THE WI NEWSLETTER 08/14

THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 180 August 2014






THE MYSTERY PICTURE



submitted by: Rod Kidd (WI '70)

The picture looks to be the old mansion across from the Clarksburg Post Office on West Pike Street. There used to be mail boxes out along left lane of Pike Street where you could stop to mail letters in front of this house.

In the July Newsletter, I also remember crossing the trestle in Hartland on foot to go to baseball practice. It was scary at first, but got easier each time you crossed it. I grew up in the Stealey Addition and had to walk through Hartland. Great times when a kid could be safe while walking the streets!!



submitted by: Bill Phillips (WI /Elkins '60)

It is the Maxwell House across from the Post Office on Pike Street. You asked me to elaborate on the property. I don't know that much about it.



submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

I think the mystery picture is the house of JB Maxwell. That house was and maybe still is, across and down the street from the Post Office. It was located on the same side of the street as Bartola's Funeral Home. I don't think the funeral home is there now.

JB owned Producer's Dairy which was located on Monticello Ave. I worked for Producer's Dairy off and on for several years. I delivered milk as well as worked inside as a bottle washer. Well, I mean I operated a bottle washing machine. Also rode with a guy named Harold and we picked up cans of milk from dairy farms.



submitted by: Bob Williams (WI '45)

I remember walking by that house and I think it is the Maxwell home which is across from the Post Office.



submitted by: Mary Fox McCoy (WI '70)

This is the home across the street from the Clarksburg Post Office. I was once told that The Maxwell Family lived there. I have dreamed all my life about touring this stately home.



submitted by: Tom Reed (WI '69)
treedwi69@yahoo.com

This is the home of John Maxwell. Mr Maxwell owned Producers Dairy on Monticello Ave. My grandfather worked for him and got me my first real job there. I was 14 years old and had to get a permit to work. Interesting note upon his passing J B as he was called lay in state in this mansion.



submitted by: Steve Maxwell


(ink drawing by Carolyn Martin Light)


529 WEST PIKE STREET
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO:

W. Brent Maxwell and his second wife, Lillie Jarvis Maxwell built the house as a replacement for their home that was located on Sixth Street where the Post Office now stands. They likely could have watched progress from their windows. The design is by Edward J. Wood. Interior decoration was by H. B. Fairfield of the Sterling & Welch Company, Cleveland. Brent Maxwell was the father of six children being Susan Maxwell Abel Tutenberg and Claude Brent Maxwell by his first wife Emma Williams (who died of tuberculosis a month after Claude's birth) . "Uncle Bill" W. B. Maxwell Jr., Frank Jarvis Maxwell, Martha Maxwell Davis and Ruth Maxwell Johnson were by his second wife, Lillie Jarvis. During the design each bedroom was assigned to one of the six children with the three "boys" on the third floor and the three "girls" on the second floor. Eleven grandchildren grew up in and around the home being J. B. Maxwell, Winifred Maxwell Sawyer, Jean Maxwell Fowler Jones (Claude), Emily Abel Newton, Brent M. Abel (Susan), Frank J Maxwell Jr., W. B. Maxwell III (Frank Sr.),Lillian Johnson, Katherine Johnson Hill (Ruth), James H. Davis III and William M. Davis (Martha).

On Brent Maxwell's death in 1930 the home passed to his wife Lillie, then to her son Bill upon her death in 1953. Bill and his wife Marguerite Woodell lived here throughout their marriage, both before and after Lillie's passing. Upon "Uncle Bill's" death in 1980, the home was purchased by J. B. and Martha Maxwell and thereafter was purchased by Steve and Donna in 1995.

WHAT:

"529" is considered a Georgian/Federal/Adams style architecture most notably distinguished by its symmetrical appearance, fanlight entry with sidelights, cornice of "dentils", decorative balustrade (now gone) and semi-circular decorative windows in the roof gables. The home is nearly 10,000 square feet on three floors plus a partial basement.

The first floor has three "public" rooms, being the Library with a large Cuban Mahogany bookcase, Music Room and Dining Room in addition to the grand entrance hall. The "private" rooms on the first floor include a Bathroom, Pantry with built in ice cooled refrigerator, Kitchen, rear stairs, Breakfast Room and Office.

The second floor contains five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a sun or sleeping porch. One bedroom has a small private bath (which was originally to have been a closet). The other two bathrooms form a suite arrangement with two bedrooms. The third floor contains three bedrooms and a large Reading or Billiard Room, as well as a trunk storage room.

The floors are connected via a notable Colonial Revival style dividing staircase that extends fully to the third floor with approximately fifty-five feet of continuous railing over forty-four steps. The stair treads are an extra wide thirteen inches, which makes for an easy to ascend angle.

At the head of the first flight of stairs is a large, colored window. Since the house is oriented roughly North to South, that window allows sunlight to enter the house during winter nearly two-thirds the distance of the Main Hall. However, because the window is located on the interior wall of the sun porch, in summer, when the sun is high in the sky, the sun's rays are stopped within the porch and the Main Hall is dark and cooler. Architect Wood utilized his knowledge of the Sun's angles in different seasons to create this effect.

The fully restored roof system is composed of Ludowici-Celadon clay tile manufactured in New Lexington, Ohio. The home features ten fireplaces with gas fueled artificial log sets, of which four have been replaced by modern, vent-free log sets. The fireplaces were never designed to burn wood. The home was "state-of-the-art" for the time with 14 gauge wire in metal conduits throughout and a central vacuum system (now lost). The original coal-fired steam boiler was replaced by a gas boiler and in recent years this was replaced by six HVAC units that provide both heat and air-conditioning in a zone system. The greatest care was taken to install HVAC without altering the interior features.

Throughout the various ownership changes, the original contents have mostly remained and today you see much of the furnishings as they were originally installed. The original furniture in the Library and bedrooms was purchased "en-suite" in that it has classical decorative details that coordinate with the interior decoration. The quilt that is displayed in the Library was made about 1895 by Lillie's mother Martha McCann Jarvis. The portraits on the first floor are: Library over mantle: Benjamin Franklin Maxwell (1814-1892), father of WBM; Library to right of doorway- Lewis Maxwell (1790-1862), uncle of Franklin Maxwell; Main Hall-William Brent Maxwell (1850- 1930); Dining Room-Ruth Maxwell Johnson (1896-1983) (this portrait is by Howard Chandler Christie).

WHEN:

Construction started in late 1912 and we believe the project was complete by Summer, 1914. No major interior or exterior modifications have been made other than the loss of the decorative balustrade system over the front and side porch roofs and a lowering of the chimney heights.

WHERE:

The original property, approximately 180 feet square, was the combination of three parcels including the site of the original First Baptist Church, which was replaced by the "new" church now standing next door. In recent years two adjoining properties have been acquired; 539 West Pike and 540 Traders Alley. Two structures predate the home. The current Garage was a carriage house that was enlarged to accommodate automobiles and still contains the stable floor, trough and manure pit. The white Storage House in the rear yard was a store building that was relocated from the street and turned sideways. You can still see the original store facade including four "L" shaped bolts that held the store sign. It is believed this store building dates to 1880 or prior. This structure served as a housekeeper's quarters until 1980.



MYSTERY PICTURE FOR SEPTEMBER


Can you identify the above picture? Please take a guess. Remrmber, I only print the correct ones. Please add a memory and include your name, school and year of graduation. If you want to play our game, write to Roleta1@aol.com.



WI CENTENNAIL CELEBRATION

submitted by: Joy Gregorie DeFazio (WI '59)

With just three weeks left until the 100th birthday celebration of our alma mater, more than 300 former students and spouses from across the USA are packing their bags to come home to join in the festivities.

The self-appointed committee of former grads continue to meet and iron out details for the celebration which includes a self-guided tour of the school; the 15th annual WI Alumni covered-dish picnic, reservations for which are not required; a banquet dinner at Robert C. Byrd High School where attendees will have an opportunity to view the “WI memorabilia room”; and a presentation in the school’s theater which will feature Al Cox, the “Voice of the Hilltoppers”, as master of ceremonies.

Also slated for the evening’s program are music by Benji DeFazio, who attended WI Middle School; a performance by the WI Middle School Show Choir; and video of the school’s history by Tim Cork, recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Washington Irving, i.e., the oldest graduates (male and female) in attendance; a tribute to veterans; and a special tribute to one person deemed to have had an influence on students across more decades than perhaps any other.

Although reservations for the banquet are closed, you can still take the tour, attend the picnic and the theater program. Please bring a covered dish for the picnic.

Plans for a Wall of Fame were scuttled due to the lack of submissions.

In addition to these activities, a number of classes have scheduled get-togethers for the weekend.

The seed for the birthday celebration was sown by retired Washington Irving Middle School principal, Tom Tucker. As some of our readers will recall, a group of Clarksburg WI graduates got together in October 2013 to work on an event. A June date was chosen; however, that date met with a number of obstacles including very few responses to the initial inquiry for reservations.

Rather than cancel the event entirely, 1959 grads Joy Gregoire DeFazio and Carolyn Pinella Warne suggested that the birthday celebration be combined with the Annual WIHS Picnic which is now in its 15th year. Others in attendance - Jim Campbell, Brad and Sharon Underwood, Tom and Donna Elsey and Coach Al Castellana – agreed.

The picnic, which was started in 1999 by DeFazio and Phyllis Fittro Brown (Class of ’59) and spearheaded 2003-2013 by Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (Class of ’59), has been a successful annual event. Members of that class including Paula Brasseur Riley, Ronnie and Jeannie Werner and Becky McClain Werner (Class of ’60), Charles Burkhammer, Roleta Smith Meredith, Judy Daugherty Kimler, Brown, Warne and DeFazio have continued to help along with some members of other classes.

With the date now settled upon, more meetings were arranged and publicity began to be distributed. Out of these meetings came the final working committee for the celebration. In addition to Campbell, Castellana, DeFazio and Warne, and the Underwoods and the Elseys, Jerry Reed, Mike Fresa, Ellen Colvin Condron, Mary Rose Axton, and former principal Sam Scalapio completed the loosely woven committee. Campbell, who had already volunteered to provide music for the celebration, gave permission to use his WI Reunion post office box as the mailing address for the celebration. Reed was named treasurer with Fresa being his second on the checking account.

Information about the upcoming celebration has been distributed not only through this newsletter, but also by the website, wicentennial.com; Facebook page Washington Irving School Centennial Celebration, Clarksburg, WV; and articles in local newspapers.

There’s an old saying, “It’s all over but the shouting!” While that is not quite true, a lot of work has been done. . .
but a lot is yet to be done before we gather together on August 23rd in Clarksburg, WV. Hope to see you there!



YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

The summer is hot and the living is easy. It’s time for some ice cream. What is your favorite flavor and when you lived in Clarksburg where was your favorite place to go for ice cream? What did you order?

Come on, let’s give a vote for your favorite place! I would love to hear from 20 people. This isn’t a hard question. With all the readers we have each month, it should be easy to reach 20 responses if you will be one of them. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

Here is a letter to kick off this interesting summer subject:

submitted by: Dede "Short" King (WI '94)

When I was a child living in Adamston, there was an ice cream truck that used to frequent our street. I remember my siblings, best friend and I catching him right in front of our house and buying bomb pops (red,white,blue popsicles) It was so nice having the truck show up on our street so we could get a sweet treat without leaving the house. When we wanted something more fresh, we would make a trip to Tarantino's Dairy Bar. Most of my family would have their famous raspberry soft serve ice cream, but I preferred the zebra (chocolate and vanilla twist) with sprinkles! They had the best sprinkles in the world...a mix of rainbow colored candy pieces mixed with crunch pieces. Yum!!

Interested in hearing where everyone else enjoyed ice cream during the summer months. Any ice cream parlors still around? Or no longer around that had the best ice cream or were just unique in their own way?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.



MISS TAYLOR, CRAYOLAS, AND ENGLISH INSTRUCTION

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

Roleta’s mentioning of the use of crayons in diagramming sentences in Miss Emily Taylor’s English class reminded me of the colors of the sentence parts. It is not something that is easy to forget. I wrote briefly about this feature in an early newsletter. As I remember it, the colors were as follows from the standard eight crayon box:

1. Blue—subject/usually noun or pronoun
2. Red--verb
3. Purple—gerund
4. Orange—participle
5. Yellow—adjective
6. Green—adverb
7. Brown—preposition
8. Black—conjunction

She repeatedly proclaimed that one can usually guess correctly when diagramming, but knowing the specific part of the sentence structure was the most important thing.

Most students had Miss Taylor for one year, but one section had her two-years (sophomore and junior). I was in the latter group and was not pleased upon learning about the junior year class assignment. Her classes were rigorous, and because of immaturity, I was not overly fond of demanding academic work. Who can forget the memorization of notable oratorical and literary works and recitation of them before the class, practice note-taking, oral questioning about reading books at the desk in the corner, and assignment of several famous people at one time to research so that one could compose a short essay about each?

If I may digress, I recall that the institution had one night a year when parents could visit with teachers. My father (WI ’31), who had Miss Taylor when he was a student, performed the evening visit and returned home without uttering a word. Seeing this uncharacteristic conduct, I hesitatingly asked him what the reports were. He noted that he conferred with Miss Taylor and asked her how I was doing. Her reply, after a hiatus of over twenty-five years of teaching each of us, was that I reminded her of him, “a little lazy with the potential to achieve more.” He was not amused. I do not know if it was because of her candid appraisal of him, me, or both of us. To say the least, Miss Taylor and the teachers at WI were not prone to confer esteem.

As I consider my formal education which extended full-time on the high-school and university-level over twelve years, I and other WI students were more than fortunate to have stellar English language instruction. I had Josephine Swiger for freshman year English and Glyde Bailey for senior year. In very different ways, all were superlative teachers that I came to appreciate more and more as I academically matured at West Virginia University. Miss Bailey had the unique, subtle way of making classic literature meaningful.

Because of their relationship to the English language and the discipline of language instruction in general, I might add to the list the Latin classes of Grace Albright. My academic blossoming did not occur in high school. Years later in a chance meeting and conversation on the street, Josephine Swiger noted that I was a late bloomer. If that was the case, the flowering was based on the roots propagated at Washington Irving.

Before closing, I raise the question: do other former students remember the vocabulary words that Glyde Bailey fed us over several weeks to master spelling and meanings? While assigning them, she quietly asserted that these words would build a person’s vocabulary and would reappear in the future on college/university level tests. Indeed, I found it to be so through the Graduate Record Examination. I can recall one word: anathema. It would be fulfilling now to know the other words that were on her list. Her prescience was remarkable.



THE WI HISTORY IS NEARING COMPLETION IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN HELP?

Tim Cork wrote that the following are the yearbooks that are still needed to complete the history. If you can help either contact Tim Cork at tpcork@bellsouth.net or Roleta1@aol.com and I will put you in contact with him.

Thanks to all who cooperated toward the success of my dream coming true.

Only need a few more yearbooks to have them all copied. 13 yearbooks needed. Have scanned 67 others so far.

1941, 1947, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1993.

IF YOU CAN LOAN HIM ANY OF THE ABOVE COPIES, HE WILL SCAN (PHOTOCOPY) THE ISSUE YOU SEND HIM AND HE WILL SEND IT BACK TO YOU. HE CAN BE TRUSTED, HE HAS DONE IT WITH EACH OF THE ONES LKISTED BELOW AND THAT ARE NOW IN OUR WI HISTORY SECTION.

Additions to WI History segments

Years in Black - after May 1, 2014 WI Newsletter
Years in Red - after June 1st
Years in Green - after July 1st

1919 Segment 1

1926 Segment 1
1927 Segment 1
1925 Segment 1
1929 Segment 2

1931 Segment 3
1933 Segment 3
1934 Segment 3
1935 Segment 3

1940 Segment 3
1942 Segment 3
1943 Segment 3
1944 Segment 3
1945 Segment 3
1948 Segment 3

1949 Segment 4
1951 Segment 4
1952 Segment 4
1954 Segment 4
1957 Segment 4
1958 Segment 4

1960 Segment 5
1961 Segment 5

1977 Segment 7
1981 Segment 7
1982 Segment 7

1994 Segment 7
1995 Segment 7
1996 Segment 7

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO GO TO THE WI HISTORY

http://washingtonhighschoolmemoirs.blogspot.com/2013/10/segment-one.html





submitted by: Valerie Brand (WI '76)

Re: Hartland Trestle:

We used to cross that trestle all the time to go see my friend Sylvia's little brother play little league baseball. Matt Clinger must have been 6, maybe 7. My other friends were practically skipping over that thing, and it would take me at least 20 minutes to walk it, whimpering all the way. The spaces between those wooden planks were as big as my foot! I'm shivering just thinking about it. But the games were always great.



submitted by: Barbara Moore Losh (WI '63)
& Bill Losh (RW '54)

Keep up the good work Roleta, my husband and I look forward to reading the newsletter each month.



submitted by: Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI '56)

Another great newsletter. So colorful and festive and a nice tribute to our country!! I enjoyed reading what readers remember of their growing up years. Bill's was interesting.

Correction: I made a mistake on the year my sister graduated when I added her to your mailing list. Carolyn Jean Tustin Vitolo WI class of '52 instead of '53. My bad!!!!

Thanks Roleta...It is "old folk" like me that make your job more difficult.. Ha..



submitted by: Jim Callis (Morgan, Central, WI and Greenbreir Military Academy)
oozerbang@hotmail.com

Mrs. Micheaux was my history teacher in the 6th grade. I loved history and knew I aced the last test, it had been awhile and I asked her if she had graded the test papers yet??? The French beauty said no. Like a dumb ass, I said, “Fine teacher you are!” When Ms. Angling returned, she was outraged, and put a big F on my deportment and told the entire class. I was on her S--- List. Later though we became good friends. I would visit her in Bridgeport at her home.

Mr Sheets let me push the class bell for a few weeks. He worked at Melet’s on Saturdays, it was the men’s clothing store across the street from Loar and White. I also loved Ms. Wise, my 5th grade teacher, When she married, I was so sad. She lived 2 streets over.

Kelly’s store was the only game in Stealey in the 40’s, they had a dance hall. The Kelly’s were all business. I remember milk was 8 cents each, 1 or 2 fingers up to be excused.

We were all so scared of polio, poor Georgie Spond had it and his leg braces would get caught in the lower desk supports.

Morgan School was like a musty cave down in the basement and it was scary. I lived about 4 houses from Morgan which was nice. All of my four siblings and I had the same teachers at Morgan. I had a brother in college when I was born. Morgan was a very good experience.



submitted by: Harriett Danley Van Voorhis (WI '58)
eerfanvan@comcast.net

After reading the segment on telephones, I had to write with my memory of our first phone. It was located in the entryway to our living room. Even though it was before the dial system was introduced, and I was very young, I still remember our phone number was 1458J--how's that for long-term memory?

I also want to praise Tim Cork for his 7 segments on W. I. history. I found my mother in the class of '32. All of the segments were very interesting, and extremely well done! Tim devoted a lot of time and effort in creating his "masterpiece".

While I'm at it, you, and Judy deserve praise! I have thanked you before, but it's been a while, so once again.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We can never hear it too often.



submitted by: Elizabeth Westfall
westfall-family@hotmail.com

Where can I get information on the 100 year celebration? I am going to encourage all my family who attended WI to go to the celebration and if I don’t provide them with information and “bug” them they will all forget. That would include my husband (class of 1980), my mother in law class of 1954 (I think), my sister in law class of 1988, my parents (class of 1962 and 1963) and would love to get my aunt and uncle to attend (class of 1959 and 1960) but their health isn’t the best.



GUESS WHO



What year was this? Who is pictured? We don't know the year or the identities of those pictured. Can you help us? Please add a memory and include your name, school and year of graduation. Send your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com.



THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

Our WIN (Washington Irving Newsletter) Scholarship has been very successful due to the generosity of the readers. I thank you, the recipients thank you, their parents thank you, the principal and the counselors thank you. These scholarships are often the extra money that most of the children need in order to afford college. The money does not go to the child. The money goes to the child’s financial account at the college of their choice. It is deposited in the account by their student identification number. This money can then be used only for expenses at the college, for their education…their tuition, fees, etc. It was mentioned to me that I should publish more information about each recipient. I can only publish what they send me. I can not get personal information about them from R.C. Byrd or from the college. I do ask the student to write a thank you note for me to publish. Thus thanking those who give. Most promise to write, some do and some don’t.

This month I received checks from some very generous readers.

Thanks to:

Diana Calverley Haskell (WI 1960) Thanks for your support
Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956) Thank you for your continuing support.
Nancy Swing and Russell Sunshine Thank you for your generous gift.
Betty Jo Nichols Lane (WI 1949) Betty sent check in memory of her brother David C. Nichols (WI 1955) who passed away on August 22, 2013. We extend our sympathy to the Nichols family for their loss.

If you would like to be a part of this endeavor of paying it forward and helping a child with their education, please write your check to:

Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

And mail to:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Phone 614-582-4477


LETTER FROM ONE OF THE 2014 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

submitted by: Daniel Melendez (RC Byrd HS 2014)

Hello, my name is Daniel Melendez; I was one of two to receive the Washington Irving Newsletter Scholarship at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. I would like to show my deepest gratitude for the honor of being selected for this prestigious award. This fall, I am planning on attending Fairmont State University, where I will major in English. I’ll be living in Clarksburg and commuting to my classes. During High School, I had four different jobs. For my first job I was a cook at Panera Bread. From there I went on to be a bus boy at Raymons. After this, I was a seasonal worker at GameStop. My last and most recent job was as a cook at Minards Spaghetti Inn. During my high school career I was also a member of the basketball team my freshman and sophomore years. My senior year I also had the privilege of being Principal Scott Davis’ Teacher’s Assistant. I love music and watching good movies with friends and family. I plan on doing well in college and putting this scholarship money to good use.

Once again, I thank everyone involved in the Washington Irving Newsletter and its readers for the opportunity to earn this scholarship.

Thank you.




CLARKSBURG LIBRARY



submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

What was your relationship with the Clarksburg Library? Won’t you please write and tell us. Thank you



A NEW WAY TO SCHEDULE COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

This is not my idea. It was suggested by someone else, but I think it is intriguing.

The writer suggested that the college football season be composed of one big tournament, in order to determine a national champion. There are currently 65 teams in the five major conferences. One would need to drop out to make a perfect 64 teams. This would be similar to the NCAA basketball tournament. One loss and you are no longer in the tournament.

Would there be a twelve game season? The writer didn't say. Maybe play six pre-tournament conference games, then seed according to how each team did in the "preseason". The final six games would be the balance of the season, Losers would play each other all down the line. One thing is for sure, every team would have an equal chance. There would be a champion who went undefeated in the tournament, but not necessarily overall, since the champ could have lost a preseason game.

It sounds interesting and would take the guesswork out of who gets in and who doesn't. The only problem would be the game locations. Home games would really be important. That would need to be worked out. Plus, the bowls could be used for the final few games.

Of course, it is only a dream and has little chance of happening, because it makes too much sense. Do you think this would work? Will college football survive the paying of players, the union movement and the big five conferences partially leaving the NCAA? Write to me and I'll share your thoughts with a few thousand readers across the world.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



In case you are still wondering why WVU is in the Big 12 Conference instead of the ACC, click on the link below for an excellent article by John Antonik, which explains the Mountaineers strange journey from the early days of the program to today. It is long, but worth the read.

http://www.wvusports.com/blogs.cfm?blog=footballBlog&story=25902



To Bill:

We need to bring our WVa sons back home to coach in Morgantown, the Clarksburger (Fisher) and the Fairmonter (Saban). When Saban was at Michigan St., the fans thought he was a god---bad move.

I am a Spartan, Class of 1957. Back then, every student had a chance to make the team. There were tryouts all over campus. I was a good drop kicker and passer, but got lost in the shuffle. Maybe they thought, "What good could come out of West Virginia?" I was a defensive end at Greenbrier Military and my senior year, 1953, we were undefeated. I made the linebackers famous. I took a beating. I wanted to be a receiver, but taller guys got the call, even though the coach let me catch a few.

By the way, I don't think the Broncos will never be champs---the Tebow curse??? When Tebow was there, It was exciting and entertaining, but maybe I am wrong.

I am still playing basketball at 80 years of age. Thank you LORD!!! I got to play against Hot Rod Hundley, my hero. I could kick his butt now.

ESPN hates WVU. They have too small of a market---not elite. I would like to break a few ax handles up there in Yankee land (just kidding) Thanks for asking for blogs. Nobody likes 80 yr. olds. I don’t either.

Jim Callis, W I and Greenbrier Military 1953

Reply To Jim:

Well, again, you have covered a lot of subjects in a short letter. That's why I love your comments. I could write a whole article on each of your paragraphs, but I'll try keep it short.

WVU had a chance to get Jimbo Fisher, when he was still an assistant at FSU, but blew it. As for Nick Saban, who by the way is from Monongah HS (I HAD to say that), I doubt if the Mountaineers were ever in the market for his services. He did coach there as an assistant, early on, but was never a candidate to replace Nehlen or Rich Rod. After Rod left, Saban was big time and if he came to Morgantown, he would have had to take a pay cut.

As far as "good football people" coming from WVa, all we need to do is check the national championships won by our home state coaches to see the quality we produce.

The fact that you are still playing basketball at your age is wonderful. I can hardly get the ball to the rim from 15 ft. nowadays and I'm younger than you. By the way, I have heard that Hot Rod has some serious health problems, so we need to keep him in our prayers.

Finally, as far as I'm concerned, ESPN has ruined college football. Money is the cause and ESPN is the conduit. As the commissioner of the Big 12 said the other day, we fans need to be ready for some major changes. What with the paying of the players, player's unions, cheating in recruiting, etc., it sure "ain't what it used to be" !!!!

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

When WVU was in the Big East, they at least won more games than they lost, which is what fans want.  Who wants to pay to see our team lose? And a bowl game was usually offered, no matter if it was a small one, which WVU might win. I agree with you that college sports are getting out of hand.

Our Clarksburg daily newspaper, combined Exponent-Telegram, has now reached  a single copy weekday price of  75 cents. Wow, I remember, as a teenager around here, I delivered it when it was 4 cents and people were  shocked when it went to 7-cents back in the middle 1940's. The Shinnston  News weekly now has a new publisher. It costs almost $50 a year for a subscription. I guess everyone  will be watching  more TV and allowing their subscriptions to run out.  At one time, the comic strips with Dick Tracy, Orphan Annie, Blondie,etc., sold  more  papers then the news. They ran large, 3-inch tall prints and you could read  them and note the artwork. Now, they are tough to make out, squeezed  together with the crossword puzzle and other favorites. Oh well, "Time Marches On!" or "Get out of the way before we get run over".

John Cooper, W I 1951  

Reply To John:  

I miss the winning seasons in the Big East, but the conference is no longer a football league. In its place is a second tier conference, which would cripple WVU's hopes for a national reputation. As I've mentioned many times, we don't belong in the Big 12, but it's the only game in town for now.  

Almost all of the newspapers are having trouble getting subscriptions and keeping them. People are getting their news quickly from the Internet. I read at least four newspapers online everyday. Some won't let me read the columns for free, but I still read the headlines and find the details elsewhere if the item is of interest to me. Yes, times have changed. Kids probably don't even sell the "Grit" newspaper anymore. Nowadays, there is no time to smell the roses. In reality, they don't even see the roses these days, since it would probably be politically incorrect to do so..    

Thanks for your letter.  

Bill (billmere@aol.com)   


To Bill:

I am amused that a Petrino and Petino are coaches at the U. of Louisville. Some sportswriter in Jonesboro, Ark. said that Petrino (Ex-University of Arkansas football coach) was beat up by a jealous castoff. I live in Mountain Home, Ark. and hated to see Bobby go. However. I agree that It was no motorcycle wreck at all. Bobby just wanted us to pay for his playboy lifestyle.

I also like Petino. I think that the waitress really set him up.

I miss the Big East Conference. I hate Pitt and the Cardinals (U. of L). When I went to Carnegie Tech, I discovered that Pitt students did not like us at all. You had to run thru Schenley Park or the bums would rough you up for cash.

Thanks, Bill, for you interest. Gawker Online used one of my explosive blogs. NYC was outraged and they took it off. I had 172 responses and most liked my view. I was just thinking outside the box and had to tell someone. Words are mightier than the sword.

Jim Callis, W I & Greenbrier Military 1953

Reply To Jim:

Another interesting letter. I love your subjects. It is strange that the two coaches at Louisville have such similar names. But, you've got to admit, they are both winners. A lot of schools would love to have them.

I have heard the story before about Petrino's "accident" being bogus. Both his and Petino's problems prove that when you play with fire, you'll probably get burned. Rick is fortunate that his indiscretion didn't cost him his job.

I, too, miss the Big East. I keep dreaming about what could have been, way back when, had Pitt not vetoed the eastern conference envisioned by Joe Paterno, before the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten. We wouldn't be talking about all of the conference reshuffling now, had that league blossomed.

Your blog sounds interesting, but perhaps a little too controversial for our newsletter. However, I'd like to read it, so put me on your email list.

As always, thanks for your comments. You have added a little spice to the sports section.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS:

In last month's newsletter, I asked our readers to predict the final regular season record for the WVU football team this fall. After a little prodding, I received the following responses. Many thanks to those who sent in their guess. This year, it is truly a guess. Let's keep our fingers and toes crossed and hope for the best. My best "guess" is at the end of the letters

Bill (billmere@aol.com)


To Bill:

WVU has some good running backs and good linebackers but overall I don't think they will be great. My guess in 6 and 6. Sorry.

Bernie Cohen, W I 1956


To Bill

If we only had Pat White we might upset Alabama. We beat Georgia and Oklahoma with him, so why not Alabama? Incidentally, is Manziel another Pat White, great in college but too fragile for the pros?

I see an 8--4 record for the Mountaineers. I also think that this is Holgorsen’s last chance. The QB is a FSU reject, but I guess he is it.

Jim Callis, W I & Greenbrier Military 1953

ED: NOTE---Jim wrote about several other items. The balance of his letter is in another section of Sports.


To Bill:

My 2014 prediction.

Well, I should stop now and fold my tent. Roll some dice, get out a dart board or find the old Ouija Board. Last year I predicted 7-5.

What was I thinking? Just used my heart and not my head. Possibly the only game we will be the favorite in is Towson. Any hope of a winning season resides in the QB position. We have two 4-star QB’s coming in as Frosh. A few teams last year had winning records with Freshmen, including one walk-on. Perhaps, it could work for us. If Trickett can survive the Bama game and is healthy, we might sneak up on a couple of teams.

Appears we have a stable of RB’s, but without a hole to run thru it doesn’t make any difference. If Trickett continues to get direct snaps just prior to the defense arriving and he has to scramble, it doesn’t make any difference. If the Secondary can’t cover anyone and looks like an eighth grade “touch-team”, it doesn’t make any difference.

While Coach Bradley appears to be an excellent addition and I hope some improved in-game coaching decisions, the key will be the Offensive Line. To win we will have to outscore the opponents. Duh !!! We won't win with defense. Now all of this thinking is based on written articles from the WV newspapers and various computer sports sites. So, it is second-hand knowledge.

AFTER DRINKING SOME OF HOLG’S KOOL-AID, PRAYING FOR 6 AND 6.

Don Sager, WI 1956, WVU 1964


To Bill:

There is no real reason to think WVU will improve much this year in the winning column. AD, Oliver Luck has made the statement for publication, that, "WVU will be improved from 2013 and have some surprises." That is a safe statement for him to make. What does that really say? Nothing much. Some good players return, but none on offense to make a difference in the terrible showing of last year. You might say they could have won some of the 2013 games or that the Big 12 is such a tough league. Then, maybe WVU should not be in that league, just to make more money, because they also lose more games. The fans will not accept this in football or basketball. The head football coach, the athletic director, and also the basketball coach may be forced out by the fans if they all have another weak performance this coming season.

The opener against Alabama may be as horrible as the kick-off game that time against Nebraska. As Jack Fleming said on that broadcast, " I am not sure why we are here today, so early in the schedule ?" Well.. hey fans, it's big time $$$ !!!. How WVU really--really--- got the nod to play this "chicken" game is a big secret and mystery to all after the big disappointments the last two years. Playing Virginia Tech in the opener in 2017, out of town and not on home turf is also thinking $$ from the Washington, D.C. fans and curious ticket buyers. I may be wrong and I hope I am, but I would not bet the house or the barn on 2014 WVU sports . (By the way, how many people does it take to make a barn dance?)

John Cooper, WI 1951

EDITOR: Can't answer your last question, but I'll put you down for a 4--8 record.


To Bill:

I'll probably get a lot of stink out of this but I will predict a 4 - 8 (yes, 4 wins-8 losses) season for the Mountaineers. I don't have the skinny or the in-depth info as you do. I read all your evaluations, reasons, and predictions in the newsletters and find you are pretty much on top of everything. We will beat the Kansas Jayhawks, TCU, Iowa State, and a tough Towson Tigers. Boy, they would love to beat a Big 12 team, especially at our home field.

We need to come up with a better team than I am reading about in order to beat the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma, Baylor, and the others. One early ratings ranked us 78 out of 130, which I thought was pretty conservative. A couple predictions have us number 9 in the Big 12. That doesn't look good at all.

I have no idea how QB Trickett will do for us, although I read where he has a couple of good receivers to throw to. Somewhere, I read in a sports article, a prediction of 7- 5, if QB, OL, DL, and special teams improved. How likely is that to happen? Maybe 5 wins might get us a bowl bid. I think it will be sometime before we reach the 2011, 10-3 season, especially sitting in the Big 12 Conference. I sure hope I am wrong about my thoughts.

Maybe some of mine and your buddies will clear me up on this. I know Bud has some great unbiased thoughts on this as he is a Super Duper Buckeye fan. As I said before, I live half way between Ga Tech and UGA, but still fly my Mountaineer flag outside my house during football season. Can't wait for college football.

Jim Alvaro, WI 1956

PS--- You do a great job with the Sports section of the newsletter. I know there are a lot of guys and girls more knowledgeable of the Mountaineer's football team than I, especially those still living back in WV. Just look at those reading the monthly newsletter from WI, Victory, RW, Notre Dame, St Mary's, Lumberport, etc.. I would love hearing from them to make this a more interesting football season. I also accept their criticism on my outlook on WVU Mountaineers


To Bill:

I think WVU will win five games, if Clint Trickett can stay healthy. To do that, he'll need better protection than last year and will have to get the ball out quicker, too. Knowing the system now, he should be able to react faster. Protection is a question.

If Trickett goes down, the coaches might ponder whether freshman William Crest, who has all the tools, should get his shot early. After watching You tube tape on him, I feel he can be what the program needs, a la Geno Smith.

Recall that Fred Wyant got his shot early and then set records for four years. It is easy to be an optimist when everyone is still undefeated.

Norman Julian, VHS 1957


Bill:

In response to your request for a prediction of the upcoming season for WVU football, I submit my prediction of a 4-win and 8-loss record, which is the same as last year. The team may be better, but without a proven quarterback, which is a critical position, and, with the prospect of the opponents being better than last year, too, I don't see much to be optimistic about.

I will be going to the Alabama game on August 30 and if we put up a good fight, then, there may be hope for a respectable season. Can Tavon Austin or Stedman Bailey be replaced (this season)? Not likely.

Stu Cashman, LaSalle HS, Niagara Falls, NY 1956


To Bill:

I feel like you do, Bill. If Trickett stays healthy, and with a bevy of running backs, he may run a nice offense. Slow it down, hit the flare backs, hit a bomb or two and keep your defense off the field long enough to stay healthy. Our defense has four or five future NFLers. We got butchered up last year in a tough loss to Texas that cost us two more games later. AND, better play calling at critical times can change the outcome of a game. We threw the Texas game by bad play calling. We will need total continuity to get a bowl bid.

As bad as we were last year, had we finished off Texas, which would have been our 5th win, we would have beaten Kansas and Iowa St. and ended up 7-5, so we should be at least 7-5 this year. You know Bill, Oklahoma only beat us 16-6. Our defense is going to be really good and Oklahoma beat Alabama pretty bad in bowl game last year.

Bob Secret, W I 1960


To Bill:

5 and 6. Questionable at quarterback and OL.

Bob Swiger, W I 1961


To Bill:

Last year I predicted below .500. This year I think they will be above .500 and maybe get a minor bowl. The quarterback situation is more stable this year and hopefully, the "Not Rich Rod" Coach's new system will be better understood and implemented. The outcome of the Alabama game will be a fluke no matter what happens, so I don't think that game will be an indicator of the remaining games. Bill, I appreciate your writings in the newsletter. Please continue.

Jim Hovey, W I 1962


A LITTLE OPTIMISM:

As I review the fearless forecasts from our readers, I see a definite lack of optimism. Even Pat Elder, my hero when it comes to predicting WVU football, thinks this will be a down year. I can understand that you should be under whelmed by the last two seasons, but for some odd reason, I have a good feeling about this year. Maybe it is the additions to the coaching staff. I think that Coach Bradley will bring a steadying effect to the defense. Plus, I feel more energy from all of the coaches.

When Clint Trickett first came up from Florida St. last year, I had high hopes that he could help us immediately. He did, in the win over Oklahoma St., but then he played hurt the rest of the season. In Holgorsen's offense, the QB is the key. He HAS to have a decent quarterback. Trickett is that, IF he stays healthy. Look for him to run less and throw more short passes and throw the ball away more.

The other unknown is the offensive line. If they play up to potential, we'll be OK. If not, Lord help us. Trickett won't stay healthy and the running game will be non-existent if the O=line falters.

I see the Alabama game as being closer than most think, but we are still not in the same class as the Tide. Thus we won't win the game. However, I do think we can beat Towson, Maryland, Kansas, Texas Tech,TCU, Kansas State and Iowa State. That's seven wins, with a possible eighth win over either Baylor or Oklahoma State. I do not see us beating Oklahoma or Texas, nor winning both the Baylor and Oklahoma State games. So, let's say a final record of 7--5, with a 50-50 chance to go to 8--4.

Surprising, yes !! Sticking my neck out a little (Or a lot), sure. But, I'm tired of hearing nothing but negative comments on the Mountaineers. As I've said before, it is time for us to put our big boy pants on, if we are going to play with the big boys. If we don't do it this year, at least a break even season, look for Ollie to start searching for a new coach, who can make us competitive in the Big 12.

Thanks to all of those who sent in their predictions. You guys make it worthwhile for us to do this. You keep writing and we'll keep putting it together for you.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

TIMBUCK SHIELDS

A few weeks ago, someone mentioned the name Timbuck Shields in a letter or article. At that time, I asked Bob Secret, W I 1960, if he would consider furnishing the newsletter with an article about Timbuck, so all of our readers would know about his many accomplishments.

Bob thought long and hard about what to write to honor Mr. Shields. He finally decided that he could not improve on an article on Timbuck written by Victory grad Norman Julian for the Morgantown Dominion-Post. Below is most of that article for your enjoyment. Thanks to both Bob and Norm for helping us recognize this sports legend.

ROBERT LEE "TIMBUCK" SHIELDS

Robert "Timbuck" Shields never had it as good as today's young aspiring athletes.

"My dad didn't even know I played," he told me during a recent get-together. Timbuck died last week at age 84.

Timbuck excelled at the old Washington Irving High School that was later absorbed into Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg.

The other school that got absorbed was Roosevelt-Wilson and Timbuck remembers that the occasion of the annual renewal of the cross-town rivalary between the two teams was when his dad found out Timbuck was playing sports.

Italian dads born in Italy, as both Timbuck's and mine were, thrived on work, not sports. We got little encouragement to "play."

"My dad wanted me to get a truck because if I did he said I could always find work," Timbuck said.

Someone who lived in Nutter Fort, where Roosevelt-Wilson was, ratted on Timbuck, telling his dad at the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, where the dad worked, that Timbuck excelled as a player at WI and he was anxious to see him in the WI vs. R-W game that weekend.

By then, there was no tearing Timbuck away from the sports he loved.

Timbuck's real name is Robert Shieldi. The last name was Anglicized, as often happens when an Italian went into a coal mine or factory where the easiest name to spell was often the name you got.

"They called me Timbuck. I don't know why. Maybe they thought I was a tough guy and that was a strong name but I always tried to be nice to people."

He was always nice to me and when I was growing up in Clarksbug, Timbuck got what men of our generation coveted most: respect.

Timbuck continued in athletics, while getting plenty of work on the side.

He was good enough to be offered a chance to play football at WVU, so to Morgantown he went to play.

Freshman weren't eligible then and Timbuck's main ambition was to be a major league baseball player. He jumped at the chance to leave WVU and play in the minor leagues.

After one season of riding the stinky old buses on endless trips, while subsisting on cheap hamburgers, he decided he'd better go back and get an education.

He coached some high-achieving athletes at the old Flemington High School in Taylor County before becoming a long-time principal there.

He coached Paul Popovich, who played basketball at WVU before embarking on a major league baseball career, mostly with the Chicago Cubs and later with the Pirates.

Despite a stroke, he managed an American Legion team in Harrison County. His son, Robert, coaches, too.

Timbuck was a frequent visitor to Hawley Field to see WVU and the Legion teams compete. Timbuck visited in Star City regularly. I liked listening to him talk, especially about sports and in particular about baseball.

He knew more about the game than any of my acquaintances. Ask him any baseball question and he'd fill your ear with anecdotes, most of them experienced first-hand.

Robert "Timbuck" Shields knew a lot about how to live a life, too.

I doubt he regreted not buying that truck. Many of us regret losing a baseball savant and faithful friend who earned respect.




SKATING

submitted by: Rosalynn Johnson Daugherty
bobbysj156@aol.com

We grew up in Clarksburg WV. in the late 50s to mid 60s We roller skated on the streets and parking lots. Sometimes we got brave and went through the AP store with our skates on, of course they chased us out, but I would take off with kids on my bike and throw my skates across the handle bars . There was hardly a day that went by that we didn't skate. There were roller skating rinks which we went to when we were young teens. However, we still liked to roller skate on the streets when the traffic wasn't heavy on our street.

I wish you could get kids today to play outside

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please write to the newsletter about roller skating. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.



TELEPHONES

submitted by: Dede "Short" King (WI '94)

I just wanted to send a response about one of the letters from last month (see below). I chuckled at the fact that Sandra and her sisters would pass the phone off to one of the other females in the room when they got tired of talking or listening to a boy. I wonder if there were any times growing up that I would have done so if I had thought about it at the time?!

PHONES IN YOUR HOME
WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP

submitted by: Sandra Zickefoose Lindke (WI '56)

Our phone was in the hall by the front door. I can remember calling the radio station to make song requests. If a boy called for one of us girls and we got tired of talking and listening, we would pass the phone to Mom or the other sister for a while. The boy would never know that he had been talking to three females instead of one.



VICTORY BAND MEMBERS

submitted by: Becky Sharpe Mosley (WI '62)
Moshare6@yahoo.com


The picture was taken in 1950. I am from a large family and all of my siblings graduated from Victory High. I went to Adamston Grade School through 5th grade. My sister, Drum Major, Marlyn Kay Sharpe and brother Thomas Sharpe are in the picture. I have attached the picture from my sister's yearbook naming all of the people. I enjoy your newsletters and participating in the trivia questions. You always do such a Great Job.



DRIVER’S LICENSES EXAM

FROM THE EDITOR:
When did you take your driver’s licenses exam? How old were you? What make and style of car did you drive for the exam? Where did you take it? Did you have a written test and then a driver’s test at a different time? Were you allowed to use the family car often for driving around with your friends?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

Below is a letter from Bryan McIntyre (WI 1965) for you to read and get the idea of what is interesting for us to read.

submitted by: Bryan McIntyre (WI '65)

I took my W.Va. driver's license exam at the State Police office in Shinnston on the first day I was eligible in 1963. I drove my mother's two door white over black 1957 Chevy Bel Air. She paid Mike "Tinker" Moffett to teach me to drive, saying she was too busy but I think she was too nervous. Tinker enjoyed the lessons as much as me because he got to drive the car with a 327 police interceptor engine. My mom bought it new at Harry Green Chevrolet. It had been designed to be a Maryland State Police car but somehow Harry Green ended up with 5 of them. The doors had been white but were painted over with black to match the regular color scheme and if you looked very closely, you could see where the holes in the white roof had been filled in where the "bubble gum machine" red light would have been. It was a fun car to drive and I was upset when she traded it in for a 1965 Chevelle.



SEND IN THE CLOWNS

Sent to us by: Ron Ogren

You will know most of these comics. If you lived in the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s you will enjoy this but it is a bit sad that they are all gone.

For us Older, more mature folks, this will make you smile and maybe bring tears to your eyes......for you younger ones, you don't know what you've missed by not knowing these "clowns"

A bit of nostalgia for those of us who remember the "clowns."

Frank Sinatra sings, but wait for the clowns.

And please listen to the last bit by Orson Wells at the end

http://www.yourememberthat.com/media/10939/Send_In_The_Clowns/#.U8QqWoLXrIo




REUNIONS NEWS

WASHINGTON IRVING HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1965 “50TH" REUNION

submitted by: Marsha Golden Caplinger
WI1965@aol.com

The Clsss of 1965 Reunion Committee is very thankful to have Tom Garrett and Bob Kramer stepping up as co-chairmen of the Committee and getting things on the move. They have done a lot of work already getting the Committee together. A meeting was held on Friday, May 30th at the Bridgeport County Club.

A final date was set for our big “50th" Reunion. It will be held on the weekend of August 21 and 22, 2015, at the Bridgeport Country Club. Not sure about Sunday yet. Many classmates had requested this date in order to be in Clarksburg for the Reunion, as well as be able to attend the Italian Heritage Festival the following weekend, which is always held on Labor Day weekend. We obtained copies of the various menus and activities that will be available to us.

Please mark this date on your calendars. We will be meeting again probably in October and will work on more details as to the costs for the reunion, including the informal Friday night, Saturday dinner and entertainment.

We will also be furnishing information regarding hotels, as we have several new hotels in the area at Charles Pointe.

We will be posting Reunion information in the WI Newsletter, as well as on Facebook, e-mails will be going out to those who do not get the Newsletter and/or do not use Facebook. At last letters will be going out to some who may not use e-mail. If you have a preference how you would like to receive information regarding the reunion, please e-mail me (Marsha Golden Caplinger) at WI1965@aol.com, or write to me at 108 Pick Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301.

We are going to work hard to make this an unforgettable Reunion and a special “50". Please everyone make plans now to attend. We all are so looking forward to getting together and spending time with our special friends/classmates.

Any questions, you can contact Tom at tandlgarrett@frontier.com or Bob at slimedawgg@aol.com. We will include other committee members e-mails in next notification.




VICTORY CLASS OF 1954

submitted by: Jackie Lafferty (VHS '54)

Victory Class of 1954 celebrated our 60th class reunion at Best Western July 19 and with a picnic July 20 at Clarksburg City Park, Nutter Fort. There were 47 in attendance at the dinner at Best Western and 34 attended the picnic on Sunday which was catered by Ruth Jaumot. Sadly, Clarence and Carolyn Leggett from Fredericksburg, VA. received a phone call before the festivities began Saturday evening that their son had just been killed in a motorcycle accident.

Receiving a prize for first reservation sent in was Juliana Scolapio, farthest traveled was Pat Fortney, most great grandchildren was Jackie Lafferty, and married the longest was Joretta Starkey. Door prizes were awarded to Juliana Scolapio, Marie Swiger, Hilda Stallman with the grand prize going to Shirley Kight.


Pictured seated: Phyllis Jorgensen, Patty Wray, Edna Ruth Osborn, Ethel Shingleton, Ann Sedlock, Virginia Loria, John Spatafore, and Noel Hardman.
Middle row: Jackie Lafferty, Shirley Kight, Shirley Robey, Nancy Linn, Joan Fogg, Joretta Starkey, Barbara Venenziana, Juliana Scolapio, Hilda Stallman, Marie Swiger, Mary Williams, Rex Talkington, and Fred House.
Back row: Eugene Jaumot, Sam Stewart, Jim Richards, Chet Whitehair, Jim Weekley, Pat Fortney, Joe Perri, and Tom Tenda.



WHERE IS IT NOW?

submitted by: Bob Hall (WI '56)



Sorry for procrastinating the past 3 months.

I originally hung the beauty on the wall next to the pool table to help absorb noise from grand kids. My decorator (wife) preferred hanging on another wall due to the blue and green clashing. This caused some of the delay along with vacations, illnesses, new baby, etc., etc. I too, would like to thank the ladies for putting the squares together and Sue Selby for the quilting. This particular quilt looks almost as good from the backside as the front. I think its great that we have contributed $50,000 for scholarships. I'm glad to have been a part of this successful endeavor.

Thanks again for all you do in getting the monthly newsletter together and posting. I really enjoy the hour+ spent reading the new issue each month. Keep your health and stay on top of all the subscribers to add their memories to the letter. Please don't ever stop this wonderful task you are providing for a bunch of people.



SUGGESTED SUBJECTS TO WRITE ABOUT

1. Driver’s License (read the article in this month’s newsletter)
2. The Clarksburg Library…..tell us why you visited, when you visited and your relationship to the Library.
3. Telephone location in your home when you were growing up.
4. Words, phrases, southern accent……call it what you may but tell us about it.
5. Miss Taylor, English teacher at WI, tell us your experiences with her.
6. Sports
7. Ice Cream, when and where did you eat ice cream while living in Clarksburg.
8. Parkette---where is it now? Was it relocated when Bridgeport Hill was moved around?
9. Eastpointe Shopping Center…Where is it? How big is it? When was it built? Do you go there to shop? How many stores are there? What is your opinion of it? Of it’s location? Are you happy it is there? Tell us all about it….Remember, some who left the Clarksburg area don’t even know it is there.
10. You pick any subject to write about, I don’t care. But remember the newsletter policy is…Nothing obscene, nothing religious, nothing racial, and nothing political.
11. Roller skating…either on the sidewalk, in the streets or at the roller rink.
12. Military Service…Tell us what branch of service you served in, what year, what was your rank, where did you serve and send us a picture of you in your uniform. I wish that each month we could honor some veterans who served our country. The people of this country need to be more patriotic.

Thank you:

Write to me at: Roleta1@aol.com.



EMAIL ADDRESSES

Colleen Luzader Holliday (WI '61) yadilloh64@gmail.com
Becky Sharpe Mosley (WI '62) Moshar6@yahoo.com
Jeff King (WI '73) djking1414@gmail.com
Wirt Wolf (WI '59) wwwirt@comcast.net
Augie Malfregeot (WI '56) ad.malf38@comcast.net
Barbara Moore Losh (WI '63) ncbl76@charter.net
Jim Martin (WI '59) mar342tin@gmail.com
Jeff Westfall (WI '80) westfall-family@hotmail.com
Mickey Drummond (WI '59) drummondmickey@gmail.com




LOST IN THE FIFTIES TONIGHT

This was sent to me by several people. I thank each of you sharing with me for the newsletter.

I know I have shared Lost in the Fifties with you before and it was a jukebox with loads of songs from the 50’s. But this is entirely different. This link is loaded with things that will bring back loads of memories for you…..Enjoy

http://safeshare.tv/w/FEDEwZHZXu



WEST VIRGINIA ACCENTS

submitted by: Jeff King (WI '73)
djking1414@gmail.com

You had asked in the most recent WI newsletter about our "WV Accent" and where people think we're from. Of course, the most common reaction from others around the country is that we are from the south. In my younger days I briefly lived in Ventura, CA and was doing laundry at the local Laundromat. I happen to strike up a conversation with a local girl and after several minutes into the conversation, she asked if I was from Ireland/Scotland/England or somewhere like that. At the time, I thought that was very odd to be mistaken for a Brit. Funny thing is, my wife who is from Charleston possessing a much more southern accent, has been asked several times if she is from England. I guess people on the west coast aren't as familiar with a WV accent and since its not a true southern accent, they are not sure where we're from. Guess our WV accent goes back many years when the Irish and Scots came to WV to mine coal where possibly the accent ended up becoming the root of the Appalachian accent. I was wondering if any other readers have ever had this experience of being mistaken for coming from the British Isles



submitted by: Carolyn Hinzman Ramsay (WI to RW then graduated Weston 1952)

To refresh your memory, I went to Morgan, Central Jr, & started to W-I when we moved to Nutter Fort (R-W) & then back to Weston where I graduated '52. I have a bit for 2 different subjects. from this month's newsletter.

The summer before 9th grade ('48) Carole Anne Curry (W-I '52) & I went to a national church camp in WI & roomed with 2 girls from Boston. All the girls could talk about was our "southern accent". After a few days, we discovered a boy from Richmond, VA with a "thick southern accent". We didn't hear any more about the accent after we introduced him to the girls.

In reference to Mrs. Gibson...
When I was a freshman at R-W, I sang in the girls quartet & Nancy Gibson was the pianist for us. She was one of the sweetest, friendliest girls I ever met. After high school, I went to UVa Hosp School of Nursing & there was Nancy Gibson as a Pharmacist. She remembered a lowly freshman & was as friendly as ever. I have wondered for years what happened to her & now I know.

Thanks for all your hard work



EDITOR’S NOTE: So many of the words used in WV are Old English words….as Jeff said the words and the sounds (or accents) we have are derived from the British Isles accents. So many people say I sound southern and others will ask, “Where are you from”? If I ask them if they hear a southern accent, their reply is No, something else in there. One friend in FL always pipes up and tells them that is is just a “Hillbilly accent”! I don’t much care for that description as I don’t think of the people from Clarksburg as being Hillbillies….Hillbillies are from KY, TNN, southern WV, etc…LOL

There are actually 3 or 4 distinct accents in WV..As Jeff said, in Charleston, etc area the accent is very southern, in the eastern panhandle they sound as though they are from Maryland and in the northern area the accent is almost a Cleveland/northern PA accent.

What is your opinion of this…write to Roleta1@aol.com



OBITUARIES

FROM THE EDITOR:(Roleta1@aol.com) I used to have several people who sent me obits from the Clarksburg Newspaper each month but due to health, computer trouble or whatever, I am no longer receiving any obits. I would appreciate it if you see an obit for someone you know or someone who went to your high school that you would please send it to me. Thanks

OBITUARIES ARE SENT TO ME FROM MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND AREAS. I DO NOT LOOK IN NEWSPAPERS FOR OBITS. IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE OR LIKE SOMEONE WELL ENOUGH TO SHARE THEIR OBIT, I WILL PLACE IT IN THE NEWSLETTER.

MOST OBITUARIES ARE PORTIONS OF THE ORIGINAL THAT WAS PLACED IN THE CLARKSBURG TELEGRAM. THANKS TO THEM FOR GIVING US PERMISSION TO USE SAME.



DAVID WESLEY TALKINGTON,
WI 1961


JOPLIN, Missouri — David Wesley Talkington, 70, of Joplin, MO, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at his home.

David was born Oct. 10, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, son of the late Harvey M. Talkington and Ota Mae Hatfield Talkington.

He attended school in Clarksburg and graduated from Washington Irving High School. He joined the United States Navy and served for nearly nine years during the Vietnam conflict.

He married Mary E. Williams of Leavenworth, KS, on Nov. 18, 1972. The couple made their home in Leavenworth, KS, where he worked as a computer programmer with the Department of Defense until his retirement.

David was a member of the Masonic Lodge 6, A.F.&A.M, in Clarksburg, and the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Leavenworth, Kansas.

In addition to his wife of 41 years, Mary, David is survived by a son, Jeffrey D. Talkington and wife Julie of Chicago, Illinois; daughters, Amber L. Cameron of Omaha, Nebraska, and Elizabeth A. Talkington of Joplin, Missouri; and grandchildren, Greyson, Quinn, Reid, Naomi, Adriana and Tyler.

Graveside services will be held at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery with full military honors.





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