Issue 204

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

THE LADY WHO WOVE THE RUG 

AND HER ARTISTIC DAUGHTER

HARRIET NOEL STOUT (WI 1959) 

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

I very much enjoyed Harriet Stout Noel's article about the carpet her mother made for her church. People were very resourceful back in the day and they made such very good use of discarded articles. They were the personification of "waste not, want not." Thanks Harriet for writing this article.

From: Roleta1@aol.com

After reading Mary Sue’s email above, I started thinking about Harriet Stout Noel’s mother and her talent and ambition to make a rug for the church. I wrote to Harriet and asked her to write to us about her mother. 

Here is her letter:

From Harriet Stout Noel (WI 1959)

That is great that someone liked the article. Mother was a wonderful gal with lots of creativity in everything she accomplished. She even wove the fabric for my wedding dress. I can remember she made the entire dress out of white sheets before she cut the fabric to make the “real” dress.

As to the ring for WI... I remember her saying she “designed” the ring but it could have been in an art class or a special class designated to design the ring. That is the only thing I can tell you. Her name was Jean Douglass Sturm and she graduated WI in 1929 I believe. She went on to graduate from Moore Institute of Art in Philadelphia and on from there to New York where she worked for a design firm there before marrying my father, Lee Stout, also from WI. They were wonderful parents!

Roleta, as for my art, I am probably just a run of the mill artist but I did recently complete a commission for a lady in Southern California that was challenging, to say the least. Her husband, Ken Hodges, was a wonderful, realistic artist. He created the Eisenhower stamp... the Columbia River Gorge stamp and I believe the first hologram stamp for the U.S. Government. He has works in the Smithsonian. I met them when we lived in Long Beach and after he passed away, a few years ago, his widow and I have remained in touch. Anyway, she found a piece of his artwork in his studio that he had started years ago and never finished. 

She sent it to me and asked me to finish it! Yikes! I have always found great joy in working in several art mediums, never settling on just one. My favorite is scratchboard. This piece was started in gauche. I completed it this spring. My challenge was the lighting. His candlesticks and candles as well as the flowers are in the shadowy background. They are truly fabulous! The unfinished portion was in the foreground with a lot of lighting coming from above and sides of the piece. He had sketched in most of it but I had no idea what he had in mind for what the placemat, china design, etc. was supposed to be. It was a challenge and privilege to work on one of his pieces. 

I am smiling now because that is only half of the story! Before I bore you to death......a brief synopsis of that other half! Artists have little papers that they “test” their colors on when painting. I received a box of his “dabble” papers right after he died plus little lists he had made when he was going on location to paint, old brushes and paints, etc. She asked me to use them in an art piece for her bedroom. Nothing was anything! Plain and simple. He loved to sail. I ended up having a large board made, mixed up some plaster and proceeded to create a semi-collage of all these bits and pieces. 

I peaked the plaster to resemble ocean waves......used one of his brushes as a mast for boat, etc. I ended up carving an outline of his face in the sky looking down. She loves pearls so I embedded pearls on some of the waves. It was a crazy, topsy-turvy three dimensional piece.....no holds were barred. In direct contrast to the last request she made.

Well, enough of all that. FYI, our daughter is also an artist and recently designed the label for Red Stitch Wines. They are visiting us this week from Southern Calif. and my grandson is showing some definite talent with a pencil!

I did read the article in the July issue and thank you for letting my memories bring joy to someone else.

Write to me about your summer memories. 
Send to Roleta1@aol.com

From: Marty (Sonny) Ashland (WI 1959)

CAMPOUT NOW VERSUS CAMPOUT THEN

Let's look at a 4th of July Campout

Now (Or at least in 2015)

Last year during the week of July 4th we (the grand parents) decided it would be great to get the family together so we rented a cabin for 2 grand parents, 3 parents and 7 grand kids. The cabin was on a lake, and the rental package provided free swimming, boating, horse back riding, miles of hiking trails and several fishing piers. The grand parents had the pleasure of providing and preparing all the food along with clean up duty and basically taking care of everyone else. There was minor help from the parents but no help from the grand kids. We really didn't expect much help from them and lo and behold they exceeded our expectations. Note. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the parents did bring what looked like a truckload of beer and wine. I did imbibe plenty, since I didn't want to see it go to waste or see the kids drink too much.

For 4 days, between preparing the meals and taking care of everyone else, the grand parents fished, hiked, rode horses and went boating. We really enjoyed the together time we shared alone.

The parents usually got up at noon, or 1 o'clock or least in time to not miss the already prepared lunch. They would then sit around for three hours telling those ( do you remember when) stories, which obviously tired them out, because shortly thereafter they would have to take a 2 hour pre-dinner nap. After dinner they would play euchre or hearts till 1 AM and then the cycle would start over and repeat for another 3 days.

The grand kids had the same eating, napping and sleeping routine as their parents. Obviously the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. However, instead of playing cards they played video games and instead of telling child hood stories they talked to their BFF's on their cells. Fortunately the kids only complained about 2 things; BEING BORED and HAVING NOTHING TO DO.

All in all, I guess we were very fortunate that none of the kids or grand kids got lost hiking, choked swimming or thrown while horse back riding. Of course that fortune could have come from the fact that the only time they went 40 feet from the cabin was when we built a fire to make s'mores. Even then a couple of the grand kids did manage to cough and then complain about the smoke.

Let's look at a 4th of July Campout

Then

About 60 years ago, during the 4th of July of my sophomore year, 1 of my Saint Mary’s friends, 1 of my R & W friends and I decided we should take a 4 or 5 day camping trip. Yes, my one friend calls me his W & I friend so I acknowledge his ignorance by calling him my R & W friend. He would frequently correct me, but I never did correct him and he never did catch on. However other than that 1 character flaw, he was a pretty good guy. To not embarrass anyone I will just call these guys Curly and Mo. We decided we would go to a farm where we used to fish and we would really rough it with a minimum of everything.

We would take our fishing gear, a 22 rifle, ax, sleeping bags, a tent, and just the clothes we were wearing. Our food would consist of 4 large cans of Dinty Moore Stew, 4 sticks of pepperoni, 4 lbs of bacon and 2 dozen oranges. Our parents were not happy with the whole campout plan, but said they would approve it if we took just a few additional things. Having no choice, we said O.K. By the time they were finished, the supply list looked like someone had robbed a grocery store and a drug store with at least 3 of everything available. The best part: They said nothing about an extra change of clothes.

When we packed the station wagon, I was convinced that this was about how much stuff Lewis and Clarke took on their expedition and it lasted 2 and 1/2 years. (Side note) I'm sure that no student from WI would ever admit that they watched the "Beverly Hillbillies", but if the roof of our loaded station wagon had a rocking chair on top, with an old lady sitting in it, you would recognize it immediately from that show.

After a 2 hour drive we arrived at Walton's farm. We jumped out of the station wagon and unloaded a lifetime of supplies. We said goodbye to our parents and decided to hike the hills, walk the river, check out the barn and find a good campsite.

From this point, the camping trip sounds like a series of scenes from a "Three Stooge" movie. So rather than bore you with all the details between the scenes I'll just give you the punch lines. (One repeat element) Way back then, it was fashionable to wear tight pegged Levis. Mine played a critical role throughout most of this adventure.

Scene 1) On the day of arrival we decided to just do some float fishing and hike the hills. Not much luck fishing but on the hike we ran into a neighbor kid who lived about 2 miles from our camp. This guy was about 15 years old and if Norman Rockwell had a painting titled, "hill billy hayseed teenager," you would swear that this guy posed for the picture. He was about 5'-10" and didn't weigh much over 100 lbs. He was bare footed, had on coveralls with no shirt and wore a straw hat.

We swapped exaggerated hunting and fishing stories and our new friend asked us if we wanted a chew. Being young mountain men we never pass up a free chew (whatever that was) so we said, "sure." He pulled this chunk of stuff out of his pocket that looked like a thick brown shoe sole. Evidently he could see the questioning looks on our faces, so without our asking he said, "ain't you guys ever seen Brown Mule plug 'tobaccy'. We immediately said "sure let's have some." He took out his Barlow knife and cut off 3 pieces about as big as a little finger. We followed his lead and started chewing. The flavor was sweet but also very hot and our mouths immediately filled with saliva and we felt kind of warm all over.

We noticed that he seemed to spit a lot more than we did, but I guess that was because we swallowed a lot more. I could tell that we obviously impressed him because he remarked that we must be pretty tough to swallow that much chew. We headed back to camp and in short time we felt a little sick to our stomachs.  Fifteen minutes after that, we threw up for a solid 2 hours. The hillbilly was wrong about how "tough" we were and I'm just glad he didn't see 3 limp noodle city boys sitting in the creek trying to cool down. At about 9 PM we decided we would not do anything else for the rest of the day. We didn't put away our food, didn't pitch our tent, but we just climbed into our sleeping bags to try and stop the spinning. My tight pegged Levis were wet so I had the pleasure of sleeping in them.

Scene 2) The next morning we expected to sleep till the crack of noon, but the crowing roosters and the mooing cow decided we should get up at about 5 AM. We went down to the creek, washed up and then caught fish for breakfast. We caught 2 red fin suckers and 6 blue gills. We cleaned, floured and fried them in Crisco (Parents choice). They were pretty tasty and would have been even better had we remembered that bluegills need to be scaled if you don't fillet them, and those suckers have more bones than a porcupine has quills.

Scene 3) Decided to take the row boat down river and see if we could catch some bass. As we approached the boat we saw a snake in it so I quickly fired three 22 cal. slugs into the snake not only killing it, but also making 3 holes in the bottom of the boat. No fishing that day. We spent the rest of the afternoon using tar and roofing paper to patch the boat. We at least wanted to get some evening fishing in, and since parts of the river were relatively shallow we decided to wade in and fish the center.

Scene 4) By the time we got back it was starting to get dark so we decided to sleep under the stars and not pitch the tent. Mr. Walton (and yes before you ask, his first name was John) suggested that we sleep in the barn's hay loft and then pitch the tent tomorrow. We walked to the barn and headed for the ladder that went straight up to the hay loft. As I put my hand on the loft floor I touched something that felt like a rubber hose, but I knew it probably wasn't a hose when it wiggled through my fingers. I immediately jumped 10 feet off the ladder, and the only reason I didn't get hurt was because my fall was broken when I landed on Mo. The decision not to sleep in the hayloft was unanimous so we slept in the bags under the stars. Of course, wade fishing got my Levis wet so I had the pleasure of another night sleeping with my Levis on.

Scene 5) The next day was pretty routine so that afternoon we decided to finally set up the tent and cots and put in a candle stove. A candle stove is made by pouring wax into a 3 lb coffee can and using a heavy rope for a wick. Pull the candle out of the can, sit it on a heavy cardboard base, light the wick and it generates enough heat to keep the chill off the inside of the tent.

About 3:00 AM the cardboard base supporting the candle stove caught on fire. Now picture someone yelling "FIRE'' and opening your eyes to see flames shooting up in the middle of the tent. I quickly decided that getting out of the tent any way possible was probably my best next move. Instead of going through the door, I headed through the tent side wall which collapsed the tent and put out the fire. To this day I tell the guys I did that intentionally knowing that it would smother the fire. Slept in the bags under the stars again, but guess what. At least I didn't have to sleep in my Levis.

Scene 6) The next day was pretty routine. We finally got the tent set up again, with bags and cots inside, rain trench dug and stakes driven in. We did a little fishing, went hunting for ground hogs and topped it off with a river hike. On the way back to the camp we decided (for no good reason) to make a short cut across the creek. We picked a narrow spot in the creek and dropped a 20 foot long 10 inch diameter log across it. Of course we had to try it out so Curly and Mo went across and it worked just fine. Despite my gazelle like agility when I started across, this log saw fit to dump me into the creek. Fortunately the water was only 5 feet deep and I rationalized my clumsiness by telling the guys that I did it on purpose because I wanted to cool off. When we got back to camp we ate cold Dinty Moore stew and then went to sleep. Another night of sleeping in my wet Levis.

Scene 7) That same night we had a bad rain storm and the wet Army canvas pulled the tent stakes out of the ground and once again the tent collapsed. I remember the farmer saying that the snake in the hay loft was probably more afraid of me than I was of him. At this point, I was tired, cold, wet and I didn't care how wrong Mr. Walton was about that snake being more afraid of me. I knew my sleep was going to be very limited and my wet Levis turned out to be a big help. They kept me awake so I could listen for snakes, bats, rats, wolves, moose, wolverines, bears and any other creature my hearing imagination could come up with.

The next day we packed up and went home. We told our parents that there were no problems and that everything went well. Later on when the three of us were together, we all agreed that 50 years from now we would look back on this campout and have a good laugh. Over the years I had told my wife all the details of this very special camping fiasco. We discussed it when we were at our cabin campout last year, and both of us had a big laugh. Looking back, even as much as I love my family, I wouldn't trade my 1956 campout for 10 of those campouts in 2015.

SUMMER TIME IS A GOOD TIME

From: John Campbell (WI 1959)

During the summer of about 1960 Pete Dakan, Dave Corbett and I worked at the Hope Gas plant out at Wilsonburg, WV. We painted, dug holes to fix leaks, mowed grass and basically whatever we were instructed to do. One day Dave was mowing grass in the creek and evidently stirred up a yellow jackets nest. The next thing we saw was Dave running full speed, arms waving, water splashing up the creek, attempting to avoid the insects. He will probably remember this incident. We were making the good money then, $1.50/hr. The reason I am writing this is that I saw their names in a previous newsletter.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks for writing and sharing some fun memories with us.  It sounds funny to us but I hope Dave didn’t get stung too badly.

LAKE FLOYD

From: Charles P. Deem (WI 1947)

I grew up at Lake Floyd. My father was a lawyer in Clarksburg and was also Sec/Treasurer for the owners’ club. I have fond memories of that time, seining for crayfish in Ten Mile Creek with my older brother, Fred, for which we received a few cents each by the Club, for feeding the bass in the pond at the head of the lake, a nightly ritual by some of the members. Fred and I spent many a day searching the lake’s 200 or so acres and sometime elsewhere for blackberries, apples, one time pears and such. When fishing season opened each year, sometime time late in June as I recall, we would go down to the neighbor’s dock and catch sunfish with dough balls, which my mother would fry up for breakfast-yum!! I learned to swim early and was even the lifeguard one year. We moved our outhouse a couple of times and got indoor plumbing sometime in my teens. Before that we got water in buckets from a public well in front of our two bedroom house. The fourth of July was special then, with Fred and me taking part in the boat and watermelon races. Covered dish dinners were a special treat. My father, who loved his shuffleboard, taught me to play bridge, sort of, and there were many evenings that I spent playing canasta with the ladies in the clubhouse. I really enjoyed sitting on the front porch and watching the rain come up the lake. We got ticks almost every day, and sometimes didn’t get to them until they swelled up quite a bit. I slept in an upper bunk bed and recall hearing the whippoorwills most nights. Swimming in the water tanks of oil wells with the Davidson boys up Davidson Run was fun. Constant activity, mostly barefooted. Sawing firewood, growing onions, corn and other vegetables in a really rocky garden. On my 21st birthday I planted a yellow poplar tree at the site of our last outhouse, and noted, a few years ago, that it has grown to be very tall. Our little house is gone, but the tree will be there for many more years, I hope.

Re the article about Clay B Hite last month: he was a family friend, 'Uncle Clay'. He lived near us on Concord Street for a while.

BOYS TAP DANCING CLASS

MORGAN GRADE SCHOOL 1949-1950

CAN YOU NAME ANY OF THESE BOYS?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

GIRLS TAP DANCING CLASS

MORGAN GRADE SCHOOL 
FIRST GRADE 1950-1951

They are either farmers or cowboys and cowgirls.

Do you know?

 CAN YOU NAME ANY OF THESE GIRLS?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Write and tell me if you recognize anyone in the pictures.

DID YOU EVER PLAY 

A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?

From Roleta Smith Meredith (editor)

This subject was suggested by Jody Buffington Aud (WI 1977)

Did you learn to play music, and if so, what instrument did you play? When did you start playing or taking lessons? Did you continue playing after school, if so, where? I'm sure many high school band members went on to play in a college band. Some may have even played professionally while in high school, college or later in life. Did you teach music, when and where? Would you send photos of yourself with their instruments along with identification as to where and when you learned to play, etc?

Jody played in a community band and would be interested to know how other Clarksburg kids got into music.

Her mom was the organist at First Methodist for Dr. Hanifan. She says she was a church brat, as she was in churches when there were no services and got to walk all around in the Sunday school rooms and poke into bookcases and play with toys while her mother practiced.

This is a great suggestion of something you can write about. 

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Thanks Jody for your help.

CHANGES

Bill White (WI 1956)    jovencita2@gmail.com

MOUNTAIN STATE FABRICATING

Some of you remember this as a small plant on the outskirts of Clarksburg, WV back in maybe the early 1950’s. Some of you responded to Chad Elmore when he requested information about the company as he was writing an article for a magazine.

He recently sent me the email below:

From: ensign100@gmail.com

To: Roleta1@aol.com

Sent: 7/5/2016 11:14:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Subj: Mountain State

Hi Roleta,

The July/August issue of Antique Power with the article about Mountain State Fabricating is out now. Most Barnes & Noble stores carry it (in case anyone wants to find it on the newsstand). Single copies can also be ordered via www.antiquepower.com.

Thanks again for your help with the article.

Chad Elmore

Jefferson, Wisconsin

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks Chad for the copy of the magazine you sent me. I found the story about Mountain State Fabricating very interesting. If you are interested in some history or in old (strangely attractive) tractors, I recommend that you check it out. I learned things that went on in Clarksburg that I never knew about. In the article, Chad quoted John E. Stealey III, (WI 1959) who wrote in the 2014 issue of the WI Newsletter. Chad found this article in the 2014 Newsletter just through researching the subject on the internet.

WHERE WERE YOU

DURING THE VIETNAM WAR?

From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)

With reference to the request about our whereabouts during the Vietnam War, during the 60's, my wife and I were living in the Columbus, Ohio area, where I worked in the construction materials industry and Roleta was a stay-at-home Mother.

Our son was born in 1961, when the war was just getting into high gear. I did not serve in the military, but have many friends who did serve in Vietnam and one who died there. I can honestly say that the 60's were not a happy time for us or our country. Like many our age, we were young and poor. I worked two jobs, so our social life was non-existent.

I really could not identify with much of the music of the era or the lifestyle of many of the younger Americans. I was too busy providing for my family. The hippie culture went against everything I had been taught while growing up in a small West Virginia town. I often wondered how these people would ever grow up to be responsible citizens.

I did not understand the protests against the war and hated the way the troops were treated upon their return to our country. Instead of welcoming them as heroes, many were treated as second class citizens. The whole decade now seems like a nightmare to me. I agreed with the idea of supporting our allies, but strongly disagreed with the way the politicians tied the hands of our military. Because of this, I still will not watch documentaries or movies about the war.

However, even though my personal pride and the pride of our country suffered during those times, we survived. Sadly, I'm not sure that we learned anything from the whole fiasco. They say that if you don't learn from history, you will repeat it and I think we are seeing that happen, even today.

Regardless, we still live in the greatest country on earth and my prayer is that the ship will right itself, hopefully in my lifetime.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

Due to a kidney operation that I had the summer of 1959 or 1960, I was not able to serve in the military. I was classified as 1-Y, which meant that I would only be called to go into the service in the case of a "national emergency". I am not sure what Vietnam was classified as, but I was not called to report for duty.

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

It must have slipped my mind last month to write about Vietnam. My husband Phil served as a captain in Army Intelligence. Mainly he was stationed in Saigon and was not in combat. He was, however, shot at more than once. We, of course, did know several whose names are on the Wall. It was a sad time in the US and a dangerous time for the world. While he was in Vietnam we (two boys up to that point) stayed with my mother in Clarksburg. At the end of his tour in Vietnam, Phil resigned his commission.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to all who have served our country. If you or someone you know served in the armed forces, we would like to salute them and put a little story of their service in the newsletter.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

READER ORIGINALLY FROM CLARKSBURG

PUBLISHES BOOK

Joe Garcia (Notre Dame 1965) just published a book titled "VALUE DRIVEN SUCCESS". It's about growing up with immigrant parents in Anmoore and his journey to success which was HONESTLY achieved. The book may be purchased on Amazon and Kindle. *Find the book here on Amazon. Or if you are interested in the book and have trouble finding it, contact Joe at JJG333@aol.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I have read almost all of this book. It is very interesting! A lot of you will be able to relate to what Joe went thru as a young son of immigrant parents in Clarksburg, WV. Also, much of the book is how to achive success and it is never to late for that advice.

AUGUST 5

International Beer Day (first Friday in August) is a global celebration of beer, taking place in pubs, breweries, and back yards all over the world - It's a day for beer lovers everywhere to raise a toast to our brewers and bartenders, and rejoice in the greatness of beer!

That’s right, folks. Come this August 5^th 2016, Makers, Lovers and Sellers of beer all around the globe now have another reason to raise their frosty mugs.

Cheers!

AUGUST 7

Sisters Day is your chance (if you have a sister, that is) to show your appreciation for that special family relationship. All siblings have the odd argument here and there, but deep down there’s little way around the natural bond of siblings.

Make this day a special celebration for your sister, by however you feel is best. If you don’t have a sister, you can still celebrate the friendships of sisterhood by having a girl’s night out!

Tell Your Sister You Love Her Today 

& Every Other Day Too!

AUGUST 13

International lefthanders Day was first observed on the 13th of August, in the year 1976. As the name suggests, it is meant to promote awareness of the inconveniences faced by left-handers in a predominantly right-handed world. It celebrates their uniqueness and differences, who are from seven to ten percent of the world's population. Thousands of left-handed people in today's society have to adapt to use right handed tools and objects.

There’s also a more serious side to the day, which spreads awareness about the special needs of left-handed kids.

Are You a Left-Hander?

Let Us Know

AUGUST 19

National Aviation Day is a United States national observation that celebrates the development of aviation.

The holiday was established in 1939 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who issued a presidential proclamation which designated the anniversary of Orville Wright's birthday to be National Aviation Day (Mr. Wright, born in 1871, was still alive when the proclamation was first issued, and would live another nine years). The proclamation was codified (USC 36:I:A:1:118), and it allows the sitting US President to proclaim August 19 as National Aviation Day each year, if desired. Their proclamation may direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the US flag on that day, and may encourage citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation.

Up, Up and Away!

AUGUST 26

National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

Hug a Dog Today!

WHO IS THIS BEAUTIFUL LADY?

From: Vera Lowther Harper (WI 1962)

The lady is Ms. Israel. I knew her from my early years at Clarksburg Baptist Church. I remember her as being the kindest, calm and patient person, always had time to talk, or just share a hello wherever she was. I also had her as a teacher in school where she had the ability to challenge you no matter what the subject.

From: Mary McDaniel Bellisario (WI 1965)

Isn’t that Miss Margaret Israel, one of the best English teachers I ever had. Sure looks like her.

I was in her English class at Central Jr. High.

AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

Bill, I just loved the article of how you and Bernie Cohen got together. This could not have happened to two nicer guys. I've known Bernie a long time, not as a business contact, but as a close friend in high school. He was a great friend then and is a great friend now. You would think that the accomplishments you have mentioned of Bernie, would have changed that person some..........not Bernie. Every time I see him, he is the same as he was back in high school. Not only has he not changed in his personality and attitude but the darn guy still looks the same. He doesn't age. Kinda gets to me. Nah, not really. You both have done very well and I feel very lucky to have friends such as you and Roleta, and Bernie and LeJune. I wish both of your families continued success and many years of good health and good luck.

From: Bob Griffith (WI 1954)

Roleta, I want to thank you and your sister for all the hard work that is involved in publishing a newsletter each month. It is read and enjoyed by so many grads and others from our area. I read with interest Bernie Cohen’s offering about his company , Southern Steel Products in a past issue. It took me back in memory to Sept 5, 1964 when he kept me company and walked the halls with me at United Hospital.

I believe his wife and mine were laboring together and I think his wife delivered first. But we had to wait a while. Going in to the hospital on Thursday night and having to wait until Friday evening for serious contractions. My neighbor was at the first football game of the season at Hite field and heard the page for Dr. Harrison. But I guess the game was good and he didn't want to leave so he ordered a shot which stopped all progress until the early hours of Saturday morning when our Son David was born. 52 years ago and he is doing well. I trust your Daughter (?) and your family are doing well also. Thanks Bernie.

From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

Really enjoyed reading about Bernie Cohen's big success story. Not only a WI story, but a West Virginia success story as well. And if I might add, you were another West Virginian who made his mark in Buckeye Land and did "right well" also.

I remember Bernie as a cheerful, friendly guy at WI with a smile on his face most of the time. Please send my hello to him.

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

I loved Bill Meredith's article about Bernie Cohen and his family. Bernie was a classmate of mine (class of WI 1956). He was always a very nice guy and very smart. Anybody looking for potential in teenagers would have seen that Bernie was going to grow up and be a winner. I am not surprised in the slightest that he became a successful businessman, husband and father. I'd like to wish Bernie and LeJune and their family the very best of health and happiness.

For additional information regarding this Class Reunion (or any other Class Reunion), 
please visit the  Newsletter's 'CLASS REUNIONS' page.

THE CLASS OF 1966

50^th REUNION

On August 19th and 20th 2016, a Friday and Saturday, the 50th Washington Irving High School Class of 1966 REUNION will take place.

The location of activities will be:

The Sunny Croft Golf Club on Rt. 19 Sth. of Clarksburg

The schedule is:

Friday: 6:00 pm

Downstairs with casual attire includes finger foods, hors d’oeuvres, a keg, red/white wine, with a ‘cash’ bar.

Saturday: 6:00 pm

Upstairs with nice comfortable dress code, a Buffet style dinner at 7:00 pm.

*Pictures at 8:30 pm

Then continue with a lovely social atmosphere and dancing to a DJ into the wee hours.

FEES ARE:

Friday only!

Individual - $20.00 per. Person

Couple - $30.00.

Saturday only! *includes dinner.

Individual - $25.00…per person.

Couple - $50.00

Friday AND Saturday:

Individual - $45.00 per.

Couple - $80.00.

*Golfing is available on Saturday am - $25.00 per player with cart sign ups Friday evening.

Please make out checks to:  
The Class of 1966

Mail to The Class of 1966

Attn: P. Bowie

416 Maryland Ave. #1

Nutterfort, WV 26301

GOLD STAR MOTHERS

From: Dr. Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)

Here in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia there are many things dating back to the early settlement of this country , things about our history that I understand are not even being taught in our schools now. When I was in school American history was required and even in college, students were required to take history courses. World History was an elective at WI and as a sophomore I signed up for it. I was hoping to learn more about WWI as my mother's brother was a veteran of that war and had served in France. There was so much going on with Hitler in Europe that we never did get to WWI but I vividly remember Mr. Showalter telling us that there was going to be a war and we would be the ones fighting it. And of course, truer words were never spoken. He himself was a fatality of that war. I wonder how many kids today know what a "Gold Star Mother" means. My mother told me that during WWI when a family lost a son they were given a pennant with a big gold star on it to hang in their window .That way people passing by would know of their loss. An organization was formed called "Gold Star Mothers" and it was active during WWII. I remember seeing those pennants hanging in the windows of my friends and neighbors. As I walked around Stealey, more and more windows showed that Gold Star. I tell you this because I never hear of that anymore. When my two sons came home from Viet Nam there were no cheering or excited crowds waiting for them. Just shows you how the political climate can change things. I don't know if this is anything you might want to put in the Newsletter , Roleta, but so many things come back to me that are never heard of anymore that I thought it might be good to let our readers know that I will never forget. Thanks for all you do to keep WI and Clarksburg alive. Those who no longer live in West Virginia know how we often are regarded and wow, what a mistake they make!!!

EDITORS NOTE: Do you remember the flags hanging in the windows? My uncle served in WWII. I don’t know if I remember the flag in the window or saw it later and was told what it was. But thank goodness my grandmother was not a Gold Star Mother, she was a Blue Star Mother. I even remember mother saying that the hardest part was seeing a family take down the Blue Star Banner and replace it with a Gold Star Banner.

Do you remember seeing the flags? Did anyone in your family serve in the Armed forces? Did you ever see the flags in a family member’s home? I don’t remember seeing any of the flags recently. Tell us what you remember about it.

Thanks 

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

The American Gold Star Mothers Inc. was formed in the United States shortly after World War I to provide support for mothers who lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the United States Armed Forces. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star. Gold Star Mothers are often socially active but are non-political. Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States. On the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother's Day is observed in the U.S. in their honor.

BLUE STAR MOTHERS

During World War II Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. organization was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers who had sons or daughters in active service in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in a window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. Living servicemen were represented by a Blue Star and those who had lost their lives were represented by a Gold Star. Until 2011, membership in the Blue Star Mothers was open to any woman living in America who has a son or daughter (and in some, but not all cases, step children) in the United States Armed Forces, or who has had a son or daughter in the U.S. Armed Forces who has been honorably discharged.

At the National Convention held August 2010 in Grand Junction, Colorado under the leadership of National President Wendy Hoffman, a resolution was passed that would forever change membership eligibility. The resolution was taken to congress in August 2011 and was signed into law December 13, 2011. It expanded membership opportunities for more women who have supported service members in new conflicts and addressed the composition of today’s family.

The law updates the Blue Star Mothers Congressional Charter to: Include grandmothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians; expand membership to mothers whose children have served more recently, by removing references to specific conflicts; and expand membership to eligible mothers living outside of the U.S.

WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO SWIM?

From: Barbara Younkin Park (would have been WI 1962)

Easton High School (1962), Easton MD

I live in Maryland and I always tell people I never learned to swim because I grew up in West Virginia.

My childhood was spent in Chestnut Hills, when there was no where to learn to swim. When I was 8, in 1952, I think, the city poured a concrete area in the park on Roosevelt Road and installed drains and a sprinkler of some sort we could run in, and that was all. Once, I waded in an ice-cold creek at First Methodist Church choir picnic at Dr. Hanifan's cabin somewhere in the WV woods. The choir picnic also was held once at Lake Floyd where I was terrified because I could hardly walk on the big rocks in the lake. I vaguely remember another time that Dan Wheeler, Buddy Caudy, my sister Elaine and I were up to our knees in a creek (the West Fork????) accompanied by our mothers. So you have it, the extent of my being in the water in West Virginia.

When my family moved to the tidewater of the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1956, I was bewildered by the fact that everyone could swim but me. My mother took me to swimming lessons in a park in the town of Oxford, which is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There, I learned to float on my back, as well as the sidestroke, but I never did learn the crawl and the all-important breathing part. The swimming lessons were given in the Tred Avon River, which always has jellyfish in the summer, so the swimming area was fenced in by chicken wire, in an attempt to keep the stinging creatures out. While you are trying to learn, you are always waiting for that sting.

Our 8th grade end-of-school party consisted of our class being taken by boats to a sand spit in the Tred Avon River. As my friends dived off the boat and swam and had a great time, the only thing I could do was wade and sit on the sand spit with my feet in the water.  One of the fathers on a boat near me made a comment to another father about how great it was to see kids swimming like fish. Overhearing that made me felt sorry for myself, and to make matters worse, I got a bad sunburn. Regardless, not learning to swim and dive did not deter me from enjoying lots of boating when I was older, and I have either sailed or powered the entire Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. When anchored, I always go overboard with a flotation device and usually have a glass of wine in my hand---that's the best way to be in the water as far as I am concerned!!

From: Jody Buffington Aud (WI 1977)

I saw the note about the Stealey Swim team and it struck so many memories!!

I spent all of my summers – until I left home for college – at Stealey Pool. My sister, Melissa (WI ’72) worked there in the summers. While I only swam one or two years, I did attend just about every swim meet and  worked with JoAnn Westfall Simpson Tetrick running results from the swim lanes to the scorer’s table. I remembered it so well and so fondly that when the time came for my kids to swim here in Howard County, MD, I offered to run the table myself. I remember dances there, 4^th of July celebrations, eating picnic dinners up on the hill with my family, playing shuffleboard, learning to dive off the high dive, eating pepperoni rolls and banana popsicles at the concession stand, sneaking into the pool in the middle of the night, playing basketball on the hill, and sledding down the hill in winter.

I recently pulled this picture off Facebook.  A few people will probably see their kids (or themselves!) in one of these pictures.  It’s broken in half, but it will show you how big the team was every year.

From: Gladys Williams (WI 1971)

I swam for Chestnut Hills swim team. Our pool also opened around 1958 or 1959. David Beakes' mom would see us walking to the pool everyday to swim and would always try to talk us into swimming, but I never would until I was 10 in 1963. I swam every summer until I graduated from high school. We didn't have a very big team, but we had many good swimmers. The pool gave us a place to go to keep out of trouble and to be with our friends. I swam 1 year for Fairmont State Women's Swim Team. It was the first year it was formed in 1969 - 1970. Today, because of being given the opportunity to swim in the summer, I now swim for the Y Master's Swim Team in Clarksburg. We compete in meets around the Pittsburgh area and have a Championship meet in April each year.

THE WI SWIMMING POOL

“WONDERINGS”

EDITOR'S NOTE:
After reading the letter from Gladys Williams (WI 1971) I wrote to ask her if she had ever been swimming in the WI pool. She said she didn’t think it was there when she was there.

I got to wondering how many of you were ever in the WI pool. I saw it a couple of times only because my friend, Marsha Woods, was studying there to pass her Red Cross Life Guard test and I went to pick her up or something.

Anyway, did you ever see the WI pool? Ever swim in it? Wonder why swimming lessons were never offered as a class. I think everyone should know how to swim. Maybe some of the earlier graduates got to swim in it. Did students ever use the pool? Do you know?

What are your memories of it? Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

Things keep changing and the WI Swimming Pool has changed so let’s share memories of it.

I was thinking about the pool so I wrote to our unofficial, WI Newsletter Historian, Tim Cork. And bless his heart, he traced down the needed information. 

He wrote:

I emailed Tony Marchio, former WI principal, and here is his reply...

Hi, Tim:

Great hearing from you. Yes, the pool was converted into a band area during my tenure there---either 1993 or 1994. It became a large practice area, instrument storage, band offices, and small individual practice rooms. The pool had been shut down for sometime and there was no way to restore it as the parts for it were no longer available. The band was practicing in the old locker room and the noise traveled throughout the entire school, so it was nice moving it down there.

This retirement thing is OK.

Take care,

Tony

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tell us about your experiences in the WI Swimming Pool.  Did RW, Victory or Kelly Miller have a swimming pool in their school.? 

Write to Roleta1@aol.com 

THE FOURTH OF JULY

From: John Iaconis (WIHS 1959)

The fourth of July.

We celebrate it with fireworks, music, and song.

It is good for patriotism and unity.

America, it is our country for you and me.

WOW!  WHAT A DIFFERENCE

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

Dear Bill and Roleta, when I read about how you lived back in early 1962, it reminded me of 1961 when Sonja and I married.

I was working in Akron, Oh at the B.F. Goodrich Tire Co. Sonja and I were engaged to be married Oct 1961. Well in 1960 the factory was preparing to close the doors and a lot of jobs were eliminated. They closed my part of the plant. So, while "on leave" I decided to go to a welding school in Clarksburg while looking for another job. I did pretty well in the welding school. Good enough to be asked if I was interested in a welding instructor training position with the school when I finished. I said of course. They said it would be in Atlanta where they were moving the school. Atlanta, GA?? I had never been that far south except going to Fl with my cousin Nick and Uncle Tony through GA and not near Atlanta. I thought that would be neat. I imagined Atlanta with sand and palm trees. So, I told Sonja that we were going to Atlanta when we got married. I started July 1961 and we were getting married in Oct. So I was in Atlanta about 3 months before the wedding.

After 3 months in Atlanta, my instructor got WV homesick and left me there with 3 months welding experience. My first class of students was Lockheed engineers. I was lucky in a way that they were engineers. Lockheed sent them to see what practical welding was all about. They had all the knowledge of designing and strength calculations and welding procedures but wanted to see the welding processes used in their designs. Let me get back to the reason I'm writing this.

I started out making $75.00 a week. Sonja got to transfer from C&P in Clarksburg to Southern Bell in Atlanta. Her pay was approximately $54.00 per week. The check stub shown below reflects her income from C&P. Southern Bell started her out approximately the same.

The check stub she found was written Feb 1961. Her total wage was $54.00, she cleared $33.67 and that was with a $5.00 bonus, I think that was for night time differential. There was $6.00 taken out for stock. She had to work split shifts. She went to work 4 hrs in the morning, came home for the afternoon and then would back at night. When she got off late, the company paid for a taxi to bring her home.

I am not complaining by all means. Our apartment was a nice one, about $90.00 a month, lived near downtown which was very convenient and only needed one car as Sonja rode the trolley to and from work except for the taxi cab at night. We only lived about 4 or 5 blocks from The Varsity Drive In Restaurant and GA Tech football field. Who knows what would have happened if B. F. Goodrich had not decided to close down??

EDITORS NOTE: A ‘WHAT IF MOMENT’ IN YOUR LIFE

I believe Bernie Cohen had a ‘WHAT IF MOMENT’ in his life when he decided to leave Clarksburg and set up a company in Columbus, Ohio area.

I believe that Jim Alvaro had a ‘WHAT IF MOMENT’ in his life when he went to Atlanta, GA.

I know Bill and I experienced a ‘WHAT IF MOMENT’ in our life when we started our company and I will write about it in another newsletter.

Did you have a ‘WHAT IF MOMENT’ in your life when you weighed the circumstances and decided to try something new? 

Tell us about your “What if Moment”

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

From: Charles M Ferrell (WI 1946)

The July issue of the WI newsletter had a table showing the cost of various items in 1962. Back in the late 1940s I earned 35 cents/hour working part time at my dad's Sterling Oil service station while at WI and Salem College. The cost of a car wash and grease job was $1.00 each. We had a 1 cent peanut machine and cokes were 5 cents from an ice cooled box. Inside the service station, there was a radio repair shop in one room of the station that also repaired pinball machine machines. The owner gave me an old model which I played in our home basement near the coal fired furnace and my wood working machines. Gasoline was about 20 cents per gallon for the lowest price of three grades. The higher price had more lead which is now eliminated, Car tires at that time had inner tubes. Elk Creek which ran behind the station also contained raw sewage which was not corrected until the 1950s. One of the cars which I had in service was bought from the owner in 1951 (a 1940 Chev business coupe for $500) after completing basic training in the Third Armored Division at Fort Knox, KY before being transferred to the US Army Chemical Center at Edgewood, MD as a PFC Physical Scientist assigned to the Radiological Division working on atomic weapons effects. I had just graduated from Salem College in 1950 with a BS Degree in Physics and with teaching fields also in math, chemistry and biology.

Charles Ferrel

Retired Nuclear Engineer/Health Physicist US Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Atomic Energy Commission, Department of Defense, US Army Chemical Corps and Third Armored Division Education-Salem College, Vanderbilt University (AEC Fellowship in Radiological Physics), WVU graduate work in physics(GI Bill)l, University of MD in Nuclear Engineering and MIT in thermodynamics, meteorology, light water reactor and fast reactor safety while working for the AEC in Maryland.

From: Mary Beth Jeranko Hilburn (WI 1955)

I have never been very interested in styles or fads (ask any of my relatives). Some of my favorite clothes are decades old, comfortable and faded. At 78, I still ride my horse, so wear appropriate (read dull) clothing.

But in high school, the style included crinolines, white buck shoes, tight and wide waist belts. We looked like a Grease revival. Fads are harmless ways of marking eras. My husband and I visited a fashion museum in England. It seems that when white wigs came out, there were riots, and when they were no longer worn there were riots. That crazy younger generation with all its foolishness is just the group we have aged out of it seems. And I have aged out of a lot of fads and fashions.

From: Penny Christie Johnson Class of 1960

I did wear saddle shoes in the 60’s and they were blue and white. They were the shoes that we wore for cheerleading and I really loved them. We also wore white sneakers. I wore black flats to school most of the time but a pair of loafers was a must also. A pair of black suede high heels were necessary for church or a dance. Evening gowns with long gloves were what made proms so wonderful. I felt like a princess on those nights. High school was so much fun.

Family Reunion: Time in the Hills of WV:

I married Emil Johnson from Elkins in 1963. The Johnsons had not had a family reunion since the 80’s until this summer. Emil decided a year ago that we all needed to get together again so on June 16-19, we gathered at the Canaan Valley Resort in Canaan WV. We toured Front Street in Thomas with their many small shops, walked the family cemetery and had lunch at the Purple Fiddle. The one place we all had to revisit was Blackwater Falls. Fortunately, we had some rain one night and the Falls were fast and full. We had 80 folks attend whose roots were in the hills of WV. They came from 16 states including Hawaii and Alaska. One of the cousins wrote a beautiful book about the Johnsons with family pictures and stories. He even had it printed in Parsons so the $$$$ stayed in WV. A book was presented to each family on the night of our first dinner together. We had a cook-out one evening and finished up with smores roasted over a fire pit. The oldsters were glad to be home and the young’uns were happy to hear tales of the Johnson family. I write this to say how very precious family is. If you haven’t had a reunion, plan one. It takes a lot of organization, but oh is it worth it. Have it in WV .With the devastation from the floods I am afraid the economy is going to suffer even more than it has in these past years and please make a donation to the many charities and churches that are helping our neighbors get back on their feet.

Almost Heaven, WV...It really is!!!!!!!

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

Another FAD that I remember is the AFRO hair style, which was quite popular "back in the day". I remember my family once tried to talk me into getting an AFRO, but I passed.

From: James Strider (WI 1955)

In 1954-55 as I recall, cordovan shoes, highly polished, were quite the rage. White socks were acceptable. Some had taps put on the heels so they could make a big racket when walking on wood flours as well as sidewalks.

I also remember that John Singleton {WI55} had a pair of white bucks he was real proud of. Paul Hornor had a pair of blue suede shoes.

From: Pat Doffflemeyer Nixon (WI 1965)

Pat wrote to say that she remembers circle pins being very popular when she was in high school. She got one for Christmas in 1962 or 1963. She said that all the girls wore them and they became a “must have accessory”. She said the girls wore them on scarves, with sweaters and on their collars.

JACK ROLLINS

Many of us have been following the life of little Jack Rollins a sweet little boy who loved Super Hero cartoon characters. Jack became a super hero to many. He fought a rare form of childhood cancer named neuroblastoma. Many have been praying for his recovery for several years.

At 5 years of age, Jack passed away on July 19, 2016.

HERE is a wonderful story written by Jeff Toquinto and published in the Connect Bridgeport blog.

WHAT DID YOU SLEEP UNDER?

Did you ever sleep under a quilt? Share your memories with us. Do you know who made the quilt? Do you have a picture of it? Did it help keep you warm? What are your memories of the quilts?

Did you ever make or help make a quilt? Do you remember anyone in your family making a quilt? In the next few newsletters, I am going to be sharing pictures of home made quilts and stories about them. Do you have some stories you can share with us? Do you have any pictures?

At one time, so many of the quilts were made from feed sacks. People couldn’t go to the store and buy material very easily as it was an expense that they could not afford. Often people would save feed sacks and even trade with other people to obtain enough of one pattern to use to complete their patterns. The feed sacks had to be washed and then ironed before a quilter could even begin to lay out the patterns and start cutting the pieces. This was somewhat a hobby for the families but it was necessary for their winter comfort. Many people saved up their money to be able to afford to buy material for the trim, edging and backing of their quilts. However, I have seen some quilts that were made totally of feed sacks.

Many of you know that I love quilts. I slept under them as a child. They bring back so many memories

Write to me and share your love or hate for quilts.  Do you remember your mother or someone in your family using feed sacks to make anything for you to wear or for using in the house?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Here are some letters and pictures:

From Carolyn Layfield Cady (WI 1953)

I, too, remember feed sacks being used for many things during the war. Do you realize that dress yardage was difficult to find during that time? We had chickens (plenty of meat) so also had feed sacks purchased from West End Feed Company down by the bridge to Stealey. The plain ones usually became dish towels. Some became summer play clothes - shorts, halters, skirts. I still have one wrap-around skirt, plain with a ruffle around the edge, and a halter top made from a lavender and purple print. The skirt had names of family and friends hand embroidered by me. I think I might have been about eight then. Mother also made at least one comforter from feed sacks - a red plaid - which she tied with blue string. Mother also made all of my clothes, some of them beautifully hand embroidered, during those years. She did use patterns and dress fabric that she was able to get. I look at them now and realize how talented she was, a fact that I took for granted.

My thought about quilts under the mattress covers is that this provided much-needed padding on some mattresses. I think that they were usually quilts that were quite worn. Could also be a place to store quilts during summer when their warmth wasn't needed.

From: Mary Virginia (Duncan-Johnson) Wilke (WI '55)

I have quilts made by my Mom using pieces of various dresses of mine, hers & my sister. This is one of the ones made by my Mom, Violet Flowers Duncan- Dresden Plate pattern and the other one is a Flower Garden and was made by my Grandmother Carrie Radabaugh Duncan.

The afghan pictured was made by my sister Elizabeth Anne Haines.

I have other quilts but no pictures at this time of the Wedding Ring Quilt  another with all kinds of blocks of which I do not know the name.

EDITORS NOTE: Over the next few months, I will be publishing stories about:

1. How did your family use feed sacks? Even though you didn’t have to feed seed to animals, it seems that people received feed sacks from someplace to use in clothes, house hold uses and to make quilts. Write and tell us about your experiences with “feed sacks”.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

2. Do you have any home make quilts in your home? Many quilts were made from feed sacks. Many of you know I absolutely love quilted items. If quilted dresses were in style, I would wear them. LOL I love the looks of quilts in a room, it brings so much warmth to the room, even if it is just folded on a chair, the bottom of a bed or wherever. So if you have a quilt you don’t want, you now know who does want it. Thank you for thinking of me.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

KELLY MILLER REUNION

From: Karen Pleasant Booker (WI 1961)

HERE is the link to the article which was on page 3 of last Sunday's Exponent Telegram. The newspaper distributed to homes only had picture of Barbara Thomas Smith and me (last one of the 6 pictures on the link below). Only error I noted in the article is that it said that Barbara and I graduated from Kelly Miller when, in fact, we graduated from WI in 1961.

Picture was sent by Jim Strider (WI 1955)

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

From: Jim Hornor (WI 1959)

The picture submitted by Jim Strider is of (l-r ) Paul Hornor, Carolyn Layfield ( I think ), Buck Hornor, and last but not least is Jim Strider. I would guess that the picture was taken somewhere on Temple Terrace in Stealey.

From: Lucy Wallace Ropp Hornor (WI 1954)

I was so surprised to see this picture in the Newsletter. There was my husband and brother in law!!!!! I showed it to Paul and he said yes it was he and his brother Buck Hornor long ago along with his good friend Jim Strider. He thinks the girl might be Carolyn Layfield.

So, in order left to right: Paul, Carolyn, Buck and Jim. Paul thinks he may have been about 10 and Buck 6. He had never seen this picture. Did Jim Strider send it?

We enjoy the Newsletter so much and appreciate the good work that goes into making it happen each month.

Thanks for the memories!!!

Lucy Hornor (WI 1954) and Paul Hornor (WI 1953)

EDITOR’S NOTE: The picture was sent to me by Jim Strider (WI 1955) and here is his identification of those pictured:

Left to right: Paul Hornor, (WI q953) We go back a long way, 70 or so years. Carolyn Layfield, (WI 1953) one of the few girls in the immediate neighborhood. Buck Hornor, (WI 1958) AKA Bronko Bucky the But Buster. Jim Strider, why did I wear knickers that day?

UPDATE

A recent  picture of Buck and Paul Hornor having lunch on the beach on Anna Maria Island while Paul and Lucy were visiting with Buck and his wife.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

QUESTIONS FOR SPORTS FANS

Since we had no letters from our readers about sports this month, I thought it would be appropriate to seek your comments on some recent things that took place in our sports world.

1. I was saddened to hear of the death of Mickey Furfari, longtime sports writer for the Morgantown newspaper and later having a column appearing in numerous papers around the state. We have published links and copies of his columns over the last few years in the newsletter.

Questions: Mickey Furfari was, without a doubt, a state treasure, covering WVU sports for over 70 years. He loved the Mountaineers, but was somewhat controversial in some of his opinions. Did you read his columns often? Did you agree with his take on things like Oliver Luck's performance as AD and the many changes taking place at the university during the last few years? I know some of you knew him personally. Do you have any stories about him you could share with our readers?

2. The Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA Championship recently.

Questions: Do you think that LeBron James was the main reason the Cavs finally won the title? Could they be called a "dynasty" or are they a one and done team? Is LeBron the best basketball player to ever play in the NBA? What will the addition of Kevin Durant to the Warriors do to the balance of competition in the next few years?

3. Jimbo Fisher, Nick Saban, Rick Trickett and Joe Pendry, all West Virginia natives, recently participated in raising money and supplies for WV flood victims and schools.

Questions: Some people think this is just a publicity stunt. Do these guys really care about their former home state? I am a bit biased, but what do you think?

Can sports really help bring the communities closer together and help in the healing process after all of the devastation? If so, in what way?

4. A recent preseason poll picked WVU to finish 7th in the Big 12 Conference football race this fall.

Questions: Is this prediction just about right? Would a seventh place finish cost Dana Holgorsen his job?

We hope to get many responses to these questions, plus comments about any other sports subject.

A CONTEST FOR MEN & WOMEN

"YOU COULD WIN!"

NOTICE FROM THE SPORTS EDITOR:

Finally, August is here and that means it is time for your fearless predictions about how the Mountaineers will do this fall. Bud Collins won the top prize last year and was presented with a nice gift at the Clarksburg Picnic in Florida. Simply email your guess to me on what the final regular season record will be for the team this year. The deadline for entries is August 23. Just as last year, all ties will be broken by a blind draw. (By the way, I encourage the ladies to participate. Many of you know as much or more about the Mountaineers than I do.)

Good luck and be sure to email your picks to:

Bill   billmere@aol.com

JULY MYSTERY PICTURE

From: Wayne White (WI 1960)

The building is the Bridgeport Civic Center. Also known as the Benedum Center. It is located in Bridgeport, WV at 164 W Main Street. It was built in 1957 from funds of the Michael Benedum estate. It has parks and recreation offices ,conference rooms and also a visitor center. A few years ago the library was located on the second floor. The Bridgeport pool and tennis courts are located beside this building.

From: Bob Twigg (WI 1955)

The building is the Bridgeport Civic Center, on Main St. There are two fountains in front.

From: Jody Buffington Aud (WI 1977)

I think the picture is of the Benedum Civic Center in Bridgeport. I remember going there A LOT for dances while in middle and high school. Can’t remember any boy I went with in particular, but remember have a great time each time I went!

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The mystery picture in the July issue of the WI Newsletter looks to be the Benedum/Bridgeport Civic Center located right beside the railroad track crossing in Bridgeport. I can remember that the Civic Center was “THE PLACE TO GO” on Saturday nights for dancing. Bill Post and I used to go there on a regular basis and during intermission, we would take our "ladies" and go to the Parkette on Bridgeport Hill for a snack. I do not remember the Civic Center actually selling drinks and/or food on Saturday nights, but the music was just FANTASTIC.

There was/is a swimming pool behind the Civic Center that I am pretty sure is still in operation, as I seem to remember seeing people there when I went by when I was in C-burg for the WI picnic in the past few Augusts. I remember going to that swimming pool when I was growing up.

  

WHO ARE THESE MEN?

From: Beverlee Ann Rice (WI 1969)

"Who are these men?" The middle man is Russell Rice. He was the president at the local glass factory. Russell Raymond Rice was my great uncle. He was my grandfather's brother and one of ten children. Russell was born in Red Jacket, Mingo County, WV. His parents were John D Rice and Aura Alice Sergeant, my great grandparents. He married Irene Roland and became President of Fourco Glass Factory. Russell and Irene had a beautiful old home on East Main Street, then built a home at Sunnycroft Golf Course. They had one child, a daughter. I do not remember her name. I believe I remember the picture and the other men were probably associated with the factory or the Roland family.

HARTMAN GRADE SCHOOL 
IN NORTHVIEW

FIRST GRADE CLASS OF 1941-1942 

CORRECT IDENTIFICATIONS

I have the identities but I want you to try your skill of remembering or recognizing anyone.  

Remember the Regular Routine…
Name the row down from the top and the person's picture by number from left to right.

Consider this a game, but I want you to play, too. I will not publish incorrect answers.

Remember all email concerning the newsletter is to be sent to Roleta1@aol.com.

Thank you

REV. GAIL W. CARSON, JR.

(WI 1969)

Rev. Gail W. Carson Jr., 65, of Hundred, WV passed away suddenly on Monday, July 11.

He was born June 2, 1951 in Clarksburg, a son of the late Gail W. Carson Sr. and Wilma Lee Jenkins Stout.

Gail is survived by his loving wife, Rev. Elizabeth Moore Carson whom he married February 27, 1993.

Also surviving are his children, Scott (Kathy), Jeremy (Cortney) Carson; Christy, Philip Carson; his grandchildren; his siblings, Nathan (Lyn) Carson, Timmy Carson; Melody (Robert) Burch; Allen (Donna)Stout; and Kendall (Suzie); his father, Harry Stout; and his mother-in-law, Jo Moore; also surviving are many nieces and nephews as well as several friends.

Gail graduated from W.I. High School in 1969. He went to Marshall University on a football scholarship when a fractured hip kept him from being on the airplane that tragically crashed in 1970. He finished his Bachelors Degree at Fairmont State. Gail then went on to graduate from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH where he attained his Masters of Divinity. In 1995 he became an Ordained Elder of the West Virginia Conference. Being a Methodist Minister, Gail was a pastor of several churches in the WV Annual Conference from which he retired in June of 2016 with 28 years in the ministry. He was the current pastor of the Friendly United Methodist Church.

Gail also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with her family.

  

PEGGY LEE KOON

Peggy Lee Koon, age 90, of Clarksburg WV, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, July 3 2016. She was born in South Greenfield Missouri, on September 10 1025, the daughter of the late Pearl (Myers) and Albert Sparks. Peggy was married to the late Glenn C. Koon for 51 years, who preceded her in death on May 16 1997. Surviving are two daughters, Glennda Selah (WI 1063) and her husband Roger, and Ladonna Stanley (WI 1971) and her husband Ron; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In addition, she is also survived by three sisters and a brother who reside in Missouri.

Peggy was actively involved in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and the Harrison County Senior Center. She also enjoyed gardening and visits from the children in her neighborhood.

REATHA MADELINE RICHARDS

Reatha Madeline Richards, 92, of Clarksburg, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016, in the United Hospital Center following a brief illness.

She was born in Clarksburg on February 3, 1924, a daughter of the late Roy Solomon and Minnie Belle Hudkins Mick.

She was married to Olen Richards, who preceded her in death on October 11, 1985.

Surviving are one son, Ken (Laura) Richards; five daughters, Sheila (Wayne) Gregoire, Pat (Rick) Knight, Linda (Ken), Sharon (Berry) Young, and Jennifer (Glenn); 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; one brother, Delbert Mick; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbur Mick and Delmar Mick.

Mrs. Richards was a Victory High School graduate. She was a member of the Oak Mound Church, where she was active in the Women’s Missionary Fellowship and a past member of the choir and taught Sunday school for many years. She loved to read and hand quilt.

WILLIAM EUGENE TRUSLER

William Eugene Trusler, age 83, of Clarksburg, WV (North View Community), passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg.

He was born on October 31, 1932, in Flemington, WV, a son of the late John and Virginia (Fogg) Trusler.

Mr. Trusler is survived by four children, Cheryl, Susan, Mike (Lisa) Trusler, and Lisa Trusler; three sisters, Joan Kaminski, Shirley (Angelo) Tutolo, and Debbie (Tom); and one brother, John; four grandchildren, Blake Hickerson and wife Rachel, Sean Hickerson, Nick Trusler and Nia Trusler; and one great-grandson, Blake Hickerson Jr. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by four siblings, Eloise Sendling, Annabell Lee Buron, Kent Allen Trusler and Judy Feathers.

William graduated from Victory High School, and served his country honorably as a Sgt. in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He began working for PPG and upon its closing he went to Union Carbide where he later retired. Bill as he was known to many was a very sociable man and belonged to many clubs and organizations including the Masons, Eagles, Elks, and VFW over the years.

He enjoyed time with his family. He was a fun loving man and always loved to sing.

ROBERT JAMES BETO

Robert James Beto, age 81, of Clarksburg, WV, succumbed to a chronic illness on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. He was born on July 17, 1934, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Aiello) Beto.

Mr. Beto was a much loved husband to Brenda Ann (Voldeck) Beto; and an adored father of Dr. Robert J. Beto II (wife Dawn), and Francesca Ann Beto; a very loving and supportive grandfather to his two grandchildren; and brother to Mrs. Catherine Beto Fredrick, his last surviving sister of Clarksburg, WV

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Smith; and five brothers, John, Bernard, Joe, Franklin and Mike Beto.

Bob was a graduate of W.I. High School and received his master’s degree from Salem College, where he prepared to dedicate his career to teaching and coaching the future generations of today. His life was one of selfless dedication and contributions to the education of today’s youth. Mr. Beto retired from RCB after serving many years as athletic director, coach and teacher. He was also a member of the Army Reserves and attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

KODY ADAM KOONTZ

Kody Adam Koontz, 29, of Clarksburg, WV, went to his heavenly home on July 15, 2016, at Ruby Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. He was born in Clarksburg, on March 30, 1987, a son of R. Kevin and Tracie Winters Koontz of Clarksburg.

Also surviving Kody are two sons, Wyatt Greyson Koontz and Walker Grant Koontz, and their mother, Andi Koontz; one brother, Aaron Koontz; several aunts and uncles, one of whom is Shelley “Sissy” and Scot Norman and their son Jacob.

He was a 2005 graduate of Liberty High School, where he was active in Future Farmers of America and graduated from the United Technical Center in Block and Brick Laying. Kody was a member of Glen Falls Baptist Church, where he taught Bible School, and he was a pump truck operator in the oilfields.

DAWN MICHELLE FLOYD MYERS

Dawn Michelle Floyd Myers, 48, of Clarksburg, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016.

She was born in Fairmont on October 24, 1967, a daughter of the late Clifford E. and Dorothy R. Keaton Floyd.

She is survived by her husband, Jason T. Myers, whom she married on December 21, 1996. Also surviving are two daughters, Heather Myers and her boyfriend Cory Tenney, and Stephanie Myers; three siblings, Clifford E.(Tina) Floyd, II, Wesley A (Janet)., and Laurie (Charles) Miller ; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; her mother-in-law, Mary Myers of Stonewood; and her greatly loved dog, Oscar.

She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law, Larry Myers. 
Dawn was a 1986 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School and attended the Duff Street United Methodist Church. She was a devoted wife and mother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.