Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith
Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton
GOD BLESS AMERICA
GOD, PLEASE BE WITH
THE FLOOD VICTIMS
IN
WEST VIRGINIA
AN
AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY
By: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)
About 50 years ago, I was working for Ben Tom Supply
Company as chief estimator for heavy and highway construction projects in Ohio.
My wife, Roleta (W I 1959), and I had moved to the Columbus area four years
earlier. Ben Tom was a major supplier of products related to highways, dams,
tunnels and heavy construction in general in Ohio and West Virginia, plus they did
installation of guard rail, fence and overhead signs in many states throughout
the mid-western and southern states.
One day, I was told that there was a man waiting to see me
about fabricated steel products. Since we furnished this type of material to
most of our customers, I welcomed another source. The gentleman introduced
himself as Bernie Cohen and said that he had recently opened a fabricating
plant in Reynoldsburg, a suburb of Columbus. I talked a little about the industry,
explaining the role of our company. I asked Bernie about his background and he
said he was from Clarksburg, WV. Of course, that perked my interest, since my
wife was from the same city. During the next few minutes, I discovered that
Bernie knew Roleta's brother, Roy, and had graduated from Washington Irving
High School in 1956. Right then, I knew for sure that I could work with this
guy.
Over the next 16 years, I bought many jobs from Bernie's
company, Ohio Central Steel. In 1982, Roleta and I started our own company, but
we continued doing business with Bernie. We became very close friends over the
years and came to admire him as not only a fine businessman, but an honest and
loyal friend. In other words, he was a true West Virginian and American.
Fast forward to June 23, 2016… On that day, Roleta and I attended the 50th
anniversary of Screen Machine Industries, formally known as Ohio Central Steel.
Yes, from a small 5,000 sf building in 1966, Bernie's company has grown to
occupy a state-of-the-art, 125,000 sf facility at I-70 and SR 310, east of
Columbus. The company no longer fabricates small steel jobs. Under Bernie's leadership,
they now are one of the nation's leading producers of industrial screening
plants, crushers, shredders and conveyors. Bernie is mostly retired now, but
the company is still lead by a Cohen. His son, Steve, is the president and his
other son, Doug, runs the plant. In addition, Doug, a graduate of MIT in
mechanical engineering, holds seven patents for products used in their
equipment.
Some of you may remember that Steve spoke at the Republican
National Convention in 2012. In fact, the last time Roleta and I were in their
plant, was to see Mitt Romney speak during the 2012 presidential campaign, but
this day was all about the Cohen family. Bernie, his wife, LeJune, his
daughter, Natalie and his two sons are truly a family success story. Through
hard work, tenacity and integrity, they have created a business which exemplifies
the American dream. I am honored to have been a small part of their success and
Roleta and I count each of them as among our greatest treasures---true and
loyal friends.
Pictured above left to right are: Steve Cohen, Bernie and Doug Cohen receiving recognition from the community and businesses
for a superior job.
Pictured above left to right are: me and Bernie, long time good
friends.
NEW
Gene
“Ron” Sanders (WI 1963) bearcat1967re@comcast.net
Martha
Lou Morrison LaLance (WI 1958) lulunboro@comcast.net
CHANGES
Marcia
Lynne Fox Schatz (WI 63)
change LSchatz@crown-chicago.com to LynneSchatz@gmail.com
Ralph
Sturms (1965)
change sukiralph@wildblue.net to dogsrbs@gmail.com
In June newsletter I had a name
incorrect, please note CORRECTION:
Frederick Heflin (WI 1953)
FRH1472@gmail.com
DELETE
Patti
Crigler Henderson (WI 1968) patbellemarie@aol.com
Jennifer
Cone Wells (WI 1972) jwells76@cfl.rr.com or jencone@cfl.rr.com
WHO
ARE THESE MEN?
From: Gloria Caruso Shaffer (WI 1958)
Not sure, but the first man looks a lot like Joff Rolland,
who was plant superintendent at Adamston Flat Glass.
As I said I’m not sure, but it sure looks like him. I
worked for him for 6 years.
He had a temper, but he was a great boss.
WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE
but yes,
WAGES ARE DIFFERENT NOW, TOO
WAGES ARE DIFFERENT NOW, TOO
From Roleta Meredith
Think back to where you were in 1962 and how you were
living. Bill and I were married with a
son. We rented an apartment for $40.00 a
month and our food budget was $15.00 a week. (If I could stay under budget,
Bill got to buy a beer!) Whoopee! Looking at the list above, now I understand
why I know so many ways to cook hamburger. We didn’t have a car; Bill paid a lady
to ride to work with her. We lived in Sunbury, Ohio and he worked at the
Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Company in Columbus, Ohio. Times were really hard for us! Makes us appreciate what we have now.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
July 4
2016
Significance of
Independence Day 2016
Independence Day 2016, also known as Fourth of July, is a
federal holiday observed yearly on July fourth. It is the anniversary of the
publication of the declaration of independence of the United States of America
from Great Britain in 1776.
History of
Independence Day
The history of Independence Day 2016 dates back to the
18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776,
representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle
weighed a resolution that would declare independence of the United States from
Great Britain. On July 2, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from
Great Britain occurred, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a
resolution of independence that had been proposed by Richard Henry Lee of
Virginia. Two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence,
a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin
Franklin.
Historians have long disputed whether Congress actually
signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4 and most have concluded that
the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2,
1776, and not on July 4 as it is commonly believed. The holiday remains to be
celebrated on the fourth of July. Coincidentally, both John Adams and Thomas
Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve
as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which
was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
Traditions of
Independence Day
Independence Day 2016 is a day of family celebrations with
picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American
tradition of political freedom and patriotism. Many people display the American
flag outside their homes or buildings. Additionally, Independence Day 2016
fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem
and, in capable military bases, a salute of one gun for each state in the
United States, called a "salute to the union", is fired on
Independence Day 2016 at noon.
July 24,
2016
Significance of
Parents' Day 2016
Parents' Day 2016 is a holiday celebrated, annually, on
the fourth Sunday of July that combines the concepts of a Fathers' Day and
Mothers' Day. It is a day that commemorates parenthood and appreciates all
parents (including mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers,
great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers, stepmothers and stepfathers, and
foster mothers and fathers) as well as their contribution to society.
History of Parents'
Day
The History of Parents' Day 2016 dates to 1994 when
President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into law. The bill was
introduced by Republican Senator Trent Lott. According to the Congressional
Resolution, Parents' Day 2016 is established for “recognizing, uplifting, and
supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children”.
Traditions of
Parents' Day 2016
As a part of Parents' Day 2016 traditions, children send
cards or gifts to their parents or parent figures or make a special effort to
them, some people to send gifts, including flowers, cakes and food hampers. It
is also a time for families to come together for lunches or dinners. Special
tributes to parental figures are made through local announcements at church
services or at local community events.
TONY
BELLOTTE’S GRANDSON
From: Tony Bellotte (WI ???)
I have 17 grandchildren and am proud of all of them. This
is Trevor Belotte, my grandson who is also QB of Football Team, and on the
Lacrosse Team. This is from the newspaper.
Trevor Bellotte, a Severna Park, Senior 182: Bellotte went
32-7, 32-7, including a county title and a fourth-place finish in the region,
and captured three regular-season tournament crowns. “He missed counties last
year so for him to come back and win counties, speaks volumes about his
character and work.
ASHLEY NEWBROUGH
From:Rich Newbrough (???)
Dick Sprout (RW in 1957), graduated the same year as his
sister Pat(my wife).
Ashley would be their niece-our granddaughter. If you get
the Hallmark network, you may catch a rerun of a movie "LOVE UNDER THE
STARS" This movie came out last August. She did a series 3 years ago
called “Privileged” which only lasted a year.
Remember the "Birds" by Hitchcock...she starred
in a remake with one of the original stars--Rod Taylor.
Pat and I are so proud of her career.
Keep checking the Hallmark channel for
From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)
I just finished your latest Newsletter. I particularly
appreciated Mike Snyder's memory and photograph of Joan Baez. I recently
watched a PBS "Great Performance" celebrating her 75th birthday. It
was captivating. She is just as gorgeous today and her voice as pure as in his
piece. I once sat near her in a restaurant on the Stanford campus and couldn't
take my eyes off of her. Regardless of how you may have feel about her
political views, she was and still is a wonderful performer.
I also enjoyed reading the articles on Louis Johnson.
During the 1940's, I lived on Rosemont Ave near Mr. Johnson's home on Buchannon
Ave. during the time he lived in Washington, DC while serving as Secretary of
War (?). I remember playing on the grounds of his magnificent but vacant
estate. Occasionally, we would discover an open window and (harmlessly) explore
the "innards" of the main house. (Grandpa's little secrets. Tsk, tsk.)
Jim Kopp's article on the Fourco Glass Co. was well
crafted and interesting. I knew of the glass industry in Northview/Adamston but
had no personal connection or knowledge of the extensive history. My thanks to
Dr. Kopp for his efforts. Well Done!
From: Harriett Stout Noel (W.I.1959)
Hi Roleta!
Thank you for another terrific newsletter! Little tidbits
caught my eye and I am compelled to send you a quick story from my youth.
In the newsletter I saw the picture of the Methodist
church celebrating its 100th birthday......another mention of Palace Furniture
Co.......and more folks writing about their experiences with which I could
identify.
I worked at the Palace Furniture Co. my junior and senior
year before leaving for the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (Bobbie Johnston was my
roommate for our first year there). I, too, remember the wonderful designer,
Mr. Peter Massenberg, and the excitement of working the switchboard. My mother
had painted a mural in the home of Mr. Massenberg and his partner Mr. Steiner
so I had met him before working there. My cousin, Nancy Carskadon, also worked
at the store during her summers and her mother, my Aunt Irene Carskadon, was
the church secretary for many years at the Methodist Church. I, too, still have
my little cedar box from the Palace Furn. Co. Do you remember getting
those......I think when we graduated?
Now to my story: In 1952 I was still living in Beverly,
W.Va. and my mother was quite a weaver and artist. Our Beverly Presbyterian
Church was celebrating it’s 100th birthday that year! The church had wooden
floors, no carpeting. Mother decided to weave 100 yards of rag rug carpeting
and donate it to the church for the celebration. She amassed huge piles of
upholstery fabric which had to be cut into strips, sewn together, wound into
balls (how well I remember those darn balls), put on shuttles and then threaded
through the loom. She asked 5 of the senior girls at Beverly School (there were
only 17 in the graduating class) if they would come after school and weave. She
had it all figured out as to how long it would take to weave that much
carpeting in order to be ready for the celebration – the amount of 1 yard a day
stands out in my mind but for how long I cannot remember. When the rug project
was completed she decided the girls needed a special thank you. She gave them
each $5.00 and took them to Clarksburg for the day. Now, remember, many of
those girls had never been more than 10 miles from home so that was a huge
“deal” to go to a big city! Everyone was to meet back at the “man on the horse”
at 5:00 pm. Everyone arrived but LaVere Swecker. Mother sent us all scrambling
down Main Street to try to find LaVere. We found her in the Palace Furniture
Company elevator, still with her $5.00! All she had done the whole day was ride
that fascinating elevator!
Now the follow-up to that story! Last month my husband and
I headed back to my beloved hills for a working vacation. We were privileged to
be at the Greenbrier Inn for a conference for four days. Leon loved trying
alligator for the first time and I loved the tour of the bunker and all the
history. Afterward, we rented a car and drove all over W.Va. ending up in
Beverly and Clarksburg for good reminiscing time. A big thrill was to walk into
the Beverly Presbyterian Church on Mother’s Day and to see a piece of that
carpeting hanging on the wall in the church. It had been on the floor for 40
some years! Needless to say, we sat right by that piece of rug and all the
memories of the weaving, LaVere getting “lost” and Palace Furniture Co. came
flooding back. The whole trip was a “walk down memory lane”. I only wish I
could have seen some of my wonderful classmates while on this trip.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to the Newsletter.
Roleta, you do such a good job in keeping us all “in the loop”. Have a
wonderful summer! As another contributor mentioned, you can use this or
discard. I just wanted to write it all down since it was fresh in my mind.
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE RUG: my, my, I loved the story of THE RUG and how it was made.
WHAT
TO WRITE ABOUT
In the June newsletter, I suggested that you write:
- What was one fad that became popular when you were in high school?
- What year was it popular?
- Do you have a picture of something about the fad?
I received one
answer:
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
The only FAD that I can recall from the early 60's is MEN
wearing BELL BOTTOM PANTS. I remember having a pair of purple bell bottom pants
that I used to wear anywhere that I went and I can remember other guys doing
the same. I also remember wearing (what I considered) a "lab coat" as
a jacket for a period of time after I moved to the Washington, D.C. area (which
would have been in 1962).
NOTE: Thanks, John. Reading about your lab coat... Could
that have been a Nehru jacket? I remember they were popular in the mid to late
1960’s.
Does anyone have any memories to share about the type of
clothes that were popular when you were in high school? I never wore saddle
oxfords, did you? Were they comfortable or did you just wear them because they
were popular? I wore penny loafers, I think I wore them because no only were
they popular but I could get them on and off easily. I still love to kick off
my shoes and walk around (inside mostly) bare footed or do you say bare foot or
do you say bare feet? That is another thing you could write to me about.
GUYS: What types of shoes were popular
when you were in high school?
GALS: same question as above.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
MUSIC
FROM THE 60’s
click on the Videos below to enjoy the complete music experience
From John Teter (WI 1961)
The two songs that come to my mind in regard to your
"songs from back in the day” are SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME and SHOUT!!
The Drifters and their classic song SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME
SAVE THE LAST DANCE
FOR ME has been a
topic of discussion with one of my friends from the class of 1962. She told me
that she went into a Wal-Mart in Saint Mary’s, Georgia and they were playing
this song over the PA system. She said that it brought tears to her eyes.
The Isley Brothers and their classic song SHOUT
SHOUT was such an amazing song. It could go on for 3 1/2 minutes or 30 1/2 minutes, depending on the time of night and/or the number of people still dancing at wherever.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I remember dancing to Shout. John
is correct, sometimes we got the short version and other times we got the FALL
DOWN DEAD rendition, being when it was over you were ready to fall down dead.
...as the classic movie ANIMAL HOUSE depicts so brilliantly in this video clip
There were so many great songs from the 1950’s and 1960’s.
What were your favorites? Bill and I really loved the slow music and still
really like to dance to it. Now it seems the fastest I go is The Electric
Slide.
Do you dance to line music?
LEARN TO LINE DANCE
This video breaks down all the Electric Slide dance steps with the song
You'll learn every move step by step as we teach you how to be a sliding expert
HAVE SOME FUN!
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
JULY
MYSTERY PICTURE
Can
you tell me about this picture? What is the building now used for? Do you
remember ever being in the building? What was this building when you were
young? Were you ever there? Why did you go there? Where is this building
located?
Sports Editor: Bill Meredith
Are
Sporting Events Really Important?
Summer is well underway and so is the wacky weather. As
all of you know, floods of epic proportions hit parts of West Virginia
recently. Many people died and many more lost their homes. As a result of the
floods, The Greenbrier Classic golf tournament was cancelled. This seems
trivial when compared to the tragic killing waters that hit the southern part
of our state. As always, the people have stepped up to help each other. That's
what West Virginians do. Hats off to Jim Justice for hosting a few hundred
people (those with no place to live), in the Greenbrier Hotel, until they can
get back on their feet. Let's all keep praying for our people.
While all of this was happening, several things of note
took place in our sports world. The WVU baseball team advanced to the finals of
the Big 12 Tournament, but failed to receive an NCAA invitation. Bridgeport won
another state title, this time the AA baseball crown. The Penguins won the
Stanley Cup. The Big 12 did not add teams, but did schedule a conference
football championship game next year. Finally, the Cubs still have the best
record in baseball. Will this be the year they finally win it all?
Remember to send your comments and thoughts on any sports
subject to us and keep praying for those flood victims. This is a long term
tragedy which will affect their lives for years to come.
Below is part of an article written for wvusports.com by
John Antonik. The title of the article is "Seven Football Hall of Famers
Who Likely Won't Be Hall of Famers", referring to the WVU Sports Hall of
Fame. No. 2 on his list is Clay B. Hite. Many thanks to Joe Malone, WI 1952,
who wrote to me about the article.
2. Clay Hite (HB) 1914-1958
In the early teens, West Virginia’s new football coach,
Sol Metzger, began mining the state’s high schools and prep schools in search
of the best homegrown talent he could find. Among Metzger’s Mountain State
discoveries were the school’s first All-American players, Ira Errett Rodgers
and Russ Bailey. In fact, Metzger stocked West Virginia’s cupboard so fully
with outstanding players that Pennsboro’s Paddy Lambert had to go to Michigan
for playing time, where he earned All-America honors in 1917.
Included among Metzger’s outstanding West Virginia’s
discoveries was speedy Huntington halfback Clay Hite, who became Rodgers’ No. 1
pass catching target on the great 1919 Mountaineer team that defeated Princeton
and finished the season with an 8-2 record. Hite caught an inordinately high
number of aerials that season - 15 for 286 yards and two touchdowns - including
a 45-yard scoring pass from Rodgers in West Virginia’s big, 30-7 victory over
Rutgers.
Against the Scarlet Knights, Hite was the recipient of
West Virginia’s “lay out play,” which required him to sneak off to the side of
the field and lay down flat on his back right before the ball was snapped.
Then, when the ball was put in play, he would jump up and run down the field
where the strong-armed Rodgers was capable of heaving the ball a long distance,
usually right into Hite’s arms for another long touchdown.
Hite was also an exceptional runner, eclipsing 100 yards
or more in a game four times, including a 180-yard, one-touchdown performance
in West Virginia’s 19-0 victory over Virginia Tech in 1915. Hite, not Rodgers,
was actually WVU’s top grounder gainer that season with 531 yards on 103 totes.
He produced 11 total touchdowns during his three seasons playing for the
Mountaineers.
“The University never had a finer athlete,” Rodgers said
in 1952 of his WVU teammate. “(Hite) played the game hard and fair and had a
desire to win.”
Hite became a noted prep coach and teacher at Washington
Irving High in Clarksburg until his death of a heart attack in 1958.
Clay Hite (1914-1958) Hite came from Huntington, West
Virginia in Cabell County.
WHO
ARE THESE PEOPLE?
(I will only print correct answers so come on and guess,
you won’t be embarrassed)
Picture was sent by Jim Strider (WI 1955)
Who are these children? Can you name them? Do you have any
memories of any of them that you can share with us?
Please write to Roleta1@aol.com
WI
ANNUAL PICNIC in CLARKSBURG
AUGUST 27 2016
Note from ROLETA1@aol.com
This is important, since this is going to be the last WI
Picnic, as no one has volunteered to head
up this event, I hope to see a couple of hundred people at the final picnic.
This event is the only way to visit with people from WI
who aren’t in your graduating class but that you know.
Your attendance would be a nice way to say thank you to
the ladies who have worked on it for years and show them your appreciation.
Bill and I plan to be there and I hope to see you there too!
VETERAN’S PARK OSBORNE PAVILION
across from amphitheater
ANY AND ALL HELPERS ARE NEEDED
Beginning at 9:30 am
PICNIC
from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
BRING A COVERED DISH TO SHARE
WI CLASS OF 1961
will be there celebrating
THEIR 55th REUNION
will be there celebrating
THEIR 55th REUNION
 |
| For additional information regarding this Class Reunion (or any other Class Reunion), please visit the Newsletter's 'CLASS REUNIONS' page. |
NOTE: This will be the LAST WI PICNIC,
unless someone younger steps forward to run this event
There are tables to unload and be covered & Drinks and
food to unload and supplies to put in place.
Can some of you volunteer to help these two ladies. Joy
has undergone operations on her legs and Sharyn’s husband is very ill, plus two
of the regular helpers have died.
Please get in touch with me if you can help and I will
send the messages to them
If you can help write to me at Roleta1@aol.com
Thank you
From Pete Dakan (Bridgeport HS 1960)
I am officially appealing for the recipe for the Ellis
Drive-in Suboagie. I remember a lot of foods from Bridgeport Hill- Clique Club
rib-eyes, Hill-Top (Parkette) hot dogs- almost got the chili recipe but can
come pretty close-Wonder Bar filet mignon, Twin Oaks pizza and hoagies, salads
from all four, the dressing was very similar. But what I am craving now is the
suboagie from Ellis Drive-in. I remember the Italian sausage, hot peppers and
even the anise seed. The submarine roll-hoagie bun came wrapped in silver
tin-foil after being baked. We've tried to make them several times but haven't
quite got it. Anyone remember these and better yet how to make them?
EDITOR’S NOTE:
I don’t remember anything about a Suboagie. Do you
remember what it was?
SOMEONE HELP ME
Do YOU have a RECIPE? If so, please let us share it here.
JUNE MYSTERY
PICTURE
NOTICE RW READERS: Maybe you can help us out with some names.
This first section of the letter may be interesting to
you.
NUTTER FORT SWIM
TEAM
From: Mike Snyder, (WI 1957)
Nutter Fort Pool, 1962, the year the pool opened (Mystery
Photo). I was just back from the sand and piney woods of Camp Geiger and was
hired by Ray Paine as pool manager and head lifeguard. All of these great kids pictured—future Roosevelt
Wilson students, and some Notre Dame, became good pals I had a lot of fun with.
We started the swim team there and many, if not all, of
these kids in the picture were on it. Helping me coach was the late Smiley
Martin, Hill School '62; he is pictured in the back row, to my left, wearing
glasses. Davey Rowe, WI '62 was also a guard as were Jill and Beth, RW gals.
This picture resurfaced after many years just recently.
The girls on this team and the other North central West Virginia swim teams
were the first female athletes in competitive sports that I am aware of.
Remember there were no girls' scholastic sports in those days. These were the
first girls I coached. And we had some outstanding competitors on the Nutter
Fort team, both boys and girls. No one beat us except Stealey, the team we
started back in 1958.
The Stealey Pool closed a year ago or so, and the Nutter
Fort Pool has been gone for quite a few years.
I will add this: One day I was going off duty at Nutter
Fort and in my summer shorts and shirt.
Right at my feet almost, an older girl went straight down,
her eyes as big as tea cups. I knew instantly she was drowning. Pure reflex
took over. I kicked off my loafers and jumped in. I got under and behind her
with my feet on the bottom. I grabbed her by the hips and propelled her upward
to the edge of the pool where she could grab hold. She was safe and sound
without any after effects.
STEALEY SWIM TEAM
Back in summer of 1959 the Stealey Pool just opened, and
Bill Lear hired the late Arthur Michie, WI '57 and this writer as lifeguards. I
was a diver on the swim team at WVU, where Arthur and I were students. So we
decided to start a swim team, the first ever in our part of the state. My young
pal, Smiley Martin, was a back stroker in prep school and would ride his bike
across town every practice day to help out.
There was no age limit, and our swimmers, all male, ranged
from sixth grade to B.G. Gaston, in his thirties. Arthur and I also competed.
We got out the word and soon Bridgeport, Clarksburg Country Club, and Lake
Floyd had teams, maybe another I've forgotten. We had the first meet ever at
Stealey which we won pretty easily. It was the beginning of competitive
swimming, nowadays offered by many West Virginia schools, with both boys and
girls teams, including Robert C. Byrd.
Bob Kramer, WI '65 was one of “my boys”. Bobby told me
four of our swimmers had college scholarship offers. Bobby, who later placed in
freestyle and backstroke in state AAU competition, swam for awhile at Marshall,
and Tim Waroblak, WI '66, won the West Virginia Conference diving championship
at Wesleyan.
Kramer insists I kept him and his buddies out of jail
while I was their mentor. He says we
broke every rule in the book when there was no one in the pool but our team
boys—Pete Bowie, Davey Hood, and the Palestrant Brothers are the ones I
remember best, as well as Bob and Tim. We also had campouts on Stealey Hill.
Kramer was the kid who got his coach hooked on chewing tobacco. The Stealey
Invitational went on to become one of the state's premier swim meets.
During my second year at Stealey, I decided to quit in the
middle of the season, which I later regretted, and Wirt Wolfe, WI '59 and I
hitchhiked to Atlantic City and worked on the Boardwalk. This ended my life guarding and swim coaching until four years later at Nutter Fort. I'll
always remember this period as the most rewarding of my college years. I went
back to WVU in the fall after Nutter Fort and graduated the following summer. I
guarded at Lakeview on Cheat Lake that summer.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Where did you swim in the summer? Did you
swim in a lake or a pool? Were you ever on a swim team? Write and share your
memories of swimming in the summer.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
SUMMER
FUN
From: Dr. Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)
I think of Joe Malone and Lake Floyd! I used to go there.
One of the families from church lived there and would invite me and I used to
go to Maple Lake too. My oldest brother knew of a river where he and his
buddies would go to swim and later when my younger brothers and I were able to
swim, he would take us there. And I cannot remember where that was. I don't
think I knew then. Take care.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you remember going to Lake
Floyd? Tell us what you remember, write to roleta1@aol.com
From: Roleta1@aol.com
At this very moment, I am baking a cake. I walked into the
kitchen to look in on the cake; the oven door slipped out of my hand and banged
shut. The first thing that entered my mind was, “OH, No, I bet the cake falls!”
Why did cakes fall? I guess they don’t fall now if we use
a cake mix?
Do you remember growing up tip toeing around the kitchen
when mother was baking bread or cakes? I do, but I don’t remember seeing one
that fell.
Write your memories to Roleta1@aol.com
BOB-n-ALONG:
Remembering WI High School,
Algebra and Some of My Favorite Teachers
Remembering WI High School,
Algebra and Some of My Favorite Teachers
Written by Bob Stealey (WI 1960)
Lots of people have problems remembering very much at all
about their high school days--what subjects they took, who their teachers were
for their respective subjects, which classes were the most difficult and so
forth. Probably I'm one of those with a recollective mind regarding their school
days.
CONGRATULATIONS
From: Steve Goff (WI 1972)
I am very excited to be the incoming President of this
dynamic, vibrant, and talented tribe. Here's how I explained it on my page,
along with a few photos. "Last weekend I was elected President of West
Virginia Writers, Inc. (WVW). I am humbled and honored, and I did not see it
coming. In fact, after my close friend, and former two term WVW President,
Terry McNemar (WI 1970), passed away in
August of last year, nine weeks after the 2015 conference, I had decided not to
return to the summer gathering at Cedar Lakes for the first time in eight
years. Sit out a year or two. Too much of my buddy associated with the
gathering.
But then, the phone rang. In March, my friend, and current
officer with WVW, Eric Fritzius called and asked if I'd consider letting the
Nominating Committee put my name forward as President. As I said, I did not see
this coming. I told Eric I'd consider it, talk it over with Beth, and get back
to him in a few days. I knew from having worked closely with the last five WVW
Presidents, this volunteer position can be a full time job. We have over 450
paid WVW members, and a social media community of over 1,700. There are eleven
WVW regions in the state. Also included are the overseeing of a major
conference, a major writing contest, newsletter, public relations, grant
writing, etc. I had held several positions with the organization, but never
been a board member. But in a previous life I had been the Executive Director
of a number of non-profit organizations, so the WVW job fits my skill set
nicely.
Also influencing my decision to take the job was hearing
the advisory voice of my friend Terry telling me, "Oh, you're doing this.
You can crush this one, Stevie." I miss his reliable encouragement. And
finally, I did a little research and noticed that WVW was founded in 1977. In
1978 WVW put together the first Writers Conference. This means during my two
years in the position (2017-18), WVW will commemorate in consecutive years the
40th anniversaries of both the organization and the conference. This will give
us a great set of opportunities to celebrate and promote the West Virginia Writers
during my term.
I called Eric back later that day saying, "I'm
in". I take office July 1. I am very excited about being at the helm of an
organization that has been good to me, in a position once held by my friend
Terry. Write on."
Contact me at wvwritersgoff@gmail.com
THE
VIETNAM WALL
QUESTION?
Did you write to me about the Vietnam Wall or the Vietnam
War? I expected a lot more replies. I only received one letter. So either your
letter was lost or you didn’t write?
Won’t you please write and tell me:
- Where were you during the Vietnam War?
- What were you doing?
- Where were you serving or where were you working?
Those were such strange times; please share your memories
with us.
From: Mary Beth Hilburn (WI 1955)
Thanks so much for your newsletter.
The statistics of the Vietnam Wall are too much to take
in. They give some perspective of the costs some families paid. It used to be
that every family made sacrifices when we were “at war". Women in my
family served in WWII. War losses are not in the minds of citizens every day.
Roosevelt sons went to war, Kennedy sons also. Many Presidents had daughters,
but there have been no more children of Presidents lately who have been in the
military. Of course, VP Biden’s son served.
From: Susan Madia (???)
John Madia (WI 1960) was in Viet Nam 1967-1971. He went to
West Point, then to the USAF. Served 26 years, retired a full Colonel
Editor’s Note:
Thank you John for serving our Country. Thank you Susan for sharing this
with us.
If you served in the Vietnam Conflict (War), please let us
salute you and thank you.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
WHO IS THIS BEAUTIFUL LADY?
Do you recognize this lady?
Write to me and identify her, tell us where you remember
seeing her, did you know her and how did you know her? Did you like her? In other words, tell me something about
her besides her name.
Write to roleta1@aol.com
Sign your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thanks
A
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
From Joy Gregory DeFazio (WI 1959)
Do you remember our Senor Program when I gave a
“Recipe
For a High School Graduate"?
Makes One Successful Citizen
2 cups knowledge
3½ teaspoons sociability
1¼ cups goodness
1 teaspoon understanding
3 ounces wisdom
1 cup sincerity
8 Tablespoons ambition
1 3/4 tsp kindness extract
Sift knowledge, sociability and understanding into large
mixing bowl; cream ambition and goodness until light. Add wisdom; mix well.
Combine sincerity and kindness extract; add to other ingredients. Put batter in
a senior mold.
Bake in an average high school (i.e.Washington Irving) for
four years.
Completely cover the High School Graduate with a frosting
made by dissolving a package of neatness into one cup of cleanliness. Then quickly
garnish with a smiling face, and serve to the community.
ROXIE HEATER TIBBS
(She graduated from WI around
1935)
Roxie Elizabeth Heater Tibbs, 98, of Clarksburg, passed
away on Monday, June 13, 2016 following an extended illness. She was born in
Clarksburg on October 13, 1917 a daughter of the late Flavius Josephus and
Sarah Louvilla Carson Heater.
She was married to John Trevy Tibbs on August 12, 1941,
who preceded her in death on November 3, 2001 after 60 years of marriage.
Surviving are two daughters, Jonne Terry Davenport and her
husband Larry, and Carole Deanna Arnett; five grandchildren, Wendy Page (Tim)
Moize, Patrick Sean McIntyre Tory Elizabeth Stout, Nicole Jaye (John) Perry and
Kelly Delayne Arnett; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by eight sisters, Infants Beulah Heater and Ulla
Heater, Flora Woofter, Lora George, Corrine Davis, Frena Floyd, Freda Peck and
Mildred Kennedy.
Mrs. Tibbs was a retired bookkeeper and secretary with 12
years of service in the City of Clarksburg Finance Department, and was an 81
year active member of the United Methodist Temple
ELAINE SMITH KERN
FOUST
Elaine Sue Smith Foust, 63, of Buckhannon, WV, passed away
on May 22, 2016, at the Madison Center in Morgantown, following a brief
illness.
She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on November 19, 1952, a
daughter of the late David Kern and Laura Farnsworth Kern Smith.
Mrs. Foust is survived by one son, Byron P.(Stacie) Foust,
one daughter, Mindy (Greg) Dawson and two grandchildren, Elijah Dawson and
Allison Foust. She is also survived by one brother, Christopher Smith; three
sisters, Pamela(Gary) Prince, Judy Huntermark and Karen (Greg); as well as
several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by
one sister, Cheryl Kern and three brothers, Mike Smith Charlie Smith and Bill
Smith.
Elaine was a graduate of Washington Irving High School
Class of 1970 and Salem College School of Nursing. She retired from the United
Hospital Center with over 30 years service as a Registered Nurse. She was a
member of the Duff Street United Methodist Church, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and
was a Literacy Volunteer.
PATRICIA ELLEN
WOOFTER OWENS
Patricia Ellen Woofter Owens, 52, of Mineral Wells, WV,
passed away on June 22, 2016, at Pigeon Forge, TN, unexpectedly. She was born
on March 1, 1964, a daughter of the late James Paul Woofter and Sylvia Jane
Ashcraft Woofter of Clarksburg. She is survived by her husband, James A. Owens,
whom she married on September 4, 1987. Patricia is also survived by one son,
James Patrick; two daughters, Cynthia Jane Owens and Bethany Nicole Owens;
three grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Larry
(Marlene)Woofter and Jim (Cyndi) Woofter;
five sisters, Carolyn (Bob) Criss. Mary Woofter, Margaret (Dave) Summers,
Theresa (Donald) Washington and Cindy (Harry) Yost, as well as several nieces
and nephews. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by two
sisters, Cathy Hudkins and Connie Alvarez. Patricia was a graduate of Liberty
High School, Class of 1983, and attended Glenville State College for two years.
She was an assistant manager for Walmart with over 20 years of service.
WILLIAM DALE CORK
Ronald Dale Cork, 80 passed away peacefully at his home on
June 23, 2016, with his family by his side.
He was born on July 23, 1935, on Davisson Run in
Clarksburg, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Pauline (McAtee)
Cork and Frederick Mortimer Cork.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Francine (Steele)
Cork, whom he married on August 14, 1997. He is also survived by a sister,
Billie Ann Clevenger, and his three children: daughter, Teri Jo (Tim) Troke,
Ronald D. (Dawna) Cork II, and Philip Bradley (Misty) and 5 grandchildren. He
is also survived by two nieces, a nephew and 6 great-grandchildren.
Ron was a 1953 graduate of Washington Irving High School
in Clarksburg and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from
1953-1957, achieving the rank of sergeant. He attended Salem College from
1957-1958 and began work for Hope Gas in 1957 and also sold real estate. It was
during the 1960s that he received a calling from the field of law enforcement,
serving as a constable for Harrison County from 1967-1969. In 1968, he
campaigned for and was elected to the office of Sheriff of Harrison County, an
honor and achievement which he always held dear to his heart. He initiated new
ideas and sought to promote the Sheriff’s Department by sending deputies to an
accredited police academy, lobbying for the passage of the civil service bill
for deputies, instituting a rank and promotion system for them, and
establishing a detectives office for the Department.
After his tenure as sheriff, Ron also served Harrison
County as a magistrate, deputy sheriff and entrepreneur. He owned and operated
the Country Corner Restaurants in Lost Creek and West Milford during the 1980s.
In 1985, Ron was appointed Harrison County Superintendent with the WV
Department of Highways and remained with the organization until his retirement
in 2000. Ron was a member of the following organizations: BPO Elks 482 Past
Exalted Ruler, Moose Lodge 52, VFW Clarksburg, FOP Clarksburg, Shinnston
American Legion, former member Jr. Chamber of Commerce and twice chairman of
the Harrison County March of Dimes.
Ron grew to know and appreciate many people over the years
and always enjoyed the time spent with friends. He loved history (particularly
of Harrison County), politics, spending time with family, automobiles, animals
and vintage movies. He never hesitated to help a friend in need, and to those
past and present, we will always be grateful to each of you. He was an amazing
provider and patriarch for his family and the love we shared is unwavering and
will live on. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in 2015. Our family is
extremely grateful to the emergency room staff and the doctors and nurses at
United Hospital Center in 2015.
RUTH CORSINI SHARON
Ruth Corsini Sharon, age 87, formerly of Clarksburg, a
Washington Irving graduate and long-time resident of Chevy Chase, Maryland,
died June 2, 2016. She was born in Beaver Falls, PA, daughter of the Rev.
Richard L Corsini and Anna Corsini.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by
two sisters, Dorothy Jean and Anna and a brother, Richard L Jr.
She leaves behind two daughters, Lisa and Laura, a son,
John and four grandchildren. She was dedicated to her family, and inspired them
with her strength and perseverance. Other survivors are brothers, David of
Clarksburg, Timothy of Greenville, SC and a sister Priscilla of Wheaton, Ill.
PHYLLIS CURTIN
|
DICK FITCH
A Valley tribute will be held in October for John Richard
(Dick) Fitch who died in Kerrville, Texas, June 26, 2016. He was born in 1938
and was a graduate of Washington Irving High School with the class of 1956.
A man of many interests, Fitch was foremost a newspaper
man. He was in the newspaper and publishing business for more than 48 years.
He was a newspaper editor and publisher with over 36 years
serving the Imperial Valley Press. He retired on September 30, 1996. Fitch was
a long time member and director of the California Newspaper Publishers
Association and served a record-setting nine consecutive years as chairman of
the legal affairs committee.
He also was a past president of the El Centro Chamber of
Commerce and was the founding president of the Imperial County Regional
Economic Development Inc. (REDI) which helped locate two prisons and a General
Dynamics facility to Imperial County. REDI was a precursor of what is today the
Imperial Valley Economic Development Commission.
A strong believer in giving back, Fitch was a member of
two service organizations — Kiwanis and Rotary. He was twice named Kiwanian of
the Year of the Kiwanis Club of El Centro. He served as a director in each
organization and was a past president and past distinguished lieutenant
governor in Kiwanis. He was a member of the Kerrville (Texas) Noon Rotary at
the time of his death. He accumulated more than 46 years of perfect attendance
between the two organizations.
In his newspaper career, Fitch met Presidents Richard
Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Fitch often advised men not
to have their photo taken with Reagan citing that the former president was so
handsome he made others, including Fitch, look bad. As a boy, Fitch watched and
listened as Harry Truman campaigned from the back of a train during a stop in
Clarksburg, W. Va.
After retiring, Fitch authored and published four
children’s books. He printed limited numbers of his books as he intended them
mainly as eBooks. Fitch believed strongly that digital books would grow in
popularity. When his first book went on Amazon, only two percent of books were
selling as eBooks. Today, over 20 per cent of all books sold are digital.
In Kerrville, where Fitch lived at the time of his death,
he would occasionally read his stories to gatherings of students at area
schools when invited. Publishing his books, he partnered with former Imperial
Valley Press illustrator/artist Margaret Silva-Chairez, now of San Diego, and
credited her with making the books graphically pleasing to children. He often
said her illustrations were more important to the books than the words he
wrote.
Citing he was an absolute failure at “Retirement 101”,
Fitch took on the duties of Director of Newspapers in Education at the
Kerrville Daily Times in June, 2006, a part-time position he held until his
death. He jokingly referred to himself as a “recycled publisher”. He grew that
department and took it electronic almost immediately after beginning his
employment at the Times. He worked with over 300 educators each year via the
internet and put approximately 1600 newspapers daily into area classrooms.
In September, 2006, he started and managed a Teacher of
the Month recognition program.
He also produced an annual coloring book and coloring
contest for children through fifth grade which culminated each year with a “Celebration
of Winners” ceremony. Fitch would present 45 awards to children of various ages
who were judged to be winners. The contest would receive over 1,000 entries
each year.
He was in the U. S. Marine Corps reserve as a high school
student and upon graduating enlisted in and served four years in
the U. S. Air Force with tours in Chandler, AZ; Tokyo, Japan; and Waco, Texas.
He was with the Pacific Stars & Stripes newspaper in Tokyo for two years
where he was an artist/illustrator and compositor.
In Tokyo, Fitch joined the Meji Players Theatre and had
major roles in Rain and The Drunkard. He also was in
several one-act plays. On nine occasions, he participated in Kiwanis Kapers, a
variety show performed three nights every three years, over many years, as a
major fund-raising event for the Kiwanis Club of El Centro.
Fitch attended Baylor University, and was both a student
and a part-time instructor at Imperial Valley College.
In retirement, Fitch transitioned from a horseman to a
classic car enthusiast. In his lifetime he owned nearly 100 cars, many of them
collectibles. He was a member of five car clubs, two in Arizona and three in
Texas. He served in various capacities: president, vice president, tour master,
bulletin editor and web master.
Fitch’s other interests included collecting a complete
first edition set of books written by turn-of-the-century author, Harold Bell
Wright, as well as gardening and collecting art — mostly western.
Fitch is survived by his wife, Dr. Diane Fitch, five
children: Joanne Girkins, Troy Fitch, Victoria Dawson, Valerie Segraves and
Megan Fitch, Michelle Macklin their spouses, and numerous grandchildren and
great grandchildren, all deeply loved by Fitch.
