Issue 198

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

LAST CHANCE!

I REALLY NEED HELP

TICKETS! TICKETS! TICKETS! TICKETS!

This month is your last chance to purchase tickets for the 2016 WIN Scholarship quilt. This is the only money maker that we have to support the scholarship. Truthfully the sales so far have been the lowest in the history of the quilt and the money given to the scholarship is far below any year yet.

Remember when you purchase tickets for the Quilt drawing, 100% of the money goes to the Scholarship. All the material is donated and all the labor is donated. A group of women who I named “The WIN Scholarship Quilters” donate their time and talent each year to raise money to support the scholarship.

If you don’t want tickets for the quilt, you can send me a check and put in a note saying no tickets please. Or you can buy tickets for someone else and wish them good luck in winning the quilt.

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. 

Just write your check to:

Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship 

and mail it to me at:

Roleta Meredith

3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.

Sarasota, FL 34240

This is an opportunity for you to pay it forward. Help a student and hopefully when they become an adult, they will pay it forward to a younger student.

This is an opportunity to support higher education in WV.

This is a way to say thank you for the education you received.

Some of you have been reading the newsletter for 17 years. Some of you have never given a dollar for the cause. Believe me, if you give a few dollars and join with the others of us who faithfully give to the scholarship, you will not only feel good about your efforts but you should be feel proud that you gave to this worthy cause.

I hope that I get mail from you this month.

Please...

17^th ANNUAL CLARKSBURG PICNIC

SARASOTA FLORIDA

MARCH 12 2016

So many people from the Clarksburg area either have moved south of West Virginia, are snowbirds in Florida or vacation in March in Florida.  Seventeen years ago I started a little picnic so all of us could get together.

Here is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to visit with others from the Clarksburg area. We gather each year in Sarasota, Florida for a picnic, and sharing memories. We tell old stories and share new ones….We laugh and have a big time.

I provide the hot dogs, sauce, buns, chopped onions, mustard and I even bring catsup and slaw for some of you who eat slaw on your dogs. All you need to bring is a covered dish and your own drinks. We pass the hat to cover the cost of the necessities. If you are coming from out of town and can’t bring your covered dish, you can stop by Winn Dixie or Publix and pick up some food to share.

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 or visa versa. 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.

I need to hear from you if you are coming so I know how to prepare.

THIS IS JUST A MONTH AWAY

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

If you have any questions or want further information, please write me at Roleta1@aol.com

If you are coming from out of town and need hotel reservations, you better act now!

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 often go to the motel after the picnic to visit more with everyone.

A SALUTE TO COACH CASTELLANA

Beloved Teacher, Mentor and Coach "Al" Castellana 

Has Passed Away at the Age of 83.

Here are some letters from readers who wish to share a memory or speak about Coach Al Castellana.

From: Tim Cork (WI 1962)

Through his guidance, leadership and teaching, he shaped the lives of so many people that had the good fortune of knowing him. He taught us discipline and right from wrong. He taught us how to be winners graciously and how to accept defeat honorably. I recall how Mr. Castellana radiated so much energy and enthusiasm, that just being around him was a great motivator.

Like so many, I loved this man and will miss him dearly. 

Mr. Castellana will live in my heart forever.

From: Roleta1@aol.com

The first time Coach Al Castellana was pictured in the WI yearbook was in the 1958. It also says he taught freshman classes, thus I never had him as a teacher of any class I was in nor did I have any sports contact with him. I remember often seeing him standing in the first floor hallway with the other coaches… about the area of the boys’ locker room entry. I never knew Coach well at all. But through the letters below which were written about him, I know now why everyone admired him and some actually loved him like family. I really enjoyed learning about this man.  He was a man with a huge heart. I believe that Al Castellana was the last living teacher from when my class was at WI.

He attended many WI events where I was and he and his family came to the CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC in Sarasota, FL a couple of years ago.

Some teachers are born to be teachers; this man was one of them.  Clarksburg lost a great one!

REST IN PEACE COACH AL CASTALLANA

From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)

I last saw Al briefly at the Clarksburg picnic last August as he was leaving. My last words to him were, "Be here when I get back!" Now that he's passed, I'd like to share with his many fans and admirers, my first meeting with him.

In August, 1951, it was Hotternell!!! Two-a-day football practices at Hite Field.  Your uniform never dried out! Tony Folio had just come over from St. Mary’s to replace Coach Hite who relinquished his coaching responsibilities earlier in the year due to heart problems.

Coach Folio brought with him from St. Mary’s, one of his former stud" linemen, Big Al Castellana, to assist in coaching WI's linemen. Al had gone on to WVU and had agreed to spend August with us. Folio was putting in a whole new system ("T" vs Single Wing) and Al was his "messenger" to those of us "up front". Complete with a wad of Mail Pouch and that infectious grin on his face, I'll have to say he was an absolute delight to work with. At least that's the way I remember it. He worked with us and laughed with us at the same time. I can still see the sparkle in his eyes. He went back to Morgantown a month later and we went on to a winning season losing only to the "Big Red Machine" from Parkersburg, 7-0.

Al - If you're reading this - Thanks once again! I'll see you "on the other side".

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

I first met Al Castellana in a very unusual way. I was on the grass looking up at him. Coach Folio told us he had a couple of fellows who were going to come to practice and scrimmage against us. Well they came to scrimmage alright. They were pretty serious to teach us the correct way a lineman was to play and to be ready to have the heck kicked out of him. I don't remember how long practice was that day but I'll tell you one thing, any lineman playing opposite him that day, the practice was too long.

Many years after that when running into Alphonse (I always called him that or coach) he liked me telling him that story. He was the nicest person to talk with and he tried to attend every WI get together. He loved talking sports and he did have a good memory. I cannot say enough about Al and I am sure some of the readers will say the same.  He was friendly, considerate, and always happy. I looked forward to going to the Italian Festival and one of the reasons was running into Al, not like on the football field. I never played under him, except in that particular days scrimmage. The contacts I had with Alphonse were memorable. 

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

From: John Harrison (WI 1956)

I recall Coach C coming to our practices at Hite Field in 1956 and having no problem putting us on our collective backsides. He seemed to enjoy that a great deal. While I never was a player under him, I did respect what he did so well for so long. I remember he and Tony Folio were great friends even then. So sorry for his loss. He sure was a good one.  Thanks for letting me know about this.

From: John Iaconis (WI 1959)

Coach Castallana was a kind and sincere person. He was always trying to help the players. He was always smiling and helpful.

RIP, coach.

From: Joy Gregorie DeFazio (WI 1959)

My special memories of Coach center around the planning and actual celebration of the WI Centennial in August 2014. He served on the planning committee from its earliest days in 2013. In fact, I don’t think he missed a single meeting including the final one in late Fall 2014 at Twin Oaks where we concluded that the event had been a total success.

We both considered our relationship unique. Only one other person on the committee, Carolyn Pinella Warne, remembered his earliest days teaching and coaching the Hilltoppers.

Many of our planning meetings were dinner meetings at The Parkette on Bridgeport Hill. For some reason or the other, he would always ask what I was having.  My reply was usually “grilled cheese.” He would say, “I’ll have the same.

While I never had him as a teacher, I can still see him standing in the front hall outside the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms supervising students between classes and during lunch.

My brother, the late Jene Gregoire, played football under him (and Coach Folio) in the fall days of ’56, ’57 and ‘58 before my mom and Jene moved to Akron, Summit County, OH, where Mom had landed a good job with benefits at B.F. Goodrich.  As it turned out, athletic skills Jene had learned as a Hilltopper proved fruitful in fall 1959. As a senior at Green High School there, he earned several athletic awards including Lineman of the Week from the Akron Beacon-Journal and a scholarship to Akron University.

From: Wayne White (WI 1960)

I had coach for history class. He was a great teacher with a kind heart. I know he will be missed I went out to see him three weeks before he passed. He was at the Heritage Nursing Home. He was always glad to see you. I worked with Al at Davis Weaver Funeral Home as he was a greater there. He enjoyed seeing his old students when they would come to the funeral home as well as people in the community he knew. It is a sad day as we lost a great teacher coach and friend. 

This is my tribute to my friend.

From: Mary Jo (Pulice) Benedetto (WI 1961)

Coach was one wonderful man. He was just a young teacher when we were at WI, but I am sure at the time we had no idea - in fact, we probably thought he was old!

He was a mentor to so many and kept in touch with several of his athletes all these years. He came to all our reunions and was always there with that wonderful smile and great sense of humor. One time he came without Jeanie and I asked him if he would be my date! He was so much fun and we even danced!

I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to tell him that he was one of my favorites, because he sure was. How fortunate we were to have him as a teacher, as a coach, as a class sponsor, and as a friend.

May he rest in peace.

From: Patty Hickman Cravey (WI 1961)

Coach Castellana was one of the most caring teachers there could have been. He cared for each student and wanted them to be the best that they could. He was always an encouragement to his students and believed they could be whatever they set their minds to.

He was a big influence to me and will definitely be missed by all that knew him.

From: Lanny Long (WI 1965)

I was not in any sports, but I always remember Coach as being a nice guy.

From: Rod Kidd (WI 1970)

I appreciate the notice that Coach Castellana had passed.  I know he was in a nursing facility for a time. He lived in the same neighborhood where I grew up, and I had cut his grass for him for a number of years. I also played football for him in the late 60’s. He, coach Marra, and coach Fittro were all great. It was an honor to have known him. He and the other coaches did a lot to make us “kids” into more responsible young men. He had attended several of our class reunions and it was always great to see him. He would always comment on how he wished we were as big as we are now back when we played ball. However, I’m not sure that would have helped as we had also gotten a good bit slower. He will be missed, but knowing his battle with illness, he is now in a place with the Lord and has no more pain.

God Bless!

From: R. Brooks Gainer (WI 1961)

One of the reasons I chose to become a physician was Coach Bill Moore and Coach Al urging me to become the first Student Trainer in West Virginia in 1958. Coach Bill and Coach Al, physical therapist Joe Manchin, Drs. Rose, Mills and Bob Wilson urged me to seriously consider going into pre-med in college. This was later reinforced by Whitey Gwynne the famous WVU and Olympic trainer that I assisted at WVU from 1963 to 1965 before medical school. Coach Al and his late wife Sara "Jeanie" have been such a joy to talk to, see and visit for the past 50 years. The WI Class of 1961 has never forgotten what great people and friends they were. They were a living example of a loving and caring couple. I regret that I didn't get in to see him more often this year. 

He will be missed by all of us. WI will SHINE!

From: Bob Gordon (WI 1973)

I have so many great memories about Coach Castellana that it is hard to pick just one. However, when I got my license on many days Coach used to meet me in the hall on my way to his World History class tell me he forgot his lunch, hand me his car keys tell me where he was parked, tell me his wife knew I was coming to pick up his lunch. He would then give me $2 and tell me to stop by the store at the top of the hill on my way back and get him a diet coke and a pack of Mail pouch. I would drive to his house and Mrs. Castellana would meet me at the car door with his lunch. I would take it to him with the diet coke and Mail Pouch. I loved that man and his family. Ziggy was one my brother Doug’s best friends. I have Coached and taught for 38 years. The reasons I chose that profession was because of WI and Coach Castellana.

From: Kay Cottrill (WI 1970)

When I was a sophomore my Mother forgot my birthday. I purposely did not remind her of it. I was in my classroom early and no one else was there and I was crying about it. Coach came in and found me and I remember how sweet he was to me; trying to make some kind of amends for my Mother. I know he called my Mother to tell her because when I went home I had all these strange gifts (probably bought at the last minute) and a store bought cake. I long ago forgave my Mother but I will always remember his kindness to me. Years later when I was a social worker I worked with his Mother and also remember what a wonderful son he was.

Such a great man.

From: Mike Fresa (WI 1959)

Al remained a man with class but humility thru the years.  We would chat on occasion and I was always impressed with his recall, or at least, he fooled me. At this age however, that is not always too difficult.

May God bless his soul.

From: Lanny Long (WI 1965)

I was not in any sports, but I always remember Coach as being a nice guy.

From: Mary Jo Pulice Benedetto (WI 1961)

Coach was one wonderful man. He was just a young teacher when we were at WI, but I am sure at the time we had no idea - in fact, we probably thought he was old!

He was a mentor to so many and kept in touch with several of his athletes all these years. He came to all our reunions and was always there with that wonderful smile and great sense of humor. One time he came without Jeanie and I asked him if he would be my date! He was so much fun and we even danced!

I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to tell him that he was one of my favorites, because he sure was. How fortunate we were to have him as a teacher, as a coach, as a class sponsor, and as a friend. 

May he rest in peace.

From: Barbara Paugh Patton (WI 1963)

Coach AL was a fun teacher. He was a good coach and my brother's Jerry and Chuck both played for him. My dad always tried to go to all the games. The one that always sticks in my mind was a game Jerry played in Parkersburg.  My dad learned after the game Jerry had broken his arm but stilled played the rest of the game. We ended up staying in Parkersburg at the ER till he got his cast on. At our last class reunion Gary Dawson and I laughed about that. We graduated class of 1961. I miss my dad he always made sure I went to all the football games home and away. Jimmy Paugh I still miss you. My dad also played for WI.

From: Debbie Sayre Stoikowitz  (WI 1969)

I remember Coach Castallena like it was yesterday at WI. I was not fortunate enough to be in any of his classes but I sure do remember his smile in the hallways during class changes. He was a very nice man and I'm so glad he was in my young life when everything was so scary. He will always be a soft warm memory in my heart. God Bless him and his family. Rest in Peace Coach. 

You will be greatly missed and in many people’s thoughts and prayers forever.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The WI graduating class of 1961 was privileged and proud to have Mrs. Howard and Coach Al Castellana as their CLASS SPONSORS!

I had the honor of sitting with the Coach and his wife at our 50th class reunion, and Coach has also been one of our guests for my Class of 61 dinners that I have organized over the past two years. Two years ago, when WI celebrated the 100th anniversary, the class of 61 had a picture of the Coach made and it was presented to him at the Friday night gathering at Twin Oaks. Everyone that was present (which included the class of 1960) signed the picture, and the picture was also circulated the next day at the WI picnic at Veterans Park, where more signatures went onto the picture.

The above picture was matted and framed before presentation.

He will be missed, and I am glad that I got to spend some quality time with him the past two years at the class of 61 dinner outing, and at the WI picnic the day following.

I also understand that he was very involved in the organization and planning for the Bicentennial Celebration of WI that was held two years ago.

From: Rick Wilson (WI 1961)

When I went to visit Coach one Sunday afternoon at his home in Arbutus Park to pick up the portrait (in upper corner of picture) that Jeanne found, I had to almost get in line! He had visitors from his old neighborhood in Stealey coming in all afternoon. Typical weekend at Coaches according to Jeanne…

All adored him and tons of funny stories were traded back and forth.

From: David Bates (WI 1951)

Aaaaahhhhh, the memories stirred up!

While in the WI boys' study hall, with Mr. Duckworth overseeing the period, we discovered that when looking out the windows we could see the roof of the St. Mary's Nursing School building. Why on earth was that interesting?!?!?!

…Can't guess?

Well, the student nurses, knowing they were free from viewing, would "strip down" and sun bathe on the roof.

...Too far away?

Nah. Just close enough to stir up a "horny" teenage boy! A curious Mr. Duckworth came over to the window, and after a couple of minutes, chased us back to our seats.

...Now, the big question?????????

How many of our ladies reading this did we see and did any of them know they were exciting some boys?????????

JANUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

From: Patty Rogers Hood (WI 1950)

This is Bland's Drug Store. It is next to the old Harrison County Courthouse on Pike St. I never went to Bland's, but I graduated from the WV Business College which was on the second floor of the same building. From the business college I went straight to work at Monongahela Power Co., corner of 4th and Pike, and worked there until I married and left town.

From: Paul Rector (WI 1958)

The drug store in the picture is/was Bland’s Drug Store and I am not sure if it is still there. I do remember its vinyl booths and the soda fountain.

From: Barbara Warne (WI 1958)

The building housed the WV Business College above Bland's Drug Store. I graduated from the College back in about 1960.

From: John Cooper (WI 1951)

It has to be Bland's Drug Store next to the old city building on the left side of that building was Robert's Hardware. That is gone, also the city building where it was planned to put up a Log Cabin the city paid for and was to be re-built there on the vacant lot, the city chaned it’s mind still an empty lot today. Across the street is now Huntington Bank, it was it Maunz Clothing Store before Huntington Bank(?) Janey Hayes was the soda-drink and ice-cream float creator at Blands. She had many years as chief assistant to the great Blacktone, the magician, traveled during WW II all over the U.S. and met the most famous of entertainers doing shows at army camps for USO including being surprised when her husband met her at one camp show. Who remembers Janey fixing you that soda or banana split? Bet you didn't know of her show-biz background, because she would not brag or talk about it, unless you asked her. Her wonderful scrap book with photos autographed by the big stars that toured also proved it. I had this photo in my book.

From: Bob Twigg (WI 1955)

Looks like the old city hall or court house beside Bland’s Drug Store on Pike Street. The big building is no longer there. It's green space now.  The big building was where the boys registered for the draft before turning 18.

Bland’s was the place where the boys went to meet the girls or the girls went to meet the boys after school for a soda , malt or milkshake and nabs before catching the city lines bus home.  Most of the drug stores back then had a soda fountain and booths.  It was always crowded there after school.

From: Wayne White (WI 1960)

The building is the Fordyce Bldg. Located across from the Huntington Bank. The building was built in the 1900:s. The Bland drug store was in this building for a long time. They moved out and Hickman Signs moved in but was not there long as he found another location. The building is owned by Steve Haning. He had plans to open an eatery or coffee shop//Chuck Huggins restoration & preservation for commercial historical properties. They are involved with this project. The building has 6 apartments located above the first floor. The property is located beside the old city hall property.

From: Bill Bryan (RW 1957)

Don't know the name of the building, but I think it housed Bland's Drug Store, located on E Pike St. Across the street was Lowndes Bank.  Not sure if there was a business to the left of Bland's. (Hardware? Or nothing?) I started pharmacy school at age 28 in 1967. I was fortunate enough to be able to intern summers at Town and Country Drug Store in Nutter Fort in 1969 and 1970.  My preceptor was Bud Stanley.  At that time, he, Ed Toompas, and Don Hutson owned Bland's and Town and Country.  Ed and Don primarily worked Bland's, but relieved Bud at Town and Country.

They were all great guys to be trained by -- and work with. It was a pleasure!

The building to the right was the old post office. I got my social security card there when I was senior in high school (to work at Moskin's Credit Clothing just up Pike St.)

Thanks for bringing back some memories!

From: Bob Kramer  (WI 1965)

This is a picture of Bland’s Drug Store next to the old City Hall or Post Office on Pike and Third Street. Mr Moore was the owner and had a large tropical fish tank in the rear of the building. I would buy supplies to make gunpowder as a kid. The soda fountain could make you a cherry, vanilla, or chocolate coke. We could stop there after school at Central.

From: Linda Nutter Gimmel (WI 1966)

I think the white building in your picture was used as Bland Drug Store when I was in Central Junior High. I went there to have a soda after school.  There were only a few seats but was always busy. My parents also used this drug store for our needed prescriptions. This building was located next to what was the old City Hall.

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

I believe the building shown is Bland's Pharmacy on ground level. I don't think I was ever in the building until a few years ago when I had to have something my father needed when he was sick. I think a lot of Central Jr High School students went there after school. I don't remember hanging out anywhere after classes.  The only hang out after school was Hagen's Ice Cream, and that was after WI classes.

The red building to the right was the old city hall, I believe. It was a beautiful building made of huge red blocks. The last time I saw that corner; the building was torn down and became an empty grass lot. I did hear they were planning on disassembling an old home, possibly Stonewall Jackson's, and assembling on that spot.  I don't know if anything is there now. I am sure someone will inform us on that one. Further down Pike St to the left of Bland's was Gore Hotel. Below street level was a bowling alley. I remember bowling there when they had a few alleys for "Ten Pin's", which were the smaller pins, I believe. Every time I look at the mystery pictures in the newsletters, they sure bring back a lot of old memories.

From: Linda Turk Jones

Picture looks like the old Bland's Drug Store on Pike Street with the old post office building beside it, which later became City Hall. I think that building has been torn down. Never hung out there much but my husband did while he attended WV Business College in the early 60's. The school occupied the second and third floors of the building. Bland's had a soda fountain as I recall with several booths along the wall.

From: Bob Teter (WI 1960)

Looks to me to be the corner of Pike St. and Second St.? Building on right was old police station and who know what before then, maybe old courthouse? The building on right, I think it was a drug store. I do not remember the name. Maybe the Gore Hotel was to the left. Best I can do.

Another great job with the newsletter.

Thanks.

From: Chuck Wilson (WI 1967)

The mystery picture is the old Bland’s Drug Store.  I would go there with my Grandma to get her prescriptions. Next to Bland’s was Robert’s Hardware, they had everything under the sun there, from nails to fishing gear.  Across the street was Anderson’s Restaurant and CC Keys Music, later Lowndes Bank was built on that lot. On the right hand side was the City Hall and jail. Bland’s Drug store was on E. Pike between 2^ND St and 3^Rd St.

Thank you all for the Newsletter, really enjoy seeing the old pictures of Clarksburg.

From: Jim Callis (WI 1953)

Blands Drug Store…..greatest game in town….mystery place

From: Jackie Evans Cotter (WI 1953)

This business would be Bland's Drug Store. It was the after school hangout. It had a lunch counter and served sandwiches (I think), milkshakes, ice cream and soft drinks. We would all congregate in the booths and I' m afraid we gave Sandy, the waitress, a hard time...at times. If we got too rowdy she would put us in our place. Couldn't wait to order a Lemon Blend. It was a sweet lemon flavored drink served over crushed ice. Very refreshing. Served with a straw wrapped in paper.  And of course you had to blow the paper off the straw usually aimed at someone else.  What a mess we left!!

It became the drug store of choice for all of my family.  When my mother and mother-in- law grew older and their health began to fail, we could always depend on Mr. Toompus, the pharmacist, and owner I believe, to give us good advise on their medications.  He knew us all by our first names and was familiar with our medical histories.

Thank so much for all the work and dedication you and your family put into the Newsletter.  You do a wonderful job.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I went to high school with Seraphina Toompas. A very nice girl but shy and quiet. I never saw her again after high school. Someone said she moved to Greece? Maybe Mr. Toompas was Seraphina’s father? Does anyone know? Does anyone have any information on her?

PRESIDENTS’ DAY

February 15

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

PRESIDENTS’ DAY: CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS

Like Independence Day, Presidents’ Day is traditionally viewed as a time of patriotic celebration and remembrance. In its original incarnation as Washington’s Birthday, the holiday gained special meaning during the difficulties of the Great Depression, when portraits of George Washington often graced the front pages of newspapers and magazines every February 22. In 1932 the date was used to reinstate the Purple Heart, a military decoration originally created by George Washington to honor soldiers killed or wounded while serving in the armed forces. Patriotic groups and the Boy Scouts of America also held celebrations on the day, and in 1938 some 5,000 people attended mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in honor of Washington.

In its modern form, Presidents’ Day is used by many patriotic and historical groups as a date for staging celebrations, reenactments and other events. A number of states also require that their public schools spend the days leading up to Presidents’ Day teaching students about the accomplishments of the presidents, often with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln.

ROOSEVELT WILSON... VICTORY... 

KELLY MILLER... ST. MARY’S...

NOTRE DAME... 

ANY HIGH SCHOOL IN HARRISON COUNTY OR ANYONE LIVING IN THE AREA

You are welcome to write and share your memories with us in this newsletter.  We were/are neighbors, we have the same experiences from school, we shared the same home town, we shopped at the same places, ate in the same restaurants, attended the same churches, went to the same doctors, visited the same movie theaters, we hung out at the same spots in and around town and we know a lot of the same people. Come join in our monthly newsletter where we share old fun and loads of memories.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com Sign your name, high school and year you graduated - even if it isn’t in Clarksburg - this is the way I have you listed in my master copy of readers. We would love to read your memories too…

IN-SCHOOL OR AFTER-SCHOOL PRANKS

From: Ron Ogren, (WI 1950)

You have always had a great newsletter and it's gotten better. Thanks much!

Regarding some "Pranks" that you asked about:

After school let out at 4:00 pm we'd head for Bland's Drugstore for coke with our friends and then head for home. I lived in Hartland and often rode the streetcar, which traveled a short way to the West End along Pike St. Rather than go up the Milford Street hill to Stealey it took a more level route along the banks of the West Fork River, before exiting the wooded area onto Traction Street in the Hartland residential area. The streetcar stopped in front of Ware's Grocery at the corner of Liberty Avenue where several of us students got off. It would then enter the country areas to complete its trip to Weston. The Electric streetcar was fed its power through the "trolley" which was the long pole on top at the rear, that dragged on the overhead electric line. A rope was attached to the trolley pole so that it could be lowered from its power line and anchored, during parking or making turn-around. After everyone was off the streetcar it would ring the bell and proceed, crossing Liberty Avenue and over the river on the single lane bridge. Some of the student boys would find it much fun to jump on the rear as it started and then pull the rope disconnecting the trolley from its overhead power source. The streetcar would then coast to a stop and often it would be on the center of the bridge. Railroad inspectors were often seen inspecting the power line for defects which would cause the trolley to jump its track so often.

A NOTE TO ANY FRIENDS

From: Larry Bostic (R W 1958)

If you want to add my e-mail address to your newsletter, I would really like to hear from friends and classmates from Clarksburg. I am in touch with Bill Bryan all the time.

Larry Bostic (RW 1958) lbb1961@cox.net

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

CAN YOU NAME 

ANY OF THESE CHILDREN?

And here is what she had written on the back! Isn't it sweet?

From: Gloria Hunter Kennedy

(would have been WI 1957, actually was Santa Monica High School, 1957.)

I was a second grade student at Morgan Grade School in 1946-1947, but do not recognize any students in this picture except Nancy Sole (row 6, last on right).  So, I think this must have been the "other" second grade, Mrs. Maryland teacher.  I had Mrs. Heinzman.

Nancy Sole and her cousin Mary Supler were in my class in grade 3, Miss Wright.  I did not know them well before that, so was surprised to find they were on the "other side" the year before.  Mary Supler is probably in this picture.  She was old enough to be a grade ahead (barely) but she told me her parents kept her in my grade level to watch after her cousin.  Generally speaking, I did not know the kids on the other side at Morgan, except Judy Zickafoose and Fred Dunham.  There were two classes for each grade.  In those days, we did not do much socializing in school, being forbidden to talk in class or in line, and we went to the restroom as a class.

I should not have been surprised to find Nancy Sole was going to Morgan in grade 2, because I have a picture of Sunday School or Bible School probably 1946 (after grade 1) which I have been meaning to send to you to see if anybody can identify the boys.  Mary Supler and Nancy Sole were in that picture.

From:  Mike Snyder, (WI 1957)

There were two second grade classes in Morgan, ours was in Mrs. McClung's room.  Germany and Japan surrendered in 1945, the year we entered first grade at Morgan.  I think I remember almost every little kid in the picture that Mere submitted.

L to R—Top to Bottom: 1.) Cheryl, Larry, Wilma, Davey, ?,Sidney. 2.) Yours truly, Phyllis, Dickey, Emily. 3.) Joan, Bill, Myrtle, Eddie. 4.) Sonny, Mary, Homer, Judy Mo., Bobby, Betty. 5.) Judy Mu., Butch, Joan C., ?, Mere, Bucky. 6.) Jimmy, Peggy, Dickey S., Helen, Nancy.

A little later on: Larry Johnston and I made lead billy clubs with the Hardy Boys.  Davey Hutson mowed us down like duck pins in dodge ball. Sonny Talkington—I almost shot his eye out.  Judy Monroe looked like the Indian I wanted to be.  Butch Drake showed me Clobberfoot's cave and how to make sassafrass tea. 

Mere Gurson—I had a crush on her and Phyllis Tutwiler. Bucky Horner and I failed in our attempt to dig up Oak Mound but we had lots of fun with his .22 rifle. Nancy Sole's birthdays were wildly popular because her mom treated us to ice cream in Dixie cups. We weren't hard to please.

On a final note: Did the Steam Age end and the Atomic Age begin during our first grade year in 1945 at Morgan School?  We loved our principal Mr. Sheets.  This writer held the dubious distinction of getting paddled the most during our six years at Morgan and it continued on through the seventh grade at Central.  My last paddling was from Miss Cannon in eighth grade—her bark was worse than her bite! 

From: Jackie “Skinner” King (WI 1971)

Hi, I truly enjoy reading the newsletter. I do wish there were more entries from classmates in the 70’s … so here we go:

There are so many wonderful memories of growing up in Clarksburg but for now I will respond to a couple of items mentioned in your newsletter:

1: Regarding memories of Juanita and Howard Ryder of Ryder’s Grocery.  I grew up on S 7^th Street, just above Ryders. The best time was at Halloween (a great time back in the 50’s & 60’s), we would go from house to house on 7^th/ 5^th/ Wilson streets, After doing all that walking and getting loads of candy, we would then come to Ryder’s grocery and there would be Mr Ryder sitting outside the store feeding dimes into his coke machine and giving a cup of Coke to every child that came by as his Halloween treat. With so much walking ahead and all that we had already done, we looked forward to that cup of Coke every year!  What great people they were, such a shame that the neighborhood grocery stores are pretty much a thing of the past!

2: Something to remember and be proud of:  I was not in the marching band but was a very proud supporter and had many friends in the band including the Drum Major,Danny Marsh who has since passed away I believe, but in either 1970 or 71 our great band was invited to the “Parade of States” only 1 band from every state was invited and they were to take something that could be distributed that told something about the state and to this day I will never forget what we took-----they had printed some play money with some pictures of the state but the best part was the Motto they put on the money stating “ We are the most Northern of the Southern states, the most Southern of the Northern States, The most Eastern of the Western states. The most Western of the Eastern states … WE LIKE EVERYONE!” No truer words were ever written.  Having moved to North Carolina about 37 years ago (which I truly love), I am proud to be from WV and as they say no matter where you go West Virginia will always be home.

3: Remember football games at Hite Field and the CANNON, Mr Bill Lear was in charge and always set off the cannon.(his daughter Libby was a cheerleader and I graduated in 71 with his son Bobby. Bill Lear was such a great man and such a big supporter of the Hilltoppers! Everyone looked forward to the firing of the Cannon!

Added note… Prior to moving to North Carolina, I taught Home Economics at Liberty High School for 3 years and I had such a mentor at WI in Home Economics with Miss Jarvis!  I remember at that time girls could not wear pants and your skirts could not be too short… if they thought they were too short you would be sent to Miss Jarvis, you would get up on one of her tables on your knees and she would measure with a ruler from the table to the bottom of your skirt, if the distance was more than 3 inches from the table top to the bottom of the skirt, you went home to change!!!! Man how times have changed!

Well I guess that will do it for now. Thank you again for the newsletter and all the old pictures, this all brings back lots of great memories!

EDITOR’S NOTE: The only way to get more of your friends or classmates to write to the newsletter is to invite them to read it. Send them the link. Send their email address to me so I can add them to the list to be notified each month when the newsletter is ready to be read. 

From: Susan Dixon-Higgins (Victory HS 1966)

I was in the band while in high school. Away trips were an awesome experience. We had so much fun.  Every Friday night football!!!!. We didn't really organize too much for all the basketball games.

My dad worked at the glass factory called Adamston Flat making Clearlite glass in 1950 through 1965.  Right behind then. Victory High School the other glass factory was Hazel Atlas Glass Company.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Very interesting, thank you Susan for writing. This made me think about how important the manufacturing of glass was to the success of Clarksburg, WV. I don’t think we have talked about all the different glass companies. Susan named a couple, and I decided to look them up and learn a bit about them. SOOOOO. 

Write and tell me the names of the ones you remember. It is very interesting to read the history about them. Help me out. Tell me some memories you have of the glass companies. I will research the glass company and feature some history about one each month?  If no one writes and names a company, I will not have a name to research.

 Here are some interesting things you could tell us:

Did you live close to a glass company? Which one and where was it?

Do you know someone who worked in that company?

Do you know who owned it?

What did they make?

Help the glass industry come back alive in our memories.

Do you have any pictures taken of the glass plant? Inside or out?

Or a picture of the person you know who worked at the plant????

Do you have any glassware that was made in a Clarksburg glass plant? Which plant? How old is the glassware that you have? Take a picture of it and send the picture to us to see.

Are there any glass plants still in Clarksburg?

Tell me the name/names???

Let’s make it interesting!!!!!

HAZEL ATLAS GLASS COMPANY.

Hazel Atlas Glass Company, the glassmaking giant in a state known for glass production, was created in 1902 by the merger of four earlier companies. The largest glass company in the United States from the 1930s until the 1950s, Hazel Atlas was a major producer of inexpensive ‘‘Depression Glass’’ table sets of pink, green, blue, colorless, and black glass. Hundreds of thousands of glass premiums given away in oats, coffee, and other products were made by Hazel Atlas.

Hazel Atlas glass plants in West Virginia included one along the Tygart River in Grafton (1916–60) that largely produced wide-mouth canning jars, and the world’s largest tumbler factory in Clarksburg (1902–87). By 1920, the Clarksburg factory had 15 acres of floor space, employed 1,200 people, and shipped all over the world. The company’s metal factories in Wheeling made lids and closures for glass containers.

By 1956, Hazel Atlas operated 12 plants across the U.S. and was contemplating a merger with Continental Can Corporation. Complex legal battles followed and anti-trust laws were used to prevent the merger. The result was that Continental Can acquired the Clarksburg tableware plant and Wheeling metal factory, with the other factories being sold to Brockway Glass Company. The handsome 1931 Hazel Atlas corporate headquarters at 15th and Jacob streets, a Wheeling landmark, was donated to West Liberty State College in 1964 and is now part of West Virginia Northern Community College.

This Article was written by Dean Six

ADAMSTON FLAT GLASS COMPANY

Rolland Glass Co., Adamston Flat Glass Co., Fourco Glass Co

The death of small glass plants or their combination into larger units as the result of mechanization is illustrated by the story of the Fourco Glass Co. The Rolland family, which had migrated to Clarksburg from Pittsburgh in 1898 to work in the glass industry, purchased the Peerless Window Glass Co., which they had been operating for a years, on December 28, 1915, and formed the Rolland Glass Co. The 5 Rolland brothers, Aristide J., Eugene, Charles, Ernest and Alvert A. purchased the Norwood Glass Co in 1918 and dissolved the Norwood Plant April 4, 1934. The Rolland Glass Co expanded to the buildings formerly occupied by the Lafayette Cooperative Glass Co, the Pearlman Zinc Co., and the American Sheet Glass Co. The Rolland Glass Co. joined with the Adamston Flat Glass Co; the Harding Glass Co of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and the Blackford Window Glass Co of Vincennes, Indiana, in 1935 to form the Fourco Glass Co. Following a federal anti-trust suit, the Blackford Co. withdrew from Fourco in 1948.

Fourco Glass Co built at the Rolland plant in 1969 a 1,142 foot long building to be used as cutting space & warehouse. After the State Road Commission had deeded space on the west side of the West Fork River for an abutment, the company in 1969 built a one lane bridge which spans the river from North View to Limestone.

Fourco Glass Co manufactures "Clearlite" & "Cleartem" glass used in glass doors, insulated units, table tops, safty glass, shelving, picture windows, etc. The two factories in Clarksburg employed proximately 800 people in 1969.

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com and tell me the name of a glass plant and something about it.

From: Mark Altizer (WI 1969)

Our family relocated from Huntington to Clarksburg in the late '50s. Dad was always trying to upgrade where we lived, so with each move

I was usually in a different school. Third grade at Hartman in North View, 4th at Towers, 5th at Johnson Elementary in B'port, 6th in Quiet Dell, 7th/8th at Central, 9, 10, & 11 at B'port Sr. High, and the last move put me in WI. Since we relocated so much around the area I had friends in each of the high schools. So when we relocated each time it was not a difficult transition for me because I had friends everywhere.

I don't know if you were still in the area when we moved there or not. My dad was Dr. Edward Altizer...he was a well known chiropractor in Clarksburg. He retired in '94 or '95, and then moved to the Lady Lake/Villages area there in Fl.  Dad passed away in March of 2010. My youngest sister and her husband started Gateway Motors in Clarksburg a number of years ago. They built it up to the point that they needed more space, so they bought the buildings across Rt. 50 from Harry Green's.  They sold/closed the business about a year and a half ago, and retired.  They still live in Bridgeport.

I knew who coach Castellana was from when I was at WI, but I never had him as a teacher. I liked him, and knew that he was well respected.

RIP Coach Al.

Other teacher passings that gave me pause for thought were Miss Israel and Mrs. Hartman.  I truly liked and respected Mrs. Hartman, and I'm glad that there was an outpouring of cards to her.  Another recent Clarksburg obituary that got my attention was that of Charlie Thayer.  He and my dad were very good golf buddies.  And I remember his first wife as well.  I believe that they were both patients of dad's before they made the golf connection.  I knew his 1st wife and was acquainted with his 2 oldest children.  I also saw where Laban White had passed. He was my dad's attorney.

Though my sister and her husband are still in Bridgeport, and I have many friends/classmates there....I don't get back home as often as I would like.  It seems like its class reunions and funerals that get me back there. But it is always nice to see old friends and still find a few of the older buildings that are still in the area.

I hope that you and your excellent team will keep the newsletter coming.

JERRY’S AUTO SUPPLY

From: Bob Kramer  (WI 1965)

I worked for my dad at Jerrys. He purchased the business from my uncle Jerry Krongold in 1968. It was a great place to work. It was the areas largest toy store in the area. It had all types of model cars, chemistry sets, trains, and Aurora Racing cars. Every Saturday afternoon, there would be racing events with these little cars. We also had a large selection of older car parts that I would like to have now. I got an education about working with the public. It was a great time and place to grow up. In 1972 a fire consumed our rented building and we had to look for another place to relocate. We found an area at the bottom of Main and Monticello Ave. We reopened and had only Auto parts and service and a few Bicycles. My father died in 1982 and I continued to run the business for four years before deciding it was not fun anymore. We sold the business in 1986.

WANAMAKER’S DRUG STORE

From: Sharon Dial (WI  1956)

In response to Mary Sue's message: Wanamaker's Drug Store was up from Moore's OperaHouse. My grandmother Nell Souders Greitzner and Aunt Grace Frenzel would take me shopping every Saturday and then the Big Treat was to go to Wanamaker's for ice cream after wards.

HOT DOGS

From Bob Patterson (Victory 1954)

Got many hotdogs at East Inn Lunch. If I remember they were 10 cents a piece. I worked across the street at Roberts Esso. Across the street from East Inn Lunch was a place called Roots Grill, they used to have hotdog wars. I remember hot dogs at 8 cents a piece. Sure loved those times. I like the newsletter.

ALLEN ALVAREZ

Some of you have mention Allen Alvarez and/or his mother several times. Here is a picture of him and his daughter Shelia. I discovered a picture of Shelia and Allen on Facebook, so I wrote to her and ask her if I could have her permission to print the picture in the newsletter.

THIS MAN SERVED IN VIETNAM

THANK YOU 

FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY

From: Vincent Fragomene (WI 1959)

I just went thru the January newsletter and was captured by Bob Heaters' letter.

I would like to (finally) provide a small input as you have requested so many times over the years.

Bob and I were in the same area long ago driven by the events of the capture of USS Pueblo!  I was the airwing intelligence office as a Navy Lieutenant on USS Enterprise in 1968, and having left our port of NAS Alameda (San Fransciso) in early January 1968, we went directly from there to Hawaii then to the Japanese port of Sasebo.  As a "seasoned" Westpac sailor, on my third South Asia combat cruise, I was not ready for what happened next.

We were leaving Sasebo early that Sunday morning 18 January 1968 to go south, and during that departure we received word that Pueblo was being captured.  What chaos, and having a Carrier Battle Group prepared for a Vietnam combat zone (tropical weather), we were ill prepared for what happened the next 6 weeks we were there!  The Sea of Japan is very cold that time of year.

From listening into conversations with high level military types in Hawaii and DC, and then hearing a conversation even with the President, I was amazed at the lack of resolve we had then to combat the North Koreans to get our ship and sailors back.  Bob relayed the results of our inaction.

A very sad time in our history that I was involved.  Many more "sea stories" from those 6 weeks, as I flew off the ship many times to plan operations with the Air Force in South Korea.  But suffice to say it was frustrating at best as we never exercised any of the options we planned.

Aloha, Vince...

PS. Want to always add my compliments to you and Bill, as I know doing the newsletter is a labor of love for you both.....

EDITOR’S NOTE: THANK YOU, VINCE, FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!

Did you serve in Vietnam?

Will you please share some memories of your service with us?

We thank you for your service to our country.

From: Roleta Smith Meredith

Roleta1@aol.com

Many of you know that I am a very emotional person. I am so tender hearted that it is embarrassing. I cry so easily at things. I get all teary eyed at some beautiful scene in nature, a lovely voice, a gorgeous picture, a beautiful song, a special memory and even a pretty baby. Ask anyone in my family, I am a case. We have a wonderful young man, Andrew Lapp, who is the pianist in our church who is so good he has played sets with the gospel group, “The Gaithers”. Today at church, his last piece for the day was a solo titled “Majesty”. Yep, I cried, it was the beauty of the song and the amazement of his talent. If you are interested, here he is playing "Majesty". Now imagine it in a big beautiful sanctuary!

Well, I am telling you this just to introduce the next article about Frank Gaylord, graduate of WI. I sat and read about him and Googled him; I sat and cried over his amazing talent. Tim Cork has worked up the following article and inserted pictures so you can become acquainted with this man. I thank him for sharing his talent with the world. Read about this man, write to me and tell me what you think about him.  I will make sure he gets to read what you wrote. I know someone who knows him personally.

Frank Chalfant Gaylord II

Written by: Tim Cork (WI 1962)

An American sculptor best known for "The Column", a group of sculptures of United States soldiers and sailors which is part of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Frank Gaylord was born in March 1925 to Richard and Thelma (Hamilton) Gaylord in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was named for his grandfather, Frank C. Gaylord.

He graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1943.

Frank Gaylord enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 18. He served in the 17th Airborne Division during World War II and was stationed in England. He was later sent to Europe and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. During this time, he sketched many of the men he served with in the military.

After being discharged from the Army at the end of the war, Frank Gaylord attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He transferred to the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1950.

Frank was married to the late Mary Cornwell.  The couple have two children Leanne Gaylord Triano and Victoria Gaylord. He also has a son, John Richard Gaylord that died in 1962. He also has two grand children Amy and John Triano.

Frank Gaylord and his wife moved to Barre, Vermont, in 1951.  Interested in a career in sculpting granite, Gaylord apprenticed under noted Vermont sculptor Bruno Sarzanini.

Early career:

Early in his career, Gaylord carved tombstones. Over time, he received numerous commissions for life-sized and larger-than-life representational figures and figure groups throughout the United States and Canada. In 1990, Frank Gaylord was selected to sculpt a field of 38 soldiers (later reduced to 19) for the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.   Some of the faces of the sculptures he created for the work (known as "The Column") are drawn from men he served with during World War II, including William A. Callaway and John Erdman.

In 2002, the United States Postal Service used a photograph of Gaylord's soldier sculptures for a stamp commemorating the Korean War.  Gaylord sued for copyright infringement in 2006. The United States Court of Federal Claims denied his claim, but this was overturned by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Gaylord v. United States, 595 F.3d 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2010). On remand, the Court of Federal Claims awarded Gaylord $5,000 in compensation. But on appeal, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit again vacated the decision and remanded the case back to the Court of Federal Claims for a new determination of damages based on what Gaylord and the Postal Service might have negotiated.  On September 20, 2013, The United States Court of Federal Claims awarded Gaylord $684,844.94 in damages.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Frank Chalfant Gaylord II has been honored for his work several times. These include an honorary doctorate from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, in 1998 and the Governor's Award from the Vermont Council on the Arts in 2003.

From: Arreta Jaranko

Frank Gaylord, a graduate of WI in 1943 is a World War II veteran and is the amazing artist/sculptor of the Korean War Memorial. He married my cousin Mary Cornwell, and we have been close forever, it seems. My sons and I are their only relatives, except, of course, for their two daughters. Frank and my brothers used to "hang out" together. So I thought his story would be of interest. He is so quiet and unassuming that when the VA there in Clarksburg was celebrating the Korean war veterans, I wrote them and the Clarksburg Telegram and told them. They had no idea that the sculptor was a Clarksburg boy.  Frank was in the 17th Airborne and in the Battle of the Bulge. He is 90 years old now and still lives in Vermont. We talk on the phone and keep each other informed about what is going on. I wanted to include in the letter that my brother, Lt.Col, Ret (USAF)was in both WWII and the Korean War. It meant so much to us to see Frank doing that Memorial as it also meant honoring my brother along with all military who served in both wars

LATEST FROM JAMES FRAGALE

From: Jim Fragale (WI 1958)

Bedraggled after book signing of his novel “The Answer to Life” in one of the few remaining small book stores in New York City, Jay DePaolo’s charming CHOICES on East 78^th Street. The memoir-fiction is there in the window near Jim’s head. Fragale likes to remind us that he has four blogs on Huffington Post, the most recent “Is it Art? Or, is it Soup?” - well received for its style. “The Answer to Life” is available for $ 13.99 on amazon.com and/or Barnes & Noble. Fragale is available at jamesafragale@yahoo.com He usually signs off:  Gracia tutti, paesanos.

WI CLASS OF 1966 UPDATE

Sunny Croft Golf Club

August 19th 2016

Friday 6PM:

Individual - $20

Couple - $30

August 20th 2016

Saturday 6PM:

Individual $25

Couple $30

Friday AND Saturday:

Individual - $45

Couple - $80

Send checks to WI Class of 1966.....memo 1966 50th.

P Bowie

416 Maryland Ave. #1

Nutterfort, WV 26301

Questions?

pbowie304@aol.com

304 623-5597

Reduced rates for lodging at 

Hilton Garden Inn w/vans available. 

304 326-8125

WI CLASS OF 1961 UPDATE
SAVE THE DATE

From: John Teter

The Class of 1961 has set the dates for their 55th reunion. So mark your calendars for August 26 and 27, 2016. This will be the same weekend as the WI picnic at Veteran's Park. More details soon. If you have any questions, contact John Teter jateter@aol.com

______________________________

We will post any class reunion information here for everyone's easy reference to times, dates, locations, costs, contact as well as any follow up information.

Your reunion news will appear in the most current newsletter and will remain on our ClassReunions page until after the reunion is over.

Please note our Newsletter Policies when submitting information:

• We reserve the right to edit any submission.
• We will not use religious, political, ethnic or obscene material.

Remember, when submitting information in writing to the editor always include:

(1.) Your Complete Name

(2.) Your School's Name

(3.) If and/or when you graduated

Submit Reunion Information to Roleta1@aol.com

From your Editor: 

No one guessed who these two men were. I can’t believe some one didn’t recognize them. On the left is John Campbell (WI 1959) and on the right is John Stealey (WI 1959).  Two very nice men who have been best friends since early in school. And they have both been friends of mine since early school also.  

THE HILLTOP 1975

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

BRING BACK RICH ROD?????

In the January issue of the newsletter, I asked for your opinions as to whether or not WVU should give Rich Rodriquez a second chance to coach the football team, should the situation arise where they are looking for a new coach. I thought I would get several responses, but only three people replied. No one seems anxious for his return, but experience tells me that if he should ever be named as the WVU coach, a couple of really good seasons would cure most of the negativity.

Thanks to David, Lawrence and Rich for their comments.

To Bill:

I don't think WVU should ever take him back, because he left for more money and the prestige of a much bigger college with a great reputation for football. He could have changed things in the Pitt game, but his mind was on Michigan.  He has not done so well since he left WV, a very poor record at M U and not the best at Arizona. He did well at WVU because of the good players he had and a lot of them were not his recruits. Let him stay in the desert

David Corsini (WI 1950)

Hey Bill:

Could he? Would he? Is he?

I really don't have any sense of this situation.  I think it could happen; I think it would be under certain terms but I would say it might be 70-30 that he will not return.

There is an intense dislike among a lot fans because they view his leaving as insulting to the University, team and the entire state.  But having worked in university football for 30 years, I can understand both sides of the situation. First of all, I think most of us were upset not because he left but rather the manner in which he left. I have no doubt that this tremendous opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a decision had to be made pronto and I also believe the preparation for the game against Pitt suffered as a result. A lot of people must have cheered loudly when he was let go at Michigan after all he was NOT a Michigan man and his record was not up to their standards.  But, I think the short time he was there, he was making progress. So much so that his successor enjoyed his best season with the Rich-Rod squad. In time, I believe he would have turned the corner. He has improved the stature of the Arizona team and seems to always make the league playoffs. I think he would be a better fit than anyone for WV. But WV MUST make the first move! And that might be a tough challenge for those who would have to endure the wrath of many fans.

Rich Newbrough (BHS 1955)

Hi Bill:

Thanks for a great newsletter. I have been reading it for a while but had to respond to your question on Coach Rich. I would be unhappy to see him go back to W.VA, strictly for selfish reasons, as he is building a great program here at the U of A. The way it looks now, he will be staying at the U of A.  He has fired his whole defensive staff and is in the process of hiring a new one. He signed the DC from Boise State today. His son, Rhett, committed to play for Arizona in 2017, so things look good for him staying here, but you never know. He is 33-19 in his 4th. year here, with 4 bowl games for a program that was at rock bottom when he arrived. I have lived in Tucson 58 years, but still follow WVU every week. Keep up the good work on the newsletter and remember to "Bear Down Arizona".

Lawrence Bostic (RW 1958)

To Bill:

The 2016 Cactus Bowl was a great game. If WVU had played like that every game, they might be playing next Monday night for the national championship.

Now, we have to wait 9 months to see how they will be next season. That was one of the more enjoyable games of the bowl season. The lead changed many times.  Many of the other games were lopsided with one team clearly dominant over the other. The TCU win over Oregon in the Alamo Bowl game was really exciting. Injuries on the Oregon team let TCU overcome a 31 point half-time deficit and pull out a win in overtime.

Many teams peak in bowl season. Many others are worn out with injuries. Expanding the playoff system from 4 to 8 teams might be desirable. Player compensation should be looked into. An insurance policy on each player could guarantee that one injury in their amateur career would not deny them the income from a lucrative professional career. They clearly earn millions for their schools. A more comprehensive revenue sharing system with the TV revenue could guarantee compensation to the players in case of injury and promote more interesting games for the fans.  Caps on coaching salaries might be considered. In many states, the highest paid person is the football coach. So, don't even pretend that football is not big business. The players are getting screwed and the coaches and schools are making billions.

As a fan, I want to see good close games which are well coached and nobody gets hurt.

A system might be developed where teams play a regular schedule for four games then have an open date. If they are not doing well or have a lot of injuries, they may want to sit out the open date and not play. If they are unbeaten, they may want to take on a challenge from another unbeaten team and be featured in a televised prime time game billed as the game of the week and make big money from the TV revenue. A game of the week bowl system could be developed featuring the best teams from the year before and start the season off with the goal of big TV revenues, great games for fans and matching up the unbeaten teams earlier in the year.  Then as the year progressed, they could seek to match up the best one-loss teams.  At the end of the year, it would be good to know that all of the best teams have played each other and that we really have identified the best team for that year.

America loves football like the rest of the world loves soccer. It is time to erase the edges of the box that we have placed around this game, think outside the box and evolve it into the best, safest, and most enjoyable and most lucrative game that it can be. Football players are our gladiators. We should make the most of it for the fans and for the players.

Dave Kuhl (WI 1962)

Reply To Dave:

Wow!! You covered a lot of ground, but I love letters like this. I was happy to see WVU win a bowl game, but I'm afraid it would have taken more than a one point win over an average ASU team to make them title contenders. Still, Holgorsen needed the win to solidify his job for at least another year and a win is a win. Plus, the TCU win was the most exciting game of the bowl season.

You offer a lot of different ideas to make the season more interesting, but even though many of them are interesting, it is very difficult to get the NCAA or Power 5 group to change anything that makes them as much money as the current system. I personally would like to see the game go the other way, back to where the players were actually "student athletes". Getting that done has about as much chance as WVU getting into the ACC. In lieu of that, maybe the teams could play a seven game conference schedule and then let each conference leader enter a playoff for the national championship.

Do any of these ideas make sense to you readers? Dave has listed several that I have never heard before.  I'd like to hear what you think of them.

Thank you, Dave, for the great letter. Hopefully, it will give some of our readers a good reason to write to us.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

Hello: I am a would-be graduate of WI 1962. I attended Monticello/Chestnut Hills elementary school, and moved to Maryland in 1956. I'm writing to tell you that the man I've been dating for 3 years, Frank Blake, WVU Engineering ('60) has taught me a lot about football.  Our first date was to a sports bar/restaurant in Baltimore Harbor East to meet with Baltimore's WVU alumni club to watch WVU's opening game against Marshall. At that time, all I knew was that each team had two sub teams: offense and defense. Since then Frank has taught me almost everything I need to know about football; I even understand the concept of a touchback. I have a hard time, however, distinguishing pass interference: when it is and when it's ok for the defense to try to snatch the ball from the receiver. Don't bother explaining it to me...it's actually seeing and deciding that is hard. And how about that WVU game on 1/2/16? Wow! So, I continue to learn and lament that Clint Trickett is gone, and hope that next season the Mountaineer has to do lots of pushups!

Barbara Younkin Park (Would have been WI 1962)

Reply To Barbara:

We mentioned in last month's Newsletter that we wanted to hear from the ladies about sports. Thank you, Barbara for honoring our wish.

It is odd that at brunch today, we were talking to a couple of the ladies at the table, who admitted having a hard time learning the details of the game of football.  One said that it took her a long time, but she finally learned the meaning of a touchback. Congratulations to you for caring enough to learn the game.

As for determining what is or is not pass interference, you are in good company. Most fans and game officials have the same problem. If your team's receiver gets hit, it is always a penalty. However, if it is the other team's player, it was just a great play by the defender.

Thanks again for your letter. Please keep watching football and keep writing to us about your experiences.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Jim Callis (WI 1953) mentioned in a note to the Newsletter, that he remembers the announcer for radio station, WMMN, in Fairmont, always calling the Hilltoppers, Washington AND Irving. He and those listening to the game with him would yell at the radio, telling the guy calling the game how stupid he was not to know the correct name of the school.

I'm sure that announcer was Frank Lee. He was somewhat of a legend around Fairmont.  In addition to calling the play-by-play for many of the high school games, Frank was the voice of Fairmont State sports. He called them "The Fighting Fall-cons".

In those days, he drove a station wagon to all of the away basketball games. To save on expenses, the coach would allow several of the players to ride with Frank. Unfortunately, none of them wanted that experience, because Frank was apparently a terrible driver. Can you imagine riding back home with him from a place like Glenville, in a snowstorm, on the roads as they existed in the 50's?

Incidentally, his sign-off was, "This is Frank Lee, frankly speaking". Oh, what great memories we have of the characters back in the days of our youth.

Thanks Jim, for jump starting my memory to recall how much fun it was to grow up in north central West Virginia during the 40's and 50's.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

Below is a picture of Old Mountaineer Field.

I got to go there 3 times. It was as if the players were right in your lap if you sat down on the sidelines, in the first few rows of seats.  I visited the construction site of the new stadium and have a 3-foot piece of the bleachers they installed, which was laying there. The old field was so great!!! 

John Cooper (WI 1951)

Reply To John:

This picture is very familiar to me. While at WVU, I lived in a fraternity house located just across Campus Drive from the open end of the stadium.  I never missed a home game. I, too, have a piece of wood, but it is from a goal post at this field. In 1955, WVU defeated Penn State 21--7. The students tore the goal posts down and I was fortunate enough to get one piece of the splintered wood. As I recall, the PSU halfback that day was Jesse Arnelle. He was really good, but the Mountaineers prevailed. Arnelle was also an All-American basketball player and went into the NBA the following season.

I also got to see the great Jim Brown from Syracuse. Unfortunately, they whipped WVU soundly in the game, which was played in a snow storm.

Thanks for sending the picture and your comments. It is good to hear from you again.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Sonny Sirianni was the fullback on the team and is probably the best fullback in the history of Harrison County. He went on to play ball at Marshall College. Then, he and his brother Babe (who played football for WVU) ended up coaching at Ft. Myers High School in Florida. Sadly, Sonny died a few years ago. They named their football stadium after him "Sam Sirianni Field" and put a statue of him at the entrance of the field.

Every year to this day, they celebrate Sam Sirianni Day in the town of Ft. Myers.

I thought Sonny was the best fullback, but, the best "running-back" from Harrison County was, without doubt, Bobby Secret from WI. Sonny and Bobby had one important thing in common:  they were great guys who never met a stranger. Bobby is the same yet today.

Let me think, there was another great high school "running-back" from this general area, but, in Marion County. Have you heard of the town called Monongah? Just kidding, Bill, I know you know his name. You can talk about him. Oh yes, a pretty good college coach grew up there, too.

Lyle Corder (RW 1957)

Reply To Lyle:

Thanks for the picture and comments. We have written about the Sirianni brothers before. They are famous in Clarksburg, but more so in Ft. Myers, FL. I have never had the privilege of meeting them, but I have met Bobby Secret and agree 100% with your comments.

There were several very good running backs, who played at Monongah, but the one you are probably talking about is Kerry Marbury. One of his teammates was that coach you mention.

Kerry is currently a professor at Fairmont State University. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing of this, Nick Saban had him flown to Tuscaloosa for a second opinion and treatment options. The Alabama doctors concurred with what the WVU doctors had found. I am not aware of the outcome of the treatment, but it is my understanding that Kerry is still working, so the results must have been positive.

As is the case with many famous people, we never hear all of the good things they do. As my Mother used to say, "You never can tell the depth of the well by the length of the handle on the pump". We must be very careful how we judge others.

Thanks again, Lyle, for your picture and comments. We need more just like these from other readers.  As always, send them to:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

From: Roleta1@aol.com

Dear Readers:

Won’t you please write to me and tell me about your first job experience? Below is a great story from Brooke Beall about his lucky first job experience. Won’t you tell us about your experiences? Who did you work for? Where was the job place located? Tell us about the people with whom you worked. Was it a good experience? Did you learn something from that job that has helped you throughout your life? 

Write to me at Roleta1@aol.com

RYDER’S GROCERY STORE

From Brooke Beall (NDHS 1958)

My first job was at Ryder’s Grocery. First let me say that Ryder’s Grocery was originally located on the corner of Wilson and 5^th Street. I am not sure when they moved to the middle of the block. After that move they lived over the store. My father came home one evening and announced that I had a job, starting the next day, and I was to stop at Ryder’s Grocery and Howard would tell me what I was supposed to do as my job.  Howard started me out by showing me were all the stock was kept in the basement.  My job was to stock the shelves. I was 12 or 13 at the time.  Both of the Ryder’s worked in the store. I was part time until I graduated from High School.  There were several other employees. As the business grew a meat cutter was added, Dave Blackwell. There were at least two or three other full time employees. I am sure as others read this they will remember the names.

The Ryder’s were easy to work for and great people. After I got my driver’s license I worked on Saturday delivering groceries. We had routes in Stealey, The Hill, and even Bridgeport.

Howard Ryder had the fastest sled on the hill. In the winter Wilson Street was the “go to” hill for sled riding. There was usually a fire built on the corner at the bottom of the hill and kids from all over the hill came to sled ride. Howard knew to sandpaper his runners and he was heavier than most of the kids. I don’t recall any one beating him down Wilson Street.

Before and after they closed the store I would stop and visit with them.  In my opinion they had the best steaks in Clarksburg and Dave would cut them the way you wanted them. After the store was closed my visits took place on the upper back porch. I can’t say enough good things about those two.

PS: on a sad note… not sure you want to include this… in the late 60’s and early 70’s before Howard and Juanita closed the store, at noon everything stopped in the store and all the employees took a position in the store so they could watch the three isles from one end to the other. The WI students came in the store in droves and the shop lifting was rampant. They usually caught one or two every day trying to steal something.

THE TUSTIN SIBLINGS

Pictured above are (l to r) Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI 1956), Carolyn Tustin Vitolo (WI 1952) and Buck Tustin (WI 1955)

GUESS WHO?

Last month we asked you: 'Who are these two good looking young men?'

Here's what you had to say:

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The guy on the right in the mystery picture looks to be what MIGHT be Fred Alvaro. If it is not Fred, I am not sure who it might be.

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

The "Guess Who" picture in the newsletter has got to be taken in our back yard on Haymond Hwy in "Lower Broad Oaks". That has to be my brother Fred (always a very neat dresser) and his best friend, Bobby Westbrook, aka. Steve McQueen, "Hot Rod" Hundley, and I think Robert Redford. I noticed the styles how different they were back then. The cuffs on the pants were "slightly" different. Fred wore the bow tie well.

Both were great looking guys that swooned the girls. Haven't seen Bobby lately but Fred hasn't changed a bit except he lost the bow tie recently.

From: Terry Shorr (WI/Elkins 1958)

My guess is those two characters are either from the old "Our Gang" movie cast - OR - two of my Alta Vista schoolmates  Bob Westbrook and Fred Alvaro. Actually, with the rolled up jeans Bob looks like an understudy to one of the Sharks from West Side Story, and the dapper Fred resembles a cross between Alfalfa, Frankie Avalon and Stan Laurel.

Both are good friends from my youth. The three of us were teammates on the 1952 Alta Vista basketball team that won the Clarksburg School Boy Patrol tournament.

PLEASE REMOVE

Sherri Davis Hudkins (Bridgeport 84) Sherri61366@aol.com

Judi Merkel(???) judithashcraft@yahoo.com

PLEASE ADD

Nancy Jo Marino Sharp (Bridgeport 1954) vondawlaker5@gmail.com

Carolyn Rector (WI 1959) rector_carolyn@yahoo.com

Mark Altizer (WI 1969) bvrrtrvr@yahoo.com

Michael Alastanos (WI 1975) msa457@msn.com

Richard Underwood (WI 1960) undie34240 @yahoo.com

Karol Lynn Morrison Wilson (WI 1963) kmw01@ma.rr.com

FEBRUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

What do you see in this picture? Tell me anything and everything about this picture! What are the buildings? What school is in the parade? Can you tell from the uniforms? 

And don’t forget to sign your name, school and year you did/or would have graduate?

JOHN HARVEY ASH

John Harvey Ash 85, of Bridgeport, passed away January 1, 2016. He was born on January 18, 1930 in Clarksburg, WV a son of the late Roy F. Ash and Irene Knox Ash

In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Emilia Virginia Ash who passed away on January 20, 2014.

He is survived by five children, John Harvey Ash II, David Michael (Brenda)Moore, Douglas Alan (Sherry) Ash, B. Diane (Dave) Riffee, and James Morris (Shanna) Ash; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Anne Welch and Carolyn Gillespie.

Mr. Ash was a graduate of WI High School class of 1947 and attended the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT for two and a half years and served in the US Naval Submarine service for four years. He owned and managed Hall Office Equipment, Inc. and he retired in 1992.

He was also preceded in death by a brother Roy F.”Dusty” Ash, Jr.

JOHN E. CLUTER

John E. Clutter, age 67, passed away on January 2, 2016, at UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He was born on September 19, 1948, at Chiefton, a son of the late Ernie and Wilma (Hawkinberry) Clutter.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kendy A. Clutter; five brothers, George A. (Lynn) Clutter, Charles K.  Guillermina)“Kenny” Clutter, Thomas W. (Marie) Clutter, Robert L. (Vickie) Clutter and William F. Clutter and a close special cousin, Larry Clutter. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by one sister, Evelyn Vincent.

John was a graduate of Victory High School Class of 1967, and Alderson-Broaddus College.

FERROLD E. DEVERICKS

Ferrold E. Devericks, 76, of Greensburg, PA, passed away January 17, 2016.

He was born February 11, 1939, in Avon, WV, son of late Robert W. and Thelma (Nicholson) Devericks.

He graduated from Victory High School in Clarksburg, WV, in 1957, and St. Vincent College in 1977 with a degree in Accounting. Ferrold also was a U.S. Army veteran.

He worked for Allegheny Power for 35 years before retiring in 1997 as the Director of Human Resources. He was also a member of the Hermon Masonic Lodge No. 6, A.F.&A.M. in Clarksburg and a Past Worthy Patron of Queen Esther Chapter No. 11, Order of the Eastern Star in Clarksburg, WV.

PATRICIA ANN “PATSY” FAZIO

Patricia Ann “Patsy” Fazio Zorick, 70, of Stonewood, WV, passed away on December 30, 2015, at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Frank V. Fazio and Helen Reed Fazio.

Patsy is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard E. Zorick, whom she married on July 21, 1967.

She is also survived by two sons, Rich (Robin) Zorick and Michael (April) Zorick and four grandchildren  Also surviving are two sisters, Sharon Fazio McIntyre and Sandy Fazio (Robin); sister-in law, Tammy Fazio; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and a special great-nephew, Tyler Peasak.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Frank V. Fazio II, and her brother-in-law, Carl McIntyre.

Patsy was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Class of 1963, and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

SUE BRANNON FLESHER

Sue Brannon Flesher passed away in Sacramento, California, on Dec. 14, 2015, after a courageous four-month battle against multiple blood infections.

Sue was born on Nov. 16, 1933, to Blondena Boggess Brannon and Richard Garland Brannon in Spencer, West Virginia.

Sue graduated from W I 1951 and attended Marshall University. Sue enjoyed living and traveling to many interesting places.  Her home reflected all the treasures she collected from her many life adventures.

Sue is survived by sisters, Ann B. (Martin) Pushkin and Nancy Jo (Joseph, Sr.) Plescia; 2 nephews and 1 niece, and three great-nieces.

DELENE L. JURICK

Delene L. Jurick passed away on  January 20, 2016 at her residence following a 7-year battle with uterine cancer. She the daughter of Pauline Amber-Lasher and the late Homer Lasher.

Delene is survived by her husband of 28 years, William “Bill” Jurick; three daughters, Tammera and David Faris, Christa and Mark Grega, Lisa Nicholson; two grandchildren; one great grandchild; two sisters, Beverly and Jim Bragg, Ginny Lasher.

She graduated in 1960 from Washington Irving High School and attended Fairmont State and WVU.

BERNARD J. LEHOSIT

Bernard J. Lehosit, 74, passed away January 21, 2016.   He was the son of the late Anthony F. Lehosit, Sr. and Helen C. Scotchie Lehosit

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Sandra Kopp Lehosit.
Also surviving are his son, BJ Lehosit; and a sister, Mary Monica (Ted) Hupp, 2 nieces, Laura Hupp and Lisa Scullin; 4 nephews, and several great-nieces and-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony J. Lehosit, Jr.

Bernie graduated from Notre Dame High School, Class of 1959, where he excelled in sports, especially football and basketball. He proudly served in the United States Army. Mr. Lehosit retired from AFG Industries as an electrician in 1999.

DAVID KELSO MARPLE

David Kelso Marple, 69, of Johnstown, passed away on January 27, 2016, at the United Hospital Center following a brief illness.

He was born on May 31, 1946, in Clarksburg, WV, a son of the late Kenneth Ward Marple and Margie Maxine Post Marple.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Kay Fox Marple, whom he married on July 2, 1966.

Also surviving are one son, Scott (Amy) ;one daughter, Deidra Marple and Tracy Webber; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Keith Ward (Carol)Marple; two sisters, Pamela Maxine (George) Harper; Priscilla Ellen (Jim) Miles and one brother-in-law, Rondal.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Ann Lake.

He was a graduate of RW 1964 and retired from Graftech after 49 years as a Physical Tester.

CAROL HEGMANN MULFORD

Submitted by Marsha Golden Caplinger (WI 1965)

Carol G Mulford (Hegmann), passed away on January 8, 2016 in Prescott, AZ at the age of 68.

Carol was born on August 19, 1947 to her parents Bill and Vonda Hegmannin. . She graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1965. While attending Morris Harvey College she met and married the late Frank B Mulford. She had one son, Shawn Mulford. Shortly thereafter she found her true home in Dallas, TX.

She enjoyed a successful management career in telecommunications while working at C&P Telephone, NJ Bell Telephone & Southwestern Bell. She retired from Telecommunications and relocated to Scottsdale, AZ in 1990 to be closer to her family. In the greater-Phoenix area, she worked as a Team Leader for American Express until her retirement in 2010. Following her retirement, she eventually relocated to Prescott, AZ.  She is survived by her mother, Vonda Hegmann, and predeceased by her father Bill Hegmann. Carol is also survived by her son, Shawn (Andrea) Mulford,and  2 grandchildren. Surviving siblings are twin sister Cheryl (Lee) Smallsreed, Bill (Judy) Hegmann and David Hegmann. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews.

ANGELA MARIE LEONETTE SESTINA

Angela Marie Leonette Sestina, 87, of Stonewood, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2015.  She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on February 16, 1928, a daughter of the late Joseph Leonette and Catherine Iaconis Leonette.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Steve Sestina, on September 25, 2015.

She is survived by one son, Stephen (Sue); three grandchildren, and two great grand children.

Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by siblings, Rose Leonette, Mary Blake, Yolanda Medina, Helen Pukey, Albert Leonette, Augustine Leonette and Samuel Leonette.

She was a 1946 graduate of RW. She worked as a glass worker at Eagle Convex Glass Company and Harvey Industries.

MARVIN CLYDE SMITH

Mr. Marvin Clyde Smith, age 80, died January 2 2016 in Retreat Hospital, Richmond. He was a retired Interior Communication Chief for the United States Navy. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of fifty six years Myrtle Frances Smith; two daughters, Cynthia Lescault (Robert) and Mary Catherine Spooner (Mark); two sons, Timothy D. Smith and Andrew C. Smith (Lydia); a sister Jean Russell; two brothers, Howard C. Smith, Jr. and Gail Lee Smith (Sharon); eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a step brother Blaine Gooden. He was predeceased by a step brother Thomas Gooden.

FRANCES IRENE LOVER ‘IKEY’ WEBB

Frances Irene Lover “Ikey” Webb, age 98 years, a former resident of Clearwater, FL, Clarksburg, and Parsons, WV, and more recently a resident of Elkins, WV, departed this life January 21, 2016.  She was born Monday, August 27, 1917, at Clarksburg, WV, a daughter of the late James and Sallie T. McCue Lover.

On August 20, 1936, at Clarksburg, WV, she was married to Harry D. Webb, who preceded her in death February 12, 1983.

Surviving are one daughter, Janet E. (Phillip) Twigg-Wendt; one grandson; one sister-in-law, Lois; and one cousin. Preceding her in death were one son, J. Robert Webb; and one sister-in-law, Thelma DeMundo.

Mrs. Webb was a graduate of Washington Irving High School in 1936. She had many vocations during her life. She was employed by Candyland, Oliverio Drug Store, the Peggy Shop, the Frank Vance Machine Shop, was manager of the Ormond Hosiery Shop and was an Avon Foundation representative, all of Clarksburg.  She was the co-owner of Webb’s Market in Broad Oaks and later she and her husband purchased the Ford Motor Company dealership of Parsons, which they later moved to Elkins, where she was the co-owner of Harry Webb Ford Sales Inc. until her retirement.

She was a former member of the Broad Oaks Methodist Church and the First Methodist Church, both of Clarksburg, the Friendship Methodist Church at Clearwater, FL, and was presently a member of the First United Methodist Church of Elkins. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com

 

 

JAMES EDWARD WHITE

 

Mr. James Edward White, Sr., age 75, passed away, surrounded by his family on January 20, 2016. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on March 7, 1940, to Charles and Ruth (Glover) White. He graduated with a BA in business from West Virginia University in 1962. James went on to work for Ford Motor Company, Advanced Concrete, and Peter Basile & Son Construction. He and his wife Carolyn, who preceded him in 2009, raised their family at Lake Sherwood in Milford, Michigan.  In 1997 Jim and Carolyn built a home in Prestwick Village Golf Club. Then in 2004 they moved to Rockford and spent their winters at their second home in Port Charlotte, Florida. James enjoyed golf, walking and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching football and cheering on the Lions, Wolverines and the West Virginia Mountaineers. In 2000 James and Carolyn won the Prestwick Village Golf Club Couples Championship. James is survived by his children, James (Karla) White, Jr., Stacy (Matt) Earl; 5 grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Nancy) White, Bill (Alicia) White; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn; daughter, Melissa White in 2012; and sister-in-law Marilyn Hammett-Miller.