THE WI NEWSLETTER 08/08

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Issue 108

August 2008

MORGAN GRADE SCHOOL
6th GRADE PICTURE IN 1959
submitted by: Sheryl Pinnell Suplee (WI '65)
Svon347@aol.com

As promised attached is Mrs. Nicholas 6th Grade class of 1959 (WI Class of 1965).

Front Row (L to R): Bob Kramer, Bill Quinn, David Lunsford (?), __________, Edwin Lloyd, Tom Dunham, Russell Rice, Gene Davis (?).

2nd Row (L to R): Linda Pouch, Sandra Harrison, Sharon Buseman, _______, ________, Susie McDonald, Sandra Waters, Susie Seckman, Jimma Rudd, Carol Gottlieb.

3rd Row (L to R): Rocky Axton, ________, Carol Pethel, Sherry Hemsworth, Mary Elizabeth Skinner, Linda Mackall, Jamie Robinson, Kristine Fansler, Judy Martino, Sheryl Pinnell, Bill Bowen, Mrs. Mildred Nicholas.

4th Row (L to R): David Martin, Bill Hollister, ________, Sheila Moore, Shari Josephs, Debbie Powell, Nancy Radcliff, Mark Weekley, Bob Lees, Bob Armen.

Anyone who is able to fill in the blanks, or confirm the names with (?) would be great. Thank you for all your hard work.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you can fill in any of the blanks please write to Sheryl Pinnell Suplee at Svon347@aol.com

NICKNAMES
submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI '71)
Gwill1004@aol.com
I actually grew up with two nicknames. Since I am an identical twin, our neighbor, Mark Skasik, had a hard time telling us apart. We lived across the street from each other since before we were one. I'm not sure how old I was (probably 4 or 5), but he would call us "Sis" because he couldn't tell us apart. My sister, Anna, and I each ended up calling each other sis and still at 54 continue to do so.

My other nickname was not as nice. It was the summer prior to going to 7th grade. My friend, Pam Bokey Mitchell, lived on Van Buren St. We were at her house. Her cousin, Robin Cleghorn from Bridgeport, was visiting. She told a joke about a little girl whose name was Gladys. Gladys went to 1st grade and her teacher asked her what her name was. She said Happy Butt. The teacher said that couldn't be her name, but the little girl insisted it was. She said "What's the difference between a Glad ass or a Happy Butt ?? So since 1965 to today, I am still occasionally referred to as Happy Butt.

submitted by: Lance (Lanny) Miller (would have been WI '61)
Lancemillerjd@aol.com
My given names were Mason Lance (after my father and grandfather), but I was known as "Lanny", a moniker given me by a family friend (and frequent contributor to this newsletter), Sherry Greitzner Dial. Lanny Ross was a nationally known singer/radio personality in those days.

And from the Small World Department - In last month's newsletter, Freddie Layman mentioned his cousin, Bucky Kinnard, a radio announcer for WBLK and a WI Graduate. At my first broadcasting job in Ft. Lauderdale, Buck Kinnard heard me on the radio and offered me a job in television at a Scripts-Howard NBC affiliate in Palm Beach. Buck, the sports director at the time, hired me as a reporter and part-time weekend sports anchor. It wasn't until after I worked there a couple of weeks that we made the Clarksburg and WI connections.

By the way, I am looking forward to retirement this October 31 after 31 years as CEO of the Metal Treating Institute, an international trade association headquartered in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

I know I speak for your entire readership when I express our sincere appreciation for all you and Judy do to keep us "in the loop". A check for the WIN scholarship is in the mail.

submitted by: Deloris (Dokey) Boone Natcher (WI for 3 years but graduated Bridgeport 1956)
bobde5@comcast.net
As for nicknames - mine was Dokey. Until I started school, the only time I was called Deloris was when I had tested my mother a little too much. The nickname followed me until I worked for an independent oil producer in Denver in the 70's and my employer said I didn't look like a "Dokey" so he pegged me with Dee. I asked my family why I was given such a strange nick name but no one seems to remember. My grandfather was Rev. Oakey Boone and it rhymes with Dokey but I'll never know for sure. I answer to Dee, Dokey or Deloris but to my grandchildren and great grandchildren, I'm Grandma Dokey.

THE NICKNAME GAME
In a previous newsletter, I ask about nicknames. I received some replies. Now I have a list of nicknames of people from Clarksburg. If you wish to help with this game, just write to me, tell me a nickname and also who that nickname belonged to. And the school that person attended.

Here is the game: I will save the information you supply me and each month I will list about 10 nicknames. You are to write and guess who the name belonged to. Now, these nicknames may be one that was used at home, or in school while growing up. It most likely didn’t follow a person into adulthood. Each month, I will print the nickname, the matching name and how many of readers guessed it correctly. So come on play along with us!

Here is the first list ---try your hand at writing me and giving me the nickname, the name and school of the person to whom this nickname applies. I don’t expect you to come up with the year of graduation. The name of the one who supplies the nickname to be used in the game will not be revealed. It is a game---it is for fun….so play along. I will give this game a few months and if we don’t have participants, it will be eliminated from the newspaper. But I think this will be fun…

For example….I have this nickname printed on the list: Dokey----- you then would write to me like this:

My guess for the nickname Dokey for Delores Boone Natcher

That is all you have to do--- It is simple. It is for fun….

So here are 10 nicknames for you to guess the names for this month.

My 10 for the month..........	SPAGOTS....
	BURRHEAD......
	BOZO.........
	GUPPY......
	THEME SONG.....
	PIDGE..........
	HAYSEED......
	MUZZY........
	HOSE NOSE.........
	POOTER..........

THE NEWSLETTER
The deadline for your entries in the newsletter is the 24th of the month. Articles or letters for the newsletter received after this date will be used in following months.

Sometimes letters to me get lost or deleted. If your article does not appear in the newsletter, write and ask me to see if I can find it or just send it to me again and tell me that I failed to use it.

Sign your name, school and year you either did or would have graduated to all mail sent to me.

All articles, written things and letters for the newsletter should be sent to me…Roleta1@aol.com

We love to receive pictures. If you have a scanner, please scan and send pictures to jkimler@verizon.net. If you wish to mail pictures, contact Judy for directions.

This is the final notice for the 8th Annual WI Reunion Picnic in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The picnic is Saturday, August 23, 2008, at Veterans (River Bend) Park, off Milford St. You can also get to it via the Nutter Fort area by going over Rt 98. The time is 11AM until the last one goes home...whenever that is. The picnic is for anyone who ever attended WI. (YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A GRADUATE).

LET'S MAKE THIS A BIG WI REUNION DAY!
Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI 1959) is in charge of this picnic. She provides the table settings for you. You will need to bring a covered dish, your own drink, and money to put in the pot to help her cover her expenses. Some people bring a folding lawn chair. Don't forget your cameras!!!

You do not have to make a reservation but she will need to know about how many to expect. It is nice to be surprised but it isn’t nice to be overcome with a large group of people and not have enough supplies. If you are going to attend please write Sharyn and tell her - mtmama41@msn.com. Also, let her know if you are willing to come early and help with the picnic --- cover tables, registration, tell people where to put their food, or stay and help clean up, etc.

If anyone needs directions to Veterans Park they can e-mail Sharyn or Judy Daugherty Kimler at jkimler@verizon.net.

If you live out of the area, you might want to make this picnic part of a week long vacation that would include the Italian Heritage Festival in Clarksburg on Labor Day weekend. If you don't have family in the area with which you can stay, you should make motel reservations now. There was a list of motels in June's newsletter.

ABOUT THE WV GOLDEN HORSESHOE AWARD
submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JATeter@aol.com
One of the highlights of the eighth-grade year is the opportunity for a student to become a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe. This prestigious program takes its name from the golden horseshoes given to the early explorers of West Virginia. In 1716 the Governor of the Virginia colony, Alexander Spotswood, saw the need for exploration of the land west of the Allegheny Mountains, most of which is now West Virginia. The governor organized a party of about 50 men, all of whom adopted the pledge, "Sic jurat transcendere monte," which means "Thus he swears to cross the mountains." Governor Spotswood presented each member of his party with a small golden horseshoe to commemorate the bravery of those who crossed the mountains into Western Virginia, beginning the Golden Horseshoe tradition.

Detail of Pin given to Students

This historical tradition was revitalized in the late 1920's. To promote the study of state history, the idea of forming West Virginia Clubs was proposed by Phil M. Conley, an editor of The West Virginia Review. In late 1929, Mr. Conley took his idea to State Superintendent of Free Schools William C. Cook. Superintendent Cook believed that the State Department of Education should take the lead in promoting a comprehensive study of the state. He proposed expanding Conley's idea by honoring the highest-achieving students with a state award. In 1930 some 2,736 clubs were organized with more than 48,000 students as members. In the first Golden Horseshoe ceremony, held in 1931, 87 students from 46 counties were honored as Knights and Ladies of the Golden Horseshoe. The Golden Horseshoe became known as a symbol of scholastic achievement to honor students who excel in the study of West Virginia. Since that time approximately 15,000 eighth-grade students have received a golden pin in the shape of a horseshoe, much like those given by Governor Spotswood some three hundred years ago. This pin symbolizes the student's knowledge and understanding of their state's proud heritage.

The program of studies in combination with state awards is unique in its statewide recognition of scholastic achievement. Each year approximately 22,000 eighth grade students spend the school year studying a comprehensive West Virginia curriculum. The curriculum engages the students in the intense study of the history, geography, economy and government of the Mountain State. The primary goal of the program is to promote pride in our state, develop intellectual and participatory skills as well as foster attitudes that are necessary for students to participate as effective, involved, and responsible citizens. The State Department of Education, in effect, uses the Golden Horseshoe award to honor "all-state" West Virginia Studies students.

Each year 221 eighth-grade students are honored for their knowledge of the state in a one-day ceremony held in Charleston. The Golden Horseshoe winners have outscored their classmates in school and county wide testing competitions and made top scores on a West Virginia Department of Education test which measures their grasp of West Virginia Studies. Students also write an essay focusing on some aspect of West Virginia current events. A minimum of two students from each county and one student from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind at Romney are selected for the award. The other 110 honorees are selected from the 55 counties based on each county's eighth-grade population.

While in Charleston to celebrate the Golden Horseshoe Day, the honorees are treated to a tour of the Capitol and Cultural Center and a luncheon held in their honor. The high point of the Golden Horseshoe Ceremony is the induction of the students into the Golden Horseshoe Society. The State Superintendent of Schools presides over the induction ceremony. Each student kneels and, with a tap of a sword on the shoulder, is dubbed either a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe Society. Each student is presented a Golden Horseshoe pin and the 70-year honor and tradition continues.

Facts About the WV Golden Horseshoe Award

John Teter found this information for us on the Internet

The Golden Horseshoe originated in the early 1700s in colonial Virginia when then-Governor Alexander Spotswood saw the need for exploration of the land west of the Allegheny Mountains, most of which is now West Virginia. The governor organized a party of about 50 men to explore the frontier. At the end of the exploration, he presented each member of the party with a golden horseshoe. Translated from Latin, the inscription on each horseshoe read, "Thus it was decided to cross the mountains." On the other side was written,"Order of the Golden Horseshoe." Because of this, the recipients became known as "The Knights of the Golden Horseshoe."

The Golden Horseshoe is probably the most coveted award bestowed upon West Virginia students each year. During the induction ceremony, students kneel and the State Superintendent, using an antique sword, dubs students as "ladies" or "knights" of the Golden Horseshoe.

The Golden Horseshoe Test has been administered in West Virginia since 1931 and is the longest-running program of its kind in any state.

Two hundred twenty-one West Virginia eighth graders receive the award each year. The two top-scoring students from each county are given the award (total of 110), as are another 110 students selected throughout the state based on population. In addition, the top-scoring student from the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind is presented the award.

Recipients during the past seven decades include citizens from all walks of life, state Supreme Court justices, legislators, attorneys, business leaders and educators.

In conversations with Department of Education officials, West Virginia native Homer Hickam indicated that his one regret was not winning the Golden Horseshoe award as a student. The author of "October Sky" was presented an honorary Golden Horseshoe award in 1999 because of all the positive reinforcement he has given the state.

SIBLINGS TOGETHER AT LAKE FLOYD

Left to right is Bob Malone (WI 1949) who was a cheerleader, center is Sara Jean “Sadie” Malone Graham (WI 1943) and Joe Malone (WI 1952)

Bob and Sadie now live at Lake Floyd and Joe travels from California to Lake Floyd each summer . It is a tradition that the family gathers together there on July 4.

REMEMBERING BURMA SHAVE
submitted by: Bryan McIntyre (WI '65)
bmcintyre@ec.rr.com
For those who never saw any of the Burma-Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's and '40's. Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma-Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields.

They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet......and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma-Shave, a popular shaving cream.

Here are more of the actual signs:

DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW
OUT SO FAR
IT MAY GO HOME
IN ANOTHER CAR.
BURMASHAVE

CAR IN DITCH
DRIVER IN TREE
THE MOON WAS FULL
AND SO WAS HE.
BURMA SHAVE

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE
TAKE IT SLOW
LET OUR LITTLE
SHAVERS GROW
BURMASHAVE

Do these bring back any old memories?
If not, you're merely a child. If they do - then you're old as dirt...
LIKE ME!

Write your BurmaShave memories to me at Roleta1@aol.com

GROCERY STORES
submitted by: John Timberlake (WI '48)
JGTimberlake@aol.com
You asked about grocery stores. The first I can remember was an A&P on Pike street between William's Ct and Oak St..You brought your grocery list and gave it to the clerk who got the items from the shelf and brought them to the counter for approval. Then came meat, which was custom cut prepared by the butcher. Boyd White was the butcher in this store. When you had your order together you were checked out. In 1937, we moved to Broad Oaks and began shopping at Jones' Grocery at the corner of Tyler and Harrison. This was not as fancy as the A&P. In the early 40's super markets began to appear. The first one I can remember was on Main ST across from the Palace Furniture Co. I remember going shopping with my parents on Saturday afternoon and buying a weeks supply of staples for $15, with my father complaining about the high prices.

WWII brought about a complete revolution in shopping, food selection, marketing,etc. It is hard to imagine the personal service and prices in our world today.

submitted by: Jim Hovey ('62)
jimparsons2@hotmail.com
My family moved to Clarksburg from North Carolina when I was in the 3rd. Grade (at Monticello - now Chestnut Hills Grade School). We lived in four different houses - all in Chestnut Hills, the last being on Taylor Street. On S. Chestnut Street from the start of Kramer Drive to the Roosevelt Road intersection there were 4 small grocery stores. I only remember the names of two of them -Cain's and Strothers. Strothers was the closest to the school so at lunch time we would all troop up to the store to spend our lunch nickels. The joy in Mr. Strother's face as he picked out penny pieces of candy for each kid was evident. Especially when the kid changed his mind 5 or 6 times. Mr. Strother would spend 4 to 5 minutes fishing for candy for each kid. My favorite was B B Bats but the Turkish Taffy was good too. Mr Strother wore this garter thing on his upper arm. I'm not sure whether it was functional or a fashion statement. And he would spread this green stuff on the wood floor and then sweep it up with a push broom. I think Mr. Strother sold the store in the late sixties. Your newsletters are wonderful. Thank You

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
jteter@balmar.com
There are three grocery stores that come to mind when I stop and think about days of living on Broaddus Avenue. The first (and closest) was a little store located in the lower section of the Broaddus Apartments, and on the Broaddus Avenue side rather than on the College Street side. I do not remember who owned and operated the store, but I think that at some point, I may have even worked in the store. I know that the owner used to give us “treats” from time to time without having us pay for the items. Two other grocery stores that I can remember were two GARDEN FRESH Supermarkets; one located at the corner of Chestnut Street and Pike Street (on the lower side of the Post Office). The other GARDEN FRESH was out on Pike Street going toward Bridgeport and just past Minard’s Restaurant. The location of the first store has been reconstructed for the parking use of the Post Office and the second location is now a LAMP and/or LIGHTING store.I am not sure when the Kroger’s store came into existence, but there was a Kroger’s at one end of Clarksburg, below where the Palace Furniture Store was. There was a fire at this Kroger’s one time when I was still living in C-burg, and I can remember people out in the parking lot after the fire had been put out and people from the BRASSIERE FACTORY that was located above the Kroger’s were throwing out burned or scorched or damaged rolls of THREAD, that people were picking up and taking home. That Kroger’s store is now gone, but the building still exists (or may have be renovated) and is an office complex and/or a doctor’s and/or a medical facility.

submitted by: Carol VanHorn Dean (WI '58)
DBLU2@aol.com
Actually there were three grocery stores on my street. At the end of Duncan Ave, Mr and Mrs Schlicker owned that store for awhile. I didn't go there often because my friends lived at the other end of the street. Halfway out the street was Campbell's Grocery and about eight houses from my house. I frequented it most of the time. On a hot summer day, a 5-cent popsicle was quite refreshing. Mrs. Campbell froze candy bars on a stick, but that was 5-cents extra. I would often go to the store for some of my neighbors. Sometimes they would pay me a dime..Once Mrs Schwab gave me a ceramic figurine of Uncle Remus. I still have it...and at the end of Duncan Ave/bus stop was Pick's Grocery store, later to be Phillips Market. My parents kept an account there and often times when I would go to the store for my mother, I would tell Glenna, the cashier to add a candy bar to the account. She would inquire "are you sure that's OK?" "Yep, that's OK"

submitted by: Fred G. Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@AOL.COM
Living out in the country on a farm we didn't have what you called a neighborhood grocery store. We had two grocery stores which both were 1/4 mile from our house. One South of us was the Dawson Mine Company Store and North was the family owned P.A. Secret & Son grocery store. Although my father was the bookkeeper for the mines he very seldom purchased groceries there because of the high prices. He started dealing at Secrets in 1931 and opened a charge account. Because of seven being in the family it didn't take long to run up the bill. He paid so much a month but hardly ever the full amount because of the depression days. When paying monthly on the bill the store always gave us a bag of free cookies.

To get to the store I would walk the train tracks so as not to travel on the highway which was parallel to the rail road. On a hot summer day it was refreshing to walk into the store as it was real cool being that it was a two story building. No air condition back then. Some times my mother would only need a couple items so I got a lot of exercise. The store had a large wooden pickle barrel of which they were soaked in salt brine. When buying a few pickles the clerk would just reach in with his bare hands and wrap them in wax paper. There was no such thing as using rubber gloves. Same way when the clerk filled your cookie order. These containers were on a bench in front of the meat counter and contained no lids to keep out the dust and dirt. This would not be allowed today. This store at Christmas time had a toy department and also sold furniture. At Christmas time our parents gave each of us children $5.00 to buy a toy as they were cheap back then. My father never really got the grocery bill paid in full till WW II. Secrets also had free delivery service every Saturday.

submitted by: Wayne White (WI '60)
waynepawco@verizon.net
Roleta, I grew up in the Stealey section of Clarksburg and there was a lot of mom and pop type stores, The one on my street was Campbell’s store and then at the end of the street was Woods dairy bar and a store. The larger stores in the area was Kelley’s located on lower Duff street and Wagner’s located on Eculid which was a large store with good meat and produce---The largest store in our area at the time was Allman Brothers located on Milford street and they had delivery service.. The other store located up from Wood’s dairy bar was Wood’s store located on upper Duff which was always busy. The mom and pop stores at one time were the backbone of the grocery business but as time moved on the big chain stores like Kroger, Throfare and A&P forced them out of business.

MORE AREAS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE LIST
WE WILL SOON HAVE IT CORRECT!
*Glen Falls Freddie Layman wrote: The spelling of Anmore is as follows: ANMOORE - Zip 26323 . You left out Glen Falls which is North of Arlington approx. 1 1/2 miles. Both have 26301 zip codes. BRUSHY FORK - Zip 26323

Ron Cleavenger (WI 1963) wrote: Another area was Glen Falls out beyond Arlington Addition beyond Northview. One could go over the hill on the road to Despard from Glen Falls. Had a great parking place on this road.

*EAST END of Clarksburg..
From: Joy Gregorie Stalnaker
I just got a map from MapQuest and, today, the neighborhood would probably be considered as being all that is north of new Route 50 from Church Street and Wright Court to Linden Avenue.

From Diana Shablack Sandy (WI 1969)
You missed mine, East End. I guess it ran between Main and Pike from the Old A&P & St. Mary's up to the Golf Plaza Bridge and Linden Avenue.

*WEST END of Clarksburg -----
Bud Wheelock wrote and said this section of Clarksburg should be added!

*Nutter Fort, Norwood and Stonewood”
Lyle Corder (RW 1957) wrote a correction:
Nutter Fort has been a town since 1923. Norwood was located in the area near the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. There was also a town called Stonewall Park adjacent to Norwood and the two later became Stonewood.

*Highland Park
Anne Pears Jones (WI 1958) I believe the area off Milford Street along the river was called Highland Park. Street names are Grove Avenue, Park Boulevard, and I don't remember any others. Becky Highland WI '58 and Dick Rockinstein (spelling?) WI '58, and Nick Linger lived there, among others.

So now the list is :

ALL AROUND CLARKSBURG
ADAMSTON
ANMOORE (FORMERLY GRASSELLI)
ARBUTUS PARK
ARLINGTON
BROAD OAKS
BROADWAY
BRUSHY FORK
CHESTNUT HILLS
COLONIAL HEIGHTS (aka THE HILL--where WI was located)
COUNTRY CLUB ADDITION
DAVIDSON RUN
DESPARD/ SUMMIT PARK
*EAST END
EAST POINT
EAST VIEW
EDGEWOOD
*GLEN ELK
GLEN FALLS
GOFF PLAZA
HARTLAND
HEFLIN HEIGHTS
HIGHLAND PARK
INDUSTRIAL
KELLY HILL
MONTPELIER (AKA PINNICINICK HILL)
NORTHVIEW
NIXON PLAZA
NORWOOD
NUTTER FORT
PARK PLAZA
POINT COMFORT
STEALEY
STONEWOOD
*WEST END

Not one person wrote about growing up in Stonewood. Therefore, there must not be one reader who grew up in Stonewood.

EDTOR’S NOTE: I never would have guessed there were so many different sections of Clarksburg and surrounding areas. When an area from the list is selected to be discussed, you have one month to write to me about that month. I can’t save messages so wait until your neighborhood is selected. I will only have the selected areas discussed, if you miss it, I am sorry. I will not rerun any section or print any letters submitted about the section after the month assigned to that section of Clarksburg. So as soon as you see your neighborhood, write then. Remember the deadline for the newsletter is the 24th of the month!

COME ON---GIVE CREDIT TO:
ADAMSTON AND ANMOORE
So next month let’s hear from anyone who grew up in Adamston or Anmoore…. Tell me some of the reasons you think your neighborhood was a great one to have lived in. Write your memories to: Roleta1@aol.com. Some suggestions of things to write about – friends, activities, stores, neighbors, etc…anything that would be interesting. Tell us why you liked your neighborhood…. Sign each email with your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

MORGAN SCHOOL PICTURES
submitted by: Jim Callis (WI '53)
jamesedwardcallis@hotmail.com

Photo - toy band-2nd grade Morgan School 1942...
L-R back row: ? , ? , Barb Smith, Jane Hamilton, ?, Margery Kroll, ?, Bill La Due, ? , Paul Hornor, ? , Fred Heflin
Middle row: Buddy Graves, ? , Jim Callis, Jack Skinner, ? , Bob Twigg, ? , ? , ? , ? Sonny Wolfe, ?
Front row: Sue Limbright, ? , ? , Susan Rogers, Sandra Bailey, Jack Jackson, Ann Miller, Carolyn Roush, Wilma Jo Costlow, Alberta Malfregeot

Photo~2 - group pics-6th grade Morgan School girls
Back row: Kathleen ?, Barb Smith, ? , Ann Miller, Sandra Bailey, ? , ? Reed, Susan Rogers, ? , Jane Hamilton, Clara ?
Front row: Loretta ?, Sue Limbright, Carolyn Roush, Alberta Malfregeot, Wilma Jo Costlow

Photo~3 - group pics-6th grade Morgan School boys...i don't recall all the names...
Back row: Ron Gregory, Jack Jackson, ? , Tom Cottrill
Middle row: ? Orr, Fred Heflin, Virgil Highland, David McWhorter, Jim Callis, Paul Hornor
Sitting: Billy Strickler, ? , Sammy Wolfe, Dick Trent, Buddy Graves

NEW READERS

DellaSue Armistead Sheline (WI '63)	Fl2276@aol.com
John P Spatafore (VHS '54)	jpgg126@comcast.net
Bob Patterson (VHS '54)	James22055@aol.com
Charles P. Deem (WI '47)	cpdeem@verizon.net
Jackie Grow Brooks (WI '67)	driveway1@aol.com
George (Ed) Jenkins (VHS '55)	loisje@verizon.net
Sandy Smith Barrick (VHS '63)	barrickcla@verizon.net
Annette Portaro Smith (ND '65)	annette@annettesmith.com
Phil Williams (VHS '54)	pawilliams3@verizon.net

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS

Cliff Judy (WI '54)	cdjudy@mac.com
Glen Cowgill (WI '59)	gwcowgill@gmail.com
Jane Phillips Heitz (WI '70)	janeheitz@comcast.net
Cynthia Molle Oates (WI '58)	caoates@netzero.com
Marjorie Jones Kober (WI '59)	mkober@comcast.net
Patty Terrill Stealey (WI '59)	pstealey@frontiernet.net
Judith McDougal Siders (WI '57)	judysiders@att.net
Patty Rogers Hood (WI '50)	was: vprh59@verizon.net is now: vprh59@suddenlink.net

THOSE WHO GAVE
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith
This month two people gave to the WIN Scholarship fund.

Lance Miller (would have graduated with WI Class of 1961) –He gave a gift in honor of his parents Lance and Jean Miller who were both WI Graduates. I am sure they would be very proud of him.

Christopher Hill (WI 1960) Sent a check as a thank you to Judy and I for the Newseltter.

If you don’t understand what the WIN scholarship is about, please write to me and I will explain it to you. If you do understand and you wish to give so we can give another scholarship in the Spring of 2009, just write a check or money order to: Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship and mail to:

Roleta Meredith
c/o Meredith Brothers, Inc.
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Thank you for caring enough to give something, no matter how big or how small, everything helps the cause.

HOW FAR DID YOU WALK?
We all have told our children how far we walked to school. For instance, our two children kid Bill about having to walk about 2 miles up hill both ways-(to and from school)…they kid but it is close to the truth! So how far did you walk? I remember that on our end of town, one had to walk to Morgan to school, if they lived inside the boundary of the VA hospital bridge. The kids on Davidson Run and out near Clarksburg Country Club were provided school bus transportation. That trip up Milford Street on the sidewalk beside a major high way was a very difficult walk to Morgan Grade School which looking back seemed like at least 2 miles. Perhaps not, but a long walk in the snow for a little first grade student. Now my grandchildren in New Albany, Ohio run out their front door to catch the school bus and they live probably a 10 minute walk from the school---amazing how things have changed.

So what was your route to school? How far did you have to walk? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

ADAMSTON GRADE SCHOOL
submitted by: Joy Gregorie Stalnaker (WI '59)
joy1941@frontiernet.net

This is a picture of the 2nd grade class at Adamston Grade School. Mrs Ash is the teacher. My brother, Jene Gregorie, is in the back row far left. I know it's not WI but it is Clarksburg.

THOSE WHO SERVED TO PROTECT US
WW II PRISONER OF WAR FROM CLARKSBURG, WV
submitted by: Annette Portaro Smith (ND '65)
annette@annettesmith.com
Although I graduated from Notre Dame HS in 1965, I enjoy reading your WI newsletter. Many of the names are familiar to me from around the Clarksburg area. I have lived in Pennsylvania since 1967, but Clarksburg will always be “home” to me. I visit my parents – who still live in North View – often.

Attached is a story about my dad, who is really my “hero”. He suffered the unspeakable horror of being a prisoner of war in WWII. He is one of the survivors!

Keep up the good work you do with the newsletter.

EX- PRISONER OF WAR BENJAMIN PORTARO
Ben entered the Army in 1943 and was sent to England after Basic Training. He was in the Engineering Division that worked on bridges that had been destroyed. From this Railroad Battalion he was transferred to the 26th Infantry Division (also called the Yankee Division), 104th Regiment. As a Buck Sergeant, he went to France to fight on the front lines.

From France, Ben and his fellow troops were sent to Germany and participated in the Battle of Sauer Basin. This was the time that the Battle of the Bulge was underway, and more troops were needed to replace the ones lost. Ben was sent on the front lines of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxemburg. He was appointed a Staff Sergeant and was under General Patton. At this time, Ben incurred shrapnel in his leg and foot.

On January 2, 1945 Ben was on observation post calling artillery fire on the oncoming enemy troops when his group was overrun by the Germans. He was taken prisoner of war with 10 other men. Some of the men in his unit were killed outright. The ones who were injured were then shot by the Germans because they could not walk. The survivors were lined up, interrogated, and were forced to walk many miles to the prison camp. Along the way, they stopped at villages and had to bury bodies of people who were killed in the bombings and attacks of the local towns. They walked for miles in the hard winter. Ben had frozen feet and watched while other men in his group were shot because they could not walk any further. When they finally reached Stalag 12A, Ben had lost a lot of weight, and everyone had lice. He said the men would take turns picking lice off each other. The only food they were given was turnip-green soup and the occasional “sawdust” bread. Ten men had to share one loaf of bread once a day.

When the American troops crossed the Rhine River and made headway in their fight against the Nazi’s, the Germans wanted to evacuate the prison camp. They put the prisoners on cattle boxcars to take them inland. The boxcars were packed full, with no provisions for lying down or food. They had no sanitary provisions. Many of the prisoners on the train were killed by “friendly fire” because the Allies did not know the prisoners were in the boxcars.

When the prisoners were taken off the train, the survivors were forced to march many miles. Having lost 75 pounds, Ben weighed about 100 pounds. It was April 8, 1945. He and another prisoner, Bob Knoph, had become friends and decided they would rather try to escape and take the chance of getting shot in the back than to get shot later when they could not walk any further. They waited until after dark, and fell off to the road side in ditches. They hid there until they could run away from the road into the woods. They hid in the woods for 3 days. Their only food source was turnips they found along the way.

After 3 days Ben and Bob saw American troops coming down the road in jeeps. They waved a white flag to stop them. They were given c-rations and told a truck would be sent to get them. They had survived! Ben and Bob were sent to Camp Lucky Strike before coming home where they received medical care for their wounds. The day Ben arrived in Anmoore, WV for his furlough, Clare was surprised to see him sitting in the kitchen when she awoke that morning. He was reading the newspaper that described how his first cousin, paratrooper Nick Cavallaro, had been shot down and killed in the Battle of Bastogne. After his furlough, Ben was sent to Camp Maxie in Texas. He was going to train to go to Japan. However, the war ended soon after that. He had survived the unimaginable. Ben was discharged from the Army October 13, 1945. He received many medals for his brave service to our country including the Bronze Star. Many years later Bob surprised Ben with a phone call. He had found Ben’s number in the Ex-POW Bulletin. They were reunited in Virginia with a very emotional reunion.

SUBMARINERS
submitted by: Mary Beth Heranko Hilburn (WI '55)
hilfarm@hawaii.rr.com
Arreta Jaranko, who wrote about her uncle in WWII is my aunt, but we spell our last names differently due to the immigration personnel in Boston spelling our grandparents children's names differently. There are about 4 different spellings of the last name.

In early June this year, I met up with Mary (Stump) Harrel, and my cousins Joe and Greg Jaranko in Arlington,Va. to celebrate the life of my mother, Sandy Jeranko, who was interred with my father Stanley. It was such a treat to see these WVA grads, and introduce them to my son, his wife and children. Dad was a coach and referee, known as the "Mad Russian".

Dad was on submarines during WWII, a Russian language specialist, and intelligence officer. He also was present at the Atomic Bomb tests at Bikini, and brought home a little dog, called Geiger Sweet, who survived the bomb blast. I think my dad's life was shortened by the exposure to radiation. He was ill from the time he returned until he died at 68.

Thank you for giving us these memories.

PAUL BARTON
submitted by: Ruby Mathews Casto (VHS '47)
recasto47@verizon.net
Roleta,
Under the article written on Paul Barton, Sharon Bramhall stated that the book she took the information from was an obituary book. It is not an obit book but a book that is full of service men/women who served during WWII. Usually on Sunday they would have a whole page of pictures that were submitted to the paper and being 11 when the war started, for some reason or other, I just cut those pictures out and pasted them in a book.

This book is titled:

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIANS WHO FOUGHT FOR THEIR COUNTRY 1941-1945
Compiled by Ruby Casto
In fact I did two of them as Freddie Layman (VHS 46) gave me a paper that was a supplement to the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram June 8, 1943. I copied that paper, indexed it even down to the advertisements.

These two books can be found at the Waldomore, which is adjacent to the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library. In fact it was the old library. They are on the second floor of the Waldomore. Harrison County Genealogical Society has a web page www.wvhcgs.com.

DANGERS OF FLYING A B-24
submitted by: Buzzy Floyd (VHS '56)
Floyds4@cox.net
I watched The History Detectives on PBS the other night. They did a story on a diary from a WW II B-24 bomber pilot who also flew out of England and was killed in 1944 or 45. If I heard correctly, they said that there were about 3,000 B-24’s shot down in 1943, and 11,000 in 1944. It was nicknamed the flying coffin. They said the chances of a Japanese kamikaze pilot were actually statistically better than a B-24 pilot’s of coming back alive. There were no hydraulic controls so they were manhandling it all the way, and they flew so high it could be 30º in the cockpit. One guy they interviewed flew something like 32 missions and survived even though his plane at one time had 150 holes in it. I’d say anyone who flew even one bombing mission over Germany in the B-24 is a hero to me.

A MILITARY FAMILY
submitted by: Frances Tate Barrett (WI ’50)
flmom1cat4@verizon.net
There were six generations of my family that have served this country in the military. My Great-Grandfather, Joel Dobbins, served in the Civil War in and around Gilmer County, WV. He contracted pneumonia while serving and passed away in a military hospital in Grafton, WV. He is buried in the WV National Cemetery in Grafton, WV.

My Grandfather Adam Dobbins was too young to serve in the Civil War as military personnel, so he was designated a “water boy” or “gopher”

My father Harry Tate was drafted into World War I. Here was a boy who grew up on a farm in Richie County, WV, had never been out of the state, went into the Navy and saw a lot of the world before he returned to Richie County. He entered the Navy at Norfolk, VA and then was sent to New Jersey to serve on The USS Leviathan, a redesigned troop ship. The SS Vaterland was a German passenger liner that happened to be docked at Hoboken, NJ when war was declared. It was seized by the U.S. Shipping Board, turned over to the custody of the U.S. Navy in June 1917 and commissioned the next month. Renamed Leviathan 6 September 1917, the former liner then reported for duty with the Cruiser and Transport Force. The woodwork and fittings that were dismantled from the the SS Vaterland were sold to the elite families in the northeast such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, etc. They had the grand staircase and other parts of the ship installed in their homes. Operating between Hoboken and the European ports of Brest, France and Liverpool, England she completed 10 round trips, carrying over 119,000 fighting men, before the Armistice 11 November 1918. After that date she reversed the flow of men as she transported the veterans back to the United States in 9 more round trips. My dad was on 17 of those round trips as a Fireman First Class. That meant he shoveled a lot of coal on those round trips. And that wasn’t the worst of it. They would refill the coal bins in Brest, France with bushel baskets. A barge would pull up along side and the basket brigade would start and go on for hours. At that time the USS Leviathan was the largest ship in the U.S. Navy, and in the World. The Navy would not operate a bigger ship until 1945, when a longer and heavier aircraft carrier Midway entered the service. I can remember hearing on the radio that the USS Leviathan was being scrapped by a British firm and I’m sure I saw a few tears in Dad's eyes. The stories of his time in the Navy I remember fondly as he was so proud of being able to serve his country, that he would tell them over and over. He was finally discharged at Hampton Roads, VA in 1919.

My brother, Harold Tate, served in the Navy during World War II, most of his time on the USS Langley, an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific.

My husband, James Barrett, Sr., served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a crew chief for Col. James Jabara the first American Jet Ace of the Korean War.

My son, James Barrett, Jr., was on his way to the Gulf War with a battalion from the Pennsylvania National Guard when the war was declared over.

My Grandson, Jesse Cozad, served in the Army Special Forces in Iraq. He is now out of the service and safe at home.

Some of this information was taken from the Naval Historical Center, the rest is from memory.

ALL GAVE HONOR TO RETURNING TROOPS
submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)
jalvaro@aol.com
I took someone to the Atlanta Airport last week. While I was in the large atrium about 100 soldiers, two abreast, were walking through and everyone in all the restaurants facing the atrium and anyone around, stood up and applauded until every one on those soldiers exited. Man, you talk about an old man trying to keep from crying out loud. Whew, it was really something to see.

CORRECTION
submitted by: Billie Anne Cork Clevenger (WI '52)
IamBlessed 3452@aol.com
Roleta, You are so right, the July newsletter is truly fabulous! I enjoyed every bit and will be re-reading it to enjoy it all over again. I'm certain I won't be the only person to bring one little thing to your attention - which did not make it any less wonderful. The following was shown to have been submitted by Carolyn Burnside, who was a classmate of mine (WI '52). It actually is an item written by a mutual friend and classmate of ours, Joanne (Westfall) Tetrick. Those of us from our class who still live in this area meet for lunch on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Raymons Restaurant.

Roleta, keep up the good work - it is miraculous that you continue to present us with such a wonderful newsletter each month. Thank you very Much.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Apparently the article below was submitted by Carolyn Burnside but written by Joanne (Westfall)

Tetrick. Sorry I didn’t understand it that way when Carolyn sent it to me. I am glad it has been corrected.
submitted by: Carolyn Burnside (WI '52)

You are correct about the corsages and their colors. And yes, students of West Virginia History still vie for the Grafton Methodist Church was indeed the church that Anna Jarvis' Mother attended. The church still hold a Mother's Day Service as well as weddings from April to the end of September. My in-laws, the Tetricks were married there more than 80 years ago. Dick and I decided to get married there also. It was a small wedding with our combined children and grandchildren, Dick's brother and wife, an aunt & uncle from Palm Springs, CA. It was held on Sept. 11, l999 and we found out we had the last wedding on that day. They closed the church at the end of September so we had the last wedding of the century in that church !! Pretty cool, huh? It was a lovely family ceremony. After the wedding we had a reception dinner at a Oliverio's Restaurant and the food was delicious.

Since I was a young girl red carnations were given to ladies whose mothers were still and the white ones for the deceased mothers. West Virginia holds the record for honoring Mothers on Mother's Day Sunday!

There are tours of the church and the home of Anna Jarvis.

DOWNTOWN STORES
DOWNTOWN STORES Next month I hope you will write to me about a store in downtown Clarksburg. Won’t you share some of your memories about one store? Write Roleta1@aol.com

To kick off this series of articles please read the ones below from Larry O’Grady and Ron Watkins.

FIVE AND DIME STORE AND THE BEST HOT DOGS DOWNTOWN!
submitted by: Larry O’Grady (Bridgeport HS '55)
logrady@cfl.rr.com
Surely those 'Clarksburgers' of you remember the four 'dime stores' on Main Street. (Don't look, but you'll find them below) Now, Bev and I think there was one of the four that did not have a lunch counter. If so, and you know which one write to: Roleta1@aol.com with your answer.

Now, as good as this menu was, and looks...for about 60 cents you could get the most fantastically delicious, no doubt- about-it, positively, the best hot dogs ever made...ANYWHERE…… From the 'dime store' block on Main Street, you just had to walk to 3rd Street, turn left, go past Traders Alley and Melets, and others to Pike Street. Crossing Pike, turning left again and just a few stores down you would find the

SANITARY HOT DOG RESTAURANT.

Picture submitted by: Charlie Burkhammer (WI '59)
When I ushered at the Ritz Theatre ('54-'55) I got two of their scrumptious hot dogs and get this...A BIG RC COLA for, I think, 60 or 70 cents. (Damn, if I'd known then how much I would miss them in the future I'd have eaten six or eight at a time!!!)

I can still see the 50-something Greek brothers or cousins that owned the place, portly, white-aproned and wearing some kind of a 'cooks hat'. I always sat in a booth on the left, very seldom at the counter.

submitted by: Ron Watkins (VHS '54)
ronw@tx.rr.com
If any of you have doubt about what we kids paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworths in the 1950's, here's proof of the era we lived........and it was a GREAT ERA to live as a teenager !!!!

LA MISSIONE ITALIANA
ENTERPRISE, W.VA.
DATED 1909

submitted by: Dave Kuhl (WI '62)
dbhuhl@bellsouth.net
If you had Italian ancestors living in Enterprise, WV in 1909, there is a good chance that they are in this photograph. The picture labeled La Missione Italiana; Enterprise, W.Va. is on a post card mailed to my great grandfather Rev. Christian Kuhl who was an ordained Methodist Minister. The post mark is July 27, 1909. If you would like a copy of this picture by e-mail, contact Dave Kuhl at dbhuhl@bellsouth.net.

PIERPONT 1ST GRADE 1946-1947
submitted by: Sharon Dillmore Smith (WI '58)
Shanangels@comcast.net

There are a lot of kids from the WI Class of 1958 in this picture. Some of them are Sharon Dillmore Smith, Harriett Danley Van Voorhis and James Fragale. Do you recognize any one else?

ATTENTION:
MEMBERS OF W.I. CLASS OF 1958
submitted by: Harriett Danley Van Voorhis (WI '58)
eerfanvan@comcast.net
Some of your classmates are meeting at the W.I. Reunion Picnic, which is being held in Clarksburg at the Veterans Park on August 23, to discuss plans for a Class of '58 reunion. If there is enough interest, we will plan the reunion for 2009. If you are going to the picnic, feel free to join in the discussion--we need your input! If you are not going to the picnic, but are interested in attending our 2009 reunion, please send an e-mail to me at: eerfanvan@comcast.net or phone: 304-594-1521, so we can determine the degree of interest. Also, please pass on my e-mail address and phone number to classmates, who do not receive the newsletter.

THE HITS OF AUGUST AND DOG DAYS PAST....
submitted by: Steve Goff (WI '72)
sgoff53@hotmail.com
August is the cruelest month. At least it is for me and it has been for some time .....and it all goes back to August of 1969. If you ever played high school football you already know where I'm going with this...If you were planning to play football in the upcoming pigskin season, every calendar in your life had one date you dreaded hearing about or thinking about.....AUGUST 1st!!. First day of football practice!!....Lineman (like me) had to run a mile under 7 minutes (I think that's right)....no pads, just helmets and your brand new, 'taste like a door stop', big hunk of plastic, mouthpiece.

You hurt everywhere.....it gets worse.....after a week everyone puts on pads and the contact begins....now you hurt even more places than everywhere. Ben Gay is your new friend.

Two a day practices.....Get to Hite Field about 8:30 am, first practice from 9-11:30 am; shower and eat your packed lunch in some shady spot; second practice for three hours during the hottest times of each August day.

Salt tablets, muscle cramps, Hilltopper-rolls, running the banks, hitting the 6-man blocking sled with Coach Marra hanging on for the ride and giving each of us 'slugs' the business about working harder.

In 1969 I was a sophomore enduring my first full month of varsity practice and locker room hazings. Life was not good for any sophomore underclassmen who happened to be attached to the 'lineman' brigade of Camp Castellana. August revealed its cruel nature to me in the form of periodic water depravation and permanent servitude to our senior class.

I noticed the only way we could be partially saved from a day of angry oven heat torture, would be if it would rain. Rain was the best.....shady cloud cover, breezes, cool sprinkles/rain, and if lightning made an appearance....we were done for the day. I did my best each day to will a soaking rain pattern to settle over Hite Field by mid-afternoon.....which finally brings me to the first tune for the month.

In August of 1969 I walked to each morning football practice. From my house on Wilson St., I went up South Fifth St., turned left on Horner....out Horner all the way to Chestnut St..... to the little over the hill shortcut to Hite Field, that brought you out near Central's Field House/Locker Bldg.

I always loved the pleasant walk from Fifth to Chestnut, via Horner. It still is a nice stroll. BUT...going to football practice, when I would begin my trudge along Horner Ave., I would sing this song to myself in hopes the rain gods would hear my plea and send me some lightning for 2 pm....Hite Field.

'I Wish it Would Rain' The Temptations 1968. On The Hollywood Palace.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BbiLZS_HFx0

THESE SONGS WERE #1 IN THE NATION IN AUGUST OF THE ASSORTED YEARS....
1947....'Smoke, Smoke, Smoke, That Cigarette'; Tex Williams....a classic video highlighting Tex's great delivery.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dbKQklwNScA

1950....'Mona Lisa'.....Nat King Cole.....smooth as silk.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fxEmnxiUz8w

1953....'Vaya con Dios (May God Be With You)'.....Les Paul & Mary Ford . BONUS.... Stay tuned for the 'home permanent' product demonstration of 'Quick'.....A very interesting clip..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1_-HHUCnNU

1956....'Hound Dog' (this was a double sided hit with 'Don't Be Cruel')....Elvis Presley on The Milton Berle Show...it was the fall out from this show that led Ed Sullivan to showing Elvis only from the waist up the next time he was on the 'really big shoe'. Scandalous? You decide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5JALwwaASg

1958....'Poor Little Fool'.....Rickey Nelson A good concert version from 1985....he is looking and sounding good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCxFWi_j8rw

1961....'Tossin' and Turnin''.....Bobby Lewis.....Video is a tribute to 'American Graffiti'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghFBvBmXv4E

1964....'Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime'.....Dean Martin ..... Somehow, smack in the middle of the British Invasion, Dean-O hit the number one spot. He knocked the Beatles out for at least a week. Here's a great live version with the smooth Dean Martin, half-crocked patter delivered perfectly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMQFsjs21OQ **** 4 Star rating...

1967....'Light My Fire'......The Doors......A nice version once it gets past the 35 sec. whiny prologue. Good footage from an over rated band with a hand full of great songs.....this is one of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_yWyBjDEaU

1970.....'Close to You'.....The Carpenters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKh86kOoiWQ

1973....'Brother Louie'.....Stories......I always like hearing this 'controversial' song with the soulful Brit vocal. This is live from 'The Midnight Special'....a TV program I watched a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl5mcWf5Qws&feature=related

1976....'Don't Go Breakin' My Heart'.....Elton John & Kiki Dee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPSenRhJ1Dg

1979....'Bad Girls'.....Donna Summer .....I hated disco, but Donna Summer was such a great singer I'd tune her in anytime she was singing.....this is a great live version....still looking and sounding good!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-wW7rIRVew

1981....'Jesse's Girl'....Rick Springfield .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adaYUM5wl7c

1984....'Ghostbusters'.....Ray Parker. This song was everywhere in August of '84.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4uxIo4t7xM

1987....'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'....U2. This comes for U2's movie 'Rattle and Hum'. I highly recommend this video to all. Performed live with a Harlem church choir....powerful!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X7QGCmIZl0 NOTE **** Rating!!

And finally
WOODSTOCK TRIBUTE.... The Woodstock Fest was held in August of '69. Here is Joe Cocker doing 'With a Little Help From My Friends' (could be this newsletter's theme song) at Woodstock.....BUT.....not the hysterical lyrics we now have found out Joe sang on that day. I hope you enjoy this one.

Stay with it until Joe sings about his new 'KIA'....it takes off from there...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4_MsrsKzMM
***Highest rating.

See You in September!

submitted by: Jackie Hays Lafferty (VHS '54)
Grannieof15@aol.com

Please enroll me to receive your newsletter. And thank you for the opportunity! You appear to work very hard at this. I graduated from Victory in 1954. I send info to my class about our class and other things that I feel they might like or enjoy and I will send them your link. Eugene Jaumot mentioned about our intended 55 year reunion next year. I will send more on it for you to publish as we move along with it....thanks!!!

submitted by: Larry O’Grady (Bridgeport HS '55)
logrady@cfl.rr.com

I'm Larry O'Grady, grew up in Stealey, went to Morgan Elem. and Central Jr. High...one semester at WI before moving to Bridgeport; graduated from there in 1955.

My wife is Beverly Ann Ellis, whom I lived next door to in Stealey. She is a WI grad of 1958. (and Ted Waroblak's first ever date!)

We moved to Kissimmee in 1964; I retired after 36 years of teaching.

Yes, we were at the picnic...brought Fat-Boy BBQ beans. It was fantastic to see those we went to Morgan School with...I could go on and on about it.

It was great also to have one BHS classmate, Joe Charles, as well as other BHS grads there. Of all those at the picnic, Bucky...Glen Tustin is the only WI grad we had seen in more than 50 years.

Thanks again for all your great work, Roleta...we're sure looking forward to seeing everyone again.

submitted by: Phil and Mary Todd Williams (VHS '54)
pawilliams3@verizon.net

My wife is a 1954 graduate of Victory and we have not lived in Clarksburg since 1965, but we still have family there and had a lot of friends that went to WI.

I would appreciate you adding us to the list. It will help us to keep up with what's going on in CBurg.

submitted by: Jim Hileman (Shinnston HS '63)
jim.wv@verizon.net

My name is Jim Hileman, from Shinnston High School 1963; however my 3 children graduated from WI, and we have lived and worked in Clarksburg since 1970. I know a lot of WI people. At one time I found a WEB site for the School that listed a lot of people and information but I haven't been able to find the site since.

submitted by: Nancy Gaskin Linn (VHS '54)
arnan@comcast.net

I received the WI newsletter from Jackie Lafferty and Eugene Jaumot…..we’re all graduates of Victory High School class of 1954. I’d appreciate being added to the WI Newsletter listing sent monthly. You’re doing a great job in editing and publishing this for all of us. After 50 years, we of Victory and WI can finally get together and literally “be on the same page” after all those years of being rivals in Clarksburg, WVa. I didn’t save the June newsletter, even though I read it, and would appreciate you sending me the recipe for the pepperoni rolls made with more pepperoni and less dough……………my mom used to make these from scratch and I can smell them and visualize them. She passed away in 1981. I graduated from Victory in 1954, moved to Arlington, VA in 1965, married a wonderful guy from Australia and have lived in Virginia ever since. My cousin, George C.(Sugar) Vincent graduated from WI a couple of years prior to my graduation from Victory. My husband and I live in Gainesville, VA.(about 20 miles South-West of DC, just off Rt. 66). We rarely visit Clarksburg anymore as most of the relatives are now deceased however did return for the 50th. reunion and are looking forward to returning in 2009 for our 55th. reunion. Thanks for adding me to your newsletter list. When growing up I lived in Edgewood Addition on Nixon Avenue.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I sent Nancy the recipe for my pepperoni rolls which appeared in the May issue.

submitted by: Susie Wysong Sutton (WI '65)
susiesutton65@adelphia.net

I surely continue to enjoy reading the newsletter. I especially liked the picture thought to be taken by Dan Griffin because I knew a lot of the people in the picture. Even though I now live in NC we own a place at Canaan Valley WV and go there often. I am wondering if many of our readers go there, have a place there or know of any classmates that frequent the Valley?

submitted by: Deloris (Dokey) Boone Natcher (WI for 3 years but graduated Bridgeport '56)
bobde5@comcast.net

It was great to see the article about Cliff Judy. Some time ago, you had his e mail address listed and I didn't make a note of it. I would appreciate it very much if you would send it to me. I meant to keep it and write to him. Cliff lived a block away from me in Broad Oaks and we grew up playing hide and seek in the evenings with other kids in the neighborhood. His father was my biology teacher in WI and Mr. Judy would send Cliff down to my house with test papers from his students for me to grade (not an advertised fact) and I'd return them when I completed them. Mr. Judy tried his best to talk me into a career in nursing as he claimed I had excellent reaction time. I sat in the second row next to the black board but when the bell rang, I was the first student out the door. My mother worked for the S&H Green Stamp store and Cliff came in one day, years later, to see her and inquire about me . At the time, I was living in Colorado but was happy to know he remembered me at all. I checked the past newsletters but didn't locate his e mail. I'd like to send him a note. Thanks for your help.

submitted by: Chris Hill (WI '60)
chrishll@erols.com

The July 2008 Newsletter is one of the best. Keep 'em coming! All the stories and memories are great. The high point of the issue is the hint about the little tabs on the end of the Saran Wrap roll--who knew? I checked out the new hot dog web site, which is fun as well. But, cole slaw on a hot dog? What are they thinking? As a reward for such a good issue, I will send along a contribution toward next year's scholarship fund.

EDITOR’S NOTE: THANKS Chris, Judy and I really appreciate your kudos and thank you for sending money to the Scholarship fund in our honor.

submitted by: Harriett Stout Noel (WI '59)
leonnoel@charter.net

Dear Roleta,
It was such fun to once again sit down and actually read the Newsletter after several months of being busy. I loved all the American spirit, stories from near and far and Kick the Can was one of my favorite summer games. Just like my wonderful classmate Loretta Mayer wrote about being a sophomore in a new school, I second each word she wrote.

I do want to tell you one incident from my youth in Beverly, W.Va. that involved Clarksburg. On our farm in Beverly we had 7 looms on which we wove many wonderful things. In 1952 our little church there was celebrating it's 100th birthday. Mother decided to weave 100 yds. of rag rug carpeting to cover the old wood floors and enlisted 5 girls from the high school (12 grades in one small school) to help her. When the carpeting was finished, she gave each girl $5.00 (a fortune then) to express her thanks and drove them to Clarksburg for a day. Please understand many of these girls had never been farther than Elkins, 12 miles away. At the end of the day they were to meet in front of the courthouse and share their day and what they had purchased with their hard earned money. At the appointed hour, all were present except Louise Swecker. After a frantic search, she was found in the elevator of the Palace Furniture Co. with her $5.00 still in her pocket. She was fascinated by Julia the elevator operator and the fun of going up and down. My mother told this story for years.....the carpet stayed in the church for the next 40-50 years................and, after moving to Clarksburg in 1956, I worked the next 3 summers at Palace Furniture Co. with Peter Massengill on the second floor, wrapping gifts and working the switchboard which I adored. Many nights I would leave to walk home to Maple Ave. and at the bottom of the hill there was a hotdog stand with the best chili in the whole wide world. I would give $5.00 times 5 to have a hotdog bun, with onions, no dog and that chili for dinner tonight! Great memories! Thank you again for the terrific job you and all your staff do with the newsletter and I look so forward to next summer. Hi to all!

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

WOW, a great issue for July, enjoyed all of it. You do such a great job of keeping the "good old days" alive with articles we all remember. We didn't know it at the time but those days were probably some of the best times of our lives, but all we wanted to do is go for the new adventure.

The picture of the barber shops were great I remember them well, on the one picture of the two barbers the one on the left of the pictures looked just like a fellow from Victory named Lee Lee Burnetti(sp). In 1955 I was on a troop ship going from El Paso Texas (Ft. Bliss) to the Brooklyn NY Navel yard to Germany. A few days out I was told by a NCO to get a haircut and went to the barbershop on the ship and set in a chair, when the barber said he didn't know if he could cut the hair of a guy from Clarksburg. It was Lee Lee, and he was cutting hair on the ship, two Victory boys met in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, Is that a small world or not??

Also when I was getting ready to leave for the Army, I lived in Adamston and there was barbershop next door to the Candyland, ran by Bob Deevers (sp), from North View, when I was leaving he gave me hairbrush to keep my "flattop" in good shape, and 53 years later I still use that hairbrush everyday. I have attached a picture of the brush, and the "flattop" if you feel like using them.

Keep up the great work, this transplanted Clarksburg boy enjoys it every month.

SEARCHING FOR A COPY OF A GRADUATION PICTURE
submitted by: Sharon Bee Armstrong (Bristol HS '59)
sharonbeearmstrong@yahoo.com
Just wanted to let Steve Goff know that I think I played every one of his selections in the July newsletter and enjoyed the heck out of them. It's great that he makes that effort, so thanks, Steve.

Also, I'm looking for the graduation picture of my Mom, who I think graduated from WI in 1936 -- hence my connection to WI. If anyone has a picture of Wilson Victoria Howell, I would be ever so grateful to obtain a copy. And thanks to you and Judy for another awesome work of art.

OBITUARIES
THOMAS GRANT RANDOLPH (WI Class of 1977)
CLARKSBURG — Thomas Grant Randolph, 49, of Clarksburg, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2008, at his residence. Mr. Randolph was a warehouse employee with Southern State for several years. He was born in Clarksburg on November 27, 1958, a son of the late Roy D. Randolph and Selma L. Workman Randolph, who survives in Clarksburg.

In addition to his mother, he is also survived by one brother, Ronald E. Randolph and his wife Roben, Bridgeport; four sisters, Donna Yochym and her husband Greg, Weston, Diana L. Marsh and her husband Robert, Good Hope, Gloria A. Dennison and her husband Brian, Wolf Summit, and Grace Martini, Clarksburg; one sister-in-law, Patty J. Randolph, Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews, one of whom is nephew Tray Randolph, who was like a son to Tommy.

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Donnie Randolph.

Tommy was a down-to-earth person who loved working in the garden, with his horses, and hunting and fishing. He was Methodist by faith.

FRANKY BILLINGS
CLARKSBURG — Franky Billings, 58, of Maryland Avenue, Nutter Fort, entered into eternal life on Monday, July 7, 2008, at his residence.

After Mr. Billings was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with 8 years of service, he was employed with the Veterans Health Administration from November 1981 until June 1987, and then was employed as a Rural Route Carrier with the USPS from August 1987 until his retirement in May 2007.

He was born in Clarksburg on July 11, 1949, a son of the late Charles Billings and Ruby Billings Wilkinson who survives. Also surviving: His wife, Renee Simms Billings; four children, Greg Billings and his wife Tamara, Frisco, TX, Darius Billings, Atlanta, GA, Sandra Arbinger and her husband Dave, Ludwigsburg Deutschland, Germany, and Bianca Billings, Nutter Fort; four grandchildren, Dabria Billings, Atlanta, GA, Noah and Nylah Billings, Frisco, TX, Noah and Amy Arbinger, Ludwigsburg Deutschland, Germany; four brothers, Anthony Billings, Los Angeles, CA, Gerald Billings, Ronald Billings, and Carlos “Boss” Morez, Oxon Hill, MD; five nephews, Robert Lewis, Mobile, AL, Timothy Lewis, Newport News, VA, John “Jay” Holyfield, Burke, VA, Christopher Billings, Los Angeles, CA, and Greg Richardson, Dallas, TX; one niece, Kimberly Billings, Los Angeles, CA; and a host of other family members whom he loved dearly.

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth Billings; and three sisters, Anna Holyfield, Gloria Billings and Brenda Billings.

Mr. Billings (A Bridgeport graduate) was a court appointed Special Advocate for Abused and Neglected Children, and was a member of the Rotary International of Clarksburg. Franky was an exceptional person who loved life, his family and helping people. To many he was a friend, a source of strength and a hometown hero and will be sadly missed by all. At his request, Mr. Billings was cremated.

PAULINE ELIZABETH POLING
BRIDGEPORT — Pauline Elizabeth Poling, 92, of Philadelphia Avenue, Bridgeport passed away Sunday morning July 13, 2008. She was born May 25, 1916, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late Joseph Cepas Clutter and Grace Merrifield Clutter.

She is survived by her niece and caregiver Libby Phillips and her husband Paul of Bridgeport, a special niece Nancy Blackwell and her husband David of Clarksburg and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews; two step daughters, Janet Toth and her husband Albert of Ohio and Mariam Poling of New Jersey.

Pauline was preceded in death by four sisters, Iva Mae Moats, Betty Caldwell, Margaret Campbell, and Roseann Baker; two brothers, Joseph and James Clutter.

Pauline graduated from WI High School, Class of 1933. She was a member of the Simpson Creek Baptist Church, the Bridgeport Womens Club, and was a long-time member of the Bridgeport Country Club. She also greatly enjoyed gardening.

ELIZABETH ANN WOODBURN
CLARKSBURG — Elizabeth Ann Woodburn, 92, of Melbourne, FL, formerly of Clarksburg, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2008, in Melbourne, FL.

Mrs. Woodburn was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing.

She was born in Clarksburg on January 4, 1916, a daughter of the late Albert Fay and Ida May Debolt Jones. She was married for 70 years to Samuel Ralph Woodburn in Clarksburg on January 3, 1936, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Woodburn resided for 51 years in the North View community of Clarksburg, and for the past 6 months in Melbourne, Florida.

She is survived by two children, Nancy and Joe Pidutti of Silver City, New Mexico, and Janet and Ted Burns of Palm Bay, FL; grandchildren, Dr. Jean Thompson, Louisville, KY, David Thompson and Sylvia Thompson, Lawrenceburg, IN, Theresa Pidutti, Waikiki, Hawaii, John and Nari Pidutti, Vancouver, Canada, Michael and Kerstin Burns, Palm Bay, FL, Michele and Steve Cutlip, Anderson, S.C; great grandchildren, Caleb and Joshua Cutlip, Logan and Grace Elizabeth Burns, Bettina, Jimmy and Mia Thompson, Julia and James Pidutti; and nieces and nephews, Jina Eckhardt, Marsha and Bob Jones, Sam and Shirley Clifton, Kenny and Juli Clifton, Betty and Dur Keats, Lynda Trickett and Sharyn McGahan; and one sister-in-law Claudette Jones of New York City.

She was also preceded in death by one son, William Andrew Woodburn; three brothers, David A. Jones, a prominent Clarksburg attorney, John A. Jones, and Marshall Jones; and 4 sisters in-law Nell Woodburn, Maude Woodburn, Louise Jones and Eleanor Jones.

Elizabeth helped found the Harrison Co. Sheltered workshop.

She served as president of the Association for Retarded Citizens of WV, president of ARC Harrison Co., president of the Women’s Fellowship of Clarksburg Central Christian Church, Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star of West Union.

ROBERT GOOTS
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — Robert Goots, 74, of North Olmsted, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008, following a nine-month illness. (He graduated from WI)

Mr. Goots was born and grew up in Clarksburg with family and friends still living in the area.

Mr. Goots is survived by his wife, Janet; two daughters, Laura Dougher and Julie Bates; three sons, Thomas, John and David; and one brother, Samuel.

He was preceded in death by one son, James; two brothers, Anthony and John; and two sisters, Angelyn Chafin and Rose Roush.

Thanks to the Clarksburg Exponent for allowing us to use excerpts from their obituary columns.

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