THE CLARKSBURG REUNION
IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013
It’s time for the 13th annual Clarksburg Reunion Picnic. Your reservations to attend may
be made by notifying me this month! This is for anyone who is from Clarksburg and
spouses. We get together, renew friendships, or visit with old friends. Each year there
seems to be a few new people who are looking for someone they remember and it is
amazing to see them get together and share stories. A lot of people get in touch with
friends or relatives or classmates and plan to come to the picnic so they can visit together
and with others. So come to Sarasota, enjoy the event, the food, and especially visiting
with each other.
To attend the picnic please let me know how many of you will be coming so I can have
enough of everything. I need names…..just email me at Roleta1@aol.com. If you need to
call me, you can reach me at 941-342-0030.
You will only need to bring your own drink and some sort of covered dish to share. Make
a dish at home and bring it or if you live some distance away and will be coming to
Sarasota for a few days in order to attend, you can always stop at Publix and pick up
something to share at the picnic. Everything else will be provided. Remember we have
authentic WV hotdogs (and this year we will even have the same wieners we used to eat
in our dogs in Clarksburg. Oh). Bring some money as we pass the hat to cover
expenses….and you may want to buy some tickets for the quilt drawing (we take cash or
checks for the tickets—no charges though).
People start arriving at 11:00 am to help cover tables, and help Bill and I unload our cars
and set up things.. All help is appreciated. We visit for awhile, then eat, then give prizes,
sell tickets for the quilt drawing, we take pictures, visit some more then have the drawing
to find out who wins the 2013 WIN Scholarship Quilt.
Please plan to attend until about 4:00 pm when we take pictures and then sit and visit
more if you wish.
Directions to site of picnic at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, FL
The Clarksburg Reunion Picnic is held at Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota, FL. From I-75, take
Exit 205 and go East, the park is about a mile from the Interstate. If you need further
directions, contact Roleta1@aol.com.
If you are coming into Sarasota from out of town and need to stay in a motel, call the
Country Inn and Suites, Bradenton, Florida. (Same place all stayed last year). Tell the
person on the phone at the reservation desk that you want one of the rooms set aside by
the manager for March 8th and 9th for the Clarksburg, WV Picnic. You should get a
small discount if you are early enough. The phone number is 941-363-4000.
Directions To Country Inn & Suites in Bradenton, FL.
Take Exit 217 (SR 70) off I-75. Go west on SR 70, approximately 1/4 mile. You will see
a Circle K Store on the left. The hotel is directly behind the Circle K.
Any questions please feel free to call me or email me…Roleta1@aol.com.
SECOND INSTALLMENT
Mrs. Meredith,
Thank you again for the scholarships that support out students – Alissa Ford and George
Herrod. The are much appreciated. They are now posted to each student’s account.
George
George Yanchak
Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
1201 Locust Ave.
Fairmont, WV 26554
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This from: Alissa Ford (recipient of the 2012-2013 WIN SCHOLARSHIP)
At the end of my first semester here at Pierpont at FSU, I managed to get A's in all of my
classes except math, in which I got a B. I'm very excited for next semester!
I am still working part-time. Just wanted to say thank again for the scholarship thanks to you I
don't have to stress about paying for the second semester either!!! :)
MYSTERY PICTURE IN JANUARY ISSUE
submitted by:Chuck Wilson (WI '67)
I believe the mystery pic is the old S & S Chevy dealership, on W. Main, Point Comfort. I can remember
the Budweiser Clydesdales horses being there.
submitted by:Catherine Custer Burke (WI '52)
Al Shroath Chevrolet on West Pike Street. (Point Comfort).
They did a booming business in the 50's.
submitted by:John Petitto (NDHS '64)
S & S Chevrolet on W. Pike St. Al Schroath was one of the 'S's'. Don't recall the second owner.
After they closed, Al Schroath opened an Oldsmobile dealership on Rt 19 S of town.
I do enjoy the newsletter. Brooke Beall fwds it to me.
submitted by:Phyllis Alton Nichols (WI '57)
Thanks again Roleta and Judy for all the work you put into the
Newsletter.
The picture is of the S & S Chevrolet Building. It was a new car
dealership and was built in the 1950's. My Uncle was one of their top salesmen. The building in
later years was home to the Clarksburg Drug Co. and now I believe there is an office supply co.
there.
submitted by:Irv Miller (WI '61)
I think the picture is the Chevrolet Garage on Pike Street. It might have been called Stalnaker
Chevrolet but I am not sure of the name.
submitted by:LaDonna Davis Emrick (RW '56)
February mystery picture is S & S Chevrolet on W Pike St. I purchased by first car there in 1957,
a 1951 Chevrolet. The salesman as Sam Paletta, who was also a Clarksburg City Policeman.
submitted by:Don Marple (WI '53)
I think it’s S&S Chevrolet. My dad bought a couple of cars there, from a salesman named
Yancey Waugh, in the 50’s.
I don’t tell you this as often as I should, but I read the newsletter every month and
appreciate what you do to produce it. Thank you.
submitted by:Jim Alvaro (WI '56)
S & S Chevrolet Dealership towards Adamston. I think later it was a place that sold
pharmacy supplies. My cousin Don Matheny delivered drugs for the company to
pharmacies outside of Clarksburg. I forgot the name of the section the dealership was
located. I think Kupaul (sp?) Towers was just across the street. My buddy Carl Clovis had
a service station about 1/4 mile on the right past the dealership.
submitted by:Richard Underwood (WI '60)
The picture is S&S Chevrolet on West Pike St in Clarksburg. I think this was Harry Green's father
in law and he set Harry up in his own dealership when he retired. My wife and I looked at a 1963
Corvair Convertable there, almost bought it but was just too much money for newly weds then.
submitted by:Bob Alton (VHS '55)
I believe that is the S & S Chevrolet dealership. My Uncle was a salesman there for a time. I still
enjoy the newsletter, although I no longer get it on my e-mail. I have to do the "wi59---thing" to
pull it up (and, being older, sometimes I forget to look for it!!)
submitted by:Glen Cowgill (WI '59)
The picture appears to be the old S&S Chevrolet building.
submitted by:Bob Kramer (WI '65)
This is the old S&S Chevrolet located in Point Comfort. Spent many days there
looking for a “COOL CAR”. This was later to become Harry Green Chevrolet.
submitted by:Jerry Hustead (WI '63)
Looks like S&S Chevrolet on West Pike street in the Point Comfort area.( Why
was it called Point Comfort?) Many memories associated with that dealership.
Growing up in Stealey we would wait, with much anticipation, for September and
the new car showing. We would walk over the swinging bridge with our first stop
being S&S Chevrolet then on up West Pike to Wilson Ford, back over the West
Fork bridge to the Lincoln, Packard dealership.
I remember seeing my first Corvette in 1953 at S&S while with my Grandfather
when he was buying a new 1953 Chevrolet. S&S was the sponsor of the soap
box derby. I remember buying my wheels, axles and steering form S&S to build
my first soap box derby car. I think they cost $15.00. It was a photo finish that
year, I came in second.
In later years the building was purchased by Salem college where I attended
night classes.
submitted by:Bill Phillips
I think this is the old S&S Chevrolet building on W. Pike St. Later it was the location of a office
supply business.
submitted by:Patty Boone Hamilton (WI '53)
That was the old S & S Chevrolet building, later it was Clarksburg Drug building. Now it is owned
by my son Jeff Heaster. Jeff has 5 websites selling jewelry, office supplies, clocks and watches,
telephones and equipment and boating accessories. At one time, he sold and serviced office
equipment.
submitted by:Toni Sprouse Erchak (VHS '57)
Sure does look like S&S Chevrolet. (Al Schroth and Bill Stalnaker) My first job after high school
was working in that showroom as a PBX (telephone) operator and typing car deals. I do
remember the company selling many cars with their offer of $99 down for a new car, as shown on
the window. The more expensive models were $199 and $299 down.
This picture below of me (55+ years ago) was probably taken the same year of the mystery photo. The PBX station is facing the showroom. In case you are wondering....... I still look exactly like this! :-)
submitted by:Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI '59)
I believe this is the old Chevrolet garage over on West Pike St. near Point Comfort..I believe it
was the S and S. My dad bought his cars there and I spent many hours there watching him
wheel and deal. Maybe it stuck to me because I am the one that deals on our cars and never buy
a car at sticker price.
You and Judy did another great job.
submitted by:Bill Phillips (WI/Elkins '62)
I think this is the old S&S Chevrolet building on W. Pike St. Now the location is an office supply
business.
submitted by:Bud Wheelock (WI '60)
This is a picture of the old S & S Chevrolet dealership in Point Comfort that looks like it was taken
in the early 50's (I think it is a 50 Belair in the window). My dad and I went there in 1947 to see
the first postwar Chevys.
submitted by:Bryan McIntyre (WI '65)
The mystery pic is Harry Green Chevrolet at their original location in Point
Comfort on West Pike Street. My mother bought a new white over black 1957
Chevy from them which was originally intended to be a Maryland State Police
car; one of 6 they had on the lot. They filled in the holes in the roof for the
"bubble gum machine" flashing light and painted the white doors black to match
the bottom half of the car. It had the biggest engine and heavy duty suspension
and the spotlight had been removed. I couldn't wait till I was 16 to drive it. My
mom paid Mike "Tinker" Moffett to give me driving lessons in the summer of
1963. I think as my instructor he drove it more than I did.
Later on during
intermission at some "formal" dance during my junior or senior year, on the top
of Bridgeport Hill, I went left off Rt 50 to avoid a stalled car, drove through a gas
station and back on the road without hitting my brakes. I know that Dave White
was in the backseat but can't remember my date, his date or who the 3rd couple
was. I don't think any of them ever rode with me again. Maybe one of the
other 4 classmates in my car that night will remember that frightening moment.
The most vivid memory I have of S & S Chevrolet is how each fall when it was
time for the newest model of car to appear in the show room. S & S did it up
with a bang. I remember that for about 2 weeks before the new models
appeared, S & S covered their show room windows with brown paper to increase
the suspense. For years there was a big unveiling of the newest car. Do you
remember this the same way I do? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.
submitted by:Charles Ferrell (WI '46)
I believe that the photo shown in the Jan newsletter is the Chevy dealer in Clarksburg. My dad was a firm believer in Chevy products. We had a two door 1939 sedan that we used during the Second World War and I drove to Salem College during 1946 - 1950. One of the dealer's car salesmen was one of my dad's customers at his Sterling Oil station on Monticello Ave by the name of Cotty Heartman. He would kid me a lot. One time I tied a squirrels tail on his car antennas. Later he came back in and asked me why all of his company friends were calling him "Daniel Boone". I said maybe he killed a bear or something. He then asked "what is or something".
On the subject of Daniel Boone, I found on the web site that my ancestor Robert Ferrell had fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant in Lord Dunsmore's War (1773). I later found that Daniel Boone was also involved in this battle.
My first car after being drafted for the 1950 Korean Conflict was a used 1940 Chevy business coupe that I bought for $500 from one of my dad's customers. I drove this for two years at the US Army Chemical Center at Edgewood, Md as one of 1,000 soldier scientists.
submitted by:Neil McDaniel (VHS '62)
This is a picture of the S&S Chevrolet dealership located in what we called “West End” which was also called Point Comfort. Going west on Plke St. (Rt.50) It was on the left side up the hill from WBOY and across the street from present high rise apartment housing.
My father and I walked from Adamson to attend the grand opening sometime in the early 50’s. The big attraction along with free popcorn and drinks was the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.
I am very appreciative to you and everyone who helps put together this newsletter. You are to be commended for your efforts
submitted by:Al Starkey (WI '60)
Hi Roleta, I just had to write to you on this picture. I am sorry for being late in the month, it probably won't make the following issue.
I am reasonably sure that the picture is the old Chevy dealership on the west-side street going toward Adamston.
I think it was called, S&S Chevrolet. That brings back a fond memory because, that is where I bought my second car in about 1961.
It was special then and still is today, a 1957, red Chevy 2 door hardtop, white top, red and black interior, with 23,000 miles on it.
Don't I wish I still had it today!
I have to also mention that, at that same time two of my best friends had '57 Chevy's as well; George Beezel, who went to Victory
and Larry Deem, who went to RW, Was that cool or what? (Note - George is still a collector of '57 Chevy's.)
Roleta, thanks for all your hard work, I look forward to the newsletter every month.
MYSTERY PICTURE FOR MARCH
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
THE SHINNSTON TORNADO
submitted by:Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
Here’s a very vivid account of the infamous tornado that hit Shinnston, WV, in
1944. To make matters worse, a lot of local soldiers were off fighting WW II when
their homes and families were being blown away back in Shinnston.
I remember how it affected us kids for years afterward whenever there was a big
storm. We comforted ourselves by telling each other that a tornado couldn't hit
Clarksburg, or North View, because we were surrounded by hills on all sides. Not
true, but it made us feel better, and I don't think one has ever touched down in
Clarksburg to this day.
EDITOR’S NOTE: What do you remember vividly about the Shinnston Tornado?
WI CLASS OF 1959 MONTHLY LUNCH GET TOGETHER
PASS IT ON...... everyone who was in the WI class of 59 : LUNCH..............1 p.m.,
Friday, February 1, 2013, at FOP in Nutter Fort. For those who may not know where it is,
it's the old Jim Reed's right across from Norwood Park. Reservations not necessary; but, if folks
are of a mind to come, they could contact Joy Gregory DeFazio Joy1941@frontier.com
REMEMBER WHEN?
Remember when you had your driver’s license but no wheels? My father had a car and
always a nice car as he traded in his car every 2 or 3 years. But I seldom if ever got to
drive the car. He was so stingy with the keys to the point I just gave up asking to borrow
the car. I can remember those cool guys who ran around in their hot rods….it wasn’t that
I wanted to be with them in their car, I just wanted their car!
What kind of cars did you have, did you want to have or did you wish you had? Write
and tell me --- Roleta1@aol.com.
Barry Mazza and a few guys had a car club. He had a 1949 Plymouth and of course the
flames….Also pictured is Gary Carpenter’s “Burple” 1934 Dodge truck. (both pictured
above)
The car club was known as the ''CRANKS" Barry says he doesn’t remember how many guys
were in the club but thinks most of them were Stealey guys. Some he remembered are: Gary
Carpenter and Jimmy White, maybe, Bob Turner....Rusty Rutan, (he still has his plaque). Dean
Henry, Larry Layman, John Hart.
Barry added: The "real" HOT Rod guys had a club called the “Centipedes”, they were snobby
and of course had real nice stuff, ours were pretty much junk, however no chance we could join
up to the “CENTIPEDES”. So we started our own low down club. Nick Alvaro was the big
“cheese” in the “CENTIPEDES” and of course he had STANDARDS TO KEEP.
I will guess not many guys have pictures of their old cars from high school days, I had an old 120
box camera that I had with me a lot in the car. The habit never ended as today I would guess that
I have over 2000 photos of cars from 1955 thru today. I should do a book but, who would buy
it?? LOL!!
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you were a member of a car club in high school, please write and tell us about the car you
drove and include a picture if you can. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.
Below is the plaque that Barry designed and had a company in California make for the
“CRANKS”. Barry thinks he ordered 12 plaques which the members each installed on their cars.
OLD TV SHOWS
This is a link to old TV shows, thought you might enjoy taking a look back.
My junior year in high school, 1955, at R-W was a long, long time ago, and many of the events of
that year have either faded or completely disappeared from my memory. However, even as I
write this, I vividly recall an event in May 1955 , a couple of weeks before the academic year
ended.
Jack Borror, a classmate and a close friend of mine at the time, and I decided to take a cigarette
break in the Boys Restroom during the second-third period passing time (the third period was the
period right before lunch). While one of us, in turn, inhaled, the other was busy fanning the
smoke out the window. Much to our dismay, a custodian walked in, and we were caught. Both of
us knew that the punishment would be severe; he was the president of the class, and I was the
vice-president of the student body and president-elect of the State's Student Councils.
When I reached my third period class, Mr. Bauld (the principal) was waiting for me at the history
teacher's door. Simply, I was busted! He greeted me with: "I told Mr. Herrod (my history
teacher) that you would not be in class today because I am taking you to lunch." Truly busted--
and even a last meal. This was before the days of Miranda Rights, and I was getting a speedy
trial without the opportunity to make a telephone call. I was certain that I might be headed for
Pruntytown.
I don't remember much about the lunch or the conversation. In retrospect, I assume that in the
beginning it centered around books. Because he had been my Freshman English teacher, he
always encouraged me to read the classics, and he took a great deal of personal pride when I
read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, which he had directed the school's librarian to order for me.
Not knowing if I should plead for mercy or buy time, I finally had enough courage to ask why he,
the principal, was taking me, the student, to lunch.
According to him, that morning the faculty and he selected the three most outstanding juniors,
two males and one female. The faculty, unanimously, selected Ron Lewis the most outstanding
male and Jessie Ryder as the most outstanding female. Both were the most deserving. After all,
they were members of the National Honor Society. Ron could always figure out (to my
amazement) those problems dealing with Train A leaving at noon and Train B leaving at 1:15....
Jessie has received all A's in junior high school (Broadway) and was receiving all A's in high
school. Mr. Bauld could chose either a male or a female as the other most outstanding student.
He had chosen me that morning and had already submitted my name. Ron and I would be going
to Boys State, and Jessie would be going to Girls State. (The program, nationwide, is sponsored
by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary; West Virginia holds/held its annual
program at Jackson's Mill.)
A search on Wikipedia gives greater detail, but in short it is truly an honor because only one or
two students are sent from each high school in the state. The selection is competitive and an
honor because it is merit, not popularity, based. Some of our most famous alumni include Neil
Armstrong, President Clinton, Gov. Chris Christie, and Michael Jordan.
For me, Boys State, as well as Mr. Bauld's support, was a game-changer. It gave a 16-year-old
confidence, and I would imagine that it had the same effect on Ron Lewis. I saw him a few years
ago, and he brought up Boys State and asked me what I remembered about it.
After high school graduation, Jessie went to a university somewhere in Virginia; however, her
promising life was cut short by a fatal automobile accident. Ron and I have had parallel lives. He
(via West Virginia Wesleyan) earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from WVU. Then,
he earned his doctorate at Virginia Tech.
He and I renewed our friendship at our class' 50th reunion, and my wife and I have visited with
him twice since the reunion--one at his home in Jacksonville (FL) and once at his summer home
in the mountains of North Carolina. He has a great life--great wife and great daughters. The
faculty did not err when it selected him as its choice for Boys State.
Oh, Mr. Bauld, in spite of his many opportunities, never brought up my smoking in the restroom.
Instead, he gave me a summer job each summer that I was in undergraduate school, and he
cheered me on when I earned my first two degrees (bachelor's and master's) from WVU. When I
was offered a free ride to earn another degree at one of the most elite schools in northern
California, I sought his advice.
I have always been grateful for Mr. Bauld for what he did for education in Harrison County and
what he did for me by selecting me to attend Boys State.
I have been a college professor since 1967, and all my students are graduate students.
Frequently, one of my students will let me know that he/she attended Boys/Girls State.
Whenever this happens, I salute Mr. Bauld and Boys State.
BAND STAND
Growing up in the 50’s and watching American Bandstand. Via youtube you can
enjoy hearing the music, seeing the dance steps, and enjoying how young
people used to dress.
This is a 11 1/2 minute video and I wasn't going to watch the whole thing, but I
got caught up in it and before I realized it, it was over.
MRS DODD’S TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY
(School year 1968-1969 and 1969-1970)
submitted by:Melissa Haught Stanley (WI '74)
I was very fortunate to go with Mrs. Dodd’s trip to NYC both years that I was at Central. She
would offer the trip to seventh graders and then fill in remaining spots with eighth graders as
helpers/chaperones. I may have merged my memories of the 2 trips. I am attempting to write
what I remember from the 7th grade trip.
Mrs. Ferris was the other school chaperone and we took some parents along, too. We took a bus
— very long trip but I know we had a lot of fun getting there.
We stayed in the Piccadilly Hotel right in the middle of Times Square. The Piccadilly is no longer
there but I remember the huge lobby and the chandelier. We stayed in 2 room suites that shared
a bathroom and I think Debbie Sharpe’s mom was our chaperone. (My eighth grade trip I was the
“adult”—can you imagine?) Times Square was pretty rough back then—definitely not like it is
now. I remember seeing a man urinate on the street—quite shocking!
We saw the entire show at Radio City Music Hall with the amazing Rockettes. I still to this day
perch myself in front of the TV on Thanksgiving Day to see them perform their one number. We
also saw the full length movie “Bullitt” with Steve McQueen at the same venue.
We had tickets to see the TV show “Jeopardy” hosted by Art Fleming. (This was before Alex
Trebek, obviously). I remember being fascinated by the man who came out prior to air time and
told us to applaud when we saw the “applause” signs, etc. The set looked really cheesy and
garish but I thought it was great.
We saw the play “Golden Rainbow” with husband and wife team Steve Lawrence and Eydie
Gorme at the Shubert Theatre. We also saw “Cabaret” and Joel Gray played the part of the
emcee. (He also played the same part when the movie was made later). I remember thinking that
the Cabaret performance was rather racy! Everyone had their clothes on but there were definitely
some references to sex.
We had a tour of the United Nations—I bought a pill box in the gift shop for my mom that was
from another country—have no idea which one now. I am pretty sure we went to the top of the
Empire State Building. I think we ate a meal in Chinatown. I also remember visiting an automat
and seeing the walls of sandwiches and desserts that were dispensed through the little doors.
I vividly remember the ferry ride over to the Statue of Liberty and then walking up the stairs. We
could go to the top of the crown which was not permitted when my husband and I took our kids
there after 9/11. My winter coat was a camel colored wool which I wore on the trip. I got hot
walking up the stairs and took it off and carried it over my arm on the way down. I must have
rubbed it against the graffiti on the wall the entire way down because it was covered with black
and red grime. I remember catching the dickens when I got home. My mom just about had a fit!
Don’t know if it came clean or if it was ruined.
It is amazing how much touring that we packed in to a few days. This was such a wonderful
opportunity that Mrs. Dodd provided. I remember coming home and telling my mom that I was
going to live in NYC one day. That did not come to pass—lived three years in Boston so I guess
that counts as a big city experience— I still love to visit the Big Apple!
SO YOU DON’T LIVE IN CLARKSBURG, WV
So you left Clarksburg, WV? Tell us when you left and why you left Clarksburg, WV. Where are you located today?
So many of us left but even though we moved away, we still long for our West Virginia home.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com. Come on, let us know. Help me make this an interesting subject. Thanks.
SUPPORT YOUR NEWSLETTER
I started the Newsletter 14 years ago this past August. The very next month,
Judy joined me and what a great job she does, I am so thankful she is my
partner. But it would never have become what it has without your participation.
Many write and many of you just read and don’t write. I send you the
newsletter each month and some write in response to help me make another
newsletter for the following month. I struggle to come up with subjects and
have tried to make it interesting. Won’t you please share some memories with
us about anything---I mean anything concerning life in Clarksburg, WV. Thank
you for helping me, Roleta1@aol.com.
This is the Alta Vista band in 1950. Some newsletter readers in the picture are: My brother Fred is in the 3rd row, 4th from left. I am top row, 3rd from left.
Maybe the readers will identify some of the others.
BOOK ON WV GLASS HISTORY
submitted by:Sherry Ellen Hutchison Keith (WI '64)
I read in the WV Goldenseal Magazine Fall Issue 2012 that there is a new book about all of West
Virginia's glass industry.
Clarksburg is one of the primary towns mentioned boasting dozens of glass plants.
the book is called West Virginia Glass Towns by Dean Six
it is 230 pages large-format hardbound $29.95 available at local bookstores in WV
and by calling 1=888-982-7472
or visit www.wvbookco.com.
Thought some history buffs might be interested.
Also, are there any copies of The History of Harrison County available anywhere? It was very
interesting, as I recall and would love to have a copy.
The article about the Hammond Memorial Methodist Cookbook in the October, 2012
Newsletter was of great interest to me.
My Grandparents William F. and Cora B. Long were charter members of the church
and at her passing , my grandmother was the last founder.
The church stands on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Nutter in the Broadway
section of Clarksburg.
If you were sitting close to my grandfather during church services and were talking
or just being disruptive, he would pinch you on the shoulder and tell you very
kindly to straighten up!
If Diana Shablack (Sandy) reads this, I would love to have the recipes from
Jane Palmer (mother) "Blushing Bunny" and Cora B. Long (grandmother)
"Waldorf Salad".
NOTE TO DIANA: When you copy these recipes for Dale, will you please also send them to
me so I can publish them in the newsletter….Thanks
submitted by:Corinne Tannenbaum Levy (would have been WI 1959 but changed schools)
Bob Hall "56" said that Main St. and Buckhannon Pike were part of Broad Oaks.
Main St. is in Golf Plaza
A NOTE FROM A FRIEND
submitted by:Mayf Nutter
Greetings from Bakersfield, CA, Roleta.
Jim Caputo and I were on the Bridgeport High School football team together
1956, 57,58. (We graduated in 59 after the football season that ended in 58.)
Jim, who recently retired from his Physical Therapy practice,
sent the link below to a short video made by the
church, which President Reagan attended in Bel Air, California.
I was so impressed with the video that I sent the note below
to Jim.
Do scroll down and watch the video after you read the story here.
Thank you for sending this, Jim.
Lindsay and I were with President Reagan when it was announced
that he had won the presidential election.
Years later, after he had gone on...
Nancy Reagan sat next to me and my son
at the funeral for Jimmy Stewart.
Ronald's son, Michael, and I were partners
who did scenes together in an acting class
in Hollywood, before Michael got his own
Radio Show. My girlfriend, who is now my wife
of 33 years, Lindsay, was also in that
Actors Workshop.
So we have known Michael at least that long.
He was here in Bakersfield a few months ago
and the three of us old friends had a photo taken together.
Its on our fridge.
Michael has a great book out now that I encourage you
to get a read.
THE NEW REAGAN REVOLUTION.
We have our autographed copy.
After reading it, I still pick up that book
and read a chapter or two from time to time.
Great insights to a great man as witnessed
by his son and others close to him.
This product was very popular “back in the day”. There was a popular kids radio show sponsored
by this product. Now don’t look it up, don’t ask someone else. Just read and sing along with the
jingle below then tell me, what do you remember about this product and the show.
____________ __ _____________________ is so good to eat we have it every day.
It makes us strong as we go along it makes us shout hooray!
It’s good for growing children and grownups, too, to eat.
So, for all the family’s breakfast, you can’t beat
_____________ __ ____________________________ ”
Write to Roleta1@aol.com Don’t forget to sign your name, school and year you did or would
have graduated from that high school.
Thanks for playing our game.
GLENN COWGILL AND FAMILY
Glenn graduated from WI in 1959
Pictured above are:
L-R: Wendy Daughter In Law, Bobby youngest son, Joe Son In Law, Sharon
Youngest daughter, Nun wife, ME, Molly daughter in law and Billy the oldest.
That was New Years eve at my youngest daughter's house. My oldest son and family was here
from Omaha. Yes it is ok. I think all the grandchildren were out by the campfire when that
picture was taken
One of my hobbies is genealogy. A friend who is also a WI graduate gave me
digital copies of some maps which show property outlines and the names of
property owners about 1910. The maps were compiled to support the energy
boom at the time and are variously referred to as gas company maps or farm line
maps. Lawyers still use them to display images of property deeds. A big
consideration in displaying the maps for the general public is that they are old
enough to be public domain and not restricted by copyright. These maps were
made before 1923 which makes them public domain. A friend from another class
at WI shared a map which includes later information which may make that map
version copyrighted.
Some of the maps were also displayed on the Harrison County Genealogical
Society (HCGS) website at http://www.wvhcgs.com/
This is a good time to join. We are always looking for new members. Joining a
genealogy society is a good way to get help with your family research. Now that
Ancestry.com has been sold to a foreign country, it gives more reason than ever
to invest your research accomplishments in free American based resources.
If anyone has information like these maps to share or can comment on the
copyright legalities, I would like to hear from them. I’m also trying to stir up
interest in compiling an alphabetical index to the maps. Volunteers transcribed
the entire 1940 US census with millions of records in less than six months. We
West Virginians should have enough pride in our state to generate an
alphabetical index for a few thousand farms. Many people have a vague idea
that their families lived in a particular area at that time. But, their eye sight or
computer skills may limit them from finding the location on their own. An
alphabetical listing keyed to a map location may make all the difference in finding
the location or not.
Click on the Zoom percentage to increase the size to 100%
Left click and slide the scroll bar handles to get the image to the far right lower corner of the map image. The Custer properties are listed along the bottom of the map between the right edge of the map and the West Fork River. The names George A. Custer, H. V. Custer and Alex Custer are visible.
Now scroll over to the left a few more inches and you will see the name of Jess M. Rector and Wm. Rector just west of the Harrison County Poor Farm. US 19 is the double dashed line going through. The property north of the poor farm is the 301 acre property of John Dolan which is probably now known as the Sunny Croft Golf Course.
The Rector property became know as the Rector Tree Nursery. This is where Paul Rector Class of 57, Joan Rector Class of 62 and Linde Rector class of 64 lived.
Looking further north on the south edge of Clarksburg. We see the 73 acre W, B, Maxwell property looped around by the river which we now know as The Veterans Park where the veterans hospital is located. North of that are Stealey properties which became the Stealey neighborhood of Clarksburg.
East of the Maxwell property we see City Pumps which is still the water works for the city. The Benjamin B. Stout property is now the location of R. C. Byrd High School.
Arnold Run which drains that valley was named for my Ancestor George Arnold who was sheriff of Harrison County in 1811. The Maude Duncan property became Chestnut Hills. The Pritchard and Despard properties became the Hite Stadium athletic complex. .
Looking at downtown Clarksburg, we see Pike Street and Main Street as the flow from east to west and join together in the west end.
The next street south running parallel to main is Washington and then Lee where WI was located. It appears that Gay Duncan and R. T. Lowndes owned the property. You will recall that there was a Duncan Street and a Lowndes Bank.
I always knew the hill behind WI as Lowndes Hill but I see that some maps list it as Duncan Hill.
Chestnut Street is the double dashed line crossing Main and Pike then going south by the City Pumps.
To see Bridgeport and properties to the east, click on map section O17. There are many familiar names which became names of streets or neighborhoods such as Haymond, Goff and Jarvis.
I sent Catherine Custer Burke, class of 52, and her sister Carol Custer Rogers,
class of 62, copies of the map showing the farm owner names in the area south
of Clarksburg known as the Custer Addition. I thought Catherine’s comments on
General Custer were gems worth sharing.
NOTE IN RESPONSE TO DAVID KUHL’S ABOVE EMAIL RE: GAS AND COAL MAPS:
submitted by:Catherine Custer Burke (WI '52)
"Yes, the Custers are all our family. The George A. Custer farm in the lower right
corner of the old Harrison County map is one of the original farms our Custers
settled on in the 1840's after leaving western Maryland. George A. Custer was
my great- grandfather and a first cousin of General George Armstrong Custer.
The General visited here as a boy in the homes of his grandmother, uncles,
aunts, and cousins. It is said that he liked the outdoors and spent time
roaming the hills."
TIMELINE OF WEST VIRGINIA: CIVIL WAR AND STATEHOOD JUNE 12, 1862
This is your final notice, buy your tickets this month to win the 2013 WIN
Scholarship Quilt or you will have to attend the picnic on March 9, 2013 in order
to get your tickets before we draw the winning ticket on that day.
REMEMBER February is a very short month so put your check in the mail NOW
before you forget to do it.
This month we received checks from the following generous supporters:
Christophe Hill (WI 1960)
Judy Aspy Payne (WI 1959)
Allen Alvarez (WI 1958)
Sharon DiMaria (WI 1961)
We are HALF WAY to our goal. We have sold $1,500.00 worth of tickets. Won’t
you HELP US reach our goal of one $3,000.00 scholarship for one child. Buy
your tickets now.
You get 1 ticket for $1.00 and 6 tickets for $5.00 and multiples from there up. So
if you give $50.00 you get 60 tickets, give $100.00 you get 120 tickets, $200.00
you get 240 tickets, etc. The Scholarship fund needs your help.
Make out your check to: Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship
Mail your check right now to:
Roleta Meredith
3201 Charles MacDonald Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34240
Thank you so much for caring enough to want to give back to your “HOME
TOWN”.
"THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THAR’ HILLS"
This is the name chosen for the 2013 WIN SCHOLARSHIP quilt.
QUILTER’S SHOWCASE
submitted by:Sherry Ellen Hutchison Keith (WI '64)
I really enjoyed reading about all the quilters who work on the WIN quilt. I too worked on the
first one, and it was so original .. and since has become beautiful every year with order and color
coordination... I have yet to try the pieced quilt block. this may be the year for that and a few
chances on the quilt. Thank you all for your great sewing!
Also loved the final shot of Dick in his hotrod going over the VA Bridge sent in by Barry Mazza...
that was just the best ever..
the color of his car, the view of his sunglasses in the rearview mirror and his skinny boy neck and
short hair cut.. really primo! Thanks, Barry (owner of the red "Cherry Bomb" hot rod as I recall).
It is photos like these, that zoom us back on that " time machine" called memory and we can feel
the vibration, hear the roar of his motor as his car crosses the bridge and hear the rock n' roll
blaring out in the Clarksburg summer air. Ahhhh, we had it so good
submitted by:Kitty Sager (wife of Don Sager (WI 1956)
NOTE: Kitty did not attend school in West Virginia but is a big help to the yearly WIN Quilt.
I am not sure how much you want to know. Around 1995, Don wanted me to stop working and he
made it worth my while. With a lot of time on my hands l decided to try quilting. It didn't take long
for me to realize I had no idea where to start. I signed up for a year long course. I had a list of
what I would need and how much fabric needed to begin. Once I began looking at the fabric I was
lost again. The owner of the shop told me to find a fabric I loved and then showed me how to pick
out fabrics to put with it. At the end of the course, I had a king sized quilt and was in love. And I
was the only student to finish a quilt. Last year Don decided I needed a quilt cabinet and
surprised me with one. In it are more than sixty quilts that I have made since ’95. They are just
the ones I have kept. Paper piercing is my favorite technique; it allows me to make complicated
fabric pictures. I have had some of my quilts pictured in National Magazines and won my share of
ribbons in Quilt Shows. I have loved making squares for the WIN quilt since the first one. Don
gives me his ideas and I try to execute them. This is more for quilters---To begin I was told I
would need a rotary cutter and several rulers. I used my rotary cutter with the wrong ruler and
chopped it up. Had to buy another one quickly.
WHY I AM A QUILTER
submitted by:Mary Liz Custer Carder (WI '54)
I have always felt that quilting was in my bones. One of my earliest memories has been
of being at my grandmother’s house out on the Mount Clare Road and walking around
under the quilting frames while the neighbor ladies were gathered around sewing. My
two great-aunts, Iva and Betty Custer who lived on Chestnut Street above Hite Field,
were never without a quilt on the frames in their sitting room. Of course, there were
quilts on my bed. A treat when sick was the privilege of being covered by the beautiful
“little Dutch girl” quilt (or “Sun Bonnet Sue” as it is more commonly known.)
Through the years I made (or attempted to make) two or three quilts but it was not until
retirement that I took up quilting in earnest. I am hoping to keep my heritage of quilting
alive by developing an interest in the art in my granddaughters (and grandsons). When
my oldest granddaughter was about six years old, we made a trip to the quilt shop where
she selected fabric. She then sat on my lap as we jointly ran the sewing machine to make
her first quilt.
Sue Selby Moats and I grew up across the street from each other on Waverly Way. We
spent innumerable hours playing in the neighborhood, in activities at the Stealey
Methodist Church, and with the Girl Scouts at Camp Horseshoe. It has been through
quilting that we have renewed our friendship. Working on the WIN quilt gives us a great
excuse to get together.
QUILTER’S ALERT
If you would like to help make the 2014 WIN Scholarship Quilt, contact Sue Selby Moats at
moatsue@aol.com and see what you can do to help the quilt to completion. Plans are being
made now!
Thanks
MAPS
submitted by:Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)
Here’s something I know a lot of West Virginians will enjoy. And if you live in
another state or country, you should find maps of there too. I know most of you
ladies don’t froth at the mouth over maps like us guys do, but you can pass this
along to a manly man (keeping in mind that you’ll make his day). It’s a really
good site.
I just saw the WVU--Purdue score with 6 minutes left, 68--38.
Also, Hite Field had the football teams from St Mary's and Kelly Miller playing on the field and
later, Notre Dame. Kelly Miller had a field house outside of the fenced-in field. They practiced on
the same field that Central Junior High used. They practiced after the junior high practice was
over.
Augie Malfregeot, W I 1956
Reply To Augie:
You lasted longer than I did watching the "Slaughter in West Lafayette". It was one of the
poorer performances by a WVU team that I've ever seen.
I think you are the first to mention that Kelly Miller also used Hite Field. I wonder if anyone
remembers watching any of their football games there. I vividly remember going to a game
between Fairmont Dunbar and Charleston Garnet, played at East--West Stadium in
Fairmont, which was labeled as a state championship game. It was one of the best high
school games I ever saw. As I recall, Dunbar won by a 12--7 score.
Thanks for the note. It brought back more good sports memories.
I think that it is going to be interesting to see how many HILLTOPPERS write to you in regard to
the comparison that was in the last newsletter, regarding the 55 - 56 WI basketball team versus
the 59 - 60 team. I happened to be one that agrees with Bob Secret, in that his thinking is that
the 59 - 60 team could hold its own against the 55 - 56 team. I am not saying that because my
brother (Bob) was on the 59 - 60 team, but because there were other great players on that team.
Bob Secret, for example.
John Teter, W I 1961
Reply To John:
So far, only two have written. I thought we could get some interesting feedback on this
one, but that hasn't been the case. Apparently, everyone else agrees with Bob Secret's
evaluation of the teams. Or, perhaps, everyone is in mourning due to the "downer" that
has been WVU basketball this season. Losing doesn't create a lot of excitement.
Bobby Secret is probably one of the greatest or maybe THE greatest athlete to come out of WI.
Bobby was probably a 10 to 12 letterman. Maybe some of the older, older than myself, guys
might say that Alex Cava was probably the best. I do remember there were several trophies with
his name on them in the WI trophy case in the main hall at WI. Maybe we can get a response
from someone from that era regarding that. I know I was involved with football but I really loved
watching the ' 55 team play and followed the ' 59 team through my brother Fred, who played
basketball.
Could the ' 59 team hang with the ' 55 powerhouse? Nah, don't think so. I don't think it would be
a blowout though. C'mon my ' 55 buddies and my ' 56 classmates. Am I right???
Jim Alvaro, W I 1956
Reply To Jim:
I thought for a minute that you were going to back down from your original comparison,
but in the end, you held true to your feelings. It's too bad we haven't heard from others
who agree with you. Maybe next month.
I am interested in hearing about Alex Cava. When did he play and in what
sport(s)? Hopefully, we will hear from some of our readers about another outstanding
Clarksburg athlete.
(The following letter was written in response to my article in the December newsletter
concerning the performance by WVU in the Pinstripe Bowl)
To Bill:
Well Bill, there isn't much to say about it. We had very little defense and the offense didn't protect
our QB, so he was unable to really do his best. I was not happy with the choice of coaching in
the first place and I am sorry I was right. If the boys don't know what to do, to me, it falls back on
the coaches and coordinators. If it is lack of talent, it again falls back on the coaches in their
choice of recruits. Sooooo, I say Ollie has a decision to make as to who goes and who stays.
You nailed it. IF is a very big little word. We blew it !! I don't know who had the right to accept or
reject the Pinstripe Bowl, but they blew that also. I was embarrassed. I agree with you and
Roleta. I thought it was a reward to play in a bowl game, but in NY in the middle of winter on a
baseball field was absolutely stupid. They may have missed out on some money, but money isn't
always everything. I love WVU and bleed blue and gold, but this was really an insult to all the
fans.
And while I am on it, I HATE the new uniforms. We are BLUE and GOLD, not gray, green, camo
and anything else they are going to try out. I thought it was funny that last year Dana was upset
with the turn out at the games. He was used to more people, but with the cost of tickets, selling of
beer and poor performances by the team, he is lucky anyone showed up at all.
I truly feel sorry for Geno, Tavon and Stedman,. They deserved much more. Now, we will see
what the girls and boys basketball teams will do.
On another subject, when you are chosen to be THE Mountaineer, they give you a musket and it
is yours for life. People are up in arms about him using it to kill a bear. Why?? It is his gun. What
did the settlers do? They killed game. It was wrong not to have his ORANGE on, but he paid for
that. Now, he has learned a lesson, wear orange when hunting in WV. But, nothing is wrong with
him using the gun to kill the bear. It was in season and it was his gun. He should just leave it
off You Tube the next time.
Good luck next season!
Sharyn Cottrill McGahan, W I 1959
Reply To Sharyn:
You have covered several subjects and have strong feelings about them. I love to get
letters like this. They make my job (?) much more interesting.
We agree on the choice of bowls and the teams performance, although I think the Big 12
told them where they would play. Being at the bottom of the "totem pole", they probably
didn't have a "choice".
As for Oliver Luck making the wrong choice for the head coaching job, you must
remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Dana was recognized as an "offensive
genius" and was ready for a top job. We all sometimes also forget that he was thrown
into a situation by Luck, as a "coach in waiting", which was a mistake. He inherited a team
recruited by Bill Stewart to play in the Big East and played this year in the much stronger
Big 12 with many freshmen which he recruited. I also think he made some bad hires in his
defensive coaching staff, which at this point is changing almost daily. My point is that we
need to give him a couple of more years, before we get too nasty.
I kind of like the new uniforms, but only for a couple of games per year. I'd like to see
Holgorsen wear blue or gold once in a while. Of course, I was one of the few people who
liked Maryland's new outfits. Most thought they were terrible.
I didn't know the Mountaineer owned the rifle. If so, I wonder why the university told him
not to hunt with it? At least the incident got the mascot a ton of publicity.
Thanks for the interesting letter. You brought up some good points and I enjoyed
answering them. I hope to hear from you again soon.
It is refreshing to read something like the following. In this day of blaming others for your
mistakes or blaming something or someone else when your team loses, it is refreshing to see that
Pat tells it like it is, with a little imagination added in to make it interesting. Because he has so
many friends, many of you have already seen this. However, I feel it is worth showing to all of our
readers, hoping that we will all take a hint from the spirit of the letter. This is what true
sportsmanship is really about. Pat is not only a huge Notre Dame fan. He is a REAL college
football fan and a true West Virginian.
I've also included a few replies, a couple of which show that, for various reasons, everyone does
not admire Nick Saban.
From Pat Elder, ND 1957
Somewhere in North Central West Virginia last night the brightest moon ever seen settled over a
small town named "Monongah". It had kind of a blue-green tint to it that shone like Kryptonite.
What in the world could be going on? No one else had a big full moon.
About 2000 miles to the Southeast (Conference), the big kryptonite moon caused one of the
highest tides to ever roll into Miami. This was a mythical tide, not a tsunami of water. It
was something like the kryptonite moon that lit up the Orange Bowl Stadium, for all to see a son
of Monongah, pull off a miraculous feat that shot the "Saban" up to that legendary circle that
has names like Bryant, Leahy etc., who have captured national championships in large numbers.
This son of West Virginia had filled his team with that magical kryptonite for all the world to see.
All of the black coal buckets that sat by the fireplaces were turned to magical buckets of shiny
gold. The leprechaun was drained of all his strength and was last seen with shattered coattails
dripping in Bama Crimson, limping back in the direction of the Golden Dome to get a refill of
the kryptonite that had been stolen temporarily by the town of Monongah!!
Even Manti T'eo had never seen tides that high off the northern shores of Oahu. This Tide tonight
belonged to Bama in Miami. No doubt about it. My ND Irish will recoup and be back, but they (and
me) will have to nurse their deep wounds first.
Hats off to Bama, Saban & Monongah!!! They played a great game. Now, please send back that
kryptonite that you so craftily stole from the Golden Dome in South Bend.
Reply From Roleta Smith Meredith, W I 1959:
So well put, Pat. I remember when I couldn't get you to write much more than a sentence to me
and even at that, you were scared to express yourself via the computer. You've come a long way.
Wonderful job....
Bill isn't home so he hasn't read this story but I want to comment. We had friends invite us to view
the game in their media room, which has a movie screen on the wall and 8 theater seats.
Very nice place to watch a game and they are great friends of ours and are Buckeye fans, so we
enjoy all of those game with them there, too. However, last night there were 7 people sitting in
that room and 5 of them were BIGGGGG ND fans. Bill was such a good boy. He sat and
watched doing a little nonpartisan coaching and commentary, but quietly. No yelling or
screaming or calling plays like he does when his Number 1 team--the Mountaineers or number
2 Buckeyes play. Everyone went to their homes at half time to finish watching the game, because
it was late. When Bill and I got in the car, I think you could hear the release of air for miles as we
laughed and praised that other Monongah boy, "Little Nick (Brother) Saban" As you say, he is
now a legend. That area of WV produced a lot of football legends. When Bill starts naming them
and their accomplishments, it is amazing that so many came from the same area. I think you
may be right, it may be the kryptonite from the mountains or that which was stolen from ND that
makes the difference. The little ND Leprechaun did meet his match and it was a WV boy who led
the Tide to a "good old Mountaineer stompin". No matter what, last night we watched football
history in the making and West Virginians are proud of one of their sons today!
Thanks for writing the story and for sharing with us.
Reply From Stu Cashman, LaSalle HS (NY) 1956
Pat,
Great description of the events and the WV connection with the game. I didn't have any
particular favorite in the game, just wished it had been more competitive.
As far as ND, I hope they recover from this and continue to be a factor in college football. Now,
as for "The Tide"...awesome! How good must Texas A & M have been to beat them? Alabama's
performance shows the value of a good running game. The only thing about Nick Saban is the
memory I have of him when he abandoned Michigan State just before their bowl game a few
years ago to take the LSU job. Others have done the same, i.e. RichRod, but it doesn't make it
right.
My opinion of him remains diminished. He has followed the money to the pot of gold. He should
"lighten up" a little on the sidelines, however, before he has a stroke.
Reply From Mike Hanley, NDHS 1958
Saban might be from Monongah, but there is no love lost for him here in the land of the
miraculous rising tide. He is not liked for his abandonment of the Dolphins, after stating he was
not going to Alabama. Then, two days later, he moved out and resigned.
The Miami Herald and the Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinel blasted Alabama as well as Notre Dame,
calling this the Hurricane's and Dolphin's territory. The Catholics verses the Convicts tee shirt and
the lying of Saban, as well as his deserting the Dolphins, have made both teams unwanted here
(according to the papers). The fact of the teams accomplishments made little difference. I read
the papers with disgust. Ft Lauderdale lauded the fact that they were to make $200 million as the
host of the Orange Bowl and the BCS bowl. I hope they are proud of the great job the press
provided.
Nevertheless, I am proud to be a "Domer", having graduated from ND High School in Clarksburg
as well as from ND university, with a degree in mechanical engineering. ND is a great school
and has the highest athletic graduation rate, as well as the number one team in football at the end
of the scheduled football season. It is also a great contender in many other collegiate sports. You
can be as proud of Saban as much as you want, but I cheer for the Irish now and forever. Go
Irish.
A Few More Comments:
I have to admit that Notre Dame fans are extremely loyal to the Irish. They are a lot like
OSU Buckeye fans, who feel their teams can do no wrong. One difference is that ND fans are
nationwide, whereas OSU fans are mainly from Ohio. Regardless, I think it is good for college
football that ND is back among the elite.
As far as Nick Saban "abandoning" the Dolphins, one of his closest coaching friends told this
story.
When Mal Moore, the Alabama AD, was in Miami trying to talk Saban into coming to
Alabama. Saban turned him down several times, but Moore wouldn't leave town. Finally, he
advised Saban that he had been advised by the "powers that be" from the U of A that he (Moore)
should "not come home" without an agreement from Saban to come to Tuscaloosa. The rest is
history. If this is true, it means that Saban literally wrote his own contract.
Incidentally, in case you have forgotten, this makes 16 national championships and counting for
West Virginia born coaches. And, don't forget, Rich Rod and Jimbo Fisher both have a good shot
at joining the club someday. Plus, who knows how many Saban might eventually win. I, for one,
as a huge college football fan and a proud West Virginian, am loving every minute of it.
Are you having trouble grasping the fact that the Mountaineer basketball team is having such a
miserable season? Perhaps you should consider the following:
The 2010 recruiting class consisted of four players.
Noah Cottrill was considered, perhaps, the best prospect out of West Virginia since Jerry West.
He was a pure shooter. He lasted less than two months, before being dismissed from the team.
Darrious Curry, a 6’-7” forward from Houston was ruled medically ineligible before ever joining
the team.
David Nyarsuk, a 7’-0” center from Mountain State Academy, was ruled academically ineligible
and never played for WVU.
Kevin Noreen played until an injury ended his season early enough for him to get a medical
redshirt.
As if that wasn’t enough to decimate a team, there was more.
Danny Jennings left the team at halftime during a game in the winter of 2011, never to return.
Dalton Pepper, an excellent outside shooter and defender, transferred to Temple after the 2010-
11 season to be nearer his ill father.
Tommy McCune, a 2011 recruit, left the team in March of 2012 and transferred to Northern
Illinois.
Pat Forsythe transferred to Akron after the 2011-12 season.
Paul Williamson, a walk-on, who was a good three-point shooter, left the team after the 2011-12
season. He was rumored to be transferring to Fairmont State, then to the U. of Charleston. (As
of today, he is not shown on the U of C roster).
Elijah Macon, a stud power forward, failed to qualify for the 2012 recruiting class and will be in
next year’s class.
If you count them, that’s nine players, who should be members of this year’s team, but only
Noreen is there. (Pepper would have graduated last year). There is not a team in the country
that could afford to lose that much talent and succeed.
So, as you watch this year’s Mountaineers struggle to reach a .500 record, remember the nine
players who should be on the floor, many with two or three years of Division 1 experience, and
maybe it will ease the pain.
SUBJECTS FOR NEXT MONTH:
1. Stan (The Man) Musial just passed away at the age of 92. Did you ever see him play in a
game? If so, in what city and against which team? Where do you think he stood in line with the
greats of the game?
2. It won't be long before the state high school basketball tournament begins in West
Virginia. Did you ever attend a tournament game? Or, better still, did you ever play in one? Tell us
about either experience. Was it at the old Field House in Morgantown?
3. Who were some of the all-time great players who you remember playing high school
basketball in Clarksburg, north central WVa or even in the entire state? What school(s) had the
top programs?
4. As mentioned above, do you remember anything about Alex Cava? Jim Alvaro said he must
have been an outstanding athlete at W I based on his name appearing on so many trophies.
Interesting Veterans Statistics off the Vietnam Memorial Wall
There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including
those added in 2010.
The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us by
date and within each date the names are alphabetized. It is hard to believe it
is 36 years since the last casualties.
The first known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth ,
Mass. Listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on
June 8, 1956. His name is listed on the Wall with that of his son, Marine
Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III, who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.
There are three sets of fathers and sons on the Wall.
39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or younger.
8,283 were just 19 years old.
The largest age group, 33,103 were 18 years old.
12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years old.
5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years old.
One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15 years old.
997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam ..
1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam ..
31 sets of brothers are on the Wall.
Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons.
54 soldiers attended Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia . I wonder
why so many from one school.
8 Women are on the Wall. Nursing the wounded.
244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153
of them are on the Wall.
Beallsville, Ohio with a population of 475 lost 6 of her sons.
West Virginia had the highest casualty rate per capita in the nation. There are
711 West Virginians on the Wall.
The Marines of Morenci - They led some of the scrappiest high school football
and basketball teams that the little Arizona copper town of Morenci (pop.
5,058) had ever known and cheered. They enjoyed roaring beer busts. In
quieter moments, they rode horses along the Coronado Trail, stalked deer in
the Apache National Forest. And in the patriotic camaraderie typical of
Morenci's mining families, the nine graduates of Morenci High enlisted as a
group in the Marine Corps. Their service began on Independence Day, 1966.
Only 3 returned home.
The Buddies of Midvale - LeRoy Tafoya, Jimmy Martinez, Tom Gonzales
were all boyhood friends and lived on three consecutive streets in Midvale,
Utah on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived only a few yards apart.
They played ball at the adjacent sandlot ball field. And they all went to
Vietnam. In a span of 16 dark days in late 1967, all three would be killed.
LeRoy was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 22, the fourth anniversary of John F.
Kennedy's assassination. Jimmy died less than 24 hours later on
Thanksgiving Day. Tom was shot dead assaulting the enemy on Dec. 7, Pearl
Harbor Remembrance Day.
The most casualty deaths for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245
deaths.
The most casualty deaths for a single month was May 1968 - 2,415 casualties
were incurred.
For most Americans who read this they will only see the numbers that the
Vietnam War created. To those of us who survived the war, and to the
families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these
numbers created. We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these
numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and
daughters. There are no noble wars, just noble warriors.
Anthony J. “Tony” Fratto, 30, of Clarksburg, WV, departed this life on January 10, 2013, after a
long, courageous battle with Lyme Disease and Lou Gehrig ’s disease.
Tony was born in Clarksburg, WV, on July 21, 1982, a son of Anthony T. Fratto and his wife,
Cheryl L. of Clarksburg and his mother Sambra Loretta Flanagan and husband, Tom of
Annapolis, MD.
Tony is survived by his beloved son, Anthony E. “Manny” Fratto of Clarksburg; three sisters,
Tressa Fratto of Nakina, NC, Andrea Fratto of Cary, NC and Rachel Flanagan of Annapolis, MD;
and a brother, Michael Flanagan of Annapolis, MD. He is also survived by his maternal
grandmother, Josephine Loretta of Bridgeport, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Louis Loretta and paternal grandparents,
Anthony and Victoria Fratto.
Tony was a graduate of Liberty High School Class of 2000 where he played center on the football
team. He graduated from Fairmont State College in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration and was employed with Star Auto as a salesman from 2005 to 2008 and then
worked for United Bank as a sales associate from 2008 to 2010.
Tony was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and enjoyed attending Mass
at the Saint James Catholic Church where his son, Manny, was baptized.
CHARLES PAUL HUFFORD
Charles Paul Hufford, 87, passed away on Jan. 22, 2013, from an extended illness.
He was a son to the late A.V. “Boo” Hufford and Emma (Britton) Hufford.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen (Mucha) Hufford. Together, they cherished 64 years of
marriage: a daughter, Debbie (Darrel) Rolston; a granddaughter a grandson, a great grand son
and several nieces and nephews who he treated as if they were his own children. In addition to
his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Keith Hufford; a sister-in-law, Marjorie
Hufford; and a nephew, Jerry Hufford.
Mr. Hufford was a 1943 graduate of Victory High School. At the age of 17, Chuck worked at the
Glenn L. Martin Plant in Baltimore, Md. His passion for flying furthermore steered him toward
being a gunner in the United States Air Force during World War II. He attended Colby College in
Waterville, Maine. He was a lifetime member of the Local 580 American Federation of Musicians
and a member of the American Legion. Charles was a long-time employee of several well-known
glass factories in Clarksburg, as well as retail stores, such as Kaites Ltd. and C.C. Keys Music
Co. He retired as a member of the Carpenters’ Union at the age of 62.
RUBY C. QUEEN
Ruby C. Queen, 91, passed away on January 20, 2013, at Heartland of
Clarksburg.
She was the daughter of the late Perry Fortney and Ella Cooper Fortney.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester B. Queen, who passed away
in 1976. She is survived by her son, Leslie O. Queen and her daughter, Virginia
“Jenny” (Larry) Gregory; one granddaughter, Courtney D. Gregory; and one
brother, Brady (Jean) Fortney. She was preceded in death by four brothers,
Tracy, Willard, Romeo and Denny Fortney.
Mrs. Queen was a graduate of R-W High School.
JAMES ROBERT “JIM BOB” ALLMAN
James Robert “Jim Bob” Allman, age 82 passed away on Jan. 2, 2013, at his residence.
He was the son of the late Orval Lee Allman and Freda Mae (Day) Allman.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, who was his high school sweetheart, Sue Anne (Coffman)
Allman; three daughters, Glenna Sue (Neville) Fleming, Paula Deanne (Miachael) Barnes and
Michael, and Katrina Kay (Jeff) Hamrick; two brothers, Edward Lee Allman,, and David Day
(Wilma) Allman; six loving grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and
nephews.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Kathleen Hornor and her husband Edwin
“Bud” and Betty Jean Flint and Tom; a grandson, Steven “Eric” Coffman; a son-in-law, Steven
Coffman; and two sisters-in-law, Jeanne and Patty Allman. Jim was a member of the Fellowship
Bible Church in Bridgeport.
He graduated from Washington Irving High School in the Class of 1948 and then attended West
Virginia University. In earlier years he worked at Allman Brothers Grocery Store and later retired
from Southern States.
MARILENE LORRAINE JOHNSTON
Marilene Lorraine Johnston, 59, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away of natural causes at her
residence on December 21, 2012.
She was born on October 29, 1953, in Orlando, Florida, the eldest daughter of Charles K. and
Lois Davisson Johnston, both deceased.
She is survived by two siblings, Thomas Johnston of Bridgeport, WV, and Debra Johnston of
Derry, New Hampshire; and one nephew, Lucas Johnston of Clarksburg, WV.
She was a 1971 graduate of Victory High School and attended Cedarville College in Ohio. She
was well known in the region for her years of work in local television and radio, using the on-air
name of Marci Thomas. She also managed Rex Heck News, located on Main Street in
Clarksburg, for a number of years.
ALINE LOUISE RILEY
Aline Louise Riley, 84, of Bridgeport, died January 8, 2013.
She was the daughter of the late Fernand and Lucille Gregorie.
She married Duffy Blake Riley who preceded her in death in 1987.
Aline was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by
two sisters, Martha Musser and Barbara Weekly, and also her nephews James Riley, Jr. and J.K.
Musser II. She is survived by many nieces and nephews on both the Riley and the Gregorie side
along with her brother-in-law, Jim Weekly.
Aline enjoyed a very active life and she loved to travel. She visited all 50 states and 29 foreign
countries. She took 12 cruises. She worked for Harrison County school system at R-W High
School in Clarksburg before moving to Liberty High School where she served as the school
secretary. She retired from Liberty High School.
DAVID HAWKINS
David H. Hawkins, age 78, passed away January 9, 2013, in Morgantown following a brief illness.
He was the son of the late Arch Hawkins and Evelyn Dorothy Kellerman.
His wife, Mary Gloria Menendez Hawkins, resides at their home in Bridgeport.
He is also survived by his son, David M. Hawkins of Charleston.
Dave was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1952, having participated in
baseball, basketball and football. He was a mold maker in the glass industry for over 34 years,
having retired from Ball Corporation in 1994. He was a member of the Sunny Croft Country Club
for 27 years, where he was a five-time club champion. He was a member of the Bridgeport
Country Club for 19 years. Having been an avid golfer, Dave qualified for the U.S. Senior
Amateur at the age of 55.
He also participated several times in the West Virginia Amateur golf tournaments and, during one
of these tournaments, was the oldest qualifying participant. He was a longtime high school
football and basketball official, as well as a basketball official for the WVIAC.
He was a dedicated member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
