THE WI NEWSLETTER 12/12


THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 160 December 2012






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

Thanks for the reference to your 2005 Veterans Day Newsletter.

It lists 4 of the 1946 WI graduates who were at Fort Knox in 1950 in the Third Armored Division. There were four of us in Company C and Al Gensel from Stealey was in Company A. He later went to OCS and was in a medical unit in Korea For some reason Jerry Berman's name was not included. His parents ran the Working Man’s store. One other WI graduate who was not listed was John Sole, a neighbor, who was a Mustang fighter pilot who was killed .Jack Loudermilk (WI graduate), my next door neighbor was listed. He was a navigator on a Flying Fortress.

I come from a long line of ancestors who fought in Lord Dunsmore War (Built Pricketts Fort in Fairmont)I had one ancestor Betsy Dragoo who was captured and scalped by Indians. Her son was raised in an Indian village in Ohio, Capt Robert Ferrell and his young son James were in the Revolutionary War and fought Indians at Fort Pitt.

Capt James Ferrell was also in the War of 1812 and my dad who was in WWI in the AEF. If the two atomic bombs had not been dropped on Japan I would have been in WWII but was just right for the Korean Conflict (War Was Never Declared).

NOTE TO ALL: When we did the 2005 Veteran’s Day Newsletter we depended on readers to give us any information they had on any Veterans, thus some names were only omitted due to no one sending those names to us. It was a once in a life time venture….it took several months to gather and prepare the information in that 2005 salute to the Veterans. (Plus we still did not miss one of the monthly issues). Judy and I are very proud of that special issue. We are so sorry that some names of Clarksburg Veterans were omitted but we do respect and are proud of anyone who has ever served in any capacity in any of our military branches.



submitted by: Mayf Nutter (Bridgeport HS '59)

Great job on the Newsletter, you two.

I got a little homesick when I watched the video of the "After WVU football game"...with everyone still in their seats singing Country Roads.

Loved it.

Stay Happy,



submitted by: Bill Jackson (WI '43)

When I graduated in 1943 we were still swimming in the pool sans swimming trunks. The pool was next to the boy's gym. I don't know whether the girls ever got to swim or not.

Referencing Tom Keenan's letter I would like him to tell Billie Nutter that Mary Richards Jackson is in the 6th stage of Alzheimer's. Billie was one of my wife's best friends when they were in high school. Mary also worked at Roger's Drug store and she introduced me to Rufus. In the 6 months I dated Mary I found Rufus to be a perfect gentleman.


The above photo is of graduates from RW-"49". Mary is the second one up on the left side. The student in the right middle is Hugh Ainsworth, who worked for Dallas Morning News and was involved with the story about the assassination of JFK by Lee Harvey Oswald. Very interesting. I don't know if Billie Nutter's picture is there because I can't remember what she looked like.

As far as the integrated neighborhoods, Broad Oaks was always integrated. One of my good friends was a black kid, Charles Freeman, who lived one house below us. We used to play football in their side yard. Charles was a very good singer and he sang at my mother's funeral and at Mary's and my wedding. My mother liked him a lot. My friend Bill Rogers and I used to walk to WI every school day and we would walk by Kelly Miller where we would see that big tube slide that went from the top floor to the bottom we wondered what it would be like to go down that fire escape. The other thing about Kelly Miller, was the fact that they had glass banking boards in the gym. I never remembered seeing them anywhere else. Now that's about all you see anymore.



ATTENDING OUR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES

submitted by: Barbara Paugh Patton (WI '61)
bap5555@aol.com

I always went to the football game at Hite's Field. A gang of us would walk from Haymond Highway to the game. The snow or wind would never stop us. Trust me it was a windy walk on Main St to the field. If I caught up with my dad he would give me a ride home with my brother Chuckie. The biggest game of the year was when WI played Victory. No matter who won there where always fights before and after the game. The cheering was really loud that night and when either one played RW, Bridgeport played some really good games too. Any time WI would play a county team it was a big game. The band was seated behind the goal poles at the end of the field. The cheerleaders were always good and the band always put on a good half time show. Both bands were really good as I remember. Some time I would go to out of town games especially Parkersburg when my brother Jerry was playing. My dad would take us. The games were always good whether we won or not. Most of us walked around the field to see who was on the other side. We would do that several times and when we passed the band we would stop and talk to them to. The concession stand always made good hot dogs, and popcorn. Always had our supper there, Clarksburg has always been known for their good hot dogs



submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)

My family attended the WI football games in the fall of 1954 and 1955 because my brother was a first string running back under Coach Anthony Folio. My brother, Roy Smith, wore number 11 and was probably the smallest player to ever play for WI. He was about 5’5” and if I remember correctly he weighed about 132 pounds. He could really run fast and he played what was then called the running back position. My father had played football when he was in Burnsville High School so he had a great deal of interest in Roy’s football activities, they rehearsed plays in the living room, talked that foreign language of X and O’s…causing my mother and me to spend that time together in the kitchen. My dad often stopped over at Hite Field and watched the team practice. I remember that during those 2 years the men (mostly dads) sat together in a separate stand which had the dressing rooms sort of behind them. I am sure mother was there too but I don’t remember the mothers sitting with the dads.

One time my brother got the ball and ran nearly the entire length of the field for a touchdown. You could hear my dad yelling above anyone in the crowd. He was jumping and screaming and even threw his new dress hat into the air….we were so happy, you would have thought Roy had won the Olympic Gold Medal.

When I was in high school, many of we high school kids sold drinks or things in the stands. If I remember correctly, this was a job assigned to the Correspondence Club. Mr. Frederick was the sponsor. I have no idea how selling things at the football game had anything to do with Correspondence but I am pretty sure they were connected. I also remember that a lot of us joined Correspondence club as it was a way to get in another group picture for the yearbook.

I continued to go to football games my freshman and sophomore years but never was it as exciting as when my older brother played. I don’t think I attended any football games my junior or senior years as I had a job and worked late Friday evenings at Lerner Shop.



BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND A GREAT WEST VIRGINIA SONG

submitted by: Glenda Gregg Long (Parkersburg HS '55)

A Breath Of Mountain Air . (Come Home To West Virginia) - YouTube




MYSTERY PICTURE PRINTED IN NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER



PICTURED ABOVE IS BRIDGEPORT HIGH SCHOOL

submitted by: Wayne Winters (WI '66)

This school is the Heritage Christian School which is located at 225 Newton Ave, Bridgeport, WV. It is an Educational Intuition and not a church. This building was the old Bridgeport Junior High School Mrs. Linda Simms is the administrator.

A correct guess was also sent in by Sonja Grossa Alvaro (BHS 1958) but no memory was included



MYSTERY PICTURE FOR JANUARY



If you would like to guess the identification of the picture above, please write to Roleta1@aol.com. Remember to add a memory and include your name, school and year of graduation. thanks


WI SWIMMING POOL

submitted by: Steve Losh (WI '74)

I do remember swimming in the pool at WI. It was downstairs in the boys gym by the lockers and showers. It was rather small and not very clean. I can't recall what year they covered it up. I believe it was my sophomore or junior year. They turned it into a weight room.



submitted by: Tom Keenan (WI '49)

When I was a freshman in 1946 and was taking Gym, I didn’t meet the grade to get chosen to play basketball in the Men’s Gym. However, the pool was available for those of us that didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and wait for an opening. We chose to swim. The only requirement to do this was to take a shower before entering the pool, yes, no clothes at all were allowed. When I tell this to people today, I receive a quizzical stare as swimming nude at that time was only for the hidden creek. I don’t know the origin of the “No Clothes” requirement but I think it was to eliminate a source of dirt in the pool. I guess it was cleaned every weekend as every Monday, the pool was clean as you could see no sediment on the bottom. By Friday, it started to look dirty but we swam anyway. How it was cleaned, I have no idea but it looked good every Monday. Moreover, I never heard any comments about anyone having some sickness associated with the pool. Chlorine will kill a lot of things.

One of the things that came out of the data on WW II was that draftees had difficulty showering nude with the whole group of trainees. I can rest assure you that this condition was not experienced by any WI student who swam in the pool when he entered the Service



submitted by: Dede Short King (WI '94)

Being at WI in the early 90's, we did not get the luxury of the pool. I knew of it because my mom was a 1973 graduate of WI. Our band room was built right overtop of it so it was never seen, however, if you stomped in just the right area of the floor (in the band room, just near the window to the director's office)....you could hear a hollow echo underneath!



submitted by: BarbaraPaugh Patton (WI '61)
bap5555@aol.com

In my Gym Class we got to use the swimming pool as our gym time. We did not get to use it very much but it sure was fun when we did. Who knew 30 minutes would go so quick. I could not swim well at the time and other students could not swim good either. Our gym teacher arranged for a swimming instructor to come and give us swimming lessons. Most of us learned how to swim and was not scared of the water anymore. After that, I had some friends from Maple Lake and some friends from the country club invited me to swim during the summer so, I could continue what I learned from the swimming lessons. My last year of gym I was swimming good and was really proud of what I had learned. I still swim at the YMCA when I can.



submitted by: Keith Zillifro (WI '69)

When I was a freshman (1965), getting to swim in the pool as part of gym class was no big deal, and was just part of the physical education program. Being from the country (Davisson Run), and a strong swimmer (almost drowning a couple of times will make you want to learn), I was really excited about the pool, and looked forward to those days when we would get to swim. While it is probably not something that you will want to put in the newsletter, I vividly remember that someone defecated in the pool as a prank.. I can’t remember if it was after my freshman year, or not. All that I remember is that we had to walk past the pool to get to the gym to eat lunch, and that I never wanted to go in that pool again. period…

P.S. My guess is that others will remember as well. The whole situation stunk—pun intended.



submitted by: Ray Carter (WI '62)

I never used the WI swimming pool during my four years at WI. However, I went to Fairmont State College with a gal that graduated from Fairmont and got a teaching job at WI. We used to go to the pool after hours and swim. Most of the time we were by ourselves. I'm not going to mention the teacher's name. This teacher was not a gym teacher, so I'm sure it was not exactly protocol for us to be there.



submitted by: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI '40)

I am surprised that more people did not know about the swimming pool at WI. It was used the year around. In the summer there were instructors to teach beginners how to swim and they also had classes for those wishing to be life guards. One summer when I was a teen-ager, I took the class for life guards. After I was married, I had another experience with the pool. We lived on Hart Street by the river. We parked our car in the driveway by the house. There was a slight rise in the driveway so we had to be careful backing out onto the road. One day when my youngest son was nearly three years old, his dad was going to take him for a ride so my son ran ahead to get in the car, all eager and happy that he was going in the car. In the meantime my husband had stopped to say something to my dad who was sitting on the porch, when lo and behold; down out of the driveway came the car with our son in it!! Over the river bank it went, throwing my son into the water. When we saw what was happening, my husband leaped over the bank and was in the water just about the same time as the car was. He picked up our boy to show me that he was alright. Believe me, that was a terrifying moment. This event left my son with a fear of the water and he would never try to swim. I thought swimming lessons might help him, so I enrolled him at WI to take lessons in the swimming pool there. To this day, swimming is not his favorite thing, but on very hot days he will get in the pool to swim with his children. The different classes were advertised in the paper but I guess if a person didn't want to swim, it didn't get much attention. Anyway, Roleta, this was my experience with the WI pool. Best Wishes,



submitted by: Bob Dennison (WI '57)

I spent many hours for many days going through my instructions to become a “Water Safety Instructor”. The class was instructed by Les Holdsworth. Later going I went to Prospect, PA to get my Instructors Instruction. Lots of fond memories about the WI pool.



CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith
Roleta1@aol.com

Even though we only attended Central for 2 years, it left a deep impression on each of us. Do you remember the name of the principal and any of the teachers at Central? Who was your favorite teacher and what was your favorite subject? Share some of your memories with us…….write to Roleta1@aol.com.

Here are a few letters to kick off our salute to Central :

submitted by: Steve Losh (WI '74)

Central Jr. High. It was just recently demolished. I attended from Sept. 1968 to June 1970. The principal was Mr. Lowther. He had one leg shorter than the other. 7th grade home room teacher was Mrs. Faris in room 206 and 8th grade was Mr. Harbert in room 302. Mike Kelley and I ran the popcorn machine. We had to get there early before first period began in order to pop, bag and stack so as to be ready to sell during lunch break. Some other teachers were Mr. Corder for shop, Mrs. Israel, Mrs. Colborn, Mrs. Bee and Coach Ferrell.



submitted by: Sally Pulice (WI '69)

I was "home" in Clarksburg/Bridgeport 2 weeks ago, and I was surprised to see that Central had been torn down. But, in a way I was glad, because the building was in such disrepair. My memory is that we exchanged classes by moving about as a class...your homeroom class. I was in Mr. David Swecker's homeroom for 7th grade. He taught Math. And, I will always remember that we sat on the gym floor (yuk!) to eat our lunches. My girlfriends and I met in the same corner of the gym every day, and we shared our brown bag lunches with each other over some great conversations. The other fun memory I have of Central Junior High School is that on Saturdays I attended my brother's basketball games, and the popcorn that was made and sold during the game was delicious. It was served in a brown paper bag, complete with the grease spots from the butter. So brown bags and Central Junior High School go together for me.



submitted by: Ray Carter (WI '62)

I'm one of those that enjoys the newsletter very much but have not contributed to it. Here is a pic of the boys in Mrs Dodds Central Jr. High class.



Front row: (l-r) Mike Frankhauser (now Mike Patrick of ESPN), Jeff Marks, Guy Costello, Keith Roach
Second row: Danny Losh, Jim Hovey, Gordon Cain, Bob Caplan
Third row: Me, Joe Ryan, Mrs Dodds,
Back row: David Brown, Ricky Spann, David Martino

I don't know how you can use this. Since we all graduated in 1962, I'm thinking this was 1958? I can't remember if Mrs Dodds was my 7th or 8th grade teacher.



FYA (For Your Amazement)
How Old is grandma?

Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. It may blow you away. One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events. The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general..

The Grandmother replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:
' television
' penicillin
' polio shots
' frozen foods
' Xerox
' contact lenses
' Frisbees and the pill

There were no:
' credit cards
' laser beams or
' ball-point pens

Man had not invented:
' pantyhose
' air conditioners
' dishwashers
' clothes dryers
' and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and space travel was only in Flash Gordon books.

Your Grandfather and I got married first, .. .... ... and then lived together..
Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the The Bible, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege...
We thought fast food was eating half a biscuit while running to catch the school bus.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were those who closed front doors as the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.

We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam....
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all 5 cents
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Ford Coupe for $600 (R4200), . .. . but who could afford one?
Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.

In my day:
' "grass" was mowed,
' "coke" was a cold drink,
' "pot" was something your mother cooked in and
' "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
' "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
' "chip" meant a piece of wood,
' "hardware" was found in a hardware store and
' "software" wasn't even a word.

No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap or a page from the archives.

How old do you think I am? I bet you have this old lady in mind....you are in for a shock!

Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.

Are you ready ?????

THIS WOMAN WOULD BE 59 YEARS OLD.




HOBBIES AND CRAFTS

submitted by: Sherry Hutchinson Keith (WI '64)

I like fiber arts and do all sorts of crochet baby shawls to weaving, and folk art with fabric and adornments.. .. I will take a moment to send some...if you want to use them sometime. Thanks for all you two do!









In the picture below "BFF" is written in the sky by a skywriter plane . This is a reveal piece starting with a golden overlay and without! Just Jenny Carr Schrier and me at the beach.. Daytona Beach, Florida. Done in fabric and pearls, lace and buttons.





EMAIL ADDRESSES

Sam Urso (WI '57) samursojr@gmail.com
Joanna Oliverio Haught (VHS '59) jjhaught62@tampabay.rr.com
Sara L. Hall-Howe (WI '63) saralhowe@yahoo.com
Joe Van Voorhis (WI '65) joegvv@gmail.com




DID YOU KNOW?

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

I have only received $65.00 for the WIN Scholarship Quilt tickets in 3 months.

The kids still need our help. Your individual $1.00 to $100.00 won’t go far towards paying for college expenses unless you join with the hundreds of readers who usually support the WIN scholarship.

Each year the appreciative WI Newsletter readers send money to support the Win Scholarship. A major fund raiser for this cause is a WIN Quilt. Some ladies are kind enough to make quilt squares and Sue Selby Moats (WI 1955) puts them together to make a quilt top, then quilts the entire project into a lovely design usually appraised at well over $2,500.00. The money we receive goes to the scholarship fund and each year we have been giving a boy and a girl, graduating from R.C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg, WV, each a $3,000.00 scholarship paid to their student account at the college of their choice. This money is paid as $1,500.00 before the fall semester starts and $1,500.00 before the winter semester starts. This money may only be used for tuition, books, or other on campus educational expenses.

The last 2 years the quilt project has raised over $3,000.00 which paid for one scholarship. By the looks of things this year we may have a hard time collecting enough for one scholarship.

This has been a wonderful “pay forward” project as a thank you to our community, educational system, our principal and our teachers. I hate to see this Scholarship project come to an end.

Won’t you please give some money to the Scholarship fund or buy some tickets to try to win the 2013 WIN Scholarship quilt?

Tickets are $1.00 each but we give you 6 tickets for $5.00 and 12 for $10.00…..so increase your chances by buying lots of tickets. The winning ticket will be drawn at our annual CLARKSBURG REUNION Picnic.

You can even sell tickets to relatives, friends or neighbors. We don’t care who wants to buy.

WE NEED THE MONEY!

The readers have always come thru in the past I am sure you will this year.

Make your check out to:
Roleta Meredith /WIN Scholarship

And mail to:
Roleta Meredith
3021 Charles Mac Donald Drive
Sarasota, FL. 34240

THANK YOU FOR HELPING!

TWO BLOCKS FROM THE 2013 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT





IDENTITIES OF SOME IN THE BROWNIE TROOP PICTURED IN THE LAST NEWSLETTER


picture submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)

Brownie Scout Picnic in May 1955, Troops 73 & 74 from Morgan School. I can't remember all the girls, but here is what I do remember.

First row l-r: Ann Fansler, Peggy ?, Susie Wysong, ? , Sharon Buseman, ? , ? , and Layne Preston.
Second row l-r: Jamie Robinson, Marcia Booth, and Barbara Supler.
Third Row l-r: ? , ? , ? , Nancy Isperding, ? , Linda Mackall, ? , Lana Ellison, ? , and Candie Hughes.



submitted by: Jamie (Robinson) Cancro (WI '65)

So weird that I was looking at the WI newsletter today and saw the picture of my Brownie troop from Morgan School.

Marcia Booth's mother was the leader with Susie Hayes mother helping from 3rd grade I think.

Surprisingly I can name almost everyone.

1st row l-r: Kristine Fansler's sister, Peggy Reynolds, Susie Wysong, Marilyn McKinnon, Sharon Buseman, Not sure-face is shaded, Vicky Quinn and Layne Preston.
Second row l-r: Me (Jamie Robinson) kneeling tall, Marcia Booth, unknown-face shaded maybe Susie Hayes
Last row l-r Kristine Fansler, next 2 I don't remember, Nancy Isperding, unknown, Linda Mackall, Hilda Logston, Svetlana Ellison, last 2 don't know.

Wow, hope it helps.



submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

A few of these girls look familiar may be Jean Taylor and Sandra Shreves in the back row. I am guessing some of the girls are from Arbutus Park.




I ASKED, WHAT WI TEACHER DIED IN THE 1960’S?

I received one letter from Jerry Hustead and it is printed below, it brought back so many memories. I know some of us over the past 13 years of the newsletter have written about this teacher. I only had to read Jerry’s letter and it brought back so many memories. Let’s salute this teacher next month. Now read the letter and write me some memories….write to Roleta1@aol.com.

submitted by: Jey Hustead (WI '63)

Roleta, I can't remember her name but I do remember she was famous for sentence structuring. You had to color each noun, pronoun, adjective, verb etc with a different colored crayon. Someone at the viewing dropped a box of crayons in her casket.

NOTE FROM: Roleta

It was Miss Emily Taylor---------------let’s give a big salute to Miss Taylor.



GENEALOGY

submitted by: Ruby Mathews Casto (VHS '47)

In reading the November newsletter you mention, genealogy. Harrison County has a genealogy group which has been in existence since 1984. Our webpage is www.wvhcgs.com. We meet the first Saturday of every month on the second floor of the Waldomore. Remember the Waldomore was the old library. Dick Wilt is our webmaster and twice a month he does a feature story. There are also some great maps on there that people might like to use to find out where their ancestors lived.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Take a minute and visit the site suggested above and when you go there, click HCGS GUESTBOOK. You may find letters from a distant relative who is connected with one of your ancestors. I saw several sir names that seemed possibly the same as those of some of the readers. It is possible that some of you may be connected. There are about 5 pages of letters



PICTURES OF WHERE THIS GRAD HAS BEEN

submitted by: Jim Potter (WI '65)

I have attached some interesting pictures of places that I have been The first is the Holocaust memorial in Yerevan, Armenia I was doing training there for US AID. The second is the church the Armenians built to greet the Pope for the 1700 years of Christianity they celebrated. The third picture is of the Government building in Center of Yerevan. iIt is modeled after Red Square. The next picture is of Big Ben and Parliament as seen from across the Thames River. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world. The next picture in this group is of Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is supposed to be. We could not see it on the mountain. The last picture is that of Guarney the oldest Christian church in the world. It was founded by Gregory the illuminator a follower of The Apostle Thomas.













HIGH SCHOOL WRAP-UP:

submitted by: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com

For those of you who no longer live in north central West Virginia, you might be interested in knowing that R C Byrd and Bridgeport just completed fine football seasons. Both teams made it to the state semi-finals in the Class AA playoffs, Byrd losing to defending champion Wayne and Bridgeport falling for the second time this season to a strong Keyser team. Morgantown matched their efforts in Class AAA, losing to No.1, Cabell Midland in the semi-finals.



To Bill:

I found out something about professional football this past weekend that I never knew. I have always thought that the college overtime game logic was stupid, as I have always thought that college preparation should flow the same way that professional football does, instead of this “match play” logic.

I was watching the scores on ESPN on Sunday that were scrolling below the NASCAR race that I was watching and I saw the score for the Jacksonville/Houston game come across the bottom of the screen. The score was 34 – 34 going into overtime. THEN, I saw that the score was 34 – 37 in favor of Houston, but the clock was still running in the bottom portion of my TV, which made no sense to me, as I have always thought that the first team to score in overtime in professional football won. PERIOD! Then, I saw that the score was 37 – 37, and the clock was still running. FINALLY, the score changed to 37 – 43, and it was noted as a FINAL SCORE.

My lesson in professional football overtime logic came to me as I came in to work on Monday and asked one of my co-workers about this scenario and he explained that if a professional game goes into overtime, and the first score is via a touchdown – the game is over. But, if the first team having possession scores a field goal, the opposing team has a chance to do the same and/or win the game by scoring a touchdown.

I talked to a friend of mine who was watching the game, and she was as confused as I was, in that she thought that the first team to score in overtime WON! PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Teter, W I 1961

Reply To John:

In March 2012, the owners changed the overtime rule to the system you discovered. The key is that the team receiving the kick-off in overtime, must score a touchdown, otherwise the opposing team gets a possession. As I understand it, if neither team scores on their first possession, the old sudden death rule kicks in, that is, the next team to score wins. If neither team scores in the 15 minutes overtime period, regular season games end in a tie. However, there are no ties in playoff games, so the sudden death rule would continue in playoffs until a team scores.

Confusing? Some people think so, but others like the new rule.

As for the college game, I like their overtime rules. They add to the excitement of the game, particularly in the third overtime, when teams must go for two points after a touchdown. Then again, the college game has always been my favorite, probably because I've never lived in a city that had a pro team. That is, unless you call Ohio State a professional team. With the proposal to pay college players (legally) now on the table, there will be little distinction between the colleges and pros, except in the amount of compensation.

Thanks for writing.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



THE GREATEST TEAM?

Jim Alvaro, W I 1956, sent me the picture and article below about the Washington Irving basketball team of 1954-55. Jim claims that this may have been the greatest sports team ever to play at the school. He makes a good point, when you look at some of this team's accomplishments. They were undefeated with 18 wins in the regular season. Their only loss was in the state tournament to South Charleston by 3-points. They produced three major college players, Bob Clousson and Jim Warren at WVU and Bob Hart at Marshall.



Below is a picture of the WVU team with Bob Clousson and Jim Warren, which finished as the NCAA runner-up in 1959.



Below is the box score of the final game against California.

1959 NCAA Tournament | Championship Game
Location: Louisville, Ky.

.

California (71)

Player FG-A FT-A Reb. PF Pts.
Bill McClintock 4-13 0-1 10 1 8
Bob Dalton 6-11 3-4 2 4 15
Darrall Imhoff 4-13 2-2 9 3 10
Al Buch 0-4 2-2 2 3 2
Denny Fitzpatrick 8-13 4-7 2 1 20
Bernie Simpson 0-1 0-0 2 2 0
Jack Grout 4-5 2-2 3 1 10
Dick Doughty 3-6 0-0 1 3 6
Totals 29-66 13-18 38 18 71

West Virginia (70)

Player FG-A FT-A Reb. PF Pts.
Jerry West 10-21 8-12 11 4 28
Willie Akers 5-8 0-1 6 0 10
Bob Clousson 4-7 2-3 4 4
Bob Smith 2-5 1-1 2 3 5
Bucky Bolyard 1-4 4-4 3 4 6
Ronnie Retton 0-0 2-2 0 0 2
Jim Ritchie 1-4 2-2 4 0 4
Lee Patrone 2-6 1-2 4 1 5
Totals 25-55 20-27 41 16 70 		      

Forward Willie Akers puts in two
against Penn State at the Field House.
WVU Sports Communications photo


Bob Clousson 1957-59 C 6' 5" 195 Clarksburg, WV

Don Vincent, Jody Gardner and Lloyd Sharrar were gone in 1959. In Sharrar’s place, Schaus chose Bob Clousson as his replacement. Clousson gave up nearly five inches to Sharrar and wasn’t even on scholarship when he came to West Virginia.

“I was walking down High Street with a bunch of other guys and this blue Buick pulled up along the curb and it was Fred,” Clousson said. “He introduced himself and he asked me to come down to the Field House to play with the guys. That’s how I got started.”

Two years later Clousson was a starter. None of West Virginia’s regulars in 1959 stood taller than 6-6. Smith played guard with Bolyard, and the two forwards were West and Akers. Ritchie, Retton and Patrone were occasional starters.

Jim Warren 1958-60 F 6' 2" 175 Clarksburg, WV

Willie Akers had nearly as many scholarship offers as West and like West, he grew up following Mark Workman and the West Virginia players he listened to on the radio. “It was kind of the thing to go to West Virginia if you lived in West Virginia,” Akers said. Bob Davis, Jay Jacobs, Paul Miller, Howie Schertzinger, Nick Serdich, Nick Visnic and Jim Warren, all West Virginians on the 1959 roster, thought so, too.

Bob Hart

Bob graduated from Washington Irving High School, Class of 1955, where he was affectionately known as "Bobby Joe." While in high school he played baseball, football and was an All State basketball player. Bob received a basketball scholarship to attend Marshall University.

QUESTION ??? Thanks to Jim Alvaro for sending all of this to me. Do you agree with Jim? Were they the greatest? Do you remember anything about this 1954-55 team? Any interesting stories you can share with us? Sent your comments and stories to me at:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

The most heated rivalry that I remember in the 1960 – 1961 era, was the WI versus Victory football/basketball games. I remember going to the games at Hite Field, and walking down over the hill off of Chestnut Street (unless it was raining, and then we walked further down Chestnut and down the street to the field). I do not remember paying to get into the games and/or getting/buying a program. I actually tried out for football during my high school days, but was not able to play as I had a kidney operation before the season started and that benched me before I ever got a chance to “suit up” for a game. I do remember going to practice and wearing shoes with metal cleats.

I was going to the football (and basketball) games in the era of Bobby Secret, Bob Teter, Gene Donaldson, John McFarland, Danny Pettry and John Madia – 1960.

Then (of course), there were my classmates including Bob Swiger, Jim Coffindaffer, Richard Malcolm and Tom Kearns– 1961.

I remember that the press box was at the left hand side of Hite Field as you walked in, and the WI crowd sat under the press box, but I do not remember where the fans of the opposing team sat, as I do not remember stands being on both sides of the field. I also remember that the WI band was at the games, but not sure where they sat. Maybe at the far end of the field.

I also remember the concession stand, as it was close to the entrance to Hite Field and was “manned” by mothers of the football players, as I can remember my mother working that concession stand on many occasions. I remember feeling so sorry for her (and the other mothers) during one game that was being played in a torrential rain storm. I do not remember for sure who provided the food, but I think that it was cooked on the premises and not catered/brought in. I also do not remember (so-called) vendors being at the games selling stuff and I also do not remember people coming thru the stands selling food and/or drinks.

John Teter, W I 1961

Reply To John:

Thank you for the nice long letter. You mention several items which will tax our reader's memories. Since I did not go to school in Clarksburg, I'll need help filling in the blanks about Hite Field.

Where did the opposing fans sit?
Were there stands on both sides of the field?
Where did the band sit?
Who provided the food for the refreshment stand and was it prepared at the field?

If you can answer any or all of these questions, please write us.

I only remember being at Hite Field once in my life, that being in the early 50's when our high school won a state championship football game played there. I hope many of you will remember the layout of the field and fan locations, so you can share your memories with us.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



ENJOY IT, WHILE YOU CAN:

submitted by: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com

Much has been written and said about this year's edition of WVU football---No defense, underachievers, poor coaching, it goes on and on. While pondering all of this the other day, I suddenly realized that, without really appreciating it, I was witnessing history. I was seeing a player, who was doing things I had never seen done before and most likely would never see done again.

That player, of course, is Tavon Austin. We seldom see a WVU player rush for over 200 yards, let alone 300 yards. Combine that with his abilities as a receiver and returning punts and kickoffs and you have the ultimate offensive football player. His play against Oklahoma will go down in history as the best ever performance by a Mountaineer. His total yardage record that day may never be broken. And the sad part is that he didn't win the Big 12 Conference offensive player of the week award.

Is he the best player in the nation? I think so. But the Heisman Trophy voters seem oblivious to his accomplishments. Perhaps, his team has not won enough games. Perhaps, it fell from grace too early in the season. Regardless, it appears we will have two more games to watch him work his magic. So, as the title says, enjoy it while you can. It will be a long time before we see another player as exciting to watch as Tavon Austin.



JUST DREAMING

submitted by: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com

WHAT IF ???

Shawne Alston wasn't injured in the James Madison game.
Stedman Bailey wasn't injured in the Texas Tech game.
Tavon Austin had been at running back all year.
WVU had just an AVERAGE defense.
The team wasn't required to travel to Austin, Texas and Lubbock, Texas on back to back weekends.
The defense had a blitz package they could disguise.
Half the defense could tackle like Karl Joseph.
We had a consistent punter.

We may never again see offensive weapons like Geno, Tavon and Stedman on the same team at WVU in our lifetime. Sometimes, opportunity only knocks once. Let's face it, we blew it !!!



THE NAME OF THE GAME:

submitted by: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com

They call the game basketball, but the real name should be "Put the ball in the basket". A team can have the tallest, fastest, smartest or strongest players on the floor, but if they can't shoot well, that is, consistently put the ball in the basket, they usually don't win. Making 40% or less of your shots won't get you many victories in major college basketball.

As I write this, WVU is 1--3. Not a great start to the season. Coach Huggins said that he liked to play quality teams early, so he could find out where his team needs to improve. That's OK if the team has confidence going in. However, since this team had never played a game together, perhaps they would have been better served if they had been given the opportunity to beat a few "cupcakes" early---To kind of get their feet on the ground.

Regardless, Huggs certainly knows now what his team needs to work on-----EVERYTHING !!!

After suffering through the football season, I need a few wins to get my spirit renewed and I'm confident Huggins can turn it around.

Do you have comments on the basketball team? Will they make the NCAA tournament again? Send your thoughts to :

Bill (billmere@aol.com)


REUNION PICTURES

submitted by: Rebecca Lynn (Allen) Ausmus(WI '70)
rla0643@aol.com

These pics were taken Aug 10, Aug 11 Friday and Saturday of the WI Class Reunion combo classes of 68,69,70. Here is the number of those who attended the Class Reunion.

Class of 1968 = 26, Class of 1969 = 32, Class of 1970 = 20 + 36 guests total

grand total of 114. Hope that is good!! lol

It was held at the 4H Barn on Rt 19 Clarksburg. Friday night was appetizers and snacks and Saturday was a sit down buffet.










ANNUAL CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC

Save the date----March 10, 2013.

Anyone from Clarksburg is welcome to attend the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic which I have organized for the past 12 years. Even spouses who aren’t from WV are welcome.

The picnic is in Sarasota, Florida. Come to Florida for a week-end or plan a vacation for the week.. Sarasota is the location for Siesta Key Beach and it was named the BEST BEACH in the world. It has also been judged to be among the top 10 with the whitest sand in the world.

Every year about 100 or more of us gather for the week end events. Some out of towners gather together for dinner on Friday evening. Then Saturday we join up for the picnic and spend hours visiting. My biggest thrill is seeing people finding old friends who they haven’t seen in years, finding a relative, or classmate or even co-worker from the past.

There are about 25 or 30 people who gather on Friday night at a local motel and stay until Sunday morning. A lot of fun and laughs are shared then and many stories are retold that we hear each year but they only get better over time. I hope you will attend this year. Last year I was very ill but continued through with the picnic and activities. I now realize how fragile life really is and I want to make the most of it. If we pass up an opportunity like this, we may lose a chance to be together . This year, I feel like a new person so come and join me to celebrate and have lots of fun.

To attend, make your reservation. Plan to arrive around 11:00 to help set up, 11:30 – 1:00 we visit. We eat and visit more. We have door prizes and we pull the winning ticket for the WIN Scholarship quilt. We stay at the picnic and visit until around 4:00 or 5:00….but you are welcome to stay as long as you like. Each couple brings a covered dish to share, their own drink and a few dollars to put in the hat to cover expenses. Provided is the pavilion, the plates, eating utensils and the popular Clarksburg Hot Dogs, I make 18 pounds of my secret hot dog chili sauce. I provide the buns, the onions, mustard, and even a little slaw for some of the spouses who didn’t grow up in Clarksburg and they think the dog needs slaw. This year I have special wieners from Clarksburg just like the ones used in the hot dogs there….so you must plan on attending. Hope to see the regulars and some new faces too. Tell your friends and bring car loads or come for the week-end. Freddie Alvaro always finds a deal on a motel located close to the picnic sight. Details will be in an upcoming newsletter.

I will start taking reservations now.



GOING TO TOWN

submitted by: DeDe Short King (WI '94)

Growing up in the 80's, I never got to experience the days of fancy "Going to Town" clothing, but I absolutely love seeing photos of how it was! As I child, I also had a closet of school clothing, special clothing and play clothing as to not ruin anything nicer. However, in the 80's, school clothing just consisted of whatever the latest trend of fluorescent clothing was. Although it was bright and fun for sure, I have always loved the look of the gentlemen in hats and overcoats along with the women in fancy hats and gloves the women of those eras wore. I would have never survived the heels though....

REPLY TO DEDE’S LETTER FROM ROLETA1@AOL.COM: I loved every aspect of going to town on Saturday afternoons. By not experiencing this, you certainly did miss a weekly parade of fashion! From the time I can remember until when we moved away from Clarksburg, I usually made a Saturday trip to downtown. I don’t know how I did it but I started wearing those 4 inch heels when I was about 14 or 15. When 16, I started working in ladies clothing…and became very style conscious. At the age of 16, I worked in Lerner’s Dress Store on Main Street but I wore flat dress shoes (similar to Mary Jane’s). I was on my feet Friday evening from after school until we closed out the money after the store closed (maybe after 9:00). On Saturday’s it was all day so even with the flat shoes, my legs and feet hurt. I also worked one summer at Wonder Shoe Store and then the following summer I worked at Brodias on the second floor in Ladies dresses, coats and hats. At Brodias I was required to wear dresses and high heeled shoes. I was on my feet all day in those 4 inch heels. I remember that I carried a couple of pairs of shoes in my large purse so I could change frequently during the day thus different height of heel would give the legs, back and feet a bit of a rest but I wasn’t allowed to wear flat shoes while working in Brodia’s finer dresses.. Now, I don’t even own a pair of 4 inch heels…I guess they are for very young feet.



NOT GOING TO TOWN

submitted by: Carol (Gottlieb) Rovinsky (WI '65)

Roleta, First of all, your explanation of the change in accessing the Newsletter, reasons behind it and what to do in the future were excellent!

In response to your request to talk about “GOING TO TOWN”, this is NOT about “Going to Town” but rather about the time “I DIDN’T Go to Town.”:

When I was preparing to go to college the summer of 1965, my mother wanted to take me downtown to stores such as Friedlander’s, Broida’s (did I spell that correctly?) and a few other up-scale shops – just like she had done two years prior with my sister.

I, however, was not the least bit interested in getting dressy clothes that I knew I wouldn’t wear and insisted instead on getting some blue jeans, flannel shirts and other practical clothes for my new venture. Although I don’t remember where I purchased such clothes since we of course didn’t have a Walmart, The Workingman’s Store comes to mind as a possibility. (Unbeknownst to me at the time, there were probably thousands of others my age doing the exact same thing. The result was that a pair of jeans that then may have cost $5 (someone please correct me if I’m wrong) now costs $60 or more. Obviously those fighting the system then became the system !)

When I came home from my first semester at Michigan State, my mother told me that Madeline Cohen, the owner of Broida’s (I just “Googled it and it IS spelled correctly !) had asked her how her orphan daughter was doing. Baffled by this question, my mother asked Madeline what she meant. Madeline replied that when Andrea went to college my mother brought her into the store to buy appropriate clothes for her new venture but that she had not brought me in at all. Hence, that “orphan daughter” comment has given me many internal smiles of those days in that time.



GIRLS STATE



Completed in 1924, Harrison Cottage was financed primarily by the Harrison County Court with a contribution from the Enterprise Comrades 4-H Club. The wide front porch and various sized meeting rooms make the lower portion of Harrison Cottage a versatile and convenient place for meetings, small group discussions, demonstrations, and classes. The second story is used as a dormitory. Harrison Cottage was remodeled in 1949; other improvements have been made over the years. The cottage’s location halfway between the Dining Hall and the Assembly Hall makes is very popular.

Here is a site where you can see all the county cottages. County Cottages

submitted by: Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke (WI '55)

I was one of the lucky girls that got to attend Girl's State. I believe it was in 1954, after finishing my junior year at WI. It was quite a good experience for me as I never had gone to any summer camps before. My Aunt Madge Duncan was the one who sponsored me. We had such a good times that week at Jackson’s Mill. We were separated into different cabins and I met girls from all over WV. We formed and voted for government offices with Elise Andre voted as WV judge! My classmates were Elise, Louanne Furbee, Nancy Jo Funk, Judy Lough, Sara Stephenson, Mary Stump, and Sue White. We put on a play which was judged by visitors, who I believe were representatives from the WV government at the time.

We had access to a beautiful pool and all the wonderful history of our state and the beautiful grounds of Jackson’s Mill. I took my daughter to see this place when I attended my 50th WI Reunion in 2005. It was still so very interesting, I bought a cookbook and some cornmeal while there. The recipes are wonderful and the cornmeal was great. There is much history there with the old mill and stories.

This was quite an experience for me because I was always in Maryland at my sisters' during the summer months from the time I was 9 yrs old until that summer when I was 17 yrs old, so I had never spent any summertime with any of my classmates until that time. In fact, after the camp, I went to MD for the rest of the summer.

Keep up this wonderful newsletter, Roleta and Judy! I look forward to it each month. You give me news from the West Virginia where I was born and spent the first 18 years of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better place to have wonderful memories of my childhood.



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

I was sponsored by The VFW of Clarksburg to go to Girl’s State in Jackson’s Mill. We had to have good grades. I was elected “Sheriff” ergo was an Honor Guard for the Govenor’s entrance into the Mill. That governor being Gov. Cecil Underwood. It was a great experience as Jacksons Mill was my very favorite place, having been to 4H CAMP THERE several years.



submitted by: Carol (Gottlieb) Rovinsky (WI '65)

Roleta,

In response to your question about “Girl’s & Boy’s State”:

I went to Girl’s State one year that I attended WI. I believe I was nominated (? ?) by the Rotary Club since my Dad was a member. Having attended camps before, I was not at all gun-shy at the thought of attending this camp. HOWEVER, from the moment I got off the bus, I realized that I was like a fish out of water. The majority of the girls hit the ground running with an idea of which position they wanted, were working on a campaign/ running mate/ etc. My only vivid memory of that time there is of my feeling of being totally baffled by the entire scene and feeling out of place. Following my initial very uncomfortable feeling of being overwhelmed, I decided I had to make the best of it and chose the most insignificant position for which to run. I may or may not have “won” because the entire political scene was so foreign to who I was (and still am).

Having written this, I believe I will copy & paste it into an email to my nephew who is a junior at Georgetown University, majoring in Political Science and Psychology. Incorporating my emotional preferences I have suggested to him that a good career for him might be to be the shrink to the politicians. Time will tell . . . .



BOY’S STATE



This small but lovely and much-used cottage is of stone construction. The side porches of this cottage are very popular places for nature classes and small group discussions. It was built in 1929 through the efforts of Barbour County 4-H’ers, friends, and interested organizations. The cottage was extensively damaged by fire in the summer of 1944, and remodeled afterward.

submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS '57)

I attended Mountaineer Boy's State at Jackson's Mill in 1956. It is difficult to remember exact details of the experience, but I remember the occasion well.

I'm not sure how many students from each high school attended, but I was the only person from our small high school. I was selected by the school faculty, the selection being based on grades, activities and citizenship. I believe it lasted a week and all expenses were paid by either the American Legion or perhaps some by the schools.

We lived in the various county cottages and ate in a central "mess hall". I stayed in the Barbour County building with about 20-30 other boys. There were many activities, including various sports. However, the main activity was government. We were divided into two political parties. All state offices were contested, from the Governor on down. I ran for both the State Treasurer (unsuccessfully) and the House of Delegates. I was elected to the House and attended a few sessions of that chamber.

I was amazed at how well prepared some of the students were to run for office. The young man who was elected Governor had well made signs and a campaign staff put together prior to arrival at Jackson's Mill. I had the feeling that they had been well-schooled by their advisors, before they left their schools. The boys from the Charleston area stuck together and seemed to vote as a large block, thus assuring their candidates of success.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I met many boys who I later encountered at WVU. Although I have never run for public office, I have always tried to keep well informed on the candidates and issues of the day. After seeing some of the street interviews of young people in our country during the last few years, I think it is a shame that many of those interviewed, knew absolutely nothing about current events, our country's history or political issues.. And to think, these people vote. It's too bad all young people can't attend some conference similar to Boy's State while in high school. It might change the direction of our country for the better.



submitted by: Larry Jett (RW '56)

I remember more about the selection process of Boys State than I do Boys State. Every time one of students lets me know that he/she had attended Boys/Girls State, my mind races back to my high school days at R-W. I thought that I might share this with some of your readers, especially those who attended R-W in the 1950s.



submitted by: R.J. “Bob” Dennison (WI '57)

I was fortunate enough to have been sent to 1956 Boy’s State by H.G Rhawn, owner and editor of Clarksburg News. My residence at Boy’s State was in the Lewis county Cottage where I ran for and was elected “Sheriff”. It was a fantastic lesson in state government.

Re: Picture and group from Broad Oaks: That was the group from lower Broad Oaks, the group from on the hill which rarely gets mentioned (and I don’t know why---maybe because we were on the Hill)…A few I can remember are: Dan Demarino, Bud Lantz, Junior Lantz, Bill Cutright, Dick Hall, JoEtta Cunningham, Nancy Straight, Ruth Straight, Jean Sanders, Harry Sanders, Tom Aichele, Helen Gregory, Bud Gregory, Bob Fulton, Park Fulton, Charles Fulton, Carol Badgette, Patty and Judy Mason, Don and Dick Childers, Sonny Hurst, Ron and Carol Grow, Bob, Peggy and Shelia Dennison, Bill and Jerry Schols, Clara Elaine Jason, Dave Heaster, Smiley Jamison, Bill and Hoppy Junkins, Sonny and Eleanor Clark, Ruth Ann Nixon, Barbara Lynch, Junior McQuain, Ted and Ed LeMasters. I am sure I may have missed others but just wanted to let you know that along with many others, we are proud to be a “Broad Oaks Kid”. My Dad always taught me to be proud of being a kid being brought up respecting all on the ladder of success…and in my opinion….we all have had good lives…

NOTE: I never even knew there was a division of upper and lower Broad Oaks. I only know that I am an adopted “Broadoaksian” and I always just thought that I was a sister to all of you---I hope no one discriminates against an adopted Broadoaksian.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Surely some more of you readers which span graduation classes from 1932 to 1992 attended Boy’s or Girl’s State? I am sure if I had received an the honor of being nominated to attend, I would have a little memory even if just to say, I was picked, I attended, it was held at Swan Holler or where ever. I don’t expect details after all these years but if you have a detail or two, tell us. I just think it was such an honor that surely you would remember doing it. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.



MORGAN GRADE SCHOOL

submitted by: Sara L. Hall-Howe (WI '63)
saralhowe@yahoo.com

My first grade teacher was Ms. Thomas, who at the time I thought was the most wonderful person in the world. I had such a small world at that time. Then my second grade teacher was , I believe Ms. Tallman, once again I was enthralled by her; then third grade teacher was a Ms. Wright,. Oh, my gosh she was like a member of the family; in fact, she invited her class to her home to make Christmas cookies, can you believe that? We went to her house and had a great time. I have a picture somewhere, I will have to look for it and send it to you and maybe people could identify the individuals. Oh, yes, fourth grade was Ms. Funk, she scared me and all I can remember about that year was the strictness in the classroom. Then fifth grade was very different, our class was a building on the side of the school. Ms. Brown was our teacher for the year in our own little building. Sixth grade was Ms Pierpoint, very thin and tall lady. I do remember that she played the piano and taught us art and did a very good job of teaching. There were around forty in our classroom and she controlled our classroom very well.


Mr. Sheets was the principal and a very special man in my life. He talked to everyone and knew our names and family. Of course, I was a child, but there didn't seem to be problems in our school. It was a neighborhood school and the community worked well with the faculty and principal.

I lived on Duncan Ave and the corner of Bond St. I had plenty of time to walk to my home at lunch time. I remember loving to go home to eat lunch and walking back to school. I also remember the friends that were developed at Morgan Grade School.

Great memories.


Morgan Grade School was a great experience for a child.

First row: Nancy Alfred, Sara Hall, Sharon Byrd, Lucy Meredith
Second row: Wendel Young, Janice Burnett, Annette Shaffer, Natalie Auckerman, Deanna Glen
Third row: Carder(?) Gary Floyd, Butch Gordon, George (Chip ) Forsythe..

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have any pictures of your class from school. Would you like to share them? Send the pictures and name as many as you can remember …Tell us something about your class, teacher, school or anything you think of. Sign your name, school and year of graduation. Send all to Roleta1@aol.com. Thanks



GOD BLESS MOTHER (or Daddy)

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

Do you often think of things your mother said that now you say and yet they really don’t make a “whole lot” of sense? Jim Alvaro sent me a list of things titled “Things My Mother Taught Me”, then he and I started sharing a few things that some of these caused us to remember, stories of what we did or when mom said something. I hope you will read these and share some with us. Then next month, I will share some of my stories and Jim’s stories with you. But first, you have to share or you don’t get to hear ours.

THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

She taught me a LOT!

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”

My mother taught me RELIGION.
“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”

My mother taught me LOGIC.
“Because I said so, that’s why.”

My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”

My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
“Make sure you wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident.”

My mother taught me IRONY.
“Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about!”

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISTS.
“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

My mother taught me about STAMINA.
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

My mother taught me about WEATHER.
“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t exaggerate!”

My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out..”

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
“Stop acting like your father!”

My mother taught me about ENVY.
“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
“Just wait until we get home.”

My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
“You are going to get it when you get home!”

My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”

My mother taught me ESP.
“Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

My mother taught me HUMOR.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”

My mother taught me GENETICS.
“You’re just like your father.”

My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”

My mother taught me WISDOM.
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”

My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN: Write and tell us about a story of you growing up and you remember dear mother saying something like one of these above or maybe she had an original of her own! Write and share send your fond memories of mother (or daddy if he said them) to: Roleta1@aol.com



WI HIGH SCHOOL HAD PROMINENT PLACE IN CLARKSBURG’S HISTORY

From Bob-N-Along with Bob Stealey

Printed here with permission from Bob Stealey

When "the school on the hill" was ever mentioned among a group of Clarksburg residents, there could be no mistake what was being described. It was Washington Irving High School, more affectionately known throughout the area as "W.I."

Arguably Clarksburg's best high school for many years, thousands of students have graduated from, or at least attended, W.I., and a majority of them, I believe, have emerged from there much better off than when they first entered it. As probably most city residents are aware, high school studies at WIHS ceased after the fall semester of 1995, and when students began the second semester, they were attending a school nearly three miles away--Robert C. Byrd High School--off W.Va. Route 98.

The same building on Lee Avenue is still in use, but as Washington Irving Middle School.

When RCB opened, it took in not only WIHS students, but also those who had attended Roosevelt-Wilson High School in Nutter Fort, and who had been enrolled at WIHS for a couple of years before the changeover of operations.

Today, however, I'd like to concentrate on WIHS in the years prior to its closing. As a student there myself from September 1960 until graduating in June 1964, I have plenty of my own memories while attending it. I had my favorite classes, my favorite teachers, my favorite moments. It was always a source of great pride at W.I. football games to boast that I was a student at the school on the hill.

In 1996, a tidy little paperback book, "HAIL, WASHINGTON IRVING!--Eighty-one Years on the Hill," was completed by Carolyn Reynolds Burnside, another W.I. alumna, and published by McClain Printing Co. of Parsons.

The 248-page book--it was navy blue in color with gold print, W.I.'s school colors-- included a large number of photographs and probably just as many quotes from alumni, describing their fondest memories while W.I. students.

The book was divided into chapters, defining certain groupings of years, such as "The Quiet Generation: 1947-1959"; "Baby Boomers: 1960-1966" and "The Exemplary Path: 1980-1989." The chapters would end with indications of perspectives and influences picked up by some of the students from each representative grouping.

For me to cite Mrs. Burnside's accounting of the many facets of being a W.I. student and alum would be more expedient at this time than for me to do it. After all, there were more than 30 classes to graduate from there after I departed, not to mention the approximately 50 classes to complete their studies before I did. But due to time and space constraints, I'll be able to highlight only a few of those facets that were so ably depicted by Mrs. Burnside.

The principal at W.I. throughout many of the earlier years--1914 until 1946--was Orie McConkey, about whom many stories were told. Here's just one, as included by Mrs. Burnside:

"By the late 1920s, ivy climbed the brick walls of Washington Irving High School. In his office, Orie McConkey's fern thrived, just as his school thrived. A gift from Miss Anna Dunn, this botanically simple plant would become a complex symbol--of a man and his philosophy of teaching and eventually of the school itself. Succeeding principals in that office would accept the responsibility to care for the fern, to nurture it, to keep it alive. An almost mystical aura about the plant developed so that it became a talisman of good fortune for more than sixty years.

"The wise Mr. McConkey may have originated the 'presence' technique of maintaining discipline. Stories abound of his sudden appearances just when student decorum might be a little lax. ... One prank resulted in the culprits' apologizing to the student body in chapel. A simple gesture to students (and to at least one teacher) caught running on the stairs meant: go back to the top and walk down. He sent one young lady home because her above-the-elbow sleeves were immodest."

The years 1924-1929 were described as exciting years for boys' sports: "W.I.'s new athletic field near South Chestnut Street (Hite Field) became the setting for sports events in 1926. Clay B. Hite used his engineering education to direct its construction. Hite's daughter, Emma Lee, said that Bobby Bowden, when WVU's football coach, expressed his opinion that Hite Field was the best designed field in the state because it drained better than any other, including old Mountaineer Field."

The account continued: "The football team consistently was a winner: the boys were State Champions again in 1926, and in 1927, the Hitemen won every game except for a tie with Fairmont. In 1928, their only loss was--who else but--the formidable 'Big Reds' of Parkersburg. ..."

In the chapter, "The Quiet Generation: 1947-1959," Mrs. Burnside quoted W.I.'s second principal, Kenneth E. Cubbon, as follows: "There weren't many problems with students in those days. ... Of course, if teachers today treated students the way we treated you, they would be accused of damaging their psyches."

She wrote that Cubbon had to feel challenged when he took charge of a school with the admirable reputation W.I. had earned.

"His determination to maintain that reputation succeeded. Aided by (his secretary) Pearl Custer and an experienced faculty, some with legendary reputations, the process of providing a superior education to Clarksburg youth never faltered. ... His diplomacy and his ability to deflect confrontation became a trademark of his approach to running the school."

One of my own best memories of Mr. Cubbon were the times when there had been an appreciable snowfall outside. On the blackboard in the main hallway of the first floor, he would promptly write, "Snow is wet and dangerous. No snowballs."

From 1966 until the high school closed in 1995, there were several more principals and assistant principals, including Sam Scolapio, Tony Marchio, Maynard Duckworth and Al Castellana.

And there was certainly no shortage of colorful teachers, for one reason or another. Some of these were E.J. "Jack" Frederick, Virginia Lee Nutter, Emily Taylor, librarian Elizabeth Mack, J.E. Gudekunst, Louis Traugh, to name a very few.

As for myself, I really enjoyed my hears on the hill, and I was quite anxious for my three sons--Robbie (1989), Bryan (1990) and Clint (1994)--to say, wherever they would go, that they were W.I. graduates. I was so glad that my youngest, Clint, made it with a year and a half to spare.

There were so many other stories, quotes and anecdotes that Mrs. Burnside incorporated into her fine work--many that I would have had the pleasure to cite, but space simply prohibited it.



EDITOR’S NOTE: Originally published on Facebook on Connect Clarksburg. Check it out, you will enjoy Connect Clarksburg.



OBITUARIES

JAMES EDWARD PULICE, JR.

James Edward Pulice Jr, 68, (WI 1962) of Bridgeport, WV, passed away Sunday, November 11, 2012, at home.

He was the son of the late Jimmie E. Pulice and Flora Ann Martin Pulice.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol Scott Pulice of Bridgeport; daughters, Victoria Boyd and husband Neil, and Shelby Watkins and husband Greg; grandson, Trent; sisters, Mary Jo Benedetto (WI 1961), and Martha (WI 1964) Williams; brothers, Joe Pulice and Jack Pulice.

Jim retired from Union Carbide with 33 years of service. He served six years in the United States Army Reserves with the 363rd Military Police Company.

Jim was a member of Late Lodge 63, AF&AM, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason with membership in both Clarksburg and Wheeling bodies. He was a past president of Central West Virginia Shrine Club and Clown Unit. He was potentate of Nemesis Temple in 1999, past president of the Cabiri, and member of R.O.J. Court 156 in Parkersburg, WV.

Jim was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport, WV.



MARY ELLEN SCHNITZ GARRETT

Mary Ellen Schmitz Garrett, 69, passed away on November 11, 2012, at the Charleston Area Medical Center.

She was the daughter of the late William and Phyllis Deison Schmitz. Her husband, Charles William Garrett, preceded her in death on June 12, 2005.

Also surviving are her sons, Chad Garrett and wife Jessi of Clarksburg and Charlie Garrett of Clarksburg, and her granddaughter, Haley Swiger. She also leaves behind two sisters, Christine Stanton of Bridgeport, WV, and Brenda “Patsy” VanHorn and husband James of Anmoore, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mrs. Garrett was a graduate of Victory High School and a PCA at United Hospital Center with 47 years of service. She was Baptist by faith.



VIOLA RAYDEAN SANDS DELANEY

Viola Raydean Sands Delaney, age 72, died Nov. 9, 2012, at United Hospital Center.

She was the daughter of the late Ray Dennison Sands and Mary I. Matthew Sands. Her husband, Okey C. Delaney Jr., preceded her in death.

Surviving are three children, Okey C. Delaney III and his wife, Joy, of Grafton, Lesa Kay Delaney Smith and her husband, David, of Clarksburg, and Michael Ray Delaney and his wife, Stephanie, of Washington, D.C.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers and three sisters.

She was a graduate of Victory High School. She attended Fairmont State and Alderson-Broaddus College. She received her master’s degree in Special Education from Marshall University. She was retired from Harrison County Schools as a special education teacher, having begun her teaching career at Sardis Elementary School and having also taught at Linden and Summit Park Grade Schools, and then retiring from Adamston Grade School after 30 years of service combined.

She was a member of Stonecroft Women’s Christian Ministry and Red Hat Society and was a lifelong Baptist.



CHARLES CECIL “CHUCK” MOORE, JR

Charles Cecil “Chuck” Moore, Jr., age 77, passed away Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012.

He was the son of the late Charles Cecil Moore and Nina Barnett Moore. His wife, Margaret Marie Garten Moore, preceded him in death on Feb. 18, 2009.

Surviving are two daughters, Janet Greynolds of Spelter and Sherri Lunsford of Aiken, S.C.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and his sister, Joanne Hurst of Iowa.

Mr. Moore was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1953. He went on to graduate from West Virginia University Law School. He started his career as a district attorney for Harrison County, having retired from the Veterans Administration in Charleston. He was an avid WVU fan and was Methodist by Faith.





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