Issue 197

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

HAPPY NEW YEAR

We send you warm wishes for a happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Welcome 2016

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

From: Don Marple (WI 1953)

My family’s Christmas tradition is making and serving English plum pudding after Christmas dinner.

My mother, grandmother, siblings and I would make a three-year supply of the pudding by chopping up fruits – raisins, currants, lemon and orange peel (we chopped the raisins and currants in two) – and adding them to a mixture of beef suet, bread crumbs, flour, eggs, milk, brown sugar, brandy and spices.  The pudding was put in crocks covered with cloth, cooked in a tub of water over a hotplate in the basement for eight hours and stored there. It was dense, and richly-flavored.  We thought the pudding was best after a year in the basement.

When the plates were cleared after Christmas dinner, we would turn out the lights in the dining room, take our seats, and await the serving of pudding.  In the kitchen, my mother would turn the crock over and empty the heated pudding on a plate. she would stick a sprig of holly on the top, pour a little brandy over the mound and light it, making a blue flame that flickered around the base of the pudding.

Mom would walk into the semi-dark dining room to the sound of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and serve each piece of the pudding with a vanilla sauce poured over it.

The pudding was very heavy, its flavor was strong and not everyone who married into the family liked it; they would push the pudding around on their plates and ask for more and more of the sauce to cover the flavor.  When two of them finally admitted that they didn’t really like the pudding, Mom told them they didn’t have to eat it if they didn’t like it – that would mean more for the rest of us.

My brother Jim and I would eat the leftover pudding cold for breakfast the next day. (People who do this are considered to be somewhat deranged.)

One of my nephews buys and sends a pudding to each household at Christmas, so the tradition continues.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  I have heard of plum pudding all of my life but never have I heard anyone who ate it.  This is a great tradition.

From: David B Bates (WI 1951)

One of the finest gifts that God ever gave mankind was what?  No, that isn't what I had in mind.  Every Christmas morning, when the kids came down the stairs the first thing to draw attention was hanging on the mantle.  A full stocking!!!  All the grade school boys in the family, in those early years of mine, wore knickers and knee socks, so no one used any other type of stocking.  My brothers and sister reveled with apples, bananas, oranges and candy.  I felt sorry for them because MY stocking was filled with red, yellow and white of his fine gift.  It thrilled me beyond measure that Santa knew of my passion.  It has stuck with me to this day.  When I went to "Subway" at noon today, the lady behind the counter heard, for at least the hundredth time, "put on more______.  If there isn't room for more _______________ - throw the meat away and add more.?.?.?.?" - ONIONS!

EDITOR’S NOTE:  I thought I loved onions until I read the letter from Dave.  Apparently I don’t love them even half as much as he does as I never would have been happy getting onions in my stocking!

MARCH 12 2016

ANNUAL CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC

The 17th Annual Clarksburg Reunion Picnic will be held at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, Florida on March 12, 2016.

The picnic is a covered dish type of meal. You only need to bring a covered dish and your drinks of choice. If you bring an alcoholic beverage, you are requested to drink it from either a plastic or Styrofoam glass. The menu is Clarksburg, WV style hot dogs as we remember them, except I haven’t figured out how to steam approx. 250 buns at a picnic… other than that, it seems that people really look forward to them each year. And for those not from Clarksburg who eat slaw on their hot dogs, we even have some slaw for you. We have fried chicken that a group of out of “towners” who stay at a nearby motel get together and furnish for the picnic. We pass the hat to collect money to pay for the facility, the table service, the hot dogs and all that goes with it to make a successful day!.

We start about 10:30 setting up. Everyone comes and helps, thus it makes it easier for all of us.  We start visiting around 11:00 am.  We have lunch, laugh and visit.  I usually have a few door prizes to give out. (If you have anything that you would like to bring to give as a door prize, just put it in a gift bag and bring it to me---new things only, of course).

I have already received several emails from people who will be attending the picnic this year.  Many have stated that they will be staying in the hotel where several people have stayed the last few years.   So if you plan on attending, please let me know. If you plan to stay in the hotel please read below for information.

Fred Alvaro (WI 1959) has talked to Country Inn and Suites and has a block of rooms set aside for people who want to stay in town before or after the picnic.  If you want any information about the location or the prices, (same location as last year for you regulars) please contact Fred Alvaro at falvaro33@aol.com or call the motel at 941-363-4000 and make sure you say that you are with the Clarksburg West Virginia Group.  REMEMBER, they only set aside a few rooms, so better call now if you need one.  It is so much fun to stay at the hotel and continue visiting even more after the picnic is over.  Bill and I go to the motel after the picnic to visit more with everyone.

If you are going to attend the picnic, please let me know. I NEED your reservation. I don’t want to buy and prepare food for 100 people and have 200 shows up. That is only a courteous thing to do, right?  Send me an email with the name of those attending (if from WV….give me their school and year of graduation).  Please always sign your letters to me with your name, include maiden name if it applies, your school and year of graduation.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com or call me at 941-342-0030 with any questions.

THANK YOU AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE PICNIC

2015 WIN SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

These letters are from our scholarship winners, I thought you would be interested in seeing what they had to say:

Hi Mrs. Roleta!

I apologize for not returning your phone call; I'm currently working two jobs, and just got overwhelmed and forgot to call back.

Anyway, my first semester went great!  I am staying at FSU for the second semester.  This semester I finished with four A’s and two B’s and earned 17 credit hours. Also I absolutely love my major! Exercise science and Kinesiology is definitely what I want as my career.   I am already started in my major and I'm really interested in it.  After college I still plan to be a chiropractor and I'm looking at going to Palmer Chiropractic in Florida!  I'm excited for my future.

Let me know if you need anything from me.

Again thank you so much for rewarding me this scholarship, I truly am grateful for every one at the WI newsletter.

Much love,

Brooke McWhirt

Dear Mrs. Meredith

I absolutely loved my first semester of college at Davis and Elkins!  My first semester ended with a 3.625 earning with all A’s and B’s.  I will be returning to D&E on the third of January for the winter term that all freshmen are required to take, this term is to teach us about government and we even take a trip to Washington DC.  Then during the spring semester I will continue studying the hospitality and physical education majors that I have been.  Thank you so much for everything. 

So sorry that I didn’t write earlier,

Shayla Hinterer

 

THE WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

TO BE AWARDED ON MARCH 12 2016

Cut off date for purchasing tickets is February 28 2016, unless you attend the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic where we will be selling tickets.

Tickets may be purchased in increments of:

  6 tickets for $ 5.00
12 tickets for $ 10.00
24 tickets for $ 20.00
36 tickets for $ 30.00

                                     …and so forth

Send me your check and I will put the tickets in the box for you for the drawing.  Due to the cost of postage, I no longer send ticket stubs via mail.  Believe me, it is all handled honestly.  We have several people at the picnic who can verify that the drawing of the ticket is honestly done and the winning number is verified as belonging to the proper person.

Just write your check to Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship and mail it to me at:

Roleta Meredith

3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.

Sarasota, FL 34240

I thank you and more importantly, the student who is awarded the $3,000.00 scholarship is very thankful for you paying it forward.

WHO MAKES THESE SQUARES

There are 16 different ladies who made squares for the quilt.  Each square has a Mandala design in the center; the ladies sew their own design border in coordinating colors.  I have been featuring some of the squares over the past few months.  It looks as though the quilt will be very stunning.

Below are pictures of several more of the quilt squares which were made by the volunteer ladies who I refer to as the WIN QUILTERS.  Some of the ladies wrote a little about themselves and their quilting hobby.  I thank these ladies who are so interested in the scholarship that they give their time and talent to help us raise the money each year.

1.     CAROLYN LAYFIELD (WI 1953)

  SAWTOOTH STAR BLOCK

The WI Newsletter is terrific, especially the Sept. issue.  I think that Jalon's graphics make it special and may have sparked a renewed interest in sending letters.  I have great intentions when I read each newsletter, but unless I do it then it doesn't seem to get done.  Maybe soon...?  The Arcade picture generated so much response that it must hold a record.  Obviously, it meant a lot to many students.  The rundown of stores located there prompted my memory.  Clarksburg has changed so much that it makes me sad to go there.

2.    SHERRY E. HUTCHINSON KEITH (WI 1964)

MANDALA SEA TURTLE

I call my block Mandala Sea Turtle ... he is coming up for air and the sun is coming up over the ocean... This is the fourth year I have participated and consider it a privilege to be included among such wonderful quilters!  Also proud of the students the quilt raffle supports!  Love to all, Sherry

3.    Elaine Zabeau Norteman (NDHS 1962)

4.  Joyce Reed Royse  (WI 1962)

Here is the appliqué quilt block I made for the 2016 WIN quilt.  I have participated for three years and enjoy seeing the resulting stunning raffle quilts.  I have been sewing since I was eleven and made my first quilt at age 24 - for my first baby.  I prefer appliqué or a combination of piecing and appliqué and have many quilts going at the same time.  Kudos to the alumni of Clarksburg schools for this joint effort to provide scholarships.

DECEMBER MYSTERY PICTURE

From:  Roleta1@aol.com

Boy, we heard from many people this month about the Mystery Picture, and the letters are very interesting.  I will add a couple memories of mine about St. Mary’s Hospital:

My little sister, Jalon, the publisher, was born there. 

St. Mary’s was the best hospital in the area.  I remember seeing the nuns in their habits walking the halls.  It seemed as though they glided down the halls.  Also, each nurse was so pretty in her white nurse’s uniform, white shoes and hose and the unique white starched hat that they wore.  I don’t know how they worked in those uniforms and still stayed just perfect.

From: Eann T. Hodges (WI 1971)

Eth.bek@gmail.com

I recognize this building as the former St. Mary's Hospital, located at the corner of Washington Avenue and S. Chestnut Street.  The hospital was demolished in 1977.  Like many in Clarksburg, I was born there.  However, my only memory, and not a pleasant one, is being there on New Year's Eve 1970 following an appendectomy a couple days after Christmas.

Thank you!

From: Chuck Wilson (WI 1967)

The mystery picture is St Mary’s Hospital on the corner of Chestnut & Washington Ave.  I was born at St Mary’s had my tonsils removed there.  My cousin Maxine Wilkinson Harris was a nurse there, she graduated from St Mary’s School of Nursing which was on Main St.

From: Tom Martin (St Mary’s HS 1948)

I want to express my appreciation for putting me on your mailing list.  Your WI Newsletter is extremely interesting to read and I find lots of familiar names of friends

I also want to wish you, your staff and entire family Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

From: Sargent McQuillan (WI 1957)

My mother Iris McQuillan worked in the office for 30 years. 

I had the exclusive right to sell the Clarksburg Telegram in the hospital. 

When I had my tonsils out at 11 years old I was allowed to stay in the Men’s Ward.  Sister Rosaria ruled it with an Iron Fist.  Even the patients were afraid of her.  I was her favorite and was treated like a king; special meals, ice cream at all hours, etc.   I didn't want to go home.

From: Paul Rector (WI 1958)

Appears to me as a Chestnut Street view of St. Mary’s Hospital where I was born in 1940.

From: Terry Shorr (WI/Elkins 1958)

That would be St. Mary's Hospital on South Chestnut Street, between West Main Street and Washington Avenue.  Looks like the photo was taken from the entrance to the I.O.O.F. Cemetery next to Dodge Court (where WI Band Director Henry Mayer lived).

My sister, Becky Runner Hunt (WI '67), was born in St. Mary's Hospital.  Last Spring I placed a stone in her memory in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery where our Mother, Grandmother, and other Carter relatives are buried.

From: Mary Elizabeth Weaver Johnson, (WI 1960)

Roleta, I am not sure but it looks like St. Mary's Hospital.  If I am correct, I remember going to see my Dad, who was a patient in that hospital and being so afraid of the Nuns who were working there.  They had long, dark dresses, (as I called them) and funny things on their heads.  Can you tell I am not a Catholic?  But back then when I was a small girl everything looked big and unusual to me.  Anyway, the Hospital always had a smell of medicine, and the nurses had very white uniforms.  Their hats were different and represented where they went to school.  And the hospital beds where large and I was not allowed to crawl up and sit there with my Dad and hope he would get well quickly.  I always wanted to go with my Mom to visit my Dad but I remember holding her hand tight as we entered the hospital.  Fear can overtake you when you least expect it!! Thanks, again, for such a great newsletter

From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)

This one should not be tough and was particularly easy for me.  The major focus is St Mary's Hospital occupying the corner of S. Chestnut St. and Washington Avenue.  Done?  Not so fast.

The photographer (whoever that might be) is standing at the intersection of the 300 block of S. Chestnut and Lee Avenue.  The white house on the right was owned by Clark Flint who also owned the rental house across the street (308) in which I lived from 1943-46.  I commuted through town to Carlyle Grade School during grades 4-6 because I had started there 1-3.

There is a cemetery to the left.  Hank Mayer, WI's long time Music Director, lived in a house on a Court that ran along the border of the cemetery.  Three years on "Lower Washington" were good times with the Corsini family, Bobby Cotter, and Tom Garrett.  Key memories?...  FDR's death; Shinnston tornado and the end of WWII.  Then my parents moved up behind WI for the next 40+years. (More on that later…?)

From: David Corsini (WI 1950)

I believe the mystery picture for December is the St. Mary's hospital on Chestnut St. and as you can see going up the hill on the left of the street is Lee Avenue where I walked to school everyday at THE WASHINGTON IRVING HIGH SCHOOL.  I was raised across Chestnut St. on lower Washington Ave.  Both of our sons were born there.

From:  Randy McCue (WI 1968)

I would like to take a stab at the December mystery picture

Would it be St Mary's Hospital located at Main and Chestnut Streets, I was born there Feb 9, 1950 and had my tonsils removed at St Mary's when I was 3 years old in 1953.  I also remember taking patients there when I worked for the Harrison County Emergency Squad in the 60's.

From: Wayne White (WI 1960)

The mystery picture is the St Mary’s Hospital.  It was located at the corner of Chestnut Street and Washington Ave.  Saint Mary’s became the downtown division of United Hospital Center.  This was in the year of 1970.  Then the building was demolished in early 1970.  The UHC operations were consolidated and moved to the UHC located on US Route 19.

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

This is the old St. Mary's Hospital.  Oh, so much happened there.  I had my tonsils and my appendix removed at St. Mary's.  My mother had surgery there. My dad died there.  I sat with him every night for the last two weeks of his life. When he felt up to it we talked about all kinds of things in the wee hours when neither of us could sleep.  I was also there for the death of my mother's very best friend whom I loved better than I loved some of my own aunts.  It was a very good hospital for the time and the size of the city.  It served my family well.

From: Tom Daquino (WI 1957)

It is St. Mary’s.  The hospital was on Washington Street ,the person that took the picture was standing on Lee Ave.  You can see a little of the fence along the Odd Fellows Cemetery on the left of the picture.

From Becky Allen (WI 1970)

beck0643@aol.com

It is the old ST MARY'S HOSPITAL . I had two surgeries there in grade school.  Loved the Nuns and the care that was given in that hospital.   Will never forget it

From: Barbara Warren Williams (WI 1958)

The picture is of the St Mary's Hospital.  I was born there in 1940.

From: John V.Carney (ND 1961)

Roleta, thanks for another very good WI Newsletter. I think the mystery Pic is of St. Mary's Hospital. I worked there as an orderly in the late 50's.

From: Buzz Floyd  (VHS 1956)

Of course I know the mystery picture.  It’s the white house on the corner of Washington and Chestnut where my grandparents, Flavius and Lou Heater, lived.  I spent at least a month or two there one summer while my dad was in the UP Hospital in traction and all wrapped up in a full body cast.  Oh, I bet you’re thinking of that big building on the other corner.  That was Saint Mary’s Hospital.  Went to the ER there once to have a pinching bug removed from inside my ear.  He was hanging on to my ear drum for dear life and (ugggg) flapping his wings.  I thought it would drive me crazy until Dr. Whatz-is-name, the pediatrician, got it out.

Below is a picture of Flavius Josephus and Sarah Louvella Carson Heater in their yard across the street from St. Mary’s in 1958.

From: Lois Adams Tribett (WI Class 1955)

I believe the December mystery picture is (St Mary's Hospital).  It wasn't too far from where I lived above W.I. High School, on Horner Avenue.  I so enjoy reading the newsletter, and appreciate all the effort you do to put it out each month.  It means so much to those of us who moved away many years ago, but still have such fond memories of our years at W. I.  Please keep up the great work.

Thank you, Lois

Now in Las Vegas, NV.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The mystery picture in the December issue of the WI Newsletter appears to me as being the SAINT MARY'S HOSPITAL, located on Chestnut Street just above Main Street. The picture looks like it was taken coming down Chestnut toward Main Street.

Even though I "MAY" have been born in that hospital, the only "for sure" memory that I have is visiting my father there after he had suffered a heart attack in 1961 (maybe 1960). I would go to visit him during lunch break when I was at WI, and going back to see him after school.

Good December Newsletter (again).

From: Bill Jurick (ND 1970)

mailliwhpesoj@aol.com

The picture is of St. Mary's Hospital on Chestnut and Washington Ave. in Clarksburg.  I was born there in 1952. Several trips there to the emergency room growing up in Clarksburg.  I had my first "real job" in the corporate world there when I was 13.  I took Televisions room to room to patients to see if they wanted one during their stay at the hospital.  I also collected the daily fee from them for the TV.

I graduated from Notre Dame in 1970. I really enjoy the WI High School Newsletter, courtesy of my wonderful wife Delene Lasher Jurick, WI Class of 1960.

Thanks for all your efforts in getting the newsletter out to us.

From: Fred Dunham (WI 1957).

I believe it is the St Mary’s Hospital located on S. Chestnut St. near W. Main St. If I am correct I was born in that hospital in 1939.

From: Harriet Murphy (Pansing) (1957)

That building is the "St. Mary's Hospital" located on the right corner is the home of Harriet Murphy (Pansing) , address is 315 South Chestnut Street

Have a great Holiday Season.  

Thanks for the amazing newsletter. I look forward to reading it each month

From: Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956)

The photo is of St. Mary's hospital.  My youngest son was born there in Nov of 1960.  Thanks to all for a wonderful newsletter.

From: Jim Alvaro (Alta Vista, Central Jr. High, WI 1956)

The mystery picture is St. Mary's Hospital, corner of Washington Ave. and Chestnut St.  I really didn't see the "HOSPITAL" sign on the pole at the end of the street above Washington Ave. until after identifying the picture.  The Alvaro boys were all born there. My brother in law, Pat Grossa, was born in 1950 during the big snow, and he and my mother in law were brought home in some sort of heavy equipment owned by Roger Petitto's Sr. company.  I am sure it was in the cab and not the bucket.  Roger was my wife's uncle

Also, it looks like a fence in front of the graveyard to the left.  I don't remember the fence but I do remember the row of houses to the right of the graveyard.  I believe our great band director Hank Mayor lived in one.

Great Newsletter guys.  Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and a wonderful Christmas.

From: Ray Allen (WI 1959)

I think that is Saint Mary’s Hospital.  My daughter, Diane, was born there in 1962.

From: Mary Anne Sharpolisky Matheson (WI 1960)

I think the mystery picture is St. Mary's Hospital.  I had my appendix out there when I was 11 years old and decided at that time I wanted to be a nurse.  I loved the white uniforms and blue capes.

From: Bob Kramer (WI 1965)

This is the old St Mary Hospital looking from Chestnut St.  It was demolished to make the Capterton Center of Fairmont State College

From: Harriett (Danley) Van Voorhis ( WI 1958)

Just a quick note to say that the "mystery picture" in the Dec. issue is St. Mary's Hospital on the corner of Washington Ave. and Chestnut St.  I lived on the short end of Washington Ave., across Chestnut St. and walked past the hospital nearly every day on my way to some place, or other.  I also visited a few patients there with my mother when I was very young.

Thanks once again to you and your "staff" for always making the news letter a real pleasure to read!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Just to let everyone know...

My Staff consists of:

1. Bill Meredith (my husband) - Who does the sports each month

2. Jalon Smith Burton (my sister) - Who publishes the newsletter on BlogSpot and adds all the color and life to our stories and our newsletter

It is truly a family effort. I recruit help from whomever whenever I need it.

From: Bill Bryan (RW 1957)

I think this is the former St. Mary's Hospital.  I never had much experience with the hospital other than dropping in to donate blood on numerous occasions.  I do think that St. Mary's School of Nursing was one of the best!  The nurses were well-trained, dependable, and were a real asset to the area.  After four years in the Navy, I was a student at Fairmont State when the polio sugar vaccine was made available to everyone.  I went to Broadway School (I think on a Sunday) to receive my "cube."  The student nurse from St. Mary's gave me my dose---and I was smitten.  This nurse, Penny Ingram, eventually became my wife.  She was graduated with the Class of 1964.  My sister, Candy, was graduated with the Class of 1968.   She tells me the last class was 1969.  And the nuns were tough!!!

PS: Looking forward to visiting Sarasota and The Clarksburg Reunion Picnic on March 12. 2016!

EDITOR’S NOTE:  What a great story Bill.  You found a good nurse there! 

Also, I hope the word about the picnic spreads and more from RW show up this year.  See you there.  So nice to have you attend the Clarksburg “Reunion” Picnic in Sarasota every year.  I am glad you enjoy it. 

From: Jim Sims (WI 1963)

Just read the current addition.  Great as always.  The mystery picture was the old St. Mary's Hospital that has been removed completed.  I was born there and was there a couple of times afterward. I spend Christmas there one year about 1950.  Enjoyed seeing pictures of Duncan Street.  I had a Newspaper route there for many years, remember a boy getting killed on Duncan on his bicycle after being hit by a car one summer while visiting someone.  In the winter we would sled ride down Collins Avenue and go pass Duncan Street.  It is too bad the parents won't let their children have that much fun today.  I remember how tired you were after walking to the top of Collins Ave with Bob White.  I lived at 621 Stealey Ave. one street over from Collins.

From: Anne Byrnside Davis  (WI of 1952)

The picture for December is the old St. Mary’s Hospital.  Two of my children were born there, longer ago than I care to remember.  Union Protestant then was built on 19 South.   After that it became United Hospital Center when both hospitals merged.  St. Mary’s and DeSales Hall were 2 very outstanding buildings in downtown Clarksburg.  Fortunately Fairmont State has filled a large portion of the gap left by the removal of those buildings.

From: Mary Anne Sharpolisky Matheson (WI 1960)

I think the mystery picture is St. Mary's Hospital.  I had my appendix out there when I was 11 years old and decided at that time I wanted to be a nurse.  I loved the white uniforms and blue capes.

From:  Don Marple (WI 1953)

Its Saint Mary’s Hospital, viewed from the corner of Lee and Chestnut, I’m sure. 

The hospital was on Washington and Chestnut.  The picture was taken from the corner of Lee and Chestnut, looking down the hill at the hospital on the corner of Washington and Chestnut.  The “Hospital” signpost in the picture is on the Chestnut/Lee corner.

The iron bar fence in the picture was around the Odd Fellows cemetery, which was a little way – maybe a block – above the hospital and on other side of Chestnut, next to Dale Avenue.

I should remember these things because I delivered the Clarksburg Exponent on the “Hill,” from Washington to Hornor Avenue for several years when I was in Central Junior High and during my freshman year at WI, which is just up Lee Avenue from the site where the picture was taken.  I got the papers at the Clarksburg Water Board and ended on Sumner Avenue, which is to the left of the picture, on the other side of Chestnut.

This corner and the hospital were on my way home from school.  My friends from Mulberry and Beech Streets, Aaron Trub, “Sam” White and I walked that way to WI every day.

Thank you so much for these memories.

From: Don Sager (WI 1956)

Pictured is St. Mary’s Hospital on Chestnut at the corner of Washington (I think).  When we grew up it was a “Catholic Hospital”. I was born in Union Protestant and I don’t think

I was ever a patient in St. Mary’s.  I seem to remember Nuns in the hospital and the Nurses all in starched uniforms with blue and white caps.  They always looked so clean and neat not like the nurses in scrubs that now look like the “old-time janitors”.  Guess I’m getting to be a Curmudgeon.

From: David Kinney (WI 1951)

Great news letter again.  I think the mystery picture is the old St Mary’s Hospital.  I think it was at the corner of Chestnut St. and Washington Ave.  I believe they also had a nursing school not far away on Main St.

UNION PROTESTANT/ ST. MARY’S HISTORY

To read some history about the merger of the hospitals which happened in the early 1970’s, check out this site: CLICK HERE TO READ

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI 1959) found this site for me.

Thanks Sharyn.

ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL

NURSES REUNION HELD

From: Nancy VanHorn Moore Stunger (WI 1954)

From: Jody (Buffington) Aud (WI 1977)

The Washington Irving High School classes of 1975, 76, 77, and 78 will hold a joint reunion on Saturday, July 30 2016 at Jackson Square.  We're looking for all classmates so we can keep you informed of the details.  

Here’s how to find out more:  

On Facebook: Do a search for and join the group - 

Washington Irving Classes of '75, '76, '77 and '78

Email: send your contact information to wihilltoppers75678@gmail.com

Spread the word to anyone you know

PICK A SUBJECT

Write About It

1. From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

Thinking of Lee Stree, I had a t-shirt that had the WI logo and the name "Leestreeters" printed on it.  I wonder if anyone remembers the name "Leestreeters" associated with WI and did "Hilltoppers" replace that name and when?

Please write your memories of this topic to Roleta1@aol.com

2. From: Don Marple (WI 1953)

I don’t know if you have written about this before.

Did you ever have a phone on a party line?  Every phone on the line rang when a call came in for one of the parties, and each party had a different number of rings.  The number for my grandfather's phone in Flatwoods, WV was 38-J-2. 38-J was his number and two was the number of rings for his phone.  So when the phone rang, you knew who was getting the call.  Two rings meant someone was calling him, three rings meant the call was for the Kinceley’s up the road, and so on.  (You could listen in.)

This was long before dials and dialed calls.  My grandfather (Zeke Marple) would pick up the phone and listen to see if the line was being used.  If not, he gave the number or the name of the person he wanted to call to an operator, who placed the call and called him back when the call came through. She knew everyone, of course. “Here’s Johnny, Zeke.”

EDITOR’S NOTE If you would like to share some memories of this, please write to Roleta1@aol.com

3. PRANKS

Write and tell us about the best prank you have every heard about.  Might be a prank pulled on someone in school or later…This would be a fun topic

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Guess who is pictured here?

A hint, both graduated from WI.  They have been friends for over 50 years. 

Write and tell us who the farmers are and anything about them that you can remember?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Photo of Coach Al Castellana and his wife Jeanne 

taken at the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic in Florida

COACH AL CASTELLANA

UPDATE From: Bob Swiger (WI 1961)

Coach has moved back into Assisted living apt.

Here's Coach's new address,

1000 S Maplewood Drive

Apt 3220

Bridgeport, WV 26330

Phone: 681-456-0062

I spent few days with him last week.  He is very coherent, still makes jokes, and is doing better.

UPDATE From: Wayne White

Coach fell and broke his arm and shoulder.  He is at the Brookdale Senior living center, which is a part of Maplewood Living center. 

MAKING HISTORY

From: Mike Snyder (WI 1956)

Our brand new WV specialty license plate arrived Dec. 7--on Pearl Harbor Day--coincidence?

Hundreds of West Virginians have put these “In God We Trust” plates on their vehicles.

You can now order one of these new plates at your local WVDMV office and proudly display the official motto of the United States of America.

Note: The gold star on the plate represents the 35th star in the American flag for our state of West Virginia.

From: Charles Ferrell (WI 1946)

Retired Nuclear Engineer/Health Physicist

In reading over a past WI Newsletter, I noticed mention of Fiesta Ware.  This glass product was made with natural uranium for coloring. They can get colors with uranium that no other chemicals can produce.  When I was working with the AEC in Germantown, MD in the 1960's I was evaluating the peaceful uses of radioactive materials including uranium.  Glass companies were requesting the use of depleted uranium (After natural uranium had been processed to remove U-235 for nuclear fuel).  Another AEC employee and I visited several glass companies in WV and PA that wanted to use depleted uranium for coloring in their products.  I took my trusty Geiger counter with me to measure some of the older Fiestaware.  I did get a small reading.  This use was later approved.  One company president did not believe that it was radioactive.  He thought that firing molten glass in a high heat would kill it.

GETTING PREPARED FOR WINTER

WOOD FOR THE WINTER

From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

We're having the mildest fall weather in memory here in the West Virginia Mountains. But our winters can be long and hard so it's better to have plenty of wood on hand. My wife Jill and Sky are shown bringing in firewood to heat our home on the Dry Fork.

From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)

I feel as if I am in some sort of competition for "MFC" (Most Frequent Contributor) but you struck a few "chords" this Fall that I felt needed commentary.

The first is, WOW! Little did I realize when we had lunch together last summer at "Hometown Hot Dogs" near your place on Buckeye Lake near Columbus that my acceptance of the offer of cole slaw on (as opposed to with) my two "W.Va. Dawgs" that I was kicking off such a major firestorm.  In my defense, however you may recall that the slaw was offered by the owner/server who is from Jane Lew. WV.

That said, I'll admit no real preferences regarding hot dogs, chili sauce (with or w/o/ beans), cheese, onions, etc.  Further, I don't lust for Pepperoni Rolls.  However, I wonder why Oliverio's Peppers don't get more love from your readers?  One of my first stops each year when I arrive in Harrison County is across the 4th St. bridge to visit Angela and Francis at "Oliver's Cash & Carry" on Clark St. in Glen Elk.  I not only consume a case each summer, I carry a case with me as I drive back to CA and "gift" them anyone who shows some interest.  This year, I ended up empty-handed upon arrival home and had to call back to the factory for another case.  BTW - This is not a paid commercial.  Angie and I graduated together in 1952 and what a lovely child she was. "Mention mischief and her dark eyes flashed".

Next item - Several people commented knowledgeably on the environmental changes in WI since it's conversion to a "Middle School" and questioned "parking problems".  Two thoughts: In 1946, my family moved into the lower half of the duplex that was on the corner of Irving Place, Fifth St. and Horner Ave.  There were reserved spaces on Irving Place for Mr. Cubbon and Miss Custer.  All others walked or found street parking.  That is, except Miss Kishbaugh, who drove a HUGE Lincoln sedan.  As both of my parents worked and we were a one car family, Miss Kishbaugh cut a "pro bono" (cake at Xmas?) deal with them to use our garage during the work week.

The above is a segue into the attached photos of an empty lot where my house used to be and workers making short order of Coach Hite's house on catty-cornered across from mine on the corner of Fifth St. and Hickman St.  I took these pictures last summer after I was told by the Hite Sisters, (Mary Ann & Emma Lee) that these lots were to be used as teacher's parking for WI. So there you are.

Finally - Does anyone remember "Matthew's Grocery" on the third corner of that block? John/Ethyl Matthews were there long before Howard/Juanita Ryder (WI - 1934?) got established further up the block.  I delivered groceries for the Matthews, in a basket, on foot, to local homebound folks for tips.  Nickel & dime  A quarter was big time ! They were nice people to tolerate kids at lunchtime.

OK. I'm done. (For now)

EDITOR’S NOTE:

I hope someone will write and share their memories of Matthew’s Grocery which was owned by John and Ethyl Matthews.  And it would be interesting to read some memories of Howard and Juanita Ryder also.  Thanks for a very interesting e-mail, Joe.  It is strange how some little subject like a hot dog can stir up so many comments.  But I did find the comments interesting and still welcome any input on a person’s particular favorite dog.  The ALMIGHTY West Virginia HOT DOG!

From: Anita White (WI 1948)

I find the information on individuals interesting, but really enjoy the food discussions, drug stores, and places of interest in Clarksburg.  When I was a child, the Hamburger Mart at the corner of Water and Main Streets was owned by my great uncle, Clay Johnson who lived on Clay Avenue off of Main Street.  He sold great hot dogs.

From: Iced Tea Dee (WI 1969)

One of my uncles owned East End Lunch for 20 plus years.  From the 1950's until the 1970's, when it was bought by the state to expand Clarksburg's Route 50 Expressway, East End Lunch was owned by Paul Oliverio, my uncle.  The place across the street was Root's Grill, owned by Jim Root.  There was a "hot dog war" between them at one time.  East End ran 12 hot dogs for $1.00; I don't know what price Root's dropped to.  The normal price at East End Lunch was 10 cents each.  In later years, the price went up to 8 for 97 cents (12.125 cents each).  East End also supplied hot dogs for many Clarksburg area school's football games.  They had a wipe off board above their steam table, where they would write their daily specials.  On game days, the number of hot dogs ordered was written on it and then the amount packaged per box was tallied up and written on the board.  East End Lunch hot dogs were topped with mustard, onions and chili (which was never called sauce and was never made with beans).  Nor was coleslaw ever added to any hot dog East End Lunch ever made.  The picture below that I've included may refresh a few bygone memories.

Paul Oliverio

From: Sandy Zickefoose Lindke  (WI 1956)

My favorite place to buy hot dogs was "Webb's".  It was located on the corner of Traction St. and Magnolia Ave. in Hartland.  My mother worked for Mrs. Webb and often made the chili in our oven in a huge roaster.  The oven being the original slow cooker.  The buns were steamed, the dogs and chili were served hot.  Mustard, ketchup, chili and chopped onions were the toppings.  Can't wait to join all of you in Sarasota in March to enjoy a WV. hot dog.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Thanks Sandy, Bill and I certainly like the hot dog chili I make for the Clarksburg Area Reunion Picnic.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

SO, here I was earlier today watching a show that I had recorded Monday night on the Food Network Channel called "GUILTY PLEASURES".

Katie Lee (from a Food Network Channel show called THE KITCHEN) comes on, and announces that her "guilty pleasure" was from a restaurant in HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA (which is where she is from - or somewhere close to where she was born and raised).  The name of the restaurant that she got her "guilty pleasure" was called the MIDWAY DRIVE-IN.

AND, I am sure that you can guess what her "guilty pleasure" was!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOT DOGS with a BUN, WIENER, CHILI, ONIONS, and (you probably guessed this too) SLAW!!!!!!

EDITOR’S NOTE: I have eaten hot dogs in Huntington from Stewart’s Hot Dogs Restaurant.  They are very good, but I did NOT eat Slaw on mine and don’t even remember if they asked if I wanted it.  Anyone in Huntington knows if you order a hot dog with everything on it…..in HUNTINGTON, does that everything include slaw?  Everything in Clarksburg means wiener, topped with hot dog chili, fresh chopped onions and a squiggle of mustard across the top.  Best if you can get it all in a steamed bun.

THESE MEN SERVED IN VIETNAM

THANK YOU 

FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY

From: Bob Alton (VHS 1955)

I left Clarksburg on September 10 1956 when I joined the US Air Force.  After completing basic training, I was stationed in San Antonio, Texas for a short period of time before being reassigned to Monterrey, California.  I finished my active duty tour at Kelly AFB in San Antonio in September 1960.

I decided to remain in San Antonio for a few years (I noticed it didn't snow much in South Texas). I later lived in Midwest City, Oklahoma (graduated from the University of Oklahoma while there) and Woodbridge, Virginia while working as a civilian for the Air Force.  I returned to San Antonio in 1973 and have lived here since then, where I have been retired since January 1996.

I still have family in Clarksburg consisting of my sister, Phyllis Alton Nichols, a WI grad, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  I have mentioned in the past that I worked at George's Cities Service while in high school and got to know a number of WI folks.  I have enjoyed many return trips over the years with mandatory visits to the Ritzy Lunch and stops to pick up pepperoni rolls (my daughter and son are addicted now as well)!!

As always, I enjoy the Newsletter very much and appreciate your hard work to keep it going and letting the rest of us keep in touch with Clarksburg.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  I am sure the readers join me in thanking you for serving our country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam crisis.

Bob Heater with his mother at his retirement.

From: Bob Heater (WI 1966)

Thanks so much for your great work along with staff that puts together the newsletter. I look forward to reading it every month. Keep it coming.

My Vietnam story begins shortly after graduation in June 1966.  Actually 3 WI 1966 alums joined the Navy and left for Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Ill. in August 1966.  Wayne Dickens, and Allen Sharpe and I left for Navy Boot Camp together and were lucky to be assigned to the same training company and remained together throughout Recruit Training.  Upon completion of Boot Camp Wayne and I were given orders to US Naval Ammunition Depot in Oahu, Hawaii to await further transfer to our ship.  I cannot remember where Allen was assigned, but I believe it was to England.  Wayne and I stayed in Hawaii for 6 months and then were transferred to the USS Taussig (DD-746), a Destroyer stationed in San Diego, Ca. that had just returned from a deployment to Vietnam.  Very unusual for us to receive identical orders for the second time.  Life on a Destroyer is no picnic.  Very cramped quarters and always on the way somewhere, Tin Can Sailors are Haze Gray and Underway.  We left San Diego summer of 67 for our first Vietnam deployment.  After several weeks on the gun line providing gunfire support to ground troops we were finally relieved for much needed liberty in Sasebo, Japan in late December.  Fate however stepped in and rained on our parade.  The Koreans boarded and overtook the USS Pueblo.  We were ordered to join a task force for a blockade of Wansan Harbor, Korea, where they had taken the Pueblo.  The Taussig remained outside Wansan Harbor through January and February 1968.  Very brutal weather condition, the coldest winter I have ever experienced.  On a very sad note, the American Military never attempted to rescue the Pueblo or her crew who were prisoners. The crew was eventually returned… the ship was not.  Her Captain was later court martialed.  Later in his life he committed suicide.  The Taussig returned to the gun line once again and continued to pound the shore with our 5" dual gun mounts.  Later that year we returned to San Diego.  In 1969 the Navy gave us a second Vietnam deployment.  These were very tough times as our country was very much against the war and the servicemen and women who were fighting it. How times have changed!!!!!!

After our enlistments were up, I returned home to Clarksburg. Wayne stayed in California and later moved to Oregon.  I have not seen Allen since Boot camp and Wayne since his father's funeral. Hopefully they will attend the upcoming reunion.  Lot of catching up to do.

I remained in the Naval Reserve and retired at rank of Chief Petty Officer in July 1995. I have include Vietnam photos and a retirement photo with my late mother, Anna Mae Heater.

I still live in Clarksburg with my wife, the former Luanne Murphy (Victory 1968).  We have 2 daughters Tracy (WI 1989) and Tammy (WI 1990); I retired from the Postal Service in 2008 after 34 years service.

HURBERT FLESCHER

From: Barbara Williams (WI 1958)

I knew him as my mother and his mother were good friends.  I remember going to the Bridgeport airport to welcome him back after Vietnam.

FROM THE EDITOR:

Thank you for sharing this very interesting story. 

GUESS WHO?

  

Who are these two good looking young men?  Send me your guess.  I will only print correct responses.  Please include a memory that you may have of them.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com and please always sign your name, school from which you graduated or would have plus the year you would have graduated.

Thank you.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

Hey Bill:

Congrats to you, Roleta and her sister for the outstanding December newsletter.  It's so great to hear about old friends and updates about the Mountain State.

Tuffy Knight (VHS'54) and I have been following the Mountaineer football season by any means possible.  We do get some of the telecasts up here and when we don't we use game cast.  It was a good run at the end of the season but we were left disappointed with the final game.  An 8-4 season with luck in the bowl game would make everyone happy with a 9-4.  But it was not to happen and the "old sly fox" out coached us big time in the second half.  We think that Holgorsen, while improving, is not up to the likes of Bill Snyder at Kansas State.  There aren't a lot of really good players on the squad, but hopefully they will improve in the off-season.  If Tuffy and I were starting a team and someone said we could select any four players from the WV roster, we would probably pick the FG kicker, the punter, the LB, and the injured DB (Joseph) If the same option were applied to all the other teams, we would pick a QB from any of the top four teams.  Skyler has 1 more year?  There has to be big improvement.  The Head Coach MUST be competitive with the top four teams or he will probably be let go.  Improvement needed---ability to adjust to whatever the opposition is doing.  Let's hope the 2016 team will take a couple of steps forward.

Warm wishes for a happy and safe holiday season to all!

Rich Newbrough, BHS 1955

Reply to Rich:

Thanks for the comments.  Like you guys, I have trouble getting the WVU football games and basketball games on TV, unless they are on one of the main cable channels. Some of my friends get the Root Sports telecasts on their computers, but, try as I may, I can't seem to get the games.  I must resort to the radio broadcasts on Tunein Radio.

I agree that a 7--5 season just won't cut it.  They gave two wins away, in my opinion.  Both were coaching errors.  We aren't good enough to do that, particularly in conference.  We need every win we can get.  Blowing games just gets us less respect than we already have.

I like your four players to anchor a team.  I would probably add Worley and Smallwood. They both had excellent years.

Skyler Howard is a gutsy kid, but not really a top Big 12 quarterback.  I thought the kid from Baylor was the best QB I'd seem all year until he got hurt.  His injury cost Baylor a spot in the final four.

Finally, another so, so year in 2016 will definitely cost Holgorsen his job, if he is still around then.  There are still many rumors flying around about Rich Rodriguez coming back after the first of the year.  They are probably just that, rumors, but they make for interesting conversation.

Thanks again for your comments.  We exist only if the readers write to us and you have helped us out a lot.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

David W. Gibson

(1935-2015)

In Memoriam

Bill-

A few years ago (2010?) I sent you a story about Byron and David Gibson, Salem High School’s “infamous”  Gibson Twins.  Regrettably, this time I have to report that it is now singular.  David passed away in October after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

Fortunately, I was back on the West Coast and able to attend his funeral at the United Methodist Church on the campus of UC Irvine where he was an active member for many years. His “older” twin (by minutes), Byron, delivered the eulogy covering Dave’s early years in WV for the California audience.  David’s family hosted a reception following the service in the church multi-purpose room.

Rather than repeat his athletic accomplishments here, I will edit the material I sent to you earlier speaking to the high points of both Twins.

Salem High School

The  Gibson Twins, along with Jim Plauger, Bob & Bill Davis and Fred Post  virtually terrorized the Little Ten Conference during 1950-52. They went 16-0 (regular season) in 1952 ending up at 23-2 losing only to Lost Creek and Fairview.

WI vs. Salem - 1952

After the 1952 season, Homer Carmichael Jr. (Hoagy) opened his auditorium on 6^th Street to sponsor a benefit game between the graduated seniors of WI and Salem high schools.  Before a respectable audience, Salem slipped by 42-40.  WI cried out for a two-out-of-three series and proceeded to win the second game 48-46 in overtime.  In the “rubber” game, played in the Salem College gym, Byron Gibson scored 26 points while David was held to “only” 24 as the “Crew-Cubs” posted a 36 point victory (96-60) to take the series.  This is all well documented in the Exponent-Telegram files and I have the clippings.  Ask Sheriff Tiano.  He ref’ed all three games BTW - A few years ago, (2002?) the Twins challenged Bob McCarty and me to a two-on-two playground game of 21.  We respectfully (and wisely) declined.

Salem College

The Gibson Twins went on to star in both basketball and tennis at their hometown Salem College until their graduation in 1956.  They were dominant figures both within the WV Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and throughout entire State.  They both have been inducted into the Salem College Athletic Hall of Fame and received Distinguished Alumni Awards. 

Salem College vs. Rio Grande - 1954

The apex of the Gibson’s college basketball career may have occurred in January, 1954. The Salem College Tigers scored an upset 100-96 victory over Rio Grande (Ohio) College before a packed house at the Carmichael Auditorium.  At the time, Rio Grande boasted the nation’s leading scorer, 6’9” “fabulous”  Bevo Francis. Byron Gibson hit for 31 points outscoring Francis 24-22 from the floor but lost out on the foul line as Bevo made 16 charity shots to end up with 38 total points.  Bill Berkley, Ron Fadula and Dave Gibson combined to contribute another 49 points. (Note: Bevo also passed away this year.)

Postscript - I not only played ball with and against David, but roomed with him for a year as we both started our professional careers following college with the National Carbon Div. of UCC in Fostoria, OH in 1956.  As we both ended up living and working in CA, we have stayed in touch over the past four decades.  David was a humble, self-effacing individual with a brain to match his superb athletic talents.  Neither Twin was an “individual” on or off the court. Sadly, Byron is now left to “fly with one wing”. 

Joe Malone, WI 1952

Reply to Joe:

What a wonderful tribute to a friend.  I'm sure all of us would be very honored to have someone write an article similar to this for us upon our passing.

I remember your writing about the Gibson twins previously.  I am intrigued by their abilities on the hardwood, let alone their tennis prowess.  You bring up so many memories of the 50's that I and most of our readers not only remember, but we lived it.

Things like the Little Ten Conference, Salem, Fairview and Lost Creek High Schools, Carmichael Auditorium and the Salem College Tigers produce a ton of old pictures in my mind.  Pictures of Fielding Yost and Ronnie Retton at Fairview, watching W I basketball games in downtown Clarksburg, Archie Talley at Salem, Paul Popovich at Flemington, Joe Retton at Fairmont State and the old WVIAC, sadly a thing of the past which included West Virginia Tech's George King and so many other great players.  Then, of course, there was Bevo Francis and little Rio Grande College shocking the basketball world with their circus-like performances.  Wonderful, wonderful memories.

I think that I've also mentioned before how interesting it would be to see top teams compete after the season like the W I-Salem series.  That would have been something to watch.

Thank you so much for your contributions to the newsletter over the years.  They are always informative and better yet, they are entertaining and fun to read.  I look forward to hearing more from you soon.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Did Joe's article bring back some long lost memories from the 50's or before?  If so, please share some of them with us.

BRING BACK RICH ROD?????

During the recent college football season, there have been numerous rumors concerning Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez wanting to leave his current job for one "closer to home". He reportedly turned down the South Carolina job a few weeks ago.  Since home for Rich was Grant Town, WV, he couldn't land much closer than Morgantown, where he once coached the Mountaineers to national prominence, coming within seven points of playing in the national championship game after the 2007 season.  However, he left his Alma mater after a season ending loss to Pitt for what he thought were greener pastures at Michigan, leaving behind a bad taste in the mouths of thousands of loyal WVU fans.

My question is:

"Would you welcome Rich Rodriquez back as the head football coach of West Virginia University"?  

Please give the reason(s) for your positive or negative response to this question.  Hopefully, we can have some fun with this one.   

Send your answers to Bill at billmere@aol.com.

CRADLE OF COACHES

In case you missed it, here is a link to an article written by Ray Glier for Bleacher Report in December, 2014.  It is about north central West Virginia being the "Cradle of Championship Coaches".  Of course, you and I have known that for a long time.  The rest of the country is just now catching up.  Enjoy.

Write any Sports memories or discussions to Billmere@aol.com

Thank you

AND THE WINNER IS:

Before the college football season began, our readers were invited to predict the final Won--Loss record of the WVU Mountaineers.  We had ten participants, whose guesses ranged from 4--7 to 9--3.  The old sports guy (that's me) thought they would go 10--2, but I couldn't enter.

I promised a prize for the winner, with a drawing required in case of ties.  Well, we actually had four people pick their final record of 7--5.  They were Bernie Cohen, Bud Collins, Don Sager and Mike Snyder. We did an impartial (honest) drawing and Bud Collins was the winner.

Congratulations to Bud and all of the other brilliant sports minds who got it right.  We will award Bud the prize at the annual Clarksburg Picnic in Sarasota, FL in March.

Incidentally, if this had been a normal team with a normal head coach, the record would have been 9--3 and Bob Secret would have won.  The Oklahoma State and Kansas State games were give-aways by the Mountaineers.  As far as my 10--2 prediction, I obviously "drank the Kool-Aid" and believed the press clippings prior to the season.  I won't point fingers as to the cause of the less than spectacular season.  Let's just say that I and most WVU fans were very disappointed at the outcome..

Thanks to all those who send in their predictions.  It is only eight months until we can all do it again.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Congratulations to The Bridgeport High School Indians, who beat Tolsia, 39--0, to win their third straight Class AA state football championship.  They have dominated the division recently and, as you can tell by the score of the game, they seem to play as well in championship games as they do during the regular season.

By losing another game they should have won, the WVU football team finished the season at 7--5.  Another "Ho-Hum" season to many fans. They play Arizona State in the Cactus Bowl, minus three players, two of whom were starters.  By all indications, Dana Holgorsen will return next fall as the head coach, another decision that doesn't sit well with many fans.  What do you think of this decision?  Are 7--6 seasons what we have come to accept at West Virginia?  Let us know your feelings about this or any other sports item.

Finally, the WVU basketball team is off to an excellent start at 11--1 for the non-conference portion of their schedule.  They now begin Big 12 play, where they are picked to finish sixth.  If this team doesn't do better than that, I'll be surprised.  They continue to press full court on defense, which has had a devastating effect on their opponents.  My criticism of them is that they tend to stand around holding the ball too much.  They need to either move with the ball or pass it.  They also can't "put teams away" after getting a nice lead.  They seem to relax and have allowed a couple of opponents to get back into the game.  They clearly have more talent than any Huggins team since the final four run.  Here's hoping that they can play well in the conference and then make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.  Stay tuned.

Send your thoughts and comments on any sports subject to Bill at:

(billmere@aol.com)

NOTE FROM THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR:  Many of you women read the sports section of the newsletter.  Many of you are savvy about WVU Football.  I would like to see some of you send in your predictions next year.  But wait, don’t wait until next year.  I would like to see some females comment on things in the sports section.  Come on gals; write to the sports editor at billmere@aol.com

RON CHARTRAND

From: Buzz Floyd (Victory HS 1956)

I apparently missed the November issue, but Chartrand is the only guy whose name I remembered in that picture.  I remember him because he was the fastest guy I ever saw run the 100 yard dash.  Now that I’ve seen the answers I remembered the others too, but that guy Chartrand was fast.  I was on the VHS track team for a year, plus I remember he was Speedy Gonzalez on the football team, so I remembered his speed as well as his distinctive look.

CAN YOU NAME 

ANY OF THESE CHILDREN?

Above is a picture sent to us from Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI 1957)

Please send the names of any you recognize.  

Name them by row 1 at the top and then 2, etc. right to left picture 1…picture 2…. etc… if you have a blank between names  just put a ????

Thanks

Send your names to Roleta1@aol.com

NEW READER

Elinor Garrett (WI 1971)  elinorgarrett@charter.net

JERRY’S AUTO SUPPLY

From: Chuck Wilson (WI 1967)

My memories of Jerry’s Auto, it was a short cut from Pike St to Hewes Ave.  My first basketball came from Jerry’s.  My best memories from Jerry’s was the electric car track that they set up.  They sold these miniature cars and you could add different brushes on them to make them faster.  One of their employers named Tony was the Man over the track, so after school and on Saturday’s were fun time.  Mr Kramer would greet you with that cigar in his mouth

Good times.

JANUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

The mystery picture is the white building on the left.  Do you know what was located most of the time in this building?  Where was the building located?  Why did you go there?  What was across the street?  What was beside it?  Did you go there with your parents or with friends?  

Write and tell us all about your visits to this location.  

Sign your letter with your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.  If you answer is not correct, I will not publish it but will tell you and let you try to identify it correctly. 

The reason for this section of the newsletter is mainly to REMEMBER

If you remember, share your memory sometimes that causes someone to remember some wonderful memory that they hadn’t thought of for years. 

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES…

ROBERT ALLEN DAVIS (WI 1959)

Robert Allen “Bob” Davis, 74, departed this earthly home December 8, 2015, for his heavenly home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bob was born in Clarksburg, WV, on September 30, 1941, to Paul M. and Freda M. Davis. He was a 1959 graduate of Washington Irving High School, Clarksburg, WV and Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Salem College, Salem, WV.

Bob is survived and deeply loved by his wife of 54 years, Janet Sue (White) Davis; son, Randall Allen Davis (Somy Ford); daughter, Sherri Lynne Hudkins; grandchildren, Patrick Allen (Elizabeth) Davis, Emily Nicole Davis, Hannah Mae Hudkins and Jackson Si-Yuan Davis; sister, Sandra Kay (Clarence) Grose; special niece, Carolyn Louise Davis; and many other nieces and nephews.

Bob retired as Regional Manager of Safety and Health from the U.S. Postal Service after 36 years. He was very proud of his service in the U.S. Navy where he was an Electricians Mate 3rd Class aboard the destroyer USS Corey DDR-817.

NORMA JEAN KIRK

Norma Jean Kirk, age 82, of Clarksburg, passed away on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 14, 1933, in Clarksburg, WV, daughter of the late Price L. and Virginia Lee (Meadows) Ward.

Norma is survived by two sons, Michael E.(Trena) Kirk and Ron G. Kirk and eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert C. Kirk, who died on March 28, 1979; infant son, Robert David Kirk; and one brother, Lamont “Monty” Ward.

Norma was a graduate of Victory High School where she was a majorette.  She retired from United Hospital Center as a Licensed Practical Nurse

HARRY DONAVON HATHAWAY

Harry Donavon “Donnie” Hathaway, age 86, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2015, at the Genesis Health Care Salem Center.

He was born in Arlington Addition, WV on May 31, 1929, a son of the late Harry Henry and Katherine McClung Hathaway.

His wife, Mary L. Hathaway, preceded him in death.

Mr. Hathaway is survived by two sons, Jerry Robert Newbrough and Todd (Leona) Hathaway; one daughter, Janie (Keith) Smith; seven grandchildren,; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one nephew.  He was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Luke Smith, and a brother, Thomas J. Hathaway.

Donnie was a graduate of Bridgeport High School. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army and a member of the VFW Post 573. He was a welder for Pittsburgh Plate Glass and after it closed went to work for the Harrison County Board of Education as a custodian for various schools including South Harrison, Summit Park, and Norwood Grade School.

EDWARD GAYLORD LEE

Edward Gaylord Lee went in peace to The Lord on November 25, 2015, at the Larsen Pavilion at Shell Point.

He was born October 22, 1924, in Clarksburg, WV, to Edward and Margaret Lee.

He attended Washington Irving High School and Augusta Military before being drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18.

After basic training, he was sent overseas, stationed in London with the 1st U.S. Army, then as a truck driver in the Phantom Division that was to convince the Germans that Calais was to be the thrust of the invasion. Soon after the Normandy landing, he was with Headquarters Company, special troops under General Bradley.

He and his truck delivered one of the first full field kitchens so that the soldiers could have their first good meal after the invasion. He served in France and Germany and was awarded five Bronze Stars.

He attended West Virginia University and then returned to Clarksburg to the family-owned Wellslee Coca-Cola Bottling Co. He remained in the business for 36 years and retired as president in August 1981.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Hollot; daughters, Cynthia Murray (William), Jennifer Gramlich (Terry) and Susan Brennan (Joseph); son, Tim Lee; granddaughters, and grandsons.

BEATRICE D. QUIGLEY

Mrs. Beatrice D. Quigley, 96, , died on December 6, 2015.  She was born September 30, 1919, in Wildcat, Braxton County, WV, the daughter of the late Alston and Cora Jones Drummond.

Her husband, Harold Edward Quigley, whom she married in 1942, preceded her in death in 1944.

Also predeceasing her were her brothers, Lowell and Paul Drummond, and sister, Ruth Williams.

She is survived by a daughter, Ann Q. “Penny” Neeley and her husband Robert W. “Wally”; two grandchildren and one great-grandson.

 She was a 1937 graduate of Washington Irving High School, where she was an athlete and earned a varsity letter in basketball. After graduation from high school, she began studying at Salem College, but left in 1941 when she was selected from 1,000 applicants to be one of 12 young women to go to National Airport in Washington, D.C., and train with the first class of airline hostesses for Pennsylvania-Central Airlines. Following World War II, she worked for City Lines as a receptionist and telephone operator. Upon the opening of the Veterans Administration Hospital she began employment there. While working, she returned to Salem College to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree and eventually became the Chief of Library Services at the VA Hospital, retiring in 1980.

A 63-year proud resident of Bridgeport, in 2001 Mrs. Quigley was chosen as a Benedum Fellow for her contributions to the community, as well as her philanthropic and generous spirit.

FRANCES ANN CAMIGLIANO

Frances Ann Camigliano, age 67, of Clarksburg, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015, at the Clarksburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following an extended illness.

She was born May 4, 1948, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late Frank Camigliano and Anna Scolish Camigliano.

Surviving are her son, Nicholas Camigliano; and one sister, Rosalie Camigliano. One nephew, great-nieces, , In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by two sisters, Theresa Camigliano, Joann Schlimm and a special cousin, Mary Jo Ritter.

Frances was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. She received her degree in education from Fairmont State College. She was a former school teacher for a short time, a legal secretary and then went on to retire as a court recorder at the Harrison County Courthouse.

ROBERT BARRETT

Robert “Bob” Barrett, 74, of Clarksburg, passed away December 8, 2015, in the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center.

He was born in Clarksburg on May 22, 1941, a son of the late Lewis W. Barrett Sr. and Daisy Lee (Barker) Barrett.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was the last surviving member of his family, having been preceded in death by his two sisters, his twin sister, Patricia Cain, and Delores Nicholas, and a brother, Lewis Barrett Jr.

Bob graduated from W.I. High School, Class of 1960. He served in the U.S. Navy. He retired in 1995 from Kroger as the head grocery clerk after 31 years of service. He had also worked at Central WV Transit Authority for seven years.  Mr. Barrett was a lifetime volunteer member of the Harrison County EMS, joining in 1967 when it opened and retiring in 1974.

HARRY DONAVON HATHAWAY

Harry Donavon “Donnie” Hathaway, age 86, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2015, at the Genesis Health Care Salem Center.

He was born in Arlington Addition, WV on May 31, 1929, a son of the late Harry Henry and Katherine McClung Hathaway.

His wife, Mary L. Hathaway, preceded him in death.

Mr. Hathaway is survived by two sons, Jerry Robert Newbrough and Todd (Lena)Hathaway; one daughter, Janie (Keith)  Smith; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and onegreat-great-grandson; and one nephew , Opha Ray Kesling.

He was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Luke Smith, and a brother, Thomas J. Hathaway.

Donnie was a graduate of Bridgeport High School. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army and a member of the VFW Post 573

SHIRELY ANN CONRAD

Shirley Ann Conrad, 80, passed away December 4, 2015, at Ruby Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born August 22, 1935, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late James Wesley and Mamie Pearl Musgrave Drake.

Her husband, Charles E. Conrad, preceded her in death in 2004.

Mrs. Conrad is survived by four daughters, Debra Kay (Steven) Lipps, Rhonda Denise Brady, Colleen Rene Glover and companion Kyle Nicholson, and Tammi Sue Davis and her companion David Riddl; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.She is also survived by one brother, Wesley R. Drake, one sister, Billie Mae Drake; several nieces and nephews; and her loving dog, “BB.”

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Devericks; and brother-in-law, Edward Blair Devericks.

Shirley graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1953. She retired from Stewarts Cleaners as a clerk and had worked part-time at Village Square until her illness.

MOLLIE DELORES OLDAKER

Mollie Delores Oldaker, age 73, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2015, at her residence.

She was born November 17, 1942, in Clarksburg, WV, daughter of the late James Lee Trimble and Alleda B. (Bolyard) Trimble.

Mollie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry L.; five sons, Vincent (Cherie)  Oldaker, Michael  (Becky) Oldaker, James (Tracy) Oldaker, John (Tina) Oldaker  and Emory (Stephanie); 23 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Warren (Sharon) Trimble  and Willis Trimble ; three sisters, Hilda Trimble, Wanda (Paul) Ungemach, Esther Trimble; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, James, Vincent and Bradford Trimble.

Mollie was a 1961 graduate of Victory High School.

DANIEL WILLIAM DeMARINO

Daniel William “Dan” DeMarino, passed away on December 18, 2015, at home after an extended illness.

He was born in Clarksburg, W.Va., on November 30, 1936, son of the late Dean and Teresa DeMarino.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Jane DeMarino; son and daughter-in-law, John Daniel and Karen DeMarino of Richmond, Va.; and two grandchildren, nieces and nephews

Additional survivors include a brother, Frank (JoAnn) and a sister-in-law, Bettie DeMarino.

Dan was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph DeMarino and his sister, Mary DeMarino.

Prior to his retirement, he was Executive Vice President of First Neighborhood Bank in Spencer. He was also a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy.

He graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1955, where he was an all-star basketball player.

TINA RAE WRIGHT

Tina Rae Wright, 54, of Clarksburg, passed away December 20, 2015, at her residence with family by her side. She was born November 1, 1961, in Clarksburg, daughter of Gerald Allen and Ruth “Darlene” Bennett Wright of Clarksburg.

Tina graduated from Liberty High School, Class of 1980.  In addition to her parents, she is survived by one brother, Gerald “Butch” Allen (Jill) Wright; one sister, Kimberly Sue (Robert)  Mellie; five nieces and nephews, and the kids she helped raise; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

DR. JOHN ANTHONY BELLOTTE

Dr. John Anthony Bellotte, age 69, of Bridgeport, WV, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at his residence after a long fight with cancer.  He was born on March 15, 1946, in Bridgeport, WV, the son of the late Joseph A. Bellotte and Mary Teresa (Paletta) Bellotte.

John is survived by his wife, Teresa (Parsons) Bellotte; three sons, Bradley Bellotte, M.D., Brent Bellotte, M.D., and Travis Bellotte, M.D.; a daughter, Heather Bellotte, M.D.; godson, Michael Bellotte; stepson, Andy Hess; three grandchildren, spiritual granddaughter; and two brothers, Anthony and David Bellotte.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Joseph and Samuel Bellotte.

Dr. Bellotte attended St Mary’s and graduate with the class of 1964 from Washington Irving.  He then went on to graduate from WVU School of Medicine in 1972.  He was known throughout the medical community for his work in pulmonary and critical care medicine, treating hundreds of black lung patients in the Appalachians.  His passion for teaching will be remembered by a generation of resident physicians who graduated from United Hospital Center and WVU School of Medicine.  

BLONDENA BOGGESS BRANNON

Born November 16, 1933 to Blondena Boggess Brannon and Richard Garland Brannon in Spencer, West Virginia. She passed away at the age of 82 on December 14 after a courageous five month battle against multiple blood infections. Sue is survived by sisters Ann B. Pushkin, Nancy Jo Plescia; brothers-in-law Martin Pushkin, Joe Plescia, Sr.; nephews nieces.  Sue graduated from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia and attended Marshall College in Huntington, West Virginia. Sue enjoyed living and traveling to many interesting places.

Obituary published in the Dec 22, 2015 edition of the Sacramento Bee Newspaper:

RICKY NUTTER

Ricky “Rick” Nutter, 61, of Jane Lew, WV, passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2015, at the United Hospital Center.

He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on July 16, 1954, a son of the late Kenneth Nutter and Virginia Kniceley Nutter.

He is survived by his companion of over 20 years, Carol Feldt.

Also surviving are two daughters, Lisa Nutter and her companion Adam Arbogast, and Cassandra Nutter; one brother, Kenneth Wayne Nutter; his sister and best friend, Sue (Charlie) Westfall and his sister, Pauline Garrison; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Rex Nutter, and one sister, Debbie Ratliff.

Rick was a graduate of Victory High. He was a farmer and raised registered red and black angus cattle. He was a member of the Red Angus Cattle Association and the Black Angus Cattle Association.

He previously was a roofer for over 20 years in Florida, and returned to West Virginia in 1997 and started farming.

SANDY BARTLETT WEEKLEY

Sandy Weekley, 69, of Clarksburg, passed away December 26, 2015, in Washington, PA, following an extended illness. She was a daughter of the late Robert L. and Adelaide V. (Whitehair) Bartlett.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert “Bob” Weekley.  Also surviving are three sons, Robert H. (Melissa) Weekley, Jr, Chad M. (Nerian) Weekley, and David J. Weekley; and 7 grandchildren, Sandy was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Gretchen Weekley, and a brother, James Bartlett.

Sandy was a graduate of R-W High School and attended Salem College.

DAVID J. RIFFLE

David J. Riffle, 84, passed away on December 27, 2015, at the United Hospital Center, unexpectedly.

He was a son of the late Caleb V. Riffle and Eva Mae Mick Riffle.

His wife, Vola Lea Riffle, preceded him in death.

Mr. Riffle is survived by one son, Jimmy Ray  (Denise) Riffle; five daughters, Melody  (Bob) Misty Fleming, Meecha Duty, Tammy (Bill) Shaw, and Kissy Riffle; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; special nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Riffle was preceded in death by two sons, Dusty Riffle and Michael Riffle; two grandsons; one brother and three sisters.

David was a graduate of Victory High School, and served as a veteran in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.

He worked for the Harrison County Board of Education as a school bus driver for children with disabilities. David was a retired police chief with 25 years of service with the Town of Stonewood and a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police Local No. 78. He also was retired from the Stonewood Fire Department and Harrison County Emergency Squad. He had worked for Pittsburgh Plate with 25 years of service and Electrolux for 12 years. He was a former police officer and Police Court judge in Anmoore.