THE WI NEWSLETTER 08/13

THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 168 August 2013









THE LAST WI PICNIC
AT VETERAN'S PARK
CLAKSBURG, WV

AUGUST 24, 2013

COME BE WITH FRIENDS
AND TELL
SHARYN GOOD BYE AND THANK YOU

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Final Clarksburg WI Picnic. You don't need to be a graduate to join us on Aug 24th from 11am - ?? at Veteran's Park in the big pavilion. Just bring a covered dish, drink and camera. Also any memorabilia you would like to share and talk about with classmates or others from WI.

Unfortunately this will be the last year Sharyn Cottrill McGahan can host the WI Picnic. Sharyn is very grateful for the help her committee and other volunteers have given her over the years

Due to her husband's health, she is unable to continue with this yearly event. Sharyn has seen this coming and has begged the last couple of years for someone to take over. However, it seems no one wants to step forward so this is the last WI Picnic we will ever be able to attend. If you are willing to take on having the picnic, please contact me at Roleta1@aol.com.

Come to the picnic and show Sharyn your appreciation for all she has done over the last 10 years.

THE LAST WI PICNIC

August 24, 2013




THOUGHTS ON THE PICNIC

submitted by: Arreta Jaranko (WI '40)

I wonder how many of the people who attend the Clarksburg picnic realize that this is the LAST one? Sharyn has gone over and beyond the effort and responsibility of seeing to it that it has been a wonderful experience and good time for all. I just cannot imagine how she has done all this for so long and now with her husband being so ill and demanding her time, it seems to me that the people who attend from Clarksburg would be ringing her phone and saying "Just tell me what you want me to do and I will do it".....but so far, NO ONE has. I have told her that I will come from the Eastern Panhandle a couple of days ahead to help her in any way that I can, but even so, that won't be much relief for her. It bothers me and I hope we can, during this one last time, ease this burden for her and have the good time she has always tried to provide.



DANCE IN CLARKSBURG

submitted by: Nancy Kirkpatrick Gaines (WI '50)

In the 30's there was a Dance Studio run by Velma Sontag. My sisters and I took classes from her as did many Clarksburg children. She moved to Hollywood, California and my sisters and I moved there also. We attended Hollywood Professional School and took dancing at the Charise Studio. We stayed there during WW 2. My sister Jean Kirkpatrick Andre danced in many USO Shows and was in several movies dancing as an extra. I would go with her sometimes to entertain our troops. I danced in the chorus in a movie named Bowery to Broadway, also I did the taps for the sound part of the movie. I returned to Clarksburg and graduated from WI in 1950. After graduation I taught dancing for the Mary Berger Studio of Dance.. Children learning Tap and Ballet were Big part of growing up in Clarksburg at that time. My oldest sister Jean still lives in California, Mary Kirkpatrick Duncan in Maryland, and I in Fairmont.

We have many happy memories of those days.

Do you have any memories of dance classes in Clarksburg? Write to me and share your memories with the readers write: Roleta1@aol.com. Include any pictures you might have too, please. Thanks



DO YOU REMEMBER THIS DAY?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com with your memories.



A rescue boat comes alongside the crippled USS West Virginia shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.




THE MYSTERY HOUSE


Above picture provided to us by Bob Williams (WI 1945)

submitted by: Elizabeth Teter Akin (WI '56)

My best guess would be the Louis Johnson home on Buckhannon Ave. He was Secretary of War/Defense under Truman, and one of the original partners in the Steptoe and Johnson law firm.. He was also a good friend of Claude Robinson who lived on Spring Ave behind that house. Or, if that isn't it, it might be the Maxwell house on Pike St, across from the Post Office. I don't remember either house having quite so much shrubbery around, but then....



submitted by: Judy Davis Pinti (WI '59)

I have talked to several people and they do think that mystery house belonged to Louis Arthur Johnson (Jan. 10, 1891 - April 24, 1966). He was the second U.S Secretary of Defense, serving in the cabinet of Pres. Harry S. Truman from March 28, 1949 to Sept. 19, 1950. He practiced law in Clarksburg (his firm being Steptoe and Johnson). I believe the VA Hospital was named after him as well.

It is located on Buckhannon Ave. and was owned by Mr. Johnson a lawyer with the firm of Steptoe and Johnson. If it is the house, Lisa and John Halterman bought and remodeled it. John has Beacon Wealth Management here in Clarksburg. The house is beautiful.



submitted by: Carolyn Burnside (WI '52)

This is the Buckhannon Avenue home of Louis A. Johnson (Secretary of Defense in President Truman's cabinet). In October 2011, I was the Realtor representing the purchaser. He has beautifully restored the property.



submitted by: Mary Stump Harrell (WI '55)

The house belonged to Louis Johnson when I was growing up – it is on Buckhannon Avenue on the north side, the second house up from Harrison Street.

When we were children in the late 40's the Johnsons had white squirrels in cages in the back yard – and large old pine trees. When we were about 7 or 8 years old, Judy Lough (whose grandparents lived next door), Irma Bass, and I used to take peanut butter and banana sandwiches and hide under the pine trees to have a picnic - and then we would watch the squirrels in their cages.

(We were terrified that someone would discover us and scold us – but if any adult ever knew we were there he or she never told us.)

In later days when I would be on the corner of Harrison and Main Streets waiting for a city bus going back to school after lunch, Louis Johnson would be driving to town to his office and would give me a ride to town. He always asked me who I was – but I think he knew.

In the late 50's Mr. Johnson was Secretary of Defense under Pres. Truman.

The house originally belonged to "Uncle Tom Harrison" – who is related to Dincey and Carol Rede (Clarksburgers and WI grads) via the Davisson family of Weston. Harrison Street was named for him and his farm encompassed most of what is now Broad Oaks, if I am not mistaken.

I don't know who owns the house now, but it is a lovely property still.



submitted by: Douglas Sinsel (WI '56)

I believe the Mystery Picture may be the home of Louis Johnson, former Secretary of Defense. It is located on Buckhannon Avenue. My family lived up the street, #404, from the Johnson estate. As I recall, my father, Rupert A. Sinsel, left the FBI in Washington, DC and moved to Clarksburg in the mid 1930's to set up his law practice. We used to play baseball and football on Mr. Johnson's back yard. I once said to my father what a grand home it was and he said that when he first arrived in Clarksburg, it was for sale for $10,000. When I asked why he didn't but it, he his reply was. " why would anyone need a house that large?"



submitted by: Lyle Corder (RW '57)

The house is on Buckhannon Ave. in Golf Plaza. It is really a large house since they put an addition on the back. It must have between 6000 and 8000 sq. ft. of living area. It is a beautiful piece of property and would look even better on the crest of a hill somewhere with ten or more acres. I sure wouldn't want to have to dust it or clean the bathrooms.



submitted by: Penny Fish Wolverton (WI '58)

I believe it to be Louis Johnson on Buckhannon Ave. It has recently been remodeled by a young family and is quite beautiful.



submitted by: Steve Limbers (WI '57)

I looked at that picture and was pretty sure it was the Louis B Johnson house on Buckhannon Ave. I called my wife to come in -- her grandparents lived next door to Johnson at 349 Buckhannon. Her parents added on to her grandparents' house and moved there in 1960 or 1961 and we had many wonderful times at 349. Neither of us can be sure, though, that the picture is actually the Johnson house. I hope someone will drive from Harrison St up Buckhannon Ave and check out the first house on the right. We are very anxious to know if we are correct.

There were thick and tall bushes between the two houses (349 Buckhannon and the Johnson house) so we didn't see much of the house or think much about it. There was never anyone home, to my knowledge, yet someone kept it up. Sandy and I stayed at 349 two summers when she was in late pregnancy and we still lived in Morgantown.

I knew Louis Johnson was a big shot of some kind and Broad Oaks folks have written previously that there was property from that house (we assumed) on Harrison. We called it Johnson's Field and used it for baseball. No one seemed to care.

My wife remembers going over and talking to Mr Johnson when she was very young, visiting her grandparents at 349. She says he was very nice. I do not ever remember seeing anyone in or around the Johnson house.

Interesting issue, as usual, Roleta. Thanks for your continuing efforts.



submitted by: John Petitto (NDHS '64)

The Johnson property fronted on Buchannon Ave & the rear butted Spring Avenue. I grew up on Hedge St 2 blocks distance away. The rear of the property was a secluded garden area with the largest goldfish (which I now know are Koi) and pond I had ever seen. As a kid I had not seen too many, so it was large !! We use to sneak over the fence and walk around on the property. More often then not we got chased off by the gardener or one of the staff at the house. Never did see Mr. Johnson or any of his family. I'd be curious to know who the current owners are. I had always thought that due to Mr. Johnson's service to the USA & President Truman, the house would have been made a historical landmark and possibly a museum to his time and service to our country. He was honored by the USA by virtue of the VA Hospital being named for him.

Thank you so very much for the Newsletter. I look forward to it every month.



submitted by: Rod Kidd (WI '70)

The house in the photo I believe sets off of Spring Street in the Goff Plaza section of town. It is one street back off of E. Main Street about a block and a half past the Goff Plaza Bridge. There are a number of large old homes along this wide avenue.



submitted by: John E. Stealey III (WI '59)

I believe the mystery picture is the house built by Thomas Willoughby Harrison (1824-1910) in 1860 on Buckhannon Avenue. Louis Johnson, one of the founders of the law firm, Steptoe & Johnson, and later Secretary of Defense, bought it in 1941. The address is 317 Buckhannon Avenue. What I remember most from my time in Clarksburg was the presence of many squirrels in the trees and yard. It was commonly referred to as the "Harrison house."



submitted by: Bob Williams (WI '45)

Col. Louis A. Johnson
This picture was the home of Col. Louis A. Johnson 2nd. Secretary of War under President Harry S. Truman from March 1949 to September 1950 and before that Asst. Sec. of War for several years. This home was on Buckhannon Ave in Golf Plaza, two streets over from Rosemont Ave. where I grew up. Johnson was well known in Clarksburg because of his law firm Steptoe & Johnson and was at one time in the West Virginia legislature.

One interesting note about Mr. Johnson that I well remember was one Christmas Dr. Frank Langfitt, who was Col. Johnson doctor, came into my fathers's jewelry store and wanted to buy him a pair of 14K garters for a Christmas present and wanted me to hand engrave his initials on each of therm. I am sending you a picture of Col. Louis A. Johnson if you might want to use it.



submitted by: Steve Maxwell (Randolph-Macon Academy '65)

The house pictured is the Harrison-Long-Johnson house at 317 Buckhannon Avenue. Still there and still going strong. The brick part pictured dates to about 1868 and was the original Broad Oaks Farm house built by the Harrison Family. By the 1920's it had fallen into disrepair and was bought and substantially rebuilt by the Long Family adding the third floor and all the decorations. In about 1940 it was acquired by Louis Johnson, co-founder of Steptoe & Johnson Law firm. It is now owned by the John Halterman family and is well cared for and in beautiful condition as it approaches its 150th birthday.



submitted by: Mary Sue Spahr (WI '56)

This is the Louis Johnson mansion on Buckhannon Avenue. We always wondered what it was like inside, but of course nobody we knew had ever been in it. Sometimes when we were selling stuff for fund raisers, etc., we'd ring the doorbell hoping we'd get a peek inside when the door opened, but I don't remember anyone ever answering the door. The house was very mysterious, somewhat like Boo Radley's house in "To Kill a Mockingbird" mainly because we always tried to see who lived there and would tempt the fates trying to find out. The house is just as mysterious to me now as it was when I was a child and I'd still like a tour of it with a good docent.



submitted by: James Selario (WI '67)

The mystery picture in the last newsletter is the home of Louis A. Johnson. He was Secretary of Defense in the Truman Administration. The home is located on Buckhannon Avenue in Clarksburg. It wasn't far from where I grew up and I can remember admiring it as I would walk by it. I was impressed by its size, the grounds, and the curved driveway in front.

The following is information about Louis Johnson from Wikipedia:

"Louis Arthur Johnson (January 10, 1891 - April 24, 1966) was the second United States Secretary of Defense, serving in the cabinet of President Harry S. Truman from March 28, 1949 to September 19, 1950.

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, he earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. After graduation he practiced law in Clarksburg, West Virginia; his firm, Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC eventually opened offices in Charleston, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.. Elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1916, he served as majority floor leader and chairman of the Judiciary Committee. During World War I, Johnson saw action as an Army Captain in France, where he compiled a long report to the War Department on Army management and materiel requisition practices. After the war he resumed his law practice and was active in veterans' affairs, helping to found the American Legion and serving as its national commander in 1932-33."

Quite a number of years ago the Clarksburg Veterans Administration Hospital was renamed the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center.




TRIVIA PICTURE



Of course the young man in the picture is of the most wonderful man I've ever known. He was the most loving, caring, not to mention, funniest man on earth. Of course that is my dad, Fred. The other is his uncle. We called him "Big Uncle" Demundo. Dad was on his way home from Hazel Atlas. He walked from Hazel Atlas, through Glen Elk, and on to Broad Oaks. The picture was taken in front of the barber shop in Glen Elk.

Signed: Jim Alvaro



SEPTEMBER MYSTERY PICTURE



Please identify the above picture, tell us a little about it's location, what you know about it, etc. I won't publish incorrect answers. Thank you for participating and helping make the newsletter interesting. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.



SEPTEMBER GUESS WHO



Do you know the name of this cute little boy? Tell us how you know him and add a memory. Send your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com.





PART 4 MEMORIES OF CLARKSBURG

submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)

Correction of error in the July 2013 memories by John:

I hate to say it..but "I"--was left out of the mention that Bill Allman the owner and engineer built WOTR-FM.RADIO in Lost Creek, WV and it reads like he did the sports, etc.. it appears with "I" left out that Bill did them after building the radio station...not me. But, I did the sports play-by-play broadcasts for 12 years including Salem College basketball and baseball radio cast, not Bill. And the home and away games were great fun, taking me to a Salem college national tourney play off game in Louisville, Ky, that Salem was upset in the first round. (John Cooper WI-1951)

PART 4:
Carmichael Auditorium, not only the local high school basketball games, featured political rallies, giant church meetings with big name evangelists, a circus with big elephants brought in by Schriner's (over fear the floor would give away, but it didn't) and those many wonderful big bands on one night stands in our Clarksburg. Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, Sammy Kaye, etc. As well as sold out Robinson Grand Theater "live" professional touring stage shows. The big bands playing there caused lines of fans waiting to buy tickets down the street and the lines at the Ritz Theater ran down the street around the library fence all the way to the street car and bus station and I was in that line.


Later when I worked at the Clarksburg newspaper and wrote a daily theatre column, the new manager of the Ritz Theatre became a great friend of mine. When Tex Ritter (TV's John Ritter's dad) appeared at the Ritz shortly after the "High Noon" film release that featured the popular main theme song by Tex, I was asked to stick with Tex, taking him to lunch at the Manhattan Restaurant (he was signing many autographs on napkins) and introducing him from the Ritz stage before the movie. Tex was really thrilled to see and sign the movie posters I had of his early film westerns. The same with Warren Hull who visited Clarksburg for the opening of a local bank. Warren was doing a popular week day network TV quiz show, "Strike It Rich" . I was also excited and he was too as he signed the early "Green Hornet" movie serial posters I showed him I had collected that he starred in that played at the Moore's Theatre.

In the September issue of the WI Newsletter we will continue with John's memories of theaters in Clarksburg.



HUCKSTERING IN CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

submitted by: Bill Jackson (WI '43)

I was a Huckster for two years. In case you don't know what a Huckster is, it's a person that sells food door to door. Anyway I believe I was 14 & 15 at the time. Harley Crummet was a farmer that lived about half way between Weston, WV and Horner, WV. Harley had a boot that was bent up at the toes and walked with a slight limp. He had cut part of his foot off accidentally with an ax. My Aunt Freda, with whom I stayed the previous three summers, knew him and said I would probably help him. He would drive his old truck about 30 miles to Clarksburg, where I lived, and sell chickens, eggs, apples and other vegetables. He would pick me up and we would go to all the mining towns around Clarksburg. They lived in run down houses and were very poor but we would usually sell out before the day was over. This was in 1938-1939 and the country was in a bad depression. He would take me home after a long day of huckstering, give me 50 cents, go back to Weston and get ready for the next Saturday.



MINING TOWNS AROUND CLARKSBURG
(a great subject for discussion for next month)

submitted by: Bill Jackson (WI '43)

I was 15 years old the first time I huckstered and my memory is not very good but I can remember three mining towns we went to. The first seemed like it was at Montpierler and that's where we sold the most. The second one was about where Robert Byrd HS is as close as I can remember. The third one was up toward Gypsy? It was 1940 and the economy was still pretty bad. My father died in 1936 and we had to make money anyway we could. Two of my brothers had paper routes that I took over once they graduated. A third brother, Tom, was in the Navy and sent some money to my mother. I got 50 cents for helping Harley Crummet. It wasn't much but I enjoyed helping Harley.

I can still remember how Hoboes would come out Austin Ave stopping at houses and begging for food. That was about 1937 and I don't think we could help them much, but Mrs. Kester always gave them something. The Kester family and Mr. Rogers had the only two cars in the neighborhood as much as I could remember. Things were tough then.

EDITOR'S NOTE: ---help me out for next month or anytime-----

What do you remember about mining towns around Clarksburg? Did any of the kids at WI have parents who worked in coal mines? I really knew nothing much about coal mines until I met Bill…..I will tell you next month about my first experience with coal mining…other than dating a college boy who worked in the mines in the summer and never seemed able to get the black out from around some of his fingernails.

Write and tell me about your experience with coal mining? Any memories you can share?

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com.




WASHINGTON IRVING HIGH SCHOOL
100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Washington Irving High School opened its doors in 1914 and will celebrate being 100 years old in 2014. There are plans brewing to have a big celebration in 2014. Everyone who ever attended WI is invited to attend the functions.

So watch the newsletter for further details. We will keep you updated. The committee has met, they have a leader. Below is a report from their latest meeting:

WASHINGTON IRVING TO CELEBRATE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY

submitted by: Joy Gregorie DeFazio (WI '59)

Alumni representing various classes of the former Washington Irving High School are exploring special activities to mark the 100th birthday of the big red brick building on Lee Avenue, Clarksburg, now known as Washington Irving Middle School.

The celebration was suggested by Mr. William T.Tucker, then the principal of the junior high. He has since retired and asked Barbara DeFazio Kroll to spearhead the celebration. Not only is Kroll on staff at the school, she is also a member of the WIHS Class of 1979.

"I liked the idea and started discussing it with other alumni in person, via telephone and the internet," she said. "The idea caught on. We called a meeting at Panera's on Emily Drive for July 8th."

In addition to Kroll, those turning out for the first brain-storming session were former principal Sam Scalapio; Mark Hall and Beth Fraser Skidmore, both from the Class of 1979; Tom Lee, Class of 1958; Marilyn Hurst Lee, Class of 1962; and Carolyn Pinella Warne and Joy Gregoire DeFazio, Class of 1959.

"We recognize that W.I. has had two different groups of students. . . both high school and middle school students," said Warne. "We welcome help from local graduates and students as well as those who participated with the W.I. Booster Club and those who even now help with concession stands."

"We can use all the help we can get," said Kroll. "We don't have specifics yet, but the earlier we can get others involved, the better the celebration will be".

The WI NEWSLETTER WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF ALL PLANS.

Just keep in touch.




OLGA MARIE BURNS POWELL

submitted by: Joe Malone (WI '52)

Ro - It has occurred to me from time-to-time that, while your readership clearly has expanded beyond the initial Alumni boundaries of “WIHS – 1959” to “WIHS - all classes” to anyone with roots in Harrison County and surrounding territories, participation down Route 50W from Adamston is sparse at best. I don't recall any articles, replies or responses from graduates of Bristol or Salem High Schools and Liberty is only represented by past Victory High School loyalists. Today I hope to change that - perhaps futilely - by expanding on the obituary of Marie (Burns) Powell from the July 24th edition of the Exponent Telegram. Interested readers can find it at the end of this Newsletter. As the obituary only has a dated picture of Marie, I have also enclosed a few photos from more current times. (You should hope to look this good at 90.)

I met and fell in love with Marie Powell at Lake Floyd where she lived for over 60 years. She, along with Mim Lowther Allan, WI-44, were my sister's (Sadie Malone Graham - WI-43) very best friends. When Mim passed on several years back, Marie and Sadie were in lockstep every day. Daily phone calls solving the crossword puzzle; lunches together with others; trips to the beach daily at 3:00 pm to paddle around with their respective noodles; mutual support regarding families, illnesses, etc. and all of the other logistical issues surrounding growing old as a single woman. Marie visited with me in CA whenever she came to spend time with her daughter, Jana and grandsons, Sam & Phillip in Los Altos.

The "Marie & Noodle" comes from her daily swims out to the buoys beyond the middle pier with her group of "Beach Bunnies". The others were taken last summer when she was "Queen" of the Olympics at Lake Floyd. .




All that being said, if you read the obituary closely, you'll realize that Marie touched the lives of thousands of people from Wolf Summit to West Union; Jarvisville to Big Isaac; Reynoldsville to Sardis and many more throughout Lewis, Upshur and Braxton Counties. After graduating from Salem College, she cut her teaching teeth (literally) at the WV Girl's Industrial Home in Salem; moved on to Bristol and Salem High Schools and finally retired from Liberty Union High School when the school district was consolidated. She was a protege' of the iconic Dorothy Bell (Upton) Davis, the Grand Damme of (Western) Harrison County. I doubt that a high school reunion from any of these august institutions has been held in the last 30 years without Marie in attendance and probably as a speaker. The older she got, the more irreverent her speeches became. One of her favorite lines was, "Since it's accepted that the good die young, you understand why I am still standing in front of you."

Although born in Doddridge County, Marie was mostly raised in rural Lewis County near Ireland, WV. She was orphaned early in life and, along with her siblings, was shuffled around Central WV ending up in Lost Creek where she finished high school. Throughout her life she maintained a fondness for the Green Hill Methodist Church in Braxton County where her father was the pastor. Annually, Marie gather whatever family she could to the Green Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day to pay respects to her many family members buried there. she shared several of her speeches with me. I have visited the Green Hill property and have several photographs of the day.



Marie at Green Hill in 2011        Marie at the pulpit in Green Hill

You could (and still can) stop almost any person on the streets of Salem; drop her name and start a conversation. Last month when I called the local cable company to re-connect my WiFi, the Customer Service Rep. recognized my address and ask if that was where Mrs. Powell lived. Marie had taught her brother, father and several uncles. We talked for an hour (on Shentel’s nickel.)

Marie’s funeral at the Salem First Baptist Church was packed, (SRO), by a broad demographic of all ages for a warm, spiritual program filled with memories and song. Each day Marie arose to "One More Day, Sweet Jesus ! Just One More Day !" Well, on Saturday, July 20, 2013, she ran out of days. I had dinner with her the Monday before she died. As I dropped her off at her log cabin at the Lake, she left me on the roadbed - declining any help walking up her stairs - with a cheery " Goodnight and God bless !"

Goodnight, Sweet Lady ! Rest In Peace ! Rest In Peace !



EARLY AIR MAIL SERVICE

submitted by: David Saucer (WI '51)


I ran across this illustration recently and it brought back fond memories of summer vacation days I spent at my Grandparents' home in Bridgeport. I wonder how many of you gently mature grads remember this activity or witnessed it during the 40's. We were very excited when we heard or saw the "mail plane" approaching and would run to a high point where we could watch the action over at the airport.

In early 1939, a bright red Stinson Reliant plane swooped down out of the sky in Bridgeport WV and other small towns of WV and neighboring states, snatching a container of mail suspended on a rope between two poles. This event kicked off a unique chapter in airmail history. At that time, airmail service was restricted almost exclusively to metropolitan centers, out of reach of the majority of the country's population.

The service was authorized by Congress as an experiment. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill into law on April 30, 1938 and the first scheduled Air Pick Up service began on May 12, 1939 flying experimental routes. The first route went from Pittsburgh.

The planes chosen for the service were rugged Stinson Reliants, a tight-turning airplane superbly adapted to flying around hills and through valleys. For the next ten years a fleet of these planes provided Air Pick Up to locations in the northeast United States that could not be served by regular airmail service. Traveling between towns at 110 miles per hour, the Stinsons collected and delivered mail and express packages at each community without landing.

A pick-up flight started in the morning at the main airport where mail and express accumulated from all over the country were loaded for route stations. These stations received their airmail and express by Air Pick Up the same day it reached the terminal city. At each route point, a messenger collected cargo at the local express agency, mail from the Post Office and drove to the station site where he rigged a portable station for the pick-up. The station consisted of two poles some fourteen feet high and twenty feet apart a container of mail was attached to a rope stretched between the poles.

The Stinson flew in and swooped down over the station, first dropping the incoming mail in a cargo container, then flying twenty feet off the ground and lowering its boom between the poles so that the hook engaged the rope. This was connected with the winch, which paid out rope to absorb the shock and then reeled it into the plane. In a few seconds, the plane was out of sight headed for another pick-up.

We all marvel at FEDEX and look at them as the innovators of express delivery. Well, little old Harrison County participated in a pilot express delivery program in the 1940's that was as revolutionary for its time as FE is today.



EARLY MAPS OF WEST VIRGINIA

submitted by: Dave Kuhl (WI '62)

If you don't live in West Virginia but still feel like it is "home", one way to get your nostalgia fix is to browse old maps.

Topozone provides a map browsing service which might supply that fix. It is a way to travel back in time and visit places on a map which you remember from many years ago before the land was changed such as by building a dam or an Interstate.

The full service requires paying a subscription. However, if you only use the smaller map windows, you can browse some without paying for the subscription. Think of it as reading the front page of a newspaper through the window in the newspaper box. There are three browsing window sizes. If you click on the large size, the service immediately asks you to buy a subscription to the service. If you click on the small or medium windows, you can browse without charge.

Enter http://www.topozone.com/states/WestVirginia.asp in your Internet browser.

Then select the county. E.g. Harrison.
Then select the feature type. E.g. Populated place.
Then select the name of the feature. E.g. Clarksburg.


Select map size (small or medium) and browse. Note that the US 50 expressway is included so that makes that portion of the map at least late 1950s to early 1960s era.

Use the back arrow in the upper left of your screen to go back to the menu selection lists.

The map shows the hill behind WI as Duncan Hill and Lowndes Park. We always called it Lowndes Hill. I have seen another map which labeled the southern end of the hill as Lowndes Hill.

Houses are indicated by little black squares. My family home is represented by the third square north of the D in Duncan Hill.

There were more houses there in the 50s. I suspect the portion of the map showing houses is more likely vintage 1920 than 1960. The streets in Chestnut Hills appear to be complete but few houses are drawn in. The athletic field is drawn in. Monticello later Chestnut Hills grade school is indicated by a rectangular black image with a flag symbol on the top.

The WI building is represented by a large black square with a flag on top. Other buildings indicated near there include St. Mary's Hospital and several churches. The church symbol has a cross on top.

Of course many of these landmarks have now been torn down.

For you GPS users, the menu of locations include the latitude and longitude GPS coordinates.

Enjoy your trip down memory lane.



NOTE FROM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

submitted by: Teague Wagner (RC Byrd HS '13)

Thank you and I really appreciate you choosing me for this scholarship!




WI CLASS OF 61, MINI REUNION

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

Billie KITTLE Fox was passing thru the Northern Virginia area this week, staying with Mary Jo PULICE Benedetto, so the three of us had "Brunch" together on Friday and the waitress was nice enough to take this picture.


From Left to Right: John Billie Mary Jo


HAPPY HOUR!

This picture is from Mary Jo PULICE Benedetto. The three of us had "brunch" together, but I was not able to join them for "Happy Hour".



BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Xinia and Eddie Christie (WI '56) are celebrating the birth of

Catherine Madden Christie,
July 24 at Quepos Hospital Costa Rica
8 pounds, 8 ounces
healthy, hungry, and loud

Please join us in our happiness.

v


JUST FOR FUN

VOTE FOR ONE

I don't care if you went to WI or not, just vote, give us your opinion.

The newer one is at the top and is WI Number 1.

The older one is at the bottom and is WI Number 2.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com and cast your vote for WI Number 1 or WI Number 2, let's see which one is most popular. Come on and participate.

I will have the final count in the September newsletter.

#1


#2



ALTA VISTA GRADE SCHOOL TOY ORCHESTRA

submitted by: Bob Williams (WI '45)



This is a picture of the Alta Vista grade school toy orchestra in Broad Oaks about 1939 as well as I can remember.
I am in the second row from the bottom and 3rd over from the right. Photo was taken in front of the school.


ALTA VISTA CHOIR PICTURE TAKEN IN 1939



Another picture taken the same year of the choir at Alta Vista. I am in the second row from the top and 4th from the right.


ALTA VISTA HARMONICA BAND TAKEN IN 1939


The harmonica band at Alta Vista grade school was at the same time as the other two pictures above. The performances were just for the parents and friends of the school. The harmonica band was taught by a teacher from Kappa Sigma Pi which was located on Pike street on the right hand side of the street below the Central Christian church. This teacher had a band at the home and preformed at different civic clubs, churches and elsewhere in the Clarksburg area. They were really good and the teacher was an excellent harmonica player. In the picture I am in the back row first from the right. Sorry I can't name all of the people in the picture because too many years have gone by. Kappa Sigma Pi did so much good back then for children without family.



THANKS TO BILL MEREDITH FOR DOING THE SPORTS SECTION

Those of you who regularly read the sports section of the newsletter, have often seen me write about the "Dog Days" of summer, as they relate to sports. Below is a link to an article by Jed Drenning, who, if my memory serves me right, was an all-state quarterback at Tucker County High School. He went on to play for Rich Rod at Glenville State and has recently been a sideline reporter for WVU football broadcasts.

The subject of his article, "Dog Days Of Summer"-----Enjoy.

http://www.wvusports.com/blogs.cfm?blog=hotReadsBlog&story=23723




To Bill:

Years ago, our baby sitter wanted us to take her to an Atlanta Braves game. It so happens, she was the daughter of "Whitey" Zimmerman, who was the equipment manager for the Atlanta Falcons. "Whitey", at that time, had more seniority than anyone in the NFL. They even wanted him to write a book about his experiences. (Well, that's another story) Our baby sitter, Terri, not only had great tickets, but also had a parking pass under the stadium, in front of the Braves dressing room. This was great, because my Mother and Father were visiting us at the time and it would be great, as they would not have far to walk After the game, we got back to the car and I asked if we could wait and watch the players come out of the dressing room. We waited and who walks out, but Hank Aaron. Fortunately, my Dad, as usual, carried his camera. It was a Polaroid camera. I asked Mr. Aaron if I could get a picture of him with my Mom and Dad. He said, "Certainly." I took several pictures of Hank and his wife. When the pictures finally developed themselves, I thought how great it would be to get him to sign his autograph on the picture. Well, I put the picture in the mail and mailed it to Hank Aaron, c/o the Atlanta Braves, along with a short letter. A couple weeks later, he sent this picture, in the self-addressed envelope I enclosed, back to me. As a surprise, I mailed a copy to the Exponent-Telegram in Clarksburg and my parents got many calls from people in Clarksburg, wanting to know their contact with Aaron. I wonder if you could get a current ballplayer to do this.

As another surprise to my parents, who were die-hard Braves fans, I had their names announced on a national TV broadcast. A very good friend of mine was the official scorekeeper for the Braves. I told him how much Mom and Dad loved the Braves. He asked if I would like to get their names mentioned on a Braves broadcast. I said great and to let me know when they would do it. He talked to Skip Carey and Skip said he would be glad to do it and said when he would mention it. I made sure my parents were watching, even though I knew they would be. Sure enough, Skip announced, "We would like to say hello to great Braves fans in Clarksburg WV, Fred and Mary Alvaro." Well, their phone rang off the hook as there were many Braves fans in Clarksburg because of Turner TV.

Jim Alvaro, W I 1956



Reply To Jim:

What a great story. Hank Aaron was always one of my favorite players, even though he competed with my hero, Stan Musial, for honors in the National League. Your parents were not alone in following the Atlanta Braves. When Ted Turner launched WTBS, his super station, people all over the country could watch them almost every night. I think they dubbed them "America's Team".

I don't think you could get a major leaguer to do the "picture" thing today. It is also rare when they sign many autographs. I think the idea of people selling them turned many players off. You probably couldn't get too many broadcasters to pass along a hello on TV to your parents or anyone else. Radio announcers sometimes will do it, but not TV people.

As always, thanks for the story. Too bad "Hammerin' Hank" isn't still knocking the cover off of the ball. He may have been the last great home run hitter who didn't take some sort of"strength enhancing" substance.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



DIAMONDBACKS VS DODGERS BRAWL

To Bill:

I saw the whole game on TV. I live in Phoenix and am a Dback fan. Kennedy threw at Greinke, the Dodgers pitcher, because Greinke had hit Arizona catcher, Miguel Montero, and I think, another Dback player. The Dodgers were unhappy that Kennedy had come close or maybe hit Puig. It was not just Kennedy hitting Greinke, it had started much earlier in the game. The sad part of the whole thing was that Greinke got no suspension or fine. Eric Hinske of the Dbacks, originally got a 5-game suspension and he was only trying to break-up the fight.

One of the problems is that most of you only saw the news clips that the news editors wanted you to see and not the whole game. I saw the whole game. I find this happens a lot.

I know I am biased toward the Dbacks and dislike the Dodgers, but I think the Dodgers had a bunch of players and coaches that should have been fined, but were not.

It appears to be smoothed over, since the Dbacks and Dodgers played last night with no problems, but they still have several games to play before the end of the season.

Gordon Willliams, Bristol HS 1950

Reply To Gordon:

As I mentioned last month, this is all part of the game. The unfortunate thing is that one of the players could get seriously hurt. It would not surprise me if, were that to happen, you would see the lawyers get involved and that would not be good for the game.

Thanks for your comments. I hope to hear from you again soon.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



HARRISON COUNTY SPORTS RIVALRIES CHANGE AFTER 50 PLUS YEARS

To Bill:

I graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1957. It would be fair to say that the students at R-W really disliked Washington Irving teams the most. Both W. I. and Victory beat us a lot, but we really hated to lose to W. I. We always considered them the "rich kids" from Clarksburg. Keep in mind both W. I. and Victory were much bigger schools than was R-W. There were no rich kids at R-W and I suspect the same was true for Victory. Actually, Victory's beloved football coach, John Mazzei, went to school at R-W and coached there before going to Victory. I played basketball for him one year. I loved the guy.

We used to beat Bridgeport more than they beat us and the students at both schools seem to get along pretty well. Bridgeport was a smaller school, then. St. Mary's or Notre Dame was an even smaller school and usually did not play the big schools. The only problem we had with Notre Dame was when they tried to recruit our players, as they often did across the whole county.

I live in Bridgeport, now, and love to tell my friends about beating Bridgeport three times in basketball my senior year. They are sick of hearing it. That year Notre Dame sponsored a Clarksburg Classic at their gym. The four teams were Victory, Notre Dame, Bridgeport and RW. Victory won the tournament. I guess W. I. was just too good to be involved in such a petty thing. (OK, give me a break; I am just kidding.)

I do realize the biggest rivalry in those days was W. I. vs Victory. But, hey, ole R-W beat the big boys once in awhile. I remember us being named Clarksburg City Football Champs a couple of times. The R-W football team was State AA champs in 1958, thanks to "the best running back I ever saw from Harrison County." I won't mention his name, but, he remembers that missed extra point, even to this day. Don't you big guy?? Just one hint: he played for W. I. and is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

Now, spin forward to today. There is only one real sports rivalry in Harrison County. It is between Bridgeport and Robert C. Byrd High School. And, let me tell you, it is a hot one. As you know, R.C.B. now has the students from the R-W, W.I. and Kelly Miller areas. It would be fair to say, that some of the students "hate" each other. At times , the football games have been moved to daylight hours to prevent vandalism. I don't have all the stats on the games, but, Bridgeport does have a commanding lead in games won. As a matter of fact, this year, Brideport's sports program was the most successful in the state in class AA. And, interestingly, the girls program at Bridgeport produced more points toward this award than did the boy's program.

Victory and some other smaller schools now make-up Liberty High School. They win something once in awhile in baseball or in some of the minor sports. Shinnston High School is now Lincoln High School. Sports wise, they produce about as much as Liberty. Bridgeport is the big football power, with R.C.B. close behind. Both are good in basketball. I have to remind my friends that Wayne Jamison, an R-W grad, is the coach who put Bridgeport on the right track to win several state football championships.

I just thought some of you folks might like to know what is going on in the sports world here in Harrison County. It is odd how things have changed. Now, many people in the county think Bridgeport has all the "rich kids". Many of them think Bridgeport "gets everything" when it comes to school facilities. Actually, Bridgeport High School has the oldest school building in the county and paid for their own artificial turf for the football field. No county funds were provided.

Before I graduated from R-W, I learned that most of the kids who went to W. I. were pretty much like those of us at R-W. And, their rich kids were great guys and gals, too. Actually, the girls from W.I., Victory, Notre Dame and Bridgeport were all special. We never ventured down Shinnston way.

I would be interested in hearing from others who have some comments about the old and new sports' rivalries in Harrison County. Usually the Newsletter only talks about the W I-Victory rivalry. Back in the day, there was more than one, just ask an ole R-W grad.

Lyle Corder, RW 1957

Reply To Lyle:

I love to get letters like this one. I agree that we mostly discuss the Victory-WI rivalry, but there is a very good reason why this happens. The grads of those two schools write to the newsletter about those schools. I often mention that the newsletter cannot exist unless you, the readers, write to us, so I am especially glad to hear from Lyle.

The Bridgeport--RCB rivalry has become a good one. I think RCB's only football loss during the regular season last fall was to Bridgeport. The Indians have become not only a local powerhouse, but compete well statewide.

In the golden years of the 50's and 60's, there were dozens of very good athletes coming out of Harrison county schools. I'm sure that continued right up until consolidation limited the number of playing spots in high school sports. And, we still write about today's high school heroes.

You mention Shinnston, but remember, the smaller schools in the county, such as West Milford, Lost Creek, Lumberport. Salem, Bristol and several others produced some quality teams through the years. We just don't hear about them except, when on occasion, Joe Malone or someone else mentions them in a letter.

I would be interested in any of our readers commenting on what changes will be forthcoming, now that most of the schools in north central WV are in the AA classification in high school sports. The AAA scene has been dominated by the Charleston and Huntington area, with Martinsburg, Morgantown and Beckley also competing. I feel that the Big 10 Conference will have the premiere programs in AA for the foreseeable future in the state.

Thanks, Lyle, for hopefully stirring up some interest in local high school sports.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

I don't have much of a sports collection but I do have an autographed baseball of the 1971 Atlanta Braves, that a good friend got for me. There were some great player's names on the ball, including Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews (Who replaced manager, Luman Harris), Bob Priddy, Cecil Upshaw, Tommy Aaron (Hank's brother), Ralph Garr, Pat Jarvis, Ron Reed, and several others.

Probably not worth much but to have a ball with Hank Aaron's name on it, I will definitely keep it.

Jim Alvaro, W I 1956



Reply To Jim:

That is a very nice keepsake. You would be surprised what it is worth. In 20 or 30 years, after you and I are probably long gone, someone might give a lot of money for something like this.

I was given a baseball by Roleta's Father, Roy Smith, which is signed by most of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 50's. The biggest name on it is Ralph Kiner, who was a great home run hitter. The others are not too famous, since the Bucs weren't very good in those days.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



HELP IS ON THE WAY !!!

It is just over a month until the first college football games of the season and I, for one, am more than ready. Sure, the Pirates, Cardinals and Reds are in a dogfight for the NL Central lead and the Rays are closing in on the Red Sox. Believe it or not, Phil Mickelson finally won "The Open". These sports events continue to get my attention. However, my heart just won't let me get really excited until the first game kickoff is in the air.

I usually have some trouble getting tickets for the one and only WVU game I am able to attend each year, but this year it was a breeze. I had tried buying my tickets online for the last three seasons, but was unsuccessful. I gave it one more chance this year and had no problems at all. I'm not sure whether it was the result of my getting seats in the alcohol free section or the fact that ticket sales are down. Regardless, I've got them and am looking forward to seeing if William and/or Mary provide any competition.

More on football in a minute, but I have to mention that Huggins lost (I mean, got rid of) another player. He announced that Aaric Murray will not be part of his team this year. Plus, there are rumors that one of his freshman stud recruits may not have the grades to enter school. I question whether this team can afford to lose anyone, even if they are not team players. Only time will tell if the latest casualty helps or hurts the team. Oh, by the way, the Mountaineers announced that they will be playing Fairmont State in an exhibition game this fall. They should not take the Fighting Falcons lightly. If they do, we could have another game like the one with Northern Kentucky a couple of years ago.

Finally, I need your predictions on how the WVU football team will do this year. I see an improved defense, but I don't see much depth on either side of the ball or special teams. My heart tells me they could be pretty good, but my gut tells me a break even season might be a stretch. What do you think? I'm looking forward to hearing from Pat, Bobby, Jim, Bud, Lyle, Bill and many others, so please don't disappoint me.
Have a great month and GO MOUNTAINEERS !!!!

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



MRS. TIENNEBRUNNE

submitted by: Charles Ferrell (WI '46)

It was good to hear about the WI students tell about this Spanish teacher. I had two years of her classes. One time when one of the students who was always picking some of my chewing gum from my rear pocket, I decided to teach him a lesson. I coated all sticks of gum with a mixture of red pepper and snuff. When he took the first chew he suddenly ran from the room to get water and I burst out laughing. Mrs.Tiennebrunne ask "Carlos (my Spanish name), what's so funny?

I never had to try to use Spanish until many years later when a group of us from the US Atomic Energy Commission Reactor Licensing Division flew to Porto Rico to check out a potential power reactor site for safety. When we arrived at the site my division director, Harold Denton, (He was the one who escorted President Carter to Three Mile Island after the reactor meltdown. I was the Site Analysist who reviewed the safety design of the reactor) asked me to take a small helicopter to check out a costal meteorological station. My pilot could not speak English and my Castilian Spanish with a West Virginian accent could not communicate. By pointing on a map where I wanted to go, he got us safely there and back.

EDITOR'S NOTE: What teacher would you like to discuss? Write to Roleta1@aol.com and tell me.



SUGGESTED SUBJECTS ABOUT WHICH I WISH YOU WOULD SHARE YOUR MEMROIES:
Best memory about high school

Favorite teacher and why?

A funny incident from your teen age years.

Did you look forward to the beginning of school? Why or why not?

Favorite place to go with friends and why?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.




1957 REFLECTIONS

submitted by: Mike Snyder (WI '57)

Pretty dinged up from a recent kayak crash, and at the ripe old age of 73, I look back over the years a good bit. One of my blessings is the memory of friends and pals in the WI class of 1957.

To name several: Fred, Andy, Marty, Sarge, Skip, Donnie, Roy Bever, Dan, Roger, Davey, Sonny, Page, Jimmy and Mack. All were guys I cruised through the 1950's with; some beyond that.

Probably the nicest guy in our class was Steve Limbers. His gal Sandy kept him tied up, so he didn't run with the rest of us--maybe that's how he stayed so straight. He always had a ready smile for everyone, made good grades, and unknowingly set a standard with his good behavior and manners.

Steve was noted for his dancing ability--tap or rock--kind of a teenage version of Fred Astaire. During the Chord-Prodigal days Steve was always there with his dancing partner Betty, and I was there with Gloria from Notre Dame. Man what sounds that band made!

Saw Steve and Sandy at last year's reunion but never really got to talk, although I did get to pull his cap bill down, and can report he and Sandy both looked great. So to Steve and all my old pals of '57 both here and gone, I can truthfully say those WERE the good old days.

Also would like to say hi to three gals who went to WI: Ann Ruck, Kay Wamsley, and Libbet Rogers.

And I hereby pledge to avoid any whitewater above Class II in the future.

Montani Semper Liberi, Mike



SHARING MEMORIES

submitted by: Willard "Bud" Wheelock (WI '60)

Thanks for another great newsletter! Thought I had better contribute something as it has been awhile.

Re: the Orson Welles 1937 War of The Worlds broadcast:
The producers of the show made every effort to alert people that it was not for real but a theatrical production. This was told a number of times during the broadcast but then as today many were not really paying attention and took it seriously, resulting in a number of tragic but stupid accidents or rash actions. Attempts were made to sue the producers of the show, especially Welles, but that came to nothing. Sadly there are so many out there who believe everything they see or hear and never question it. No mystery why this country is in such a mess. No REAL news being reported any more. I was not born until five years later but have revisited the broadcast whenever possible.

Re: Mr. Corder:
I had him for shop in seventh grade and am so grateful for everything he taught us. Back then you were allowed to use real tools and make things of value to you. Now all they do is sit in front of a computer. How sad! I still have a letter opener and two copper plaques I made then and treasure them. He was always patient with us even when we were slow or not paying attention. Not so with the fellow who took his place-can't remember his name but we didn't get along at all.

Ms. Tiennebrunne:
She was one of my two favorite teachers at WI. I would possibly missed working with her had Grace Albright remained at WI in which case I would have taken four years of Latin. I took both French 1 and Spanish 1 during my junior year despite the objections of my "advisor". Fortunately Mr. Cubbon gave his full approval. I did quite well in both classes. I had Spanish 5th period and then French in sixth. It was especially fun because we would be speaking Spanish when the French class came in. Sometimes she would get my "class names" reversed. I took French 2 my senior year but couldn't get my schedule changed to let me do another year of Spanish. I went on the National Science Foundation summer seminar after my junior year and we went on a field trip to Oak Ridge TN. Our WVU chaperone and some of the other students from WI were condescending to me and several others because we did not converse in LATIN like they did and played plebian games like poker instead of bridge. Visiting one of the TVA power plants, I encountered several gentlemen who were from Ecuador. Thanks to Ms. Tiennebrunne, I was able to converse with them and respond to their questions about where the coal came from. They told me I had a very good accent. I made it a point on the first day of school in the fall to tell Ms. T about it and thank her for all she was teaching me. I am sure it made her day. What I learned in French class was a great help to me when I visited Quebec last year. When the things you learned in class over a half century ago still stick with you, you realize what a great teacher you had!

Jack Frederick:
My other favorite teacher at WI was Jack Frederick. He was the main reason I decided to become a teacher of American History, which I pursued for 36 years. I had the great pleasure of being his colleague from 1971 until his retirement. Indeed I learned so much more from his classes than I ever could have otherwise. It is so sad that so many teachers just present what is in the textbooks without going above and beyond. The textbooks have been dumbed down constantly to the point where students would frequently point out really gross errors in them. I hope I was able to present our history in a way that Jack would have found commendable.

Why I stayed in WV:
Having lived in Ohio and Maryland and spent a lot of time on military duty elsewhere, I have never regretted spending most of my life in West (by God) Virginia.

The place you live should not be judged by its affluence or entertainment attractions but by the people you live with. With occasional exceptions, I do not believe that you will find better people anywhere. We moved to Spring Mills,WV about midway between Martinsburg and Hagerstown, Md last year to be closer to our girls in Gaithersburg Md. The folks over here treat us like we have been here all our lives but I really miss so many dear people in the Clarksburg area that I spent so many years working with. I am so glad I got to my 50th class reunion before we moved. Making it to the next one is my driving priority.

Happy Fourth and God Bless!



SHARING MEMORIES

submitted by: Tom Keenan (WI '49)

Civil War Relatives:
As usual, I am a month behind your themes, sorry about that, but my story is about a Civil War relative. I had a Grand-Uncle, James Keenan, who was in the Civil War and to me, it is an interesting story. My family immigrated to Clarksburg in 1854 from Ireland when he was 12 years old. I don't know what they did or why they came to Clarksburg as it was just a small community of 2000 folks at that time. According to the record, he was a member of the 31st Virginia Militia, Company C, joining up shortly after they had been called up in 1861, and a printer by trade. At that time there were two print shops in Clarksburg. When he joined or why he chose the South, I have no idea. However, my judgment is that he considered the attitude of the North toward the South similar to that of the Brits to the Irish, one of oppression.

The 31st Virginia was called to arms in early May, 1861, was sent to Philippi in late May 1861. There they were attacked on June 3rd by Union forces and routed. The route of the retreat was to Beverly, a considerable distance. According to his record, he fell out sick along the route and returned to Clarksburg. There, his record ends. There is no further record that I can find in the achieves. However, the family lore is that he was a Confederate Spy for the rest of the War doing what I don't know. I was told that he would sneak into Clarksburg to visit his Father and Mother but he had to be careful as it was in Northern hands. He died in the Yellow Fever epidemic at New Orleans in 1867 which had become a bastion of the unrequited. I wish I had been more inquisitive when I had the opportunity. Was he a spy or not is still a question as there are almost no records of the Southern Secret Service.

July Picture:
The July Picture is the Louis Johnson Residence on Buckhannon Ave. I walked by it many times from my home in Broad Oaks to Central Junior and Washington Irving and return. One interesting note I saw on Louis Johnson was that he was planning to run for President in 1952 and was using his record of reducing the size of the Military after WWII as Secretary of Defense as his main talking point. However, the Korean War and our unpreparedness put an end to that. How true, I don't know as I read it only in one place.

There was an empty lot on the corner of Harrison Ave. And Spring St. where we played football and softball. This lot touched the Johnson Property and so we all saw a lot of the other side of the residence. As I recall, it was the only place we could play other than the street as there was no playground or other land available for us.

Miss Virginia Nutter:
I have seen many comments on Miss Nutter and I have refrained from any statements about her until now. I had her for Sophomore English and I don't believe that I have ever seen a person who was as angry about the World as she was. If there was any niceness there, it didn't show in my class and I don't think she liked boys at all, and maybe, men. My first day in her class, she told me, "I have heard about you!" What she heard I never knew but I was one for an occasional wisecrack and I never knew who told. I suspect it was Mrs. Howard who I had for Freshman English.

She had a fondness for Mothers as I found out one day. A day when I had to lie, just a little white one, for my Mother which is unusual for anyone. The situation was that we had to learn the Gettysburg Address and recite it before the whole class. I was, and still am, poor at memorization but I felt I had to perform on this event and so I did something that I seldom did, study at home. The next day, I got up and recited the Address without a hesitation or flaw and was on my way to sit down when she said "I bet your Mother had something to do with your performance." I was caught somewhat dumbfounded but quickly answered "Yes, Ma'am." How could I tell her my Mother was out playing poker with her friends, the "girls" as she called them, the night before! One of the few pleasures that she had. I have never regretted my answer.

"For the pikes must be together at the risin' of the moon"



WAR OF THE WORLDS

submitted by: Buzz Floyd (VHS '56)

Roleta, I was only seven months old when this show played on the radio so couldn't possibly remember hearing it except for later replays. My parents talked about it when I was a kid though, and I've heard about it all my life. Some of the "panic" may have been exaggerated by newspapers hoping to make their competition for advertising dollars, radio, look bad. It was a Halloween program after all.

There is a lot of information on the internet. Just Google "War of the Worlds" or Orson Welles.

Here's one account from Ask.Com: http://history1900s.about.com/od/1930s/a/warofworlds.htm

Here's the actual script of the show: http://www.sacredtexts.com/ufo/mars/wow.htm

Here's a statement from a Wikipedia page: On October 29, 2013, the PBS documentary series American Experience will examine The War of the Worlds broadcast on the eve of its 75th anniversary. Set your DVR. That could be interesting.



MEMORIES OF MR CORDER

submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI '71)

I started Central Jr. High School in the fall of 1965. Richard Ingram and I were the only students from Chestnut Hills Grade School who were placed in Mr. Corder's homeroom. I don't remember what other boys were in that homeroom, but Annie Thrush, Sylvia Giese and Donna Randolph (my locker partner) were the girls I remember in his homeroom. Mr. Corder, after a lot of persuading from the girls, let those girls who made the honor roll go to the shop to make a project instead of having study hall. I can't remember what I made, but I know we had a lot of fun in there instead of having study hall.



submitted by: Wayne White (WI '60)

I remember him as nice person--I had him for woodworking. He was very gifted as to his shop skills. I made a wood lamp and a real nice gun rack with a crafted base. I appreciated him as he always took his time to explain the way wood working tools were used and how the finished project would turn out. I enjoyed his class very much.



submitted by: Pam Wolfe Brown (WI '60)

Mr. Corder was my seventh grade Home Room Teacher whom I liked very much. He was the boys Shop teacher which plays a part in my two stories.

I received a bracelet for my birthday that I loved for years. It was made up of oval wooded rings connected by gold colored round rings and had a wooden head with small gold colored earrings. Mr. Corder admired the bracelet and asked if he could make a copy of it. He may have used it for a shop project but I never knew what he did with the pattern.

When our boys where in shop the girls had home economics. Prior to those classes we had gym and on one occasion after gym, where we got heated, I was working on my sewing when the teacher noticed that I was breaking out in red dots. She took me to the Principle who proclaimed that I had measles. She took me to show Mr. Corder in shop thus also contaminating the boys. When I returned to school several students where out with measles.



GIFTS TO THE SCHOLARSHIP THIS MONTH

I received gifts to the Washington Irving Newsletter (WIN) Scholarship this month from:

Don and Kitty Sager (WI 1956)
Herbert Cashdollar (RW 1957)

My thanks to both of these men who have been faithful every year to the WIN Scholarship fund.

Thus far we have given back $44,000.00 in scholarships to graduates from R.C. Byrd HS. Helping young ones get an education to help them with future endeavors is our way of saying thank you to Clarksburg, our teachers and our school. We are paying forward and hopefully this will instill others and the youth of Clarksburg to do the same in the future.

REMEMBER, no gift is too small or of course to large.

If you wish to join us: Write your check to:

Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

And mail it to:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Thank you.




THE CLARKSBURG ZINC COMPANY

submitted by: Catherine Custer Burke (WI '52)

In response to my dear classmate, Dorothy Ann Hughes Shaffer, in the July newsletter, I found the following about the Clarksburg zinc industry in Dorothy Davis's 1969 History of Harrison County.

At the turn of the century, Richard Zeising of the Grasselli Chemical Company in Cleveland came to Clarksburg to urge local businessmen to branch out into a new industry - the smelting of zinc. The Grasselli (Anmoore) Plant was built.

In 1910 the Grasselli Company started construction of the town of Spelter four miles north of Clarksburg.

In 1927 the Grasselli (Anmoore) plant was closed and all operations moved to Spelter (Meadowbrook). The E.I. DuPont Company owned the Meadowbrook plant from 1928 to 1950 when Matthiessen & Hegler Zinc Company became the owners.

In 1907 a small zinc smelting plant was moved to North View from Marion, Ohio. The Clarksburg Zinc Company employed seventy men in 1909. For awhile it operated under the name of Pearlman Company Inc. and was closed down in 1918.



NEW READERS

Michele Hibbs Michael (WI '91) hotmomturtle@aol.com
Charlotte Bostic Fleming (RW '48) dcfleming@cox.net
Mike Bissett (WI '68) jmbissett@hotmail.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Linda Clark VanHorn (Doddridge HS '66) linfrog20@yahoo.com
Bob Griffith (WI '54) was: Regr635@wmconnect.com
is now: regr635@gmail.com


EDITOR NEEDS HELP: I received a request that Hilda Kerns (WI 1965) has changed her address to: hildakerns@hotmail.com and wished to receive the newsletter. However this email address does not work.

If you know her, please contact her and tell her to please send me the correct email address Thanks



LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
RE: PICTURE FEATURED EARLIER

submitted by: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI '40)

This is probably too late for this month's newsletter but in the March and April newsletter Barry Mazza and Mike King sent in pictures of the Little League teams my son Gregory played on. They wanted names, etc and I still have not been able to get Gregory to look at the pictures but he did tell me that Turk Wright was the coach of the first team he was on and I think that it was the Cities Service team. Gregory was still too young to play and he was too little for a uniform but my husband ordered one for him from the Sports Shop on Main Street and Turk let him on the team.Turk was Mrs. McGahan's brother and Gregory and Frankie were good buddies. Then Bill Manley became coach of the Little League that Gregory said was sponsored by the Moose and by that time, Gregory was old enough to play. He played short stop. Bill coached for a long time. He and his wife Betty were so good to those kids. Gregory kept playing clear through the Babe Ruth team and was quite a pitcher. He pitched several no-hitters. I can't remember that coaches name right now I do remember at the end of the seasons, there would be a big dinner at a place in Northview and awards would be given. Maybe this note will spark some more memories from the boys who played and were active in baseball at the time. Gregory still communicates with Bobby Secret and talks about the friends he played ball with on the different teams.



THE 50'S AND 60'S AS WE REMEMBER THEM

submitted by: Tim Cork (WI '63)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDc0ID6PJeg&feature=player_embedded




TRADER'S HOTEL

submitted by: Tim Cork (WI '63)



Trader's Hotel at the corner of West Main and South Third Streets in the early 1900's.




A view of the lobby inside the Trader's Hotel as it appeared in the early 1900's. The hotel opened in September 1895.




The fire that destroyed the hotel on January 20, 1911.




The morning after the fire.




Remains of the Trader's Hotel after the fire.
The Union National Bank Building would be built on this property one year later.




In 1912 construction was under way on the Union National Bank, the site where the Trader's Hotel once stood.


The above pictures were shared by Tim Cork. He has promised to write to us more often and share more pictures hopefully each month.

You can view more of his pictures of Clarksburg by visiting his web site at:

http://clarksburg-myhometown.blogspot.com/




OBITUARIES

MARGARET TRUNICK

Margaret J. Trunick, age 86, passed away on July 17, 2013.

She was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Nemes.

Margaret is survived by two daughters, Jamie Trunick and Melissa Rhoades and son-in-law, Doug Rhoades. She is also survived by two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Helen Soltis, and a daughter-in-law, Margie Trunick, along with many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death, by her husband, Henry C. Trunick in 2004. Also preceding her in death were her stepson, Danny Trunick, six sisters, Anna, Katy, Elizabeth, Mary, Rose and Julie, and five brothers, John, Leslie, George, Joe and Jimmy.

She was a former employee of Akro Agate Marble Factory and also worked for 15 years at the Hazel Atlas Glass Plant. She graduated in 1945 from Victory High School. She attended Duff Street United Methodist Church for many years and was also a member of the Harrison County Senior Citizens.



DAVID L. WATSON

David L. Watson, 72, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at United Hospital Center.

He was the only son of the late Spencer Willard Watson and Tonnetta Bee Watson.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diana Lee Pierce Watson.

He is also survived by two sons, Michael David (Kristin) and Matthew Lee (Cristy) Watson and his grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Bob) Hayes and Jeannett (Mitchell) Rymasz; one brother-in-law, Clyde W. (Joyce) Pierce; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty R. and William B. Patton.

Mr. Watson was a graduate of R-W High School, and he was employed with Beckwith Machinery for 38 years as a manager. He also served as the first Fire Chief of the Summit Park Volunteer Fire Department. David was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church and served as Treasurer for the last 8 years.



OLGA MARIE BURNS POWELL


Olga Marie Burns Powell, 90, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2013, at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV.

She was born on February 28, 1923, in Grove (Doddridge County), West Virginia, daughter of Samuel Ellsworth Burns and Iona Rexroad Burns.

She is survived by her three children and their families, William David Powell and Judy Mize of Washington, D.C., Jana Powell, her husband Peter Pompei, sons Samuel Taylor and Philip Adam Pompei, Los Altos, California, Mary Beth Powell, her husband Bill Rote, and daughter Alyssa Marie Prete of Carrboro, North Carolina. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Roy "Bill" Powell in 1978, after celebrating 30 years of marriage; a daughter, Connie Ann, and companion, Forest "Bus" Douglass of Salem, WV.

Marie graduated from Lost Creek High School in 1941 and Salem College in 1945 with an A.B. degree in Commerce and Physical Education. At Salem College, Marie was voted Tigress and the first-ever female Student Body President (1945).

Upon graduation, Marie was the first recreation director at the Salem Industrial Home for Girls, and then a business studies and physical education teacher, first at Salem High School and later at Bristol High School and Liberty High School until her retirement in 1983.

She was an officer in the Order of the Eastern Star, a longtime teacher of the Salem Baptist Church Broadwater Sunday School Class and the first woman on the Salem Baptist Church Board of Deacons.

She helped restore the Salem Garden Club, was a founder of Lake Floyd Golf Club, active in the Lake Floyd Woman's Club and supporter of Green Hill Methodist Church, on the Burns family farm near Ireland, WV. In her retirement, she also served as a volunteer at United Hospital Center in the surgical waiting room.

Orphaned at an early age, Marie was raised by aunts and uncles in her extended family of Methodist ministers in various parsonages in Harrison County, and by her eldest brother, William Reece Burns, who brought his siblings back together as a young minister.



KATHLEEN ROBEY LEULIETTE

Kathleen Robey Leuliette, 92, of Bridgeport, died July 14, 2013, at Heartland Nursing Home following an extended illness.

She was the daughter of the late Lloyd Atha "Ace" Robey and Anna Higgins Robey.

She was married to Charles B. Leuliette, Sr., who preceded her in death on January 5, 1971.

She was also preceded in death by seven sisters, Lillian Cooper, Virginia Schulte, Ruth Snyder, Karyl Abella, Betty Matheny, Patricia Morris and Dianna Tillman.

She is survived by one son, Charles B.(Connie) Leuliette, Jr., one grandson and one great granddaughter.

A graduate of Washington Irving High School, she had been employed in secretarial and clerical positions by the WV State Road Commission, the U.S. War Department (as they were known), Dr. Sobisca S. Hall, United Hospital Center and Rish Equipment. She was formerly an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksburg, to which memorial contributions may be made.



CHARLES W. UTT

Charles W. Utt, 89, died June 26, 2013.

He was the son of the late Nellie and Frank Utt.

He is survived by 5 children, Anne R. Miller, wife of the late Charles L. Miller, Charles David Utt and wife Janet of Jane Lew, Ramona L. Knapp and husband Thomas of Clarksburg, Tammy G. Swaim and husband Jeffery of Clarksburg, and Candace M. Fontaine and husband Scott R. Fontaine of Clarksburg; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; one aunt, Della Hosey; and special friends, Timothy L. Watson, Donnie Phillips, Butch and Iris Wickenhofer, Jim Jack and Melvin Williams.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jo Frum Utt; his first wife, Marjorie L. Allman Utt; one aunt, Ella Broslawsky; four uncles, Albert Hosey, Clyde Hosey, Charlie Hosey and Bill Hosey; and one infant daughter and family friend Kevin Beerbower.

Charles attended Washington Irving High School. He enlisted and proudly served as a Signalman Second Class in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946, starting with the United States Naval Training Service in Great Lakes, IL, SCTC Miami, FL., NTS Norfolk, VA., the USS Melvin Nawman, and he served in the Pacific on the Destroyer Escort ISS Sloat.

He was a member of the Harrison County VFW Post 573 and American Legion Post 13. He was also a master mason with a 51-year membership in Hermon Lodge No. 6 A.F. & A.M. and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason



JACK DAVID DAWSON

Jack David Dawson, age 56, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away at his residence with his loving wife, Dorothy Jean Claypool Dawson, and family at his side on June 26, 2013.

He was born on July 28, 1956, at Fairmont General Hospital, son of the late Jack W. Dawson and Eva Mae Blankenship Dawson of Clarksburg.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by five children, Melissa L. Dawson, Joshua D. Dawson, Travis "T.J." Dawson and companion Lexie Marra of Hepzibah, Carrie J. Poling and husband Stanley of West Milford, Andrew Faesenmeier and wife Jamie of Salem; five grandchildren; father-in-law, Robert Claypool; and several aunts, uncles nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Hattie Claypool.

He graduated from Washington Irving in 1974. Jack worked for Ruskins Manufacturer as the Foreman in shipping for over 10 years. He attended Christ U.M. Church in Adamston.



HELEN MARY ELIZABETH BIESCZAD

Helen Mary Elizabeth Biesczad, age 87, passed away June 29, 2013, at Heartland of Clarksburg, WV. She was born on March 2, 1926, in Mt. Clare, WV, a daughter to the late John Zontek Sr. and Sophia (Lazack) Zontek.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jerome "Jerry" Biesczad of Clarksburg, WV; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Helen Louise (Burrell) Quickle, and Pallie "Pat"; and numerous nieces and nephews scattered around the county.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven brothers, Joseph, Stanley, Leon, John, Frank and two infants, Walter and Robert Zontek; and a sister-in-law, Sister Cecilia Ann Biesczad, CSJ, formerly of the Mother House in Wheeling, WV.

Helen was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Clarksburg in 1943.



SALVATORE "SAM" FILIPPINE

Salvatore "Sam" Filippine, 88, passed away on July 2, 2013.

He was the son of the late Domenico and Mary Spina Filippine.

He is survived by his wife, Angeline E. Karakiozis Filippine; one son, Sammy; one daughter, Mary Jayne (Vernon) Underwood ; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Boni and Jason (Ricka) Underwood;and four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Flora Luciano of Bridgeport, WV, and Clorinda Cavallaro of Phoenix, AZ.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe Scalise and James "Flip" Filippine.

Sam was a graduate of Victory High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a retired self-employed carpenter, owner of SF Construction and had previously worked for Clyde Shrum Construction.



JUDITH LANGFORD KALLEL

Judith Langford Kallel, 63, died on July 3, 2013, at her residence surrounded by her loving family, along with two very special aunts, Kathy Bosley and Sharon Edman.

She was the daughter of the late Leland Russell Langford and Mary Jo Short Langford.

Judith is survived by two children, Renae E. Kallel Davidson, and William J.(Barbara) Kallel and wife Barbara; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, James E. Langford; and four sisters, Connie J. Rohrbough, Lisa J.(John), Janet L. (Richard) Sprout and Lorinda Beth (Serafini)Mazzei and husband Serafini (Sam) of Nutter and several nieces and nephews.

She was a 1968 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School and a Baptist by faith.






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