THE WI NEWSLETTER 09/14

THE WI NEWSLETTER



Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 181 - BEGINNING
OUR 16TH YEAR 		September 2014








AUTUMN REVERIE

Strolling ‘long a forest trail
On a crisp fall day,
Hickory, beech and maple stand;
Sentinels on my way

Summer’s all together gone.
Winter’s drawing near.
It’s my favorite season.
My, the air’s so clear

Rustling leaves lie underfoot,
Baring branches sway,
Squirrels a barking In the trees,
They sure have lots to say.

Now a chill is In the air.
I pull my collar tight.
Going to be a hunter’s moon.
With frost o’er all tonight

Earth Is tired and longs for rest.
My body feels it too.
My autumn’s still a while away,
For I’ve got much to do.

But on an autumn day, e’er long.
With all my labors done,
Let me lie with the leaves,dear Lord
'Neath the rays of a setting sun.

By David Bates (WI 1951)

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Thank you Dave:
It was so nice to meet Dave Bates at the Centennial Picnic. Dave has shared his poetry with us before. At the picnic he gave me a book named “Nature Nurtures in Random Rhyme”. I will be using some of these in the newsletter.

On the back of the book is written:
A collection of Poetry and Short Stories. Dave Bates is the proudest, most loyal hillbilly to ever come out of West (by God, smile when you say it) Virginia. “Mountain Top Peace” tells of the serenity he finds in the beautiful state. He is a graduate of Ohio University with a masters degree from University of Southern California. He spent 28 years in the Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He is also a retired safety engineer, P.E. He and his wife, Delores, have been married 47 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren. He has been writing poetry for more than 50 years.



THE CLARKSBURG LIBRARY


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

One of my favorite places when I was young. My Mom introduced us to books at an early age and I think all five of us kids loved to read, especially my brother, Bill and I. I loved books and still do, it's my favorite way to be adventuresome! I couldn't wait to see what new adventures awaited me on the shelves of the library. I still go to my library here in AZ every 2 weeks to pick an assortment of books



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I spent a lot of time at the Clarksburg Library during my senior year at WI, as well as my one year at Fairmont State College. I did research on Abraham Lincoln for a WI school project and later modified and added to the report for a project during my tenure at Fairmont. It just seemed like the Clarksburg Library had more research literature available than did the library at WI and/or Fairmont State.

I think that I got an A on both reports.

Plus, using the Clarksburg Library during my year at Fairmont also gave me reason to make frequent trips to Clarksburg, not all of which were spent at the library, as I was able to sneak in some time with the girl that I was dating during that time.



submitted by: Rebecca Allen Ausmus (WI '70)

I think you will get a TON of responses on this subject .. OH THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES AFTER SCHOOL TO THE LIBARAY . You had to be sooo quiet .. yep that was hard for us Central Jr High and WIHS girls and boys but we were there checking out books and wandering through that awesome old home . THE HARRISON CLARKSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY.

For more than forty years, the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library's home was an elegant antebellum house called Waldomore. Over the years, the library's collection and services outgrew the capacity of the old building. In 1975, a new structure was built beside Waldomore to house the Library's main collection. Waldomore remains a part of the library complex. Its ground floor offers a large public meeting space alongside rooms that display period furnishings. Its second floor houses the West Virginia Collection and Gray Barker UFO Collection


NEW CLARKSBURG-HARRISON PUBLIC LIBRARY



submitted by: Gloria Rosenthal Plevin (WI '52)
gloriaplevin@roadrunner.com

I had my own library card at the Clarksburg Public Library, and yet I stood cautiously in the stacks, reading a book which I was sure my parents would believe was inappropriate for a ten year old girl. Specifically, I was smitten with the love scene in "FOR WHOM THE BELLS TOLL" by Ernest Hemingway. A young woman Maria and an American man, Robert, are in a revolutionary group who are in the mountains of Spain to blow up a bridge. They are sleeping together. In the night Maria says to Robert,” I do not know how to kiss, or I would kiss you. Where do the noses go?”

Thereafter I would not be giving up "LASSIE COME HOME" or "BLACK BEAUTY", but nature was awakening my curiosity, and thus began my life-long love of books and libraries.



submitted by: Dorothy Ann Hughes Shaffer (WI '52)
cshaffer@pathwaynet.com

As a child, I can recall waiting for the bus and looking back at the impressive building that housed our Clarksburg Library. Certainly, I was delighted when I became old enough to be making library visits there myself when I was in high school at WI. But it was only as I became older that I recognized the value of a library to a community and the treasure that it held for all of us.

When my own children were growing up we visited our community library at least weekly and usually many times a week in the small town where we were living. How well I recall a foreign student visiting us and marveling that this was "free." We laughed and explained to him that actually our taxes were supporting it. "But, it is there for EVERYONE to use!" he responded. I had not realized how much we took it for granted. Indeed, we used our local library for many resources and have continued to use them across the country in our travels. As personal computers became a necessary part of life, we utilized library computers all over the US. Generally, we would also browse the magazines as well.

Fast forward now to the past few years. Now we are in the grandparent stage and find to our delight and also our learning experience that we have grandchildren interested in their roots. So here we are in Michigan with a grandchild pressing us for knowledge of their genealogy in WV. End result was a trip to WV to search and rescue knowledge of our past. So where did this search take them? You guessed it! The Clarksburg Library! As we helped follow up on this endeavor I felt a shiver of excitement as I saw the "new" library with the gorgeous "old" library now in the background. I actually cried when I entered the old library where I had savored so many fond memories now in a state of disrepair. But there is still a treasure there. Not only is there a wealth of genealogy wrapped up in the books but an even greater treasure is in the person of David Houchin who was there to act as our personal sleuth in this search. I have always appreciated the librarians who have been there to assist us in our library journeys, but this was far greater than any that we had encountered. He actually brought life to the books he had at his fingertips and we are still baffled at how one mind could encompass the knowledge of just where to look to track down the information we were seeking. His enthusiasm was infectious. Although the building looked to be dead, part of it is very much alive.

I appreciated the Clarksburg Library in the beautiful old building years ago, but I still appreciate it even more in the sad but alive state that still serves not only the local citizens but also preserves the "ghosts" of the past. We as a family have been blessed that we have been able to take advantage of this new status while we have the expertise/talent of such a gifted person to serve us.


WALDOMORE

submitted by: Erik Fredriksen (aka Fred Miller) (WI '61)
hannis@umich.edu

My, my what a beautiful picture of this really magic place for me.

The library, where I discovered Edgar Allen Poe (the ‘love’ poetry interested me greatly…), science fiction, and so many novels. It was a place of solace, an escape, and really a quiet haven for discovery. Yes, this ‘affair’ started—for me—in 1956 I think. I recall movie nearby was a then pricey sum of 17 cents, well, all you know the drill.

This place, one of imagination and discovery, was how I considered something other than coal mines. Truly magic and thank you for including this. I am very sorry I can’t make it for the big reunion. Waiting on a spine surgery appt.

Stay well and happy. God bless,



submitted by: Babe Cashman (WI '56)

The Clarksburg Public Library was a haven and an exciting place to go as a new reader. I think I read every biography on the shelves. I also found a section that had the story of most of the operas that had been written. When I look back on those days, I remember the special smell of old paper and the quietness that only prevails in a library. It certainly was the beginning of my love for reading that continues to this day. It was an impressive building in those days! It sat on those grounds like a monument and I felt very special to be able to go through those gates and to enter a world that could take you anywhere you wanted to go.

I think it is a shame that most of today's generation misses out on the experience of sitting quietly in a room filled with all the classics that transported you to another place while never leaving our home town. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy being able to access all kinds of writing without leaving my living room; but, I still can bring to mind those aromas and times that were so special to me.



submitted by: Rod Kidd (WI '70)

Roleta,
Here is a recent photo of the old library.





MAJORETTE IDENTIFICATION



submitted by: Terra Mitchell Burnett (WI '95)
angeleyes11_77@hotmail.com

The picture is from the 1992-1993 majorette line.

Front row: Jill Diaz Jenkins, Terra Mitchell Burnett, Jayme Nutter Lowther (head majorette) Jamey Biesczad (drum major), Amy Hogue Smith, Lynn Swartz Clark, Elizabeth Hood Miller

Back row: Dede Short King, Carissa Messenger Bartlett, Julie Fincham Able (head majorette) Sarah Hunt Sellhorst, Christie Sparks Shook, and Jennifer Pratt Szendre

This was my first year at WI as a sophomore and as a majorette. The freshmen were still at RW Jr High.

I was in the last graduating class from WI in 1995. That year I was the head majorette



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

Those are the WI Majorettes and Drum Major from the 1992/1993 school year.

Pictured in front row from left: Jill Diaz, Terra Mitchell, Jayme Nutter, Jamey Biesczad, Amy Hogue, Lynn Swartz and Elizabeth Hood.

Pictured in back row from left: Dede Short (that's me), Carissa Messenger, Julie Fincham, Sarah Hunt, Christie Sparks and Jennifer Pratt.

We were nicknamed "Foo-Foo's"...absolutely loved my years as a majorette :)

Kim Wickes was our advisor, she was the older sister of a former majorette, Wendy Wickes who was a senior when I was a sophomore. James Ellis was the director during that time. Honestly, I can't remember if the head majorette made up the routines or if it was our advisor...they may have shared the job. Don't kill me girls since I am not remembering exactly...I am coming up on my 20 year reunion you know ;)



GUESS WHO FOR OCTOBER



Can you help us identify these little girls? We know who most of them are but a few of them have us stumped. Send your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com

Please add a memory and include your name, school and year of graduation.



WI CELEBRATION WEEK-END

submitted by: Habie Snyder (WI '59)

My wife Bonnie and I just arrived home after spending a wonderful and memorial weekend in Clarksburg July 22 / 23, attending several events designed to remind us all of the glorious days spent at a 100 year old building, Washington Irving High School ( now a middle school). I think it appropriate to recognize several classmates who took their personal time to organize all of this.

Friday evening was spent at the home of Larry Martino where our 55th class reunion was held. Larry's home was a perfect place with a large patio and beautiful surroundings, located near the Clarksburg Country Club. Mike Fresa was also a key player. Between the two of them, I don't know which one worked harder to assure we had a plenty of food / refreshments and quality time to visit. Roleta reminded us that our class consisted of 172 graduates, and Mike tastefully read the names of the 37 deceased. Hardy thanks to Larry and Mike.

Saturday at the Veterans Park was extra special with 300+ attending from all classes. I even had the privilege of visiting with a gentleman who graduated in 1945 and listened with great interest as he relived some experiences he had had. Special thanks to organizers, Joy Gregorie Gilchrist-Stainaker, Paula Brasser and Sharon Cotrill McGahan. Actually, Sharon had for years organized the annual Clarksburg picnics, and after the 2013 event declared she was passing the baton. Her retirement didn't happen because as we all known, she was again working to assure success. And wouldn't you think Roleta has her hands full, putting in countless hours every month to publish the newsletter? Enough is enough was not the case on Saturday. She and Bill arrived before 11 o'clock, and Roleta immediately rolled up her sleeves to work behind the food tables the entire afternoon. What would we do without her?

Bonnie and I were unable to attend the evening event because we took the opportunity to spend some time with my brother, Mike, who lives near Elkins. None-the-less, hats off to the classmates who put it together. So ... I would like all the organizers to stand-up and take bow.

Some pictures from our class reunion.



About 35 people gathered at the lovely home of Larry Martino (above left). The party dinner was catered and served by two waitresses shown above. Mike Fresa was master of ceremonies and had a very nice speech prepared. He spoke of those who were not present and we bowed our heads for a moment of silence for the 37 deceased classmates.



At Larry's lovely home where we saw ducks, deer and wild turkey walking around in the back yard.




l to r; Ed Wilfong, Sharyn Cottrill McGahan, Sharon Orme Wilfong, Phyllis Fittro Brown and Paula Brausser Riley




Above left to right: Larry Martino, Joy Gregorie DeFazio, Anthony Julian, Mike Fresa




l to r: Becky Hollandsworth Day, Judy Aspy Payne and husband Jim, Becky LaRosa Fresa and husband Mike, Wirt Wolf,
Standing; Sandy Drummond Hefner, Larry Martino and Habie Snyder.




l to r: Bonnie Snyder, Habie Snyder, Erma Loria Uhle, Bill Meredith, Roleta Smith Meredith, Jerry Belt and Melissa Belt.




The COMMITTEE: L TO R: Becky LaRosa Fresa, Mike Fresa, Larry Martino, and Roleta Smith Meredith




l to r; Ed Wilfong, Sharyn Cottrill McGahan, Sharon Orme Wilfong, Paula Brausser Riley, Phyllis Fittro Brown
John Stealey, Patty Terrill Stealey, John Campbell




l to r. Allen Hefner, John Stealey, Patty Terrill Stealey, John Campbell




DATELINE NEW YORK CITY

submitted by: James A Fragale (WI '58)
jamesafragale@yahoo.com

Dear Roleta, to borrow a headline from the musical version of PICNIC, “Hot September!” Where in the hell did Summer 2014 go? Trust you had a great one? How could you miss?

UPDATE from Jim Fragale: In everything I do, I invariably include West Virginia.

Here goes:

1). My novel “The Answer to Life” is in Second Edition on amazon.com, both in paperback and Kindle. (In the process, I was able to correct every comma, colon and conundrum. You know how we hate mistakes).

2). An interview in Parade magazine will appear mid-September by uber-writer Dotson Rader where I mention Clarksburg and West Virginia in every sentence. I’m complimented the interview happened at all, and excited to see if writer-Rader not only spells my name correctly, but also accurately quotes me. You know how that goes.

3). Lastly, I have my fourth work now in “Huffington Post” on pop art legend Andy Warhol involving an incident that occurred at the 1964 World’s Fair.

FOOTNOTE: My first job in New York was at the 1964 World’s Fair, and the experience still hangs around in my head.

To Wrap, Roleta, I wish you a prosperous and productive Fall 2014 as well as the Winter of your content.

Warm wishes, James A. Fragale, NYC. Email: jamesafragale@yahoo.com (Don’t forget the “A” in the middle, guys).



DRIVING

submitted by: Wayne Winters (WI '66)

The privilege of driving a motor vehicle has apparently waned somewhat since the folks alive and ready to begin in the mid sixties were both ready and legal.

This is my own experience:
One weekend my sister and I were in Doddridge County at my grandparents lake cottage. Dad had a 1962 Plymouth Valiant. My grandfather at the time owned a 1960 Plymouth Fury. Some here might recall the trend of big fins on autos; these on the Fury were a fine example.

My sister was about the age to apply for a learner's permit and dad asked us to go for a ride. On one of the less traveled byways Dad offered my sister and I our chance to take the wheel. After that lesson concluded my sister had some opportunities to practice in granddad's Plymouth with the power steering (a somewhat rectangular steering wheel which was not received by the public well enough to ever become an industry standard in steering wheel shapes) and also practicing in my father's compact Plymouth Valiant. As the time for her test drew near she chose Shinnston as the locale for her exam and passed the exam there driving grandfather's Fury. The scuttlebutt was Shinnston examiner held no well developed objection to women holding a drivers license. The examiner nearer to downtown Clarksburg had a reputation of grading the girls more harshly than the guys taking the exam.

A while later our family had relocated to Huntington and my sister had that valid license required to accompany me to the testing site between Huntington and Barboursville off of Route Sixty where I took and passed my own driving exam in dad's Valiant.



submitted by: Anne Byrnside Davis (WI '52)
annbyrn@ma.rr.com

I was 17 when I took my drivers test. At that time we went to the court house and some state cop sat in the passenger seat. I don’t think it was much of a test and when I was finished the policeman said pull up to the curb. When I stepped out of the car I was at least 6 feet out in the street. Guess what, I passed. Living about 6 blocks from downtown I never felt the need to drive.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I remember that I used Mary Clyde (Murph) Mason's car to get my driver's license, and that it was taken behind the Court House on Main Street.

I remember that most of my learning time was also spent in Murph's car with her doing the training.



submitted by: Barb Warren Williams (WI '58)

When Bob & I moved to Connecticut in 1983, we had to take drivers test on our motorcycles. One man before us found it so hard to drive around the course, he threw his motorcycle down and told the guy giving the test that he should do it. Needless to say, Bob & I were a little nervous after seen that, but we passed with flying colors.



WEST VIRGINIA ACCENTS

submitted by: Dick Wilson (WI '61)
wilsonmaple@msn.com

Interesting notes in the Newsletter about our accents. Our state is divided not only in accents, but in economic and even sports zones. North, and north central parts of W.Va. look to the Pittsburg area; sadly Morgantown is even included in Pittsburgh's TV market area. "You'uns" might live near there and root for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

South central and south western W.Va. look down the Ohio from tributary rivers such as the Big Sandy and Kanawha towards Cincinnati. They're all routin' for the Cincy Reds. "Y'all" that live there can understand that. The Eastern Panhandle looks towards Washington DC with the Senators in play, but old Baltimore accents still thrive. The "Senators" are big there.

South Eastern counties and cities such as Bluefield and Beckley look towards Roanoke, Va.; the residents thereof speak of goin' to schoo', with mellow and soft syllables, from way back when. Those from Lewisburg don't even know there are separate Virginias at times.

Thus mentioned so far are the Scots, Irish and some English contingents, the majority of the state's population, many of the ancestors of whom arrived by trail, improved trail, National Road and river boat from across the Appalachians, perhaps secondarily from Western Pa.

We can thank the major Railroads such as the B&O, C&O for the influx of later arriving neighbors from all parts of Europe, having differing accents and even separate languages, predominately Italian and Greek, smatterings of Polish, German, and French. Belgian Nationals as an esoteric example arrived in our hills as glass manufacturing specialists. Abundant natural resources brought in learned teachers and industrial professionals along with legions who saw opportunity.

I'm sure many of us can add even more examples, say dialects around Germania, ...you name it. But coupled with all these regional accents and loyalties you have an overlay of cultural differences. I've noted, even in my local area, differing inflection, syntax and pronunciation of same words, thoughts and grammar. --"City speak" vs. outlying "farm speak', "coal country speak," or "up the holler speak." Good politicians and most of us, of course, are fluent in all.

So no wonder we're thought "mysterious English" or other semi-exotic species from afar in western states. We more or less are. And for that Florida remark, Hey, even Lil' Abner has that certain cache. "Florida" secretly wants to move back here. ; )

Regardless of all our differing accents, backgrounds and loyalties, on game day the resounding refrain of "Go Mountaineers!" reflects back to us, always louder, but in perfect voice, pitch and cadence from just across the field.



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

Thanks to everyone who served in any way to help on the planning of the Centennial Celebrations.

Many classes took advantage of the week-end and planned a get together for their class on Friday night before the big WI DAY! I have a letter from Habie Snyder (WI 1959) about our gathering and I have included a few pictures.

If your class had a gathering, please write to me about it and send me some pictures and I will include them in the next issue of the newsletter.

Although rain was predicted for Saturday for the picnic, it was a beautiful sunny hot (87 degrees) day. Sharyn Cottrill McGahan, Paula Brasseur Riley, and Bonnie (Habie’s wife) Snyder made up the committee in charge of the picnic food…..they were overwhelmed so I jumped in and helped. We absolutely ran out of space on the tables for the food and had to keep some food in backup so we could replenish the supply as one dish became empty. People were certainly generous when bringing covered dishes. There was one dessert table set to the side and the table and benches were covered with food stacked four and five items high. A man from the class 1945 (I think it was) brought a huge sheet cake with a big WI logo of icing on the top. The program was run by Joy Gregorie DeFazio. About 350 people came to visit. It was an amazing crowd.

The Celebration banquet was help on Saturday night at RC Byrd High School. About 360 people were there to eat and even more joined for the program after in the auditorium. Al Cox was the emcee. The program included the singing of the Alma Mater, the pledge to the flag, and closed with the fight song “WI WILL SHINE TONIGHT” while the audience waved their lit WI flashlights which were given to each person as they entered the program.

I am sorry that I can not supply pictures or more detail. I was hoping someone on the committee would send me a follow up story and pictures. If anyone can do this, please send me the information so I can put it in the next newsletter. I know many people wanted to attend but could not.

See you in another 100 years and here’s hoping good old WI is still standing then.



THE TETER FAMILY AT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS



Left to right: John Teter, Liz Teter Akin, Bob Teter




NEW READERS

Alecia Bishop Walent (WI '60) aleciakw@aol.com
Bonnie Smith McGowan (WI '59) bonniemcg41@yahoo.com
Steve Boekell (WI '64) boekells@bellsouth.net
Jim Burnell (WI '60) jburnell@gmail.com
Cindy King Shaver (WI '67) jjstooth8@yahoo.com
Patti Crigler Henderson (WI '68) patbellmarie@aol.com
Mildred (Millie) Singleton Gowers (WI '68) mgowers2@yahoo.com
Kay Cottrill (WI '70) 12garner@frontier.com
Nancy Swing (WI '61) sunswing44@gmail.com
Frances Lamb Richardson (WI '70) felambr@hotmail.com
David Hollandsworth (would have been WI Class of ?) hollandsworthd@bellsouth.net
Tim Elliott (WI '79) te1011@aol.com
John Tredway (WI '63) jtredway@nc.rr.com
Kitty Hess (WI '59) FHess45@aol.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Bernie Cohen (WI '56) BRC1303@yahoo.com
David Preston (WI '70) Dapreston724@gmail.com
Jody Buffington Aud (WI '77) AudJ@MedImmune.com
Shirley Dillmore Fain (WI '64) jofain591@gmail.com
Mary Margaret Adams Hood (WI '42) MARYHOOD@twc.com
Margaret Cleavenger McIntyre (WI '65) mlmcintyre@cox.net




PICTURE ON THE GLASS OF THE WI MEMORIAL ROOM
LOCATED IN R.C. BYRD HIGH SCHOOL

Picture from: John Teter (WI '61) Thanks John



When the schools were consolidated, it was decided that a peaceful way to bring the high schools together would be to actually show the students that their schools and their school’s history was indeed a part of R.C. Byrd.



PICTURES FROM THE CENTENNIAL PICNIC
August 23, 2014







PRESENTATION TO AL CASTELLANA

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

Coach Castellana was at the WI Class of 1961 party on Friday night at Twin Oaks. The class presented the picture below to Coach. Bob Swiger and Rick Wilson came up with the idea of the picture being signed by classmates and they presented it to him at Twin Oaks on Friday before the Centennial Celebration. Former students signed it throughout the week-end.




GROUP AT TWIN OAKS FOR THE WI CLASS OF 1961 PARTY





MYSTERY BUILDING IN AUGUST NEWSLETTER



submitted by: Marcia Booth (WI '65)

The mystery picture is Shreve's Chrysler-Plymouth near Sunnycroft Country Club. My dad had the insurance for it. It was run by Charlie Ellison, but his wife Margaret (Shreve) had inherited it. I worked in the office during college breaks.



submitted by: John Petitto (WI '64)

Country Club Chrysler Plymouth on 19S outside Clarksburg; Close to the old Rosebud Shopping Center & practically across from Sunnycroft Country Club .... ??? hence the name ????. First owner was Robert Mancuso, a veteran car salesman and long time GM at Al Schroath Oldsmobile ... also located on Rt 19 S.



submitted by: Jim Rogers (WI '64)
jprogers46@gmail.com

I believe the picture from the August newsletter was the original Shreves Dodge-Chrysler. It was purchased be Charles Ellison around 1958. Robert Mancuso purchased it around 1978. He changed the name to Country Club Chrysler. It was sold by him in 1996 to Jack Stewart and the dealership still has the Country Club Chrysler name.





submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI '71)
Gwill1004@aol.com

This is a picture of Country Club Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep on Rt. 19 South of Clarksburg. I travel past it everyday going into town from Clarksburg Country Club.



submitted by: Steve Griffith (NDHS '60)

August's mystery picture is none other than Shreves, Inc. , which was owned by Charley Ellison and his wife, Margaret Shreves Ellison.

If my memory serves me correctly, the business had originally been on 6th street and was owned by Charley's wife's family.

Shreves was a Nash dealership, and acquired Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge, and also Jeep when they built the building (pictured) across from Sunny Croft Country Club.

The business was later purchased by Bob Mancuso and named Country Club Chrysler Plymouth Dodge, and has had a couple of ownership changes since.



submitted by: Lyle Corder (RW '57)

This is Country Club Chrysler-Plymouth dealership on Rt. 19 outside of Clarksburg. Our family has purchased about a dozen vehicles from them.



submitted by: Matthew Perri, Jr. (VHS '56

It was Country Club Chrysler at least until we moved to North Carolina in 2005. Matthew Perri, Jr. better known to my classmates at Victory, Class of '56 as Jr.



submitted by: Jody Buffington Aud (WI '77)
AudJ@MedImmune.com

It’s Country Club Chrysler -- on the road out to the Clarksburg Country Club. My father bought every one of our cars from there – he wouldn’t buy anything but a Chrysler! I also remember there being an empty lot behind it where we kids used to find each other to hang out.



submitted by: Jackie Lafferty (VHS '54)

The mystery picture for September is the Country Club, Chrysler, Plymouth Garage. I bought a new 1999 Plymouth Breeze from them that I am still driving.



submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)
mysto99@aol.com

It has to be the Country Club Chrysler dealership Rt. 19--south. I pass it every day coming and going to Clarksburg...and have bought 3 new autos in the past from them.

The Aug. newsletter was another great one!

I will not make it to the WI gathering this month. I have some other things going. But, I will miss everyone. Hope to read about it with photos in the Sept. newsletter.



submitted by: Rod Kidd (WI '70)

The photo in the August news letter is of the Country Club Chrysler Plymouth Garage across from Sunny Croft Golf Course. It went through some recent renovations and looks a bit different, but is still there. I will take a current picture and send it to you so in the Sept. news letter maybe you can show yester-year and today’s look.

Here is the recent photo of the Chrysler garage bldgs.





submitted by: Anne Byrnside Davis (WI '52)
annbyrn@ma.rr.com

This building is still in the same spot, with many updates. It is the Chrysler Place on Rt 19 South of Clarksburg. I have no memories of this site except that it has been there for MANY years. I pass it on the way to the Clarksburg Country Club once a week. It has been enlarged and had a new show room added to the front, which makes it more modern and classy. The poor farm used to be to the right of the building. It is long since gone.



MYSTERY PICTURE FOR OCTOBER



Can you identify the above picture? Please take a guess, I only print the correct ones. If you want to play our game, write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com.

Please add a memory and include your name, school and year of graduation.



THE 2015 WI NEWSLETTER SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

Pictured below is Roleta Smith Meredith in front of the first quilt given at the Clarksburg Picnic in Sarasota, Florida on March 4, 2006



HOW THE QUILTS ARE MADE

First an email goes from Sue Selby Moats to ask the quilters "Who will be in for this year's quilt?"
When she has answers she gets large envelopes to mail out the fabrics.
Different years the fabrics have been donated by Mary Liz Carder and/or Sue Selby Moats.
This year the fabrics are manufactured by Hoffman Co. The colors are dark green, dark purple, cream, lavender with specks of silver. The focus fabric has large flowers in purple, pink with touches of green. Some quilters have added fabric from their "stash" to go with the other materials.

The quilter may select the block design of their choice to make a 12 inch square. This type of quilt is called a "sampler".

This year some of the quilters have selected something that might have a name that is where they now live. We have a South Carolina Star, Pennsylvania Square, Tennessee Waltz, several other stars and a Grape Basket. This year they are just beautiful! We have some very talented and creative quilters. The blocks are mailed back to Sue Selby Moats.

The process of making the quilt then goes to the "setting" stage. Sue has had help from Mary Liz Carder and Gig Meredith in previous years. We say two heads are better than one. It takes an artist's touch to find the best block arrangement. The blocks get stitched together and then each of the rows get stitched to the next row.

When the quilt top is ready Sue puts the fabric for the back onto her longarm quilting machine.
The batting goes on top of that, then the quilt top gets placed. The magic happens when Sue starts stitching the blocks to enhance their designs.
The binding then goes around the quilt. A label is made and stitched to the quilt. It shows the names of the quilters and the completion date.
A lot of man hours, or should I say "women hours" go into creating what becomes an heirloom quilt.

Here are two squares that will be included in the 2015 WIN Scholarship Quilt. We will be featuring some squares each month.



Joyce Royse WI 1962

Dear Roleta, just finished my block. The flowered fabric on the side was the focus fabric. My first thought was to appliqué purple iris, but morning glories prevailed.

I had learning experiences too. When I washed the appliquéd square, one of the batiks bled onto the background fabric. After I panicked, I removed the offending piece, rewashed with a Shout color catcher sheet, prepared, and stitched a new petal. I guess I missed that fabric...since I usually prewash all fabrics. Batiks, in particular, often have dyes that are not set.



Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke WI 1955

Just finished my square & it's The State of Arizona Star. I did find it on quiltscache.com as you suggested. Thank you all again for including me in this wonderful project.


THE 2015 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

I will start selling the quilt tickets in October. If you want to send your check for tickets now, I will accept it. The tickets for the quilt drawing are $5.00 for 6 tickets, $10.00 for 12 tickets….you get the idea. So for a gift of $50.00 to the scholarship fund you will have 60 tickets in the drawing and for a $100.00 gift you will have 120 tickets, but why stop there/ Send $200.00 and you will have 240 tickets….sounds more interesting that way? Well, $500.00 you will have 600 tickets, now that is really nice, isn’t it?

Please include a note with your tickets telling me if you want tickets for the quilt drawing. Sign your note and include your email address. I always like to thank those who write and give to the scholarship; however, I don’t always know how to find the email address….thanks

SEND YOUR CHECK TO:

Make out your check to Roleta Meredith c/o WIN SCHOLARSHIP

Mail to:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Those who so generously gave this month are;

Becky Shayse Mosley (WI 1962) Thank you Becky, I was unable to write you a note of thanks as I don’t seem to have your email address.. Thank you so much for your generous check. It is very appreciated.

Nancy Struger (WI 1954) Thank you for your very generous check. I couldn’t figure out your email address either. I certainly appreciate your continuing support.

Doug Bailey (WI 1956) Thank you for your generous gift to the WIN Scholarship. Good to see you at the Centennial and nice sharing memories.

Mary Margaret Adams Hood (WI 1942) Thank you Mary for your generous check and very nice note.

Erma Loria Uhle (WI 1959) Thank you so much for the generous check you gave me Friday night at the Class of 1959 gathering.

Al Cox (Bridgeport HS) Thank you for the gift of cash you gave me on Saturday at the Centennial Celebration after I spoke. The gift is greatly appreciated. You did a terrific job of being emcee at the Centennial Celebrations Saturday night.

Margaret Cleavenger McIntyre (WI 1965) Thanks for your continuing support of the WI Newsletter Scholarship.



THE PARKETTE ON BRIDGEPORT HILL

submitted by: Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke (WI '55)
mwdusty1@aol.com

That was the spot to have cokes & hot dogs after drag racing up Bridgeport Hill.

Well that's all for now. Thanks for the great Newsletter each month.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I can remember going to the Parkette on top of Bridgeport Hill on Saturday nights during intermissions when I was at the Bridgeport Civic Center. My friend Bill Post was able to use his parents' car and he and I (along with our dates) would go to the Parkette for something to eat and/or drink during intermission from the dance.

I took my son with me to Clarksburg to get my mother to bring her back her to Virginia to visit for a while, and we decided to go to the Parkette to get Hoagies to take down to her house to eat while we were there. Much to my dismay, the original Parkette was closed. I turned around and went down the old route 50 thinking that we would just stop somewhere else to get something to eat. That is when I found the new Parkette on Route 50, just above Harry Green Chevrolet. We stopped there to get our hoagies, but much to my disappointment, the hoagies from Parkette were not as good as the ones that we normally got at Twin Oaks. I cannot wait to get my "hoagie fix" at Twin Oaks when I go into Clarksburg for the WI picnic and Centennial celebration.



SHARING MEMORIES

submitted by: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI '40)

Hi Roleta: I don't know if this appropriate for the Newsletter but it is a memory of my life in Clarksburg when we lived with my grandmother on Stealey Avenue.

As I have told you she owned land in Stealey Addition before it ever became a part of Clarksburg and Stealey Addition became just Stealey. There were remnants of her farm still when I was a little girl and things that she did remain with me, like her grape arbor in the backyard where I would play with my dolls, or her smoke house that always scared me a little as it seemed so dark inside, and her huge garden where she had planted a cherry tree and an Early Harvest apple tree.

She loved that Early Harvest apple tree and when the apples were ripe, she might sell some of them but they were the ones she liked to use to make her apple butter. She would get out her big copper kettle and set it on the brick walk in the backyard so she could set a fire under it. Then my aunts and my mother and my grandmother would gather the apples and sit on the back porch getting them ready to put into the big kettle. She had a long wooden stirrer and each of them would take a turn at stirring the apples, which would take up most of the day. It was my grandmother who added the sugar and the cinnamon oil....that was her specialty, she knew how to get it to taste just right. It had to please her or she wasn't satisfied til it did.

One time I remember she and my aunts and my mother were sitting on the back porch paring the apples getting them ready to cook. She always wore a poke bonnet when she was outside.She was sitting in her rocker with her pan of apples, when she put down her knife and said" I guess I just can't do it anymore". So her daughters peeled the apples and then stirred them in the big copper kettle, but she was the one who still added the sugar and the cinnamon oil. What triggered this memory was Sunday when I was at church. One of the older ladies was talking about getting things ready for the big Arts and Craft Fair here when she said " I just can't do it anymore".

I guess, Roleta, that happens to each of us at some time or other. And It brought back that picture of my dear grandmother sitting in her rocker still trying to contribute to the things she always had done. Maybe the celebration in August is one of the things that we will celebrate once and then not do anymore. Love



submitted by: Penny Fish Wolverton (WI '58)

I enjoy all of the newsletters but this has to be one of the best. The history is wonderful . I saw many pictures of family. Found out that my grandmother graduated from college with Mr. Mcconky.

EDITOR’S REPLY: How exciting for you to have found this information. And we are glad you enjoy the newsletter. Keep reading and writing to us.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I can remember that we had one telephone in our house on Broaddus Avenue for a long time, and that phone was located right inside the front door in the entrance hallway. At some point (and I am not sure when) my parents added a second phone in their bedroom that was in the upstairs portion of the house.



WRITE AND SHARE WITH US

Since you left high school, what has changed in your plans for your life? For instance, did you always plan on working in the same field you finally chose?

Did you spend your life in the location you envisioned as a high school senior?

Did you actually know your spouse when you were in high school?

What development (s) in technology have changed your life the most?

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com.



ROLLER SKATING

submitted by: Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke(WI '55)
mwdusty1@aol.com

I learned to roller skate in front of the house I was born in Bridgeport on Gordon Street. It had a slant to it and was fun! I later was given my own white roller skates and went to the rink in Clarksburg, but to tell the truth, I wasn't that good. But the few times I went, it was fun. The last time, was in my Senior year at WI when we had a skating party!



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I do not remember roller skating on the streets around Broaddus Avenue, but I must just be having a memory lapse, as I do remember that I had skates at my parents' house. Broaddus Avenue was mostly a hilly street, so Willison would have been a better/level street to skate on.

Most of my roller skating was at the Roller Skating Rink in Norwood, as it seems like a bunch of us would go there roller skating a lot. We had to rent our skates at the roller rink.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Where did you roller skate when you were young? Around your neighborhood, at the skating rink ? Where was the skating rink that you visited most often? At what age did you start skating and when did you stop? Did you compete in roller skating contests of any kind? Did you have a favorite partner?

Write your memories to Roleta1@aol.com. Thanks for helping the newsletter be as successful as it has been.



ICE CREAM

submitted by: Joy Gregorie DeFazio (WI '59)

My favorite place for ice cream was Barron’s Restaurant, across the street from Adamston Flat on Adams Avenue in Adamston. My grandparents, George and Lillus Gregoire, lived about a block beyond the restaurant. They would sometimes send us up there to buy cherry-nut ice cream. Of course I didn’t mind. . . not only because I liked the ice cream but also it gave me a chance to visit with the Barrons’ daughter Sheila.

My next-favorite was the Dairy Queen – either the one in East End or the one that used to be where Chunki’s Pizza is now in West End. I loved their chocolate coated ice cream “with the curl on top.” Still do when I stop at the one in Nutterfort.



submitted by: Gladys Williams (WI '71)


It has to be Toni's Ice Cream in Adamston right across from old Victory High School (now Adamston Elem. School). I like 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 raspberry cone. No one else makes the raspberry ice cream like they do. Maybe some of you remember Toni’s when it used to be called Tarantino's.



submitted by: David Lawrence Kinney (WI '51)
djkinney@windstream.net

I always liked the Pure Ice Cream on Pike St. across from the Immaculate Conception Church. I liked the White House ice cream best. The first building I was ever in that had a water cooled roof to keep the interior cool.



submitted by: Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke (WI '55)
mwdusty1@aol.com

Well, when I was younger, my Dad would drive the family to Pure Ice Cream in Clarksburg once a month for ice cream cones. When we were dating, my boyfriend, Hugh, (my first husband) would take me for banana splits to Pure. When other times, as teenagers, we went to Hagen's. Of course, my favorite ice cream was the Homemade Ice Cream at home in the summers. Now I rely on Blue Bell. My whole family has a thing for ice cream and it has fallen down on all of our descendants. I would guess that everyone worldwide have those genes!!



submitted by: Rebecca Allen Ausmus (WI '70)
Rebecca.Ausmus@camc.org

My Mother always took us to Hagan's Ice Cream on Main Street whenever we went downtown to Clarksburg to shop.. They had the best hog dogs and milk shakes in town I think . The hot dogs were on a buttered square bun . They had a variety to choose from in the flavors of ice cream and it was always lunch for us when we went downtown shopping .. I think a lot of the students ate there as well. It was always crowded for lunch and was a treat for my Mom and sister and I to stop there after we shopped and visited downtown .



submitted by: Shirley Dillmore Fain (WI '64)
jofain591@gmail.com

I went to WI and graduated in 1964. I was known as Shirley Dillmore. I married Gary Fain in 1965 and was married to him 15 years. We had 2 sons and now I have 4 gorgeous Grandkids that I am happy they all live here in SD also.

My favorite for ice cream was the DQ. I remember one in Bridgeport that my Dad took us to. I think there was one in Quiet Dell also.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)


The only place that I can remember getting ice cream outside of my parents' house was at Hagen Ice Cream on Main Street. A lot of my friends and classmates used to congregate in front of Hagen's after school.



submitted by: John Tredway (WI '63)
jtredway@nc.rr.com

Since my dad worked for Imperial Ice Cream (later Fairmont Foods) In Glen Elk, he would always bring home “Imperial Ice Cream Guaranteed Bulk” in the quart cans. Still have a can on my table to remind me. My favorite flavor was “Butter Brickle and Chocolate” So always ate the ice cream at home.



To Bill:

Way back, when I was playing Babe Ruth ball and American Legion ball, my Father got me to play for the Rolland Glass baseball team. In the early part of the season, we played Flemington at their home field and beat them. I think it may have been their only loss of the season.

In the game, I had a single, double, triple and home run. Many years later, my golfing buddy, Doug Rader, told me that I had hit for the cycle. It was an interesting moment in my life.

Augie Malfregeot, W I 1956

Reply To Augie:

The article on Timbuck Shields probably sparked this memory. I'm not sure whether Paul Popovich was on that Flemington team, but if he was, it would explain why they lost very few games. He was one of the best baseball players to ever come out of north central West Virginia.

You have to be proud of hitting for the cycle. It is a rare accomplishment. How rare? Well, it has only been done 304 times in Major League Baseball in the last 132 years. It is almost as uncommon as a no-hitter.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



Bill: (Via Roleta):

I have learned more about Clarksburg and W I due to the newsletter, than I ever knew when I lived there and I read every word from everyone and enjoy it. Although, many times I would have liked to know what happened to WVU's Football ?? It never makes the Boston papers anymore and why did they leave the Big East? According to Bill, in August's Newsletter, I'm getting it, that maybe money was involved !! I thought the fan base was mostly the state of WV. and the alumni. I would be interested in your take on this.

Diane Cork Sullivan, WI 1952

Reply To Diane:

First, thank you for reading the newsletter. Roleta thanks you, especially, for reading all of it. Skipping through it to see if you recognize any of the names, just doesn't do it justice. Even though I'm not from Clarksburg, I've made dozens of new friends through the Newsletter, often by just reading the letters.

WVU athletics were never covered extensively outside of the state, except for the Pittsburgh area. Now that we are in the Big 12, there is less coverage than before.

As to why WVU is no longer in the Big East, John Antonik's article, referenced in last month's newsletter, did a good job of explaining why we are now in the Big 12. However, you hit the nail on the head about us leaving the Big East. It was, in the end, all about the money. The Big East was falling apart. The basketball schools, which were mostly Catholic universities, wanted to run the conference and so did the football schools. Part time member, Notre Dame, had way too much power for their limited membership. Other leagues were raiding the membership and the TV deal was not very lucrative. In the final analysis, had we remained in the Big East, we would have been a second rate athletic program. By moving to the Big 12, our only real option, we remained a factor in college sports and increased our conference income from about $10-million to what will be about $30-million per year.

The WVU fan base is mainly alumni and state residents. But, you must remember, that West Virginia has lost population in the last 70 years. Those ten of thousands of former residents and their offspring remain very loyal to WVU, making us almost a national brand. (You can meet ex-Mountaineers everywhere you go---you and I are examples).

Finally, thanks for writing. I get very few letters from the ladies, even though I know they love sports, too. I hope I have answered your questions. Please write again.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

(With reference to "Timbuck" Shields) To the best that I can recall, WIHS did not field a baseball team in the 1940’s. Most likely the baseball that Bob Shields played then was probably on a Legion team in the summer in Clarksburg.

Bob certainly did excel in track at WI. In 1945, Bob’s senior year, he won first place in the discus and shot in two meets, one of which was the BIG TEN.

In the attached photo, “Timbuck” is in the front row, third from the left, between Norris Garman and Bob “Red” Means.

Hank Kiesel. WIHS Class of 1947

Reply To Hank:

As far as I can determine, you are correct that W I did not field a baseball team in the 40's. One thing is certain, based on his record as a coach, Timbuck learned baseball somewhere and he learned it well.

Are there coaching legends being born today? Who, currently coaches in North Central West Virginia, might they be talking about 20 or 30 years from now. If anyone can come up with a name(s), let me know.

Thanks, Hank, for the comments and picture.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)





WEEK ONE

It was an interesting opening of the high school football season. Defending AA champion, Bridgeport led the way, with a big win over Buckhannon-Upshur. R C Byrd won handily over Fairmont Senior (West), while Liberty whipped East Fairmont.

Other winners from the area included Clay-Battelle, Doddridge Co., Elkins, Grafton, Lewis Co. (Big win over Oak Hill), Morgantown, Preston and University. Notre Dame fell to Wheeling Central, 54--21.

Big games in Week Two include, Bridgeport vs. Wheeling Park, R C Byrd vs. Liberty, Lewis Co. vs. Preston, Morgantown vs. Brooke and University vs. Parkersburg South. Good luck to all the teams. We'll keep you up to date on their progress each month until the playoffs.



WHAT IF ???

What if WVU kept running the ball in the last three quarters, like they did on the first two series? What if our young receivers had made the catches they should have made? What if we scored touchdowns instead of field goals? What if the refs hadn't blown two calls leading to critical penalties against WVU? What if we had enough depth to prevent our defensive line from tiring out in the second half? What if Trickett had hit the open receiver at the goal line in the fourth quarter? What if, what if, what if ???

The bottom line is that none of that happened. The Tide were clearly the more talented team, but did not overwhelm the Mountaineers. Amari Cooper was a man among boys and was, in my opinion, the difference in the game. Bama has two of the best (and biggest) tailbacks in the country. All in all, it was a typical Alabama performance----two backs going over 100 yards---a quarterback, who completed over 70% of his passes and made few mistakes---a rock solid defensive line that shut down the run.

If all of the above is true, then why didn't the Tide blow out the Mountaineers? In a word, Trickett !! Clint Trickett was the quarterback I expected to see last year. He played very well. The offensive line protected him. The receivers, except for a few drops, looked good, particularly Kevin White. The tailbacks had a couple of moments early, but few teams ever run against Alabama and neither did WVU. Had that not been true, we would have won the game.

To sum it up, we stayed closer than most fans expected. We can pass. We will run well against future opponents. Our pass defense is not too bad, much improved from last year. They allowed no really long gains, while facing two of the top receivers in the country. The most glaring problem was the pass rush. It wasn't there. Had it existed against the rookie QB, we would have won.

By the time the October newsletter arrives, lets hope we are no worse than 2--2. Maryland and Oklahoma will be difficult, but we MUST win at least one of those games after taking care of Towson State.

What did you think of the Mountaineers performance? Send you comments to me at billmere@aol.com.

Bill





Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century. He was best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and"Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra. Irving also served as the U.S. minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846.

He made his literary debut in 1802 with a series of observational letters to the Morning Chronicle, written under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. After moving to England for the family business in 1815, he achieved international fame with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. in 1819. He continued to publish regularly—and almost always successfully— throughout his life, and completed a five-volume biography of George Washington just eight months before his death, at age 76, in Tarrytown, New York.

Irving, along with James Fenimore Cooper, was the first American writer to earn acclaim in Europe, and Irving encouraged American authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Edgar Allan Poe. Irving was also admired by some European writers, including Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, Thomas Campbell, Francis Jeffrey, and Charles Dickens. As America's first genuine internationally best-selling author, Irving advocated for writing as a legitimate profession, and argued for stronger laws to protect American writers from copyright infringement.

The above was researched and submitted by: John Teter (WI 1961) JATeter@aol.com



OBITUARIES

REBECCA MAGUIRE GRIMM



Rebecca Maguire Grimm, 38, of Carmel, IN, formerly of Charleston, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2014 at St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital in Indianapolis, IN following a long illness.

She was born on December 8, 1975 in Manchester, Connecticut.

Rebecca was known for fiery and feisty spirit, which enabled her to persevere after a tragic automobile accident that left her paralyzed in 1998.

She was one who always sought adventure and she had a great love for animals.

She is survived by her parents, Jack (WI '59) and Sheila Grimm of Charleston; sister, Catherine (Randy) Murray of Riverside, CA; brothers, Stephen (Laura) Grimm and Peter (Tatem) Grimm, all of Charleston; also surviving are nieces and nephews as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com/



JOSEPHINE BARBARA BANEY
 Josephine Barbara Baney, longtime resident of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, in Rockville, MD, at the age of 99. She was born on July 25, 1915, in Shinnston, a daughter of the late Michael and Anna Pokrzywa.

Josephine is survived by two sons, Charles Baney and wife Sandra of Lakeland, FL, and Robert Baney and wife Mary of Germantown, MD; three grandsons, Ryan Baney of Tampa, FL, Matthew Baney and John Baney, both of Germantown. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles, as well as five brothers, Eugene, John, Thaddeus, Stanley and Charles Pokrzywa.

Josephine attended Victory High School and worked in various retail stores such as Murphy's, The Kiddie Shop and JCPenney. She was a devout Catholic and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was deeply loved and will be missed by her family.



AGNES CECILIA FRAGALE WESTBROOK

NUTTER FORT — Agnes Cecilia Westbrook, 93, of Clarksburg died on August 11, 2014, at her residence following a brief illness.

Mrs. Westbrook was born in Clarksburg, WV, on April 25, 1921, a daughter of the late Antonio and Mary Lopez Fragale.

Her husband, Harold Edward Westbrook, whom she married on May 26, 1939, preceded her in death on January 20, 1991.

She is survived by her son, Robert Lynn Westbrook (WI '58) and wife Gretchen Gocke Westbrook; five grandchildren, Christopher Hunter Westbrook and wife Jennifer Renard Westbrook, Eric Sean Westbrook, Andrew Gocke Westbrook and wife Annick Demarque Westbrook, Whitney Westbrook Berke and husband Bradley, and Robert Brent Westbrook and wife Brandi Grandlund Westbrook; 11 great-grandchildren, Christopher Hunter Westbrook, Jr., Elizabeth Renard Westbrook, Madeline Ann Westbrook, Robert McKinley Westbrook, Thomas Victor Westbrook, Maxwell Pierre Westbrook, Georgia Cutler Westbrook, Catherine Gocke Westbrook, Gabrielle Westbrook Berke, Griffin Gocke Berke and Grace Rende Berke; and two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Fragale Chido of Michigan and Mrs. Frances Cava of Clarksburg.

Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by three brothers, James, Peter and Dominick Fragale and four sisters, Mildred Fragale Robinson, Virginia Fragale Marche Carduff Klos, Anna Marie “Beebe” Fragale Lee and Angeline “Angie” Fragale Marozzi.

She was a graduate of Washington Irving High School Class of 1939, and also was a Civil Air Patrol Warden in Broad Oaks during World War II. Agnes will be remembered as a warm and caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor and friend.

Saturday with Father Casey Mahone presiding. Interment will follow at the Bridgeport Cemetery.



NORMA JEAN LAYFIELD McCAULEY

Norma Jean McCauley, age 80, of Orlando, FL, departed this life on Sunday, August 10, 2014, at Florida Hospital South.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on July 13, 1934, the daughter of the late George Leslie Layfield and Anna (Armstrong) Layfield.

Surviving are two sons, Scott Alan McCauley and partner J. Kevin Stuart, Orlando, FL, and Bret Everette McCauley, West Melbourne, FL; and two grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Roland “Doc” Everette McCauley; her son, David Brian McCauley; one sister, Mary Francis Layfield; and one brother, George Leslie Layfield, Jr.

Ms. McCauley graduated from Victory High School in 1952. She worked at Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, Mutual Fire Insurance and 25 years with the Harrison County Board of Education as a teacher’s aide. Ms. McCauley was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking and ceramics



ROBERT PATRICK MYERS

Mr. Robert Patrick “Bobby” Myers, age 26, of Salem, WV, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 9, 2014.

Mr. Myers was born on August 20, 1987, in Lancaster, CA, a son to Robert Alan and Dixie Jean Holeman Myers.

Bobby graduated from Liberty High School, Class of 2005, then went on to serve in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger Field Medic and, after leaving the service, he worked in construction. He attended Church at Bethel Temple Christian Center in Bridgeport.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Delmar Ralph Myers Sr., James Patrick Holeman and Sevonne Holeman; special aunt, Jean “Grandma” Hostutler; and special uncle, Mike “Uncle” Hostutler.

He admired the strength his younger brother David had. He was always striving to be top of his class, which is why he was able to achieve many awards while in the service and also allowing him to be a member of the National Honor Society. He was proud to say that he gave his life to his Lord at Bethel Temple and was extremely passionate about the Word of the Lord and would spend time talking to his friends and relatives about the Word.

He loved many quotes, but when asked by his brother, Mitchell, said the one that was most like him was a quote by Albert Einstein: “Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe-a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble.”

He is survived by his parents, Robert Alan and Dixie Jean Holeman Myers of Salem; brothers, Matthew Earl Haile of AZ, Mitchell Allen and Lindsey Myers of Bridgeport, David Franklin Myers of Salem and Kevin Lewis Bee of Flemington; paternal grandmother, Joan Kaminski of CA; step grandmothers, Eva Myers of Clarksburg and Harlene Holeman of CA; special aunts and uncles, Barney and Diana Holeman of CA, Ron and Linda Holeman, Washington State, Kathy and Delmar Ralph “Spike” Myers, Jr. of Quiet Dell, Ray Holeman and Jay Holeman, both of CA, Midge Vallin, John Holeman, Doug Sewell, and Darren Sewell, all of CA; nieces and nephews, Serenity Haile, Lillyanna Haile and Jazlyn Myers; special cousins, Danielle Myers, Daniel Myers, Julia and Jennifer Holeman and Kimmie and Kevin Holeman; numerous other cousins also survive..



GEORGE R. PITTS

George R. Pitts, 68, of Bridgeport, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at his residence.

He was born May 21, 1946, in Uniontown, PA, a son of the late Glenn Pitts and Georgetta Pitts.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Phyllis Fortney Pitts.

He is survived by three children, Carole Renee (Kevin) Courtney, Crystal Dawn (Jeffrey) Swenskie and David (Stacey) ; three grandchildren; his brother, David W. Pitts, Sr. of Clarksburg; one sister, Mary Kay Cook of Essex, MD.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Glenn Darl Pitts, Jr.; one sister, Shirley Jean Pitts Davis.

Mr. Pitts was a 1965 graduate of Victory High School and worked for several businesses across the area, including the State Road, the zinc plant and the power plant, and for a period of time, also owned and operated George’s Arco, which was a service station in Bridgeport. For the bigger part of his life, he was employed by Rish as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Mr. Pitts enjoyed restoring cars, attending car shows and took special pride in his 1962 Bel Air bubble top 409. He was an avid NASCAR fan, as well as a Dale Earnhardt fan. He was always known as a man with an infectious smile and twinkle in his eye, along with a great sense of humor who could hold your attention by telling his many great stories and was well-respected by all who knew him. He was also a strong man with an outgoing and easy spirit. He often donated his talent to many of the nursing homes around the area, singing for the residents. In addition to all of these, he was also a member of Bethel Temple Church for many years while Reverend Kenneth Howe served as Pastor. George was a devoted family man and proud father who enjoyed spending time with his family and his countless friends



DEBORAH JANE ALLEN JOHNSON

Deborah Jane Allen Johnson, 60, of Nutter Fort, WV, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2014, following an extended illness.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on January 15, 1954, a daughter of the late Lloyd Glenn “Crow” Allen and Sue Ann Mills Allen.

She is survived by three children, Alan Michael Johnson of Nutter Fort, Julie Marie Johnson Stout and husband Nathan of Lumberport and Jennifer Lynn Johnson of Clarksburg; her beloved seven grandchildren, Dakota, Logan, Noah, Isaiah, Braydon, Kendal and soon-to-be grandson; three step grandchildren, Tyler, Noah and Jillian; one sister, Lisa Ann Vincent and husband Jay of Bridgeport; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Deborah was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Class of 1971, and was an Administrative Assistant to the President at United Hospital Center for 19 years. She attended the Bethel Temple Christian Center, where she was a former member of the Board of Trustees, secretary and treasurer.

Deborah was a dedicated employee, as well as friend, to many at United Hospital Center. She enjoyed boating at Tygart Lake and camping at Audra in her spare time. She loved to vacation at the beaches, specifically in Emerald Isle, NC, and Hilton Head, SC. She also was an avid bowler in the women’s league at Jewel City Bowling Alley, having carried a high average at one time. Above all, Deborah was an awesome mother and grandmother.



HELEN MAE MCCOURT NEWBROUGH

Helen Mae (McCourt) Newbrough, age 83, of Lost Creek, WV, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014, at her home.

She was born on February 13, 1931, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late Edward McCourt Sr. and Beulah Coleman McCourt.

Helen is survived by her five children, daughter, Katherine Hauser and husband Rick of Lost Creek, daughter, Carol Bean and husband Monte of Philippi, daughter, Constance Stemple and husband Barry of Lost Creek, son, Chris Newbrough and wife Karen of Olney, MD, and son, Kurt Newbrough and wife Barbara of Weston. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou McCourt of Palo Alto, CA.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Jack L. Newbrough, on March 21, 1998, and her brother, Edward McCourt Jr.

Helen was a graduate of WI High School, Class of 1949, and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. She was an avid WVU, Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan. Helen also enjoyed her flowers and gardening. She loved her family and is now finally reunited with her husband.



KATHLEEN WORCESTER BASTIN

Mrs. Kathleen A. “Kay” Bastin, 94, passed away on August 23, 2014, at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV, following an extended illness.

She was born in Hepzibah, WV, October 12, 1919, a daughter of the late William Lawrence Worcester and Ethel Gypsy Slonaker Worcester.

Her husband, Paul A. Bastin, Sr., whom she married September 29, 1939, preceded her in death August 14, 2001.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Paul A. “Sonny” Bastin, Jr., and his wife, Nancy, Lake Floyd, WV; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Joyce Ann and Evans L. “Buddy” King, Jr., Clarksburg, WV, and Mrs. Karen Sue and Ronald E. Sprouse, Bridgeport, WV; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, “Kay” was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Edward Worcester.

Kay was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1937. She was a member of the North View United Methodist Church, where she was the organist for many years. She also played the organ and piano at Davis-Weaver Funeral Home for over 40 years. She was also a busy homemaker, raising children, and assisting her husband Paul who was a well-known auctioneer in the Clarksburg area.



WILMA ALBERTA SMITH NORTHROP BROWN

Wilma Alberta Smith Northrop Brown went to her heavenly home on August 19, 2014, at Ruby Memorial Hospital due to an extended illness.

She was born April 6, 1928, to the late T. Roy and Eura McCarty Smith.

Wilma is survived by three children: daughter, Cindy Norman of Bath, OH, son, Barry (Therese) Norman of Erlanger, KY, and daughter, Jan (Greg) Phillips of Mount Clare, WV; three stepchildren, Robert (Janeece) Northrop of Lompoc, CA, Lesley Johnson of Fresno, CA, and Gary (Sharon) Northrop of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, and step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, George and Willard Smith, and husbands, Jim Northrop and Don Brown.

Mrs. Brown was a proud graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Class of 1946. Shortly thereafter, Wilma moved to Richfield, OH, where she raised her three children. Wilma’s sense of adventure caused her and daughter Jan to relocate to Lompoc, CA, from Ohio in 1976. What was a trip across country became a meeting of Russ, Bob and James, forming the West Bound Convoy and lifetime enduring friendships.

Before retiring, Wilma worked for the Lompoc Record newspaper as a proofreader. After retiring, she moved back to WV to her family home in Stonewood and remained a proofreader for area church newsletters. At the time of her passing, she resided in Clarksburg Towers. She was active in Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) Stonewood Sunbonnets and took pride in her volunteer work.



SALLY V. ENEIX

Sally V. Eneix, age 90, of Wolf Summit, WV, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2014, at her home.

She was born on October 9, 1923, a daughter of the late Hugh and Zeppa (Thompson) Garrett. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul S. Eneix.

She is survived by one sister, Margart Corsa of Walnut Creek, CA; her daughter, Rebecca Eneix Chong and husband Dr. Charles Chong of Bristol, WV; her son, Charles Eneix of Reynoldsville, WV; three grandchildren. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Sally was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA. She was employed by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources until her retirement. She was a Literacy Volunteer and always maintained a keen interest in the betterment of social conditions for her fellow man. She was Methodist by faith and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarksburg for most of her life. She had an unconditional and enduring love for her family and all animals.

She was lovingly cared for in her home by her daughter, Rebecca, her ex-daughter-in-law, Phyllis Dye, her nephew, Charles Eneix, and partner, Megan Barker, Vera Eubank and People’s Hospice.



MARY ELIZABETH HARBERT NOPHSKER



Mary Elizabeth Nophsker (WI 1958), 74 of Myrtle Beach died Thursday, July 31, 2014 at Tidelands Community Hospice.

Mary was born January 28, 1940 in Clarksburg, WV, a daughter of the late Chester P. and Maxine Singleton Harbert and was predeceased by a great granddaughter, Abigail Louise Garrett.

She was a registered nurse and had worked in several locations in Myrtle Beach and retired from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

She is survived by her sister, Carolynn Harbert Eneix (WI '59) of SC.

Mary was the mother of 5 children; 2 sons, Michael (Susan) Nophsker, Tom Nophsker, both from SC; 3 daughters, Linda (Angel) Canales of CT, Debbie (Tim) Burkholder of GA, and Terri Kinsel of FL. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, John, Aaron, Christyn, Jason, Mitchell, Amanda, Caylean, Dylan, Amber, and Samatha and 4 great grandchildren, Tayleigh, Keaton, Gabriel, and Dalilah.

Memorial donations may be made to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, c/o Joan Wobbleton, 105 Deer Tree Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

Condolences may be made at: www.burroughsfh.com






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