMILY MEMBER
WHO WAS A VETERAN YOU MUST ACT NOW!



SEE YOU THERE NEXT TIME

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

Just a note to all those who know Rex Zickefoose, his sisters or were from the Hartland area in the late 50's and had thoughts of going to Rex's Pig Roast in August but didn't get there. You sure missed a good one. Good food, good music, good entertainment and best of all a bunch of good people. If you didn't make it because you don't like Pig Meat then I'm gonna tell ya one of Rex's secrets. He knows some ladies down there on the Doddridge County line that have a bunch of “want to die for covered dish recipes”. You could have gone past the Pig and the Goat and done covered dish until you were in heaven. That evening we had a nice camp fire. Did Hot Dogs and S'moores. If Rex ever puts another invitation on the table go for it. !!!



TROPHY ROOMS

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

I was so surprised that only one person commented on the pictures that I ran last month of the trophy rooms at RC Byrd High School. Did all of you already know they existed? Was I the last person to find out about this nice display area? Boy, I wish someone would keep me in the loop about these things! I was positive that a lot of you didn’t know about these rooms and that the pictures would generate a lot discussion and recognition of things displayed. I held these pictures from May until October to give it a proper place. Only one couple commented about the area……they actually recognized one of the items----see the letter below:

submitted by: Mike Blackshire (RW/WI graduated ND 1963)
and wife Betty Marino Blackshire (ND 1962)



The letterman jacket in the WI Trophy room at RCB is our son Stephen’s jacket. We donated it to the school the year RCB opened. Both our sons (Michael & Stephen Blackshire) graduated from WI. Michael graduated in 1983 and Stephen in 1985. They played football and basketball while at WI. Betty and I are very proud of both of our sons. They are both graduates of WVU. Michael lives in Hilton Head, SC and Stephen in Snellville, Georgia.



A WV SCREEN SAVER

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

A nice screen saver of the WV Capital building

http://www.mywvhome.com/river.html

Shot taken at midnight Wednesday Nov. 20, 2003 during flood conditions on Kanawha River near the State Capital. Photo by Jerry Waters



NOT EVERYONE IS SO LUCKY!

submitted by: Jean Taylor Teter (WI '56)

Dear Roleta, I don’t consider you a nag at all, but rather a guardian angel of Clarksburg alums. Thank you for helping us reconnect with long-lost friends and classmates while rekindling old and happy memories.

Although I’ve lived in California since 1962, I still feel as if I’ve been transplanted into another universe, and a very strange universe at that. Only when I go back to West Virginia to visit family, do I feel at home. We’re not always able to print out your newsletter (our computer is sometimes invaded by cantankerous and evil spirits), but when I do get to read it, I’m reminded that I grew up in a warm and caring place among good-hearted, supportive people. Not everyone is so lucky!

Several people helped me along the way, and I like to return the favor as often as possible. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to do just that. I am sending my check for the scholarship fund today.


IT IS A SMALL WORLD AFTERALL

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

As you and many of your readers know, I live in the Alexandria, Virginia area and from time to time will get some of my LOCAL WI CLASSMATES together for a dinner in this area. On one such occasion a couple of years ago, Elizabeth Swiger Layton and her husband Fred were visiting in this area (they live in Clarksburg), so I decided to gather my local classmates for dinner. There were about 4 of us from the class of 61 (plus our spouses). After dinner, Elizabeth asked me if they could follow me back to the area where they were staying, which turned out to be right on our way home, and within 3 miles of our house. About a year or so ago, we got a new neighbor across the street from us and Bill Peters and I have had several discussions and somewhere along the line in the last few months, it came to be known to both of us that we were both from Clarksburg. Bill was a graduate of RW, me being from WI. So, whenever he and/or I would go to C-burg, we would make some comment to the other regarding our trip and time in town. Bill recently moved his parents out of C-burg to Springfield, Virginia which is right close to where we live. He mentioned to me that he had talked to his cousin, and his cousin knew me. The strange thing is, his cousin is none other than Fred Layton, husband of my classmate Elizabeth Swiger with whom we all had dinner a few years earlier. Elizabeth and I are both on the reunion committee for the class of 1961. Bill told me that Fred and Elizabeth were coming up to Virginia to help him in transporting one of his parents’ cars, but somehow Elizabeth, Fred and I did not get to see each other when they were in this area as they had decided to stay with Bill’s brother instead of across the street with me. When Elizabeth and Fred were in VA for the dinner with our classmates a few years ago and wanted to follow me to where they were staying at the time, it turns out that they were staying with Fred’s brother Bill Peters who then lived about 3 miles from me but now lives across the street. It is a small world.



THEY GAVE WON’T YOU?

Won’t you join these people who sent me a gift for the WIN (Washington Irving Newsletter) Scholarship? You know the money goes to help a graduate of R C Byrd High School go to college. No amount is too small or too big. I will not disclose the amount of your gift to anyone.

Make out your check or money order to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

Mail to: Roleta Meredith
3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.
Sarasota, FL. 3424

ALLEN ALVAREZ (WI 1958) sent another check to the WIN Scholarship in memory of his mother RUBY ALVAREZ

JEAN TAYLOR TETER (WI 1956) gave to thank those who have given to her in the past.

NANCY CRANE JONES (WI 1948) appreciates the hard work done by Roleta and Judy on the newsletter each month.

GENE DAVIS (WI 1959) says thanks to Roleta for the effort given to this worthwhile effort to assist deserving young people.

NANCY STARETT (WI 1953) sends a check just about every month to help a young Clarksburg graduate with their college expenses.

NICK STEVENS (WI 1963) gave in memory of LINDA WHITE STUMPO his classmate and dear friend.

A note to Roleta:
We are sending you a check for the WIN Scholarship Fund. It is in MEMORY OF ROY L. BEVER AND ANDREW BRIAN HAMILTON (both graduated with the WI class of 1957). You may recall that a couple of years ago, our class raised funds for a scholarship in Andy Hamilton’s memory. That scholarship was awarded independent of your scholarship. Roy Bever was one of the organizers of that effort.

It is nearing Christmas time, a gift to the scholarship in memory or as a thank you is a wonderful jester. Won’t you join those who sent their checks this month?

Thank you!


submitted by: Charles Ferrell (WI '46)
eagle1928@starpower.net

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Baber. He was our next door neighbor for over 20 years before I was drafted in 1950 for the Korean conflict. He was an excellent doctor who once treated my big toe which stopped a baseball. His son Billy lived at our home for many hours since my sister, Mary Lynn, was his baby sitter. When I taught a youth Sunday school class for a bunch of boys at Stealey Heights Methodist Church he often went on our weekend hikes with our group. Dr Baber was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 155. I still belong to Hermon Lodge #6 which meets in the same building in Clarksburg.



submitted by: Lyle Corder (RW '57)
WVlyle@aol.com

I read with great interest the comments in the recent newsletter about local grads not coming to reunions. For some reason or reasons, this seems to be the case with most schools in our area and I think it is true all over the country. Our 1957 class of Roosevelt-Wilson had a 50 year reunion this summer. We had the biggest turnout ever with about 50 classmates in attendance. We had a class of 96 graduates and if you deduct the 20+ who have left us, that is a pretty good turnout. A lot of locals came but if they had all come it would have been even better.

As a person who was fortunate enough to find a good job in West Virginia let me put an end to one bit of speculation. I don't know any graduate or for that matter any person who lives in West Virginia who is embarrassed to live here. I speak from sixty-seven years of experience. A comment like that has to have come from someone who has left the state. The thought would have never entered the mind of someone who stayed home.

Perhaps going to a reunion is just not that big a deal to someone who stayed here. For those who have left the area, the thought of coming home to see old friends may just be more appealing.

Some kids just didn't have such a great time while they were in school. I think that some want to forget that sad time in their lives. At Roosevelt-Wilson there was no "upper class" based on money. In all the time I was there, I can remember only one rich kid and he fit in just fine. Someone else will have to speak about this from the other schools.

Some people in West Virginia aren't too pleased with their life circumstances, but, trust me, it has nothing to do with where they live. Heck, I'll bet there are some unhappy grads in Ohio, California and Texas. I suspect that some grads who have left West Virginia might be just a little bit guilty of buying into some of the negative information about the state where they were schooled and the state they will always love I am truly not trying to offend anyone with these comments. Another interesting phenomenon my wife and I have noticed: Lots of grads who left West Virginia have returned and have chosen to retire here. They sure seem happy to be home. Maybe this one is not too difficult to understand.



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

Not being from Clarksburg, but being married to Roleta, I of course live with the WI Newsletter 24/7. Two letters from the October newsletter were very meaningful to me. John Cooper (WI '51) mentioned he had delivered the "Grit" newspaper & included a picture of the bag he used to carry the papers. I haven't seen one of those papers for over 35 years. I delivered the "Grit" as a kid and talked my son into selling it when he was a youngster. As I recall, many of my customers called it "The Pennsylvania Liar". Regardless, I always enjoyed reading the unusual stories it carried. Lyle Corder sent a picture of his son, who is serving his country in Iraq. His notation of "He is the one on the right" added some much needed humor to my day. I'm writing this the day after going to Tampa to attend the WVU-South Florida football game. It was a difficult ride back home to Sarasota early this morning. Thanks Lyle, for your sense of humor and thanks to your son, for his courage and dedication.



submitted by: Leslie Moran Bond (WI '79)
Lmoore61@aol.com

I'm thrilled that my idea about the paper carriers was so well received! I loved the responses. I worked for Mr. Highland, Jr. for more than 20 years (was the only assistant he ever had, beyond the one he had inherited from his father........she retired in her 70's after nearly 50 years with him, and I, a green 20 year old at the time, was her replacement) and saw much of the history I had seen and heard about rewritten in the newsletter. I forwarded copies to Bob Stealey at the Exponent-Telegram and also to Barbara Highland.

Just a small unrelated footnote..........

In your e-mail, you encouraged folks to get their photos copied at Wal-Mart. This seems like an innocent and reasonable request, but I recently read a report about Wal-Mart that upset me to the core. I have never been a Wal-Mart shopper (I resent my taxes paying for health coverage for employees of the richest company in the world), but this report made me not even want to drive past one.

Wal-Mart gets something like 70% of their products from COMMUNIST CHINA. Not only does this practice deny manufacturing jobs to hard working Americans (in favor of prison laborers in another country - basically slave labor), but it funnels billions of dollars into a country that uses it to manufacture weapons that are then sold to terrorist nations, Iraq and Afghanistan, that are used to kill our boys overseas. A car with a yellow ribbon "Support our troops" magnet parked in a Wal-Mart parking lot is a true oxymoron.

I understand that most Americans don't have this knowledge (most media fear ticking off Wal-Mart because they want their ad dollars), but am doing what I can to share it.

To me, shopping at Wal-Mart is unpatriotic and I hope folks get their photos copied elsewhere.



submitted by: Carolyn Hornor Wilson (WI '60)
chw10@gv.psu.edu

I really look forward to the newsletter every month. Although I was only at WI my first two years, and I do not remember all of my class mates, (I did renew some of my acquaintances when attending WVU) it certainly brings Clarksburg back to me very vividly. I rarely get there anymore as I have no family left and there is little reason to return. It seems very strange to return to your home town and not have a home there anymore.

I feel sure that your newsletter brings back memories to everyone each time that they read it. Memories and the experiences that made them are a great part of each of us as the people we are today. We are all WV proud that you and Judy give those memories to each of us in such an outstanding way.

Thank you, thank you.



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

GREAT Response about the WI-Newsboys..! Shows you that many read the Newsletter..and that means there are many that read it each month but do not respond in any way, until a favorite subject comes along.. but love it also..! -- Great stories..!---- I have wondered why the WI High School reunion classes do not invite and ask ALL graduates from WI to come to their re-unions as "guests"-but yet pay the fee as others must for the costs.....there would be loads of talk from the older and the younger graduates there that way and I am sure many stories would be passed around that the other didn't know about..! A great way to build attendance numbers for those classes that complain that not many show up..? For what ever reason....?? At the banquet graduates could mix or have special tables set aside for that certain class year that would be kind of nice..! A salute to the older grads and actually to the younger ones that came along later... also..! Those newspaper bags looked great, I tried my best to send good pics....



submitted by: Harriett Stout Noel (WI '59)
har@cmspan.net

Hello Roleta! It is always so much fun to read the newsletter and my husband is as excited to read it as I am so you know you are doing something right! Thank you for all of your hard work!

As someone who does not contribute up until now, I love to read everyone's stories to be able to "keep up"- which is harder and harder as the crazy years roll by.

Leon and I continue to run our little remodeling/design business in beautiful Roseburg Oregon. It is a wonderful place to live and work-not fancy-but full of delightful people, from everywhere, to color our days with interesting things. I keep painting, when time permits, working on special commissions and hope to do more when we are no longer working.

Our two children and their children are on the West Coast. We were chosen to be grandparents to a little boy who was born 16 years ago with multiple handicaps both physically and mentally. He was cherished by all of us and passed away this past March. Our son woke up one morning not too many months ago and realized he could get in his car and go for a special coffee-spur of the moment! What a treat. We cannot say enough about what a fine couple they were for taking such great care of Tyler for all these years AND staying together.

Life is interesting, fragile and constantly changing. Thank you Roleta, and thanks to all of you who share your days with us through the newsletter-it is wonderful! Happy Fall!



submitted by: Margaret Cleavenger Maiocco (WI '65)
mlmaiocco@cox.net

Please add me to your list to receive the WI Newsletter. I lost out during recent years when my husband, Joe Maiocco, Jr., (WI Class 1951) was diagnosed with cancer and later passed away.

Family and friends have recently called my attention to the newsletter and I just totally read through your October issue. You and Judy do a GREAT job! It is loaded with wonderful memories.

I visited WV this summer and was in AWE at how beautiful and overgrown the trees appeared. It has never looked more beautiful. I was amazed at the number of deer I saw.

Thank YOU.



submitted by: Frank Fragomene (WI '62)
ffrago1@aol.com

I have looked at your 10/07 newsletter and read almost every word. Great Job of putting everything together! It spans many graduating classes and I strongly believe it will and is helping to make the step to 'Going Home Again' possible. Last month, my wife had to attend a meeting in Clarksburg [we reside in South Charleston, WV] so I thought it would be a great time to drive thru ole C-burg again. In driving around downtown C-burg it was like a piece of me was torn up. Many of the old buildings and the businesses within them were gone or in that process.

I think back to the many Saturdays when my brother (Vincent WI 1959) and I would go to one of the 4 movie theaters in town to watch a double feature and cartoons; all for $0.21 each. [Does anyone remember that there use to be a 'cent mark' on the key board?--no need for it for a number of decades]. I remember three of the theater names: Ritz, Robinson Grand, & Moore's but don't remember the 4th. The fourth was on Main Street. It seems to me that Moore's use to have on Saturday the old Super Serials along with the double features. Moore's, I believe, only charged a dime for admission. On Saturday, Mom use to give my brother and I each $0.26 to go to the movies. The extra nickel was for candy out of one of two vending machines. My cousins sometime met us there. On these Saturdays (during the summer) the theater would be packed with what I thought at the time was every kid in Clarksburg. Pop Corn and other paper products were always flying around and 'a fun time was had by all' except for the people who had to clean up. I know that we did not feel like we got our money's worth unless we watch both movies 2 times. My guess is that you can 'go home' from time to time with the blessing of a computer and e-mail.



submitted by: Clarence McKiney (WI '50)
highlandpinew@webtv.net

I had the paper route during the War years (ages 9-13). Both Turk [Thurman McKinley WI 39] and Dennis [McKinley WI 43] had the route prior to me. The newspaper was called the Exponent-Telegram when I had it. During these years I kept track of the War and formed a scrapbook from newspaper clippings. I can recall the banners containing stars showing sons in service. When collecting on Saturdays I often discussed with mothers their sons who were serving in the War. I can also recall blackouts when wardens walked So. Chestnut St. to assure that there were no lights. Also, I collected paper, metal and other materials for the war effort. I collected 25 cents a week for the newspaper of which I received 7 cents. By the time I entered high school I had saved nearly $500. At Christmas a party was held at Empire National Bank at which Cecil Highland would give each of us a large orange as well as silver dollars. Those assisting me with the route including Gene Cain who later was in charge of the Clarksburg Water Board, Frank Oliverio who was listed in the front of the National Geographic Mag. as in charge of Printing and Arnold Strother who I understand became a psychiatrist. Chestnut Hill did not exist until after WWII. There were only 2 or 3 houses on the loop. Pit Cairn was an area of a few small houses on a dirt road which has been eliminated to connect Chestnut St. with Buchannon Pike. Fond memories!!



submitted by: Joe Garcia (ND '65)
JJG333@aol.com
My name is Joe Garcia. I grew up in Anmoore, played baseball for Ken Ash, and graduated from Notre Dame in 1965... Graduated WVU in 1970 (I was a KA) ....and came to Fla on Nov 4, 1970 . I had been to Ft Lauderdale 3 times on spring break...so I moved here with $200.00 and my 1969 Beetle.

I remember going to Hide a Way in the summers with Gary Marano...we would hitch hike....Never a fear and no door keys to our houses.....no curfew...played baseball till dark every day in the summers. It was truly a wonderful childhood!!



HOW QUICKLY IT WENT BY!

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

As my good friend Frank Martino, Class of (60) mentioned in the last newsletter, the majority of us were so blest to have grown up in an era when life was so tranquil--

Remember when you visited with your neighbors on the porch or around the kitchen table having coffee .... when you visited your Aunts, Uncles and cousins ...when your front and back door were always open.. you never knew who would stop by...when you couldn't eat fast enough to go out and play because you were holding up a game...when you were lucky if your Dad had a car....of if you had siblings close to your age and all of their friends were always at your house....or if your friends loved to stop over because they said you had the greatest parents...when you walked to and from school...including lunch time? Remember how we worried about what would happen to our lives when we graduated from WI? We are all playing the back 9 now.....My how quickly it went by !!


VISITING CLARKSBURG

submitted by: Ron Watkins (WI '54)
ronw@tx.rr.com

Just got back from a trip to Clarksburg, wife Nell and I drove up from Dallas Texas for my granddaughters wedding. Had a great time was real impressed with the new construction around town and in Bridgeport. We went to Tomaro's on Monday to get Pepperoni Rolls, found out they only had two dozen left, and they were closed on Tuesday. So if you don't get there early you may not get what you want. Went by Oliverios and got a case of peppers and put in the trunk, they arrived back in Texas intact. On the way back we drove through Carbondale IL. to visit with long time music teacher from Victory, and I think she was at WI for awhile Winifred "Fritz" Bell, she is in her 80's and has just as much energy as she always did. It was a great visit and we had a nice lunch before we headed out. I have attached a picture if you want to use it, I know a lot of people remember the Choral Groups she had in Clarksburg in the 40's and 50's. Last month I sent in a little write up of delivering papers and have had some nice emails from friends and other paper boys, from Pa. to NC. Shows people use the Newsletter to keep in touch. You and Judy do a great job and hope to contribute a little more in the future. Hope all have a great Thanksgiving.




ROBERT SAYRE

submitted by: Debbie Sayre Stoikowitz (WI '69)
dstoik@cox.net



I am trying to find information on my father, Robert Bell Sayre. He is the son of Floyd Sayre and Virginia Bell Sayre later Virginia Oshel. He worked for his father as a photographer at "Sayre Studio" then located at 4th Street in Clarksburg, WV. The studio was beside of Home Industry Bakery. I believe he was born Sept. 19, 1924, so probably graduated from WI approximately 1941 or 1942. My father passed away in 1963 at home at 310 Elm Street, Clarksburg. My cousin is trying to complete the Sayre Family tree and we need information about him including information about his service in the Navy in WW II.

If you have any information about him please contact me at the above email address.

Thank you-----Debbie.

PRECIOUS CHILDREN FOR NOVEMBER





submitted by: Ron Werner (WI '59)
wernerrlrs@verizon.net

The precious children for November are my sister Jeanie Werner Davis class of "59" and her friend Sharon Dillmore. They were standing behind our house on Locust Ave. The house is no longer there as it was purchased by the Methodist Temple church and is now a parking lot.

The trivia picture is of the Stealey Pool. We were members there in the late 60's and 70's. All three of our children learned to swim there and our youngest was on the swim team and won some ribbons. The pool association used to sponsor a dance in the fall called the "Corn Ball". It was held at the Nathan Goff Armory.



PRECIOUS CHILD FOR DECEMBER



Do you want to play our game? Just guess the identity of the child pictured above and include a memory of her. I will not print an incorrect guess. Write to: Roleta1@aol.com



NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES

Chris Lennon (WI '61) chrisgq101@yahoo.com
Roberta Lasko (WI '82) rburks@baileywyant.com
Bob Kuhl (WI '52) bobkuhl@aol.com
Jennifer Brunetti Schellenberg (VHS '63) jennifer.five@verizon.net
Steve Beatty (WI '73) njspb1@verizon.net
Debbie Stoikowitz (WI '69) dstoik@cox.net
Frank Fragomene (WI '62) ffrago1@aol.com
Sarah Sinsel Locher (WI '63 sslocher@verizon.net
John Sutton Stump III (WI '46) jstump@mcguirewoods.com
Roger K. Fain (WI '61) RFAIN@ma.rr.com
Beckie C. Yeager Fain (WI '64) RFAIN@ma.rr.com
Jim Sims (WI '63) jls303@yahoo.com


CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS

Karen Myers Horton (WI '66) Hortongreg7@bellsouth.net
June Skidmore Yates (WI '52) ted4920@comcast.net
Ted Yates (WI '49) ted4920@comcast.net
Mary Ellen Campbell-Mathers (Unidis HS '61) maryellen1@roadrunner.com
Jeanie Dillmore Mason (WI '58) imomason@suddenlink.net
Ron Ogren (WI '50) Ron_Ogren@verizon.net
(there is an underline between Ron and Ogren)
Barbara Christie Morris (WI '50) bibliobarb1@msn.com
Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI '56) alindke@tampabay.rr.com




CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Roger Dean (RW 1957) and Carol VanHorn Dean (WI 1958) who became great-grandparents recently:



My granddaughter Heather gave birth to a 6 lb 15 oz baby boy Oct 1 and named him Sean. Heather and Justin Fowler live in Richmond, Va.

Pictured above: left to right: Daddy, Justin Fowler. Mother of the new baby is Heather Fowler. And on the right is my daughter Lorena Dean Hammons.



SPORTS

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

Some of the individuals in the following articles are:

Chuck Vickers, Mike Blackshire, Mark Garrett, Larry Martino, John Teter, Bob Teter, Anthony Julian, Phil Carter, Chuck Furbee, J. Dillmore, Bob Combs, Cliff Thornley, Mike King, Dave McGahan, Bill Swats, John McFarlin, Bill Patton, Tom Young, Mike Swiger, Dick Frush, Don Adams, Jack Grimm, Bill VanVoorhis, Bucky Wolfe, Fred Alvaro and Bob Secret, all are graduates from WI.

From RW: Tom Ayoob, Doug Mills, Mike Stumpo, Bill Rollins, Bob Ayoob, and Jim Dennison.

From Notre Dame: Jim Capage, and Jimbo Gallo.

From Bridgeport: Randy Moodispaugh, Kenny Brand and John Hutchinson.

   


      




submitted by: August “Augie” Malfregeot (WI '56)
admasa@onearrow.net

Bob Ferrell went to RW and I played American Legion Baseball with him the summer of 1953. Duke wanted him after he graduated from RW.
~~Robert “Bob” Ferrell was a member of all-time WVIAC 50th anniversary basketball team.
~~Third highest scorer in the nation in 1964 with 30.05 average.
~~Finished career as fourth highest scorer in WVIAC history with 24.5 average and career total of 1,787 points.
~~NAIA All-American in 1960-61
~~All WVIAC on basketball in 1960-61
~~All conference in baseball, chosen on all-time WVIAC all conference 50th anniversary team.



submitted by: Joe Garcia (ND '65)
JJG333@aol.com

It was 1955 and Anmoore Little League was playing West Milford....top of the 6th and we were trailing by a score of 13 to 3, two outs and bases loaded..............

Mr Ash Yelled....... Joe Garcia get ready to pinch hit! I had never batted in a real game before. I grabbed my bat, took some practice swings, and there I was at home plate and "scared to death "

Here comes the first pitch........I closed my eyes and swung as hard as I could......GRAND SLAM HOME RUN !!!!...........We lost 13 to 7......

After the game Mr. Ash put his arm around me and asked if I had seen his signal from the 3rd base box. I told him that I was to nervous to see anything........He signaled for me to take the first pitch....... OOPS

It was the beginning to a wonderful baseball childhood, Anmoore then Local #2 coached by "Pudge " Bryan, where I got to bat against Jimmy Salentro 100 Miles per hour.

Growing up in Clarksburg was a real Blessing..... I cherish every memory....



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

The Football-program here...does not print in the program the head coach... but Clay B.Hite was the Hilltopper's coach...and I think Coach Hutson (?) was the Eagle's coach..?---- I also sent you a cartoon drawing I did back in 1949 at WI-- and in error had my wrong WI-date on the email.

The WI-Boosters name-list contains a lot of great WI-Fans...! ...Note the WI/Victory game was as usual..at Clarksburg Hite Field --AND--- on as usual --- November 11th... Veteran's Day.. final game of the season for both teams..starting at 2pm..not a Friday or Saturday weekend game... as all highschool games now are played .! I would have to look that up--it could have been Tuesday, or any other weekday...!!...



   




Kenny Moore (right-tackle)...I talked with him Saturday about--both of us playing football for the Hilltoppers. Kenny, I believe, was a couple years ahead of me at WI. I also see Dave Corsini now and then, he retied from a local bank few years ago.



In WI-football photos above of Dave Corsini and Kenny Moore notice that they did not have face guards on their helmets. Dave broke his nose at scrimmage one evening and it was an awful sight. We thought he was bleeding to death. Fitted with a simple face guard for the future games, he looked rather strange with that and appeared to be as a player from outer space. Now, face guards and eye protective masks are accepted as regular equipment from little league, junior high, high-schools, college games and in the pros. We had contact on every play, especially if one was a lineman like I was (pulling guard). So, that's the reason I look like I do now…..after 50-some years.

   


Frank Colombo in the 40's, at Central Jr.High School Clarksburg -and a good guy, he was my coach. Coach Orme was assistant Coach at WI--1940's-1950's-I also played for him 3- years at WI-'48-'49-'50- I was a senior and first team member 1950-51 squad .I am not sure all years Orme coached, but he was there for the 1947--and 1949 games that I sent you photos...he coached all sports along with Clay B.HITE..HITE football FIELD in Clarksburg is named for Coach Hite...and is yet called that, since WI--turned into Robert C.Byrd High School and went out of town to build a new school and football field, Liberty High School and Notre Dame still use Hite field as their "home field". I don't have newspaper clippings or the final score of the Victory vs WI football game mentioned in the above program. I only have the "program" sold at the game. I also have a few other football-game programs.

   


The last year we played football for WI—was in the fall of 1950. I graduated from WI in 1951. I was a tackle and guard in 1949 and 1950. Note the wonderful head of hair.!!!.."Hair today,gone tomorrow..!"..


submitted by: Augie Malfregeot (WI '56)
admasa@onearrow.net

Babe Barna and Jack Gocke are two local athletes that are in the WVU Hall of Fame. Both played football, basketball and baseball. Babe went to professional baseball in the spring of 1937. Jack went to medical school. Different times I heard discussions on the best basketball player from the area at the Stonewall and Glocke was always mentioned. I heard about Babe from my father. His son, Paul was in my fifth grade class at Morgan School. Paul lived about three doors up from the Canteen. Natine remembers, we used to play together sometimes.


submitted by: Alexis Julian Scott (ND '65)
alexisrscott@yahoo.com


This is a picture of me and Anthony (WI '59) at Yankee Stadium - he and I are rabid Yankee's fans.




TRIVIA PICTURE FOR NOVEMBER 2007

submitted by: Bob Turner (WI '58)
Mdmyer@aol.com

Wow, do I remember this pool? It is located all the way to the top of the hill in Stealey. I remember when it was built, and the picnics we use to have up there. The swimming events, fun times were had by all who were members. What a view from the top of the hill! It is still there, the last time in Clarksburg we drove up to take my mom up to see it as it had been several years since she saw the pool and club. Stealey Swimming Pool Club. I think cannot remember if this is correct or not.



submitted by: Rusty and Marty Elliott (WI '57)
martyelliott@verizon.net

The picture is Stealey pool. We spent a lot of time there when the kids were on the swim team in the 80's. Dave Griffith was the coach for several of those years and our son, Patrick, helped him for a couple of years. The boys made many friends there and, thanks to swim practice, they are both excellent swimmers.



submitted by: Wayne White (WI '60)
waynepawco@verizon.net

This looks like the Stealey pool. Located at the top of Stealey Ave in Clarksburg. I remember when it opened and they sold memberships to be able to swim--the property was a portion of the farmer Wilson land and they purchased it from him to build the pool---the pool is still in operation during the summer months. I lived at the bottom of Stealey Avenue on Duncan and it was not far for me to go when I wanted to swim.



submitted by: Jackie Morris Corsini (WI '49)
JCOR114@aol.com

Of course, it is the Stealey Pool. Our boys (Chip and Kevin) grew up there. We all have very fond memories of the pool. Our boys both played on Little League baseball teams and we would always have their picnics at the pool on the hill where the basketball courts were. My husband, Dave, being the kid that he was, would play a lot of ball up there.



submitted by: Dolores Costlow Wall (WI '58)
Kidneybean7@aol.com

This looks like the Stealey Pool at the top of Stealey Hill. What a climb to get there. I had moved out of state before it was built, but my parents and two sisters were members, so we would go as guests when we were visiting home. It was a great place to swim.

My boys even swam exhibition in a swim meet one time when they were visiting with us. They really enjoyed that.



submitted by: Carol Gottlieb Rovinsky (WI '65)
carolcaz@bellsouth.net

I really did enjoy the newsletter - especially the stories from the newspaper "boys".

About that picture:
I think that is the pool that was built in Stealey - at the top of the hill. Can't remember it's name. It was a private pool and I believe cost alot of money to join.

If this is it my memory is:
I took a Life Guard coarse one summer. We had eons of laps to do and our instructor was a fellow (I thought he was really cute!) who had us sing - Oh, darn, I can't even remember the name of the song that I sang while I swam all those laps - and, being a slow swimmer, I sang more verses than anyone else. Now, whenever I hear that song I think of those laps in that pool. If anyone else swam those laps and remembers the name of the song, please let me know.



submitted by: Jody Buffington Aud (WI '77)
jody.aud@priogroup.com

Waaaaay too easy! I spent every day of every summer at Stealey Pool for probably 11 years. In that entire time, our swim team NEVER lost a swim meet. I was a runner – I ran time cards from the lane timers to the ribbon table – and every once in awhile I would swim an event by filling in for a relay team. I always thought the coolest job on earth was sitting at the ribbon table. Today I run the ribbon table for my daughters’ swim team. Go figure!

I was just home for my reunion and I took my girls up to the pool. It was all fenced in, but water was still in the pool. Amazing to me how much it looked the same and how much I remembered and the stories I could tell them. Overall, they were totally impressed because the length of the pool is twice as long as the one they swim in.



submitted by: Jane Stout Galvan (WI '59)
jognjsg@cox.net

The trivia picture for November is the Stealey pool. I remember when it was built. I spent many hours swimming and diving there. It was great.



submitted by: Chris Lennon (WI '61)
chrisgq101@yahoo.com

That pic is of the old Stealey Public Swimming pool. My family and I used to have a membership there every year. I remember the big silver safety pin tags they use to give out to show that you were a member. Once the lifeguard blew the whistle to get out of the pool for the swim break there was always a mad dash to the concession stand for some goodies. I can't remember everything they sold, but I fondly remember getting frozen Snickers bars and those candy rings that looked like giant jewels. I had alot of good summers at that pool....thanks!



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

Thanks for the memories, Roleta,

I believe that this is the Stealey pool. I was a guest of my best friend, Tim Aspy, at the pool during the summers. The Stealey pool from 1958 through 1961 was the time I remember at the pool. It was a very popular place for young people to congregate.

I remember doing the "Pony" at summer dances for teens at the pool. They had a dance floor (patio) on top of the dressing rooms. The teen dances were a lot of fun!

I have a lot of fond memories associated with Stealey pool. It was a fun place to be when you were a kid. It is hard to believe that was over 45 years ago.



submitted by: Gloria J. Shaffer (WI '58)
mshaffer@ma.rr.com

That is a picture of Stealey pool and I remember it well. My husband and I joined the pool about 1961 and spent more time there than I can remember. A few of the names I remember as being the driving force in the development of the pool are Earl Turner, Bob Tolley, Bernard Berry, Bill Lear and Bob "Monk" Israel. I know there were more, but I can't remember names the way I used to-- you all know about "Senior Moments" don't you.

Some of the things I can remember while we were members there are helping with the Invitational Swim Meets. They lasted all day and late into the night because they did everything in one day. The year Mike was drafted into the Army, 1963, I was Chairman of the Entertainment Committee. I had a lot of help from a lot of people, names I can't remember now--Barbara Morris was one that was a big help. Also Midge Tolley, who dressed as Easter Bunny for our egg hunt. We had a Hanky Panky party for adults and a corn roast that could not of happened without the help of many of the men. There were grills on the hill and they were in full use by the members that would go early to cook breakfast on holidays. Breakfast never tasted so good and of course that was when we didn't worry about eating eggs, bacon and sausage.

Our daughter fell in the baby pool and cut her chin and one of the members drove me to Saint Mary's Hospital because she needed stitches. Until she learned to swim her fingers were raw because she would not let go of the side of the pool. She became a great swimmer and won many ribbons and later became a life guard.

I never learned to swim, but I was not afraid of the water. I watched the little kids go off of the low board into the diving well and figured if they could do it so could I and I tried it. The only problem being that I touched bottom and when I came up wasn't sure what to do and so I went back down again. My husband and my brother, Joe Caruso (WI '64) had to come in to get me. The life guard made me go off the board again and then told me what to do when I came up. He wasn't watching me the first time because I guess, even though I told him, he thought anyone that couldn't swim would not jump into about 10 feet of water. Still don't know how those little kids popped right back up as soon as they hit the water.

A lot of good memories and a lot of very nice people are remembered from our years of belonging to Stealey Pool.



submitted by: Steve Harrison (WI '77)
wvskeeter@netzero.net

The picture for November is of Stealey Pool. I swam there in meets for several years, and worked there for a couple of summers as a life guard.



submitted by: Barbara Paugh Patton (WI '61)
BAP5555@aol.com

I believe the trivia picture is Stealey Pool. We went swimming there when we where growing up. There was another private pool in Chestnut Hills. I believe they are still having swimming meets there.



submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI '71)
GWill004@aol.com

The picture is of Stealey Pool. I swam for Chestnut Hills and every year would swim in the Stealey Invitational. If my memory is correct, I swam from 1963 - 1970. Then when my sons were old enough to swim, they swam in the Invitational. In the early years, the Invitational was a one day event. Now it is two days. We would even get some "old" swimmers together and swim in the Master's relays on Sat. morning. There are alot of good memories at that pool.



submitted by: Deb Yorgensen (Parkersburg Catholic HS '69)
dyorgensen@hughes.net

The picture is of the Stealey Pool. My former husband used to jump over the fence at night and swim - or so he says. He has lots of stories (Randy Queen); who knows if they are true.



submitted by: Roberta Stalnaker Paugh (WI '65)
roberta2jerry@msn.com

The mystery picture of the month is the Stealey pool. My mother joined the first summer it existed, as she worked full-time and I was "home alone." I spent nearly every day there. Many good memories of girlfriends getting tans, flirting with the boys and lifeguards, and week-end dances with live bands. Thanks for the great work you do, and the memories all the writers create.



submitted by: Linda Nutter Gimmel (WI '66)
lgimmel@bcbankinc.com

I believe this is the Stealey pool (empty). I grew up in Stealey and spent many a day there. I learned to swim at this pool and had many “late night” parties there. In my older days and after I was married, my husband Ernie (RW “65) was one of three guys who took care of the grounds around the pool for free. Bobby Kramer was one of the others. One evening Ernie and Bobby were mowing the hillside on a riding lawn mower and it tipped over and rolled down the hill nearly into the pool. That was the last of riding lawn mowers at Stealey Pool. Great Memories!



submitted by: Jerry Hustead (WI '63)
jjhustead@aol.com

The picture shown is the Stealey pool. We had some good times at the Stealey pool. The late Bob Lear who lived on North Ave. in Stealey was instrumental in the planning and building of the pool for the neighborhood. "Fly" McGahan once dove off the top of the building into the pool. Lots of late night party's at the pool. The pool looks smaller now!



submitted by: Melissa Morris Phillips (WI '71)
mountaineermaven@verizon.net

If I were to write a book about my childhood, Stealey Pool would be a major character. We didn't join the pool the first year it opened. At that time, it was limited to residents of Stealey and we lived on the Hill. However, my aunt Peggy Morris (WI -- 1955) was a charter member and remains a member today. During that first summer, my cousins and I would accompany her on occasion. When we did join, my father Bud Morris (WI -- 1949) became active serving on the Board of Directors and working with the other men who helped keep the pool running. That group included such folks as B.G. Gaston, Bob Tolley, Bernard Berry, Guy Ball, Bill Lear, Mote Thompson, Monk Israel, my uncle Ralph Morris (all of these were WI grads except Mote Thompson) and many others. Rumor had it that Guy Ball put some chemical in the pool so that if you peed, the water would turn red and follow you wherever you swam! One pool season, my dad was in charge of the concession stand. The motto that year was "Heavy on the ice; light on the Coke!" Presumably the concession stand turned a profit that summer.

During the spring when they were readying the pool for opening, I would sometimes go with my dad to help out. I hated it when I got the job of taking a wire brush to the black wrought Iron standing ash trays so that they could be painted. My disgust was somewhat alleviated if Bobby Lear (WI --1971) had come along with Bill. I had such a crush. We would walk down the hill to either Wagner's Grocery or the little store on Duff St. at the end of Duncan and get the men Cokes to drink and Popsicles to eat while they worked. It wasn't too bad going down; the return trip was something else entirely.

Since we lived on the Hill, I went to Towers Grade School while most of the other kids at the pool went to Morgan. Entering Central Jr. High was a little less daunting for me because I would finally be going to school with the kids I hung with in the summer. I swam on the swim team; I was terrible, but I didn't care. For me, swim practice and the meets were just social gatherings. B.G. Gaston and John Routa were our coaches and we had a pretty good team. We beat just about everybody but Williamstown and Elkins who had year-round swim programs even then. We went to Greensburg, PA, one summer to swim in an exhibition meet because one of our best swimmers, Pam Galpin (WI -- 1969), had moved to Clarksburg from Greensburg at the time of the merger of Hope Gas and NY State Natural Gas. My mom, Barbara Christie Morris (WI -- 1950), was part of the committee that staged the first Stealey Invitational swim meet which lives on today.

On holidays, the pool would open early and many families gathered in the picnic area for breakfast. The dads and the kids had a great time; the moms not so much. They'd have to get everything ready to cook over a charcoal fire and then have to clean those dirty pans after they had been sitting in the car all day. After our mothers wised up and decided they'd had about as much fun as they could stand, my friend Barbara Gaston Busz (WI -- 1971) and I had a great idea. She spent the night of July 3 with me at our house on Wilson Street. We got up very early the next morning and walked to her house on Baver Street. Her mom had all of the breakfast fixin's waiting for us. We picked up the basket there and walked on up the hill to the pool, cooked our breakfast, swam a while, and then walked back to her house to clean up the mess. It was our first and last time to do that. The Fourth of July at the pool was also the day of raft races, homemade ice cream on the deck and a greased watermelon in the water.

Social life at the pool consisted of more than just swimming. Periodically movies would be shown on the top deck in the evening. I can remember seeing "The Wackiest Ship In The Army" there. Parties were held throughout the summerfor all different age groups. The pool was also the site of a few teen dances. While not nearly as popular as the dances at Lake Floyd, these dances were a lot of fun. The adult parties at the pool were legendary. The morning after a party, the contents of my father's wallet was invariably spread out so that it could dry because, at some point in the festivities, the men ended up in the water with their clothes on. Keep in mind, these were alcohol free parties!

I worked at the pool one summer during college in both the basket room and concession stand. Doc Hutson was the pool manager that summer and he ran a tight ship. After college, I joined the pool myself. My husband and I moved to Fairport, NY, in 1991; when we were transferred back to Clarksburg, I joined Stealey Pool once again. I must admit that it was rather bizarre sitting up there with my friend Brenda Gaston Workman (WI -- 1972) and watching her son Michael play where we had played lo those many years ago.

Friendships that I still hold dear -- Brenda, Barbara, Bobby and many, many others -- were forged on the deck and in the waters of Stealey Recreation Center.

Marco! Polo!



submitted by: Rocky Axton (WI '65)
PamandPocky@aol.com

The November, 2007 trivia picture is Stealey Pool. I knew it immediately. It brought back so many memories that it is difficult to sort them out into any coherent one. The pool was built, I think, in 1959 or maybe 1960. I'll leave the exact dates to the historians.

My first memory is of riding my bike up there to see it. I lived on Baker Ave. in Stealey at the time and to be honest I had to push it most of the way up the hill. The ride back was fun, though.

During Junior High and High School it was the center of my social life. I spent most of my waking hours there. We even camped there a few times.

They had a swim team and we had meets with all the local pools such as Chestnut Hills, Clarksburg Country Club, Lake Floyd, Shinnston, Bridgeport and a Fairmont team. I don't remember losing very many meets. We even had a winter team that practiced at the Enraw pool. I remember traveling to Huntington, Elkins, Williamstown, Morgantown and maybe Charleston. Some of our coaches were Mike Snyder, Tom Tricot, Mike Ellis and Smiley Martin. They worked us pretty hard. We would sometimes practice at 7:00AM. I hated getting up that early and the water was always cold at that time of the morning. The highlight of the year was the Invitational. As I remember it went on for two or three days. I believe I swam in the first one. I think they still have one each year.

They also had teen dances three or four times a year. They either had a DJ or maybe a live band once or twice.

I am sure that reading what others have to say about the Pool will bring back even more memories. Maybe that will spur me to write again.



submitted by: Steve Beatty (WI '73)
njspb1@verizon.net

Thanks for another wonderful issue!

Your photo is of Stealey Pool. I remember going there on a number of occasions as a guest in the mid to late 60s. Once when I was 10 or so, I remember thinking I'd like to try to jump off the high dive since all the divers seemed to enjoy it, and climbed up to do so. But when I got to the top I froze and had to climb back down, more or less covered in embarrassment. Nevertheless, I remember the pool as a great neighborhood attraction and had a lot of fun whenever I was invited.

I was graduated in 1973 from WI, in 1977 from West Virginia Wesleyan, attended graduate school in journalism at WVU in 78-79 and finally earned an M. Div. from Yale University in 1994. I've been an Episcopal priest since then and am currently located in Somers Point, NJ. Both my brother Mike, '68, and Tom, '79, graduated from the school on the hill, too.

Bless you for your hard work in keeping this website and newsletter going!



TRIVIA PICTURE FOR DECEMBER 2007


Do you recognize the picture above? Write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com. Remember I only print correct guesses which include a memory.



GETTING TO KNOW YOU

submitted by: Kimberly Ludwick Wildt (WI '77)
kwildt@sc.rr.com

I've been blessed with a good memory. Seventh & eighth grades, I went to Central Junior High School. Mrs. Curtis was my home room (203) teacher in seventh grade. She also taught Home Ec--sewing. I still have the apron all the girls had to make. Miss Cottrell was my eighth grade home room teacher (307). Mrs. King taught Home Ec--cooking. I think of her when I'm washing dishes. She drilled into us to always dry the kitchen sink. If she saw any water spots, we were in trouble. Mr. Wharton was the school "librarian". I volunteered to work in the library. He used to tell me about dressing up and participating in Civil War reenactments. I forget why they closed the school.

1973 -1977: I was a student at WI. Freshmen learn quickly not to walk on the "sacred" senior steps. Mrs. Audia made us memorize verses from Romeo & Juliet. We also read, ”A Tale of Two Cities"--"It was the best of times and the worst of times". Mr. Frederick wrote in my yearbook "Be a good sophomore". Mrs. Frashure taught Foods 1. The first day of class she wanted us to toast a piece of bread in the oven. She warned us that someone usually burns their's. Well, guess who did--I felt like such an idiot. Miss Colleen Smith taught Clothing 1&2. It was during those 2 classes I developed my love for sewing.

When I write something for the newsletter, I constantly think of Mrs.Josephine Hutson. Diagramming sentences, making sure we put a comma before a conjunction, never end a sentence with a preposition. Mr. Marchio was my Junior English teacher. When I was at WVU, I saw him coming out of a class. He was probably working on his Masters or Doctorate. Mrs Broughton taught Senior English. She made us keep journals about our thoughts, our life, etc. Of course, I didn't tell her all my personal stuff. She did hear a lot about myself and my two best friends crashing Bridgeport parties and the Bridgeport guys we were dating. I also volunteered in the library. If I wrote memories of every teacher who had an impact on my life, they would probably be extremely surprised. The auditorium was really cool. It had a balcony where the freshman sat during pep rallies. We always sang "Beer Beer for old WI" and the classes competed on who could cheer the loudest.

I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles and Clothing from WVU in 1982. My dream was to be a buyer for a major department store and go to New York City, attend fashion shows and purchase inventory for each season. My husband & I moved to Columbia, South Carolina right after graduation. Unfortunately, I found out buyers' either have to die or retire before hiring. During all my year's of volunteering in the libraries at CJHD & WI & summer vacations at the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library---I never dreamed I'd become a librarian/school media specialist. After 8 months, I decided to get my Master's in Library & Information Specialist at The University of South Carolina. I worked full-time and took one to two classes a semester. After graduation, I was a Children's Librarian for three year's at a public library that is one of the best libraries on the East coast. I loved working with the kids. They called me Miss Kim. It's a southern thing.

I was offered a Media Specialist position at a High School five minutes from my house. The commute to the public library was at least 30 minutes (longer if there was an accident on the interstate). I took the high school job and became the reference librarian. I loved working with the high school students. The only thing I didn't like was that the kids I taught lived in the same area.

One New Year's Eve, my husband and I were dancing at a club in a local hotel and I hear "Hey, Ms. Librarian". I asked him how he got in (he was only 16 or 17) and he said his brother was working the door. The next week, his English class was in the media center. I was in the middle of teaching them how to write criticism papers, and he asks in front of everyone "Hey, Ms. Wildt are you going dancing this weekend"? I could have strangled him!! One lunch period, a guy pulled a knife on another guy. Thank God, the principal's office was right across from the media center. Nobody got hurt, but I was pretty freaked. It was nice having summer off, but I decided to work in an academic library---at the University of SC and at a local technical college. Enough about me, hope I haven't bored you guys too much. Peace and God Bless!


SORORITIES

submitted by: Gloria J. Shaffer (WI '58)
mshaffer@ma.rr.com

The only thing I can remember about Sorority is that we had to have gum to pass out to anyone that asked for it. We carried a lot of gum with us. I don't remember what would happen if we did not have any. I was a Delta Iota Delta (DIDS).

I must have missed Caplan's Jewelry Store picture. I do remember when I graduated that Caplan's gave the girls a pearl in a small plastic box with the store name on it. I can't remember if Caplan’s gave a school key or not. Palace Furniture gave a small replica of a cedar chest. I still have my gifts



submitted by: Annabelle Lee Hutson (WI '60)
annabellehutson@juno.com

I was a Lambda. I think I still have my pin. In my junior year I missed the last meeting in the spring and found out later in the day that I had been elected president for the following year. One of my jobs was to raise money for our social events. The biggest fundraiser was the dances at the VFW after the games. We had great live music, but I cannot remember the group's name, do you? They were WI graduates as I recall. Dave thinks Chuck Collins was the leader. As I look back, it amazes me that as high school students we negotiated with the VFW to schedule the events, ordered the drinks we sold, contracted the music and kept things in order. I do not remember having chaperones at those dances. If we did, they kept a low profile. It also amazes me that it all worked so smoothly. I don't recall any fights or trouble, just a lot of dancing. The VFW organization deserves our gratitude for allowing us to use their facilities many years. Those dances provided a great outlet for all that teenage energy. I remember that we charged 25cents entrance fee. I was at the door one Friday night checking to make sure the people coming in had a stamp on their hand. Suddenly, this big guy with a bandana tried to crash the gate. He was not anyone I knew and was pretty rough looking. I don't know what possessed me, but I grabbed his arm and swung him around and told him he needed to pay. He was startled that a skinny girl would have the nerve to challenge him. I can still remember the look he gave me as he meekly went back out to pay. I have often credited that moment with the confidence I have had in dealing with other individuals in my life.



submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
fragilegranny@ma.rr.com

Honestly, I am on a roll with memories this day. I certainly remember the sororities at W.I. Actually, I remember Sub-deb at Central Jr. H.S. and it was a cool thing to belong to it. There were dances and other things, particularly slumber parties. Going to the "hill" brought another kind of activity that we wanted to be a part of-- Lambda or Delta Iota Delta. It was really important to us to be "rushed" and receive a "bid" to one or the other. Some received bids to both and had to make a choice. We had officers, meetings and combined dances with the two sororities and DeMolay. We managed to have some great dances with real live bands. That was an important of our social life at W.I. I was proud to be a member of D.I.D. Let's hear it girls.....



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

I was interested to see that one of the subjects for the next newsletter is sororities. I had been thinking about that not long ago, as a result of a conversation with one of my brothers about high school dances...what sort we attended and where.

There was a junior high sorority at Central called, I think, Sub Debs. I really don't remember much about it except that somehow I belonged and went to at least two dances. The first was at Oral Lake. I was in seventh grade and took a boy from my neighborhood who had been sort of an extra brother to me. He was in sixth grade. He and another boy from our neighborhood wandered out into the drained lake and got into mud up to their knees. Oh, my. To feel so sophisticated in a long gown, my first, and then...so embarrassed! In eighth grade I had a major crush on Alan Hefner and invited him to a formal dance held at the Masonic Temple, I believe. Again, I felt so grown up. He brought a corsage, and was so polite. We danced the first dance and then he retreated and spent much of the rest of the evening playing with a yo-yo. Meanwhile I sat with other girls, wishing someone would ask me to dance. Someone did. Bob Weaver, bless his heart, asked virtually every girl sitting on the sidelines to dance. And made us feel so comfortable! What a sweetie! Whatever happened to him? But Alan was back for the last dance. He had done what a polite young man had been taught to do, first and last dance. I don't remember his dancing with anyone else. I do think that was the end of my crush on him. Bob Weaver had obviously been taught to be thoughtful of everyone.

In high school, at WI, there were two sororities...Lambda and Delta Iota Delta (better known as DIDs). I remember an afternoon rush party, for Lambda, I think, held at the Clique Club. I wore a navy and white taffeta dress that Audrey Hepburn would have been proud to wear. Very sophisticated, but I was very nervous. I ended up joining DIDs. I think Sally Orr was my big sister. There was an initiation night when we had to appear in weird costumes on the court house plaza and do whatever the older girls told us to do, including begging from passersby. Then we went to a house on upper Chestnut where we had a more thorough initiation that included being blindfolded and having to feel things in a toilet (bananas), and eating eyeballs (what was that!). There was also having to carry chewing gum all the time to give to the upper classmen. The odd thing is that I don't remember much more. I don't remember any dances or parties. Until my senior year, the few boys I dated were from Victory...Ron Watkins and Buzz Floyd being two of them. Maybe that has something to do with my not remembering more sorority dances. I do recall meetings related to subsequent rushes and being upset at the "selection" process. By the time I got to college at Wesleyan I wasn't sure I wanted to be part of a sorority, feeling it was a breeding ground for female pettiness, but then did join Alpha Xi Delta and found that college sororities were a really different thing.



RECIPES

EDITOR’S NOTE: About 3 years ago, I requested for someone to send me a good meatball recipe. No one ever sent one. This month I received a letter from one of the readers requesting the same. Do you have a recipe for great meatballs that you will share? Write to Roleta1@aol.com Thanks.



CHOCOLATE CHIP BROWNIES

submitted by: Sharon Tiano Secret (ND '61)
SharonTS@aol.com

This recipe is sooooooooo easy and delicious!!!

A big hit where ever you take it.

1 box brownie mix-follow box directions-add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
2 Tubes chocolate chip cookie dough-spread dough on the bottom of your greased cake pan
½ cup coconut press into cookie dough- optional
Next spread prepared brownie batter on cookie dough

Bake at 350 degrees 35-40 minutes Cool and frost with chocolate frosting.
Put in refrigerator for a short time.



QUICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

submitted by: Barbara Boreman (WI '55)
ladylake@tds.net

Roleta, with the holidays coming here is an easy cookie recipe. I always double the recipe knowing my grandkids will come looking for one or two or...Not only are the cookies good but very easy to make!

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix peanut butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla

Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on un-greased cookie sheet. Press with a fork to flatten.

Bake at 350 for 12-15 min. Let cool before storing.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I ask Barbara if she had left out some of the ingredients---such as the flour and she promised me that no flour was needed in these.


KAHLUA PUMPKIN PIE

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

I tried this recipe and it was very good. Of course, it helps that I like Kahlua. See if your friends and family can figure out the secret ingredient.

Ingredients:

1 9-inch pastry crust
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
2 large eggs, beaten
Kahlua cream topping (recipe follows)

Line a 9-inch pie pan with your favorite pastry crust; chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450. Combine milk, sugar, Kahlua, corn syrup, spice and salt. Add pumpkin and eggs. Blend well. Set aside. Bake pastry for 7-8 minutes until lightly browned. Pull oven rack part way out; slowly pour pumpkin mixture into shell. Reduce oven to 325. Continue baking until filling is barely set in center, about 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Serve with Kahlua Cream Topping.

Kahlua Cream Topping

Beat 1 cup whipping cream with 2 tablespoons Kahlua until stiff peaks form. Turn into serving bowl and drizzle 1 tablespoon of Kahlua on top.


FORT NEW SALEM

submitted by: Bob Williams (WI '45)
rwilliams45@gmail.com


This is a picture of my fathers birthplace which is the center piece log home at Fort New Salem. It was located on old route 73 about one mile back from the old Hope Natural Gas Co. compressing station. The house was removed when I-79 was being built and we gave it to Salem College.



This is the house as it stands today at Fort New Salem

Below are several web sites where you can find more pictures and information about Fort New Salem.

http://www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org/

http://www.museumsofwv.org/museum.cfm?Museum=6

http://www.forttours.com/pages/fortnewsalem.asp



WIN 2008 SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

"THINK SPRING"



Sue Selby Moats and volunteers, Carolyn Layfield Cady, Liz Carder, Carol Dean, Sharon Melvin Kinney, Mary Harbert Nophsker, Elaine Norteman, Kitty Sager and Mary Sue Spahr put together some wonderful quilt squares from the beautiful fabric chosen to use for the lovely 2008 WIN QUILT. The quilt this time has been made from RJR Heirloom Lilacs fabric by Debbie Beaves. This is the large lilacs on cream background from that collection. Mary Liz Custer Carder (WI '54) provided the focus fabric for the quilt blocks this year. Thanks, Liz!

The stitchers made a 12 1/2 inch block (finishing to 12 inches) in the pattern of their choice. The blocks were sent to Sue who took the squared to Colorado to visit Mary Liz Custer Carder and they figured out how to lay out the squares and combined them into a WINning quilt. The back ground of each block is cream and the “stitchers” added other green and lilacs fabrics from their Quilters' Resource Center (otherwise know as their "stash") to complete each block. The block were pieced or appliquéd as they choose.

The drawing for the quilt will be held at the Clarksburg Picnic on March 1, 2008 in Sarasota, Florida. All profit from the sale of the tickets goes to the WIN Scholarship. Last year the quilt project earned $906.00 for the WI Scholarship.

If you are interested in supporting this project, you may purchase tickets for $5.00 for 6 tickets. Please contact Sue Selby Moats (WI 1955) moatsue@aol.com to get details about the tickets.



SUBJECTS FOR DECEMBER

I was shocked that no one wrote about why they give thanks on Thanksgiving. So now, I will ask you to write on the following for the December newsletter:

1. Write about the best gift you ever received for Christmas anytime in your life.

2. Sports: any sports…

3. Name the stores on Main Street —let’s try the stores on the one block across from the court house from 3rd to 4th Sts.

4. Are you a Mountaineer fan? In your opinion what year did they have the best football team and why do you say that?

Write to:

Roleta1@aol.com

You know you can click on my email address above and you will be able to immediately write to me, when finished you can go back to the newsletter and continue reading.



OBITUARIES

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is my policy to print obituaries that are emailed to me, I do not check any newspapers for obituaries and I will not type the obituary from a copy mailed to me via US Mail. (due to the size of the newsletter, I don’t have the time to do this).

PAULA RENAE STROGEN KIRKWOOD

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: I understand that Paula and her 6 year old son were killed in an automobile accident on I-79 in the southern part of the state.

CLARKSBURG - Paula Renae Strogen Kirkwood, 36, of Clarksburg, entered eternal life along with her son, Ryne Sullivan Kirkwood, on September 23, 2007. She was born in Clarksburg, on June 12, 1971, the daughter of Karen Mihaliak Strogen and Paul Martin Strogen of Clarksburg. She is survived by her husband, Shaun Kirkwood; one son, Padraig Kirkwood, at home; one brother, Greg Strogen and wife Twyla and their sons Nicholas, Chandler and Jacob, all of Bridgeport; one sister, Krista Ann Wilkins and husband Jim and their daughter Karilyn of Mt. Morris, PA; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Elsie Kirkwood of Cape May, NJ; and two sisters-in-law, Coleen Leszczynshi and husband Jason and Tinker Witalec and husband Chris. Paula was a graduate of the Washington Irving High School Class of 1989. She graduated from WVU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA from Clarion University with a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology. She was a speech therapist with the Harrison County Board of Education, with her home school being North View Elementary, as well as several other schools throughout Harrison County. She also worked part-time at the Social Security Office reviewing claims. Paula had a great passion for being a “soccer mom” having served as a commissioner of the Central West Virginia Soccer Association. Both Ryne and Paula will be deeply missed by their family and friends alike.

RYNE SULLIVAN KIRKWOOD

CLARKSBURG - Ryne Sullivan Kirkwood, 6, of Clarksburg, entered eternal life along with his mom, Sunday, September 23, 2007. He was born in Clarksburg on May 2, 2001, the son of Shaun Kirkwood and the late Paula Renae Strogen Kirkwood. In addition to his father, he is survived by one brother, Padraig Kirkwood, at home; one half sister, Katie Brooks of Philadelphia; maternal grandparents, Paul and Karen Mihaliak Strogen of Clarksburg; paternal grandparents, Jim and Elsie Kirkwood of Cape May, NJ; one uncle, Greg Strogen and wife Twyla and their children Nicholas, Chandler and Jacob of Bridgeport; three aunts, Krista Ann Wilkins and husband Jim and their daughter Karilyn of Mt. Morris, PA, Coleen Leszczynshi and husband Jason and Tinker Witalec and husband Chris. The family would also like to recognize, “Dot” - his babysitter who will forever be his “cuddle bear.” Ryne was a first grade student at Adamston Elementary School. Ryne loved to play soccer and his Gameboy. Both Ryne and Paula will be deeply missed by their family and friends alike.



JOHN KESSLER HAMMOND

MORGANTOWN - John Kessler Hammond, 61, of Montgomery Ave., Morgantown, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Born December 22, 1945, in Grafton, WV, John was the son of the late Paul Henry and Cora Mae Martin Hammond.

He was a member of the New Life Ministries Church, where he served as a deacon, taught pre-school classes, was the leader of the men’s group, and, along with his wife, oversaw the Food Pantry Ministry. He always worked tirelessly to help anyone who called on him.

John served with the U.S. Air Force for four years in the 1960s. He was employed at HRDF, Inc., as a counselor and service specialist for over 32 years. He loved watching Mountaineer football and basketball. He especially enjoyed going to the movies with his beloved daughter every Sunday.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, JoAnn; his daughter, Jessica; sister-in-law, Rosalie Williams, and her son, Steven, of Clarksburg, WV; his brother, Paul Hammond, and son, Russell, of Los Angeles, CA; several aunts, uncles and cousins, and a countless number of friends.

This man was a W-I graduate with class of 1963; best basketball player on the team that went 20-3 that year losing to Fairmont West at Fairmont, Parkersburg High School at Parkersburg, and to the Ron Williams (future WVU All-American and NBA player)-led Weirton High School in the regional finals at Moundsville.



ROBERT L. WALTERS, JR

CLARKSBURG - Robert L. Walters, Jr., 68, of Southern Avenue, Stonewood, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2007, in the United Hospital Center following an extended illness. He was a 1957 graduate of Washington Irving High School.

Mr. Walters was a Pastor for the Grant Valley Baptist Church in Lost Creek, and a mechanic for Coca Cola Distributing.

He was born in Clarksburg, on Jun 16, 1939, a son of the late Robert L. Walters, Sr. and Lemmie Snodgrass Walters.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rafaela Dimas Tellez Walters; one son, Michael Walters, Stonewood; one sister, Jeanne Webster, Virginia; and one niece and one nephew.

Mr. Walters enjoyed fishing, camping and car shows.



MARK D. WILSON

CLARKSBURG — Mark D. Wilson, age 89 of Emerson Rd., Clarksburg, WV, departed this life on Sat., Sept. 22, 2007, at his home. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on April 17, 1918, son of the late Mark D. Wilson and Hazel (Acheson) Wilson.

Surviving are his wife, Suzanne (McCamey) Wilson; one son, Mark Wilson, Jr., Clarksburg, WV; two daughters, Suzanne Maben, Stanardsville, VA; and Catherine Jones, Clarksburg, WV; two sisters, Mary Jean Duncan, Columbus, OH, and Margaret Dick Powell, Arkport, NY; and a granddaughter, Evelyn Jones. Mr. Wilson was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Clarksburg.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, in the 5th wave invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Mr. Wilson achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He later served in the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Wilson was the owner and president of R. D. Wilson Sons & Co. in Clarksburg.

Mr. Wilson will lie in state at the church from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Military Graveside Rites will be accorded by the WV Army National Guard Honor Guard.



DOROTHY IRENE COCHRAN RYAN

CLARKSBURG — Mrs. Dorothy Irene Cochran Ryan, (better known as “Renee Ryan”) age 65, of 116 Garfield Road, Clarksburg, WV, passed on to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ from her Clarksburg home surrounded by her loving family and friends at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2007, after a gallant and dignified year long battle with cancer.

She was born on August 22, 1942, a daughter of the late Gail Reese Cochran and Nellie Wilson Cochran at the Glen Falls home of her late grandparents, Aries and Selestie Wilson.

Surviving are her husband, Thomas Arlie Ryan, whom “Renee” married on October 16, 1966, in Morgantown, WV, she was an involved and loving mother to son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Wayne and Kristi Ryan, daughter and son-inlaw, Celeste Gayle Ryan and Tim Rogers and her late daughter, Lois Cassandra Ryan, all of Clarksburg, WV.

She thoroughly enjoyed the lives, love and activities of and spent a great deal of time with her beloved grandchildren, Tyler Pumphrey, Conner Ryan, Nathan Ryan, and Kaleigh Ryan, all of Clarksburg, WV.

Also surviving are her loving sister and brother-in-law, Doris Cochran and Jerry Richards, Allen Park, MI, her uncle and aunt, Harold and Vivian “Cis” Cochran, Wood County, WV, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Penney Ryan and Dennis Stahl, Somerset, PA and Donna Ryan and Donald Kula, of MD, nieces and spouses, Adrienne Richards and Richard Slate, Jeri Leigh Richards, Allen Park, MI, Heather Kula and Matthew Cox, Alexandria, VA, Jessica Stahl and Thomas Deakins, and Katherine Stahl and Josh Kinsinger, Renee Richards and Companion Lynn, Scottsdale, AZ, nephews and spouses, Christopher and Victoria Richards, Allen Park, MI, Michael and Christina Richards, of FL and by a large number of Wilson, Cochran, Hugus and Gaines cousins, mostly in WV; her good friends, Butch and Patty Moon, of Clarksburg, WV; and her best friend and caregiver Pam Wygal Waugh, Statesville, NC. In addition to her daughter Cassandra, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Nancy Cochran, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard James and Maude Ryan and her namesake aunt Dorothy Wilson Barnes.

A 1960 graduate of Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg and the David Lipscomb College, with an associates degree in retail sales management, Mrs. Ryan worked as a buyer for Junior Departments in Chicago, IL, and Stone & Thomas in Clarksburg, WV. She also was an admissions representative for the West Virginia Business College and subsequently retired from the WV Department of Veterans Affairs as an administrative assistant in the Clarksburg office. A life-long member of the Central Church of Christ, Renee unselfishly gave of her time to many relatives and friends through family crisis and major illnesses. She will be remembered for her unflagging energy and empathetic relationships with anyone who needed support, including the many veterans at the Clarksburg office. Even when she was ill or had plans of her own, she would always step forward and give of her time, money and love. She opened her home and constantly cooked for her children’s friends, her many relatives and friends. Her annual vegetable canning of hundreds of quarts every year provided for her family and anyone in need.



PATRICIA A. STEWART HITT

CLARKSBURG — Patricia A. Stewart Hitt, born September 15, 1933, passed away comfortably at home in Bridgeport on Saturday, October 13, 2007. after suffering an extended illness.

She was the co-owner of Stewart’s Cleaners in Clarksburg, Betty Brite Dry Cleaners in Bridgeport and Kwik Kleeners in Buckhannon.

She is survived by one sister, Billie M. Drake, with whom she resided in Bridgeport; three daughters and sons-in-law, David and Pamela (Hitt) Preston, Les and Linda (Tolley) Raffle, Gary and Stephanie (Hitt) McIe; seven grandchildren, Jacquelyn Nicole Fleece, Michael A. Fleece, Jason Preston, Charlie Hall, Tess Hall, Joseph Thompson and Jessicca Thompson; and three great-grandchildren, Tobias Xavier Fleece, Summer Diane Thompson and McKenna Marie Fleece.

She was preceded in death by two sons, infant Michael and Stephan Dennis Hitt; her parents, Hugh Martin and Pauline Marie Stewart; her brother Hugh M. Stewart, Jr. and her sister, Edith Virginia Stewart.

She attended Washington Irving High School, was a Presbyterian by faith and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Loyal Order of the Moose.





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