THE WI NEWSLETTER 08/10

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Issue 132

August 2010

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
THE WI NEWSLETTER HAS JUST COMPLETED
ELEVEN YEARS OF PUBLICATION

HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT….

The Newsletter Staff:
Roleta Smith Meredith (the written word),
Judy Daugherty Kimler (Internet and pictures),
Bob Davis (the email addresses),
Bill Meredith (Sports)

I NEED EVERYONE TO RESPOND TO ME
submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com
I am taking a survey-----------I want to know where you live. I don’t mean your address, I just want you to write to me and tell me in what city, what state and what country you now live. Remember to sign your name, school, and year you either did or would have graduated….THIS IS FOR EVERYONE WHO READS THE NEWSLETTER! I hope to be inundated with replies….

Don’t just say, “Oh, there are a lot of us in this city , someone else will reply”. You need to be counted, so write!

Please reply to help me out with this survey and to tell me how many people in how many different places are reading this newsletter.

Thank you. Just click on Roleta1@aol.com right now, and send me an email to answer this question. When you send the email, the newsletter will still be here for you to continue reading.

I will give you the results in a future newsletter.

LETTERS FROM THE 2010 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Hi, I cannot thank you enough for this scholarship. I feel like all the years of hard work have finally paid off. I am especially grateful due to the low income of my family. Without the help of scholarships I would not be able to attend college. I feel great pride and ambition because I was the first female in my family to graduate high school, and besides my oldest brother, the only other person to continue on even further to work toward my college degree. This gives me motivation to work hard and achieve my goals, because I do not wish to be financially unstable like my parents. I want to provide a solid, well-off household for my future family. Thank you again for being a huge stepping stone on my way to success.

Signed,
Amanda Seefong
RC Byrd High School 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you wish to communicate for any reason with Amanda, I can provide you the needed information.

To the readers of the Washington Irving Newsletter,

Thank you all so much for providing money for the WIN Scholarship. Your donations are greatly appreciated. I am very grateful to have received this scholarship because I am an alumni of Washington Irving Middle School. This past May I graduated from Robert C. Byrd High School and I am now off to Fairmont State University where I plan to further my education in the field of Exercise Science/Physical Education. I was recently selected to be a Fairmont State Competitive Cheerleader and I will strive to maintain good grades while being a student athlete. The money I have received from this scholarship will help pay the cost of my tuition and required books. I am honored that the WIN Scholarship committee selected me to receive this scholarship because the money will help my family and I out tremendously.

Signed,
Mariah Calef (RC Byrd 2010)

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you wish to communicate for any reason with Mariah, I can provide you the needed information.

GIVING
If you wish to give to the WIN (stands for the Washington Irving Newsletter) Scholarship, remember no gift is too large or too small! Please make your check out to: Roleta Meredith / WIN Scholarship.

And mail to me at:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

By doing this you are giving back to Clarksburg a little something in honor of what they all gave to you!

BYRD HELPED CLARKSBURG, WV
Sen. Byrd breathed life into struggling Clarksburg, West Virginia

'Pork' renewed economic life into city

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10181/1069178- 84.stm#ixzz0sLJubgPM

submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
Floyds4@Cox.net
The following is a saying attributed to R.C. Byrd

"I suppose that if the more than one million mountains in West Virginia were leveled flat, the state would reach all the way to Texas. In any event, its boundaries extend farther north than Pittsburgh, farther south than Richmond the capital of the Old Confederacy, as far east as Buffalo, New York and as far west as Columbus, OH. It is the most southern of the northern and the most northern of the southern; the most eastern of the western and the most western of the eastern. It is where the East says good morning to the West, and where Yankee Doodle and Dixie kiss each other good night! It is the state that is 'wild and wonderful' and 'almost heaven,' with its beautiful hills and its law-abiding, Godfearing, and patriotic people." –R.C. Byrd.

REMEMBER RADIO?
What was your favorite radio show? Please share with us by writing to Roleta1@aol.com.

Here is a sample letter on the subject:

submitted by: Emory Cole (would have been RW '59)
cjcranks@charter.net
I remember when I was very young, between the ages of 8 and 14, on Sunday night my mother would make from scratch a big chocolate cake with chocolate icing. As a family we sit at the radio and listen to "Sam Spade" and eat a piece of this cake while it was still warm. We did this every Sunday night.

BAND CAMP, SUMMER LOVE AND MAJORETTES
submitted by: Melissa Morris Phillips (WI '71)
mountaineermaven@verizon.net
Ah, band camp, majorettes and summer loves….3 different subjects but inextricably entwined. Band camp was where many a summer romance was born… and died. Who could forget Glenn Goodwin’s annual admonishments, “Do NOT go into an unlighted area with your horn or anybody else!” and “Absolutely no public displays of affection!”? I’m not going to tell any tales out of school about me or my friends. Suffice it to say that while some of those romances did, in fact, blossom into something more long-term, most were over before the buses rolled to a stop on Lee Avenue. Band camp my freshman year was at Camp Caesar in Webster Springs. It was a time when most freshmen quake in their boots contemplating how they will be initiated by the upperclassmen. I, however, had no such worries. My mother was on the faculty at WI, teaching senior Problems of Democracy and supervising a senior home room. Those home room assignments had been made prior to camp so I was in tall cotton that week in Webster Springs.

CAMP CAESAR
The remaining years we went to band camp at Camp Selby in suburban Selbyville, Upshur County. For the most part, we bunked with our classmates except, of course, for the majorettes who had their own cabin. I was part of the majorette corps my junior and senior years and I must say that I missed rooming with my fellow flautists. It was a shame that majorettes were segregated because band camp was as much about bonding as it was batons.

CAMP SELBY
One year, we were having a particularly hard time getting the gist of our opening halftime show. Mr. Goodwin became uncharacteristically incensed and stalked off the field leaving us standing there with our mouths hanging open. Someone came up with a plan. At midnight that night, we all snuck out of our cabins and down to the field, took our places and began practicing that darned half time show. Having been rudely roused from a sound sleep, our beloved director came charging down the hill and all was forgiven.

Band camp wasn’t all work and no fun. When Penny Saeler joined the faculty as A-choir director, she also assumed the role of assistant band director so she came to band camp. Part of her initiation was having one of her foundation garments run up the flag pole so everyone could salute. She was a good egg about that.

The “town” of Selbyville was within walking distance of the camp so upperclassmen were permitted to go to town to Asa Sayre’s General Store to get, among other delicacies, dill pickles out of the barrel. Notre Dame High School began holding band camp at the same location during the same week. We developed a connection with the Irish and together we put on a parade for the good citizens of Selbyville complete with a queen – Zero and Helen McCray’s mother -- on the back of a convertible.

As I said, I was part of the majorette corps. I was a substitute majorette and that entailed carrying the banner immediately behind the Color Guard and in front of the band for parades. One year during one of the parades in downtown Clarksburg, Melanie Heater Squires and I were proudly carrying the banner down Main Street. Our band had been asked at the last minute to perform a mini-concert on the Courthouse Plaza following the parade. Mr. Goodwin agreed and let the drum major know to make a right onto Third Street and to lead the band up the side steps of the Courthouse Plaza. Unfortunately, he failed to tell either the Color Guard or the banner carriers. As we approached O.J.Morrison’s, I could tell that the music was fading behind me. I turned my head and watched our band making a beautiful right flank onto Third Street. I alerted the Color Guard and, in true military band fashion, the Guard leader called “Company Halt! Right Face!” and off we marched, single file, up the sidewalk to rejoin our bandmates on the Plaza.

Being in the band was absolutely the best part about my years at WI. Band camp, parades, football pre-game and half-time shows, basketball pep band, selling tags, selling programs, selling just about anything anybody would buy to finance trips….it was all great. I wouldn’t trade any of those experiences, except for maybe that time at Camp Selby when…..oh, never mind.

SUFFERING THROUGH POISON IVY
submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
jpulice@msn.com
Poison Ivy...Be cautious when carrying in fire wood. One winter I got poison oak on my arms from carrying in fire wood. The vine had grown around the wood which had been split for fire wood....

submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
Fragilegranny@ma.rr.com
I guess I took your introduction to this newsletter literally. I decided if I had any memories of what I am reading that I would just send them as I read.

My biggest poison ivy time was when I was a kid and had it all over my hands. They swelled up, had blisters and not only did it itch, it ached. My mother would put some Clorox in my bathroom sink and I would wake up and soak my hands and go back to bed. Calamine lotion, forget it. She took me to see Ed Byard at his pharmacy and gave her his concoction to help dry it up. It was called "Potassium Paramagnet". The spelling may be incorrect, but we applied it and my hands looked like walnut stain which did NOT wash off, but the poison ivy began to dry up and in a few days I still had the very brown hands but no swelling or itching.

submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)
marciabooth05@yahoo.com
The worst case I ever saw was when Betsie Gribble Demaris (WI class of 1965) got it just from driving to/from Lake Floyd where her parents had a house. Her face swelled, and she was seriously ill. It was so bad that it scared me when I saw her. I also knew immediately that any job in the medical field was not for me.

submitted by: Debbie Sharpe Fisher (WI '74)
fish6564@bellsouth.net
My childhood memories are all covered with poison ivy! It seems like I got it every summer until I went to college and then it seems to have stopped, never to return again. I thank God for that.

Anyway... we had a cabin on Tygart Lake for many years. We had a very high bank that we had to climb down to get to our boats. Of course the bank was covered in poison ivy. I swear I didn't even have to touch the stuff and I would get covered in it. I know the aggravation of spending day and night trying not to scratch. I knew if I did then it would only get worse. I must have gone through a million bottles of Calamine Lotion. My mom should have taken stock it the stuff. I digress... one summer I got it so badly that it was down my throat and in my eyes. My eyes were swollen shut. I have no idea how it got down my throat but trust me, that and the eyes were one of my worst experiences! I've never heard anyone say they've had it in their throat. Please let me know if there's anyone out there that lived through that terrible time. How do you scratch your throat?!

submitted by: Jane Ross (WI '53)
meezer83@msn.com
I can relate to the ease of getting the itchy beast! My first brush with it was when we lived in Hartland. While playing a group of us decided to climb an apple tree across the alley from my house. It was summer and of course I had on shorts. In climbing the tree I paid no attention to the greenery around and vining its way up the trunk. Consequently I rubbed my legs over all that in getting up that tree. I ended up with both legs covered heel to thigh with blisters. They itched so bad that my mom had to fix the sheets at night so they didn't touch me, for if they did I itched. For years after that I would get poison ivy if dust blew across a patch of the stuff and landed on me. My sensitivity to it has waned somewhat as I've aged, but I try not to tempt it to attack!

submitted by: Martha Jefferies Rice (WI '55)
lonoma@aol.com
When my father had rheumatic fever in 1941, I spent the summer with my grandmother in Buckhannon. I loved it there. Her home was "on the island" and had a huge lot beside the house in which there was a concrete fish pond. I loved dangling my feet in the water and letting the fish nibble my toes. That act soon turned into agony for me. I had sat on poison ivy and touched my face and legs with my hands that had been infected with the oils and spread it everywhere. I ended up with some sort of injection in order to get rid of the lesions which were numerous.

Later in life, while living at Lake Floyd, I had several bad bouts of big runny blisters from that odious plant!

From that experience, I learned to avoid the stuff whenever I see it. Thank heaven I have not found any in FL.

submitted by: Annabelle Lee Hutson (WI '60)
abellehutson@juno.com
Roleta, when I was on a nature hike, the guide told us that dish soap DAWN is great to neutralize the poison ivy oils. You put it on straight. He said he always carries a small bottle when hiking.

You will have to report all the remedies which are surely going to be reported to you.

Thanks for the time you give to putting together the WI newsletter

submitted by: Barb Warren Williams (WI '58)
gemdandy@htwc.biz
I have had poison ivy many different times. One time I had to go to the hospital and the lady at the desk knew me well but didn't recognize me because my face was so swollen. Two or three different times I have had to have blood taken out of my arm and put in my hip. It had to be done at the hospital and couldn't be done close together. I was out at Med Center in Bridgeport and the doctor called all of the staff in to see how bad my poison ivy was; very large blisters. I have been on crutches several times when I have had it so bad on my feet. When my brother Jim got married, the night before the wedding I had to be taken to the ER because I had three poison ivy spots in between one of my fingers and it had grown into one very large blister and my arm had swollen very bad. They packed it very tightly and wrapped my hand; you would have thought I had broken the hand and of course I had to be in the wedding the next day.

POISON IVY
submitted by: A. D. Malfregeot (WI '56)
ad.malf38@att.net
My worse case of poison ivy was the summer of the third grade. I was spending a week with my grandfather Duncan in Buckhannon. He had been invited to a farm around Webster Springs to pick cherries and a picnic. Yes, I was the cherry picker. I was a good tree climber at eight years old. I was all over the tree picking - filled the bucket up several times. We had a great time at the picnic. They had three tables of food, one table for the meat, one table for the vegetables and one table for the deserts. I had never seen so much food in my life. Well, a couple days later I had poison ivy from head to toe. Aunt Ola got some sugar of lead at a neighborhood grocery store. She drew a bath and put in some of the sugar of lead and I soaked in it. My eyes had almost swollen shut. Three or four days later I came back to the human race and was ready to go home. Every year after that I would get poison ivy at least three of four times every summer. I usually caught it from picking black berries from the vacant lot in Stealey. By my freshman year at WI I was playing baseball everyday in the summer, either Babe Ruth or American Legion. The following year I went to work as an apprentice glass cutter. No more poison ivy!

Yes, Roleta, calamine lotion did not help me at all, but did for my sisters. I got poison ivy shots from Dr. Allen for several years, but he was always cautious about the shots causing high levels of albumin in the blood.

SUMMER ARRIVES IN CLARKSBURG
submitted by: Jim Hovey (WI '62)
jimparsons2@hotmail.com
I know it's toward the end of summer but I thought I might write about one of the signs of summer that I always looked forward to while growing up in Clarksburg. Thomas Joyland always showed up in June in Nutter Fort. What a great way to start the summer! The rides, the cotton candy, the hit-the-doll-with-the-baseball game to win some super cheap (made in the West Indies) stuffed animal. But my favorite were the side shows. Snake Boy (a guy in a box with a bunch of garter snakes) was a crowd favorite. But my favorite was the Hermaphrodite. For $1, we would sit in a tent while this older woman would dance (sort of) on a stage. Only "medical professionals" could pay an additional $1 to go into the back tent to see the real plumbing. Butch Berger and I, being a 12 year old "medical professional" paid our $1 so we could go into the back tent. The same woman came out on another stage. She did something to herself and yes indeed, she did have two sets of plumbing. Summer was here!

submitted by: Judy Holden Cork (WI '62)
Some of my favorite summer memories growing up were attending 4-H camp at Jackson's Mill. I felt so grown up being on my own without mom and dad. I loved eating in the big dining hall, vesper services at dusk and the campfire at night when all the "tribes" gathered around the fire to sing, chant, and compete. ( I was a Mingo.) I have attached a picture taken in 1955 at Jackson's Mill. I am in the 2nd row 3rd from the right.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANYONE IN THIS PICTURE?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com and help us identify those pictured.

I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME
submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com
As you know, each year a group of ladies make quilt squares which Sue Selby Moats takes and turns into a beautiful quilt. Raffle tickets are sold to readers for chances on the quilt. I receive the checks and orders for the tickets, then the tickets have to be made out with the purchaser’s name on the back of the ticket. Sue no longer has the time to make out the tickets and I can not do it, so I need some volunteers who will make out the tickets for me. Are you willing to join in this wonderful money making project that raises money for the WIN Scholarship? Last year the quilt project raised $2,500.00. If you can help, please write to me and volunteer…write Roleta1@aol.com. I hope to have several people volunteer.

Thank you

V J DAY AUGUST 14, 1945
submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
Floyds4@cox.net
I’ve never seen this video before (and maybe no one else has either). Most nostalgic pictures on the internet show the trivial things we all grew up with and enjoyed. This is real life. It’s not only nostalgic, but the happiness of those who fought and won world War II is so evident it jumps off the screen. And for those of us who recall celebrating that day in much the same way, it is very moving too. It’s a day I’ll never forget. Richard Sullivan has done a fantastic job of restoring the footage.

VJ Day August 14, 1945
Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945
The Greatest Generation seen celebrating V-J Day (Victory in Japan) 65 years ago, most of whom are gone now. God Bless them. The film was taken along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, capturing the spontaneous celebrations that broke out on hearing the first news of the Japanese surrender. It was taken with Kodachrome 16mm film. This is what Waikiki used to look like, before the high rises.

http://vimeo.com/5645171

Picture submitted by: Joanne Johnson Morgan (WI '55)
Jmorgan15@aol.com

submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick
fragilegranny@ma.rr.com
That day was nearly the end of being in bed with Scarlet Fever and we were in "Quarantine". My brother, Don Westfall was clearly mad at me from outside of my bedroom window because he couldn't leave the property to go to town to celebrate the end of the war. I remember it as a typical hot August day. What a memorable day in our history!

submitted by: Mary Virginia Duncan (Johnson) Wilke(WI '55)
Mwdusty1@aol.com
Dear Roleta,
I, so, enjoy the newsletter & hope to continue receiving it in the future.

The air raids I remember well. We lived in Bridgeport in the house I was born in on Gordon Street. There was a fire siren tower down off of Main Street & when it went off, we were really scared! All windows had black-out curtains & there was an Air Raid Warden who kept track of everyone. My memories included being held on my Mom's lap in her rocking chair in front of the fireplace & everyone of the family gathered round. It was quite scary!

Since my brother, Bob, was in the Marines during WW II, we were especially glad when they announced the end of the war. Everyone danced in the streets & sirens went off for happier times.

Food was rationed but my Mom had a friend whose husband got extra sugar coupons & she shared them, so Mom could can food. My Dad worked for the Clarksburg Exponent, so he had extra coupons for gas & tires. I remember collecting paper for the paper drives & also, in school, we had saving bond stamps to buy.

Could have been hard times but the people in WV were all hard working & stuck together through all times.

Good place to grow up.

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)
JAlvaro@aol.com
I remember the air raid warnings when I was pretty young and lived in Lower Broad Oaks. I lived on the corner of Jesse Street and Maud Street. I believe, painted on the side walk was a circle with an equilateral triangle inside the circle. I believe that was the civil defense logo. I don't remember where the sirens and whistles were coming from but I do know when we heard them we closed all shades in all the windows and turned all lights out. If the air raid warden, standing in the circle on the sidewalk, saw lights coming from any house he would go knock on the door and tell you to turn all lights off. Our air raid warden was "Doc" Stalnaker also our barber. If I remember correct, the air raid warnings went off pretty regular for a while. I also remember the painting on the sidewalk remained there a long time until it faded away.

submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
jpulice@msn.com
Oh How I remember that day. I was On My Grandparents Porch. It was such a beautiful day. My Father was in the Navy over seas. His second Hitch in the Navy...My 1 uncle still lived at Grand Ma's since he had just graduated from high school.....I had an older sister Mary Jo who was most likely playing around the house somewhere. We had a lot of cousins who always stopped by Grand Ma's to visit...and that is what we were doing that day also....Yes I can remember that day so well...I was in a bassinette with my big toe in my mouth and a baby bottle in the other.. you see I was only 11 months old. (Now you know the rest of the story).

submitted by: Catherine Custer Burke (WI '52)
katiecbur@verizon.net
I recall being part of a huge celebration in downtown Clarksburg V-J evening. We, along with our Waverly Way neighbors, the Selbys, stood lost in the crowd on the sidewalk along the Empire Bank.

TRIBUTE TO A LIFETIME FRIEND
ANNE HART WORSTELLL (WI 1951)
submitted by: Celcelia Queen Hamric (WI '51)
When one has walked to school every morning for 12 years with the same friend, memories abound. Anyone who knew Anne Hart knew that she was FUN! While walking to and from Morgan School twice a day for six years, we decided to explore other possibilities. The approved route was down Duff to North to Milford, and across Milford at Park Boulevard with Mr. Baker, who must have lived to be 100. We might go directly down to Stealey to North and then home, or we could go down Duff to David Kay’s and turn either way at the EUB church on Baker and thus to Stealey or Milford.

However, our favorite ways were to turn left at the EUB church and proceed a short way to an alley on the right. After perhaps two or three houses, there was a large pipe, 12 to 14 inches in diameter, over a small ravine. The alley continued to North Avenue. At this point, we could turn right, perhaps stop at Kelley’s or turn left go down the steps to River Road and exit onto Milford at the Canteen. We might then cross and walk around Park Blvd. or up Milford to Fairview, and then home.

On our most memorable day, we decided to walk down Davis, past Helen Costlow’s house and down the steps to River Road. After we had gone about two thirds of the way, we came upon a big mud slide across the road. For Anne and me, going all the way back to those stairs, up them to Stealey Avenue, was not an option. So we climbed up and over the mud hill, sinking in mud up to our knees. By the time we had crossed it, our shoes were globs of mud, Our skirts (remember those?) were muddy also. We tried unsuccessfully to get as much off as possible, crossed at the Canteen, hurried past the Packard Garage, turned right into the alley, which came out at Jimmy Blair’s , and then home. What a mess.

And what a marvelous friend! I love you Anne!

JUNE 23, 1944
WHAT HAPPENED IN HARRISON COUNTY ON THIS DATE?
submitted by: Carolyn Burnside (WI '52)
crburnside842@verizon.net
That was the tornado that devastated Shinnston. I recall walking home from the Stealey playground and noticing the sky was a strange reddish color. We lived across the street from Harry Weaver, who then was working at Davis Funeral Home (and soon would start Davis- Weaver Funeral Home). We knew early that something terrible had occurred because Harry was called out to drive an ambulance. I imagine he was the source of most of the information my parents got. Soon after, we drove through Shinnston and saw the carnage --- I have always remembered that, too. It took longer than planned and made us late for the movie --- The White Cliffs of Dover with Irene Dunne. I was nine years old. Carolyn Burnside WIHS 1952

submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
Floyds4@Cox.net
When I saw your question about what happened on June 23, 1944, I thought of the Shinnston tornado, or the West Union flood but wasn’t sure which it was, so I put it off to research later. Then today I got these pictures from Linda Steele Smith, VHS 1966. It doesn’t say when these pix were taken unless you go to one of the links at the bottom of the page and figure it out. A lot of these pictures were taken by Milt Furner, a rather famous West Virginia photographer that I worked with at WBOY-TV, from 1959 to 1964. Milt has since passed away leaving behind hundreds of great news photos; but his best work may have been in photographing just about every scenic inch of West Virginia.

I remember that for a long time after this tornado, kids like me and my buddies were deathly afraid every time there was a big storm. We would steel ourselves by telling each other that it wasn’t possible for a tornado to reach Clarksburg due to the surrounding hills, that’s what the adults told us, but were they right? Time will tell.

Learn More:

Sources on the Shinnston Tornado

Shinnston Tornado

submitted by: Lyle Corder (RW '57)
Wvlyle@aol.com
That was the day of the Shinnston tornado. My mother, brother and I were scheduled to leave Nutter Fort and go to Shinnston on that day by trolley. I got the whooping cough and we stayed in Nutter Fort, otherwise, we would have been right in the middle of it. Dad was working in a factory in Detroit and heard about it on the radio. It was a scary time.....many lives were lost.

submitted by: Ann Brannon Pushkin (WI '52)
apushkin@comcast.net
I agree that the newsletter you just released was one of the best. I loved the pictures and the internet links. I don't know how you do so much in the amount of time you have to put the newsletter together! I believe that most people who receive the newsletter really appreciate your efforts.

On June 23, 1944 (when I was 9 years old) a devastating tornado struck Shinnston and some other towns in Harrison County and in WV. I don't remember how many people were killed but it numbered in the hundreds. My parents tried to shield me from the media that covered the tornado so that I would not be afraid of bad storms in the future. Of course, the media in 1944 consisted only of newspapers, radio, and newsreels at movie houses. However, when my family was driving from Clarksburg to Spencer a few days after June 23rd we saw some of the devastation in the country side first hand.

Thank you for sharing your talents with so many people.

submitted by: Dixon (“Dick”) Bewick (WI '47)
dynaflow29@verizon.net
I believe that was when a Hurricane hit Shinnston, WV and destroyed a part of the Town. If I am correct about that date I was playing at our Stealey playground and the sky became very dark over us and we soon learned of the terrible effects of that storm so close to us.

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

PICTURES RE: SHINNSTON HURRICANE
Many pictures used here are from the books Harrison County which includes many pictures. This book is by Robert F. “Bob” Stealey (WI 1964).

I wrote to Bob and asked for permission to use some of the pictures from his book. And I ask him for availability of the book in case anyone wished to purchase any of his books. Below is from Bob.

As for availability of the books -- Harrison County, Clarksburg, Bridgeport and Doddridge/Ritchie Counties -- I have a very limited supply of the first two and a few more of the third, but none of the fourth. Each book is $20.00 (actually $19.99) and I charge $3.00 apiece postage and handling.

The best thing would be, for whoever is interested, to call the Sales Department of Arcadia Publishing toll-free at 1-888-313-2665 and tell the representative which book/s would be wanted. Arcadia generally handles the marketing for authors, but a couple of years ago, I just happened to order a few copies to sell. These would be "first-come, first-served," for as long as my supply lasts.

My phone number is (304) 745-4248 and my address is RR 1, Box 174-B, Lost Creek, WV 26385-9736, in case someone would want to contact me, email me Bobnalong1@aol.com, and the publisher's e-mail sales address is sales@arcadiapublishing.com ...

CHEERLEADING
submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com
Were you ever a cheerleader? Possibly little league, junior high school or high school? I was wondering if you would take a few minutes to write and share some memories with us. With Sept. being the traditional time for school to start, I thought it would be a wonderful time for you to write something about being a cheerleader. Let’s GIVE A salute to those people who led the cheers. Several of my granddaughters were cheerleaders and it is now considered a SPORT at their high school……It does take a lot of athleticism to be a cheerleader!

Some suggested topics that might inspire you: Include any that you want or anything else you can tell us.

Where did you practice?
Did you help pick the new cheerleaders each year?
Who was your cheerleading advisor?
Who picked your uniforms?
Who was responsible for altering the uniforms to fit each different cheerleader when they inherited the outfit?
Could you wash the uniforms or did they have to be cleaned? Who paid to have them cleaned?
Did you have more than one uniform? One for warmer weather or basketball and one for football?
Who taught you the cheers?
Did you go to cheerleading camp or competition as my granddaughters do? How did you learn new cheers? Did you form pyramids or formations?
What kind of shoes did you wear? Did you wear some different kind for basketball and football?
Who provided you transportation to the games? Did you attend all away football and basketball games?
Were you allowed to wear anything warm over your uniform at football games when it got so cold?
Some teachers showed favoritism toward or prejudice against boys who participated in sports, did you ever feel either from a teacher?
These are just a few suggestions but perhaps they brought back some memories to you and you would be willing to share them....Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Below is a letter I received in response to me writing to Penny Christie to see if she could share some of her memories with us and possible inspire you to write.

H-I-L-L-T-O-P-P-E-R-S
submitted by: Penny Christie Johnson (WI '60)
With input: from Ruth Ann Martin Hill (WI 1959), Bonnie Smith McGowan (WI 1959) , Harriet Danley VanVoorhis (WI 1958)

Anybody remember that cheer???? That was the cheer that a very nervous freshman used to tryout for Washington Irving cheerleader in the fall of 1956…Never thinking that I would make it, but wanting to with all my heart….I did win and thus began four years of fun times..

My first game was the last of the football season and it was, of course, against Victory our arch rival…I don’t think I even knew all of the cheers and there I was out on Hite field with all the other gals that had been cheering all season…Lynna Sands was the head cheerleader that year….There were four of us representing each class plus a 5th girl from the senior class that had been the runner up as a freshman..

Dee Ann Cabo was in my class and we had a great time that senior year together. Others I remember are Bonnie, Ruth Ann, Lynna, Dee Ann, Harriet Danley VanVoorhis, Sharon Conwell and Judy Whisnant. The uniform that I was given was made of corduroy and was a blue skirt and a gold jacket on the top…We had a white cotton gym suit like thing that we wore underneath with a zipper up the back..I got my uniform the day of the Victory Football game and the zipper was broken..Yikes, I cheered all that game with safety pins holding it together. Whoever designed these awful things must have been a man for if nature called you had to completely undress before you could relieve yourself… After that season we got new uniforms. Skirts and a white sweater with the gold letter WI were worn for football. During Basketball season we wore a much lighter skirt and vest. Shoes ranged from tennis shoes to saddles. Many a time we came home covered in mud and drenched from rain….and the guys thought they had it bad!!!!! No showers or dressing room for us!!!!

We practiced in Bonnie’s or Harriet’s backyard and were determined one season to do cartwheels and splits….We weren’t gymnasts in those days…Ruth Ann thinks we might have done a pyramid or two but I don’t recall that…

On Friday’s at school before the football games we had Pep Rally’s…the guys and coaches all gathered in the auditorium and we cheered like crazy hoping for a big win that night…Ruth Ann says we had competition between classes to see who could cheer the loudest..Most of the cheers had been passed down for years and occasionally we would make a few of our own. I, for one, got really sick of Two Bits…Four Bits…Six Bits..a dollar All for WI, Stand up and holler!!!!!!!!!!!!

The most hated cheer came from those Victory fans who really made our blood boil when they yelled “Three cheers for dear old Victory—rah—rah---rah-- and Down with WI!!!!!!

Bonnie and I would meet sometimes and walk out to Hite Field or down to the Carmichael for games…Good times for discussing current boyfriends or teachers…Bonnie says she has an old megaphone from those days occupying a special place in her family room…She also recalled standing at Hite Field the night of the last football game of her senior year and staying until they turned the lights out on the field.

Can’t remember if we went to all away games…I know we didn’t ride on the team bus…Going to Parkersburg High on the train was one adventure I will never forget…Caught a train at the B&B station. Don’t know if we had to buy a ticket but that train was packed with students for that great adventure. No checking of purses or bags for unwanted objects in those days…If they had, they would have found dozens of pomegranates that the senior boys had smuggled on board. Those train cars became covered in red and seeds were dripping from the ceiling…I have a feeling that we never got to go to PHS on the train again…

Guys are always complaining of old football injuries, well cheerleaders have them also!!…Ruth Ann recalls that on one of those rainy football game nights she had just done a jump and then landed in slippery mud and threw her knee out …a team physician came to the rescue…After walking all the way from the train station in Parkersburg to their giant stadium, I went up for a jump and my knee locked and down I went…Just had knee replacement surgery in May and I know it started with that locked knee in 1961.. Harriet also had knee problems She threw out her knee but no one came to help so she pushed the knee back into the joint herself...she went to the doctor and he told her to stop cheerleading but she refused. So no more excuses guys..we all live to tell of our sports injuries…

Each class had one girl as a representative on the cheerleading squad. However, the Class of 1959 had 2 cheerleaders their senior year since Ruth Ann and Bonnie had tied during competition for the position, and Bonnie Smith won the position during a cheer off. Ruth Ann Martin was asked to join the squad the senior year.

After graduation, Ruth Ann and I went on to WVU where she was a varsity cheerleader for four years…I was a freshman cheerleader but wanted to spend more time with my future husband than on the field practicing every day so I retired early.

We were proud to be cheerleaders for Washington Irving. We represented the student body, the teachers and the principal and I am grateful for that part of my high school experience. Good years…..good friends…..Great Memories

WI CHEERLEADERS 1959

Sharon Conwell, Judy Whisnant, Penny, Ruth Ann Martin Hill and Bonnie Smith McGowan

WRITE AND TELL US IF YOU HAVE ONE IN YOUR FAMILY
THE OLDEST LIVING GRADUATE
We are looking for the oldest living graduate of any Clarksburg high school. Write and tell us about one in your family member. Let’s see which high school has the oldest living graduate! We need the name (include maiden name if a married female), the high school and the year of graduation…….Write Roleta1@aol.com.

Here is a letter that inspired the subject:

Who is the oldest living grad of WI High School? Does anyone know? My wife’s Godmother Mary Goots Romano graduated in 1938, but, there is still more Mary’s brother, Tad Goots graduated in the same year. Tad was a twin to Gib Goots who graduated in 1937, Gib died a few years ago. The Goots Family grew up on 6th St. in Glen Elk, Mary married Tom Romano and they lived in the home place with Tad & Gib for years until Gibs & Tom’s death. Mary raised a nephew that we called “Bumpy Goots” real name Marshall Bobbitt and he also went to WI. I thought it might be unique to find the oldest living grad of WI.

Mike Blackshire ND 63 husband of the beautiful Betty Marino Blackshire ND 62

BAKING
submitted by: Penny Christie Johnson (WI '60)
penem@nc.rr.com
Baking was my mother's specialty. We had rhubarb, blackberries and red raspberries that grew in our back yard...Miss Emily Taylor lived next door to us and our properties were separated by a wire fence. Miss Taylor had current bushes on her side of the fence but they grew to our side so we had currents also. Strawberries grew in our garden and each year I would search for those sweet little things hiding below their green leaves ...Mother made cobblers and pies out of these wonderful fruits from our own yard...With some homemade vanilla ice cream on top it was the best dessert ever....Mother also made lots of wonderful things for the Christmas season. Fruitcakes with lots of fruit and nuts and soaked in whiskey were made early in the season so they could be wrapped in cheesecloth and put in the back of the cupboard until it was time to make a Christmas plate to share with a neighbor or friend. Mother loved to make all kinds of Christmas cookies. She decorated them with colored sugars and sweet icings. My girls to this day make the same recipe that their Memaw used. Their children enjoy the same tradition of mixing baking and eating those luscious cookies.... My dad was never seen in the kitchen but if a cobbler or pie wasn't available he would make his own dessert. He called it "a mess". He would tear up day old Tomaro's bread and cover it with homemade applesauce. He would then pour on fresh cream and enjoy his concoction. Mother also baked breads and cakes but the pies were the blue ribbon winner.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Is baking a lost art? Do you still bake? What type of things do you bake? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

THE FOLLOWING EMAIL ADDRESSES ARE TO BE DELETED
I will eliminate these names this month unless otherwise notified. I have no response from these emails.

Consanwill2@juno.com
criley15@neo.rr.com
dgianettino@charter.net
dianahaskell@mindspring.com
jjmurphy@aamicorp.com
doug@mail.aamcincorporated.com
dojowoods@webtv.net
esalessi@webtv.net
jboom36@tds.net
JIMK@alc-net.com
joyce.molloy@worldnet.att.net
hkerns@access.k12.wv.us
gimmel@bcbankinc.com
loisje@verizon.net
matthellis@aol.com
Mlgriffin32@cs.com
Meatball@iolinc.net
mimaiocco@cox.net
Mnordyke@cfl.rr.com
NMC@cdrh@fda.gov
nandreh1@yahoo.com
pwygal@frontier.net
parkblvd3@verizon.net
dl_corsini@farmersmutal.com
RLMcCarty3@aol.com
sodajerk112@aol.com
RWhite@ma.rr.com
RobertKopp@hotmail.com
semartin@iolinc.net
tjsing@verizon.net
Wbs111@gmail.com
VictoryHi49@webtv.net
Irvinamiller@aol.com
hissong@everstkc.net
EGreen5748@aol.com
Eaglezs972@aol.com
billkaska@comcast.net
babccc@nctv.com
CarrisHH@aol.com
kwildt@sc.rr.com
Ladylake@tds.net
Wvjoyce@comcast.net

ST. MARY’S BUILDING IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ON THE NEWS
TAKE A LOOK
http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=83294

The St. Mary’s Grade School Building Improvement Campaign is in full swing. The goal of the campaign is $746,622. The project has been broken into three phases which address the immediate and long term needs of the school.

Phase 1 - Immediate needs
Brick replacement of upper eight feet of entire building and new roof	$415,900
Water Damage repair	$40,000
Total needed for phase 1	$455,900
Phase 2 – Needed Improvements
Window replacement	$54,000
Lighting Upgrades	$68,000
Restroom Renovations	$100,000
Total needed for phase 2	$202,846
Contingency Fund	xxxx
Total Goal for the Campaign	$746,622

The completion of phase 1 and 2 will make the St. Mary’s building a viable location for an elementary school for the next 15-20 years

Phase 3 – The Future

An in depth feasibility study will begin the Fall of 2012 to determine how best to secure the future of Catholic education in Harrison County.

Through Parish support, grants, and private donors we have received $429,100 in gifts and pledges. Within the classrooms, St. Mary’s is thriving. Enrollment continues to grow despite the building problems. With your help the building can be improved and the school can continue to thrive. Please contact me if you are interested in supporting the campaign.

Education in Faith, Knowledge, and Service

http://www.notredamewv.org/ http://www.stmaryswv.org/

Thanks,

Ian McAra (Harrison County Catholic Schools- (Notre Dame & St. Mary's), Director of Development

SHARING MEMORIES OF CLARKSBURG
submitted by: Patty (Hickman) Cravey (WI '61)
robandpatc@aol.com
Two of my favorite memories of Clarksburg are:

1. Walking across the swinging bridge from Monticello Avenue to Water Street to go to school. I lived and still do live in Broad Oaks and there was always 4 to 6 of us that would meet up in the mornings and walk to school, not because we had to but because we wanted to. My sister and I did it to save the money so we could go skating on the weekend.

2. Was going skating at the now Big Red Barn in Nutter Fort every weekend. There was usually 4 of us that went and we would walk from Broad Oaks down a path which used to be open behind what is now Heartland Nursing Home. It was not the safest thing to do but we decided if anyone came after us, we could hit them with our skates.

Those were the good old days for some of us in Clarksburg.

submitted by: Shirley (Pouch) Berkley (WI '61)
LEEANDSHE@aol.com
I'm a '61 graduate of WI and enjoy the newsletters and appreciate the time and effort you give to them. I married a "60 WI graduate, Leroy Berkley and will celebrate 48 year anniversary next month.

Recently you asked for any memories from Clarksburg. Anyone from Morgan grade school remember 6th grade patrol boys giving their metal badges to a girl they "liked." I had a badge for awhile and remember meeting the boy and sitting with him at the circus at Carmichael Auditorium (too young for actual dating). I also had my younger sister with me. Don't know if the badge tradition continued.

You also mentioned majorette memories. I was always too intimidated to try for such a big deal but I did march in a girl's drill team, must have been Jr. year of high school. Don't remember who sponsored the group. 16-20 girls. Remember practicing the drill at Nutter Fort park. We marched at halftime at one of our basketball games at Carmichael, marched in a Phillipi parade and Clarksburg also. We wore white blouses, white shorts, white "cowboy" boots and military helmets and ammo belts and believe we carried "wooden" rifles. Sharon Lantz (Hurley) is the only other friend I remember being in the drill team. We had an adult male leader, don't know if he was retired military person or not. We marched to his military drill instructions.

Other's mentioned WI teachers Josephine Swiger and Robert Hall, both excellent teachers. My husband teases me I was Mr. Hall's "teacher's pet", but I just did really well with typing and shorthand, remember shorthand, I still remember some of the characters in shorthand.

Clarksburg was a great town in which to grow up. Yes, pepperoni rolls are the best and the canned peppers and tomatoes you mentioned once, I can buy at our Kroger's here in North Carolina, Oliverio's brand. High school memories for me are some of the best. We don't make it back to Clarksburg since only distant relatives there now, though we did pass through there several years ago on the way to Canada. Everything looked smaller than we remembered, hubby's house on Elm St., mine on Simpson Ave.

submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)
Marciabooth05@yahoo.com

Miss Glyde Bailey

Miss Bailey retired the year I was a junior at WI. My mother Mary Virginia Graham Booth (WI class of 1931), however, had Miss Bailey for Senior English in 1930-1931. It was probably the only class for which my mother really put forth an effort. She believed that high school was just for having fun!

Mom loved writing and earned A's from Miss Bailey. At that time, numeral grades were given. Mom told me that her work always was 90 or above with an "Excellent" added. Miss Bailey thought enough of Mom's writing to go to the Clarksburg newspaper and recommend her for a job. Days before Mom was supposed to start the job, she was in a car wreck, which took months to recover. Meanwhile, the job was assigned to someone else, and Mom missed her chance to be a reporter for the Clarksburg paper.

Stealey Pool had an Early Morning Dip on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. The pool opened at 6am! Mary K. McDaniel Lynch Belissario (WI class of 1965), Charlie Spann (WI class of 1963), Richard Lynch (WI class of 1962), and I would go. Richard was the only one not a member of Stealey Pool. After a quick, cold swim, we would fix breakfast in the picnic area on the hill above the pool. Not many people followed our example!.

submitted by: Marilyn Lightner Kittle (WI '65)
mapak41371@yahoo.com

I lived in Mt. Clare and transferred to WI by permission of the BOE in order to pursue subjects that would make it possible for me to go into a nursing career. I fully intended to do that...until...the CLA (Certified Laboratory Assistant) program was introduced at the then Union Protestant Hospital...now UHC. My friend Rose Bosley Sands McGee and I applied and we were accepted! I felt that the transfer was still justified as I was in a medical profession and if I wanted to go on to nursing school later I could. As it happened I stuck with this career for 9 years and never went on to nursing.

Living in Mt. Clare was a drawback to taking part in many activities etc that I would have enjoyed. Also, activities that would allow me to get better acquainted with my classmates. In 1965 and the years prior, during my days at WI, travel was limited...cars were not available for me to drive when I wanted, where I wanted. I enjoyed my days at WI but still I missed much of the things you write about in the newsletter. FYI.

Again, I appreciate your time and effort...it is definitely a calling!

submitted by: Jim Nutter (WI '71)
jlnutter@hotmail.com

Thank you Steve Goff and Jamie Logue for your articles about Jerry Hufford. Jerry, was my first friend to die and over the years I have thought of him. Another good kid and class mate from WI’ 71, to die too soon was Suzanne Hanifan.

Another thank you goes to Bill Meredith and Bud Collins. Bill put me in touch with Bud. He and his lovely wife Kay met with my wife and me, and provide us with the information we needed. Bud from WI '55 is an example of "you can take a boy out of Clarksburg, but you cannot take the Clarksburg out of the boy."

Roleta, I have missed the last two months of this newsletter. Please do whatever you do so well to place me back on the mailing list. Again, thank you all.

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

This past weekend I went back to WVU for our 55TH reunion of the Wesley Foundation. Joe Haugh and Louise Rowe were also there. The three of us were members of the Stealey Methodist Church and WI grads. We had about fifty foundation members at the two day event. Harold Elmore, who I knew in graduate school at Vanderbilt U., was a minister there involved with the foundation. This group meets about every two years. While there I met Tom Bartlett a former officer in the US Army Chemical Corp at Edgewood, Md and now serving as the mayor of Grafton, WV.

I am still serving on Eagle Scout Boards of Review, Police Chief's Advisory Committee and volunteer for our Epworth Methodist Church. I am also trying to complete two books on my military basic training at Fort Knox during the Korean Conflict and research as a GI scientist at Edgewood, MD working on radiation fallout analysis, infinite plane gamma radiation shielding studies and design and testing of instrumentation to measure thermal radiation from atomic weapons tests.

I have had a little problem with diabetes but am still alive and kicking.

Keep up the good work with the newsletter. I look forward each month to see the newsletter.

submitted by: Alfred (Al) Starkey (WI '60)
apstarkey@gmail.com

I needed to write you to update my email address, so I thought it was a excellent time to tell you again how much I enjoy receiving the newsletter each month. I especially enjoy the pictures from Clarksburg past, they bring back many memories. One from this month (July) that shows the 'RITZ' theater in 1959 did just that. (I'm betting a lot of you have many fond memories of the old theaters in Clarksburg.) I worked there as an 'usher' in about 1956 - 57. I remember that I was working there when the movie 'GIANT' came out, with (James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson). If you remember it was a long movie, I know I saw it at least 30 times. It was an interesting job for a teenage boy. Some of the other ushers and I had a good time while working there.

One of my best friends back then was Bill Mossor, who went to RW high school, and also worked there. As I remember Gerard Folio also there with us, many WI classmates will probably remember him.

I must say I am looking forward to our 50th class reunion in late Aug. and also going to the WI Picnic on Saturday Aug 28. I'm hoping it will be a lot of fun seeing and chatting with ones from the past.

Thanks again, keep up the great job!

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you wish to respond to any of the memories above or if you have memories of you own of Clarksburg, please share them with all of the readers by writing to Roleta1@aol.com.

CATHOLIC PARISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE
submitted by: Tuffy Knight (VHS '54) and Rich Newbrough (BHS '55)
We look forward each month to the newsletter that brings us into contact with our "mountain mama" and we salute you and your staff who make this possible. The last issue was somewhat disturbing when we read that the possibility existed that St. Mary's would be demolished. Instantly, this created so many fond memories of this school that meant so much to so many. Over 60 years ago a program existed there that attracted boys from all over the city for one of the best "grass roots" sports activity that we have ever witnessed...it was a basketball league comprised of youngsters from every parish in the city! Practices were held on Saturdays and the games on Sunday. The parishes were St. Bridget, Holy Rosary, Sacred Heart, St. Marys, St. Johns and St. James. Uniforms were supplied and at the end of the season, a banquet was held with a spaghetti dinner.

We were wondering if any of your readers would write to the newsletter and add their comments on this program. Would even like to know the names of teammates and coaches. In what year did this program begin and end? The gym at St. Marys was the venue at the outset but later we believe the new facility on Water Street was used. In any case, the mere thought that St Marys would be demolished brought a tear to our eye as we both played in the league and enjoyed a very positive athletic experience.

Please write and share your comments about this with us at Roleta1@aol.com.

MR. CORDER

submitted by: Joanne Westfall Simpson-Tetrick (WI '52)
fragilegranny@ma.rr.com
I do not recognize any of the boys in the pictures, but I do have a "nick-nack" shelf that my son, Gregg Simpson, made for me in the early seventies that looks like several I saw in the picture. I still treasure it and plan on Gregg's son, Andrew, having it one day.

Keep up the good work and thanks to you and Judy for the classy news letters that you produce each month.....

submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)
Marcia Booth05@yahoo.com
I was in Mr. Corder's homeroom 205 at CJHS when I was in 7th. Grade. He was also the science teacher for the "odd" side of the hall. I think I enjoyed him so much as a teacher because he was the first male teacher I had ever had. Morgan School in Stealey had no male teachers.

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)
jalvaro@aol.com
I was in Mr Corder's shop class 1951 and 1952. I enjoyed it very much. He was really good at getting me to understand the reasons we use certain tools for certain jobs. Remember him saying the right tool makes the job easier.

My favorite project was initial bookends. I cut out the letter "J" and the letter "A". Cut them out with a band saw, which was a rather crude cut, and then the rest was sanding and staining. We then nailed them to a piece of masonite which slid under the books. My father was so proud when I brought them home. He knew then I probably would end up with at least one passing grade for that year.

Another project was a corner shelf. If I remember right we put two pieces of thin plywood together and cut out a scallop pattern. When cutting them out together, there was a left side and a right side. Then we cut out, I believe two shelves, of different sizes to fit between the sides after the sides were nailed together at the corners forming a 90 degree angle. We nailed all of them together. We had a choice to stain or paint the corner shelf. I stained mine. Again, my mother and father were really proud. Proud enough to put it in a corner of our dining room and putting small figures on each shelf.

I remember doing some peening with a ball peen hammer. I believe we took a thin copper sheet and some sort of a design and started peening all around the design. Flatening out the peening portion while the design would "puff" up. Something like that. Another happy day at the Alvaro's house! There were also small projects such as ash trays and peanut bowls. I remember doing some projects with plastics but cannot remember any of the objects.

Most of these projects I made were saved by my father and I got rid of them when emptying out the house when my parents passed away. I wish I would have saved them now.

As I said, I really enjoyed Mr Corder's shop class and it did help overlook some of the other grades I brought home.

submitted by: Jim Pulice (WI '62)
jpulice@aol.com
As I can remember being in the 7th Grade, we were required to take shop class. I enjoyed it and I liked Mr. Corder. Even when Jim Windon my class mate said I have only 1 Piece of Double Bubble left who wants it has to jump for it. He tossed it in the air.. don't remember who caught it but that was horse play in shop. So Mr. Corder made us who jumped for it bend over a work bench and take the paddling. There was no more horse playing in shop.

submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI '71)
Gwill1004@aol.com
I had Mr. Corder for 7th grade homeroom teacher. If I remember correctly, (1965) we had study hall the last period of the day. Many of the girls in his homeroom begged him to let us take shop class that period. If you were on the honor roll, he let us go to the shop. I don't remember what we were allowed to make, and I don't remember how many times he allowed us to do that.

submitted by: Bill Phillips
CAPTBILL2001@aol.com
Sure looks like me on the left. I do remember getting into a little problem with a fellow student and Mr. Corder took us a side.......then the paddle, bend over, the paddle hit just above the back of my knees and had a movement that went all the way up. No more disputes in his class. I still have the things I made there, just a junkie.

submitted by: Terry Shorr (WI '58)
dtshorr@suddenlink.net
Your prompting for memories of Mr. Corder’s Central JHS shop classes served to evoke a few. What I’ve always remembered is how each year was divided into wood, metal, plastic and (I think) leather projects, and that each of mine ended up as something diminished from the original goal. Whether a heated and bent strip of plastic intended as a wall lamp, a wooden knick knack shelf or a spun metal serving bowl, the finished product was always much smaller than intended. There are good reasons for “Measure twice, cut once.”

Mr. Corder likely would have remembered me as an ambidextrous maladroit, though two of my projects turned out to be very durable. My final 8th grade shop task was a small foot locker, ambitious for anyone and, for me, monumental. After weeks of fumbling and startovers, when I returned to CJHS after our final 1954 spring weekend, Mr. Corder presented me with a fine finished foot locker, with perfect tongue and groove joints, neatly fastened bottom solid hinged lid and a lock hasp – constructed completely by him. I’ve wondered if he ever did such charity work for other pitiful craftsmen.

My one other enduring shop work was a plastic house number sign – white numbers 2, 1, and 4 on a black background made in 7th grade in 1953. That 214 sign remains today, good as new, on the same front porch column of the house I grew up in on Point Street in Clarksburg.

STEALEY PLAYGROUND
So many of you have written in the past in praise (“mostly”) of the Stealey Playground, in the September newsletter, we are going to have a SALUTE TO STEALEY PLAYGROUND. Please write and tell us any little memory or many big memories you have about said subject. Write to Roleta1@aol.com. If you have any pictures, please send them for us to share also…Thanks..

Below is a letter that gave me the idea for this salute:

submitted by: Fred Heflin (WI '53)
FRH147@aol.com
Every time I read the monthly WI Newsletter, I stop and wax a bit nostalgic on Clarksburg in general and Stealey in particular. Can't help but think that the whole scene was a bit idealistic and in my mind's eye now, represents classic America and what made it such a great place to grow up. I have heard the generation of the fifties called the "age of innocence", and perhaps it was...........but it was good anyway. Call me naive if you wish, but I had a good time growing up in Stealey and having access to such a wonderful place as the Stealey playground.

My family moved to Hall Street, right across the street from the playground in the summer of 1939. I was a tender four and half years old and ready to explore the wonderful vastness of the playground. I don't know the official measurement of the field, but I suspect that it is less than two acres, but it was more than adequate for all who came. During my first years there and through WWII, Miss Israel, the third grade teacher at Morgan School, was the summer activity director. We made all kinds of good things; I particularly remember weaving pot holders with little "stretchy things" on red looms.

At first there was only a minimal basketball court, a wobbly pole with a shaky backboard and leaning rim......no net.....they cost money. The bigger guys got the idea of a massive goal and found two old telephone poles and some lumber and with the help of some adults/parents, a substantial creation unfolded. The constructors included John Paul Sheets, Tom Seckman, Roger and Runt Yost, Richard Heflin and many others. Harold Anderson, a Hall Street neighbor, who owned a monument company in Point Comfort brought his monument lifting truck over and the massive backboard was raised. Two good sized holes were dug by hand and bags of concrete applied to the hole when the backboard was set. It must have weighed several tons, but the process worked.

That backboard served the playground until the current configuration was constructed in the early sixties. Over time, the weight of the backboard was so much that it developed a front leaning which made shooting the basketball a bit of a challenge. Off course the court was dirt....and full of mud puddles after a rain, but who cared. We had old brooms at hand and merely distributed the water elsewhere and continued to play. In dry weather the frantic pace of games created a dust storm. I can remember going home with thick layers of dust/mud all over me.

Softball was also a frequent activity. During and right after WWII, the "big guys" had some big time games there. The Hope Gas Company had a softball team that came over and played fast pitch softball with the "Stealey Mud Daubers" made up of such "big guys" as John Smallwood, Brentwood Regar, Bill Stealey, Claire Starkey and many others. They could hit the ball almost to Madison Mines Florists to right and over Bob Hart's house towards left field. Big time, exciting games.

And as I got a little older, I became a member of the Stealey "Midgets". All of us were under twelve as I recall, but some good ballplayers. Bob Hart, Jim Hudson, Virgil Highland, Joe Boomer,and others played on the team. Lowell Rexroad, a Hartlander, was our coach and we had many great games on the playground and at fields all over the city. He had a Crosley station wagon and believe it or not could carry the whole team to the away games.

And football too........great pick up games in the fall. Another favorite time was had playing "kick over the goal" using the swing poles as our arena. If you could kick the football over the poles and the other team didn't catch it, you scored points. Drop kicks scored more than punts, punts more than passes......what a great time. It is hardly a wonder that I was relatively skinny in those days.

Summer time brought once a month movies. Everyone brought lawn chairs and blankets and watched some movie out of the thirties. Great fun and the price was right.

Play equipment consisted of six swings (two infant size), a good sized sliding board, two seesaws, and a small merry-go-round. All the equipment was located adjacent to the property line opposite from Milford Street, leaving most of the playground open for sports of whatever kind and there were no fences then.

At some time during the summer of 1946, there was a playground contest where all of the babies/toddlers of the neighborhood were paraded around Euclid/Nicholas/Hall/Milford Streets and my sister Margaret Ann (the current Mayor of Clarksburg) was selected Miss Playground.

My wife of fifty three years, Eleanor (nee Queen) Heflin WI '54, and I have laughed that although she spent much time at the playground doing her "girl things", we never met or had anything to do with each other as I was doing my "boy things". It was not until college, many years later, that we met.

I look at the field now when I am in for a visit and have a hard time comprehending how you can have such a good time and rich history on such a small piece of grass. It was great! !

NOVEMBER 4-5, 1985 CLARKSBURG, WV.
THIS WILL BE FEATURED IN THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETER
Do you remember this date? I wasn’t in Clarksburg so I knew nothing about it. However, one of our readers sent me some pictures, thus it inspired this subject. (See how it works? Thanks to the readers, we still have subjects to discuss.) I want those who remember this date and what happened to share with the newsletter readers what they remember. Write to: Roleta1@aol.com.

Thank you

WI CLASS OF 1960
50TH REUNION
Last call for all classmates. Your Reunion Committee has been working hard to make a special weekend for renewing old friendships. We have 72 classmates plus guests registered to date and there are several more who have indicated that they will be attending. If you are one of those who have not sent in your registration, please do so immediately.

The dates for the Reunion are Friday, August 27th and Saturday, August 28th. Any questions can be sent to Pam Wolfe Brown at pameez@aol.com or by call 304-265-0411.

GOD’S COUNTRY
submitted by: Melinda Mazza Sutter
librarian2@comcast.net
After returning from a great trip to Clarksburg, I wanted to write a recollection of one of Clarksburg’s best and most pleasurable spots, Veteran’s Park. This treasure is free for everyone, and just keeps getting better.

My first memories of the park are being there with my father, who was Little League commissioner. Part of his job was to prepare the city fields for baseball. He would borrow someone’s old Jeep and line the fields. My task was to brush off the old canvass bases, and to make sure the concession stand was clean. I enjoyed riding in the jeep with him. I remember all the families cheering at the games day and night. I would be barefoot. The dry, red clay felt great between the toes, but it stained the feet and clothing.

My mother was one of six girls and two boys. One of the summer pleasures was for many of our family members to go to the park for a picnic. My mother would use her old wicker laundry basket for all the goodies. One of my aunts would always bring some kind of great homemade cake. The men would play cards all day. There was no pool, but we cousins always found lots to do.

Later on, my own children, Steve and I were always at the park. We had large parties there. The guys would throw a football, a Frisbee, or pitch horseshoes. There was always plenty to drink and lots of food. I miss hanging around with all of those folks. I remember one night George Maxwell’s old car went right into the West Fork River!

This year as usual, Steve and I spent time at Veteran’s Park. It is as beautiful as ever, with many enhancements. The Memorial Garden next to the hospital is a restful, contemplative place.

After I retired from teaching, I took up tennis. For the past few years, Steve and I have played at the VA courts. The beautiful old trees provide cooling shade. We also walk the fitness trail, which is a really pleasant way to exercise. I have included some pictures of the new bandstand (I remember when the first one was built), the garden, and the courts. What a great spot it still is!

LOST IN THE FIFTIES TONIGHT
Featuring Ronnie Milsap
submitted by: Bobbie Johnston Swisher (WI '59)
bjs310@gmail.com
I received this from my cousin and I think it represents our childhood so perfectly. We were blessed to have grown up at that time.

CLOSE YOUR EYES

LAKE RILEY
submitted by: John V. Carney (ND '61)
carneyj276@comcast.net

I have seen many times a reference to Lake Riley and I thought I may give you a little info on how it got its name. (Keep in mind I'm a retired Pharmacist and not an English professor, so please correct all of my grammar and spelling.)

I'm really deep into genealogy of people from Clarksburg, Weston, Buckhannon, etc.

Thomas Edward Carney who was a first cousin of my father married Ella Rebecca Kraus. She went by the name of Aunt Nell, her brother was Francis Patrick Kraus. It was this Kraus family that had or owned all of the land as we now call Lake Riley. Francis Patrick Kraus or Pat married Augusta Radabaugh, they had four children of their own. Pat and Augusta took in a orphan child by the name of Joseph Francis Riley he was born 09 June 1915. Jo was the first one from Lewis County to-be killed during World War II. The Kraus family was so devastated that in his memory they named the lake on the Kraus property "Lake Riley".

I can remember going to Lake Kraus oops Lake Riley during my high school days. I can still here "When the clock strikes, two,three, four" the lyrics from Bill Haley's song " Rock around the Clock" in the back ground over looking Lake Riley.

I hope I have all of my dots in order, but I think they are.

PS - Last week in Clarksburg my class at ND 1961 had a planning meeting for our up coming 50th reunion. I have attached a picture of some of our class mates, you will see that I'm really deep into genealogy. I have gone or a least tried to go into the genealogy of all of our classmates from the year 1961.

Left to Right Standing

(1) John Barre Sereno DOB May 10th 1943 he was the son of Aurelius Alexander Sereno & Daisy Orean Groves.
(2) Daniel Joseph Mazzei DOB November 30th 1943 he was the son of Paul Tony Mazzei & Francis Louise Fazio
(3) Frank Donald Roman DOB November 17th 1943 he was the son of Dominick Donald Roman & Angela Judy Summa.
(4) John Vincent Carney DOB June 11th 1943 he was the son of John Vincent Carney & Mary Clare Dolan.
(5) Thomas Frank Crowley DOB Feb 12th 1943 he was the son of Richard Benson Crowley & Margaret Burkholder.

Left to Right Sitting

(6) Carol Ann Re Sereno, wife of John Sereno, she was born June 19th 1945, she was the daughter of Henry Re and Lena Guglielmi.
(7) Mary Jo Tarantino Roman, wife of Frank Roman, she was the daughter of Joseph Tarantino & Nola Olivero. (8) Roxanne Marie Folio McDaniel DOB July 24th 1943 she was the daughter of Frank Folio and Mary Ramona Fernandez. Roxanne married Paul Tarring McDaniel , he passed away in the year 2000.
(9) Marie Bernadette Portaro Alder (BONNIE) DOB December 22nd 1943 she is the daughter of Benjamin B. Portaro & Clare Marie Frankenstein. Bonnie married Daniel John Alder
(10) Annett Flanigan she was the daughter of Royce Flanigan and Norma Greathouse, Annett is Tom Crowley’s friend

A QUESTION
submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com
Do you remember the names of any of your teachers from Jr. High School? (Now referred to as middle-school)? Please send me the name of your teachers and what class did they teach?

Thanks Roleta1@aol.com.

WONDER BAR
submitted by: Joanne Johnson Smith Morgan (WI '54)
Below is a picture taken at The Wonder Bar. We have given you all the information we have, can you tell us some of the following:

1. What was the event, since all were dressed up in their finest and the ladies were wearing corsages, it must have been a special time. Do you know what it was?

2. Who are the other 4 people in the picture? Write to: Roleta1@aol.com with any information you have, thanks.

Picture above was taken at the Wonder Bar about 1960. Pictured from left to right are: Lloyd Alonso, Mary Lou Johnson Alonso (WI), ? , ? , Tom Johnson (WI) and Sue Whiteman, ? ,?.

NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES

Karen Sue Furner Wootton (Bristol HS '59)	ksrd74@yahoo.com
Jim Nutter (WI '71)	jlnutter@hotmail.com
Clarence McKinley (WI '50)	highlandpines@webtv.net
Tuffy Knight (VHS '54)	tuffcon@rogers.com

EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES

Elaine Zabeau Norteman (ND '62)	enorteman@me.com
Dan Wheeler (WI '62)	dwheeler@thrashereng.com
Chris Wyatt (WI '71)	cvwyatt@frontiernet.net
Nancy Mayer Capilla (WI '59)	rcapilla@bex.net
Hank Mayer (WI '56)	hmayer33@hotmail
Alfred (Al) Starkey (WI '60)	was: aps4160@aznex.net is now: apstarkey@gmail.com

NOTE FROM JUDY: Because of the recent sale of Verizon's WV services to Frontier my email address changed to jkimler@frontier.com. Frontier is supposed to forward emails sent to jkimler@verizon.net until Dec 31.

I'm writing this from beautiful Canaan Valley, WV. We are fortunate enough to be able to "beat the heat" of Florida, by coming back home to the hills for the summer. We have a very good sports section this month, with several pictures and some wonderful stories. I got a few responses to my questions about preseason high school football practice and great players from the area. I think there are still some memories of excellent players you can share, so let's hear from you.

No one wrote about their school having special rivals. Again, I know those existed, so won't you share your stories about them. Did R W play either W I or Victory? Were those teams their biggest rivals? I've heard that Parkersburg was a big rival for W I. Is this true?

Finally, college football season is almost upon us. How do you think your favorite team will do? Will Marshall beat WVU? I think they might do it. Is this the year U Conn finally gets to the big time? Is this Rich Rod's last year as Michigan's coach? If he is fired, where will he go?

There is so much to write about. Remember, you are the newsletter. We look forward to reading your letters next month and hope to see many of you at the W I picnic on August 28.

Send your thoughts and comments to:

Bill at billmere@aol.com

Listed below is a web site which has a story about a couple of prep basketball players, who could be future Mountaineers. Huggins could certainly use these guys.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/luke_winn/07/01/sim-bhullar/index.html

To Bill:

That was a nice tribute to me, Bill. Thank you. I had some really nice athletes around me at that time. Just between you and me, I roomed next door to Dick Musial at Notre Dame. We became good friends, and it was amazing when his dad came to visit. He was a very modest man. Dick was a track star.

Also, when I was 12, I was recruited (or bribed) by a guy named Tom Mirandi to play for his Babe Ruth team. He took me to his home and put a baseball top on me that belonged to Harry "the cat" Breecheen. Two cardinal stories, I thought you might enjoy...keep up the great work, Bill, Roleta & Judy.

Bob Secret (W I 1960)

Reply to Bob:

I really never knew that Stan Musial had a son who ran track at Notre Dame. If Dick was anything like his dad, he was a very nice guy. Everything I've read about Stan, indicates that he was one of a kind.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

I read Greg's memories of the 1960 World Series, including his comment that Vern Law won three of the four Pirate games in the Series against the Yankees.

I checked on that as it did not ring well with me; Vern Law won the first and fourth games; he started the 7th game, and pitched to two batters in the sixth inning before giving away to the bull pen. Harvey Haddix was the winning pitcher when Mazeroski hit the ninth inning home run. Haddix was also the winning pitcher in the fifth game. Bob Friend lost both his appearances.

Ron Cleavenger W-I 1963

Reply To Ron:

Thanks for the correction. I can remember exactly where I was when Maz hit that home run. Those were some fine teams in Pittsburgh, then. Today's Pirates could certainly use some pitchers like Law, Haddix and Friend. I don't know whether the 2010 Pirates could even win the pennant in Triple A

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

Bill, the toughest guy I played against when I was at WI was tackle David Lucente from Victory. Dave was 190 pounds and 5' - 8" tall. He was built like a fire plug and fast as lightning. I had a hard time getting beneath him to make a block. We were both bloody after that game. Victory beat the heck out of us. They were always tough.

Jim Alvaro, W I 1956

Reply To Jim:

I can agree with you that some of the best players I can remember, were not so tall, but were tough as nails. It is amazing how big some of the high school players are today. A few years ago, a high school in Orlando, FL had an offensive line whose average weight was over 300 lbs.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Jim Alvaro sent the picture below of the 1955 Harrison County All Defensive Team. Does this picture bring back any special memories? Did any of them go on to play college football? If so, take the time now to write and share your thoughts with our readers. Thanks to Jim for sending the picture.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

Bill, one of the toughest little quarterbacks I played against, while at WI, was Kenny Garrett from Victory. Kenny was only about 140 pounds and 5'-8" tall. He was shifty and loved to run the ball. He was a little Michael Vick. I believe he even ran kick-offs back. But the best runner I played against was Mike Kopinski of Morgantown. Morgantown beat us 6-0 in a rained soaked field, as was every game we played that season. Mike ran a 60 yard end around for a touchdown for the only score. That kept Morgantown undefeated.

Jim Alvaro, WI 1956

Reply To Jim:

Your note reminds me of how tough the Big Ten Conference really was in those days. W I, Victory, Shinnston, Fairmont West (Senior) and Morgantown all had outstanding teams at various times. And I shouldn't forget that Grafton was always tough. Thanks, again, for your contributions to the newsletter.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Below is a link sent to me by Bud Collins. I had not seen it. It is about the 1959 WVU basketball team's 50th reunion, celebrating their fine season and their trip to the NCAA final game. There are a few very familiar faces on the clip. The first speaker is Clarksburg's own Bob Clousson, who lives just up I-75 from me in Sarasota, FL. I must admit that Ronnie Retton and Nick Serdich have changed a bit since I played against them in high school. What great memories. Thanks for sharing with us, Bud.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrsDFg5oi8k

AUGUST 1ST . THE MOST DREADFUL DAY OF THE YEAR .
Submitted by Steve Goff, WI 1972
I submitted this two years ago as part of a music piece I did, and I then heard from football players from all eras. Even though the equipment may have changed, a little, we were all having a shared experience courtesy of the relentlessly, blazing, August summer sun. I served my time on the WI practice field during the summers of '68-'69-'70-& '71. Semper Fi WI. We band of groaners, and survivors of Camp Castellana. So, by popular demand....

August is the cruelest month. At least it is for me, and it has been for some time. It all goes back to August of 1969. If you ever played high school football you already know where I'm going with this You see, 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 hazing. Life was not good for any sophomore underclassmen who happened to be attached to the 'lineman' brigade of Camp Castellana. August revealed it's 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. And I still sing this song to myself to summon rain. Nowadays it is lawn mowing I'm trying to avoid. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyaJnbQfcX8

Response To Steve:

Very well said. Oh, the memories you bring back to me. I remember the heat and walking to practice a half mile from our school, barefoot (We were not allowed to wear the cleats, because they would wear off). We only got two weeks practice before the first game, thus a start of August 15. I don't remember mouthpieces--we didn't have any. I don't remember water---we weren't given any. We didn't have to run a 7-minute mile, but we did have to do a duck walk for a mile around the field. I hated the "Russian Dance" drill and the dust and rocks on the field (We had NO grass). But what I remember the most is the smell of the gym, where we dressed, after about one week of the dirty, stinking uniforms baking in the heat and humidity of that place (We had no A.C., either). Yes, Steve, you brought back the memories, some good and some bad. But, I wouldn't change one thing from those wonderful days and I'd bet you wouldn't either. Thank you for making my day.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Jim Alvaro, also, sent me the picture of the 1955 All Harrison County Offensive Team, of which he was a member. Again, do you remember any of these guys? Do you have a memory you wish to share with us? Send your comments to:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

I just spent the past two months watching and enjoying my grandson, Nathaniel (Gift from God), play Pony League Baseball. I listened to and became upset with a few people, who complained about the operations, the coaches and the umpires. I have blasted a few of them now, to let a bit more of my wisdom go. I probable have more time in the shower, than most of them have on the field, so I feel I have that right. When they organized the league, they had to have people to run the show. The people, who gave of their time and money, did an outstanding job, and the people in Clarksburg should appreciate what these people did for these young people. The operation, headed by Bobby Tenney, worked hard behind the scenes, getting and keeping the fields ready for play. This included getting lights for the lower field, which, because of politics, have yet to be installed. There were endless hours of coaching given to each youngster, showing them how to play the field and think baseball, and how to use the bat and make contact with the ball. They were taught how to win and lose with dignity and grace, a real challenge as they go thru life. As for the umps, a very thankless job, nobody will satisfy me, because for 22 years I wore blue, and I satisfied no one, other than the people who kept hiring me back year after year. I worked for the high schools, WVIAC and WVU, doing their games during the seasons and tournaments. There, I said it and I am glad.

Bob Dennison, W I 1957

Reply To Bob:

It appears that you have encountered what most of us, who have had young people involved in youth sports leagues, have had to face. Few realize how much time and hard work it takes to make these leagues run smoothly. And, it is all done for free! It seems that parents (and grandparents) sometimes get too emotionally involved. You, in particular, because of your long association with sports, would have seen more of this than the average parent. Coaches, league officials, opposing coaches and players and others fans are verbally, and sometimes physically abused. I am not sure how to solve these problems. I have seen leagues, who actually banned spectators, because they couldn't control the few "problem parents". On a personal note, I was coerced into umpiring in a little league in Columbus. I had a protest filed over a call, and after wasting several hours of the valuable time of many people, it was discovered that rules prohibited protesting a judgement call. Shortly thereafter, I resigned. What we all need to remember is that these are only "kid's games". Try not to take them too seriously.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

I'm not a big NASCAR fan but I have always liked "THE KING". I used to go to the Daytona 500 and have a picture of him on pit road. I wish I had dated the picture but I didn't. I don't know what year it was taken, maybe 1980. On the way to the track the Goodyear blimp was passing overhead and I got a picture of it, too.

While looking for these pictures I ran across one of the Atlanta Braves stadium. I did date it. It is from 1972. Last month some people said they were fans of the Braves and I thought they might like to see a picture of the old stadium.

By the way, did you know Nick Swisher of the Yankees grew up in Parkersburg?

Judy Daugherty Kimler, W I 1959

Reply To Judy:

Richard Petty was one of the best. He comes from a time when NASCAR was closer to its roots. Today, it is all about the almighty dollar (Isn't everything?).

I do know that Nick Swisher is from Parkersburg. I remember him as a college player at Ohio State. He is doing well as a Yankee.

Thanks for the pictures. We are always looking for items that will spark a memory or two and these fit the bill.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

John Teter sent me the following information on the W.Va. International Speedway in Huntington. I did not know it existed. I went to the Internet to find out more information, but couldn't find anything else. It must be out of business. Does anyone remember this track? If so, send us anything you know about it. Thanks John, I learn something new everyday. By the way, it looks like Richard Petty enjoyed racing at this track.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

A few years ago I sent you an email about the 1947 St. Marys High School basketball team. My point in that email was that most WI basketball teams in those times featured a high-scoring “star” (E.G. Bob Danley, Dave Larimer, Dave Corsini, Chauncey Rush, Bob McCarty, etc.) and four “role-players” (The rest of us!). This St. Marys squad was a well balanced team made up of Pauley & Sam Romano, Bobby & Paul Wanstreet with Buddy Philbin playing center. They were five guys who had played together for many years on playgrounds and were ably assisted by a strong bench behind them. I don’t recall their records but, for a kid, they were a real pleasure to watch.

This time I’m shifting to the west end of Harrison County, to focus on a team and a couple of players on another small school, Class B, Little Ten Conference team – Salem High School and The Gibson Twins. Byron & David Gibson, along with Jim Plauger, Bob & Bill Davis and Fred Post virtually terrorized the Little Ten during 1950-52. I believe they went 16-0 (regular season) in 1952 ending up at 23-2 losing only to Lost Creek and Fairview.

I played sandlot basketball against the Gibson Twins and believe me, if one didn’t get you the other one did. They were superb athletes. Both played at about 5’9”, 150 lbs. Either twin was capable of putting up 30 points in a hurry. They were very competitive. Growing up on a farm outside Salem, they competed each night outside the barn, shooting fouls, playing HORSE or 21 to decide who would milk the “odd” cow before supper.

After the 1952 season was over, Homer Carmichael Jr. (Hoagy) opened his eponymous auditorium on 6th Street and sponsored an unofficial game between the graduated seniors of WI and Salem high schools. Before a respectable audience, Salem slipped by 48-46. WI cried out for a two-out-of-three series and proceeded to win the second game 48-46 in overtime. In the “rubber” game, played in the Salem College gym, Byron Gibson scored 26 points while David was held to “only” 24 as the “Crew-Cubs” posted a 36 point victory to take the series. Fred Post added 24 to the Gibson’s effort. The “All-Star” Hilltoppers, made up of Larimer, Lynch, Rush, McCarty, et al, managed to eke out only 60 points among them. This is all well documented in the Exponent-Telegram files. (Ask Sheriff Tiano. He ref’ed all three games)

The Gibson Twins went on to star in both basketball and tennis at their hometown Salem College until their graduation in 1956. They were dominant figures both within the WV Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and throughout entire State. Byron was selected to the WVIAC All Conference basketball team in 1955 & 1956 and was the WV Collegiate Tennis Champion in 1956. Together and individually, the Twins’ athletic achievements are too numerous to list. They both have been inducted into the Salem College Athletic Hall of Fame.

The apex of the Gibson’s college career may have occurred in January 1954. The Salem College Tigers scored an upset 100-96 victory over Rio Grande (Ohio) College before a packed house at the Carmichael Auditorium. At the time, Rio Grande boasted the nation’s leading scorer, 6’9” “fabulous” Bevo Francis. Byron Gibson hit for 31 points outscoring Francis 24-22 from the floor but lost out on the foul line as Bevo made 16 charity shots to end up with 38 total points. Bill Berkley, Ron Fadula and Dave Gibson combined to contribute another 49 points.

BTW – If all this seems to smack of “locker room expertise”, both David and Byron went on to earn Master’s Degrees in their chosen fields – Physics and Physical Education respectively. They each excelled throughout their careers. In more recent years they have been granted the Salem College Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.

This may all appear to be a posthumous memorial to the Gibson Twins. It isn’t! As the picture above, taken on a beach near Dave’s home in Southern California, demonstrates they are both alive and well. They recently joined many other Salem High School alumni at a reunion in July and, at 75, played a few rounds of tennis. A few years ago, they challenged Bob McCarty and me to a two-on-two playground game of 21. We respectfully (and wisely) declined.

Joe Malone, W I 1952

Reply To Joe:

When you mentioned earlier that you had a story for the newsletter about the Gibson twins from Salem, I was anxious to see it. This story was worth the wait. I have always been a big fan of high school basketball in West Virginia. I can't honestly say that I remember these guys, but I definitely remember the Little Ten Conference, plus, I'm very familiar with the teams from Fairview. I believe Flemington was in that conference and put out a few fine basketball players. The Gibsons were obviously in the same class as many other great players from the smaller schools.

Not only did I love the story, but I learned a new word, "eponymous". By the way, can anyone send me a list of the schools in the Little Ten?

As always, thanks Joe, for bringing back memories of the golden years of the 50's.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

I know, modest Bobby Secret won't admit this, but he definitely was the best all around athlete from Central West Virginia, if not the state. In the four years at WI, he lettered in all three sports, plus, he was selected all state in two sports. And during the summer months, he was an outstanding baseball player and could hit the ball well over the 300-ft. fence in Zeising. I had the honor to be his teammate in all four sports, during Central Jr., WIHS, and the Zeising Babe Ruth baseball team. We had always wished that WI had a baseball team, as the other high schools in the area. If my memory is correct, Bobby's uncle, Alex Cava, was also an outstanding athlete at WI and lettered in all three sports for numerous years. Not only was Bob an outstanding athlete, but was and still is a very likeable and caring person.

Freddie Alvaro, W I 1959

Reply To Fred:

I certainly agree with your thoughts about Bob. The great ones only come along once in awhile, so you were very fortunate to have been a part of that time. I know what you mean about wanting a fourth sport at W I. My school had a good baseball team, actually winning a state championship in 1955, but didn't have a track program. I often wonder how we would have competed in that sport. Thanks for the email and picture of you and Bob when you were 13 years old. I hope it is the first of many for the sports section, because I know you enjoy talking sports as much as I do.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

In a recent newsletter, when discussing Major League Baseball, I mentioned that I was aware of a W I grad who was a big time Yankee fan, who was fortunate enough to have attended a Yankee Fantasy Camp. Thanks to Fred Alvaro, below are a couple of pictures of Anthony Julian, W I 1959, who attended the camp at Legends Field in Tampa, FL, in November, 2007. Congratulations Anthony, you make a great looking Yankee. It must have been a "dream come true".

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Just in case some of you haven't seen this, below is a link to a few pictures and an article about Leo DiCaprio being at the World Cup Soccer quarter finals in South Africa. Notice the cap he is wearing. If these are legitimate pictures, they prove that Mountaineer fans are everywhere.

Thanks to Fred Alvaro for sending me the link.

Leo DiCaprio Toots His Own Horn at World Cup | Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger

INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE SITE ABOUT
CLARKSBURG, WV
http://www.igougo.com/journal-j47076-Clarksburg- The_State_Born_of_the_Civil_War_Part_II_Clarksburg.html#ReviewID:1233738

HOT AUGUST HITS
submitted by: Steve Goff WI '72)
sgoff53@hotmail.com
Hotter than Hades and all that jazz.!!!! Oh, how we football players hated August. As the summer sun baked our brains into believing that maybe we really did like high school, at least we had our music to keep us cool. I don't know much about WI Summer Band Camps from years past, but I know a tuba holds heat, just like a football helmet. Turn these up and take your mind off the humidity. Remember, it ain't the heat...it's the stupidity.

Musically, the early 60’s take a beating as being a bland era. Any record that came out after Elvis goes in the Army, and before the British Invasion is suspect as to not being REAL Rock 'n' Roll. There was a lot of schlock-y music as teen idols were manufactured to replace Sgt. Elvis. But seek and you will find examples of solid "get up and dance", "Party on the patio!", rock and roll. Here are two examples with songs from summers past. I've always thought Mr. Bonds very under rated

"Palisades Park" Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon. Summer of 1962. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYDSFKLu-TA&feature=related

"Quarter to Three" Gary U.S. Bonds. Summer of 1961. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdrMIqqdcnw&feature=related

These songs were all in the Billboard Top Ten in August, from years gone by.

1949..."Baby It's Cold Outside"...Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer. We seem to think we invented "irony". How's this for ironic? Released in May of '49, by August it peaked at #3. What a great song to be singing all sizzling summer long. It comes from the movie Neptune's Daughter (Starring Esther Williams!!) and won the Academy Award for Best Song that year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTNheCEUP_A&feature=related

1952..."High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me)"...Frankie Laine. Theme song from one of my top five westerns, High Noon, starring Gary Cooper as beleaguered sheriff whose town is under attack and the town's people have bailed. (FYI, my other 4 westerns would include Red River, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Searchers, and Stagecoach-1939.) This too took home an Oscar for Best Original Song. Here is the opening of the film with the song over the credits. The vocal is Tex Ritter! Laine's cover version was the hit. Ritter got up to #12 with this version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKLvKZ6nIiA&feature=fvw

1955..."House of Blue Lights"...Chuck Miller. What a find this was for me. I knew the tune well, from the 1970's, as recorded by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. I think the long lost Paradise Rangers played this as well. Steve Broughton jump in here. Anyway this flat get's it. What a performance! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PksQGTCyLLY

1959..."There Goes My Baby"...The Drifters. Besides being a classy piece of summer soul, this holds the distinction of being the first "rock and roll" record to include a string orchestra. Their first hit with Ben E. King singing lead. He is one of the best. This got to #2, the 3rd week of August. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3HXy9mGPpI

1963..."Just One Look"...Doris Troy. One of those great songs you always forget about until you hear it again. Like now. A lost soul classic. The next year The Hollies gamely took a shot at this beauty and only got their song up to #44. Ms. Troy, who later sang on Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, reached #8 in August of '63. Here are both versions.

Doris Troy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQwVB67bJSQ

The Hollies (Check out the pompadour'd, toothy Graham Nash singing his gonads loose.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32VWELcZUMM&feature=related

1966..."Sunny"...Bobby Hebb; and "Summertime"...Billy Stewart. What a great pair of summertime soul songs, from the same summer. Every time I hear either of these, I drop what I'm doing and sing along. "Sunny" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbUl_E-R91Q

"Summertime" The fantastic BILLY STEWART! Long version. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=4xrhcQcAJSI

1969..."Green River"...Creedence Clearwater Revival. Here's to all things CCR. Swamp rock for late summer. Excellent live clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4- yugdZUt0&feature=related

1972..."Hold Your Head Up"...Argent. I liked their sound and this song really got under my skin, in a good way. This comes from a 1973 episode of The Midnight Special. John Denver does the goofy intro. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ_UuPH3cyw

1975..."How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You"...James Taylor. Sweet, slick cover of a Marvin Gaye song. Taylor just gets better and better as a vocalist. This comes from a 1979 concert film. The encore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mp0rBHhXMs

1978..."Magnet and Steel"...Walter Egan. This initially benefited from sounding a lot like Fleetwood Mac. Just check out that intro. But for me, this is a rare case of a song that gets worse, the more you hear it. You know I'm right. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=1GYyEaQnT60

1982..."Vacation"...The Go-Go's. A perfect song for this time of year. I saw them at the WVU Coliseum (A Flock of Seagulls opened. No...really.) They were better than I expected. They had a very good drummer. This is a great driving down the highway song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo8S3iFdzUc

1986..."Mad About You"...Brenda Carlisle. As luck would have it, 4 years later Ms. Carlisle, the former lead singer for the Go-Go's, would have a hit of her own in August of '86. This reached #3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmdtJWmR9zQ&feature=avmsc2

1990. Hello to our "young" friends holding their 20th anniversary this year. MC Hammer..."Have You Seen Her". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4qZec7B6oU

Cool down boys and girls, cool down.

OBITUARIES
TONY OLIVERIO
“The 6th Street Barber”
submitted by: Frances (Tate) Barrett
flmom1cat4@roadrunner.com
I am sure every one who grew up in Clarksburg remembers the "6th Street Barber". His shop was located across 6th Street from the Post Office. Tony Oliverio retired from the barber business last year at age 90. Just wanted all his clients to know we lost Tony last month at age 91. Tony lost his wife Mary in 1984 and is survived by 2 daughters, 1 son, 2 grandsons and one beloved Great-Granddaugter.

RICHARD LEE WOLFE (WI 1975)
DAVIS — Richard Lee Wolfe II, 52, formerly of Clarksburg, WV, passed away at Cortland Acres Nursing Home, Thomas, WV, June 8, 2010.

He was born Aug. 28, 1957, in Clarksburg, WV. He is survived by his parents, Richard Lee Wolfe and Martha Jane (Wilson) Wolfe of Davis, WV.

He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Libby” (William) Fox, Summerfield, N.C.; two daughters, Alyssa Erin Wolfe, Boston, MA, and Amanda Lynn Wolfe, San Diego, CA; one son, Zachary Wolfe, Salem, WV; one niece, Sarah Fox; and one nephew, Matthew Fox.

Mr. Wolfe was a graduate of Washington Irving High School Class of 1975, a graduate of WVU, Class of 1979 and WVU Law School, Class of 1982. He was a Methodist by faith.

JOSEPH JOHN BRUNETTI (ND 1955)
NUTTER FORT — Joseph John Brunetti of Mt. Clare departed this life Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the United Hospital Center in Clarksburg following a brief illness.

He was born in Clarksburg on September 13, 1955, a son of the late Samuel Joseph Brunetti and Mary Louise Petrigac Brunetti, who resides in Clarksburg.

His wife, Thresia Deniese Booth Brunetti, whom he married September 3rd, 1976, survives. Mr. Brunetti was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. He was employed with Mid State Mechanical, as well as a member of the Local 152, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. He was a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Stonewood, as well as being a member of the Knights of Columbus in Clarksburg. He was an avid mushroom hunter and enjoyed playing the guitar.

JACK RICHARD RUCKER (VICTORY HS)
CLARKSBURG — Jack Richard Rucker, 81, of Bridgeport, WV, and formerly of Cleveland, OH, died on Friday, June 25, 2010, at the Louis A. Johnson Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born in Evertsville, WV, on April 23, 1929, the son of the late Henry and Hazel Wilson Rucker.

He is survived by a loving wife, Gertrude “Trudy” (Leischner) Rucker, whom he married on Oct. 24, 1970.

Jack was a graduate of Victory High School. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1953.

VIRGINIA ANN “VA” CASALINUOVA BELOTTE (WI)
NUTTER FORT — Virginia Ann “VA” Casalinuova Bellotte, age 81, of Clarksburg, WV, departed this life at her residence on July 9, 2010. She was the daughter of the late Salvatore Casalinuova and Maria Passantino Casalinuova.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Leonard Bellotte, whom she married on August 20, 1949.

Also surviving are her children, Alberta Duarte and her husband Dan of North View, Joseph Bellotte of North View, Jimmy P. Bellotte of North View, and Justina “Tina” Marie Vosburg and her husband Charles of Aurora, IL; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Albert and Frank Casalinuova, both of Clarksburg. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bellotte was preceded in death by one brother, John Jordan Sr. and two sisters, Antoinette Tricase and Arphena Marano.

DAVID LUDWIG WYGAL (WI 1962)
David Ludwig Wygal, 66, of Buckhannon and formerly of Clarksburg, passed away June 30, 2010, at his home. He was born April 24, 1944, at Clarksburg, a son of the late Robert J. and Helen Taylor Wygal and was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Wygal. He is survived by his wife, Linda K. Loudin Wygal; six children, Kerri Hughes of Lost Creek, Kim and Jeff Thrift of Statesville, North Carolina, Dave and Kim Wygal of Lost Creek, Aaron and Jessica Stoke of Buckhannon, Jessica and Ryan Radabaugh of Buckhannon and Zachary Stokes of Buckhannon; 11 grandchildren, Alexandria McGahan, Sam Southern, Jay McGahan, Trey Wygal, Marissa Southern, Bryan McGahan, Kaitlyn Mills, Brooklyn Radabaugh, Eric Stokes, Bryson Johnston and Bailey Radabaugh; two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Bethany Connolly; sister, Anne Keith of Richmond, Virginia; two brothers, Jim and Jane Wygal of Mars, Pennsylvania, and Philip and Patty Wygal of Romney; and his beloved pets, Hazel, Bubba, Gracie and Tiger.

David was employed by Monongahela Power Co. for more than 30 years, serving in the Clarksburg and Buckhannon areas.

GLENNA B. BUTCHER (Victory 1956)
WARREN, Ohio — Glenna B. Butcher of Warren, Ohio, entered peacefully into rest on Saturday, July 10, 2010. She was 72.

Glenna was the daughter of the late Virgil and Virginia (Barnard) Chips Sr. and was a Warren resident for the past 44 years, moving here from Clarksburg, W.Va. She had been employed with Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio, in the Dietary Department for 22 years until her retirement in 1996.

On April 8, 1957, Glenna was united into marriage with Ray L. Butcher and had shared 53 loving years together. She is survived by: Ray L., sons, Ray C.(Susan) and Richard F. Butcher, both of Warren, Ohio; daughters, Debbie (Michael) Godbey of Science Hill, Ky., Rosemary L. (Windell) Lockett of Youngstown, Ohio; brothers, John E. Chipps and Gibson L. Barnard, both of Clarksburg, W.Va.; 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Bob Huffman, Paul Huffman and Virgil Chipps Jr.

ROSS A WHITE (WI)
CLARKSBURG — Ross A. White of Clarksburg, died July 13, 2010, at his residence. He was born March 22, 1933, in Clarksburg, the son of the late Roscoe R. White and Mabel Virginia Mick White.

His wife, Murma J. Day White, whom he married December 10, 1955, survives. Along with being a dedicated husband, and father, Mr. White was the founder of PDQ Print Shop in Clarksburg beginning in 1977, and it’s still in operation today.

Mr. White is survived by two sons, Ross Allen (Brenda) White Jr. of Bristol, and William Perry (Esmerada) of Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Ross was president of his high school class. He then went on to graduate from Tri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also did some graduate work at The Ohio State University. He was a United States Army Veteran, having served his country proudly during the Korean Conflict. In addition to PDQ Print Shop, he was also the former owner and operator of Ace Adjustment Service.

As a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Ross endeavored to instill his true passion for aviation in young people. Ross helped organize free airplane rides for over 100 youths as part of the EAA “Young Eagle” program. In addition to this, Ross helped arrange and escort many Civil Air Patrol cadets to the annual Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Air Show and Fly-in, where these young aviation enthusiasts were exposed to many aspects of aviation.

EMILY ANNE ROBINSON KING (WI 1967)
CLARKSBURG — Emily King passed away peacefully on July 3, 2010, at the age of 61, after a long battle with leukemia.

She was a 1967 graduate of Washington Irving High School, after which, she attended Fairmont State College. She was a single working mother to her only daughter, Tonya Nicole King Terry. Emily is also survived by her son-in-law Timothy Terry and much beloved granddaughter Emma Elizabeth Terry of San Diego, CA, her brother Barry Robinson and wife Paula of Clarksburg and brother Elwin Robinson and wife Cathy of Wheeling.

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