Issue 193

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Roleta1@aol.com

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton All in the Detail

September 7

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Through the years our nation has given increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

THE AUGUST MYSTERY PICTURE

This was a very recognizable picture.  A lot of you sent great memories of the Arcade.  Thank you for sharing your memories and for the pictures, etc.  I read every word of the newsletter.  The responses to this reminded me of things I had forgotten.  And I learned some things too…Pictured below is Main Street and if you look on the right side of the picture, you will see a white building  Mr. Dick Duez and Mr. Eugene Jaumont sent me this picture and they told me that the Arcade was later built where this white store is located in this 1922 picture.  It was later torn down and the arcade was built.

From:  Phyllis Alton Nichols(WI 1957)

The store in the Arcade that catered to teenagers was the Debuteen Shop.  It was a part of the Kiddie Shop that was located on Main Street.    The record store was Drexels and I believe there was a weekly newspaper called the Clarksburg News that was also located there.  I don't remember the girls singing or whistling, going through the Arcade, but I do remember the boys whistling and calling out to the girls!! They would walk behind us and sure did get our attention. It was fun.

From Evelyn Brown Harper (Victory 1962)

Also, the "mystery picture" is of The Arcade on Main Street.  Lots of memories there, including Drexel's Music Store where you go into a private booth to "try out" a record before you bought it!  When The Arcade burned down, Penney's was built in its location.  Keep up your great work, Roleta and Jalon!

From: Martha Jeffries Rice.  (WI 1955)

I finally recognize one of the pictures, I think.

I believe it is the Arcade through which we walked when we were in high school at WI.  My fondest memory is of the smell of salt-rising bread that was baked on Thursdays.  I would love to taste it again.  I think the sourdough bread that is now made comes closest.

THE ARCADE WAS BUILT

Picture above from: Eugene Jaumont (Victory 1954) and Dick Duez (Notre Dame HS 1962)

If you look at top of Arcade building (in the above picture) with Magnify glass, you can see date (Arcade 1923) in the block right over the keystone..  So it had to be started sometime in 1922.  Just talked with the editor of this book, Tom Martin, the owner of the printing company in Clarksburg, he put some of my pictures in both of his books.  He said the same thing with the dates.  They put up two sides of the building and then the roof.  This area was used as a walkway between Main Street and the area behind the Arcade. the stores came later.  In those days labor was cheap and everyone wanted to work because times were hard. 

From: Prudy Robinson Coffindaffer (WI 1962)

I believe this is the old Arcade between Washington Ave and Main Street.  I walked through it daily with my sister going to Towers Elementary and Central Jr. High.  There were a variety of stores. - Chalfonts bakery (they made salt rising bread daily and I can still remember the smell), a record store with a woman named "Phil" that knew all the records and artists, a barber shop, a repair shop.  It was an Icon in my childhood.

From Becky Stalnaker Fowler (WI 1960)

The picture is of the arcade which we came through on our way down the hill from school. I think Gary Weiner's parents owned it at that time.  I used to make frequent stops at the Deb u Teen shop and bring my mother back for a purchase later if I was lucky

From: Nancy Swing (WI 1961)

That’s the arcade that went uphill from Main Street.  When I got off the bus from Stealey, I often walked up that way.  It was a protection from bad weather. And besides, there were often interesting things to see inside.  Wasn’t there a record company there? One where you could go and play the record before you bought it? And a shoe-shine place. Or am I misremembering — again?

LIST OF ARCADE BUSINESSES IN THE 1942 PHONE BOOK

Thanks to Eugene Jaumont (Victory 1954)

From:Bob Teter (WI 1960)

Looks to me to be the Arcade between Main St. and Washington Avenue, taken looking toward Main St.  Seems there was a fire that destroyed the building and when they rebuilt it became JC Penney perhaps?  Actually I do not remember any of the stores in the Arcade, but do remember using it as a shortcut from WI to Hagan’s Ice Cream place.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The trivia picture in the August newsletter is none other than the ARCADE, that most people used to get from WI to Main Street and Hagen's Ice Cream!  I know that there were a lot of "strip mall (now-a-days)" types of stores along the walkway, but the only one that I remember was a barber shop.  If memory serves me correctly, it burned down at some point.

Picture above is the Arcade as we remember it.  We remember it being like a shopping center.  There were lots of small shops on both side of the walkway.

From: Wayne White (WI 1960)

This is the Arcade on Main Street. The Arcade Building was quite an interesting place to shop.  Maybe thought of as the 1940s and 1950s answer to today’s sheltered shopping malls  This arcade had several shops Mums Olean’s mother had a shoe store;  Jack Hore had a cleaners at the top of the arcade on Washington Ave end; Bokey’s Alternation shop;  Burton’s Typewriters; R.M Lawson Typewriter’s; Drexal’s  Music Store and numerous others.  The Arcade was destroyed by fire in 1957. 

The building was replaced by J.C.Penny’s and then later The Hope Gas Company had offices there.

From: Charles Ferrell (WI 1946)

The photo is the Arcade Building on Main Street, down hill from WI.  I often went thru it to catch a bus to Stealey or go to my dad's service station on Monticello Ave.  One time a WI student (NUT FIRST CLASS) tossed a rocket device onto the floor of the building.  This device consisted of strike any where match heads between two bolts held together by a nut.  The concussion propelled the top bolt in a vertical direction thru the glass dome of the Arcade.  One time a student placed marbles in the ventilation duct on the top floor of the WI building they rolled by gravity to the lower level creating noise on all floors.  One other time in which marbles were used in school was at Morgan School in Stealey.  We had a nest of skunks under the outside fifth grade classroom.  One of our students used his trusty sling shot to hit mamma skunk under the building.  We had no class for a week!

  

NOTE:  Perhaps you have a story about marbles…..won’t you write and tell us the story….I guess marbles are often used for things other than to play Chinese Checkers…Write to Roleta1@aol.com

From:  Mitch Davis (WI 1961)    Now lives in Albany, NY

That's the old Arcade.  I walked through it every day going from my home on Lee Avenue to Towers Grade School and Central Junior High.  On cold days and when it was raining, it was a welcomed short cut.  I believe that Linda Humphries home was across the street on the Washington Avenue side. 

On nice days some of us would instead take the Court Street option and go by the jail and check out the prisoners looking out.  And if we had any money, stop at the news stand by the court house to buy a snack.  It was run by a kind man who was blind.

From: Greg Merrill  (WI 1966) now located in Logan, UT

It looks to me like the shopping arcade that was built between West Main Street and Washington Avenue.  Since I was still in WI, I didn't do a lot of shopping. I went to a barber shop a few times.  Also used it as a short cut coming from WI to get from Washington Avenue to Main Street.  If I remember right, it used to be a Penny's store and I can't remember what happened to it but it was vacant for a while and then torn down and the shopping arcade was built.  I would either catch the bus at the Drug store to the west of the arcade or walk by it and catch the bus in front of the court house.  I would use the court house most of the time because that is where most of the kids caught the bus to the various locations. I lived across from Compton Lane out by Bridgeport Hill, so I either caught the more often bus to Depard or the bus that went to Bridgeport.

From: Cinda Frenzel O’Neill (WI 1966)

The Arcade!!  Loved walking through there especially when it was raining.  I think it burned when I was still in grade school in Towers so I would have been coming down to Main Street after visiting my grandfather who lived near WI. To me that location was never the same.

From: IcedTeaDee (WI 1969)

I say it's the Arcade, which later became JC Penney's.  Here is how my uncle advertised his business and possibly delivered to customers too.

From: Bill May (WI 1963)

It is the Arcade on Main Street.  Just an interesting place.  I think what I remember most about it was that it was a good place to get out of the rain.

From Billie Kittle Fox (WI 1961)

The mystery picture for August is the Arcade Building that use to run from Main Street up to Washington Ave.  It was one of my favorite places in the world when I was growing up.  It had the BEST record store in town and also a second hand store where I purchased my very first pair of roller skates.

From: Anita Bartlett White

The picture was of the Arcade, a much traveled thoroughfare for WI students going to and from school, particularly on rainy days.

From Mary Jean Todd (Victory 1954) and husband Phil Williams

It looks like the Arcade before it burned.  I never worked there, but I did work in the building that replaced it,  J.C.Penney.  My name is Phil Williams, my wife is Mary Jean Todd (Victory 1954).  We left Clarksburg in 1965 after I was transferred to Lebanon ,Pa.  Mary was born in Wilsonburg and I'm from the Southern part of the state, but Clarksburg will always be our hometown.

From: John Iaconis (WIHS 1959)

The picture is the Arcade.  The Arcade went from Washington Avenue to Main Street.   There were about 20 stores in the Arcade.  There was  wide selection of stores.  The Arcade caught fire in October 1957.Fire and smoke moved across the tops of the stores.  The store tops were not sealed.  The skylight remained in place.  The Arcade was not reduced to a charred mass.  The fire department fought the fire with hoses from Main Street and the tops of the adjacent buildings.

When I was little, we lived above our grocery store just around the corner.  I used to play in the Arcade.  I would roll marbles and toy cars down the slanting surface.

From: James Selario   (WIHS 1967)

I believe that the mystery picture for August is the Clarksburg Arcade Building.  It burned in the late 1950's and was replaced by the J. C. Penney Store.  The only thing I remember about the Arcade is that when I was in 3rd grade at St. Mary's Grade School I started taking piano lessons.  My piano teacher (Mrs. Ruby Scott) lived on Washington Avenue right across the street from the back of the Arcade.  My older sister who took piano and voice lessons from Mrs. Scott took me to my first lesson so that I would know how to get there because after my first lesson I would be going there by myself after school.  We walked from Main Street through the Arcade.

By the time that my second lesson came around the Arcade had burned and I had to find another way to get there.  I walked up Court Street between the Court House and the Goff Building.  I have no recollection of the stores that were in the Arcade.

From: Bob Kramer (WI 1965)

This is the old Arcade, where Penny’s later sat.  There was a bakery on the Main St side

From John Cooper (WI 1951)

Another great WI newsletter... Mystery picture has to be the Arcade destroyed by fire eventually,  J.C. Penny built there and later Hope Gas company moved in.  There was a bakery and a barber shop and Drexel Music Store in the Arcade.  I still have many of the 78rpm records I bought there and I was so very careful to get them home without breaking them.  I also remember they sold records in the basement of  G.C. Murphy 5 and dime store on Main Street.  Who remembers the dyed-colored chicks sold back in the back of the basement of Murphy's for Easter?  Later they were banned from selling them.  I bought them for my kids

FYI--They have finished core drillings of the Robinson Grand basement.  The City does expect to make some changes ,etc. to the bldg. and hope to have it ready for patrons soon in the months ahead.

From: Patty Rogers Hood (WI 1950)

This is the old arcade building that we used as a short cut from Lee Ave. to Main St.  It's a shame it wasn't rebuilt after the fire, because it was truly a unique building.  JC Penney built a store there before moving to the mall.

From: Bob Twigg (WI 1955)

That picture was of the Arcade off Main St. in Clarksburg.   It was destroyed by fire around the late 50's or early 60's.  It was an early shopping mall.  I drove my 36 Ford through it a couple of times.

From: Ron Prince  (Victory HS 1960)

That was the arcade that ran from Main St to Washington  Had lots of stores.  I remember a music shop where I could buy 45 records 

From: Jerry Winerman (WI 1957)

I finally recognized one.  It’s obviously ye ole Arcade.  My Dad’s business was on 3rd Street and I lived near WI, so I passed through it almost daily, especially also, going to grade school at Towers and junior hi at Central.

Really sorry I didn’t know about Miss Israel when I last was in Clarksburg.  Roleta, really 16 years? Congratulations for getting many of us together and keeping us there.

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (Wi 1956)

The mystery picture this month is of the Arcade.  It was located approximately across from Fourth Street, but a little to the east.  It fronted on Main Street and on the upper level came out on Washington Avenue.  I remember that on the very coldest of winter mornings when walking to WI from the bus stop on Pike Street, one could get a bit of respite from the biting wind by going through the Arcade instead of the street.  There was a typewriter store where a machine could be purchased or repaired.  I dearly wish I could remember what all was in there.  Someone opened a clothing store especially for teen aged girls and I loved that store.  There was a purple velvet jumper with a white blouse with purple polka dots to match that I desperately wanted.  For some reason my mother didn't think it looked good on me.  She said it made my skin look too yellow. At the age of 77 I am still sad that I didn't get to have that jumper.  My mother told me late in her life that depriving me of that outfit was one of her deep regrets.  Isn't it strange some of the things we remember?

From: Brooke Beall (NDHS 1958)

Another GREAT Newsletter.  I think the August Mystery Picture is too easy, at least for those of us that grew up on “The Hill”.  I walked through the Arcade twice a day when I was in school at St. Mary’s and Notre Dame.  It was great on rain and snow days, but did not like Wednesday when the bakery at the top end baked their salt rising bread, it smelled terrible.  Learned later as a young adult that it tasted a lot better than it smelled baking.  Thanks again for another great Newsletter.

From: Terry Shorr (1958 WI/Elkins HS)

That is "The Arcade" which most of us walked through to and from classes at WI.  Though I can't quickly recall specific memories of establishments therein, every time I drive on Main Street by its location it comes to mind - as recently as two days ago.

From: Don Sager  (WI1956)

This is a photo of The Arcade shown from Washington Ave toward W. Main St.  The first thought that comes to mind is the SMELL of Salt-rising bread from the bakery.  I’m sure this is the reason I have NEVER tasted the bread.  I’m not sure they even bake this type of bread anymore.  There were various businesses on each side.  I remember hanging around the Record Store. Since we rode City Lines busses from Broad Oaks to WI, I spent a great deal of time walking the Arcade.  Plus I had at least one steady girlfriend (RER) who lived on the Hill.  So what can I add to the story.  Doing some quick math between Parade Days, CJHS, WI, girlfriends, walking to Hite Field and just playing on the Hill with friends, I figure that I spent 300-325 hours of time in the Arcade.  I was gone from Clarksburg when it burnt up or down, whatever.

From: Mary Elizabeh Weaver Johnson (WI 1960)

I believe the picture for September is the arcade which was in the middle of the shopping area on Main Street.  I remember when it burned but more importantly, I remember the shops that were there.  I enjoyed shopping in many of them.  It was so much fun to see the snow which would blow into the Arcade.  It was always a short cut up the hill.  And it was a nice place to wait out the rain storms.  Thanks, again, for a great newsletter.

From: David Lawrence Kinney (WI 1951)

The picture has to be the old Arcade that ran from Main St. up to Washington Ave.  While attending WI, I walked through it going to and coming from school.  The only store I remember was the Sonotone store. I forget what they sold.

From: Billie Anne (Cork) Clevenger (WI 1952)

The Mystery Picture is of the old "Arcade Building" , which was removed many moons ago, but still is intact in the memories of many of we W.I. grads who traveled  through it daily during our school days.  It stretched from Main Street to Washington Avenue in Clarksburg  beneath it’s arched ceiling, were several local businesses, including a bakery and a dry cleaning establishment.  On a certain day of the week a very pungent odor wafted through its corridor,  when the bakery was producing its "salt rising" bread, which smelled so awful that I would walk around the block to avoid it!  I was told that many people loved the taste of that bread, but I could not imagine that, if it tasted anything like it smelled!

From: Kitty Wells Ray, (WI 1963)

This is the Arcade, which connected Washington Avenue and West Main Street.  This picture is taken from the Washington Avenue end, looking down toward Main Street.  Since I lived on South Seventh Street, above WI, and attended Towers Grade School and Central Junior High, I often walked up or down through the Arcade...especially when it was raining.  Another route was Court Street…… sometimes through the Court House …… where the smell of coffee from the jail was overwhelming!

I don't know what year the Arcade burned and was demolished, but by the time I graduated from WI in 1963, J.C. Penney was located there.

From: LaDonna Davie (RW 1956)

The mystery picture is the Arcade Building on Main St.  The trick was to drive thru in your car and not get caught.  Every year someone had to try this.

LIST OF BUSINESSES IN THE ARCADE

AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE IN 1957

ROLETA’S NOTE:  Doesn’t it seem as though the Arcade had always been there?  It was only 34 years old at the time of the fire.

This list below and picture was furnished to us by Tim Cork (WI 1962)

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE FIRE?

EDITOR’S NOTE: In July 2006 Fred Layman wrote:

J.C. Penny went in after the Arcade burned down  The second level from Washington Avenue only extended about one fourth of the way out.  To the right of the back entrance which contained the offices was a receiving station for freight and also a pick up service for customers.  The J.C. Penny Store moved to the Meadowbrook Mall in 1981.  For awhile Mitzi Lane Dance Studio leased the building.  Later CNG Transmission (Gas Company) bought the building.  After they left in a few years the late Thomas (Tom) Keeley, former county commissioner and ABC Liquor Commissioner bought the building.  After his death on November 19, 2003 he left the property to his immediate family. It is now leased to a government agency.

September 13

Many families in the United States observe National Grandparents Day on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day. This day honors grandparents.

Many people honor their grandparents through a range of activities such as gift-giving, card-giving, and for children to invite their grandparents to school for a day where they participate in special lessons or special assembly programs. Many school students take part in story-telling activities that relate to their grandparents, as well as art or poster competitions where children often use a story about their grandparents in their artwork.

About four million greeting cards are sent within the United States each year on National Grandparents Day. This day is also an opportunity for people to appreciate and express their love to their grandparents through kind actions such as making a phone call or inviting their grandparents for dinner. People living in retirement villages or nursing homes may receive a visit from their grandchildren or loved ones on this day.

 

National Grandparents Day has more than one origin. Some people consider it to have been first proposed by Michael Goldgar in the 1970s after he visited his aunt in an Atlanta nursing home, Spending $11,000 of his own money in lobbying efforts to have the day officially recognized, he made 17 trips to Washington DC over a seven-year span to meet with legislators.

Others consider Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia, to have been the main driver for the day of observance. Throughout the 1970s McQuade worked hard to educate the people about the important contributions senior citizens made and the contributions that they would be willing to make if asked. She also urged people to adopt a grandparent, not for one day a year and not for material giving, but for a lifetime of experience.

In any event, National Grandparents Day was finally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Marian McQuade received a phone call from the White House to advise her of this event. Many people believe that National Grandparents Day was inspired by her efforts. A presidential proclamation on September 6, 1979, made this day official – it designated Sunday, September 9, 1979, (being the “first Sunday of September following Labor Day”) as National Grandparents Day.

Each year the President is requested to issue a proclamation to: designate the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day; and to call on people, groups and organizations to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

The official song of National Grandparents Day 

“A Song for Grandma And Grandpa” by Johnny Prill
Click on the photo above to enjoy the song!

The official flower for the day is the “forget-me-not” flower.

WE WROTE LETTERS

From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko   (WI 1940)

I have been going through things that I have kept for years and came across a letter from my brother. He addressed it to my son and put the street address and then instead of writing "Clarksburg", he put "City"!!! Now imagine doing that today!! Our mail goes out of the state to be sorted, then is sent back to the post office here to be delivered and the Postmaster General thinks that is saving money.. I wouldn't want to run my household that way. Thought some of these younger readers would be interested in knowing there was a less complicated way to live some years ago.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Remember people doing that?    Did you ever address an envelope and just write City instead of Clarksburg on the envelope?  Do you think it would still be possible to do that?  When do you think this was acceptable?

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com – (you could write me a letter but you can also email me! )

THE 50th REUNION

WI CLASS OF 1965

Those pictured are:

Front row: Bobby Fowler, Bobby Wagner, Ralph Sturms,

Second row: Nancy (Radcliff) Fowler, Judy (Martino) Gray, Patty (Williams) Gonzalez, Marsha (Golden) Caplinger, Pam (Lough) Gross, Donna (Hollandsworth) Williamson, Pam (Wine) Harris, Brenda (Haslebacher) Chapman, Joyce (Elder) Griffin, Kristine (Fansler) Stanton, Sherry (Stout) Winter,

Third row: Tom Garrett, Tom Stealey, Frank (Tyke) Martino, Jimmy Griffin, Patty (Thorn) Howell, Carolyn (Palmer) Layman, Joyce (White) Wyatt, Pam ‘Susie’ (McWilliams) Maxon, Marilyn (Lightner) Kittle, Margaret (Cleavenger) McIntyre, Rose (Bosley) McGee, Keith Nixon, Patty (Dofflemyer) Nixon, Hilda (Logston) Kerns, Carol (Gottlieb) Rovinsky, John McCuskey, Hood, Sharon, Rocky Axton, Homer ‘Bud’ Burnett,

Fourth row: Mike Burdiss, Bill Quinn, Chuck Paugh, Susie (Wysong) Sutton, Sandy (Harrison) Lebrun-Evan, Lisla (White) Damoulos, Marjorie (Glass) Lewis, Bryan McIntyre, Richard George, Charles Washington, Rockey Zannino, Frank Sipko, Bill Brookover, Caroline (Hornor) Ramsey, Rita (Cox) Muckala,

Back row: Tim Wagner, Tony Marchio, Dennis Logue, Debbie (Powell) Feehan, Sheryl (Pinnell) Suplee, Nancy (Long) Kittredge, Bob Lees, Kent Thrush, Joe VanVoorhis, Ernie Fragale, Richard McClain, Denzel Clark, David Ridenour, David McCue, Bobby Kramer, Bev (Rumble) Kramer, Lindy Bennett. 

Not pictured Saturday: Betsie (Gribble) Demarais, Janice (Hall) McPherson 

Not pictured attended Friday: Tom Bennett, Jim Freeman, Myra (Hanger) Moon, Dave Lunsford, Barbara (Oliveto) Joyce, Hal ‘Drew’ Tate, John Tiano.

THE SEPTEMBER TRIVIA QUESTION

From: Ron Harvey (WI-55)

Write your answers to Roleta1@aol.com.  Only correct answers will be published.  Try to guess!  Don’t forget to sign your name, school and year of graduation.

NBC/ABC begins broadcasting:

The date was ________.

The owner was _______.

The news director was ______.

Did you have a TV then?

Tell us about it and how well it worked?

A MOMENT OF THANKS

STOP!  Just for a minute stop what you are doing.  I want you to do this for yourself and for us.

SIT quietly for just a moment.

THINK for a moment, is there one person in your past or present who you would like to THANK for something that person has done.  Maybe to help you, to influence you, to entertain you, a person who has been thoughtful, helpful, kind or healed you.  Or a person who has gone a few steps further for others…..

WRITE to Roleta1@aol.com and tell us the reason that you would like to thank them.

THANK YOU

From: Becky Stalnaker Fowler (WI 1960)

I would like to thank my first grade teacher Miss CHESTNUT at Morgan Grade School. I was a bit shy being an only child at the time leaving Mother and Me maws but she gave me confidence I needed. I would like to add to that Mrs Malone, Mrs. Micheaux and Miss Matthews who took us on a trip to Japan and invited the whole class to her house for presentations. These women prepared me for middle school at Central and made valued friendships that I value even today and through W. I. I. Loved living in Stealey and growing up there.

ROLETA’S NOTE: This is exactly what I am talking about.

Is there someone in the present or the past that has done something for you that you wish you had thanked? NOW IS THE TIME.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

From Anita Bartlett White

Interested in Broad Oaks news.  My late husband, Carl White, and I both grew up in Broad Oaks and had some great times with all our friends at Alta Vista, Dairy Bar, etc.  Carl and I are both in pictures from Alta Vista but did not know each other at that time.  Growing up in Broad Oaks was wonderful.

I have a cousin, Betsy Bartlett Davis, who graduated from WI in 1940 and will be 93 on Aug.3.  She became a dental hygienist following high school and is still practicing her profession in Arizona.  I think that is such an awesome story.  She is a member of the Bartlett family from Stealey and later, Buchannon Pike.  I had another cousin graduate that year also, Julia Young Lawson, who now lives in Florida.  Both ladies are still actively Involved in the music department of their respective churches.  Both were members of “The Madrigals” while in Clarksburg.  I doubt many will remember but an interesting note about some of our older grads.   

ROLETA’S NOTE:  I don’t seem to have an email address for her?

From: Thomas C. Martin (St. Mary’s High School 1948)

Greetings Roleta1. My name is Thomas Martin and I have had a conversation with Mr. Jaumot in which he said that you publish a Washington Irving High School newsletter and I would appreciate it if you could include me on your mailing list. I am a St. Mary’s High graduate of 1948, lived in the Broad Oaks area and had many friends who attended WI. After high school I served four years in the US Navy during the Korean War. In 1969 I purchased a printing company which was named Martin Printing Company and was located in the Bus Terminal Building in Clarksburg, from which I retired in 1996. I have contributed many old-time pictures of Clarksburg to the Exponent-Telegram during the past couple of years. My email address is tmartin1@ma.rr.com.  Also, Mr. Jaumot said to inform you that he believes the Arcade Building was constructed in late 1922 and 1923. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Thomas C. Martin

From: Charles Ferrell (WI 1946)

I think that the first PIZZA that I ate was at an Italian Restaurant during World War II.  Brooks Robinson, George Swisher and I often went there.  During WWII there was a shortage of everything including meat.  Someone started a rumor that they were using stray cats in their spaghetti and meatballs.  During our meal George screamed, "MEOW", like a wounded cat and we almost got thrown out of the restaurant full of high school students.  Brooks, George and I were from Stealey and were in different classes at WI.

Dad's gas station was across the street from the A&P Store on Monticello Ave. One time the manager told my dad that two women got into a fight over a bunch of bananas. At dads’ station we had gasoline ration stamps which limited driving for civilian activities.

So much for a little forgotten history of World War II.

From Jim Hovey  (WI 1962)

The “guess it” picture is the Arcade – the forerunner of Malls.  Drexels Music was in there – where we bought our 45’s (records not firearms).

The “Holler” you are referring to was probably the Pitcairn Holler between Chestnut Hills and Nutter Fort.  There was a mine there along with company houses and at one time, a company store.  Kids from there went to Chestnut Hills (Monticello) Grade School.  Joe Mormano wore three pairs of jeans to school because he got paddled almost every day. 

My 1^st pizza was from Romano’s two doors toward the post office from Sanitary Lunch.  Undoubtedly, the best pizza I ever had. 

Thanks again for the newsletter.  You do a wonderful service for us disassociated old folks.

From: Barbara Paugh Patton (WI 1961)

I am looking for a picture of Kroger's when it was across the street from the Moose Club.  They use to have 50 to 100 pounds

of potatoes and onions on the outside of the store. Women use to get the sacks and make clothing out of them.  Some even made Halloween costumes to make one look like scare crow. It was pretty cool.  I remember they had cloth bags and people made children’s clothes where made out of them. When Krogers moved we shopped at the A&P when it was located down by Main and Monticello Ave.

I do not know anyone who worked there or even has a  picture of it.

From: Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke (WI 1955)

Dear Roleta,

Thank you again for a wonderful Newsletter!  It, as usual, brought back some memories:

1.The mystery picture is of the Arcade.  I don't remember it having a more formal name.  We used to skip down the middle of it.  Who could forget the bakery at the top & the wonderful smell of salt rising bread!  My favorite!!  There was a shoe shop, a music store and all kinds of shops in it.  There was some kind of tile on the floor that made the Arcade somewhat different.

2.I think I went to the circus with my first husband, Hugh Johnson Jr. once and we played all kinds of games which naturally we lost or received smaller prizes.  The circus I remember most was held at the Carmichael Auditorium.  All the high wire acts and trapeze artists, I remember well.  And they had elephants, tigers, etc.  Where I was raised in Bridgeport, we looked forward to the fair always held by the fireman, so we had no need for carnivals.........

3.I feel so bad to hear of Suzanne Hanifan's  death.  I was her first baby sitter when she was just weeks old and her parents, Dr. & Mrs. Hanifan went to the Bowl game in New Orleans to see WVU play.  I watched her for many times that year.  She had a bad case of Roseola when she was about two and almost died then.  Her Grandfather was my minister at First Methodist Church and her Aunt Betty Kay was one of my best friends.

4.About Fords, my Dad and brothers always had them and worked on them as mechanics.  Always certified by Ford.  Lincolns, Fords, Mercurys, and my first car that I bought was a Maverick here in AZ.  It was a good little car and when I outgrew it, my one son fixed it up for his use.  In 1957, Hugh bought a 1956 Packard Patrician for $5,000.00  and we could have had two Fords at the time.  Wow, how times have changed!

5.The Gore Hotel, well I do have memories of that.  My Sister-in-law, Berta, was a private nurse for Governor Gore and she and Bob lived at the hotel.  When my parents separated, my Mom, brother Bill and I lived at that hotel with Bob and Berta for awhile.  I loved it at the time and didn't know any better.  I caught the bus to Bridgeport to finish my grade school there until we moved to an apartment.  Gore Hotel was a fascinating place for a child of 10 years old.

6.I don't remember eating pizza until we lived in OH and we ate at an Italian restaurant where I obtained the cook book that I still use today.  I made pizzas from scratch & also, raviolis and lasagna.  I had grown up with my Mom's spaghetti sauce that she made from Minards recipe.  In OH, my children knew Italian cooking was what I did.  I, also, would make small pepperoni rolls and canned Pizza peppers.  Until, I moved to AZ,  I thought all my cooking was southern, Italian and Hungarian style.  Then I discovered Mexican and Chinese!!  So many different dishes and recipes.  I have a bookcase filled with recipe books and still delight in finding different recipes to try!

Well, I guess that's all for now, Roleta!  I have to get busy on my quilt square for the Scholarship quilt and when finished I will send you a picture.  All the squares look so pretty and it will be a wonderful happy quilt, as usual.  Maybe this time I will be lucky and win it.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

I have three memories of Ritzy Lunch.

1. "Back in the Day" I used to run around with one of the Selario brothers (cannot remember if it was Anthony or Johnny), but we used to go into the back of the restaurant into the storage area and play. Whenever we got thirsty, we would open one of the HOT sodas and take a few swigs to quench our thirst.  Today, I would probably never drink a warm soda.

2. "Back in 1996" my family was cleaning out my Uncle Harry Lang's house after his passing, and when it came time for lunch, my 80-year old (at that time) mother said that she would go get lunch for all of us. YEH, YOU GUESSED IT - she came back with a DOZEN RITZY LUNCH HOTDOGS, which seemed a little excessive for 5 people, but they were ALL eaten.

3.. Back to the here and now, I usually go to Ritzy Lunch whenever I go into Clarksburg to get my "hotdog" fix for lunch, before going to Twin Oaks for dinner for my "hoagie" fix.

From John Cooper (WI 1950)

I just rolled in from Morgantown, and boy, are my ribs sore..!  Yeah-just full of them....oh yeah...one day at a time....! hahahaha  Just keep the newsletter going..a great  job.  I don't see many other 1950's grads in here.  Too bad,..not many of us left it seems.  The photos of early Clarksburg being sent to you by others are just great stuff !

From: Jerry Winerman  (WI 1957)

I have to comment on the gross inaccuracy in Mr. Maxwell’s obituary. To confuse the University of Southern California (USC) with UCLA is like calling WVU, Pitt.

These schools are arch rivals 15 miles apart. I proudly went to UCLA and my third favorite school after WVU is anyone playing against USC.

ROLETA’S NOTE ABOUT OBITUARIES: Thank you Jerry for writing.  Correction noted, but to let you know, we didn’t write the obituaries.  My policy is that I do not research obituaries as I might miss someone.  So if people send them, I will usually print them.  Fran Barrett (WI 1950) has done a wonderful job over the years of sending me a lot of obits about people who attended Clarksburg Schools.   Other obits come from those who care enough about the person named.  I do often edit to shorten the obit but I try to leave in the important things about the person so those who recognize the name will know of the passing.

From Jennifer Barker Dippel (Would have been WI in 1971)

Roleta you do an incredible job!   Thank you for including my note last month. I was excited to hear from Sharon (used to be Cottrill) and Jody (used to be Buffington).   

As I said my childhood in WV was the best!

I remember Hagen’s, the movie theater and of course pepperoni rolls!

ROLETA’S NOTE: Jennifer would like to have a subject discussed:

What makes you realize fall is here?

She says she recalls “sweater weather” and dusk coming all too fast. She also remembers the wood burning smell.   And she said she has   never seen lovelier fall leaves.

Happy September   Write your memories of fall to: Roleta1@aol.com

THE 2016 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

We will begin selling tickets for the quilt in December.  I have not heard from anyone who is willing to help me take care of the tickets.  I will help and I need 2 more people to help.  You do not have to attend the picnic on March 12, 2016 when the winning number is drawn.  If you are willing to be a helper, please contact Roleta1@aol.com   Thank you

The WIN Scholarship quilters are busy making their squares.  Sue Selby Moasts said that the name of the Quilt this year will be “The Mandala Quilt”.  If you search online for Mandala you will get some good info about them.

Below is a square made by Ann B Pushkin and the name of the design is “Joyce's Star”  

Below is a square which was made by Barbara Charles

TICKET SALES UPDATE

I will start taking orders for ticket sales in December.  I would like to have some volunteers to take care of the listing of the tickets.  No tickets are mailed to purchasers, the ticket number is recorded and the ticket is put in a bag until the drawing of the winning ticket will be done at the March 12, 2016 Clarksburg Annual Sarasota Reunion.  

If you can help me, please get in touch.  Roleta1@aol.com.

IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP NOW

This month if you wish to send a gift to the scholarship - Make your check payable to Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship and mail to me at:

Roleta Meredith

3025 Switzer Ave

Columbus, Ohio 43219

Gloria Dolan Davis (WI 1960) gtd1960@gmail.com

Chris Kouklis (WI 1977) chriskouklis@gmail.com

Jennifer Dippel (WI 1971) jenbd1@aol.com

Patricia “Pat” Hoblitzell,  (WI 1962) pchobz@hotmail.com

Thomas Martin (St. Mary’s High School 1948) tmartin1@ma.rr.com

Dick Duez (Notre Dame 1962) dick.do@frontier.com

CHANGE

Nancy Mayer Capilla (WI 1959) rcapilla2@tampabay.rr.com

Ladonna Emerick Davis (RW 1956) ladonnadavis383@gmail.com

David Lawrence Kinney (WI 1951) old djkinney@verizon.net to djkinney90@gmail.com

Barbara Boreman (WI 1955) Changed email address to ladylake1936@gmail.

Larry Taylor (WI 1972) larrydottaylor@gmail.com

Ladonna Emerick Davis (RW 1956) ladonnadavis383@gmail.com

In the August Newsletter, I asked for predictions for the WVU football team's record this fall.  Following are the responses I received.  As promised, after the season, I'll publish the name of the person who came closest to guessing the actual record and a prize will be awarded to them.

To Bill:

WVU will be 6 and 6 and the coach will be gone! Fun teams to watch, but they need to win and be in the top 20.

Bob Swiger, (WI 1961)

To Bill:

I say the WVU football record for 2015 will be 6 wins and 6 losses.

Stu Cashman, (LaSalle HS, Niagara Falls, NY 1956)

To Old Sports Guy (aka Bill):

This old alum now takes a “show me" position towards the Dana Holgorson show.  The new mantra is "Eight or Out"   Quit paying him $10,000 per day if he can't deliver at least eight wins this season.  Goodbye, so long, hit the road--deal us another set of cards Mr.WVU athletic director.  Luck canned Bill Stewart after delivering  9-3 seasons and his overall record was one of WVU's best. Holgorsen's is one of WVU's worst.  If he gets eight wins, keep him another year and then decide.

Prediction: Same record as last year, sure hope I'm wrong! (That would be 7--5)

Mike Snyder, (WVU alum, WI 1957)

To Bill:

Between the obvious depth of the Mountaineers, particularly on defense, and Jed Drenning's analysis of Skyler Howard, I am confident WVU will win eight games.  Having a hunch that the receiving corps will develop a couple of standouts to complement Shelton Gibson and Jordan Thompson, I will bump my projected number of wins to nine.

Another gut feeling is we will draw another favored opponent in a New Year's bowl.  Finally I expect we win that bowl game.  After Shannon Dawson, now at Kentucky, bad mouthed the defense at "the place I came from" and then stated that Lexington was a bigger city than Morgantown and "a nicer city,"  I hope Kentucky has a stellar season, we draw them in the bowl - and CLEMSONIZE them!

Terry Shorr,  (WI/Elkins 1958)

To Bill:

I haven't been able to feel confident about the upcoming season.   Even trying to recollect what the team even looked like last year is difficult.  The quarterback situation is the key.  And it looks like we are only planning on focusing on Howard, although I did read today that Crest will only play at QB.  So I will guess that we have a 7-5 winning record.  And depending what this record brings to Holgs tenure will be the key to whether we win or lose a Bowl Game.  I will go out on the limb for a loss and the end of the Air Raid.

Don Sager,  (WI 1956)

To Bill:

I am hoping for a 7 and 5 and would be happy with that.

Bud Collins, WI 1955

To Bill:

(Prediction) 4 and 7 – no bowl.  We are just not ready for the Big Boys of the Big 12 and those home games against the conference leaders last year are away games this year.  Tough year.  Another mediocre season. Bring back Rich Rod.

Jim Hovey, WI 1962

To Bill:

I predict a 7 and 5 season this year, but with some good potential players for next year.  The first game will not be a slam dunk.

Bernie Cohen, W I 1956

...ON A VERY WEAK LIMB

When Oliver Luck hired Dana Holgorsen as the "Coach-In-Waiting", I was somewhat excited.  I loved Bill Stewart as a person and everyone knew he loved the state and university, as only a native son could.  But, I thought there was no way he could take my Mountaineers to the top of the college football world.  I didn't know whether Holgorsen could do it either, but I was willing to give him a try.

Well, it has been four seasons and the result is a 28--23 record.  I'm sorry, but that isn't good enough to suit me or most other fans.  Without the 10--3 season his first year, with Stewart's recruits (As one sportswriter points out again and again), the record would be a very poor 18--20.

Now it is time to focus on 2015.  There is a new quarterback and some new receivers and offensive linemen.  The defense is supposedly loaded and the kicking game is solid.  The running backs are also experienced.  That leaves the special teams and who knows what that will bring.

As most of the above predictions state, this looks a lot like another so--so season.  Maybe seven wins at the most or it could be worse than that.  A 6--6 record would be the safe pick.  But on the golf course, when facing a difficult shot, my favorite expression is, "The Lord hates a coward".  Then , I proceed to try an impossible shot, which is usually unsuccessful, I might add.  But, once in a blue moon, I pull off a beauty and salvage a par.  This 2015 season is just like that---it is time to pull out all of the stops.  One more mediocre record and I fully believe Dana Holgorsen will be gone.  I've always believed that a new athletic director has no loyalty to a coach he (or she) didn't hire.  Shane Lyons did not hire Dana Holgorsen.  Also, Shane Lyons is from Parkersburg, WV and will listen to fan outrage.

Based on all of the above, my thought is that both the coach and the team know the situation.  The team must play above their ability to save the coach's job and I think they just might do it.  I see them winning the first three at home, then losing at Oklahoma in a close one.  I think they will run the table from there on in, except for a loss to either TCU or Baylor on the road.  That would be a 10--2 record, which would make for a very happy state and fan base.  A win in a major bowl will top off a fine season.

Am I dreaming?  Sure, I am, but it is time to stop the pain.  What worries me most is a slipup in one of the first three games.  If we get by them, we have a shot.  Finally, look for Wendell Smallwood to be the breakout player for this team.  He is on the verge of greatness and here's hoping this is his time.

If my guess is really far off, I hope each of you will write to me to tell me how little I know about college football.  That should make for an interesting sports section in future months.  Thanks to everyone who sent a prediction.  Now, let's watch some football !!!!!

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

IN THE AUGUST NEWSLETTER

NUMBER ONE

NUMBER TWO

NUMBER THREE

NUMBER FOUR

NUMBER FIVE

NUMBER SIX

NUMBER SEVEN

All the pictures were of people who graduated from WI in 1961.  I really thought more people would recognize these people.  1961 isn’t really that long ago is it?  But apparently most of the graduates from that class did not recognize these people.  Sorry !  But here are the answers from the ones who wrote:

From: Billie (Kittle)Fox (WI 1961)

I think picture number one is Mike King and Gary Dawson.  Gary lives in Sun City West here in Arizona, I usually see him a couple times a year.

Picture number two I believe is Joyce Quinn but can't place the other person.

Picture number four is Ann Shelbaer

Five and six both have Sara Gervella in, but not sure about the other girls.

From: Mitch Davis (WI 1961)

Picture number one is Mike King and Gary Dawson.

From: John Edmund Stealey III,(WI 1959)

Not only can I identify the person, I believe that I can give the place the photograph (Number 4) was taken.  The young lady is Ann Shelbaer (WI, 1961) the place was at the lower end of the bridge on Hartland Avenue.  Ann lived in a house by the bridge uphill and across the street from the site of the picture.  Perhaps I have an unfair advantage in identifying her as she is a third cousin, sharing a great-great grandfather and great-great grandmother, Edmund Kerns Stealey and Mary Ann Steel Stealey Baker.  Put another way our great grandfathers were brothers, John Edmund and Andrew Lydia. I grew up at the bottom of Harland Avenue on Verdun St.

John Teter (WI 1961) provided the names of all pictured:

Identification of the pictures.

Pictures as they appeared in the newsletter.

1. Mike King on the left Gary Dawson on the right

2. Joyce GUINN Elbon on the left Ann RUCK on the right

3. Ann RUCK

4. Ann SHELBAER Ammons

5. Charlene ROLLAND Leon on the left Sarah GERVELLA Frush in the middle Barbara "somebody" on the right

6. Sarah GERVELLA Frush on the left Barbara "somebody" on the right

7. The picture is SUE RUDD on the shoulders of CONNIE LEASEBURG.

IN THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

From: Jalon Smith Burton (Newsletter Publisher)

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh……. I am sneaking this photo in as a September ‘MYSTERY PEOPLE’ photo. (...guess that's a clue for you, right?)

Do you know… “WHO IS THIS?”

Do you have any Prom Photos that you would like to share?

Send them to Roleta1@aol.com

Isn’t it great walking down Memory Lane each and every month?

FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY REUNION NEWS

From: Tom Crowley, (KG 43 Class of '65)

I am working with Fairmont State University Alumni Director, Emily Swain, and others on our committee - such as Dr. Frank Roman - NDHS-'61 (along with me - '61 grad NDHS)  and we are trying to get all the FSU Grads from 1965 to the 50 year Reunion during FSU's Homecoming Oct. 23-24, 2015. Luncheon and celebration for both days. At the same time, I am trying to get as many Kappa Gamma Theta Xi Fraternity brothers to come to our tailgate Party during game and Reception at the FSU Alumni Center after game.  I know that there are many Clarksburg High School graduates that went to FSU back in the day   Contact me if you have any questions. tfcrowley5@comcast.net.

THIS IS FUNNY...

THIS IS BRILLIANT!

ROLETA’S NOTE:  Thank you Tim.

From: Tim Cork (WI 1962)

Roleta: Thanks to you and the Washington Irving History project, I have had the good fortune of observing the faces of every student and staff member that has walked the halls of Washington Irving High School.

What really got my attention was the fact many of these faces looked like someone else. This was so funny and there were so many, I decided to started a comparison file. Take a look at the attachment and see what I mean.   Look at these pictures and tell me what you think about the job Tim did matching up these folks.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

How did the Carmichael Auditorium get it’s name?  What different things took place there?   Who owned it?  Tell us anything you remember about the Carmichael.  Send me pictures of the outside of the Carmichael and send me any pictures taken inside at events!

WRITE TO: Roleta1@aol.com

WONDER BAR

From Bernie Cohen (WI 1957)

Hey, hope you guys are doing well.  The Wonder Bar has a new owner.  The building was remodeled and it added another room plus a porch.  We were there about 3 months ago, though it looks different, the steaks are still good.  Also, I think Ramon's still has the best spaghetti

From: Gladys Williams (WI 1971)

Still the same restaurant; renovated with new room, downstairs room and outdoor patio; new owners; tried to keep same menu; food is still very good especially the filets.

From: Jim Rogers (WI 1964)

The Wonder Bar was founded in 1946 by John (pieface) Folio.

He sold it 4 years ago to local people.  It used to serve up to 40 people in one dining room.  Now it can serve as many as 150 in 4 dining areas.  There is outdoor dining in two areas as well.  The food is pretty much the same with a very large wine list.

For anybody who has ever been to the Wonder Bar, going back is a must.

From: Ron Prince (Victory 1960)

The building you saw was the Wonder Bar  It was sold last year and the new owner made several renovations.  It still has the red carpet walls the last I heard and I hear the food is still great

From: Terry Shorr  1958 (WI / Elkins)

Don't pass up the chance to dine at the Wonder Bar.  Rebuilt, remodeled, etc.  I ate there earlier in the summer for the first time in probably forty years.  One of the best meals I've had in years.  House Cabernet was excellent.

THE AUGUST TRIVIA QUESTION

What car in 1957 included a Volumatic Radio System which automatically increased the radio volume as the car's speed increased?

Submitted By Ron Harvey (WI 1955)

Thank you again, Ron!

The correct answer is The Ford Thunderbird

The car is a 1957 Thunderbird the cars volume got higher as the speed increased.  It also had a Dial-O-Matic which provided a memory setting for the cars seats and allowed the volume to increase.

From: John Teter (WI, 1961)

Volumatic Signal-Seek Radio was a new Thunderbird option for 1957.  It automatically raised or lowered volume depending on car speed—the ultimate luxury—no more adjusting radio volume at high speeds, then lowering it while stopped!  Two controls searched for the next available station, based on signal strength of strong (Town) or weak (Country).

Sorry I had to use the internet to get the answer to this trivia question, but my "instinct" had me thinking that it would have been the 1957 Chevrolet instead of the T-bird.

From: Fred Heflin  (WI 1953

I meant to write last month when the Wilson Motors picture appeared asking about what signage advertised their Fords.    was surprised that there was no mention in the replies this month about the scrolling sign that moved across the top of the dealer building.  As I recall the building started right at the sidewalk and the used car lot was below (as pictured).  The scrolling sign said "Watch the Fords Go By",  I'd be interested in whether anyone recalls that too.

Write to Fred if you wish to discuss this;  frh147@aol.com

Last month I asked these questions:

Have you ever heard of a section of Clarksburg referred to as "The Holler"?

Have you heard of a Principal at one of the Grade Schools by the name of THRASHER??

…and here is what you had to say:

  THE HOLLER

From Roleta1@aol.com

Where is the Holler?  I have no idea!  I still am not sure.  I have received emails from people saying different things.  I can’t say who is right or wrong.  I think there isn’t a wrong answer.  I know what a holler is, don’t you?  It is when you go down a road and it turns in between two hills and dead ends down in there ….isn’t that a holler”  or hollow?  I didn’t know we had some hollers /hollows around Clarksburg and here we are, finding out about them.  Isn’t this interesting to read about them through this newsletter?  I am always learning things, aren’t you?  FASCINATING….

From Gladys Williamson (WI 1971)

I believe you may be talking about Pit Cairn Hollow.  It was a small mining community next to Chestnut Hills.  The road into the hollow was off of Chestnut Street across from the Water Board.  It was a dirt road.  The children that lived there attended Chestnut Hills Grade School with us.  My grandfather kept his horses where Robert C. Byrd High School is today.  He also had a barn close to Chestnut Hills pool. Rt. 98 now runs all the way through the "hollow" to Nutter Fort.  The road was opened in 1976 the first year I began teaching at Roosevelt Wilson High School. 

From: Sharon Greitzner Dial, (1956)

Yup, I lived right across the street from the "holler.".421 Stealey Avenue and going to Morgan School.  Winter, it was sled ride down to the depths of the " holler.".  Summertime, it was climb the big Buckeye Tree to gather the buckeyes and make necklaces.  In the fall, it was run down the banks of the "holler" and jump in the autumn leaves.  There was a two-story house overlooking the "holler" where my very good friend, Margaret Spicer lived and later, another friend lived there, David Arnett.  The Costlow Family lived on the other side of the "holler."

THE STEALEY HOLLOW

“a mini saga by one who knew it well”

From: Mike Snyder,  (WI 1957)

Listen! Do you hear Tarzan the Ape Man's famous yell?   Naw, that's just some kid from our part of Stealey swinging on a grapevine bellering his head off--circa 1950 in the Hollow.  The "Hollah' was a second home to many of us.  A direct connection to the wild.

Some old maps called it Turkey Pen Lane.  It was a deep, wooded, thicket covered, semi-jungle ravine about 150-200 yards wide that stretched from Duff Street for five blocks down to lower Hart Street and the swinging bridge over the West Fork to Point Comfort. No adults or girls went down in the Hollow--at least I never saw any--but the neighborhood boys escaped parents, teachers and any and all authority there.

We could be Robinson Crusoe, Huck Finn, the Ape Man, or G.I. Joe.  I was usually down there with my pal Sonny Talkington.  We built various forts and some tree platforms which tested our nerve hanging so far off the ground.  Our main fort was dug into a steep bank and lined with limbs and rocks and such.  We had ironwood spears, hard dirt clods and various sized throwing rocks to ward off any attackers--be it Japs or Germans, Indians or cavalry, Rebels or Yankees--in short, any opponents who would dare attack.

We also had bows and arrows, army trench shovels and canteens, scout knives and hatchets.  One of our favorite activities was to climb to the top of a young tree, give the Tarzan yell and have our pals cut the tree down and we got this terrific rush as the tree fell to the ground only partially cushioned by the branches of other trees close by.  Grapevine swings were always popular and kids would travel quite a ways to swing on a good one.

At the head of the Hollow adjacent to Duff Street, the men pitched horseshoes under lights strung above.  And here also, coming down the hill from Morgan School, the daredevils would catch garter snakes bare handed.  I had to force myself to do it, because I didn't want to be called a chicken!  But down in the Hollow it was a kind of no-man's land.  In the summer the foliage was above our heads and since we didn't have machetes, we would have to whack out paths with sticks. We knew these paths by heart and it was our own hideout where no one knew exactly where we were--but we'd better be home by suppertime.

We had the fastest slingshots there were, propelled by these powerful, big rubber bands a half-inch wide given to the neighborhood boys by Mr. Zabeau (he had three girls).  I had a muzzleloader bullet mould of about .36 caliber and cast lead balls from a ladle heated on our kitchen stove.  In short, my slingshot was a semi-lethal device and by shooting it constantly it became super accurate.

One day, I was sneaking stealthily behind the garages at the foot of McDowell Street (my street) and I heard a shout like, "Gotcha," or some such.  Anyway, I whirled around and fired from the hip by instinct up into a garage window a good ways above my head.  I heard this screaming and hollering and knew I had shot Sonny, and that I would be drawn and quartered by Enoch Snyder and the Talkingtons combined.

I hurried around the garage to the open stall, and there on the floor was Walter Jay Talkington, Jr. rolling around and screaming bloody murder.  I had shot his eye out!  Was he going to be blind the rest of his life--some sort of one-eyed Cyclops?  I probably was crying too, for what I had done to my pal and the mega-punishment that loomed darkly in my immediate future.

BUT, REJOICE! Sonny wore glasses and they had saved his eyeball, even though one lens was shot out.  True, the doctor had to dig a tiny glass sliver out of his eye, but Sonny, after wearing an eye patch for a while, came bouncing back as good as new.  As for yours truly, the shootist--with all the travail and concern for Sonny's plight--low and behold, mercifully, I was overlooked in all the hubbub and escaped unscathed.

Sonny is no longer with us, and although I hadn't seen him in years, he was alive and kicking for the Class of '57 fifty year reunion.  As I walked up to the Country Club in the fading summer light, I heard this voice yell out, "That's Mike Snyder, I'd know that walk anywhere!"   And of course, I recognized the voice--it was my old Hollow pal, Sonny Talkington.

ROLETA’S NOTE:  Mike often writes articles which are published in the

“WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA”   magazine.  Thanks, Mike for writing and sharing with us.

WHO WAS MR. THRASHER?

From: Debbie Sayre Stoikowitz  (WI 1969)

I always enjoy reading about my home town.  You ladies do such a great job on helping us remember our home and how much we loved those days.

Mr. Thrasher was my principal at Carlisle Grade School.  He was a very nice man.  Most kids are afraid of their principal but Mr. Thrasher was so good to the kids.  Seemed like he never got upset over all the antics we pulled in those grades.  We didn't have a play ground at Carlisle so we would go to the basement and square dance.  I loved it.

Thank you again for all the great memories and your hard work on the newsletter!

From: Vincent Merendino, (Notre Dame, 1964)

Harvey Thrasher was my grade school principal at Carlilse Grade School in the 1950's.  He also taught the fifth grade when I was there. He was a good teacher and I enjoyed his class.

He was also known to paddle students when needed.  I was sent to his office on occasion for discipline when needed.  We often laughed at the name Thrasher for his ability to paddle us well.

I bumped into him on Main Street in Clarksburg, when I was in college. We had a nice conversation that day.

Brings back good memories of my grade school years.

From: Evelyn Brown Harper (VHS 1962)

Harvey Thrasher was the principal at Carlisle Grade School in Clarksburg and later at Simpson Grade School in Bridgeport.  His daughter, Judy Thrasher Reed, was....and still is....one of my best friends.  Judy was my maid-of-honor at my wedding, and I was matron-of-honor at her wedding.  Harvey was a wonderful, gentle man, with whom our families shared many Christmas Eves and Christmas mornings. 

Pictured above are Joe Malone (WI 1952) and Roleta Meredith.

Picture taken by Bill Meredith

ANNUAL LUNCH

For the last few years when Joe Malone makes his annual trek from California to Lake Floyd, WV, Bill and I meet up with Joe for lunch.  Here is a picture taken in Millersport, Ohio in front of the Hometown Hot Dog Restaurant.  They have a close but not exact replica of WV hot dogs at this restaurant.

When Joe ordered his hot dog, he ordered it with what we in Clarksburg call “all the way”, or “the usual” (hot dog chili, chopped onions and a squiggle of mustard running the length of the top.) then he shocked me by asking for slaw on it!  Maybe he has been away from WV and developed a love for that, but I never thought of people from our area eating slaw on the dog…maybe on the side…but never on it!  I was amazed!  I even mentioned this to him, and told him he must be from below the “Slaw Line” 

Isn’t there a line that runs through about the middle of WV and even maybe cuts up through Elkins, and even further north but it is called the “SLAW LINE”?  People south of the Slaw Line at slaw on their dog.  (see picture below)

What do you say?  Do you eat your hot dog with slaw on it or not?  Write to me with your opinion on this…this could be historical!  Write to Roleta1@aol.com

From: Tim Cork (WI 1962)

Please go to the WI History and see what I am doing.  All you have to do is go to the WI History tab at the top of this newsletter (just under the heading picture) and then click on Washington Irving High School History – a link at the bottom of that page. It will take you to my website and you will find “Introduction to Washington Irving Students who served in WWII".  (It is found right after the yearbook choices). 

It's all there and easy to navigate.  There is even a Bulletin Board button containing additional information about WI Honor Roll of WWII Veterans.

As I receive information and pictures from the readers about these veterans, I will post it

From the response I am getting, this should be a big hit with the WI Newsletter readers.  Everyone has friends or family who went to WI and served in WWII.  It is something to be proud about.  

Send any information you have about a veteran who graduated from WI and served in WWII.  If you have a picture of the person in uniform or even later than their high school graduation picture, I would like to have a copy of it.

We will never forget them and the sacrifices they made for us.

OCTOBER WE WILL SALUTE

SARAH MARGARET ISRAEL

CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

In the October issue of the newsletter, we will have a salute to Miss Israel.  Write and tell me the memories you have of Miss Israel.  Don’t forget to sign your name, school and year of graduation.

Her death came late in the month of July and we didn’t get to pay a tribute to her and her dedication to her students and their education.

Please write your memories to Roleta1@aol.com

From: Billie (Kittle) Fox   (WI 1961)

I don't remember the type of phone in the picture, but I spent a lot of summers with my aunt and uncle in Galloway, WV.  It was a coal mining town.  They had a wall phone with a crank on it.  You picked it up and listened to see if anyone else was on the line. (Listening in on other people's conversations was a great way to hear the latest gossip) Then you cranked the handle to get the operator.  Most of the phone numbers had a name along with them like Robin146.  As far as rotary phones go, my mom had a rotary phone until I was in my 40's or 50's.  The only reason she got a push button phone was because when I was working, I had to call in for conference calls even when I was on vacation.  The call-in system didn't recognize the rotary signal, only the clicks from the push button phones.  I bought her a new one so I could call into work while I was visiting.  When I was a kid, we also had a party line.  It was not unusual for someone else on the party line to pick up the phone and start dialing in your ear because they didn't check to see if anyone was on the line first.  (or if you were talking to your sweetie, there may be a long pause between words while you were day dreaming:)

From: Jackie Evans Cotter (WI 1953)

I do remember our phone # before dial phones.   3034.  Also I remember my grandmother's phone and my grandfather's business phone.  Most people only had one phone in their home.  Ours was on a long cord so we could take it to the top of the stairs at night.  Back then there weren't extension phones as there were later on.  At least not that I knew of.  The phones were always black & heavy.  No designer colors to fit your décor.

Thanks , Roleta, for all the work you  and your staff do.  Love the newsletter!!

From: John Cooper (WI 1950)

My dad at the telephone company store-room on Traders Avenue used the telephone type in the picture in the newsletter.  When he retired ,he brought home the two that were in his office.  We used these phone in the local Clarksburg Art Center Production of "The Harry Powers Murder Case", which  I co-produced and I was also part of the cast.  I still have them.  How many recall telephone "party lines" which you shared with others? You would pick up the phone to make a call, and there was conversation.  You had to wait and try it again later, maybe a number of times before you would say,   “Would you please get off the line I have to make an important call".  A neighbor worked as a telephone operator at the switch board in downtown Clarksburg, several times I would start to tell the operator the number I wanted to call,--"Janey, my neighbor,  would say, “Thank you, Johnny".  No one had caller ID, so we kids could call anyone and ask is your refrigerator running and after they would answer yes, we would say,  “Well, you better go catch it!”   Or call a store and ask, Do you have Prince Albert in a can?"(that was popular pipe smoking tobacco)  They would answer, “Yes we do".   We  would then reply,” Well, let him out before he suffocates".   When dial phones came out,  it was wonderful.  Or so we thought.   No more operators, but "direct" line to a customer just by using your finger ..unless you put it in the wrong hole, then you got a wrong number. . Those older people with older  fingers would make lots of mistakes.  All telephones were black.  When they started making them in colors, that was really big time stuff. 

ROLETA’S NOTE: No one guessed the Clarksburg Police Department’s number back in _____________ It was”58’   Does anyone remember that?

What is the first phone number you remember and how old were you when you used that number? 

WRITE TO Roleta1@aol.com 

The first I remember is 4340W13  It was our home phone number when I was in the first grade and it was a party line in Wolf Summit, WV.  

PIZZA THAT FAVORITE FOOD

Where did you first eat pizza?  Write and tell us…Roleta1@aol.com

From: Bill Meredith, (Mononhah HS 1957)

I do not remember there being a pizza shop in my hometown or even in nearby Fairmont, when I was in elementary or high school, although Colasessano's was probably in business at the time.  However, when I got to Morgantown for my freshman year at WVU, I discovered this wonderful treat.  I pledged the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the fraternity house was on Campus Drive, across from Old Mountaineer Field.  Approximately 200 yards up the hill, also on Campus Drive, was a pizza shop.  I do not remember the name, but they sold pizza by the slice.  I bought one slice and I was hooked.

Through the years, our family has eaten pizza on a regular basis.  Having lived in Columbus, Ohio for 45 years, we think the pizza there is the best in the world.  Since we now spend about seven months each year in Florida, we continue to search for a pizza equal to those in Ohio, but have not found anything close.  This causes us to look forward to our first pizza each summer, when we return to the lake house.  Our current favorite is Pizza Cottage in Buckeye Lake, Ohio.  It is only a mile off of I-70, so try it sometime if you ever get out this way.

NOTE:  We had a lot of Italian families in Clarksburg.  I wonder where our Italian friends went to eat pizza?  Maybe their mother’s made the best pizza they ever ate.  If you are Italian, did your mother make pizza?  Was it anything like the pizza we ordered in restaurants?  The pizza we had in  Rome and southern Italy was a lot like the pizza we know.  However, in northern Italy, the pizza was just crust and a tomato sauce and it was served along with other delicious breads in a bread basket that was served with a meal.

Please write to: Roleta1@aol.com

 EDITH M. McCANN

Edith M. McCann, age 79, of Fairmont, WV, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2015, at The Heritage in Bridgeport, WV.  She was born on October 29, 1935, at Rose Run in Harrison County, a daughter of the late Martin Samuel and Lulu Garnet (Ice) Kimball.

Edith is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert Francis “Bob” McCann, whom she married July 2, 1955. Also surviving are two sons, Michael McCann (Darla Maxwell)  and Patrick McCann, ; two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren; and a close niece, Brenda Moore.  Also surviving are many additional nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by three brothers: Jack, Tom and Lee Kimball  .

Edith was a graduate of Victory High and was a homemaker most of her life.  She attended Smith Chapel United Methodist Church.

ROBERT C. “BOB” MARTIN

Robert C. “Bob” Martin, age 84, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2015, at the Genesis Center in Salem, WV.

He was born on May 22, 1930, in Waverly, WV, a son of the late Robert Cleveland and Nora Virginia (Utt) Martin.

Bob is survived by one daughter, Kathleen D. “Kathy” Parks of Bridgeport, WV; one son, Robert C. Martin Jr. of Clarksburg, WV; one grandson, Michael Parks of Bridgeport, WV; and two granddaughters  In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard Newbrough and Wallis Newbrough; and one sister, Dorothy Mae Wilson.

Bob was a graduate of WI, Class of 1948. He worked as a sales clerk for the United States Postal Service in Clarksburg, retiring in 1988 after over 30 years of service. He attended Duff Street United Methodist Church and was a member of Hermon Lodge No. 6, A.F.&A.M. for over 50 years and a 32nd-Degree Scottish Rite Member.

THURMAN R. WOLFE

Thurman R. Wolfe, age 95, passed away on July 31, 2015.  He was born on June 17, 1920, in Harrison County, a son of the late John and Jessie Nutter Wolfe.  Thurman is survived by six children: daughter Joanne (Charles) Morgan;  son Carl Biesczad of Stonewood, WV; son Ronnie; daughter Linda  (Don)Tappan; son Thurman T. Wolfe and companion Vickie; and daughter Lenora  (Richard) Lemasters; one sister, Lenora Riffle and her niece Sherry ; daughter-in-law, Yolanda Wolfe  sister-in-law, Sadie Turner; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Thurman was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Myrtle Turner Wolfe, on April 2, 2002; two sons, Richard L. Wolfe and John J. Biesczad; seven brothers; and three sisters.

Thurman was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Class of 1942. He was a member of the Civil Conservation Corps and then went on to serve his country in the United States Navy as a Yeoman 2nd Class during WWII at Pearl Harbor and Midway Island. Later, he retired with 33 years of service from PPG. In retirement, he worked at Harry Green’s as a courtesy van driver.

Thurman was a member of the Congregational Missionary Church, where he enjoyed watching the kids on stage singing, and PPG Bowling League. He loved to travel and visit family.

BERNICE GAY WESTFALL RANDOLPH

Bernice Gay “Pee Wee” Westfall Randolph passed away on July 31, 2015, in Bridgeport. She was born August 24, 1925, in Clarksburg to the late Fred and Fannie Westfall.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Eddie “Bud” Randolph; sister, Betty Jo Williams; brother, PVT Bernard Westfall; stepbrother, Bill Gaston; and stepmother, Hazel Westfall.

She is survived by her son, Edward “Buddy” Randolph; nieces, Donna Jo Williams Fontz, Gina Williams Miller and Joy Williams Lennox; a half sister, Wendy Williams; two half brothers, Freddie Westfall and Terry Westfall; and a stepsister, Oretta “Suzy” Keeney.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and spouses,

Bernice graduated from Victory High School in 1944.  She worked at Hazel-Atlas, One-Hour Martinizing, the Brown Stamp Store and Lums Restaurant.  In the early ’50s, with her husband Bud she ran the boat docks at Tygart Lake State Park.  For many years she was also a child care provider for several families in the Bridgeport area.

RONALD EUGENE HILL

Ronald Eugene Hill, Sr., 75, of Clarksburg, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2015, at his residence.  He was born September 3, 1939, in Meadowbrook, WV, son of the late John and Edna Minor Hill.

Ron is survived by three sons, Ronald and Kimberly Hill, Jr., Troy Hill and fiancee Mary Hibbs, Dana Hill,; three daughters, Ronda and Joseph Harris, Jacqueline Hill and fiancé Ricardo, Janice Hill; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth and Rosemary Hill; two stepsisters, Charlotte Houser and Jean Houser; three stepbrothers, Gary Holyfield, Bill Holyfield, Carl ;several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Elizabeth Hill; one son, Craig Boyd Hill; three brothers, Robert, Richard and Raymond Hill.  Ron attended Kelley Miller High School. He retired from Union Carbide as a crane worker and then worked as a security guard for Meadowbrook Mall.

VINCENT D. CANTARELLI

Vincent D. Cantarelli, age 90, of Bridgeport, WV, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2015, at his residence.  He was born June 7, 1925, in Clarksburg, WV, the son of the late Patsy Cantarelli and Ermalinda Cantarelli.  Vincent is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen (Slaughter) Cantarelli; a son, Richard (Becky) Cantarelli, Sr.; a daughter, Jan Grisso; five grandchildren and their spouses and; six great-grandchildren.

Vincent graduated in 1943 from Washington Irving High School. He was a radioman for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Vince started as an apprentice at the age of 14 years old as a dental technician. He started his own Central Dental Laboratory business in 1969, where he retired at the age of 86.

Vincent was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He enjoyed going to WVU football games and spending time with his family and friends. He will always be remembered as a kind, hardworking man who was loved by all.

ANNETTE “CHRISTINE” CALLISON JOHNSON

Annette “Christine” Callison Johnson, 61, of Bridgeport, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, from pneumonia.

She was born in Clarksburg on April 13, 1954, a daughter of William “Bill” C. and Eloise Mae (Mitchell) Callison.

Christine is survived by a brother, Bruce (Melissa) Callison, and their children Brance and Alia. Also, two nephews, Seth Callison and Thad (Becca)  Callison, and their daughter, Scarlett Claire; and her sister-in-law, Cherry Callison.  Christine was preceded in death by her brother, Gregory C. Callison in 1988.  Christine’s husband, David L. (Slob) Johnson, preceded her in death. Christine and her husband lived in Fort Branch, Indiana. Christine’s family also includes Rodney Callison (deceased) and his wife Beatrice, and their family; the late Colleen Callison and her husband the late Jake Johnson, and their family; Orville Callison (deceased) and his wife Barbara, and their family; John Callison (deceased) and his wife Shirley, and their family; June Callison Osborn and her husband Bud, and their family; Nellie Callison Marine and her husband Sonny (deceased), and their family; and Rose Mitchell Radabaugh and her husband Robert (deceased), and their family.

Christine graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1972.

LARRY MARRA

Larry A. Marra, age 67, of Lumberport, WV, passed away on July 13, 2015.

He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on August 10, 1947, a son of the late John J. and Wilsie V. Wine Marra.

Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan A. Marra, whom he married on January 24, 1970.

Also surviving are two sons, Brion A.(Raquel) Marra and Christopher P. (Jennifer) Marra; and five grandchildren.  He is also survived by his oldest brother, John Stephen Marra; sister-in-law, Rebecca Marra Cobb; special cousin, Mary Kay; and several other cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his twin brother, Terry E. Marra, and younger brother, James R. Marra.

Larry was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1965, and attended Fairmont State College. He served three years in the U.S. Army. During his tour of Vietnam, he was stationed at Mac-V Headquarters in Saigon, where he served with the 1st Signal Brigade.  He was selected as Soldier of the Quarter in 1969.  He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 36 years with his final assignment as Postmaster in Mannington, WV.  Upon retirement from the Post Office, Larry worked as a cashier at Target, retiring in March 2014, and was presently working as a custodian at the United Methodist Temple in Clarksburg, WV. He served as Scout Master for Lumberport Boy Scout Troop 48 from 1987 to 1992, and coached Little League and Minor League Baseball from 1980 to 1988. He was a former member of the Lumberport Lions Club and Mannington American Legion. Larry was a member of United Methodist Temple, where he was active in the choir for 46 years. He presently was serving as chairman of the Administrative Council and as a Trustee. He served for three terms on the Lumberport City Council.

THOMAS JOSIAH McNEMAR

A member of “The Greatest Generation,” Thomas Josiah McNemar, passed away August 6, 2015.  He was born August 26, 1922, in Anmoore, WV, youngest son of the late Grover “Bode” and Minnie Carson McNemar.  On January 29, 1946, he married the love of his life, Shirley Winifred Cunningham, in Mt. Clare, WV; she passed away January 8, 2014, shortly before their 68th wedding anniversary.  Left to grieve his passing are his five children, Barbara Weaver, Jane Anderson; Thomas (Donna) McNemar, Terry (Kathy) McNemar, and Twila Cunningham. He is also survived by grandchildren,  and great-granddaughter,  Also surviving are several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings, James Coy McNemar, Mary Harvey, Edna Kirkpatrick and Edith Smith.

Tom was a proud graduate of the Bridgeport High School, Class of 1941, In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and served with A Battery anti-aircraft battalion in the South Pacific, Leyte Theater, the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. He was on Leyte when General McArthur arrived and made his speech, “As promised, I have returned to the Philippines” speech just 60 yards from his gun. By that time, the U.S. had already secured Bataan, Wake, Midway and Iwo Jima.

Returning to Clarksburg after the war, he worked with several companies, but the majority of his career was spent as service manager with the WellsLee Coca-Cola Bottling Company and American Vending. He retired finally at the age of 75, but continued through the years to share good memories of his time with the Lee and Shaffer families.

He was an avid NASCAR and Jeff Gordon fan. He once played golf, but in his latter years he cheered on his favorite, Tiger Woods. A staunch patriot and Democrat to the very end, he loved his country and prayed daily for an end to war and suffering.

JUNE MADELINE GEORGE BUFFEY

June Madeline George Buffey, 90, of 310 Fowler Avenue, Clarksburg, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at Clarksburg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.  She was born June 9, 1925, in Clarksburg, the daughter of the late Roosevelt Haddad and Mary Herrick George.  She is survived by two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild,; one sister Marcelline George Allen; one brother, Roosevelt “Junior” George; and several special nieces and nephews; and her devoted daughter-in-law and caregiver, Charlotte Ferrell of Clarksburg.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Michael Anthony Buffey, three brothers, Thomas George, Lewis George, and infant Paul George and three sisters Helen George Eddy, Linda George Boyer and infant Aneasa George.  Mrs. Buffey was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  She worked at several Clarksburg restaurants and was the caregiver of her mother for many years.

OLGA HARDMAN

Olga Hardman (Choir Director at Central Junior High and Washington Irving High School until 1975), passed away Sunday June 28, 2015 in Clarksburg.  Her funeral service was held on July 8th at St. James Catholic Church in Clarksburg, and interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery on Joyce Street in Clarksburg. Here is Her Personal Website

Olga S. Hardman, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday, June 28, 2015, at the Meadowview Manor in Bridgeport.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, a daughter of the late Frank and Leah (Caussin) Stenger. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by one sister, Marie Stenger.

Ms. Hardman is survived by her three sons: Michael, Mark and John D. Hardman; grandchildren: Phil Hardman, Lauren Adams and Danny Hardman; great grand-children: Peyton Adams, Bradey Adams and Eva Hardman.

Olga enjoyed music very much. She was the Music Specialist for Choral and Elementary Education in Harrison County. She was also the first certified Kadaly specialist in the state of WV.

LENA BLIDGETT DAVIS

Lena Blidgett Davis, 89, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on August 21, 2015, at the United Hospital Center.  She was born in Hepzibah, W.Va., on June 28, 1926, a daughter of the late Zenore and Mary Margaretta Blidgett.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lewis W. Davis, on December 17, 2010.

Mrs. Davis is survived by two daughters, Linda Lee (Rodney) Kidd and husbandand Lois Ann (Allen).

She was grandmother to four grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by five sisters, Angeline Ventimeglala, Louise Lamb, Isabella Desist, Virginia Lott and Flora Cooke; and two brothers, Joseph and Anthony Blidgett.

Lena was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1944, and worked for Maiden Form. She retired from the packing department of Anchor Hocking. She was Catholic by faith.

ALLISON AROL (AL) STARKEY, JR.

Allison Arol “Al” Starkey Jr., age 60, of Bridgeport, passed away unexpectedly on August 21, 2015, in the United Hospital Center.  He was born in Clarksburg on September 16, 1954, a son of Allison Arol, Sr. and Joretta Patterson Starkey, who survive in Clarksburg.

In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his wife, Judith L. Fairless Starkey, whom he married on May 15, 1976; one son, Craig Starkey and his companion, Jill Davis of Houston, TX; two daughters, Heather (Mark) Mudrick, and Allison (Robbie) Schirripa; seven grandchildren, and two grandsons on the way; one brother, J.B. (JoAnn)Starkey; one sister, Onnie Bergman and her fiancé Jim Portaro; several nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, JoAnn Scott and Janet (Larry); and his mother-in-law, Lillian Fairless Brennen.  Al was a 1972 graduate of Victory High School. He then attended Potomac State College from 1972 to 1974, where he received his Associate of Applied Science degree, and graduated from WVU in 1976 with his Bachelor of Science degree. He served as vice president in sales with Ingram Construction in Madison, Mississippi, with 25 years of service, and was Sales Consultant for Kryprotek in Bridgeport, CT. Al also served as past Executive Director of the Harrison County Senior Citizens Center and belonged to the International Cemetery Cremation Funeral Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and the Catholic Cemetery Conference Association

S. RONALD PULICE

SHINNSTON — S. Ronald “Ronnie” Pulice, 77, of Shinnston, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2015, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, North Carolina.

He was born in Clarksburg, April 9, 1938, a son of the late John and Evelyn Pouch Pulice.

Twice married, he was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Mary Frances Saporito Pulice, on March 17, 2007. In May 2009, he married Linda Carder Pulice, who survives.

Also surviving are his son, Christopher Pulice and his wife Mitzi, Fairmont; his daughter, Catherine Secreto, Clarksburg; five grandchildren, Marissa, Delaney, Benjamin Pulice, Nicholas Secreto and Zane Rives; former son-in-law, Tim Secreto, Clarksburg; two brothers, Billy Pulice and his wife Wilma, Bridgeport; his twin, Donald Pulice and his wife Betty, Clarksburg; two sisters, Shirley Anderson, Wilmington, NC, and Mary Ellen Turoczy and her husband Bill, Livonia, MI; sisters-in-law, Angie Spino, Miami, FL, Ida Saporito, Shinnston, Loretta Saporito, Wheeling, Marie Bowyer and her husband Donald, Harrisville, and Emma Garrett and her husband Paul, Jane Lew; brothers-in-law, Marvin Carder and his wife Janet, Four States, Ferlin Carder and his wife Kim, Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Joseph, Guy, and Jim Saporito and Raymond Carder.

Ron was a manager at Wholesale Tire in Clarksburg for several years. He was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He was a 1956 graduate of Victory High School and attended Fairmont State University. He was a member of the Lions Club of Clarksburg, The Knights of Columbus of Fairmont.

Ron had served as the president of the Lincoln High School Band Boosters, president of the Shinnston Little League and a councilman for the City of Shinnston. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Shinnston.

CARMEN “TONY” TOMARO

Carmen Antonio “Tony” Tomaro, 80, of Clarksburg, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2015, at Tygart Center, Fairmont.

He was born July 8, 1935, in Clarksburg, son of the late Joseph Carmen and Mary Rogers Tomaro.

Tony is survived by four children, Thomas M. Tomaro and Mary C. Tomaro,, Carmen J. and Bryn Tomaro, and Jenifer E. Tomaro; two grandchildren, Christopher Tomaro and Ryan Tomaro ; one sister, Barbara Tiano; one brother, Joseph “Josie” ( Sandy) Tomaro and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Deluca Tomaro.

Tony graduated from Washington Irving High School and attended WVU. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He was the owner of Tomaro’s TV Service for 35 years.

He was an avid bowler from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s for the Tomaro’s Bakery bowling team, always with a top leader board ranking

RICHARD ALLEN GOWERS

Richard Allen “Richie” Gowers, 52, of Clarksburg, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at his residence following an extended illness.

Mr. Gowers was born in Clarksburg on September 25, 1962, a son of the late James Allen Gowers and Betty Jo Lattea Hill, who survives in Clarksburg.

Also surviving are one daughter, Brandi Jo Gowers of Clarksburg; two grandchildren, Arissa Marcus and Jaylen White, both of Clarksburg; four sisters, Debbie Gregg, Barbi Mason, Lynda Gowers, and Tina Gowers;and one brother, James Gowers; two nieces; one nephew,; two great-nieces; and one great nephew.

Mr. Gowers was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, a United States Army Veteran and Protestant by faith.