THE WI NEWSLETTER 10/11


THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 146 October 2011






MUSIC, MUSIC IN THE AIR

Did you play a musical instrument as a child? Did you take some sort of music lessons as a young person? Tell us about your lessons and your musical experience, do you still use your ability either for your own enjoyment or for the enjoyment of others?

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com



NEW READERS

Dave Stalnaker (WI '61) dhstalnaker@gmail.com
Nancy Van Gilst Rice (WI '60) nvrice@comcast.net
Diana Calverley Haskell (WI '60) haskelldiana@verizon.net
Jeff George (WI '64) jagwvu@gmail.com
Bob Dehner (WI '66) rdehner@horizonview.net
Cinda Frenzel O'Neill (WI '62) cindaoneill@comcast.net
Carl Lyon (WI '42) cvlyon@comcast.net
Ed Wilfong (WI '57) ewilfong@cinci.rr.com


EMAIL CHANGES

Carmen Romano jackictr@aol.com - Delete this as he receives the newsletter at his wife's address below.

Jacki Tiano Romano (WI '56) was: jackictr@roadrunner.com
is now: jacki_romano@me.com
Paul C. Chicarell (St. Mary’s '55) was: chicie55@cox.net
is now: pchicie55@gmail.com
Jim Caputo (Bridgeport '59) was: jcaputo@tirad.rr.com
is now: jimcaputo9@gmail.com
Chip Corsini (WI '75) was: dl_corcini@farmersmutual.com
should be: dl_corsini@farmersmutual.com
Lynn Zillifro (WI '75) was: nimrod@ma.rr.com
should be: nimrod7@ma.rr.com
Chris Wyatt (WI '72) was: Cwyatt@frontier.net
should be:Cwyatt@frontier.com
Patty Moffett Austin (WI '72) was: moffettaustin@frontier.net
should be: moffettaustin@frontier.com
Carolyn Spears Garber (WI '72) was: cmg6954@verizon.net
is now: cmg6954@frontier.com
Kim Walls (WI '74) was: kwalls01@frontier.net
should be: kwalls01@frontier.com
Hank Ross (WI '59) hnkhrss@aol.com
Jim Pulice (WI '61) jpulice7@ma.rr.com
JoAnne Drummond Marlette (WI '58) cricketmarie@frontier.com




EARLY CLARKSBURG SCHOOLS

submitted by: Fred G. Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@AOL.COM

Adamston Grade School
Adamston Jr. High School
Alta Vista Grade School
Broadway Grade School
Broadway Jr. High School
Carlile Grade School
Central Jr. High School
Chestnut Hills Grade School (1954) (Formerly Monticello Grade School)
Hartman Grade School
Kelly Miller Grade School (Colored)
Linden Grade School
Morgan Grade School
North View Grade School
North View Jr. High School
North View School (Colored)
Pierpont Grade School
Point Comfort Grade School
Roosevelt Wilson High School
Towers Grade School
Victory High School
Washington Irving High School

Foot Note: Back in the early thirties we had the following number of schools:

12 High Schools; 9 Jr. High Schools; 37 Grade Schools; 7 Three Room Schools; Thirteen Two Room Schools; and Forty Eight One Room Schools.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

Adamston Elementary School
Alta Vista Grade School
Bridgeport High School
Carlisle Grade School
Central Junior High School
Kelly Miller High School
Liberty High School
Linden Grade School
Lumberport High School
Morgan Grade School
North View Elementary School
Notre Dame High School
Pierpont Grade School
R-W High School
Robert C. Byrd High School
St. Marys Grade School
Towers Grade School
Victory High School
Washington Irving High School
Washington Irving Middle School

Emmanuel Christian School
Gore Middle School
Genesis Youth Center
Mountaineer Middle School
Pressley Ridge School
Tri-County High School
United Technical Center
Wilsonburg Elementary School

EDITOR’S NOTE: Did you attend any of the schools listed above? Do you have any comments? Write to: Roleta1@aol.com



THANK YOU

submitted by: Jerry and Carolyn Pinella Warren (WI '59)

There are no words to fully express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy cards, phone calls, letters, food, flowers and even poems at our time of grief.

We were amazed at the number of contacts from our friends and classmates.

Thank you just doesn’t seem to cover it but please know everything you did was certainly appreciated.

We ask for your continued prayers for Jerry’s health.

Carolyn and Jerry



HALLOWEEN MEMORIES

submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)

At Morgan School, we had a Halloween parade every year. When we returned to the classrooms, the "room mothers" had fixed treats for us at our desks. I remember that for the first few years. After third grade, I don't remember the parties in the room, but the parade of a couple of blocks occurred every year that I was in Morgan 1953-1958. I don't remember whether one woman was the "room mother" or not. A group of mothers planned several parties throughout the year.



submitted by: Gladys William (WI '71)

Two different years in grade school my sister Anna & I (we are twins) wore costumes made by our dad. I believe it may have been 4th and 5th grades. One year we were Salt & Pepper shakers that he made out of cardboard, and one year we were a pair of dice. I can remember not being able to sit down in my seat at school with the box on, so we had to take them off during the party. I was embarrassed because all I had on under the box was a shirt and black leotards.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

My best memories of Halloween in Clarksburg were that Halloween was a "3 day event", as I can remember doing different sections of Clarksburg for "trick-or-treat" purposes. One night we would do Stealey; one night we would do Chestnut Hills; and the actual night of Halloween, we would do the neighborhoods around Broaddus Avenue, as that is where my parents lived. I remember that I would dress up as a pirate; or a vagrant; and I think that one year I dressed up as Batman.

I can also remember going out to a Halloween party with a LADY at some point in my "earlier days" of dating. I went to her house to get her (probably being chauffeured by my dad and/or mother) and went I got to the LADIES' house; she was dressed up as a princess. Needless to say, that was the one and only date that I ever had with that lady and I cannot say that I blame her. I remember her name, but I choose to keep it to myself as she might be one of your readers.

I do not remember ever doing anything harmful to anyone and/or anyone's house if they did not participate in Halloween. I always figured that if people wanted to treat us, that was fine; and if they did not want to treat us, that was fine too. I cannot ever remember not having two or three bags of candy to go thru after Halloween was over. I do remember that my parents would "scrutinize" the treats, to make sure that they did not contain anything harmful to their kids.



submitted by: DeDe Short King (WI '94)

When I was in grade school, my mom always handmade my costumes. Not like most people with a sewing machine and pattern though, my mom was awesome!! She would dress us as any ordinary everyday object; a stoplight, ice cream sundae, teacup, old fashioned telephone, etc...I went to Adamston Elementary School and every year at Halloween, each classroom would parade across the stage in the auditorium to be judged. They would choose 3 winners who would each receive a Susan B. Anthony dollar. To this day, I still have a change purse of those coins put away from all of my winning costumes. Now, it is my turn. Every year, I prepare for 2 months making just the right costume for my 6 kids. The coins are a memory as they give out trophies nowadays. My kids have many!! The winning tradition continues on.... :)



submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)

I love getting dressed up in costume for Halloween. One time while still living in Clksbg I went to a party as a hobo. I wore some of my Dad's old hunting clothes and a pair of dark glasses that only had one lens. Another time I went to a Halloween party as a 1920's flapper. My mother redid an old skirt of mine into a short dress.

When I was working in Charleston I went to a telephone company party as a construction worker. I wore Larry's boots (my own shoes fit inside), his coat and pants and a welding helmet. I won 1st prize.

After moving to Huntington I attended many Halloween parties. The telephone company had a big Halloween party at Veterans Memorial Field House. I went as a pirate and Larry was "mole man". He won 1st prize that time. Another time at a party in my office I went as a basketball player. I wore my dad's gold and blue basketball uniform. (I still have it) I thought I had a picture but couldn't find it. At another office party I went as Little Red Riding Hood. I wore white long John bottoms that had little red hearts on them. I also wore a hooded red plastic raincoat with matching red rain boots. I carried a basket with little cream puffs that Larry made as treats for my co-workers.

We went to a Halloween party at the Moose Club. I dressed as a space alien. I pulled the top of a dark blue turtleneck t-shirt over my face. Larry rigged 2 antennae on top of my head that lit up and blinked. I won 1st prize again.

The only time I have a picture of my outfit (see below) was the time my boss in Htgtn had a Halloween party at his house. I again went as a space alien. (I think it's the same dark blue turtleneck t-shirt) Larry did my make-up. My boss didn't recognize me.

I can't think of any more but I am sure there were other times I dressed up at Halloween.





submitted by: Nancy VanHorn More Stunger (WI '54)

Hi Roleta, I recall one Halloween, probably 1955. It was my first year at St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing. There were about 10 O.R. students who decided to put on scrubs and masks. Anna Mae Fowler Onestinghel (Victory grad) was the driver. We motored over to Dr. Joe Gilman’s house on Waverly Way in Stealey. Margaret, his gracious wife, invited us all in and delighted us with some hot chocolate.



submitted by: Roleta Meredith (WI '59)

We lived in Wolf Summit until I started the 5th grade. When we first moved to Wolf Summit, I was about 5 years old, my father was principal of the grade school there for about 4 years. On Halloween the ornery boys in the area, who my father had punished for infractions of school rules, took the opportunity to pay us back. It was very scary for me since I was small and didn’t realize that they weren’t dangerous. The first year we were really surprised and the next couple of years we expected it. They very quietly removed the front porch furniture and some way hung it all on top of the telephone poles along the road in front of our house, I don’t know how we got them back down. But before they ran away, they ended their evening of fun by taking the front gate off of the fence that was around our little rental home and they threw it on the front porch. It made so much noise that it scared the bejebbers out of all of us. Luckily my daddy realized that it wasn’t a smart thing to be a principal of a school and live in the same neighborhood so he then got a transfer to Bristol.



HOW MANY ARE LEFT?

You still have a little time

submitted by: Roleta Meredith (WI '59)



After six months I have sold most of the WI Hilltopper Tee shirts. I only have 3 each X-Large shirts, 8 each Large shirts and 9 each Medium shirts left to sell. Once these are gone, I will not be doing this again. If you want one, please order it NOW!

The shirts are only $15.00 and are made from very good quality material. I don’t think you can find a tee shirt of this all around quality for anything near this price.

ALL PROFIT GOES TO THE WIN SCHOLARSHIP!

If you wish to order a shirt, make out your check for $15.00 to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

And mail to:
Roleta Meredith
3201 Charles Mac Donald Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34240

NOTICE!!!!!! **************************

Did you read the letters above about Halloween memories? Why not order one of the tee shirts and be a HILLTOPPER for Halloween?



JACQUES CLICHÉS: ANNOYER EXTRAORDINAIRE
THE ETERNAL OPTIMIST

submitted by: Tim Corsini (WI '51)

Jacques Clichés is the eternal optimist. Even when he is over a barrel, under the gun or hanging by a thread, he pulls out all the stops and gets down to brass tacks. He doesn’t count his chickens before they hatch and when he has a lot on his plate he won’t take anything off the table.

Jacques knows that birds of a feather flock together and that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. He puts on his game face and thumbs his nose at the chickens that are coming home to roost; he rolls up his sleeves and jumps in with both feet. When the chips are down, Jacques goes for the gusto. He lets it all hang out until he is blue in the face.

Jacques, on his high horse, goes over the top and runs into a brick wall; he is thrown for a loop and muddies the waters. But he flies in the face of adversity and does not fold like a lawn chair. While he is still up in the air, he turns on a dime and is out of the lion’s den.

Jacques throws cold water on the gift horse he won’t look in the mouth or touch with a ten-foot pole. He avoids it like the plague. Down to the wire, he puts his nose to the grindstone while trying to connect the dots and opens a can of worms that lets the genie out of the bottle. Jacques, in a knee-jerk reaction, damns the genie with faint praise and instead of living high on the hog, he is hoist on his own petard.



REMEMBERING 1957!

If you were alive in 1957 and old enough to enjoy early Rock and Roll, you probably remember "The Diamonds" who had just launched their super hit "Little Darlin". This should bring back a few memories. Ahhh yes, the good old days. We remember ‘em well. Nice to see folks holding their own over time! In 1957, The Diamonds had a hit with "Little Darlin". 47 years later, they were requested to perform at Atlantic City. This link leads to both performances.

Watch the first one then scroll down for the new one 47 years later. Be sure to scroll to second performance.

http://www.flixxy.com/the-diamonds-little-darlin-1957-2004..htm



COLLECTIONS

submitted by: Roleta Meredith
Roleta1@aol.com

We have done this before and had a little response but a couple of people have mentioned this as a subject to be discussed and I will lead it off and for the first time will tell you about my collection.

Over the years I have had several collections. My most recent collection is my teddy bear collection. When we lived in Ohio I had collected about 150 +/- bears but when thinking of moving to Florida I just knew I had to get rid of most of my teddy bears. But how? I gave several away to the grandchildren and others. I thought I had given away a lot of my bears before we moved but when we arrived in Sarasota, Florida and I started looking in boxes, I found about 50 bears scattered in several different boxes. ”I have no idea how they got in there, Bill, they must have climbed in there and hidden!”

Every one of my bears has a name ----the name comes from where I bought the bear, who was with me when I bought it or who gave me the bear. (My grandchildren kid me by saying that I never forget a bear’s name but I often call them the wrong name.) I once bought a Boyds bear in Clarksburg—he is dressed in bib overalls and a sweater, he is named “Clark”. One small bear I bought in Long Grove, Ill is named “ L G.” He traveled with me to many states and countries, he is just a friendly looking little thing from home to set on a table in a cruise suite or in a hotel room when traveling. Last year while on vacation in Canaan Valley WV in Tucker County we had 5 sightings of black bears…so you guessed it, I just had to have a black bear and I named him “Tucker”. A friend of ours came to lunch this year and she brought me a darling bear. I offered suggestions of names to the lunch group and since she lived in Grant County, WV we named him Grant. I have a bear that was a gift from my sister, when I touch his paw there is a recorded birthday message to me in my sister’s voice, now that is special too.

If you visit our home you are not aware that bears have taken over. Most are pretty small…..and most are hiding around on the shelves in our office. Bill is in our office most of the time and he usually ignores them but sometimes he makes comments about the place being taken over by bears!

I like writing paper, note cards, wrapping paper, cards, etc with teddy bears on them.

Maybe you have noticed that there is always a little teddy bear graphic in the newsletter? I consider this a monthly surprise gift from my good (nearly a lifetime) friend, Judy Daugherty Kimler, my newsletter partner. Thanks Judy…

I don’t know why I have this love for teddy bears, I never had a teddy bear as a child, I don’t remember ever even wanting one, any psychiatrists out there that can analyze me?



NOTE: Now it is your turn. Write and tell us about your collection…send a picture too.

Write Roleta1@aol.com and tell us about your collection.



SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR NEXT MONTH


Have you kept any possessions from your high school days? What is it?

In the 40’s, and 50, boys rolled up the leg of their jeans, why? Did jeans come in lengths then?

What kind of shoes did you wear to high school? What was the fad?

For the females? Were you allowed to wear jeans to school? I wonder when this was first allowed in Clarksburg schools. Did you wear jeans for casual wear?

Did you wear a garter belt, a girdle or panty hose?

Did you wear pin curls, brush rollers, sponge rollers?



BUSINESSES

submitted by: Corinne Tannenbaum Levy (would have been with WI class of 1959)

I just did a quick run through of the September newsletter and saw that you listed some stores on Main St. You wanted to know of any other businesses that were also there. Yes, my father's store was there for about 50 yrs. It was Rogers Jewelry and the other store Vanes was on Fourth St.

The side street of Friedlander’s was 4th St where our other store was and Union National bank was on one corner and Empire Bank was another one. One bank was on the corner of 4th and Main and the other one was on third and main, I think. Broida's would have been on 3rd St.



submitted by: Roleta Meredith (WI '59)

I remember we had a lot of 5 and dime stores on the same side of the block with Lerner’s and Rogers. Isn’t it amazing that Clarksburg could support so many of them? Didn’t we have Woolworth’s, Murphy’s, McCroy’s and Grants. Were there any other stores located on that side of that block between 3rd and 4th Street? My first job was at Lerner’s, I started working there on my 16th birthday. My second job was at Wonder Shoe Store on 4th Street. Can you name the businesses on 4th Street?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.



THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR

Fall is the best time of the year. The weather is cooler, the leaves are turning to beautiful colors and football season is in full swing.

Most local high school teams have played five games and we can see that Bridgeport is a head above the rest in our area. They are 5-0, including a win over R C Byrd. Fairmont, Sr. should be their main competition for the Big Ten Conference title.

Fairmont State is 3-1 for the first time in many years, losing only in overtime to Glenville State. Bryan Fisher's offense is starting to click.

We all watched in horror as WVU self-destructed against LSU. The next few weeks will tell us a lot about this team and its new coaches. I still think the defense is at least a year away. As for the offense, it is fun to watch and can be amazing at times. Unfortunately, we need a running game (can you say "big back"?) and the special teams still look like they did under Bill Stewart. I'm still looking for at least 9 wins and a bowl victory.

I'd like some feedback on where you think the Mountaineers will end up as far as conference affiliation is concerned. While the ACC doesn't want us, the SEC is not dead, yet. What Missouri does will determine that deal. The Big 12 is a possibility, if it survives as is. I see U Conn and Rutgers jumping to the ACC, if possible. I only hope WVU isn't the odd man out. One good thing out of all of this is that I was able to add two more teams to my list (You know what list I mean). Pitt (they were already on a separate list with Michigan) and Syracuse join Boston College, Va. Tech and Miami as the teams I cheer against every week.

We had some nice letters this month. Thanks to all of you who wrote. We'd like to hear from more of you, so let's keep it rolling.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

I also saw the Syracuse - WVU game. You were right about the game being played in the snow. I remember there were people on the end of the yard markers with push brooms and every once in a while, they would push the brooms across the yard markers to clear away the snow, in order to see where the lines were. I was sitting in the end zone and I can see it now, when Jim Brown went down the sideline, almost, but not quiet touching it. He went for about 75 yards for a touchdown. I believe that was the only score and that the game ended 6-0. I remember when the coach, Pappy Lewis (I believe), told Sam Huff to stay on Jim Brown, no matter where he goes. "If he goes out of the game, you go out of the game," and "if he goes and sits down in the stands, you go sit in the stands," and "if he goes to the bathroom, you go to the bathroom." Sam Huff did one heck of a job taking care of Jim Brown. Now that is how football should be played.

I had season tickets for the Atlanta Falcons for many years. They played in Fulton County Stadium, when it was open. We had a ball tailgating before and after the games. We had some warm, cold, rainy, and even some snow games. That was a lot of fun. Then they built the GA Dome. I went two years and had great seats and good parking. I could not enjoy indoor football. It was like sitting in your living room and watching on TV. So, I gave them up. Now I do like Arena Football sometimes. I go watch the GA Force play in the Gwinnett Arena, near me. It is very fast. I go, but I wouldn't care to have season tickets. I have plenty of live football to watch with all the high schools near me. I also live about halfway between GA Tech, U of GA., and GA State. GA Tech and GA State are downtown Atlanta. GA State started football last year. They are coached by Bill Curry.

Football, Football, Football. What would we do without it??????? Oh, that might have opened up some discussion.

Jim Alvaro, WI 1956

Reply To Jim:

What can I say? It is obvious that you are a bigger football nut than I am. I am not into the pro game much anymore. I used to follow the Steelers long before they won anything. As I recall, Bobby Layne was one of their quarterbacks and Joe Tucker was the announcer. They seldom won a game.

The Atlanta area is great for sports. I have some friends who worked there for UPS and they loved it. I agree with your comment about football played indoors. I've only seen one game inside, out of the elements, in Indy and I hated it. Football was meant to be played in the cold, rain, snow, mud or whatever.

As always, thanks for the interesting letter. Maybe someday, if, as some think, the Mountaineers join the ACC, you can see them live playing GA. Tech. We always enjoy going to Tampa to watch the WVU-USF game every other year.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

I guess I didn't see the request as to who one thought might lead the Big East in 2011. I am hoping the information I received is correct. While eating dinner at Pat's Steak Place in Louisville, KY with my Friday night dinner group, (I live across the river in Sellersburg, IN) I was present when Coach Strong, U of L coach, had his coaching staff present for an evening of dining. After dinner, while passing through the outside eating area, my IU alumni date, and also fan of WV as long as they don't play IU, told Coach Strong that a WVU fan was seated at the table. He asked who that was and I immediately raised my hand. He said, and I quote, "WVU has an excellent team and looks like they will probably win the Big East Division this year." Let's hope his prediction runs true.

Judy Zabeau Shepherd, ND 1958

Reply To Judy:

You didn't miss anything, since I only asked a few of the frequent contributors to comment on the Big East season. I really appreciate your joining the discussion. Charlie Strong should do well at U of L, even though they hit a bump last week, losing to FL International, 24-17. He is a defensive minded coach and did very well as an assistant at Florida. Let's all hope that he is right and WVU wins the Big East. We will know a lot more by the time everyone reads this. As I write this, the Mountaineers are 2-0, but still haven't played a "complete" game. The next two (Maryland and LSU) will give us an idea of how good they can be.

Thanks for writing. I hope to hear from you often.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

My brother, Tim, who played with me at WI was, I believe, the first drop kicker at WI. He was the blocking back in the fall of 1948 and 1949, when I played, and he kicked several extra points by drop kicking, including two in 1948, when we beat Parkersburg 20-9. I went to all the games, from when I was 9 years old until I played and no one drop kicked.

David Corsini, WI 1950

Reply To David:

Great to hear from you. It appears that W I had more than one drop kicker. As I've said before, I don't remember ever seeing one in high school. I've heard many stories about what excellent athletes you and your brother were at W I. We would like to hear more about what went on in the late 40's and early 50's. Roleta and I had lunch last week with Joe Malone, who played sports in the early 50's. He has written a couple of nice articles, but we need to hear from more of you guys and gals.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

I wrote to you some time ago with a detailed account of our 1948 win over Parkersburg. It was in that game that the newspaper wrote that I dug up the "ancient art" of the drop kick. (I preceded the guy in the recent drop kick article). In the Parkersburg game in '48, my brother Dave was dubbed "the human tank" by the newspapers. Dave graduated in '50 and I graduated in '51. We are 18 months apart. Dave and I played ball together and it was great. I was his blocking back on the single wing and he was the most powerful fullback WI has ever had. As I said, we beat the hell out of Parkersburg in '48. Dave was the complete athlete with football, basketball and track. Dave's wife, Jackie Morris, has volumes of pictures and articles of Dave's athletic accomplishments. I'll see if I can get him to contribute to the newsletter.

Tim Corsini W I 1951

Reply To Tim:

Our wish has been granted. Your brother, Dave, did write to us. You will see his note elsewhere in Sports. I am glad to hear that Dave's wife has pictures and articles from his playing days. Hopefully she will share them with us. I'm sure they would bring back many memories to our readers.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

I did play sports, basketball and football. I would have played baseball, but we did not have a high school team, as you know. I played with two of the best ever at WI, Bob Secret and Gene Donaldson. I was, however, among several of their supporting class to have played ball in college. Bob Rector, who you see in Fla, was a good friend and next door neighbor. He was a spiritual mentor of sorts and contributed more than he realizes to my spiritual development for which I will be eternally grateful.

I would love to contribute more to the sports section, but my journey took me to Blacksburg and not many want to hear about those Hokies!

Bill, you could start a discussion of the ugliest football uniforms ever seen at college level. There have been a couple of contributors of late, Maryland, Oregon, and Georgia. VA Tech might even have an entry. Those military tribute uniforms of a year ago were not very sharp, but I suppose they made a point. I would guess WV has had their day also.

Thanks and later.

Bob Teter, W I 1960

Reply To Bob:

You ran in some fine company. I know Bob Secret and Bob Rector, two quality gentlemen. I would have been honored to have been able to play on the same team with either of them. Bob Secret, one of the best athletes ever from north central W.Va., is someone I consider a good friend, even though I've only known him a short time. We think a lot alike. I know Bob Rector was a fine athlete as well. He and I both live in Sarasota, FL and have shared a lot of stories. I'll probably make him an honorary resident of Monongah soon. (He'll appreciate the humor)

We love to hear stories from anyplace, even Blacksburg. So, don't ever hesitate to write to us about the Hokies.

As for the so-called ugly football uniforms, not much was said until Maryland showcased theirs. I heard a U of M alum say that the uniforms gave them a million dollars worth of free publicity. No one has talked about Maryland football for years. Now, everyone is talking about them. I liked them, because I have always liked their state flag. I also liked WVU's Nike uniforms from last year. Being an old coal miner, I loved the gray shading symbolizing coal dust. I love Georgia's colors, red and black (my high school's colors), but not their new uniforms. They looked blurred on the TV.

Does anyone else have an opinion on the uniforms? If so, email your comments to:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



MARYLAND FOOTBALL UNIFORMS

I took Bob Teter's (W I 1960) suggestion seriously. He sent me an article written by Vince Staten of The Kingsport (TN) Times-News, commenting on the U. of Maryland football uniforms. Part of his article is below.

MD. BLOWS PAST GA., ORE. FOR UGLIEST UNIFORMS

When I tuned in to the Oregon-LSU football game Saturday night, I thought Oregon was wearing the ugliest college football uniforms I had ever seen. And that’s saying something considering some of Oregon’s past uniforms, with duck feathers on the shoulders, all supplied by the school’s benefactor Nike.

The Oregon numbers were outlined in what looked like Day-Glo paint. I kept waiting for the grounds crew to turn off the stadium lights and turn on a bank of black lights.

Then I turned over to the Boise State-Georgia game. Georgia was wearing some new electric red uniforms, head to toe red-red-red that made my eyes hurt.

And I was sure THOSE were the ugliest college football uniforms I had ever seen.

Then Monday night I tuned in to the Miami-Maryland game, a contest I cared nothing about, but at least it wasn’t a reality contest or a sitcom rerun.

And that’s when I saw the absolute ugliest college football uniforms I have ever seen, a schizophrenic jersey that looked like it had been created by an old man on the Florida beach, one of those guys who wear a striped shirt with checked shorts. (Plus sandals with black socks.)

Except these were the Maryland uniforms!

Viewed in profile from one side, the uniform looked like a yellow and black harlequin pattern. Turn the player around 180 degrees and it looked like a red and white puzzle. Neither in and of itself was offensive to the eye.

Then take a head-on view and – AAARRRRGGGHHHH!

The first thing I thought of was the old Half-Man-Half-Woman in the carnival sideshow. This side is one thing and that side is another thing and never should the two sides meet.

These monstrosities were designed by Under Armour and according to a company press release they were “inspired by characteristics specific to the Maryland state flag and the University of Maryland.

The jersey numbers, cleats, and gloves all feature a custom Maryland flag print.”

Can you say the Mighty Morphin Power Ranger are our next opponent?

On the other hand, I’ve been writing for newspapers since 1969 and this is the absolute first time I have ever even mentioned Maryland football.

SPEAKING OF UGLY...

I don’t Twitter, but I heard a couple of announcers talking about this comment on the Maryland uniforms so I Googled it. I do Google. College basketball analyst Jay Bilas, a guy I never thought of as having much sense of humor, tweeted: “The 1970’s Houston Astros have just released a statement that they would not be caught dead in the new Maryland football uniforms.”

The ’70s Astros wore rainbow-striped jerseys that many compared to softball uniforms.

Editor's Note : If you haven't seen the Maryland uniforms, see the picture below. For more views, go to the following link. Do you like them? Please send your comments to me.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/210007/20110907/maryland-football-uniforms.htm

Bill (billmere@aol.com)





HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL---1945

Fred Layman, VHS 1946, sent me the following excerpt from the program for the Region 2 Basketball Tournament for 1945, which was held at Carmichael Auditorium. None of the four high schools represented in the tournament exist today. I'm sure you recognize the names of most of the coaches listed for W I and Victory, however, do any of the players, managers or cheerleaders named look familiar? Were any of them your brother, cousin, neighbor, friend or just an acquaintance? In other words, how do you know them?

As soon as I saw the list of teams, one of them jumped right out at me. Does anyone know which team and why I recognized their name immediately? If you have followed high school basketball in West Virginia over the years, you will know the answer to this one.

I look forward to hearing from a lot of readers responding to these questions. Thanks to Fred for sending this to me. Please keep them coming Fred.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)





THE CIVIL WAR
DUE TO AN INJURY
YOUNG CONFEDERATE SOLDIER
INVENTS THE HANGER LIMB

submitted by: Bob McNutt (WI '55)

Roleta---Your plan of writing articles about the Civil War interested me, as my maternal great grandfather fought for the Confederacy from June 1861 at Laural Hill (which you mentioned) until captured at the Battle of Wilderness in 1864, while my paternal great grandfather's brother fought for the Union until killed at Gettysburg.

At the battle of Philippi a young Confederate, James Edward Hanger, was seriously injured by a deflected cannon ball. His shattered leg had to be amputated above the knee and he was later fitted with the standard, awkward, clumsy peg leg prosthesis. After being exchanged and returning home to Virginia, he went up to his room and refused to come out until he could walk down the stairs properly. In three months time, using barrel staves, rubber and bits of metal, he developed an articulated artificial leg that would bend at the knee and ankle and allow him to walk almost normally. And he walked down the stairs.

The "Hanger limb" became so much in demand that he patented the design and set up a company that is still in business today, providing mobility for those who have lost limbs to disease, accidents and war.

There are branches in Bridgeport, Fairmont and Morgantown on the corridor between the VA Hospital in Clarksburg and the medical school in Morgantown.



THE CIVIL WAR
ANCESTORS
READERS REPLIES

submitted by: Jim Sims (WI '63)

One hundred and fifty years ago my great-grandfather Alfred Sims and his brother Gilbert Sims and their cousin William Sims went to Clarksburg, Virginia (now WV) to sign up for one year with the 31st Regular Virginia Volunteers also know as the “Harrison Rifles” under the command of Captain U. M. Turner who succeeded Captain Cyrus Vance. These enlistments were as a result of the Ordinance of Secession that was passed by the Virginia Convention on April 17, 1861.

Why would my family or any family from Harrison Co., VA with no record of slave ownership fight for the south? Their great-grandfather William Sims had lived on McKinney Run which is on the Lewis and Harrison County line since before 1800, but his family was from Loudoun County, Virginia and not from Pennsylvania or the northeast. Most of the people from Virginia fought for the South in the War. The 31st Regular Virginia Volunteers or the Harrison Rifles were among the Confederate forces that established a camp at Allegheny Summit which is on the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (now Rt. 250) on the West Virginia-Virginia state line. This camp was established to control the turnpike which was the chief route linking east and west in this area. At an altitude of 4,400 feet above sea level, this camp was one of the highest camps in the Civil War.

On December 13, 1861 roughly 1,900 Union troops under the command of General Milroy attacked 1,200 Confederate troops under the command of Col. Johnson for over seven hours. In an article in 1928 by Evelyn Yeager Beard who lived on Allegheny Summit in 1861 she wrote, “I remember the shots falling on the roof of our house like hail.” Union attempts to capture Camp Allegheny were repulsed. By two in the afternoon the battle was over with the Union forces in full retreat and the Confederates still in possession of Camp Allegheny. Causalities in the battle included approximately 146 Confederates and 137 Union soldiers.

Because of its exposed condition, winter at Camp Allegheny was extremely harsh on its occupants. Disease carried away hundreds of Confederate soldiers. The losses of men combined with the logistical nightmare of keeping the camp supplied contributed to the decision to abandon it in April of 1862. Remnants of this site are still visible today and the U. S. Forest Service is doing its best to preserve and promote this site that is located in the Monongahela National Forest.

On December 13, 1861 my great-grandfather was shot in both hips but did survive. However, his brother Gilbert Sims died along with 600,000 other men during the American Civil War. None of these men returned to their homes to have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As one can see by the following list of the Harrison Rifles, these names are still prevalent in Harrison-Lewis Counties today.

Armsey, Thomas
Armstrong, M. B.
Blair, James M.
Carmack, Lucius
Chidester, J. M.
Commack, John H.
Cookman, George H.
Cooper, First Lieutenant W. P.
Corder, Benjamin
Criss, John T.
Cropp, Aldridge
Cumming, William
Davis, Ashberry
Dawson, Martin
Dawson, Sam
Dennison, Salathiel S.
Duncan, Edmon S.
Gordon, William F.
Greathouse, Silas
Greathouse, James
Green, Berry F.
Holden, Hesekiah
Huffman, John S.
James, Ashbel
Jarvis, Will
King, George W.
Lake, Granville C.
Lewis, Asbery
Lewis, Norval
Lurty, George W.
Nutter, John A.
McCann, James M.
McLoy, William
Merideth, Charles
Nutter, Charles C.
Ocherman, Bond
Preston, Jacob H.
Post, Isaac I.
Pridemore, John
Queen, Andrew I.
Rector, John Jr.
Reed, Thomas
Reger, Lonza D.
Runion, Jacob
Sims, Alfred
Sims, Gilbert
Sims, William
Smith, Augustus J.
Smith, Benjamin
Smith, Daniel
Smith, Edward S.
Smith, Ethelbert
Smith, John B.
Smith, Robert
Smith, William
Stout, Milton
Sumner, First Sergeant Daniel E.
Surgeon, Thomas
Taylor, William
Turner, Capt. U. M.
Wellingham, John W.
West, Josiah
West, William J.
Whitmore, George W.
Wilkinson, William M.
Wingrove, Otas P.



submitted by: Ruby (Mathews) Casto (VHS '47)

Jonathan B. Davis, born 22 Jun 1819 Marion County, Va., died 17 Sep 1909, Farmington, Marion County, WV.

Enlisted in Company F, Regiment 12, Infantry as a Private, 14 Jan 1864. Sworn in at Wheeling, WV. Transferred to Company C, 10th Regiment 16 June 1865. Wounded near Snickers Ferry, VA in the scalp. Lost sight in his left eye. Discharged 9 Aug 1865, Richmond, VA. Rank of Corporal when mustered out.

Elias Martin, born 18 March 1829, died 11 March 1910. Enrolled in Wheeling, WV, 3rd September 1864 as a Private in Company B, 6th Regiment of West Virginia Infantry Volunteers. Discharged 10 June 1865.

There should be a picture in the Amy Vance House on Main Street, Clarksburg, WV with a group of Civil War (Union) Veterans from the Shinnston-Bingamon area. There are 21 men in the picture. My great grandfather Elias Martin is in this picture.

I only have the copy of the picture that was in the newspaper and you can't tell much about it. Those named in the picture are: Ebenezer Janes, James Robinson, Nathan Wright, Jeremiah Hess, James Brown, Samuel Lemasters, Lewis Nay, Arn or Arm Ashcraft, Daniel Moore, John Newton Jones, Newton B. Sandy, Levi Brown, Elias Martin, Franklin Robinson, John Rinehart, Joseph Crim, Granville L. Fortney, William Kerns, Daniel Cunningham, Jesse Flowers Sturm and Daniel Davis.



VERY RARE CIVIL WAR PHOTO'S
HISTORICAL MARKERS

submitted by: Ralph Hardman (was with the WI class of 1959)

Below is an address of a site where you can visit to view historical markers throughout West Virginia.

This site lists the markers by county.

Copy and paste or retype the following address into your search browser:

http://www.hmdb.org/results.asp?State=West%20Virginia

This site was provided to me by Charles McClung



A friend sent this to me. I do not know whether or not this subject is of interest to you, but, from an historical standpoint, these photos are very rare (all at the Library of Congress) because they are made from the original glass plates used in those times. My suggestion is to move your cursor around to find ones that interest you, then click to enlarge them with their captions. When you are finished viewing them, click on Home Page. The photos are remarkable, and bring to our attention once again what a momentous and terrible thing the Civil War was. Most interesting to me are close-ups of such men as Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Grant, Sherman, etc...and the otherwise nondescript nature of the locales in which so many, many thousands of people died. These are rare and valuable photos, so I thought you might appreciate them.

What an unbelievable website. I was totally in awe when I found it and went through the these very rare photos.

Please read the instructions before viewing .......THESE PICTURES ARE VERY PROFOUND It is fortunate that these have survived. Most probably a million wet plate photos were made during the civil war on glass plate.

Popular during the war, they lost their appeal afterwards and so many were sold for the glass. Many used in green houses. Over the years the sun caused the images to disappear.

These are pretty amazing considering they were taken up to 150 years ago: A compendium of photos from era of the War Between the States. Run the cursor over the photograph and the picture caption will pop up.

Click photo to enlarge and to read the caption. Click here please



Sent to me in June 2011 from Buzz Floyd (VHS 1956)

He received it from Mayf Nutter

Interesting history:

April 17, 1861, Virginia's State Convention voted in favor of the state seceding from the United States, pending public approval in a referendum to be held May 23.

Gen Robert E. Lee made arrangements to defend key areas of the state against Northern incursion. To protect the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and its Parkersburg-Grafton spur, he dispatched VMI graduate Col. Porterfield to Grafton on May 4th. Lee anticipated some 3,000 to 4,000 men could be organized in the state's northwestern counties. However, many Virginians in that region wanted to stay in the Union.

On the night of May 22, Pvt Thornbury Bailey Brown of the Union-loyal Grafton Guards militia died in an exchange of fire with Confederate picket Daniel Knight on a bridge at Fetterman near Grafton. He was eulogized as the first casualty of the war to die in a fight between soldiers.

May 23 Virginia's voters chose secession, even though votes from more than 30 western counties never got counted.

Porterfield having received a few reinforcements (total of 775 men) seized Grafton and held the town less than a week.

Alerted that additional Union forces were on the way he retreated to Philippi.

June 3, Union forces routed Porterfield from Philippi. The battle lasted less than an hour and few men on either side had fired a shot but because this was the first inland clash between organized bodies of troops

it became known as "the first land battle of the Civil War".

No one was killed but a cannonball mangled Confederate cavalry private James E. Hanger's leg. When he returned home, he created the first flexible prosthesis and later founded Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, still the world's largest such company,

Above info from June issue of Wonderful West Virginia magazine.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please write about your ancestors who served in the Civil War. The war started in 1861 and we are recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War throughout the year.



ASSISTANT COACHES

We have discussed some of the Clarksburg Head Coaches in the past, but it has been suggested that we discuss some of the area assistant coaches who have taught in the area. Won’t you send us your comments about your assistant coach? ie: The Tony Folios, the Earle Ormes, the Frank Columbos, and any others that you wish to discuss……be it at Victory, Notre Dame, W I, or R W

…..Send your comments to: Roleta1@aol.com

Here is an article to start the ball rolling:

submitted by: Dave Bates (WI '51)

Earle Orme was my homeroom teacher, my gym and science teacher in the seventh grade at Central Junior High in 1945-46. He was outstanding in every venue. My clearest memory was the homeroom trip to Oral Lake in the Spring. He was the very epitome of frolicking fun, leading us in a wide variety of games and songs. Some how there were fewer cars going home than there were coming to the lake. More than a dozen of us packed into his car for one of the most memorable rides I have ever been on. I well remember the disappointment when we heard he was moving up to WI in the fall to replace Tony Folio as Clay B's assistant. We wouldn't have him for eighth grade gym. I can't even imagine the feelings of his athletic teams.



ARTICLE FROM “OUT OF WHIRLWIND”
1963


The article on Bonnie was from "Out of the Whirlwind " which was presented May 7-12, 1963, which was part of Clarksburg's Centennial celebration.

Article submitted by Marge Jones Kober (WI 1959)



BROAD OAKS PICTURES WANTED

If you have any pictures of the following, please send copied to John Campbell at crusierjhcam@frontier.com and to Judy D. Kimler at Jkimler@frontier.com (for the WI Newsletter).

1. Alta Vista Grade School
2. Rosana’s Marked corner Haymond Hwy & Harrison St.
3. Powers Store—Worley Ave
4. Swinsels Store, Mazzie Mkt and Guzzies Mkt on corner of Haymond Hwy
5. Iaquinta’s Store cross from Alta Vista Grade School
6. Roses Store and Perrin’s Store-corner of Point St. and Harrison St.
7. Jones Store, Harrison St. Mkt, Budy Angotti-corner of Harrison St. & Tyler St.
8. Name of store on Buena Vista and Top of Ross St.

Scan into the computer or have copies made and mail to:
Jim Campbell
206 Fowler Ave
Clarksburg, WV 26301

Thank you



submitted by: Nancy Van Horn Stunger (WI '54)

In reply to articles in a recent newsletter:

Re: Businesses:
I remember my neighbor A.W. Adams who lived at the corner of Hart & McDowell Sts. in Stealey . He had a large garage there with trucks that delivered for Sears & one for Montgomery Ward., also did some upholstery work there . I was probably 10 or 11 and felt it was my job to arrive there every morning and help get the drivers off on their day. Then I would help "Papaw" I think I called him , in the shop. He said I asked too many questions! Oh, I mustn't forget the banties who had pen in the loft. A very interesting place!

Re: Grandparents:
I lived on Duncan Ave. Early one day I got on my 24" used bike and rode to Hartland on Liberty Ave. to my Grandparents. I would often find my grandmother sitting on a stool, perspiring and working with green beans, they had no A.C. then. I would peek under the oil cloth that covered the food on the table to see what might appeal to me. My Grandfather might be sitting on the front porch reading his Bible or preparing to go fishing down the street in the West Fork River. They both were very important in my life. When he was 80 they piled all their belongings that they could onto and into an old Buick car and went to Melbourne Fla, where they had wintered for several years. He died two weeks later.



submitted by: Joy Gregoire DeFazio (WI '59)

Regarding "Rosie" of the paper roses: When we were young, she used to ride the City Lines bus from town to Adamston where she then lived. This information was given me by my great-aunt, Bertha Sullivan Eperthaner, in that long ago time. I've sent a note out to others to see what they might know about her. BTW, what about asking on Facebook? or maybe you have and I just didn't see it.



submitted by: Cinda Frenzel O'Neill (WI '66)

Saw your latest WI newsletter thanks to a post on Facebook. It's great! It's been a while since I checked for the newsletter on line--newsletter I got in the mail was a reminder but I don't get many of them anymore.

Anyway, I'm looking for an email address for Susie Newbrough Young if you have it. She wrote a nice piece about working at Loar & White--my dad's store. I wanted to get in touch with her to say how nice it was to read about her great experience working there. My grandfather, August Frenzel, died in 1966--just as I graduated from WI--and my dad, Rick Frenzel, died 2 years ago. I have many fond memories of the store--spending lunch time there while at Towers and Central as well as working there one summer.

Thanks for all the great work you put into the newsletter. I'm marking next years' picnic on my calendar and hope to attend.



submitted by: Barbara Paugh Patton (WI '61)

Does anyone know how many swinging bridges there where in Harrison County that we students crossed in the 1950's? Several where really easy to shake and when someone was in the middle of the bridge it was the closest feeling to being on a roller coaster in the 50's. We would scream, fall from side to side, run to the other side, catch our breath, then run back to the middle to do it again.

Tell us your swinging bridge story. Write to: Roleta1@aol.com



submitted by: Carl Lyon (WI '42)
cvlyon@comcast.net

I would like to be on the list to receive the W.I. newsletter.

My email address is cvlyon@comcast.net I live in Gainesville, VA which is about 35 miles west of DC and next door Manassas, VA. Bull Run flows right through our community.

I just learned that Bill “Grover" Starkey, class of 1944, died on Friday, June 3rd at his residence in Virginia Beach, VA. he was fighting Alzheimer's but died from congestive heart failure. After he retired from Sears in Clarksburg he became an Episcopal Priest and served the Episcopal Church in White Sulphyr Springs, WV for several years before retiring and moving to Virginia Beach.

EDITOR’S NOTE—I can not seem to communicate with people who have Comcast.net as their server and many of the volunteers who help me by sending out my monthly notification to their list of readers. If you can indeed get mail thru to Comcast.net customers, will you please forward the newsletter to Mr. Lyon at his email address shown above? Please let me know if you will be responsible for Mr. Lyon getting the monthly newsletter notice…Thanks



THOSE WHO GAVE TO THE WIN SCHOLARSHIP

Those who bought Tee Shirts and thus gave to the WI Scholarship are:

Elizabeth Tustin
Jim Fragale (sent shirts to a family member as a surprise)
William and Barbara Losh
Wayne Winters
Sondra Brown
Beverly Brown

Thanks for the nice gift to the scholarship from Mary Clark Spahr.

Nancy Stunger (WI 1954) thanks for buying quilt tickets.

A very nice gift has been deposited in the WIN Scholarship bank account from The WI Class Reunion of 1961 in Jim Campbell’s name.

Wayne Winters (WI Class of 1966)
Victoria Skidmore (WI Class of 1966)
Eileen Saeks (WI Class of 1966)
Dina Smith (WI Class of 1966)
Nancy Hill (WI Class of 1966)
Jane Faust (WI Class of 1966)
Lynda Srouse (WI Class of 1966)
Janet Bee (WI Class of 1966)
Sue Guillotte (WI 1966)
David Hood (WI 1966)
Robert Siron (WI 1966)
Margaret Booth (WI 1966)
Vada Hickman (WI Class of 1966) money sent to the WIN Scholarship in memory of deceased classmates from the WI Class of 1966

All listed above get together on the Facebook in a group for the Class of 1966. Thank you so much to all from this Class who gave to the WIN Scholarship.

To all who designated quilt ticket requests: your names have been given to the ladies who make out the tickets for the quilt drawing…and it will be taken care of as you designated. …Thank you

REMEMBER:

If you gave a child $5.00 or even more toward their college education, it really wouldn’t do much to help that child; however, you give that same $5.00 to the WIN Scholarship fund, we add it to money given by others and it soon adds up to a scholarship of $3,000.00. Now that really helps a child. Won’t you help? With every gift you send between now and March 10 you will be able to receive quilt tickets for your gift.. For every $5.00 given, you will receive 6 tickets, and for $10.00 you will receive 12 tickets….and in multiples of 6 for every $5.00 given….Thus you get 30 tickets for only $25.00 and 60 for a gift of $50.00, and for $100.00 you will receive 120 tickets….for $200.00 you will receive an amazing 240 tickets…

Make out your check to: Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship

And mail to:
Roleta Meredith
c/o WIN Scholarship
3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34240

If you want a name on the ticket to be different than the name on your check, please indicate the name and phone number.

AGAIN—Thank you to all who care enough to give!

IT ISN’T THE SIZE OF THE GIFT YOU GIVE IT IS JUST THE FACT THAT YOU GIVE!
VISIONS OF WEST VIRGINIA
CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE QUILT
THE 2012 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

The complete quilt will be pictured soon but we have supplied you with a few pictures of some special squares.





MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1960
AT THE WI PICNIC


Left to right: Bill Stanton, Jim Campbell*, Geo. Cinci, Stanley Jenkins*, Pam Wolfe Brown, Bob Teter, Barbara Rector*, Dick Hall*.

* means that I don't have their email; if someone has it please forward a copy to them.

Present at the picnic but having left before the picture: Diana Caverly*, Bob Secret, Emma Lee Hite*.

Picture was taken by Woodtagger Gary Dawson*.



MORE WI PICNIC PICTURES

submitted by: Joy Gregoire DeFazio (WI '59)


L-R: Phyllis Fittro Brown, Roleta Smith Meredith, Sharyn Cottrill McGahan, Vince Fragomene, Charlie Burkhammer


L-R: On left ? , ? , Phyllis Fittro Brown; On right ? , Helen House Fleming, Jim Fleming


L-R: ? , Ronnie Werner, Margaret Ann Heflin Bailey, Paula Brasseur Riley




submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)








Leaving Clarksburg and saying goodbye to great friends Betty and Dave Rossana







FAVORITE TEACHER

submitted by: Joy Gregorie DeFazio (WI '59)

Re my favorite teacher: I know most who alumni who had him would not agree, but my favorite or the one I most respected was Gus Gudekunst. I had him for 3 years and thought I was really lucky when I had Ms May for geometry my sophomore year. Half-way through my junior year I realized that I hadn't received any favors by being assigned to her class. She wasn't hard enough and didn't demand that we do better. Mr. Gudekunst did.

I considered teaching math after high school. However, instead of finishing college, I earned my Mrs. degree and became Mom to two step-sons and three of my own. Do I regret it? No, not really. I wouldn't trade my children and all the wonderful memories from those years for all the tea in China.


submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)

I have two favorite teachers. Margaret Bauld, the WI Latin teacher, influenced me a lot. She was an excellent teacher. I was a Latin major at Marshall and taught Latin for 16 years. At different times, she was my teacher, mentor, and friend. The best pure teacher I ever had was Louis Traugh, the chemistry teacher at WI. He taught me strategies to problem-solve that I have used throughout my life. Later, when I was teaching at Lincoln High School in the 1980's, Mr. Traugh was teaching chemistry at Lincoln. Sometimes, we would chat at lunch and on breaks. He asked me what some of his past students were doing. I knew some of them.


submitted by: DeDe Short King (WI '94)

I adored Mr. Vernon Hart, my senior English teacher. I thought his assignments were very creative and loved when he would have an open discussion after the assignments were finished. He had such a dry sense of humor that you really had to know exactly how to take him. He would brighten my day when I would walk into his classroom :) Sadly, Mr. Hart passed away a few years back and is sadly missed by his former students. He was proof that there are some great teachers out there and he was one of the best to learn from at Washington Irving High School. RIP Mr. Hart.



OBITUARIES

MARY MARGARET CLARK (VHS 1944)

Mary Margaret “Margie” Clark, 84 passed away on June 21, from complications of a stroke. She was the daughter of Constantino “Tano” and Mary T. “Chon” Fernandez and lived in Spelter.

She was a 1944 graduate of Victory High School, moved to Canton, Ohio, in 1949 and retired to sunny Florida in 1985.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James H. Clark, daughter Debbe, granddaughter Marijo (Drew McNeil) and great-granddaughters Kyra and Vaughn McNeil, all of Florida. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life has been held in Florida.



TIMOTHY MICHAEL WEBB

Timothy “Tim” Michael Webb, age 47, passed away on September 1, 2011. Tim was the son of Donald Lee Webb and stepmother Linda of North View and Melva Jo Burdiss Petitto and stepfather Robert Pettito Jr. of Bridgeport.

Tim is survived by his loving companion, Kitty Sapp. Also surviving are his half brother, Donald Lee Webb Jr. of Clarksburg; his aunts, Eleanor Jean Newbrough and Norma Fawcett; and one great-aunt, Barbara Jones.

Tim was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mildred and Wade Webb, and maternal grandparents, Ruby and Lawrence Burdiss.

Tim was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1982, and attended West Virginia University. He worked in the parts department at Leeson’s Import and was manager at U Store Inc.



ERNEST STRUM

Ernest Sturm, 63, passed away on March 7, 2011, at the Heartland Nursing Home of Clarksburg.

He the son to the late Andrew Martin Sturm and Laura Marie (Campbell) Sturm.

Ernest was the last survivor of his immediate family and is survived by cousins and many friends.



LARRY MICHAEL SKINNER

Larry Michael “Mike” Skinner, 62, died suddenly at his residence in Seaford, Del., on Aug. 21, 2011. Mike was a Clarksburg native and graduate from Victory High School, Class of 1967.

After graduation, he was employed with the Central Intelligence Agency as a courier and later honorably served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps (1st Battalion, 3rd Marines Bravo Co.) during the Vietnam Conflict.

He received numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two silver stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Purple Heart with one gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with combat “V” and Rifle Marksman Badge.

After serving his country’s interests, he became a police officer in Wilmington, Del., for nine years and had been awarded several Official Police Commendations until an injury in the line of duty led him to retire as a disabled officer.

He then returned to Clarksburg with his family and attended Fairmont State College, receiving a Regents Bachelor of Arts with honors in 1978 and West Virginia Wesleyan College, receiving a master of Business Administration in 1987.

He was Clarksburg City Auditor from 1985-89 and later a pension specialist for Metropolitan Insurance and for Money Financial Services of New York (MONY), then worked as a Small Business Administrator with the U.S. government, where he recently retired.

Mike is survived by his parents, Richard and Virginia Skinner, Lakeland, Fla.; two sons, Michael and David Skinner, Clarksburg; one sister, Marsha Whisler, Clarksburg; three grandchildren, Brooklyn and Logan Skinner and Shelby Rebrook, Clarksburg; one great-granddaughter, Nautica G. Skinner, Clarksburg; one niece, Amberly Hurst, Houston, Texas; one nephew, Richard Whisler of Morgantown, WV; and two great-nephews, Joshua and Jeremy Hurst of Texas.

Mike was a member of the Scottish Rite of the Masonic Temple, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Disabled and Retired Police Officers and the American Legion. He was a member of the Barnes Memorial Baptist Church in Clarksburg.



DR. JAMES ALPHA THOMPSON

CLARKSBURG — Dr. James Alpha Thompson, 89, passed away September 3, 2011. He was the son of the late John Paul (J.P.) and Fannie Wiseman Thompson.

Dr. Thompson was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Robinson Thompson. He is survived by his son, Steven Paul Thompson and his wife, Stephanie Aucremanne Thompson, of Clarksburg, WV, a daughter, Anne Robinson Thompson Dudley and her husband, George Michael Dudley, of Fayetteville, NC, a daughter, Marian Elizabeth Thompson Long, of Pittsburgh, PA, and a son, James Andrew Thompson, of Delaware, OH.

Dr. Thompson is also survived by his grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Thompson was a graduate of Washington Irving High School — Class of 1944.

He graduated from WVU, attended WVU School of Medicine and graduated from the University of Richmond School of Medicine. He completed his residency at McGee's Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, in Internal Medicine. In 1954, Dr. Thompson served his country for two years in the United States Navy as a practicing physician while stationed in Bainbridge, MD. Upon returning to Clarksburg, he continued his medical practice from 1952 until his retirement in 2002 at the age of 80 years.



MELVIN SHILLINGBURG

Melvin L. “Sonny” Shillingburg Jr., 65,died September 7, 2011 He was the son of the late Melvin L. and Lovie (Messman) Shillingburg Sr.

Surviving are two children, Jeremy J. Shillingburg and Melissa K. (Ken) Colle,; a grandson, Tysen Collet; a sister, Carolyn (George) Howard and a brother, James (Thelma) Newhouse.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

A 1964 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School in Clarksburg, WV, Sonny retired in 2003 from Guardian Automotive Products in Upper Sandusky after 29 years.



TOMMY PAGE SNYDER

Tommy Page Snyder, age 79, died Sept. 8, 2011.

He a son of the late Fred Sam Snyder and Gladys (Adams) Snyder.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret Anne “Peggy” (Rollins) Snyder; three daughters, Pam (Russell) Amos, Tonja (Gary) Merryman and Sonja (Jeff) Griffith, two brothers, Fred (Jeanette) Snyder, Jr, and Ronald (Donna) Snyde; four sisters, Julie (Marty) Kaye, Katie (Gerry) McClure, Becky (Rick) Cantarelli, and Jane Snyder, and four grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by a grandson, Tommy Amos.

Tommy was a member of the Clarksburg Baptist Church, Clarksburg. He graduated from Bridgeport High School — Class of 1949 — and Salem College — Class of 1954. He also was a member of Hermon Lodge 6, A.F.&A.M. He previously worked for Brockway Glass and Mutual of Omaha and People’s Life Insurance as an insurance agent. Tommy retired in October 1992.

Tommy also served his country in the Army during the Korean War.



SAMUEL “SAM” GEORGE EDGAR, JR.

Sam, age 82, passed away on September 1, 2011. He was the son of the late Samuel George Edgar, Sr. and Emma Gertrude (Swihart) Edgar.

He was a graduate of Washington High School. He married Hazel Louise who survives him.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy (Submarine Service) at 17 years of age on March 4, 1947, and received an honorable discharge on August 22, 1956. Following military service, Sam worked for Griscom-Russell Company, Babcock and Wilcox Company and retired from the Ford Motor Company in Canton, Ohio, after 23 years of service.



DOROTHY NELLIE ALLISON

Dorothy Nellie Allison, age 88, passed away on September 12, 2011, following an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Doy Glenn and Sarah Margaret Bragg Barker. Mrs. Allison was preceded in death by her husband, Charles William Allison, in 1970.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey (Becky) Stires and William Daniel Allison and his companion Mary Jane; her three loving daughters, Karen (Frank) Scarcelli, Paget Allison and Irene “Jackie”. Also surviving are three grandchildren.

Mrs. Allison also leaves behind two brothers, Paul (Barbara) Barker and Eugene (Thelma), as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Loretta Barker. Dorothy was Baptist by faith and a graduate of Victory High School. She was an avid WVU Mountaineer fan in both football and basketball and enjoyed playing bingo.



STEVEN WILLIAM DODD II

Steven William Dodd II, 29, passed away September 13, 2011.

He was the son of Steven W. Dodd and Mary Riddle Dodd Springer.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by three sisters, Tina Dodd Pat) Petitto, Lisa Dodd and Tonya Dodd.

Steven graduated from Robert C. Byrd High School. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.



DR WILLIAM BERNARD BERRY

Dr. William Bernard Berry, our own decorated hero and respected businessman, 92, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2011, at his home.

He was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, on February 27, 1919. Dr. Berry was the second son of the late Milton C. Berry and Hallie Mae McLauglin. His older brother Arthur, now deceased, was married to Kathleen Berry, who resides in Bridgeport.

Surviving are his wife; son David Barry, daughter Susane Berry Tmmiga and stepson James Saginiti.

A graduate of Washington Irving. Mr. Barry had a great career as a civil engineer.

He was active in Stealey Methodist Church. He served his country in WW II in the Air Force and was decorated with a Silver Star by the 12th Air Force. On September 28th, 2007, he was inducted into the Combat Airman Hall of Fame in Midland, Texas. On Aug. 30-31, 2008, during two ceremonies, one in Vicenza and another at Bernard’s Pizzoc headquarters, he was awarded an honorary Italian citizenship for his service commanding a garrison of Italian partisans. In August 28, 2011, a hiking trail on Mount Pizzoc was dedicated in his name.

He was discharged in 1946 as a major with a number of military service ribbons. One of Dr. Berry’s pleasant accomplishments was writing and publishing a WW II chronicle “No Time for Fear” telling the story as to how he commanded a 44-man Partisan outpost from a base on Mount Pizzoc.



MASON STEEL

Mason “Tink” Steele, age 74, passed away September 15, 2011. He was the son of the late Mason and Ruth Rice Steele.

Tink is survived by his wife, Loretta Davis Steele; a daughter, Melinda (David) Larosa a grandson, Ryan Mason Larosa; a granddaughter, Lori Beth Steele

He was a graduate of Bridgeport High School and retired from the city of Bridgeport as director of Public Works after 35 years of service. An avid golfer, Tink enjoyed many days on the golf course, as well as hunting and fishing.



FRANKIE LEWIS FOGG

Frankie L. Lewis Fogg, 77, passed away on September 16, 2011 following an extended illness.

She was the daughter of the late Edgar W. Lewis and Erma G. Deffibaugh Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Fogg.

Frankie is survived by two daughters, Vickie L. (Mark) Findley and Diane E. Cienawski ; and two granddaughters, Alainna D. Lantz and Julia L. Lantz.

She is also survived by two sisters, Christine(Noel) Dawson and husband Noel, and Irene Fogg one brother, Eugene W.(Paricia) Lewis; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Frankie graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1951. She was employed at the Koblegard Company in Clarksburg for seven years as secretary. The remainder of her life was spent as a homemaker, and she was an exemplary caretaker of her parents.



WILMA JOY LUZADER YOKE

Wilma Joy Luzader Yoke, 86, known to most people as Joy Yoke, formerly of East View, Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at Berks Heim Nursing Home, Leesport, PA.

Joy lived in Berks County, PA, near her daughter, Janice, for over seven years, and moved to Berks Heim in May 2011 after an illness.

Joy was born in Clarksburg, WV, on October 20, 1924, a daughter of the late John Welling Luzader and the late Ninnie Margaret Luzader.

Joy graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1942.



KATHLEEN TWYLA LUIKART FOX

Kathleen Twyla Luikart Fox, age 85, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011, at the Heartland Nursing Home.

She was the daughter of the late Arnold Luikart and Flora Cutright Luikart.

Twice married, Kathleen was preceded in death by her husbands, Eugene Smith and Freddie Guy Fox.

Surviving are her two daughters, Linda Kay Fincham, and Debra (Bill) and seven grandchildren.

She was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1944.



JACK O’NEILL

Mr. Jack O’Neil Rogers, died,Sept. 18, 2011, after a brief illness at a Marietta,GA hospital. He was 78 years old.

Funeral services for Mr. Rogers were held at Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Mize officiating. Burial followed in the Rolling Hills Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Mr. Rogers was the son of the late James M. and Martha O’Neil Rogers.

Mr. Rogers graduated from Victory High School and then joined the Marine Corps. He retired with more than 20 years of service to his country.



FRANCIS JAMES "JIM" REYMOND







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