May 30, 2015

Issue 190





Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith  Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton




WE SALUTE ALL WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY

D-Day. Day of Days. The day Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and began their hard-won liberation of Europe.

CLICK THIS LINK to enjoy a music video showing patriotic sites, scenes and monuments in the U.S.A. combined with music from the U.S. army band (Battle Hymn of the Republic)





Local Hero, Zeke Trupo
Reflects On Saturday's Honor Flight from Bridgeport to Washington, D.C.

By Trina Runner on May 09, 2015

For nearly a century, Louis J. “Zeke” Trupo has been making his mark on Harrison County. Last Saturday, he also had the opportunity to make an impression on those in the nation’s capital. The Harrison County native was one of the 94 veterans who participated in the Honor Flight on May 2.

The Honor Flight program started in 2004 as a way of honoring veterans by flying them to visit the memorials built to recognize

Their service to the United States More than 100,000 veterans have had the opportunity to take part in the Honor Flights and this year marked the second flight taking off out of Harrison County. The flight, tour, meals and transportation are provided free of charge for the veterans and the program is totally supported by donations.

“Our primary mission is to honor first World War II veterans, then Korean War vets and Vietnam veterans. With the average age of World War II veterans hovering around 90, time is running out for many of them to see the memorials that honor them,” said organizer Delbert Phillips. “Many of these veterans took a train home after the war and went right back to work. They were never welcomed home or recognized. We want to make sure they see how much their service is appreciated.”

Trupo enlisted in the United States Marines in 1942. He served in four battles with the 4 th Marine Division. While in  Tinian, Trupo had an experience that he credits to divine inspiration . A sniper’s bullet, aimed at his heart, was deflected by a spoon and a prayer book he kept in his chest pocket.

“I give full credit to God for saving my life.  I am so grateful," Trupo said.

The incident is listed in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” and confirmed to the world what Harrison County already knew: Trupo is a hero beyond measure. He received a Purple Heart for the battles of Tinian and Iwo Jima and returned to Clarksburg in 1945.

Trupo was a supervisor at Adamston Glass for 31 years, a Harrison County Magistrate for more than 14 years and served as a member of the Bridgeport City Council. He was a member of the Central West Virginia Management Club and a past President of the Bridgeport Kiwanis Club. The roles he is most proud of, however, are those of being a family man and a veteran.

Having recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary, Trupo and his wife, Ada, represent another episode of divine intervention. “We met in church and have had almost 70 years together, all of it happy,” said Trupo

They have three children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who never tire of hearing about Trupo’s miraculous war experience. 

Of the Honor Flight experience, Trupo said, “It was truly wonderful. The volunteers helped us get around and I was able to see the monuments and meet a lot of friendly people. We were so surprised when we got back and had such a huge crowd welcoming us back. It really meant a lot to me and I am so thankful to all those that made it possible. Every night, I say a prayer of thanks for my family, my life and for those who served. Now, I‘ve had the opportunity to add so many friendly people to my prayer of thanks all because of this Honor Flight experience.”




REVISED! REVISED! REVISED!

NOW YEARBOOKS ARE EASIER TO ENJOY ON 
THE WASHINGTON IRVING HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY SITE

 From: Tim Cork (WI 1961)

Recently I finished a new blog on the history of Washington Irving High School. You will find it opens much faster and requires less scrolling to find a yearbook. When the link opens, all you have to do is click on a year and the WIHS yearbook you want to view will come up instantly. If you are viewing this site on your mobile, there will be a drop down menu on the HOME page to select the year.

Take a look now by clicking on this link


… or you can enjoy this new feature anytime by visiting the 
PAGE TABS 
at the top of our Newsletter Page here and click on the



OUR HISTORY IS GROWING

Tim Cork is at it again.  He has come up with another great idea to preserve the history of WI and show respect to those who served our country during WW II.


Many of you may remember the two plaques that hung in the central hallway just outside of the auditorium main doors.   One plaque was all names from A to M and the second was L to Z.  Tim is going to list the names and try to find the graduation picture (from the yearbooks) for each person listed.  He would like your help.  He also wants to list some information about the person listed.  Some may be your relatives or friends of the family.  You can help preserve this history by supplying us with information on those listed.  He will be listing some each month along with their picture and any military information he has and you can go through the list of names and see if you know anything about anyone listed.  If so, contact Tim at tpcork@bellsouth.net.

Here are 11 females that we need any information you can supply:












Thanks again for all you have done to make this history possible.




TEACHER SALUTE 
YVONNE TIENNEBRUNNE 

Ms. Tiennebrune taught French and Spanish at Washington Irving. Her resume was an AB and AM.  Colleges attended were WVU, Salem College and University of California.  She served as Sponsor for the Class of 1955.

Did you know her personally?  Tell us about this lady.  Did you take Spanish or French Class that she taught?  I wish I had!  Was she boring or interesting as a teacher?  Did you ever go on group trips with her?  If so to where, why, with whom, did she go?  In other words, just write us any memories you have of her.

Write Roleta1@aol.com



MORE CLARKSBURG REUNION PICTURES

More pictures have been added to the Clarksburg Reunion Picture Album located on the side bar of this newsletter. Look along the side of the page you are reading now and you will see a red and white picnic basket, click on it (or the blue link within the content of the description) to see a few more pictures under the Subtitle:

More Special Moments Captured at this Wonderful Event

These pictures were taken and sent to me by Bruce Gordon. Thanks Bruce!

If you were at the picnic and took pictures, I would love it if you would send me the pictures via email so I can add them to the basket. 

 It is never too late to enjoy them.




From: Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956)

I was never a member of the Patrol Boys but I did get to substitute a few times at the Milford Street crossing.  Bill Swiger, Tommy Johnson and maybe Jimmy Ritchie were some of the boys assigned to that crossing.  It was about 1948 or 1949 while attending Morgan School and living on Magnolia Ave in Hartland that I got to be "one of the boys".

Another great newsletter.  

 Thank you.


From: John Teter (WI 1961)

I can remember that I was a patrol boy, while I was in the sixth grade at Pierpont Grade School on Sycamore Street at the corner of Pike Street.  I do not remember why I became a patrol boy and/or what I did or where I did whatever.

I do remember that when it was time for the patrol boys to make their annual trip to Washington, D.C., I was unable to make the trip as I had the mumps.




MY HOME AND DREAM LAND

Clarksburg is my hometown,
Nestled way up in the hills.
The hills of my West Virginia.
A land of wonders and thrills.

It's far more than a dot
On the road map of U. S. 50.
It was my teacher, my protector, my friend.
Growing up there was really quite nifty!

Towers, Central, and W. I.
Got me ready for life.
Whatever it wanted to throw at me,
Good times or bad, peace or strife.

I was ever blessed by those early years,
Squirrel hunting, news boy and football,
Mowing lawns and shoveling snow.
I remember and treasure it all.

So, a toast to the trees, the beech and the oak,
And the hills that they beautifully cover,
And the streams meandering by.
Clarksburg, West Virginia my earth mother.

David B Bates (WI 1951)
Copyright©2015




HEAR IT HERE IN JAPANESE

Do you like the song “Take Me Home Country Roads”?
Well, apparently they sing it around the world.
Brook Beall (NDHS 1958) sent us this link
Click on the link, enjoy and let me know...
What do you think?


Now... how about the original?
Sung by John Denver in Japan 1981







THE MAY MYSTERY PICTURE

From: Roleta Meredith  
Roleta1@aol.com

Well, it seems we have just about run out of the easily identified pictures.  Do you have any pictures you can share with us so this game can continue?  You can either email them to me or you can have them photocopied and postal mail them to me at:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43219


Good job! Lloyd Miller!

From: Lloyd Miller (RW 1962)
juniorl@frontier.com

I remember going uptown with my Mother when I was a small child to shop. I think the mystery place is located on Pike St. where Jackson Square is now.  I believe it was the Manhattan Restaurant I don't remember ever being inside the Manhattan but I do remember it was a very popular place for people to visit.
I really enjoy your newsletter. You do a great job with it.
I miss those RW & WI football games.


THE JUNE MYSTERY PICTURE
photo sent in by Eigene Jaumot (1954)
Thank you, Eigene!

Above is the picture for you to identify this month.
Please write to me at Roleta1@aol.com with the identity of this location and any memories.

Some suggestions on memories that you might share with us:
Do you remember what this is?
Where is it located?
Why did you go there?
Who did you go with?
Do you know someone who worked there?
Who owned this business?
What did you enjoy most from this business?

Write any other memories that you may have.
In other words, tell me anything you can about the picture.
Write to: Roleta1@aol.com




WIN SCHOLARSHIP

Those who sent a gift to the WIN Scholarship this month are:

Herb Cashdollar (RW 1957)
Thank you, Herb for your continued support of the WI Newsletter and the WIN Scholarship. It is much appreciated.

Dahrie J. Hayman (WI 1937)
Daughter of Lillian Jean Axton Christiansen Samoska sent a check in honor and in memory of her mother Lillian who was featured in our salute to Those Who Have Served in the May issue.
Dahrie wrote; ‘The newsletter article on my Mom was absolutely fabulous!’


If you wish to give a gift to the WIN Scholarship, make your check or money order out to Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship and mail to:

Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Your gifts to the WIN Scholarship are greatly appreciated. The only MONEY MAKER that we have for the scholarship is the WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT RAFFLE each year. Starting in December, we sell tickets to the readers (or anyone else) on the WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT.  The winner is selected each year at the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic which will be held March 12, 2016 in Sarasota, Florida. (Mark you calendar now to save the date…heck, make it a week-end trip to beautiful Sarasota and have fun with the other alumnae who attend.)

QUILTERS NEEDED 
If you are a QUILTER, and you would like to help us with the 2016 WIN Scholarship project by being responsible for making one square for the quilt, please contact:

Sue Selby Moats

Sue will give you the details and will send you a packet of material. Each volunteer quilter receives a packet of the same patterned material. This material makes up the square that you will make. Square design is of your own choosing. All squares are made by the “quilters” and each is mailed back to Sue. She then puts it together and borders backs, binds the edges and quilts it. I don’t know how, but the quilts always turn out to be a beautiful work of art. I won the first of the 4 seasons, mine is named “Autumn Splendor” and is a twin size, and in the beautiful fall colors of the hills and mountains in the fall. (Mother was a teacher and fall was her favorite time of year and those colors were her favorites too). I buy tickets ever year in hopes of winning again, but I guess I am not lucky in that way. We never know who will win until we someone pulls the ticket out of the bag of stubs. This is done at the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic to be held on March 12, 2016.

In May 2015, a WIN Scholarship of $3,000.00 was awarded to each of the girls listed below:

From Brooke McWhirt:

From: Shayla Hinterer




From: Bob Patterson (Victory HS 1954)
james22055@aol.com

May’s newspaper was great.  I remember Third Street as pictured very well.  My wife and I were married 56 years on May 2.  We were married in 1959 in Clarksburg.  I got the wedding rings at Crosby Jewelers and she still wears them.

Hope you and all the readers a have a great summer.



From: Penny Christie Johnson (WI 1960)

I have lost my hot dog chili recipe.  Sometime in the past it was published in the WI Newsletter.   I was wondering if some reader copied it from the newsletter and kept it.  I really need a copy of it.  I recently tried to make the chili from memory and it just wasn’t right.  I would appreciate you sending me a copy of the recipe if you have it.

Thanks Penny Johnson
penem@nc.rr.com



From: Nancy Van Horn Moore Stunger (WI 1954)

First I want to thank you so much for all the time you so faithfully spend on the news letter.  We enjoy it so much.  In regards to Lillie Mae Bower who I had for speech class, I always liked her, what I remember is " THE RAIN IN SPAIN IS MAINLEY ON THE PLAIN" 

In regards to camp:--I went to camp@ Jackson Mills  To Girls State sponsored by VFW was elected Sheriff and formed the honor Guard for the entry of Gov. Cecil Underwood who visited the camp.  I also went there several years with 4H club.

World War II-----Dr Fred Fisher, Dr. Bill Allman, Dr. Joe Gillman, Nell Lawson R.N. and others left from St. Mary’s Hospital to serve in World War II under Gen George Patton, Nell Lawson was my Aunt.

Thank you so much, Have a good Day



From: Peggy Morris (WI 1955)
peggymorris346@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for producing the newsletter each month.  It has been a great joy to read over the past few months.  Please continue with the good work and I am looking forward to seeing the next issue.  I am still learning how to write emails and play around with my iPad, so please excuse me if you don't hear back from me immediately.



From: Dorothy Ann (Hughes) Shaffer (WI 1952)
cdshaffer@att.net

I am pushed for time just now but wanted to get this into the Newsletter. 

We both appreciate the work you put into this mission and love the feeling of being connected through it.  Thanks again for all you do.  I promise to write up something when things simmer down from end of school year.



From: Anita Bartlett White (WI 1948)
anitawhite30@gmail.com

My brother-in-law, Dave White, sends me the newsletter and I find it very interesting.

The barber shop by Loar & Whites belonged to my uncle, Vance Randolph.

I would love to hear more from Tom Keenan, long time friend.  Also, anyone else that I might know.

Anita Bartlett White(Carl) Both graduated from Potomac State and WVU.  Carl served 35 years in the Marine Corps and passed away in 2009.



Note from Roleta1@aol.com

Robert sent me a letter re:  his new email address; however, he forgot to sign his year of graduation.  I wrote and asked him whether he graduated in 1957 or 1958…below is his reply.  I decided to share it with you readers as several of you are mentioned in the letter: 

Read the letter and you will understand how little effort it takes to write something interesting to the newsletter…

IF YOU THINK IT, WRITE IT TO ME...

From: Robert Hall (WI 1956)
rhall9171@gmail.com

Sorry to disappoint your grad years but I graduated with the class of '56 with all those other great people. (Bernie Cohen, Mary Sue Clark, Bill White, Jim Warren, Jim Alvaro, Don Sager, etc., etc)  It appears that both Alvaro and I had just turned 17 when we finished WI (me in Jan and Jim, I think, in March).  It seems like our parents wanted those 4 year olds in first grade!

I received several "thank you" emails from some classmates after sending the obituary on Hank Mayer.  His passing was a real shocker. 

I love your monthly newsletter.  I don't see how you get it done every, every, every month.  Your sister has done a great job replacing Judy.



From: John Teter (WI 1961)

My son bought me a "ride-a-long" at the Richmond NASCAR track for my birthday and these are pictures and PROOF that I did it.

Thank you, John Michael and Amy.   
It was fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





From: James Fragale (WI 1958)

It was clever of you to highlight a Washington Irving High educator in your recent Newsletters. Thank you.  And now, I’d like to weigh in with my favorite.  She was the journalism teacher, Miss Glyde (yes, Glyde) Bailey – and the only Glyde I’ve ever run across.  (Possibly, a family name).  More to the point, I found Miss Bailey an inspiration.  I originally signed up for the journalism class because, yes, I was wanted to write.   Also, in previous years, in W.I. Yearbooks, I’d seen Frances Basile (’53), a family friend who later became a WBOY Anchor person; and, a guy up the block, Samuel Whyte (W.I. 56), who went on to teach Temple University English for 36 years.   So, I signed up and was immediately overwhelmed.  Writing didn’t come easy, still doesn’t, and suddenly there were unexpected assignments.  Miss Bailey said, “You can do it al!”  I became the school newspaper “The Hilltopper,” Sports Editor, which then transferred to 1958 Yearbook Sports Editor.  Concurrently, also for the “Hilltopper,” I compiled the secret column, “The Hallwalker.” If that wasn’t enough, I was the class photographer two years in a row.  It all paid off.   I pursued journalism in college at the University of Miami (Florida) and then put it aside while I finished up at Salem College (1963) and worked at Kinney’s Shoe Store on Main Street.  FORWARD:  Not long after coming to New York, I pursued writing again with a vengeance.  So hail to Glyde Bailey.  Now, how about some of the other W.I.  teachers?  To mention a few:  Miss Albright, “Colonel” Andre, Mrs. Bauld, Mr. Duckworth (who later committed suicide); Coach Folio, Mr. Fredericks, (What was his girl-friend’s name? Josephine Swiger); Coach Hite, (former Coach, acting as Dean); Miss Holland (typing), Mrs. Howard, Principal Cubbon, Coach Moore, Miss Nutter, and let’s not forget Miss Maud Yoak.  P.S. to all that:  Yes, Journalism and Washington Irving paid off big-time for me. And, thank you, R. M., for all the mentions of my work.  The novel “The Answer to Life,” on amazon.com came out in Third Edition.  My fourth Huffington Post blog (“Is it Art?  Or, is it Soup?”) got raves from here in New York.  And note:  all four Huffington Post efforts refer to West Virginia.  In fact, I invariably mention West Virginia in everything I write, even the songs.  As you know: You can’t take the boy out of the country. 

Warm wishes,



EDITOR’S NOTE:  We have featured a teacher in many of our newsletters over the last 15-1/2 years.  Too bad you didn’t note the salutes to many you mentioned above.  We have a few teachers who have been talked about several times as they were either more popular or more interesting???  And there will be more salutes to the teachers so readers can bash them or salute them….thank them or hate them….When you look in your yearbook, there were not enough teacher in one’s 4 years on the hill to merit saluting one each month…..Many teachers stayed for 20 or more years.  Do you have a favorite?  Is there one we have missed?  

 Write and tell me Roleta1@aol.com





Anita Bartlett White (WI 1948)  anitawhite30@gmail.com

Alex Sandonas Thwaites (WI 1965)  athwaites1@comcast.net

Peggy Morris (WI 1955)  peggymorris346@yahoo.com

Dorothy Ann (Hughes) Shaffer  (WI 1952)  cdshaffer@att.net

Debra Sharpe Fisher (WI 1974) fish6564@comcast.net

Robert Hall (WI 1956)  rhall9171@gmail.com

Carolyn White Rector (WI 1959)   rector_carolyn@yahoo.com

Toby Singleton  (WI 1956)  tjsing@suddenlink.net


The following addresses will be deleted unless we hear an update:

angelid@msn.com (Karen Askins  WI 1960)

chw10@verizon.net (Carolyn Wilson WI 1960 )

Linda-P-Stump@bankone.com (Linda Stump WI 1960)

susannerogers@insightbb.net (Susanne Rogers  WI 1960)

bboop65@webtv.net  (Betty Ingram Hyre WI 1951)

cshaffer@pathwaynet.com   (Dorothy Ann Hughes Shaffer WI 1952) 

dikando7@cox.net   (Dianne Jefferies Kanzler WI 1953)

cmeans50@att.net    (Charlie Means WI 1950)  
Does anyone have an update on him?
He used to write often to the newsletter but I haven’t heard from him in ages and have no working email address for him…

sandralousmith@yahoo.com  (Sandra Lou Smith WI 195?)

Tollady123@netzero.com  (Joellen Fletcher Allman WI 1953)





HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER?

From: Doug Aspy (WI 1962)
dougaspy@gmail.com

Thanks so very much for your continued effort, through the years, to provide the wonderful WI newsletter.

In response to your question, when a kid how did you spend your summer, I write the following:

I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Clarksburg, WV.  Our neighborhood consisted of Clay, Thompson, Cove Court, and Denham Streets, as well as, all streets in and around Carlisle Grade school.  My summers were spent outside at all times, without shirt and sometimes without shoes.  We played just about every game known to kids at that point in time, including kick ball, wiffle ball, baseball, basketball, just to name a few that I can remember.  We also engaged in fencing one summer as well.  At night there was always, my favorite, kick the can.  As my mind has lost the recollection of so many things, one thing remains vivid, and that was the summer my good friend Jim Ashley introduced the game of chess.  Once we mastered the game it became very competitive and we played almost every day.  As a result of what was learned, I taught all four of my children to play and have just finished teaching my second grandson.  Thanks Jim.

Every summer from my birth, our family went to the beach at Ocean City, NJ, where my Mother's family was from, for two to three weeks. The memories created from the childhood summers of my life are absolutely priceless to me.



From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)

When I was in elementary school, most of my summers were spent at the local playground, where my Mother was a supervisor.  I spent many hours playing croquet, racquetball, softball and basketball.  During the times when the playground was closed, my friends and I would study our baseball card collections, memorizing the players statistics and trading the cards back and forth.  I would also spend hours sitting outside the local poolroom (I wasn't allowed inside), watching the big chalkboard through the open door.  The board recorded the scores of every major league baseball game on an inning by inning basis.  I loved watching to see how my beloved St. Louis Cardinals were doing that day.

If I tired of these activities, I could always go to see my cousins, who lived nearby.  We could spend an entire day, building a cabin near the creek out of long pieces of reeds, which grew in the bottom area or roam through the woods looking for grape vines to swing on or big stones to roll over the hill.

In my teen years, summers were spent mowing lawns, caddying at the local golf club and doing odd jobs to earn money.  Once July 15 came, several of us, who played on the high school football team, would run several miles each morning to get into shape.  Practice started on August 15.  That meant two-a-days, which took all of my time and energy, until school started in early September.

As you can see, my summers created wonderful memories. I can honestly say that growing up in a small town in West Virginia was perfect for me and I wouldn't change anything about it.



From: John Teter (WI 1961)

I can remember when I was young that most of my summertime was spent on Broaddus Avenue, playing with the other kids that lived on Broaddus or College Street.
Like the Belts; the Underoods; the Stewarts; the Martinos; the Fragales; to name a few.

When I got to WI, a lot of my time was spent out on Davisson Run with Bill Post and his family and one of my "high school lady friends".  Bill and I also spent a lot of time at the Stealey Playground playing basketball, and going to the Benedum Civic Center in Bridgeport for the Saturday night dances.

A lot of weekends, my family would pack up and head to Ohio to see relatives and just to "get away".  We would also go to Audra State Park for picnics and swimming.

Some weekends we would have "garden duty" at my grandparents' house in Bridgeport.



From: Roleta1@aol.com
SUMMERTIME


Summertime, and the livin’ is easy

Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high

Oh, your daddy’s rich and your ma is good lookin’

So hush little baby, don’t you cry.


One of these mornings you’re gonna rise up singing

And you’ll spread your wings and you’ll take to the sky

But ‘til that morning, there ain’t nothin’ can harm you

With Daddy and Manny standin’ by


That was just to put you in the mood for summer but here is something that Don Sager (WI 1956) shared with us. So sit back, get real comfortable and enjoy some good music just by clicking on the link below (link is in blue letters) When you are finished, you can X out of there and you will return to the newsletter.

Month by Month Top 10 Songs...from 1950 to 1989

Old 45 RPM record collection lists the song and the label from each Top Ten 45-rpm record for every month and you can click on and play the song.


CLARKSBURG CHAPTER OF DE MOLAY
FORMAL INVITATION FROM 1970

Did you attend?  
Do you remember who your date was or anything about the event?  
Write to us and share your memories. 
Write to Roleta1@aol.com




TRIVIA QUESTIONS 
If you have a good question about Clarksburg or your school, please send it to me and we will use it in our monthly question.  If you are not sure of the answer, please check your facts before writing it to me.


THE MAY TRIVIA QUESTION


WHAT YEAR WAS B SQUARE ORGANIZED?


From: Tim Cork (WI 1962)

Pictured above is one I made and put in the WI History under the year 1924. I put it there because I found this information in a 1924 yearbook.  Both pictures state the Be Square Club was organized in 1923.  However, I can't find anything mentioned about the Be Square Club in the 1923 yearbook.

NOTE: John Teter and Ron White sent me the same picture (see above) from the WI History.  Now it is easier to view the yearbooks since Tim organized and made the History into a blog.  Thank you Tim Cork for all you are doing to help preserve the history of WI.  And the WI Newsletter is the source for you to enjoy this history.  (see tab at top of the NEWSLETTER to view the history.)



From: Ron White (WI 1955)

According to the 1923 Year Book, The Washington Irving Be Square Club was organized in 1923. The club remained active until 1984. It is interesting researching information on the items.



From: Dave Bates (WI 1951)
bates8806@sbcglobal.net

Roleta - I kinda doubt that you're expecting a note about the BE Square question from a guy. But, here goes.

They were an unbelievably wonderful blessing to my family. My twin sister, Nancy, was terribly crippled by cerebral palsy. She had no social contact beyond immediate family, no education. Then B Square came on the scene. I don't remember the years (someone please tell me). They came every week, maybe more than once a week, to our home on Horner Avenue to visit with her. These visits helped her emotionally, socially and helped her grow in her life. These visits were a wonder for the entire family. As I'm writing this, I'm trembling with the memories.




THE JUNE TRIVIA QUESTION

WHAT YEAR WAS HiY STARTED AT WI?
(Bet you knew that was coming!)  

Were you in Hi-Y?  
What was the purpose of this organization?  
Did they serve the community?  
How were members chosen?
Write your memories of HiY to Roleta1@aol.com

I certainly hope more write than wrote about B Square.  As you can see above, not one girl wrote about B-Square, but three loyal supportive guys wrote???  Was it a secret organization? Maybe B Square even had a secret handshake and that is why no one is telling us what they did???

Write to Roleta1@aol.com about HiY or B Square.






To Bill:

My favorite team was the Pittsburgh Pirates and my favorite player was Bill Mazeroski.  My father took us (as a family) to a few games at Forbes Field.  These trips to see the Pirates encouraged me to play Little League Baseball.  When I moved to the Washington, D.C. area, I did get to see one of the Washington Senators' home games.

During my tenure of playing baseball, I played every position.  My shortest time spent at any one position was CATCHER.  I always admired Anthony Julian for being so good at that position.  I think that some of the sponsors of Little League baseball were:  Knights of Columbus - Cities Service - Moose - Pittsburgh Plate Glass.  I played under the sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus.  My brother also played little league baseball, but I am not sure that he played for the same team that I did.  I remember he pitched a no-hitter, and all of the other players and coaches autographed a baseball (which he still has - or one of his sons has).  I think most of our games were played at the field out close to Veterans Hospital, and a few at the Norwood field.  I remember playing an away game at some  "cow pasture" down close to Salem.  Nobody could have hit a home run over a fence in that game, because there were no fences and the only thing that would stop the ball was the creek out past the outfielders. That creek was about 500 feet from home plate.  Those were good and fun times and games.

John Teter, WI 1961

Reply to John:

Thanks for the letter.  I thought I would hear from several people about their favorite team(s) and when and where they played as a youngster, but yours is the only reply.

I know Clarksburg had several different leagues, Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion, etc.  There had to be thousands of participants.  Roleta's father, Roy Smith, coached a couple of teams and her brother, Roy, played a lot of baseball.

If I remember correctly, the fine catcher you mentioned above is a huge Yankee fan and actually attended a Yankee fantasy camp a few years ago.  The closest I ever got to a Yankee or any other MLB player, was living near Paul O'Neill in Columbus and having my son play on the same team with him from Little League through high school.  I believe that Paul is still associated with the Yankees as a broadcaster with the YES Network.

Again, thanks for the letter. The pennant races should be heating up soon, so we'll keep track of them in future issues. 

Bill (billmere@aol.com)




To Bill: (through Roleta),

I am an occasional reader of your newsletter.

On what station did I listen to the baseball games?  No idea.  What I do remember was listening to WLS at night.  That signal could not be picked up during the day.  But at night it was strong  Dick Beantay(sp) was the noisy DJ. Clarksburg had our own DJ's.  WI's own Ray ( Geez, what is his name ? Tall, slender.) was one I visited several times at the station while he was broadcasting.  We also had "Pooter” Clovis. His dad owned a gas station in Point Comfort.  I hung out with Pooter's younger brother for while.  We would eat hot dogs at the restaurant across the street from the station.  They were good.  I think all of Clarksburg's restaurant/hot dog stands shared their same great chili recipe.  ( I know Seek's, that can't be true, I just like to remember it that way. )  Ok, Joe and Irene had their own spicy hot and non-spicy daily chili cook offs.  I like mine spicy.

I was" lucky" to have a TV very early in my life.  I even had cable.  I didn't realize what a big deal that was until I visited my cousins in Pittsburgh.  They had TV.  What a terrible picture.  I could see at least 6 of everything all the time.  They told me they were ghosts.  They had a silver device on top of the TV they called "rabbit ears", with tin foil wrapped around the antennae.  A lot of good they did.

Not only did poor ole backward Clarksburg, WV have great TV reception, we had our own TV station, WBOY.  I remember " Pancho" of the Cisco Kid fame being there for some donation drive.  He may have been a little "tipsy", as I recall.

I have shared my roots with those from out of state, including my current wife, who can't believe that we had 5 high schools in our "little" town.  If WI won the state championship in 1926, Clarksburg could have reigned supreme over the state for years if all the schools were joined as one in the beginning.

H Gregory Jaranko, (WI 1960)

Reply to Gregory:

Thanks for the letter. It covers a lot more than sports and I enjoyed reading it.

We've discussed WV hot dogs a lot in the newsletter.  For those of you still living in the Clarksburg area, you probably wonder what the big deal is with them. However, once you've left the area, it is difficult to find anything to compare with them.  Thankfully, my wife's sauce is close to that served in WV.  It keeps me satisfied until I can return "home" to get the real thing.

Clarksburg was fortunate to have a TV station, when there were few in the state.  The first station that I remember being available in our area was WDTV (Now KDKA) in Pittsburgh.  As you say, the picture quality was terrible.  The first show I saw was "The Kate Smith Show".  I could barely see her on the snowy screen.

You are correct on Clarksburg probably having a sports powerhouse if they only had one high school.  Parkersburg had that luxury for many years and fielded great teams in most sports.  Of course, other cities could have done the same, such as combining Charleston HS with Stonewall Jackson, Huntington HS with Huntington East, Morgantown HS with University and Fairmont East and West.  Unfortunately, we'll never know, but it is fun to dream, isn't it?

Again, thanks for sharing some of your memories with us.  I hope to hear from you again soon.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)




During every month, I read hundreds of sports articles and emails.  One of them this month was from Terry Shorr, a reader of the newsletter.  It concerned a subject which interests most WVU fans.  He questioned whether the Mountaineers should renew their yearly rivalry with the University of Pittsburgh. As all true fans know, the longtime rivalry ended when WVU joined the Big 12 Conference and Pitt, shortly thereafter, joined the ACC.  The football and basketball series ended at that time.

So, I would like your input on the debate. My question is:

Should West Virginia and Pitt resume their yearly games in football and basketball? 

Should just the football series resume? 

Or, should we forget about them and move on? 

Please give the reason(s) for your answers.

I look forward to hearing from many of you and hope that Terry will send in his thoughts on this, so our readers can enjoy his comments.  

 Email me at: billmere@aol.com



Bill Guthridge

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Guthridge, longtime assistant basketball coach at the University of North Carolina. Bill was the husband of 1955 WI graduate, Lessie Pettrey.

After the death of head coach Dean Smith, Guthridge became the Tarheel's head coach and led them to the final four two times in his three year tenure.

An abbreviated version of his obituary is below. At the bottom, I have included a link to an excellent article about Guthridge from Sports Illustrated, written by Ted Keith.

CHAPEL HILL

Common sense told the 1981-82 North Carolina Tar Heels that they didn't have to go to class that Wednesday after winning the NCAA basketball championship on March 29, 1982, a Monday, according to Jimmy Black, the starting pointguard on that squad.

So when the guys returned to Chapel Hill on Tuesday after beating Georgetown at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, they figured they'd chill out as only champions could chill, Black said.

Well, real early that Wednesday morning, somebody was knocking on their doors.  Bill Guthridge had stopped by with some morning motivation.

“He said it's great to be a champion, but you've still got to go to class,” Black said. “That accentuates who he was.”

Guthridge, always organized to the hilt, a meticulous keeper of time and utterly loyal, was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1967 to 1997 when Dean Smith was the team's head coach.  Guthridge died Tuesday from heart failure, his wife Leesie by his side at The Cedars of Chapel Hill, a retirement center, UNC basketball spokesman Steve Kirschner said.

Guthridge, who was 77 years old, had been dealing with a heart-related illness for the past seven years, Kirschner said.  Guthridge and his wife had two sons, Jamie and Stuart, and a daughter, Megan.

Here is a great Sports Illustrated article on the passing of Bill Guthridge



THIS & THAT IN SPORTS

The WVU baseball team finished the season at 27--27, after losing to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma in the Big 12 Tournament.  Although the record is disappointing to many, this team was very young and things should be better next year.  The opening of the new stadium will only make it easier to recruit quality players to the program in future years.

Speaking of the new stadium, the team drew well after a delayed start to the home season.  I'm anxious to see the completed facility on my next trip to Morgantown. Even his worst detractors must admit that Oliver Luck was "right on" in getting the new baseball digs built.  What an improvement over the old Hawley Field.

It didn't take Bob Huggins long to replace the departing BillyDee Williams, by signing up Lamont West, a 6'--9" forward from Lithonia, GA. for the Class of 2015.  With four-star recruit, Asa Ahmad, leading the class, it appears that Huggs has, as one writer put it, "signed who he wanted, as opposed to who he needed".  That is a sign that the team has much more depth than in previous years.  Yes, it looks like things are looking up for the round ball Mountaineers.

Finally, I haven't seen anywhere that the WVU football team is expected to compete for the Big 12 title in the fall.  If the defense is as good as some say it is, this team could have a lot to say when the league championship is determined.  Of course, being from West Virginia, I know better than to get my hopes up about anything, but I can dream, can't I?  Only a little over three months left until the start of the season.

Enjoy the summer and send your dreams, questions and comments about "anything sports" to: Bill (billmere@aol.com)




MEMORIES SHARED ABOUT 
THE ROBINSON GRAND

From:  Lynn Hornor Keith (WI 1966)

My sister, Caroline Hornor Ramsey 1965, and I loved going to the movies at the RG.  At some point I was in a hula hoop contest on the stage.  I think there was also a contest to twirl discs on long sticks, a fad at the time.

My best memory though was when they were giving away an electric convertible car.  We were about 6 and 7, our parents were out of town and our babysitter let us go to the movies.  Every time you went to the movies over about a month, you received a ticket to put in a big bin for the grand prize drawing.  There was incredible excitement the day of the drawing and the theater was packed.  They spun the huge bin of tickets and called out a name.  You had to be present to win and nobody responded.  So they reached back in and pulled out Caroline's ticket.  I think I was more excited than anybody.  When our parents came home, you can imagine their surprise.  The car was blue and held two small children.  It had to be plugged in over night, a new concept at the time.  I do remember that we couldn't go very far or fast, especially because we had a gravel road at the time out near the Clarksburg Country Club.  She eventually sold it for $100 and bought her first horse!  Caroline still has 3 horses, 4 daughters and 6 granddaughters and lives in Bridgeport.



From: Steve Limbers (WI 1957)

I had a hard time getting past the picture of the Robinson Grand.  It seems I spent a huge portion of my childhood in either the Grand or the Ritz.   The Grand always seemed a bit classier to me than the Ritz.  I can only remember one movie that I am absolutely certain I saw at the Grand, and I think I took a date.  It was probably my wife since the movie wasn't released until we were freshmen in college.

We sat in the mezzanine and the movie was and is a favorite of mine -- Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell.

The critic in me cannot help but mention that I was lucky enough to see the staged musical version of the movie, with Angela Lansbury, and unlucky enough to see the terrible movie version of that musical with Lucille Ball.

I performed on the stage of the Grand several times, even winning the talent show I entered.  And it seems to me that what was playing at the Grand was advertised on a billboard beside Moore's Opera House.

The Ritz had one showing of a sex education film for kids my age when I was in Central Jr High.  Parental signatures were required to get in.  I remember the line to get in went all the way up Fourth to Main.  I also remember that it seemed well done to me.

Thanks for the memory booster.



From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)
jmalone934@sbcglobal.net

Robinson Grand? I vaguely recall working as an usher there at some point, but remember better entering a talent contest there later as part of the WI Hi-Y Barbershop Quartet. The winner was to receive a trip to Pittsburgh to be on a radio show? Was this part of the famous Horace Heitz Talent Shows?  I remember Steve Limbers won the contest for tap dancing.  You might ask him about that!!!  The rest of our quartet was: David Chartrand (Lead/Classical Pianist); Raymond (Chick) Rowe (bass); David McWhorter (Baritone - WI-53). Believe it or not that left "Tenor" for me. I couldn't read music so Chartrand played my part and I memorized it. Both Ms. Bauer and Maude Yoak took advantage of my ability to "memorize" play lines; poems and Shakespeare. I can still do McBeth's soliloquy "What is this I see before me? It's handle toward my hand? Come let me touch thee. ....."



From: Steve Limbers ( WI 1957)

You asked about my dancing "career."

I did win the contest at the Grand.  Joe Malone, Dave Chartrand, and Dave McWhorter were part of a barbershop quartet that should have won.  They were in WI and I was much younger.  I won't ever forget how nice they were to me.   Joe Malone wrote me about that contest not long ago.  The prize was cash and I also got cash when I danced for meetings and things like that.  I was on the Wilkens Amateur Hour in Pittsburgh and LOST.  I also danced on some TV show out of Fairmont.

There was an annual minstrel show at Notre Dame and I was in that for several years.  There weren't many kids in it and I really enjoyed seeing the old guys perform.  It was there that I heard Meyer Siegel sing "Clarksburg, My Home Town",  it was a highlight every year.


Mary Berger was my dance teacher in Clarksburg, Nancy Kirkpatrick Gaines, too. I also went to Fairmont and learned a little from a woman named Marie Barbusak and a guy named Mike (Delgado, I think). I took classes from grade 2 to about grade 6 and made quite a bit of money for a kid my age. Mary Berger taught me a little ballet which is surprisingly useful in life but it didn't project the image I wanted to project as I got to 5thand 6th grades.

I was asked to perform in school in 8th grade (CJHS) and refused.  Friends thought I should do it as my final appearance.  I hadn't danced for a while but I relented and the kids seemed to really like what I did.  When I got to WVU, my frat brothers talked me into helping them with a fraternity talent show.  I did it reluctantly.  Since I hadn't danced in years (except at Willow Beach, etc but that was a totally different thing), I said I would do my imitation of a train.

I was a freshman or sophomore and became sort of a celebrity with that train thing..  Big shots on campus treated me like a king.  You never ******* know.

That's it in a nutshell.



This letter about the Robinson Grand Theater was sent to John Cooper  and John set it to us to share it with us.

From: Tim Corsini (WI 1951)
tedgarcorsini@gmail.com
John: Liked your article and comments about the RG theater in the WI newsletter.  I recall when the original theater burned.  We lived on Washington Ave., not far from there and we stood on the street and watched it burn.  No doubt the first shocking event of a young life.  Since I have seldom returned to the town of my birth, I don't have a lot of recall on developments. But glad Naomi and I attended the reunion at Veteran's Park several years ago. It gave me the opportunity to reacquaint with you and the town, after so many years, and to establish a line of communication.

Be Well, 
Tim Corsini
Greenville South Carolina



From: John Teter (WI 1961)

I used to go to the Robinson Grand to see movies, although I do not remember any of the movies that I saw.  That might be that I used to sit in the balcony with my date and watching the movie was actually not a high priority, as my date and I had other things on our mind.  I do remember going to the Robinson Grand later on in life.  My mother and her friend with daughter and granddaughter saw Rhinestone Cowboy starring Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton, at the Grand.

My uncle (Harry Lang) and his wife (Dorothy Robinson Lang) actually owned the theater at a point in time.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  I remember that Aldo Ray did make an appearance there hyping some movie, I forget which one.  I met him, I even asked him if I could touch his bicep which I did and we chatted and shared some laughs.  He had such a distinctive voice, almost like a raspy voice that people get after years of smoking. Someone may have even taken a picture. I know I had a color autographed picture of him in my file drawer for years.  I think I finally disposed of it in 2005 when we moved to Florida and we really downsized so a lot of memories were trashed or given away.



From: Judy Buffington Aud (WI 1977)
AudJ@MedImmune.com

You asked for some memories related to the old Robinson Grand Theatre -- well my entire childhood revolved around that place.  In fact, you could say that my very existence did!  The woman who owned the theatre, Madge Dowds, actually introduced my mother and father to each other.  As I was growing up, Madge would give my sisters and I a year's pass to the movie as a Christmas present every year.  And, we took good advantage of that -- seeing the same movie sometimes 2-3 times in a week.  My mother's favorite babysitter was Stewart, the man who collected the tickets.  Stewart used to come out and look for us on a Friday opening night of a new movie, refusing to make us stand in line. Sometimes, I'd be sitting in the theatre watching a movie and he'd come down the aisle with his flashlight to tell me that Mom needed me at something.  As I grew older I spent my summers at the Grand doing Summer Theatre with all of the high school kids around Clarksburg -- many of whom I keep in touch with to this day, like John Rice from Shinnston.  So many fantastic memories of Summer Theatre, there are too many to count.

Not too long ago, my sister, Suzanne Berman (WI '74) and I were joking about how we always compared our lives to quotes or scenes from movies we'd seen. Reminiscing here right now, I guess I can see why!!



From: Jim Callis (WI 1950-52 and Greenbrier Military 1952-1953)
oozerbang@hotmail.com

Great new format for the newsletter.  I recall the big fire that took down the old theatre.  Then the Robinson Grand was constructed  My father was the electrical contractor on the new gorgeous theatre.  The city was so proud   There was nothing like it.  The Ritz was okay and easy to sneak into the closed balcony  The Grand had a great sandwich shop too with chicken salad sandwiches, ham salad sandwiches which were tasty and fresh.  Madge, the manager, hired Ray Garett and me as ushers and ticket takers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  We were so busy there.  I was shocked that Madge bought the pop corn already popped in large bags, but it was good

Kelly-Miller was a brand new great facility.  Columbian hall was near for basketball leagues of Clarksburg.  I went every time there was a game.  I could walk from Timberlake Court.  I don’t recall any racial problems.  The Grand put in air conditioning and you couldn’t get some movie goers to leave.  The theatre had minstrels, vaudeville, and concerts.  Our city was great with neon and shops in the 1940’s and 1950’s.  It was a big railway center.  We had it all then!    We also had great bus service.  What a pity to lose our street cars.

Ms. Bauer was great, I drove her car a lot on errands for her.  I took world history from her.  Some of my classmates should have been cast in the movie Blackboard Jungle.  I was also on the WI stage crew with Bill Greer, a great guy and student.  I saw change coming.  I wasn’t happy living with my much older brother and headed out to Greenbrier Military and the resort.  No golf team at WI.  I had 4 siblings that attended Morgan,  Central, and WI.  We all loved WI-gold and blue…… thanks.



From: Libby Teter Akin   (WI 1956)
llibakin@aol.com


I know I submitted this some years ago, but Roleta has suggested it is worth repeating. I worked at the Robinson Grand my junior and senior years in high school (1955-1956). My regular job was at the popcorn/candy stand but I also ushered, sold tickets, and collected them. During the week I worked 4-6 three nights a week and 6-9 two nights. I also worked Saturday mornings for cartoon shows. Coach Tony Folio was a regular on Fridays before game time. Don't think he saw a full movie, but rather used the time to relax before the game. The photo records the most exciting time of my teen years. Aldo Ray made a personal appearance in conjunction with a movie; we’re no Angels that also starred Humphrey Bogart and Peter Ustinov. I was invited into Madge Douds' office to meet him. And that smile on my face tells it all! So thrilled to get my picture taken with him! In the long run I might have wished it had been Bogey or Ustinov, but.... John Toryak (sp?) looks pretty happy too. By the way, in those days the popcorn came to the theater already popped, packaged in huge bags and was heated by lamps in the glass case we scooped it from. We had pumps to squirt butter on the popcorn for an addition price. At the Moore's Opera House, where I worked the summer after my first year in college, I popped real popcorn, in a kettle, using coconut oil.

Elizabeth Teter Akin (WI 1956)
aka Libby, Liz



From: Bryan McIntyre (WI 1965)

When I think back on the Robinson Grand Theater, a couple of events come to mind.  First, by wearing my school boy patrol badge and belt, on Saturday morning you got in for a nickel or dime.  Lots of Lone Ranger and Gene Autry features and cartoons.  But, one time, a friend and I stayed in the balcony of the theater and watched Butterfield 8 with Elizabeth Taylor.  Wow!  Quite interesting to an impressionable 6th grade boy.  And my second memory is singing in several operas and operettas like il Trovatore and Madame Butterfly put on by Ruby Marshall Scott while I was in 5th through 8th grade.  Twice she brought in Clarksburg's Phyllis Curtain from New York's Metropolitan Opera as the featured performer.  I was merely a background singer but enjoyed the many costume changes and remember how hard it was to walk in those Japanese sandals in Madame Butterfly and also how hot it was under that heavy wig.  Yes, I was a "geisha girl"!

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Did you appear on stage of the Robinson Grand Theater?  What was the occasion?  Write to Roleta1@aol.com




CELEBRATE JUNE 21


THE ORIGINS OF FATHER’S DAY


 The campaign to celebrate the nation’s fathers did not meet with the same enthusiasm as a celebration for mothers – perhaps because, as one florist explained, “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.” 

 On July 5, 1908, a West Virginia church sponsored the nation’s first event explicitly in honor of fathers, a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who had died in the previous December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah, but it was a one-time commemoration and not an annual holiday. 

 The next year, a Spokane, Washington woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, tried to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers and government officials to drum up support for her idea, and she was successful: Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on July 19, 1910. 

 Slowly, the holiday spread. In 1916, President Wilson honored the day by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington, D.C. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day. 

 However, many men continued to disdain the day. As one historian writes, they “scoffed at the holiday’s sentimental attempts to domesticate manliness with flowers and gift-giving, or they derided the proliferation of such holidays as a commercial gimmick to sell more products–often paid for by the father himself.”




WHY SHARE IT IN THE NEWSLETTER?

From Roleta1@aol.com

Oh the memories!  This is the reason the newsletter is still alive, people remember things that they had not thought about in years.  They write and share them and then someone else reads memories and does the same.  The newsletter monthly dusts out those cobwebs in our brains.  

 We remember people and places we hadn't thought about in decades. We experience these memories with you and have some more of our own.  Sharing those memories, pictures and information in the newsletter is a smart thing to do.  The memories are here for a long time, not removed from the site in a few weeks as they are in some of the other on line social communications.  We have an archive.  Our archive holds all of our newsletters, the history via the yearbooks and special event details.  Nothing has ever been discarded.  I pay each month to keep the archives and the history available for you to revisit.  These cover 16 years and can be found just by clicking on the words “OUR OLD WEBSITE” at the top of this newsletter.  Plus now we have started a new archive of the new blog of newsletters. 

So preserve those pictures, preserve those memories, send and share them with us.  If you share pictures on Facebook, won’t you please send them to me to share in the newsletter too.  Many people do not have Facebook but they would still love to see the pictures and read the memories.

Thank you.  Roleta@aol.com



One of the County's Oldest and Most Well-Known Restaurants, The Red Caboose, Closes its Doors

Read a great article by Jeff Toquinto on this historical occasion by clicking HERE. 

Do you remember this restaurant?
Where is it located?
When did you go there?
Who did you go with?
Do you know someone who worked there?
Who owned this business?
What did you enjoy most from this business?

Write any other memories that you may have.
In other words, tell me anything you can remember.

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com





APPALACHIAN QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

myep-ya --- May I help you?
mear-mint--- Come here a minute
rat-chere---- right here (or thar)
y'all---- you all
all-y'al---- plural of y'all
purt-n-nir---- pretty near

EDITOR’S NOTE: I have noticed that these sayings are said many places other than in the Appalachian Mountains! ---It goes as far south as rural Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida. 

What say you on this subject? Write to Roleta1@aol.com






DID YOU HAVE A HILLBILLY TWANG 
OR SOUTHERN DRAWL?

From: Doug Aspy  (WI 1962)
dougaspy@gmail.com

During the summer of 1964, at the end of my sophomore year in college, I worked in Atlantic City, NJ at the largest hotel there at the time.  My truthfulness was questioned, on multiple occasions, by older employees, when they heard I was from WV. I was told, adamantly, "you don't have any accent, you can't be from the south".  And of course, some of those folks were the same ones that ask me how close Clarksburg was to Richmond.  I had not spent any time in the southern part of WV while growing up in Clarksburg, so needless to say, I was somewhat oblivious to that part of the world.  As far as I was concerned Va was south and WV was north.  Fast forward 16 years. I was promoted and relocated to south eastern WV (Bluefield).  This period in time was 82'/83'.  The culture shock was immediate.  The hillbilly twang was everywhere and then I made a trip into the bowels of the state, that being McDowell County.  The people throughout that part of the state have a hillbilly/southern dialect all of their own.  Words like cheer for chair, ranch for wrench, did for dead, bard for borrow, rat for right, just to mention a few.  At that time, I was convinced, that those of us that grew up in the northern half of the state, did not have an accent or any twang.





Click on the link below to enjoy a great article on this subject in The Revivalist

THE APPALACHIAN CODE SWITCHING

NOTE:  I lost the name of who sent this to me.  If you did, please send me your name, school and year of graduation.  This is really good:  I can relate to this so much.





WHAT I MISS ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA

From: Blair Gloss (WI 1961)

I lived at Lake Floyd when going to WI and thus had very little social activities with my school friends during the school year; although I have fond memories of WI they are mostly classroom memories.  I think one always misses their days of youth and school but what I miss most are seeing the hills of West Virginia during all four seasons.  There is nothing like those hills here in Tidewater, Va.  This may sound a little crazy but I really miss those good pepperoni rolls from Tomaro’s; two of those were a good lunch.  I bought them from a little store behind WI. 




From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)
jmalone934@sbcglobal.net

I guess I had her for a Speech class my senior year - 1952. (I recall it as a Drama class, but .....)  She cast me in the lead part of our Senior Class play, "The Bishop's Mantel".  As some of your reader of my vintage may recall,  I had a terrific crush on Mirian Reep and Ms. Bauer also knew that.  Rascal that she was, she cast Mirian opposite me as my "love interest" and inserted a generous smooch into the script.  Having set the stage, she then sat out in the auditorium, laughing and dictated repeated rehearsals until we "got it right".  Many of you may not recall that Ms. Reep was "Miss West Virginia" in the 1954 Miss America Contest in Atlantic City, NJ.  I had lunch last October with Mirian and her husband, Dr Jim Wickham (Grafton – 1952 - a helluva'n athlete) at their home in Richmond, VA.  She was a gorgeous teenager and an even more attractive mature woman.







OLGA HARDMAN

From: John Iaconis (WI 1959)
jiaconis@verizon.net


Mrs. Hardman was my piano teacher for a half-dozen years. She was also the choir director at St James Roman Catholic church in North View (Clarksburg).  I sang (???) in the choir and occasionally played the church organ for the various masses. 

WIHS played its football games on Friday night.  Sometimes, my hands and fingers would get stepped on.  It was always interesting to go to piano lessons on Saturday mornings with sore hands and stiff fingers.








DR. HENRY “HANK” MAYER 
COL., RETIRED

A memorial service for Dr. Henry (Hank) Mayer, Jr. was held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Harker Heights United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery.

Dr. Mayer, a military surgeon, Dust Off pilot flying thousands of life-saving hours in Viet Nam, rancher, sports enthusiast, Army veteran and community supporter died unexpectedly on May 5, 2015. He was a resident of the Killeen area for 35 years and actively involved in many community activities. During his 30 years in the US Army, his last assignment included serving as an orthopedic surgeon and Deputy Commander of Darnall Army Medical Center. He received numerous military awards including the Le­gion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal.

After his military retirement, he was employed as an orthopedic surgeon by Kings Daughters Clinic of Temple for over 20 years. He was a graduate of Ohio University and Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He was recruited to the new Texas Tech University School of Medicine after his second Dust Off tour in Viet Nam where he met the man who was to be its director.

During the last 35 years, Dr. Mayer rarely missed a KISD football game. He joined the teams on the field the first quarter of his first game he attended in the fall of 1980 and stayed with the teams from then on. He was the "team Doc" for all of the KISD athletes who needed help. He also volunteered with the Athletic Department of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as the team physician for the last 7 years.

Dr. Mayer was a member of the Killeen Evening Rotary, a director on the Board of the Greater Killeen Free Clinic, a recipient of the Medicine Man award in 2009, a Bell County rancher, a member of the Harker Heights United Methodist Church, Junior livestock show supporter and lover of the outdoors.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Joyce S. Mayer; son, Brian D. Mayer and his wife, Dr. Biljana Mikijelj ; daughters Michele L. Woodford, PA-C and Amanda M. Polson and husband, Steve Polson; grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Hunter Butler, Braxton Butler, Trigg Isbell and Kyndall Isbell.

EDITOR NOTE: Here is a link where you can go to not only see Hank’s obituary but also see a gallery of pictures (located on the left side and view a video on the right side of the obituary)…very interesting.



DELORIS GORE GIPSON

Deloris Ann (Gore) Gipson, age 65, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on May 7, 2015, at United Hospital Center.

She was born December 10, 1949, in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of the late Clifton Leon Gore and Evelyn (Shiflet) Gore.

Deloris is survived by her son, Chris Gipson and his wife, Jeanette of Clarksburg, WV; grandson, William Gipson of Clarksburg, WV; sister-in-law, Betty J. Gore Harris of Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Gipson; son, Stephen Elliott; three brothers, Arthur Edward Gore, James Donald Gore and Jeffrey Lee Gore; and grandson, Kingston Gabriel Gipson.

Deloris was a graduate of Victory High School. She was a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.



LORENA GRACE VORE

Lorena Grace Vore, 96, of Stonewood, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the United Hospital Center. She was born in Duck Run, Gilmer County, WV, on October 10, 1918, a daughter of the late Perry Creed Wilmoth and Winnie Maude Kearns Wilmoth.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Claude Hayward Vore, whom she married on June 19, 1937.

She is survived by two sons, William Paul Vore of Wolf Summit and Teddy Claude Vore and wife Kathleen of Charleston, TN; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having also been preceded in death by three brothers, Matthew, Creed and Cecil Wilmoth; six sisters, Faye Crutchfield, Terry Price, Fanny Davis, Ercell Leonard, Amy McHenry and Ada Famia; and one daughter-in-law, Sally Vore.

Grace attended Norwood Elementary School and Roosevelt-Wilson High School.

She attended the Stonewood Methodist Church and was currently a member of the Liberty Addition Church of God, holding several positions at each church.



MICHHALE G. LUCAS

Michael “Mickey” G. Lucas, II, 54, of Ryder Avenue, Clarksburg, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, in the Ruby Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Clarksburg on March 21, 1961, a son of Michael G. and Brenda Jean Wolfe Lucas, who survive in Clarksburg.

He is survived by two children, Brady Michael George Lucas and Brier Madison Elizabeth Lucas, both of Charleston, SC; four brothers and sisters, John Mark Lucas and his wife Nannette of Nutter Fort, Paul David Lucas and his wife Kris of Quiet Dell, Basil Franklin Lucas and his wife Julie of Clarksburg, and Kristi Ann Grimes and her husband Chad of Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Mike was a 1979 graduate of Washington Irving High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Education from Fairmont State College, a Master’s degree in Special Education from West Virginia University and a Master’s degree in Administration from The Citadel.

He began teaching Shop and Special Education at Washington Irving High School in 1985, finishing at Robert C. Byrd High School in 1997. He coached Freshman Football at W.I. from 1985 to 1988. He was also Assistant Varsity Football Coach at Liberty High School from 1989 to 1997. Mike was an Assistant Baseball Coach at W.I. and RCB from 1985 to 1997. He taught Technical Education from 1997 to 2001 at Cross High School in Cross, SC, and was Defensive Coordinator for the football team. He was then Assistant Principal at Sedgefield Middle School in Goose Creek, SC, and went on to become Principal until his retirement in 2010.



LOIS L. TAYLOR-SMITH

Lois L. “Weesie” Taylor Smith, age 58, departed this life on May 11, 2015, at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on July 4, 1956, a daughter of the late Eddie D. and Louise M. Dalton Taylor.

She is survived by her former husband, Jonathan Smith of Washington, D.C.; one son, Justin Smith and his companion Rachael Clark and her two children. Also surviving Lois are two brothers, Merl S. Taylor and his wife Autrice of Fayetteville, NC and Gary W. Taylor and his wife Judy of Bridgeport; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Eddie D. Taylor, Jr. and Delbert Taylor; and two sisters, Gloria Bowsman and Maxine Taylor.

Lois was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and Baptist by faith



ROBERT A. SAUNDERS

Robert A. “Killer” Saunders, 78, of Nutter Fort, WV, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV.

He was born on June 16, 1936, in Clarksburg, a son of the late William A. and Beatrice Triplett Saunders.

Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marge Saunders; two daughters, Susan L. Reymond and husband P.J. of Clarksburg and Melissa A. Evans and husband Wade E. Jr.; grandchildren, Marty Queen and wife Cathy, Courtney Reymond and Dakota and Chloe’ a sister Phyllis Torjak and husband Edward  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his siblings, Emma Jean Hamrick, Gary “Butch” Saunders, Larry “Dusty” Saunders, Lynda Flannigan, Gail Cogar, William A. “Buster” Saunders Jr. and Margurette Saunders.

Robert was a graduate of RW and later retired from Union Carbide as Head Electrician after 35 plus years of service



LEATRICE FANKHAUSER

Leatrice “Dede” Joyce Fankhauser, age 89, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on May 11, 2015, at Eagle Pointe Nursing Home in Parkersburg, WV

She was born on October 4, 1925, in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of the late Charles M. Kennedy and Dolly (Gabbert) Kennedy.

Leatrice is survived by two sons, Roger Bruce and Stephen Reid Fankhauser; a daughter, Kathy Sue Fankhauser; five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Ray Fankhauser; four brothers; three sisters; and a son-in-law, Stephen John Yachuw, March 21, 2013.

Leatrice graduated from Victory High School in 1943, was a member of the United Methodist Church in Adamston and was a member of the church’s Woman’s Club.



MICHAEL ANTHONY IELAPI
FOUNDER OF TWIN OAKS RESTAURANT

Mr. Michael Anthony Ielapi, 83 years of age, of Bridgeport, WV, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at his residence.

He was born March 8, 1932, in Clarksburg, WV, the son of the late Vincent and Susan Minard Ielapi.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Serak Ielapi. They had celebrated 49 years of marriage. He is also survived by two sons, Michael Ielapi II and his wife Deana Dinaldo, and John Ielapi and his wife Stephanie; four grandchildren, Dominic, Maria, Natalie and Camryn; a sister-in-law, Katheryn Ielapi; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Samuel and Joseph Ielapi, and three sisters, Elizabeth Ielapi, Angela Ielapi and Connie Shields.

Michael graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended West Virginia University. He started working with his family in the restaurant business and in 1956 founded Twin Oaks Restaurant with his brothers Sam and Joe. The business has always been a member of the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church.



MERCELINE ALLEN ERVIN STEVENS

Merceline Allen Ervin Stevens, 107, of Nutter Fort, passed away May 10, 2015.

She was born January 22, 1908, in Charleston, West Virginia, a daughter of James Henry Middleton Ervin and Etta Belle Bruffey Ervin.

When she was 2 years old, her family went to Cypress, Indiana. The family moved permanently to Nutter Fort in August 1915, where she long resided at the original family home.

On September 16, 1933, she married Edward Andrew Stevens, now deceased. Mrs. Stevens had eight siblings, all of whom she survived. Her four older sisters were Eula Regal Ervin Conrad, Ruth Margaret Ervin McC, Clalie Esther Ervin Watkins and Ressie Hester Ervin. Her late brother was Patrick Bhurman Ervin. Her three younger sisters were Mary Frances Ervin, Bonnie Belle Ervin Hawkins and Adranetta Bruffey Ervin Weimer. She is survived by three generations of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Stevens attended Harrison County schools and was a member of the first graduating class of Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1925. She attended Glenville State College and received an A.B. degree from Fairmont State College. She also attended Duke University and received a Master’s Degree in Education from West Virginia University. She served as an elementary teacher in Harrison County schools for 32 years. After also teaching in the state of Delaware for 10 years, Mrs. Stevens retired and returned to West Virginia, where she enjoyed substitute teaching for a number of years.



IRV LEVY

Irv Levy passed away on May 7th, 2015. He was the owner of Roger Builders in Clarksburg, WV where he operated his business for thirty years. He was married to Corinne Tannenbaum Levy (WI 1959)



ERCIL VIRGINIA HOGUE

Ercil Virginia Hogue, 92, of Clarksburg, passed away May 13, 2015. Mrs. Hogue was a 1942 graduate of Roosevelt Wilson and was a retired cook and custodian for the Harrison County Board of Education with 35 years of service.

She was born September 1, 1922, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late Reverend E.L. and Orpha Crook Fitzpatrick.

She was married to Floyd A. “Andy” Hogue on May 29, 1943. He preceded her in death on December 6, 2003.

Surviving are four sons, William Hogue and his wife, Douglas Hogue and his special friend Tina Pritts, Jeffery Hogue and his wife Dawn and Timothy Hogue and his wife Tracey; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Hogue; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having also been preceded in death by one son, Joe Andy Hogue; three brothers, and one daughter-in-law, Janice Hogue.



LOUIS FRANKLIN TIANO

Mr. Louis Franklin Tiano, age 82, passed away on May 18, 2015. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on March 21, 1933, a son of the late John and Catherine Rose “Katie” Pinella Tiano.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Toothman Knotts Tiano.

Mr. Tiano is survived by his stepson, Norman Knotts, two sisters, Rose Marie Tiano Lopez, and Betty Jean Tiano Rossana and her husband David, and his brother John Tiano Jr. and his wife Jeani . Also surviving are his nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia “Babe” Oakes and brothers-in-law, Frank X. Lopez, and Frank Oakes.

Lou was a graduate of Washington Irving High School Class of 1950 and served two years in the United States Army. He owned and operated the Matador Club in Glen Elk for over 50 years. He loved to spend time on the golf course and was a ranger at Bel Meadows Country Club and loved his friends there.



SUSAN LORRAINE BRELSFORD

Susan Lorraine Brelsford of Clarksburg passed away March 9, 2015, at the young age of 58. For the past several years, Susan resided at Heartland of Clarksburg due to her constant struggles with arthritis and the effects of that disease on her immune system.

Born March 15, 1956, in Charleston, West Virginia, Susan was the only daughter of Matilda Maxine Ely Brelsford (deceased August 2014) and Richard Elwood Brelsford (deceased July 2008). Susan attended local schools in Clarksburg, graduating with the Washington Irving High School Class of 1974.

She attended WVU and graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a bachelor’s degree in Library Science. Following graduation, she was employed in the Library Department at Shenandoah College in Winchester, VA, until progression of her arthritis required that she move closer to her physicians in Morgantown, WV.

Susan was an outstanding athlete, excelling in swimming at the Stealey Pool and in basketball. She was also a lifelong Mountaineer sports fanatic



THOMAS M. COLEMAN, JR.

Thomas M. Coleman, Jr., went to be with our Lord on May 16, 2015.

Thomas was a lifelong and proud resident of West Virginia where he owned a farm with his beloved wife and his many cherished animals. He was a graduate of Bridgeport High School and West Virginia University. After retiring from Consolidated Gas Company, Thomas served in the WV House of Delegates.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Celia L. (Witty) Coleman and his parents, Bertha C. (Steenburgh) Coleman and Thomas M. Coleman, Sr. He is survived by two sisters, Carolyn Joy Cooke and husband Dennis, Linda J. Green and husband Frank; and one brother, Van S. Coleman and wife Kathy. He is also survived by his daughter, Brenda K. Sandy and husband Randy; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and was an uncle to several nieces and nephews.