Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith
Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton
THAT
“WHAT IF MOMENT?”
Bernie Cohen went to Columbus to start a new life.
Jim Alvaro went to Akron and then the big move to Atlanta
Bill and Roleta made a big move to start a new company.
Write and tell us your “What if Moment”. Perhaps it was a
move to a new area? A career move? Maybe it was some sort of huge decision,
something that you had thought about, you had always wanted to take that chance
but was always hesitant to do it but finally you did it and it changed your
life. Please write and share it with us.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
Note: In the past I have heard from
several people who said they couldn’t write. They had ideas but didn’t write
well enough. Well, if you have the ideas, or the memories, you can just write
about it to me the best that you can then; I will edit and rewrite it for you.
I often do this then I send it back to the person for their okay before I print
it.
Try it, IT’S EASY
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
This is a “WHAT IF MOMENT” for sure!
DEATH WAS SO NEAR
From: Rich Newbrough (Bridgeport HS 1955)
I have had some narrow escapes during my lifetime,
especially having served in Southeast Asia for 13 months, but what I
encountered three years ago tops them all. I truly thought I was about to die
in a horrific car accident on a main thoroughfare; I was shaken for quite
awhile afterwards.
I had just turned onto a major road around noon when all
at once it was "full throttle" and my speed increased to full out
with traffic to the rear and to the front. Very quickly I checked the gas pedal
but it was normal so my first thought was to shift into neutral. The engine was
still racing but I had brakes and the parking brake so I slowed down and just tried to maintain traffic pace
since I was in the left lane. I was lucky to find an opening in on-coming
traffic and quickly turned into a plaza coasting and braking. I pulled the
parking brake and stopped. Turned off the ignition and closed my eyes for a few
moments of thankful prayer. Called for roadside assistance and the guy was
there in 20 minutes. I excitedly explained the situation and he lifted the hood
and told me to start the car...the engine was still racing so he told me to
shut it off. He then adjusted something under the hood and told me to re-start
and the engine was fine. "You were almost done in by a squirrel!"
Evidently a squirrel hid a walnut under my hood and when I turned onto the
thoroughfare, the nut must have shifted, locking my gas feed. Now, it is a
memory that is etched in my mind forever.
We have a few squirrels in our area and whenever I see one
I think he was the one who caused the entire incident. AND I SHOO HIM AWAY!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Oh my, what could have been a
tragedy turned out to almost be a comedy. I am glad all who were involved
survived.
Thanks for writing and sharing. A True What If Moment!!! What
if you hadn’t been able to get to a safe place to stop that car?
Write and tell me about that “What if Moment” in your
life. What if Rich hadn’t been able to pull the car over?
Remember the “What if Moment” stories from the last couple
of newsletters about Jim, Bernie and Bill making life Career Changes that
became “What If Moments” for their life
time?
What is your “What if Moment”? How about that time you went to the doctor
for something that had been bothering you and the doctor said, “You have to go
straight to the hospital now?” That was certainly a health related “What If
Moment”. What about that time you escaped from a truly deadly outcome? Write and tell us about it.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
ONE
WHO IMPRESSED YOU
WITH
THEIR HARD WORK
Write to me about some of those people we went to school
with who made an impression but they may not have thought they were ever noticed.
Write to the newsletter: Roleta1@aol.com
with your stories of that someone.
For example: Bob Swiger writes: In my class of 1961 we had
a friend and fellow football teammate, Pasco Altivella ( sp?). Paco was short
of stature but very big of heart and courage. He played on the football team
from the 7th grade all the way through our senior year. He wasn’t a starter but
he was a Hero to me.
Another couple of people who were good at their sport but
never got a lot of attention were Butch Felts and Donald Shaffer. Both were
Cross country and long distance runners. The football team would be at summer
practice in the heat of August or the cold of November and we’d look up and
there went Butch running by on his way from one end of town to the other. It
paid off for both Butch and Donald since they competed well in all meets with
Butch winning many.
Remember I asked about this.
You can still write to me about it.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
From: Dr. Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)
Interesting that you should ask about being left-handed. I
am left-handed and so were two of my three brothers. Out of my parents' five children,
three of us were left-handed. We get it from my grandfather, my mother's dad.
None of her siblings were left-handed and neither was she. Seems like it had to
skip a generation. Now the newest member of our family is showing signs of
being left-handed. It isn't so bad now as there is more understanding of that
characteristic but when my brothers and I started to school, it was a
right-handed world and we were supposed to conform. As old as I am now, I still
remember how hard it was to try and use my right hand especially for writing.
Miss Shackelford, the writing supervisor for Harrison County, made us use our
right hand and how terrible that was. She always said to the “class get
in writing position" or I would not have known to use my right hand. By
the time I was in fifth grade, I could at least hold my pen but what I put down
on paper might or might not be what she liked. At that time, we had pen and
ink. Kids today have no conception of dipping a pen into an inkwell and trying
not to put a blot of ink on their writing paper. In fact, penmanship is no
longer taught and I wonder how any kid will be able to "sign" their
name to important papers. Printing seems to be it. By the time I was in eighth
grade, my writing was very good and I received my penmanship certificate with
Miss Shackelford's signature and my mother kept it so I have it now along with
that of my brother. But the schools were not done with us yet.
When I started to seventh grade in Central Junior High, I
had Miss Wine for Home Economics, which meant sewing!! If you are right-handed,
try holding a needle with your left hand and putting stitches into something
you want to sew. Miss Wine would stand over me insisting I use my right hand. I
could not do it. If she hadn't let us take our sewing home to complete, I would
have failed that class. My two brothers had Shop and I think their experience
was more pleasant with their shop teacher. I forget his name but he let my
brothers make their projects without any comment. That was wonderful.
When children are learning to print, they are told to hold
their paper straight in front of them. For a left-handed child, that is
disastrous as they then have to curl their pencil upside down in order to see
what they are doing. A concerned mother asked me one time what she could do to
help her child as he was having so much trouble trying to learn to print. I
told her for a left-hander you turn his paper to the right so the lower right
corner is pointed towards his body. That way he can write left to right and can
see what he is writing. I watch people on TV who are left-handed and I can tell
when they have been taught to write correctly. Ok, I hope this is not too
involved and can be understood.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Are you left handed? Write and
tell us about your difficulties adjusting in a right handed world. Do you think
a child is born with their choice already determined or do you think that a
parent can steer the child to be either right or left handed?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
CURSIVE
WRITING
From: Roleta1@aol.com
Some people struggled through cursive writing. I loved it!
Seems most boys disliked it more than the girls did. One thing I didn’t like
was the making of those UPPER CASE and lower case ovals which were to teach us
how to control our hands to stay within the lines and to do as was intended.
My parents were both teachers and had beautiful
penmanship. My father was even hired by several organizations to make out
certificates and even diplomas for them. I don’t remember having writing
practice at home but I know that my younger sister, Jalon, and my older
brother, Roy, have beautiful handwriting also so perhaps our parents did have
some influence in that!
I remember one time my son got our mail from our mailbox and
was looking through the envelopes as he was bringing it in the house. He handed
me the mail and told me that one of the envelopes was from one of my
classmates. I asked how he knew and he said, “Because it looks just like you wrote it”.
This brings me to a discussion for next month. There are
rumors that cursive penmanship will no longer be taught in schools. To look at
the handwriting used by a lot of younger people, I think they must have stopped
teaching it several years ago. So many people print now. I wonder how they will
sign documents, legal papers, checks, etc. I know my husband (due to the type
of business he has run for years) prints nearly everything except his
signature. My son runs the same business now and prints everything except his
signature which one can not even read. Will they be able to read old documents,
letters, etc?
What is your opinion on cursive writing?
Write and tell us. Write to Roleta1@aol.com
THE
WI POOL
The pool was still open my freshman year (Fall 1970/Spring
1971). If the water was clean enough (a janitor checked it with a kit from time
to time and sometimes it didn't pass), some of us were occasionally allowed to
swim in it during gym class, if we chose to. It was completely unsupervised,
Coach Painter stayed out in the gym with the bulk of the class. Sometimes we
tried to play water polo, but mostly it was just free swimming.
One thing that I didn't really think about back then, but
it strikes me as kind of funny now was none of us had swim wear so it was
strictly in the nude.
The pool was closed the next year and by the time I
graduated it had been covered and weight lifting equipment was in there.
Kelly Miller had a pool. I took Red Cross swimming lesson
there a couple of times in the late 60's.
From: Tom Keenan (WI 1949)
I can only imagine the turmoil that it would cause the
BOE.
One thing that no one has mentioned is that the pool was
only accessed through the Boy’s Gym so one can conclude that girls were not
supposed to swim. At least, not during a normal school day.
When I was a freshman in 1946 and was taking Gym, I didn’t
meet the grade to get chosen to play basketball in the Men’s Gym. However, the
pool was available for those of us that didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and
wait for an opening. We chose to swim. The only requirement to do this was to
take a shower before entering the pool, yes, no clothes at all were allowed.
When I tell this to people today, I receive a quizzical stare as swimming nude
at that time was only for the hidden creek. I don’t know the origin of the “No
Clothes” requirement but I think it was to eliminate a source of dirt in the
pool. I guess it was cleaned every weekend as every Monday; the pool was clean
as you could see no sediment on the bottom. By Friday, it started to look dirty
but we swam anyway. How it was cleaned, I have no idea but it looked good every
Monday. Moreover, I never heard any comments about anyone having some sickness
associated with the pool. Chlorine will kill a lot of things.
One of the things that came out of the data on WW II was
that draftees had difficulty showering nude with the whole group of trainees. I
can assure you that this condition was not experienced by any WI student who
swam in the pool when he entered the Service. After the first week, nudeness
was the natural state.
REMEMBERING
THE 60’S
AND
THE VIETNAM WAR
From: Jim Strider (WI 1955)
Bill Meredith, you summed it up quite nicely. I was on
active duty in the Air Force during the war, although not directly involved.
These were very trying times for our nation, the anti war and anti
establishment movements were hard for us all. Like you I rarely watch movies or
documentaries, too painful. I occasionally see pictures of friends in the Hanoi
Hilton.
MILITARY
SERVICE
DURING THE VIETNAM WAR
From: Jim Nutter (WI 1971)
It was final formation on the Friday before our last
weekend of Army Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ. As we stood, dead tired, sore
and dirty; we listen to the Company Commander and hoped we would not have
weekend duty. Then the Captain announced that we were to receive our first weekend
pass. Praise the Lord! It was like the dead coming alive. Once we composed
ourselves, the Commander began to lecture us to be on our best behavior and be
aware that there are anti-war protester that will harass us, crooks that will
rob us, and prostitutes that will infect us with VD. Since we had no civilian
clothing, we would be an easy mark wearing our Class A dress uniform.
Never-the-less, my three buddies and I showered and dressed in record time to
catch the bus to New York City. None of us had stayed in a city before and we
were eager for the experience.
The military discount at the hotel was the first of many
discounts we received during our visit.
We were even offered a discount from two street corner
ladies. But the Captain’s speech had such an impact, that I would not want to
shake their hand unless I was wearing a glove. We walked into a drug store and
asked the Pharmacist what he recommend for our aches, pains and pulled groin
muscles. He gave us some pills. I don’t know what they were, but they did the
trick, and were free of charge.
We were having some difficultly determining which subway
to ride. A man in a suit with briefcase approached and offered help. He rode
with us to the next station and helped us to transfer to the next sub. He told
us that his son was in Vietnam and wished us the best.
Our Saturday dinner was in an upscale restaurant. One of
the boys came back from the men’s room amazed with what he saw. The rest of us
immediately had to see for ourselves. Sure enough, there was a man in a tux,
turning on the water for you, handing you a towel, and brushing your shoulders.
The people seated near us must have enjoyed listening to our conversation. After
they departed, the waiter informed us that they paid for our dinner.
We had a great time in NYC and were treated kindly. I was
one of the lucky ones, my Vietnam orders were rescinded and my new orders sent
me to West Germany. At no time was I harassed, harmed, robbed, or infected.
There were a good number of us veterans attending Glenville
State College. Most of us bonded rather quickly and we had an active between
classes and at lunch, and most nights we had a beer or two down town. Discussion
around our table was always lively. One time, it was noticed that one of the
guys was wearing a VC belt buckle. “Yea”, he said, “I took it off a dead Cong.”
Another said he had a VC flag, and each one mentioned their war souvenir. Then
it got quite for they were all looking at me. I looked them in the eyes and
said, “Brothers, you should see the beer mugs I brought back from Germany!”
That night I paid for a round of drinks.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Great story, Jim. Loved it. Thanks for serving our country!
From: Joe Haugh (WI 1952)
Interesting article in your latest newsletter concerning
the Vietnam War and the picture of "The Wall" located on the National
Mall in Washington, DC.
At least one WI graduate's name is on "The
Wall." There may be others.
The one that I know of is Loel F. Rexroad
("Teek," as we called him) who was shot down and killed in Vietnam
during that war. Loel graduated from WI in 1951 (one year ahead of me) and we
were neighbors on Liberty Avenue in Hartland. Loel had always had a passion for
flying and we often "played" flying B-17s in his basement. We both
also played in the WI Band. At WVU, we were Fraternity Brothers (Theta Chi) and
Loel was my "big brother." His grave is near his parents' graves at
Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Quiet Dell.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to all who served. We
would love to read a memory that you would write and share with us. We salute
you.
Do you know of any other Clarksburg boys whose names are
on the Vietnam Wall Memorial?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
From: Bob Griffith (WI 1954)
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. 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: Betty Jo Nichols Laine (WI 1949)
Lake Floyd was our summer home and sometimes year round.
What a great place that was to meet and be with your friends all
summer........and just play. All that lasted until I graduated from high
school. Clarksburg and Lake Floyd were a perfect place for me all of those
years. I wouldn't trade those memories for any thing. Since I spoke of
Clarksburg and Lake Floyd to my husband many, many times, we went there and
checked it out before he passed away. It has changed so much, or maybe I have,
that I could not live there again as much as I had thought I would have liked
to do so. I will never forget Clarksburg or Lake Floyd and the fond memories I
have of both.
From: Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI 1956)
I so enjoyed reading Harriet Stout's contribution about
her art, her mother, daughter and etc. I remember her from high school.
The tap classes at Morgan school. I can't identify the
children but probably would recognize names of families in Stealey. Miss. Thomas
was a first grade teacher, so those were evidently first graders. Louie Buttafuco
was the tap teacher that visited all grade schools. He is with Mr. P. M. Sheets,
Morgan Grade School principal for many years. Mr. Sheets would ask me to cross
my eyes, he got a kick out of it my mother didn't think it was as funny! LOL!
Miss Margaret Israel was a lovely lady. I have written
about her before. She was 7th grade teacher at Central Jr. high and my home room
teacher. I will say probably my favorite teacher. I had classmates I stayed
friends with from 7th grade.
We asked and you answered...
DID YOU EVER PLAY
DID YOU EVER PLAY
A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
From: Dave Ellis (WI 1960)
One of the questions asked in the August Newsletter was
“Did You Ever Play a Musical Instrument?” There never was any question about me
and my brothers getting into music. My father, Sam Ellis, was a band director
at RW High School and had his own orchestra in the 1930’s and 1940’s. My mother
played piano, and she started me and my brothers on piano at an early age,
going to Anmoore to take lessons from Mary Ann Basille. I started on the
trumpet when I was in grade school, at Pierpont, and that was my instrument of
choice for the rest of my musical career.
I continued playing trumpet in the school band at Central
Junior High and in the marching, concert and pep bands at WI High School. After graduating in 1960, I continued my
music, playing in the WVU ROTC band, and then later playing professionally with
small groups in Charleston, WV.
My brother Richard (Class of ’58) played the clarinet and
sax, and my brother Sam (Class of ’62) played the drums. When I was in Junior
High, I teamed up with my brother Sam in a comedy and music act. We told jokes,
did some skits, and then ended our act with a few songs, me on trumpet and Sam
on drums. We played with other acts that had been put together by a local DJ at
venues like the Veterans Hospital, Nursing Homes and Civic Clubs. Then, as
Junior High students we joined up with Chris Hill (Class of ’60) and Susanne
Gabriel (Class of ’60) in a four piece combo we called the “Rhythmakers”. I
played trumpet, Sam played drums, Chris played the baritone sax and clarinet
and Susanne played piano. That lasted about two years, and when Chris left for
the “big time” (Deaver Stewart band and later the Heine Hammell orchestra) we
picked up another sax player from RW. We played through High School, doing some
more entertaining at the VA and nursing homes, and playing some dances for “old
folks.” (We were not into rock and roll, but played more pop and dance band
classics.)
Below is a 1957 picture of the “Rhythmakers” with Chris
Hill on baritone sax. Those orchestra fronts, (holding our music) had been used
by my dad for his orchestra, twenty years before this picture was taken.
From Augie Malfregeot (WI 1956)
Yes, I played the clarinet from fourth grade thru the
ninth grade, Morgan, Central and Washington Irving. I started with a metal
clarinet and in junior high school Mr. Mayor said I needed a wood clarinet. Jim
Hudson, Bobby Joe Hart and myself were all together. In the fifth grade I joined
the School Boy Patrol Band. Lots of fun, trips to parks in the Clarksburg area
and trips to Washington, DC. One year in DC we went to the White House. We went
upstairs and downstairs fantastic. Yes, we got a pencil from our Congressman.
The best part of the School Boy Patrol Band was about
twenty of us played at the Carmichael Auditorium at the basketball games. We
played before the games and half time. We saw all kinds of teams. Some from the
New York area and some were WVU graduate teams. Now it is all history.
The band playing ended with the beginning of sports at the
end of my freshman year.
From: Richard Wagner (WI 1965)
I started playing the trumpet in second grade. Then, when
I was at Linsly Military in Wheeling, I played bugle. When I came to WI as a
freshman, Mr. Poffenbarger asked me if I could learn to play the baritone
saxophone. So I ended up playing, during my four years at WI, baritone sax,
tenor sax, baritone horn, bass drum, cymbals and finally, French horn.
During summers I played in the Clarksburg Symphony. I was
a member of the Musicians Union so I could play. When I went to Marshall, I
played French horn in the marching and concert bands and was drum major of the
ROTC drum and bugle corps.
After all that, I went back to the trumpet and played for
weddings with a group of musicians for about 15 years. I quit playing about 15
years ago and admit I missed playing music.
I just finished a two-year pastorate at Christus Victor
Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, NC. I am Bishop of the diocese of Eastern
North Carolina for the Lutheran Orthodox Church. I am not serving a
congregation at this time but do have a deacon I am training to become a
pastor. I am waiting to see what my next call will be.
From: Bill Meredith (Monongah 1957)
I have always liked music and always thought I would
someday play an instrument. When I was in the fifth or sixth grade, the
director of the high school band came to our school to introduce the students
to musical instruments. Anyone interested in later playing in the high school
band would need to start learning to play right away. I immediately signed up.
The first step was to learn to play a flute, made of blue
plastic and relatively easy to master. The next step was to select the
instrument you wished to play. I picked the trombone. We were instructed to
have our parents purchase our chosen instrument at the local music store and
bring it to school on a certain day, when we would all begin the process of
learning to play our selected instrument.
My father had died when I was six years old, so when I
told my Mother what I had done, she said we could not afford a new trombone. I
was terribly hurt, but understood our situation. However, she said we could
borrow a clarinet from a friend and I could learn to play that. I didn't want
to play a clarinet and soon abandoned the idea of playing in the high school
band.
Fast forward to my sophomore year in high school: Our
school had a great band, always winning superior ratings in competitions,
including at the state band festival, so you had to play well to be a member.
The school and town were very proud of the band. One day, I was in my biology
class, when the principal came to the room and said he needed to talk to me. I
left the class and was advised to follow him. I had no idea where we were
going. I only hoped that I had not done something to upset him or one of my
teachers. We proceeded to visit two more classrooms, where he collected two
more sophomore boys. He then led us to the band room, where the band director
was waiting. Once there, the principal announced to the band director that he
had found his new tuba players.
We were all shocked, however, we knew better than to
question the decision. The principal would not look kindly on any of us who rejected
his idea. He ruled the school and was, without a doubt, more popular than the
mayor of our town. The only question in our minds was. "Why did the band
need three tuba players"? They already had four excellent musicians in
that section. It wasn't long before we found out why we were needed. Apparently,
when the band performed at the recent Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood, WV, three
of the tuba players were caught drinking what was called "hard
cider". That cost them their position in the band and we were the
replacements, even though we knew nothing about the instrument.
We all learned to play the tuba and the band didn't skip a
beat. One of the boys became a really good tuba player, even playing a solo at
the state band festival competition in Huntington, WV. As for me, my first
parade was at that same festival, where we had to march something like five
miles. My groin was sore for days, since I was not used to carrying such a load
for that distance.
I recovered and did well playing the tuba. I probably did
too well, since I was one of those guys you hear about, but don't believe the
story. I played sports and had the pleasure of marching with the band at halftime in
my football uniform. This only occurred a few times and only at afternoon games
played on our old field, which did not have lights. Was it embarrassing? Not
really, since I was not the only player doing it, plus, we won a state
championship and also had a runner-up finish in football while I was playing
and the band continued to receive superior ratings.
The best part is that I get to tell this true story over
and over again to my friends all over the country, just like I am telling you
now. We've all had a lot of laughs doing it and I wouldn't change any part of
it, even if I could. As they say, "Only in West Virginia".
Mountaineer Proud!!
BOYS TAP DANCING CLASS
MORGAN GRADE SCHOOL 1949-1950
GIRLS TAP DANCING CLASS
MORGAN GRADE SCHOOL FIRST GRADE 1950-1951
AUGUST
MYSTERY PICTURE
Above Mystery Pictures were sent in from Gloria Hunter Kennedy, (who would have been WI 1957 but actually graduated from Santa Monica High School in California) along with the following story of her tap dancing memories.
When I entered the first grade of Miss Lucy Thomas
September 5, 1945, I already knew the war in Germany was over. My father had
been drafted, and was in Charleston standing in line for the physical exam, when
someone came in waving a newspaper and shouted that the war was over. So my
father was sent back home. I don't think I was aware, however, of the atomic
bombs that had put an end to the war in Japan only a few weeks before school
started.
But somehow, in later years, I came to associate in my
mind the end of the war, soldiers being discharged and wives and children
leaving her parents house or rented quarters to return to their own homes, with
the fact that there were three classes of first graders that year: Miss Thomas'
class in the right front (as you faced the school), Mrs. Chestnut in the right
rear, and another teacher held class in the front room above the entrance, between Miss
Wright's third grade and Miss Funk's fourth grade rooms.
What got me to thinking about that was wondering whether
the "sample" tap dancing lessons for first graders were held separately for each class, and, if
so, whether that was before or after the third class was dissolved and students
were absorbed into the regular two classes. This lesson was for students to
decide whether they wanted to "take" tap dancing every week.
I recall being in the basement playroom with our backs to
the high windows which looked out over the alley, standing in a few rows side
by side so we could still see Mr. Louie as he taught us: brush brush jump
(right foot), brush brush jump (left foot), heel tap (right foot), heel tap
(left foot). This might not seem very exciting, but remember there was no TV
and no kindergarten, not everyone had a piano, not everyone had a record
player.
That year the school seemed to be on some kind of health
kick. Each student had to bring a clean handkerchief to school every day. Boys
usually had a pocket to keep their hankie in, but it was not so easy for girls.
Our dress might not have any pockets. Then, our hankie was pinned onto the
front of our dress with a safety pin. So the quarter that we brought each week
for our dance lesson would be tied into a corner of the handkerchief until it
was time to give it to Mr. Louie.
At some point during the year, I decided I didn't want to
participate any more. Looking at my old report card, it came as a surprise to
see how many days of school I was absent. Maybe I was too tired to dance. My
parents took me to the recital, however, and I saw how I had missed out on
"show biz". So I started up again in grade 2.
One day as we were standing in line, Mr. Louie was showing
Mrs. Hinzman his mangled hand. Stubs of a couple of fingers had white surgical
tape on them. Naturally, being a nosy person, I wondered what he was telling
her, but probably would have been called down for looking too curious. (To
follow up on this topic, in later years when the class had dwindled to perhaps
10 girls (more or less), Mr. Louie was telling us as we gathered around the
piano to pay our quarter (still), how he had a person who arranged his music
for him to accommodate the lost or shortened fingers on his left hand.)
I don't remember when we started having our lessons in the
auditorium, on the stage. I do remember the crepe paper dresses our mothers had
to create every year for the recital. I think a pattern was provided. The dress
was built upon a plain white slip with "built up" shoulder straps.
The crepe paper was cut into strips and sewn as ruffles onto the slip. I lived
about a mile from Morgan, and remember walking up the hill in my patent leather
tap shoes and crepe paper dress. It would not have been a very good idea to sit
down and wrinkle the ruffles.
In the sixth grade we escaped the ruffles. The girls in
the class went down to Murphy's one evening to choose our costumes. We settled
on circular cotton skirts with a large flower print. There were not enough for
everyone to have the same color, so we decided blonds would have blue skirts,
brunettes pink or yellow. We all had white peasant blouses with elastic around
the midriff and elastic necklines. One evening our group went to perform at
another grade school out past the Carnation plant. I rode in the car driven by
Mere Gurson's father.
I never wondered why there were no boys in our tap dancing
group. Then, recently, a picture surfaced of my brother's all-boys class. (Attached).
He thinks he was in grade 2 at that time, which would have been 1949-1950.
When my sister was in the first grade (1950-1951), her tap
class picture was taken in front of the school in full cowboy or farmer
regalia. I do not recall any pictures ever taken of any of my tap dancing
classes. Nor of the several crepe paper ruffled creations.
From old city directories, we can trace Mr. Louie over the
years. Usually he lived with his parents. Of course he did not teach only at
Morgan School. On the days he was at Morgan, I don't know how long it would
have taken him to teach each class in each grade. Perhaps half a day? Or was it
all day? He came every week.
Louie Butafuco was apparently born in Harrison County,
although I find no record on www.wvculture.org. His birth date was given on his
social security records as May 16, 1912. His parents were Salvadore (Sam)
Buttafoco (variously spelled) and Maria Teresa Audia. Both were born in Italy.
He had three sisters: Genevieve, Arlene, and Floranda.
In early Clarksburg city directories the name is spelled
Buttafoco. Louis or Louie was usually listed as a Dancing Teacher or Dancing
Instructor. In the 1957 directory his last name was finally spelled Buttafusco.
However, it was spelled thus on his three marriage records, beginning in 1943
when he married Betty Jean White in Harrison county. Then in 1953 he married
Virginia Lee Queen at Winchester, Virginia. And finally Kathleen Blanche
Butcher in 1958 at Nutter Fort. She died 25 December 1990.
After missing out on the recital in the first grade, I
participated each year until 1951. I went through several pairs of patent
leather shoes, each pair having large metal taps on the heels and toes. I would
tap dance wherever I had to stand and wait, for example on the corner of Pike
and 6th while waiting for the light to change. My father could see me from the
window of the projection booth of the Grand, and did not hesitate to mention
seeing me, although he never suggested that I shouldn't dance in public!
From: Jim Strider (WI 1955)
Front row 5th and 9th from left, in identical striped
shirts, are my twin brothers Frank and Sam Strider. Would have been WI 61, but
we moved to Wheeling in June of 1956.
From: Mary Anne Sharpolisky Matheson (WI 1960)
I think I can name two of the boys in the picture. In the
back row, two boys to the left of Mr. Louie, I think the boy in glasses is
Tommy Young. In the front row, the boy in the horizontal striped shirt looks
like Ross Allen (my boyfriend in first grade. We ate paste together).
Of course, Mr. Louie and Mr. Sheets, Morgan School
principal. He was a wonderful man. I really looked up to him.
I could not pick out Ronnie Lang, who was really a star
tap dancer. At our reunion, he told me he hung up his dancing shoes after high
school.
From George Cinci (WI 1960)
Hi
Roleta, let me take a stab at some names.
Front
row:
1 Danny
Pettry
3 Donald
R.Wyant
4 Jimmy
?Hunter? ?? Alexander Ave.
6
Franklin W. McGahan
2nd row:
4 Harlan
Sheets
Back row:
Principal
Sheets
Mr.
Butafuco (sp) instructor
Looks
like this would have been 3rd grade.
Keep up
the good work.
SEPTEMBER
MYSTERY PICTURE
Can you identify the structure above? Please tell me the
name of the building, the company or what they did in this building? Do you
know where the building was located? Give me a little description of the place.
Sign your name (including maiden name if it applies), send me the name of the
school you attended and year you did or would have graduated.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
HARTMAN GRADE SCHOOL
IN NORTHVIEW
IN NORTHVIEW
FIRST GRADE CLASS OF 1941-1942
CORRECT IDENTIFICATIONS
From: Don Marple (WI 1953)
The names I can recall are:
Top row, left to right, the third person is Barbara or
Beverly Linsbeck. Her twin sister, Beverly or Barbara, is fourth from the left
on the next row down. After B. Linsbeck in the top row is our teacher, Miss
Crim, then Jimmy Schmitt, who wanted to play the clarinet in the Marine Corps
band. I bet he did. I don’t remember the name of the girl on the end.
Second row: Colleen McQueen (my first sweetheart), Bobby
Criner, Linsbeck twin. I don’t remember the name of the last one.
Third Row: Teddy Huff, Ruth Mearns, Robert Flint – and I
don’t know who the last three are, unless the boy on the end is Jimmie
Goldsmith.
Fourth row: Alberta Lawson, Charley Wells, Donnie Marple
(me), Barbara Isner. I think the boy next to her was named Walter, then June
Mearns.
Fifth row: Richard (or maybe Robert) Shinn is the first
and David Lefebvre is the last on the right.
Those are the names I remember, and I’ll bet some of them
are wrong. I hope I haven’t offended anyone with these guesses.
Can anyone identify these or others from 74-75 years ago?
GOING
TO THE MOVIES FOR A NICKLE
* and Favorite
Stars too
From: Dr. Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)
Imagine going to the movies for a nickel!! But when I was
a kid, I did it. There may be some people who remember the old Orpheum Theater.
I certainly do because I would take my two brothers on Saturdays and we would
spend most of the day there watching "cowboys and Indians". Kids
laugh about it today when I tell them that but it was a big deal for the three
of us. My brothers were younger than I was so they got in free. The Orpheum had
a deal on Saturdays if you got there before a certain time and were five years
old or younger, you got in free. Once we were inside, we had to wait until time
for the show to start. When it did start, there would be cartoons or something
like that and I think that is the first time I ever saw "Betty Boop".
In fact, I had forgotten that detail until I started writing this letter to
you. I wish my brothers were here so they could help me remember the names of
the cowboy stars but I do remember Ken Maynard and Buck Jones. When the three
of us could no longer get in for a nickel, we "graduated" to Moore's
Opry House where one of my dad's cousins (Madge Stout) sat in the booth to
collect our money. I forget how much it was, maybe a dime or fifteen cents. In
addition to the regular movie, Moore's would have a serial that kept us anxious
for the next Saturday so we could see what would happen next. The one I
remember best had a main character called" El Shaytan" and later we
learned it was a young man who would become a star of epic proportion!! John
Wayne!! I didn't get to the movies at Robinson's Grand until I was 12.
Admittance there was a quarter and I earned that by babysitting Madge Stout had
advanced to the Robinson Grand, too, plus Mr. Robinson had put her in charge of
the theater. When she married and became Madge Douds, we learned that one year
she was the highest paid woman in West Virginia. Quite an honor for a woman
back then. I still love the old movies. The acting is better, there is no bad
language, and the stories are good. When Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind had
to say "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", he had to have
special permission to say it. Well, I didn't mean to write a book for the
Newsletter but you ask for memories and this is one of mine.
NOTE: How much did you pay to go to the
movies? What was your favorite movie theatre? When did you like to go? What
type of movies did like best? Who were some of your favorite movie stars? What
is your all time favorite movie?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
This subject brought to mind a sort of
"funny story". I had ordered my first car from the Chevrolet
dealership in Buckhannon. The same day that I got my notice to report for my
physical for the service, I also received a phone call to let me know that my
car had arrived at the dealership and was told that I needed to pick the car up
within 72 hours. I was living here in Alexandria, Va. and working. So, I took a
few days off from work; hopped on a Greyhound bus to Clarksburg; took my
physical; then proceeded to Buckhannn to pick up my brand new 1965 Chevrolet
Impala Super Sport white, with blue interior, AND a 3 SPEED TRANSMISSION
mounted on the floor. I had only driven a stick shift once (maybe twice) in my
life and after signing all of the papers required to buy the car, I was told
that I could drive the car out of the showroom. I am sure that the tire marks
that I left behind have long since been painted over, but my mother got a
little bit of a shock as she was with me when I picked up the car. I had been
notified at the Selective Service Center as to what my draft status was, so I
drove that car back here to Virginia; kept it for 2 years; went thru 3 clutches
and 1 transmission; and then I traded it in for an automatic Oldsmobile. I have
since had many cars/trucks with standard transmissions, but to have to drive my
first car with a standard transmission out of a showroom was pretty
intimidating!
EDITOR’S NOTE: What was the first Vehicle YOU
OWNED? When did you buy it? Tell us about what you paid, how you got the money,
where were you living, etc.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
SEPTEMBER 5
Significance of Labor Day 2016
Labor Day 2016, also known as Labour Day, is a federal holiday observed
annually on the first Monday of September. Originally it was a day organized to
celebrate various labor associations' strengths and their contributions to the
United States economy and presently it is a day that gives workers a day of
rest and celebrates their contribution to the American economy. It is the
Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day 2016 Weekend and it is considered
the unofficial end of summer.
History of Labor Day
The history of Labor Day 2016, in the United States and Canada, dates back
to late 19th century when the trade union and labor movements grew enormously
and resultantly a variety of days were chosen by trade unionists as a day to
celebrate labor. The holiday was first proposed in the 1880s by Matthew
Maguire, a machinist, while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union of
New York in 1882.
It is argued that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American
Federation of Labor in May 1882, after witnessing the annual labour festival
held in Toronto, Canada. Oregon was the first state of the United States to
make it an official public holiday in 1887. In June 1894, during the Pullman
Strike, which resulted in the deaths of workers at the hands of United States
Army and United States Marshals Service, United States Congress unanimously
voted to approve legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday and President
Grover Cleveland signed it into law six days after the end of the strike.
Traditions of Labor Day
Traditionally, Labor Day 2016 was marked with a street parade to
demonstration to the public the strength and hardworking spirit of trade and
labor organizations, this parade was followed by a festival for the workers and
their families. Later, this became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations.
Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was
placed upon the civil significance of the holiday.
Presently, Labor Day 2016 is a day of rest or the last chance for many
workers to go on trips before the summer ends. For many students, it is marks
one of the last few days before school starts again. In some neighbourhoods,
people organize fireworks displays, barbecues and public arts or sports events
(with the football season starting on or around Labor Day and many teams
playing their first game of the year during Labor Day weekend).
SEPTEMBER 11
National Grandparents Day is a secular holiday celebrated
in the United States
since 1978 and officially recognized in a number of countries on various days
of the year, either as one holiday or sometimes as a separate Grandmothers' Day
and Grandfathers' Day (for the first time Grandma's Day was celebrated in
Poland in 1965). One celebrates both paternal and maternal grandparents.
History
Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West
Virginia, has been recognized nationally by the United States
Senate - in particular by Senators Jennings Randolph; and Robert Byrd - and by President
Jimmy Carter, as the founder of National
Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the
community about the important contributions seniors have made
throughout history. She also urged the youth to "adopt" a
grandparent, not just for one day a year, but rather for a lifetime.
In 1973, Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) introduced a resolution
to the senate to make Grandparents' Day a national
holiday. West Virginia's Governor Arch Moore had proclaimed an
annual Grandparents' Day for the state, at the urging of Marian McQuade. When
Senator Randolph's resolution in the U.S. Senate died in committee, Marian
McQuade organized supporters and began contacting governors, senators, and congressmen
in all fifty states. She urged each state to proclaim their own Grandparents'
Day. Within three years, she had received Grandparents' Day proclamations from
forty-three states. She sent copies of the proclamations to Senator Randolph.
In February 1977, Senator
Randolph, with the concurrence of many other senators, introduced a joint
resolution to the senate requesting the president to "issue annually a
proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each
year as 'National Grandparents' Day'." Congress
passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents' Day
and, on August 3, 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day's
purpose: "...to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to
show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of
strength, information, and guidance older people can offer".
CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE TO HEAR
THE GRANDPARENTS DAY SONG
WI
CLASS OF 1959
From: Roleta1@aol.com
I have recorded the names of 40 classmates, from the class
of 1959, who have passed away since graduation. Please look over the list below
and let me know if you know of anyone else or if I have made an error.
Actually, I think our averages are pretty good based on the fact that the
graduating class had around 180, (at least that is what I have been told). I
don’t remember the exact number graduating in 1959. If you know please advise
me. This is just to keep the records straight. I chose to use names as they
were listed in their class.
IN MEMORY OF 1959
CLASSMATES
Bailey, Connie
Bankhead, Ed
Barber, Bill
Baxter, Betsy
Brausier, Paula 2016
Chilton, Nancy
Criss, John
Daugherty, Judy
Davis, Bob 2016
Deering, Dorothy
Frost, Gary
Fulton, Parker
Hanifan, Dick 2016
Hart, Mary Francis
Heldreth, Fred
Hilson, Doris Elaine
Hinkle, Ira
Holyfield, Emogene
Kerns, Eddie
Long, Janet 2016
Madzin, Paul
Marshall, Tom
Matheny, John
McAtee, Terry
Neal, Robert
Palmer, Richard
Paugh, Jerry
Policano, Anthony
Smith, Sue
Talkington, Elaine
VanDeveder, Phil
Warne, Terry
Watson, Georgia
White, Sallie Sue
Wiseman, Mary Louise
Woodell, Woodrow
Yoke, David
Sports Editor: Bill Meredith
In last month’s newsletter,
we asked our readers to predict the final regular season record for this year’s
WVU football team.
Below you will see the results. It is surprising how many of
the predictions are the same. LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS.
From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
Bill, I think we will go 7 and 5. I am counting on WV
winning the first 4 games. Though worried about BYU, I'm taking WV over BYU
only because I see they are playing in Landover, MD. Please don't ask me why.
What I am reading, I don't think we will have much trouble with Kansas St.,
Kansas, or Iowa St.
Offense:
Skylar Howard did so-so toward the end of the season but
with his experience and 4 or 5 starters returning along the offensive line,
they should do pretty well.
Defense:
I knew they lost a few on defense but I read where they
lost twelve lettermen including eight starters. We lost 3 linebacker starters
from last year and if using the 3-3-5 system, which I believe they used most of
the season. Would really weaken us up the middle. Of our top 10 recruits, we
got 2 linebackers, 1 Defensive Back, and a Cornerback, so far.
I know WV is doing some recruiting around this area. I
believe they have verbal commitments from a couple near where I live at Buford
HS. Buford has a very good football program and has had a few guys throughout
the years playing for the Mountaineers.
I wouldn't mind losing this contest, going 8 and 4. I know
I'm going against super predictor, Bud "Buckeyes" Collins but I think
I got him this year.
Can't wait for the season to start. GOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS
From: Bud Collins (WI 1955)
Bill put me down for 7 and 5.Let's hope they would go 10
and 2 but that is wishing on a star. Just can't get the right feeling on Coach
and not very enthused about him. Let's hope I am wrong this time.
From: Stu Cashman, (LaSalle HS, Niagara Falls, NY, 1956)
My prediction for the 2016 regular season is: 7 wins, 5
losses. Hope I am wrong and it will be better.
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
I do not really follow college football (except for UGA -
where my son went), but my guess on a record for this year would be 7 & 5!!
From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)
Swami's crystal ball does not portend roses in Morgantown
this season. Calling it another 7-5 year unless the defense surprises
everyone.
Ye olde alum
From: Bob Swiger (WI 1961)
First of all, let me thank Roleta and you for keeping the
memories and present events going for so many of us Clarksburg, West
Virginians.
I’m going back to a class reunion this coming week-end
(Class of 1961) and it will be the first one without my friend and our Class
sponsor Coach Castellana. Coach would have had a prediction about WVU Football
and my guess it may have been 7 wins and 5 losses. I’m not as confident and
predict 6 and 6. I saw them during spring practice and they didn’t appear to
have a lot of depth but then it was spring practice.
I hope my prediction is incorrect since a less than
stalwart season makes for a long season for us Mountaineers.
Bobby Seeks seems to have a pretty good grasp on the
Mounties so I’m anxious to see what he has to say.
From Don Sager (WI 1956)
I am leaning toward 7-5 since I am hoping that Baylor will
not be able to rebound. Actually, I would not be surprised with 6-6 since the
Baylor game wraps it up.
You know that I hope that Holgs will be long gone even as
much as “losing” hurts while it is going down.
From: Rich Newbrough (Bridgeport 1955)
9-3 losing to OK State, Okla. And TCU.
From: Buzz Floyd (Victory HS 1956)
I say WVU will be 7 and 5 for the year, and 5 and 4 for
the Big 12.
I'm saying we'll lose to Mizzou, Oklahoma (and so will
everyone else), TCU, Ok State and Baylor. We'll beat everyone else.
Probably being optimistic though.
From: Bernie Cohen (WI 1956)
I think their defense is a lot better than their offense.
I would say 7 wins & 5 losses.
From: Jim Hovey (WI 1962)
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you earlier. All my
construction projects that did so well this past winter showed a lot of
problems this summer. Plus, last year I predicted no bowl for WVU and I was
wrong. I forgot just about all Division I teams get to a bowl game, even with
losing records. I'm afraid I'm predicting the same thing this year. I don't
think Howard is going to be as successful given the loss of great receivers, a
great running back and a very good offensive line. BYU will be a great test. 5
and 6.
From: Bob Secret (WI 1960)
I like your analysis much better than my own but I'll give
you mine. I trust Gibson, so the defense might hold its own and only give up
30. I believe the offense will average 45 points a game. Let's see how that
plays out for the first game or two, and then we will have much more to say. I
will be looking forward to your solutions to our inquisitions as you are really
good on that.
Reply to Bob:
Although you didn't venture a guess on the final record, I
appreciate your comments. I'm sure that I am not alone in looking forward to
reading your updates as the season progresses.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
From: Bill Meredith (billmere@aol.com)
I have had the advantage of reading all of the forecasts
listed above. I'm not sure that any of them helped me in my analysis. One thing
stands out; most of our readers have come to the conclusion that the
Mountaineers are, at best, a mediocre football team. I know that we are in a
tougher conference, but that hurts and is sad, after the joy of the Rich Rod
and Bill Stewart years.
So, here goes. After considering the injuries, etc. and
realizing the lack of depth, which seems to always be a factor in Morgantown,
my prediction for this year's team is 6--6. I see wins over Youngstown St.,
Kansas St. and Kansas. I see losses to Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. The rest
of the games are toss-ups. To get to 6--6, I think we will break even, beating
either Missouri or BYU in the early season, beating either Texas Tech or TCU in
mid-year and beating either Iowa St. or Baylor at the end.
Since the six games mentioned above are about even,
winning more than three of them would give us a winning season. But, is a 7--5
record good enough to save Dana's job. My guess is NO!! 8--4 would save it, but 7--5 won't. Attendance
is down again and the natives are restless. Mediocre is not good enough
anymore.
Most of you know that I have been a supporter of Holgerson
since he started, but time is running out. He needs a big win over a favored
team, not unlike the blowout of Clemson in the Orange Bowl. That would rally
the troops----for awhile, but the final record, particularly in the conference,
is what counts. My guess is that his time has run out.
Thanks to all those who took the time to send in their
predictions. If the final record is 7--5, I may have to draw two names for grand
prizes.
As always, send your thoughts and comments on any sports
item to:
Bill at (billmere@aol.com)
From: Bill Meredith billmere@aol.com
WVU athletes made a strong showing in the recent Rio
Summer Olympics. Ginny Thrasher, a member of the Mountaineer Rifle Team, who we
featured in a recent newsletter, won the first gold medal for the USA, by
taking first place in women's 10m air rifle. Nicco Campriani, a former WVU
Rifle Team member, won two gold medals shooting for Italy, and seniors Kadeisha
Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence won bronze medals with the Canadian women’s soccer
team. That's quite a haul for current and former Mountaineers. Plus, as my
friend Don Sager pointed out, I don't remember seeing that any Pitt athlete won
a medal in Rio. HOW SWEET IT IS!!!
BIG 12
EXPANSION
Once again, the Big 12 Conference is considering expansion
by at least two teams and perhaps as many as six. They are now at a point where
schools, who are interested in joining the conference, must submit their resume
to the commissioner's office for consideration. Some of the schools reportedly
interested are BYU, Houston, Air Force, Cincinnati, Northern Illinois, New
Mexico, SMU, Temple, Tulane, Connecticut, USF, UCF, East Carolina, Arkansas
St., San Diego St., Memphis St., Colorado St., Boise St. (and who knows, maybe
even Fairmont State). Have I missed anybody?
Honestly, there is not one school on that list that would
add much value to the conference. If I had to choose, I'd probably take BYU
(probably out, due to the PC police) and Houston or Cincinnati. Others to
consider would be USF, UCF or Boise St. Being a Florida resident, I was told by
one of my neighbors that USF and UCF are among the seven largest schools in the
country. However, that does not mean they would be a valuable addition to the
conference.
What do you think about the whole idea? Should the Big 12
expand? How many teams should be added? Who do you favor as new members? Send
your thoughts to:
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
I think the rest of the country is finally taking the WVU
Rifle team seriously. At least one SEC school has noticed their success. The U.
of Mississippi (Ole Miss) recently hired former Mountaineer coach, Marsha
Beasley, as the new head coach of the rifle program. Good luck to Marsha,
except of course, when competing against WVU.
In my prediction of how the Mountaineer football team will
finish this fall, I predicted not only their final record, but that I thought
Dana Holgerson would not be the coach next season. Then, a couple of days ago,
I read an article stating that, in the writer's opinion, former Baylor coach,
Art Briles, would be coaching at one of the schools in a Power Five conference
next year. Bingo!!! I know he has some baggage, but wouldn't it be something to
have him lead the Mountaineers? He took Baylor from a doormat to a championship
team in only a few years, plus, he could certainly recruit Texas, one of the
most fertile states for Division 1 recruits. What do you think? Could he
thrive in Morgantown?
Send your comments to: Bill (billmere@aol.com)
MORGAN
GRADE SCHOOL
Do you remember in the early 1960’s that first through 3rd
grade classes at Morgan Grade School taught Spanish and some of the day to day
classes may have even been conducted in Spanish?
Tell us anything you know about this. I am curious: Why
was it done? How often was it spoken in a day, one class, activities, all classes,
etc? Who led the classes? Tell us anything you remember about it. Thank you.
Write to: Roleta1@aol.com
A TEACHER
WHO MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE
From: Jim Selario (WI 1967)
The teacher at WI who made the biggest difference in my life
was Mrs. Virginia Williams. Mrs. Williams taught algebra, plane geometry, and
advanced algebra & trigonometry. Like so many others I had a lot of
difficulty with mathematics. Just the same I knew that I was going to college
and needed to have algebra and plane geometry for college. I had Mr. Harold
Limpert for algebra 1. Let's just say that it wasn't a good experience at all,
but I did manage to pass (barely). I still had to get through geometry. I was
assigned to Mrs. Williams for geometry. I went into it determined to make the
best of the situation. The first 6 weeks I managed to get a C. Not an
outstanding grade but it wasn't a D and I felt like I was learning a little
something (much more than I could say about algebra where I felt like I had
learned nothing). I continued working at it and second six weeks I made a B. I
was elated and I felt that I was really getting somewhere. Something else that
I found was that as I was learning geometry many of the concepts of algebra
were becoming more clear and understandable in my mind. Third six weeks I made
an A in geometry and I knew that I had it mastered. This was followed by an A
on the final, and A's each of the 3 six week periods of the second semester.
All of this gave me the confidence to take advanced algebra & trigonometry
to Mrs. Williams. I found it to be a little more difficult but I managed A's
and B's in the course.
Now, you might ask how this influenced my life so greatly.
Well, I have been a practicing optometrist in Clarksburg for almost 40 years
now. While an optometrist must have a strong background in the biological
sciences for the diagnosis and medical treatment of eye disease, he or she also
needs to have a very strong background in mathematics and physics. The science
of optics is based in math and physics. Optometrists use optics every day to
examine eyes for glasses and contact lenses. Without the sound footing in
advanced algebra & trigonometry that Mrs. Williams provided me I would have
never been able to be successful in the additional math and physics classes
that I took in college which was necessary for admittance to optometry school
and therefore I could have never become an optometrist.
In the early years of my practice I had an office in the Empire
Bank Building in downtown Clarksburg and would often be out and about at
lunchtime running errands and getting a bite to eat. Occasionally I would see
Mrs. Williams at the bus stop and would say hi to her. She would respond and
smile. I got the impression that she knew that I had been a student of hers but
didn't know who I was. One day I walked over to her and told her who I was and
that I wanted to let her know that if I hadn't had her as a teacher at WI I
would probably never have become an optometrist and that I owed so much to her.
I know that she appreciated me talking the time to tell her. She was a
wonderful teacher and a very good person.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Mentor or someone
who you admire or look up to? Someone who maybe helped change your life in some
way? A teacher, a friend, a relative, preacher or whoever. The person may be
living or dead. Perhaps it is time to say thank you and this would be a good
time and place to write it all down.,
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
THE WI
SCHOLARSHIP
From: Roleta1@aol.com
I bet you have been wondering,-What happened to the WI
Scholarship?”
Well, it is still ALIVE!
We awarded 2 more scholarships in May. One was awarded to
a boy and the other one to a girl who recently graduated from R.C. Byrd High
School. Each Scholarship is for $3,000.00 so we gave $6,000.00 in scholarships
in 2016. Each student chosen receives a check sent to their student financial account
at the college/university of their choice. The scholarship is paid in two
installments of $1,500.00 each semester. This money is available for them to
draw on for educational expenses only.
We plan to give another $6,000.00 in May 2017. I decided
to quit begging for money for awhile. So I took off a few months. However, now
we have to get to work and earn the money to help these students with their
college expenses. And the expenses are totally out of control. My youngest
granddaughter just entered The Ohio State University for her first year of college.
She said she nearly fainted when she went to the book store to buy her books
and they cost $484.00 for the first semester. Stop a moment and think how long
it takes a girl of 18 to save that amount of money when she works a part time
job.
When I started collecting the money for the scholarships,
I received some money every month. But as the years went by less and less money
came in each month and the biggest concentration came in when we sold tickets
for the quilt drawing.
The quilt has been made for several years. Sue Selby Moats
came up with the idea of several lady quilters to stitch a square and send
it/them to her and she would piece them together and make a quilt. I sell the
tickets and we usually drew the winning ticket at the Clarksburg Picnic each
March in Sarasota, Florida. There is no longer going to be a picnic. But we are
still going to have a quilt as our only money maker for the WIN SCHOLARSHIP.
This is a HEADS UP! The ladies have been making their
squares and sending them to Sue. There is a theme to the quilt and a great
name. I will reveal the name of the 2017 quilt to all of you readers in the
October newsletter. I will start selling the tickets in October and the winning
ticket will be pulled in late March. So start saving your money now! I hope we
sell at least $6,000.00 worth of tickets. We sell them for 6 for $5.00, and on
up the scale. So the more you give to the scholarship, the more tickets you
get! And hopefully the more chances you have to win!
To get you in the mood, I ask the WI SCHOLARSHIP QUILTERS to
send me pictures of any of their “Vintage Quilts” with a story behind each
quilt. So read on AND enjoy these pictures of these lovely quilts.
If you have any old style quilts, send us a picture and
tell us about the quilt. Some suggestions of things to write, Your name and
high school attended and year of graduation. Who do you think made the quilt,
about how old is it, does it have a definite pattern and if so what is it, tell
us anything you know about your quilt.
NOW TO SET THE MOOD
FOR
THE OCTOBER TICKET
SALE:
From: Mary Sue Spahr (WI/1956)
Here is a picture of a quilt that was made for me by my
paternal grandmother as soon as I was born in 1938. Mother kept it in her cedar
chest and made a point of showing it to me every time she opened the chest to
look at her treasures. She always told me that she would give it to me when I
got married and she was true to her word. Sadly, I don't know the name of the
pattern. It is all hand stitched. Grandma was very precise and very neat. It is
a true treasure. The picture seems to look like it is a red and white quilt,
but in fact the light fabric is ecru and looks like high quality unbleached
muslin. The backing is very white. I only ever used it a few times for fear it
would get dirty, necessitate washing and the red would fade all over the
lighter color. Anyway, here is one quilt. I have a couple more, but I have to
move too much stuff to get to them tonight.
Note from Joyce
Royse: Your red
and white quilt is beautiful. It is a type of Robbing Peter to Pay Paul
pattern, I believe.
From: Ann Brannon Pushkin (WI 1952)
The Sun Bonnet Sue quilt in the attached picture was made
for me by my grandmother 68 years ago. The quilt was hand appliquéd and
stitched after she healed from a broken wrist. I took care of her for several
months during the summer -- so the quilt was a thank you "payment."
The bonnets, dresses, and balloons were made from my grandmother's old dresses.
The Irish Chain quilt in the attached picture below was
made by my great grandmother. She used flour sacks for the material. She had to
use sacks produced from different batches as you can see the different shades
of pink Ann Brannon Pushkin. WI 1952
I have several other quilts made by my maternal great
grandmother and by my paternal grandmother. I thought 2 pictures were enough. But,
if you would like more pictures of vintage quilts, please let me know.
From: Dianne Jeffries Kanzler (WI 1953)
Here is a picture of a vintage quilt created by my
grandmother, Rachel Jeffries.
From: Pat Dofflemyer Nixon (WI 1965)
I have a quilt my grandmother made from feed sacks.
I also have a quilt my grandmother made me when I was 3.
Made from scraps of the baby gowns and clothes my mother made me. Grandmother
made each grandchild a quilt. Since she had 10 children and many grandkids born
right after WWII I was lucky to get mine by age 3.
I have the last quilt she made in her 80's.
Guess I always loved quilts so now I have made my
grandkids quilts. I enjoy making them I've become a material junky.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I, too, love quilts. I bet your
feed sack quilts are lovely. All soft and a bit faded but much loved.
From: Gwen Clark (Victory High School 1956)
This Crazy Quilt was found in a dresser drawer when
cleaning out my Mother-in-law's home after her passing. We had never seen it
before so don't know the story. I did take it to a quilter who was giving a
talk on quilts and she told me it probably was made between 1870 to 1920 range.
As you can see there are initials, appliqué and it has velvet, silk and other materials
and is very colorful. Some of the silk has deteriorated but the rest seems to
be in good condition
CHANGE
David Lee
Griffin (WI 1969) davidgriffin1550@comcast.net
Douglas
Edward Griffin (WI 1974) griffinde56@yahoo.com
NEW
John B.
Wilfong (WI 1951) wirebenda@aol.com
Bob See –
(WI 1966) Cyfinbob@gmail.com
Winona
Houghton (WI 1948)—guessing at the year of graduation
Sweetone1948@yahoo.com
Sweetone1948@yahoo.com
2016
WASHINGTON IRVING PICNIC
The weather was so hot on Saturday August 27, 2016. But
the company was great. It was so nice to see so many people and visit in the
shade. There was a small breeze that helped a lot. After the picnic we drove
from Clarksburg to Fairmont and the thermometer on the car registered that it
was 96. But in the shade, it was very comfortable.
Below are some pictures taken at the picnic by George
Cinci. Not all who attended were pictured. There were guests and spouses who
were not photographed. Also, due to the heat, some people came and visited but
left before the pictures were taken.
Pictured above are the members of the Class of 1955, 56, 57 and 58
Left to right
Jack
Emerick, Delores Aldini, Chuck Thomas, K.B. Kyle, Mike Snyder, Skip Bowie, Jim
Brown, Phyllis Alton Nichols, Frank Muscara
Pictured above are the members of the Class of 1959
Left to right
Joy
Gregory DeFazio, Roleta Smith Meredith, Bobbie Johnson Swisher, Ron Werner, Wirt
Wolf, Sharon Cottrill McGahan, Charlie Burkhammer, Beth Twigg Devericks, Jeannie
Werner Davis
Pictured above are the members of the Class of 1960
Left to right
Jim
Burnell, George Cinci, Becky Werner, Judy Wamsley, Gary Wamsley, Pam Wolfe
Brown and in the back is Bob Teter.
Pictured
above are the members of the Class of 1961 and 1962
Left to right
Doug
Aspy, John Teter, Stumpy Bice, Joyce Royce, Kay Reed, Rick Wilson, Dave Kuhl
Pictured
above are the members of the Class of 1963 and 1964
Left to right
Nadine
Stealey, Bob Stealey, Naomi Burkhammer, Sharon Kinney, Tom Aspy, Penny McKeone
Donnelly and Carol Cinci
Pictured
above are Tom Wetzel (1970), Junior McQuain (1971) and Tom Wolfe (1974)
Pictured above on the left is Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI
1959) handing over the duties of being in charge of the Annual WI Alumni Picnic
to Penny McKeone Donnelly (WI 1964).
Pictured above is Joy Gregory DeFazio hanging the sign to
welcome people to the picnic. Joy served as chairman of the picnic for several
years.
Sharyn served on the committee that ran the picnic under
directions of Joy Gregory De Fazio and Phyllis Fittro Brown for the first
couple of years. Then Sharyn took over the duties with Judy Daughter Kimler as
her assistant for several years. Others who worked on the committee with these
two committees over the years were Paula Brausier Riley, Beth Twigg Devericks,
Pam Wolf Brown Charlie Burkhammer, Sharyn’s husband Jim and her son. Several
other people would hop in when needed. We certainly appreciate these people and
the work they did for the past 16 years.
We hope Penny and her committee will be just as successful
doing the job for the next few years. And we hope to see loads of people at the
next WI Alumni Picnic in August 2017 at the Osborne Pavilion at the VA Park in
Clarksburg, WV.
To see more on this reunion, visit our Class Reunion page.
CLASS OF 1961 HAS THEIR 55th REUNION
The class held their 55th Class 'get-together' Friday August 26th at Twin Oaks Restaurant and their reunion ceremony Saturday August 27th at Best Western hotel.
The committee was headed up by Patty
Hickman Cravey and she had a marvelous staff that really did a terrific job.
John Teter sent the reunion information to the newsletter. Thank you, John.
Above is a group photo of all those who attended:
Seated front row: Left to Right
Barbara PAUGH Patton, Carolyn GOLDEN
Lopez, Mimi LEE Fanning, Carolyn Kay REED Bonner, Patty HICKMAN Cravey, Frances
BURDISS Woodward
Middle Row: Left to Right
Bill Lance, Mike King, Roberta WRIGHT
Poe, Joyce GUINN Selbon, Ann KILLINGSWORTH Smith, Jeep Wilson, Bob Swiger,
Butch Felts
Back Row: Left to Right
Jim Gallo, John Teter, Carol GREYNOLDS
Cleveland, Billie KITTLE Fox, Colleen LUZADER Holliday, Jeanne CHRISTIE Warner,
Sarah GERVELLA Frush, Steve Elbon, Richard Malcolm
Attending Friday night but not
Saturday; Linda HUMPHRIES Hall and Bob Swats
Attending Saturday night but not in the
picture; Rick Wilson and Brooks
Gainer
STEEL
From Charles M. Ferrell (WI 1946)
Above is a picture of Charles in his 66 year old army
uniform and steel helmet.
These uniforms were worn by 5 WI Graduates of the WI Class
on 1946.
JIM
FRAGALE WRITES
From: Jim Fragale (WI 1958)
July 2016, Jim’s fifth blog went up on Arianna
Huffington’s Labor of Love “The Huffington Post,” titled: “My Huckleberry
Friends and Me.” A little hint here, every time out, Jim invariably writes
about home and/or West Virginia, so you can be sure that’s what this latest
article is about. What’s more this is blog number five for Fragale, which now
makes him a “Huffington Post” contributor. For the sake of thoroughness, here
is a list of Fragale’s “Huffington Post” efforts.
MyHuckleberry Friends and Me - Posted July 7, 2016
Is
It Art? Or, Is It Soup? - Posted January 26, 2015
OLD!
OLD! We Hate Old! - Posted July 1, 2013
Books
You Hold in Your Hand - Posted April 26, 2012
Save
the Music, Music, Music! - Posted July 28, 2011
Jim Fragale’s second autobiographical novel, “F.U.!
(Follow Up!) The Answer to Life REVISITED” what the New York TIMES likes to
call “memoir fiction” these day -- with a publishing dated of September 1,
2016. It is a narrative plus 50 of his mother Lou’s original recipes, in her
own words. To avoid any back and forth, the new work “F.U.! (Follow Up!) The
Answer to Life REVISITED” is available both on-line at amazon.com and in-store
at Barnes & Noble. Title ID: 6266525. ISBN-13: 978–1533345028.
RUTH ANNE GRIFFIN
BROWN
Ruth Anne Brown, 86, of Waverly, Ohio, passed away on
August 1, 2016, in Traditions at Bristol Village, Waverly, Ohio.
She was born March 28, 1930, in Lumberport, West Virginia,
the daughter of the late Audra Payne Griffin and Lulu Ann (Baker) Griffin.
Ruth Ann was a graduate of WI with the class of 1948.
Surviving are the father of her children, G.F. Brown; two
daughters, Cindy Gillespie, and Kim Kolb; and six grandchildren; 14
great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Ruth Anne was preceded in death by her parents, two
sisters, one brother and a longtime companion, John Casto.
Ruth Anne was a member of Living Waters Church in
Bridgeport, West Virginia.
WILLIAM ALAN GARRETT
December 16, 1957 - July 22, 2016
His life was a good ride. William “Billy” Alan Garrett,
58, never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to live. He loved
quality conversation, to tell stories, and to make a new friend wherever life
took him–whether it be on a long haul adventure, a motor cross race, or a quick
stop to the North Pole to chat. Hard work was innate, friendships were
important, and family was fundamental. Billy was a momma’s boy, survived by
Norma Garrett and the late Robert Garrett. He found comfort and camaraderie in
his sister, Marci Pinion and her husband Tony. Bill understood the importance
of education and hard work and instilled this value in his children- daughter,
Georgina Garrett Aye and son Zach Garrett. Bill had two grandchildren.
Bill spent years racing motocross and thrill seeking
adventure. He was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan. He enjoyed the customer
service aspects of work after 16 years at Pepsi Co. and working for various
trucking companies. William was a graduate of Washington Irving High School
Class of 1976 and a member of Broad Oaks United Methodist Church.
On July 22, 2016, he went upward to continue his ride in
the sky
ED WILFONG
Edward A. Wilfong, age 76, passed away on Saturday, July
16, 2016. He was a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio.
He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on July 19, 1939, the son
of Junior Q. Wilfong and Edith (Pigott) Wilfong.
He graduated from WI in 1957 and from WVU in 1961. He
served in the Navy for three and a half years and subsequently worked for the
Dow Chemical Company for 31 years before retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon (Orme)
Wilfong; three children, daughter Kimberly (Jeff) Miller, Greg Wilfong and
Christopher (Vickie) Wilfong. He is the grandfather of 4.
Also surviving are his brothers, Dr. J.B. Wilfong (Roberta)
and David Wilfong. He is the uncle of 2 nieces and 2 nephews. There will be a
Celebration of Life for family and friends, Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Four
Bridges Country Club. Memorials may be made to Cincinnati Hospice or the
charity of your choice.
CARL LYNN FITTRO
Carl Lynn Fittro, 88, of Clarksburg, went to be with the
Lord on Thursday, August 4, 2016, in the United Hospital Center.
He was born in Clarksburg on July 17, 1928, a son of the
late Mason and Lela Knight Fittro.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia Robey Fittro,
whom he married on April 23, 1966; one daughter, Kristy Allen and her husband
Timothy of Clarksburg; five grandchildren, Joseph Carl Earnest, Alexandria
Paige Eagle and her husband Zachary, Ariel Kristine Allen, Ashton Kate Allen
and Michael Paul Earnest; one sister-in-law, Sandra Jean Fittro of Wilsonburg;
two special nieces, Carla Steffich and her husband Chris of Wilsonburg, whom he
fondly referred to as “Punkin” and her children,
He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Dena Lynn
Earnest; and one brother, Donald Lee Fittro
Mr. Fittro was a 1948 graduate of Victory High School, a
United States Army veteran, and was a retired Mold Maker with Anchor Hocking
glass factory with over 40 years of service.
JOHN ROBERT COOPER
John Robert Cooper, 84, of Clarksburg, West Virginia,
departed this life peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday,
July 26, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was the son of the late Chester D. and Mission B.
Cooper of Clarksburg.
Surviving Mr. Cooper are his wife, Loretta Cooper,
daughters Brenda Olsen, Karen Phelan, and Donna and husband Robert Hughes, all
of Clarksburg; his granddaughters, Lindsay and husband Nathan Bowman and Lauren
Hughes, the light of his life — his great-granddaughter and several nieces and
nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
his sisters, F. LaVaughn Cooper, Mary M. Dertouzos and Margaret D. Auger.
A graduate of Washington Irving High School (Class of
’51), Mr. Cooper was a multi-talented entertainer who demonstrated his many
talents to the people of Clarksburg and vicinity through his local television
shows, and magic and ventriloquism acts performed at picnics, birthday parties
and various local events. From his early youth, he loved entertaining people of
all ages.
He was involved with local journalism for many years,
beginning as a writer and editor with the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram.
Mr. Cooper was a pioneer of local television in the 1950s
and ’60s. He began his career in television at WBOY-TV, Channel 12, starting as
a staff announcer and later producing and hosting his own popular live TV show,
“Johnny Mountain,” featuring cartoons, magic, and ventriloquism, and including
local children in the audience as part of the show.
He then went on to WJPB-TV — now WDTV-TV, Channel 5 —
where he produced and hosted a children’s show, “Cooper & Friends.”
He organized, hosted and promoted local events, such as
the WV Day Celebration and the Lost Creek Community Festival, and performed in
local plays at the Clarksburg Arts Center.
In recent years, he was the “Voice of the Hawks,”
announcing radio play-by-play on WOTR for South Harrison High School sports
teams.
Mr. Cooper was also associated with the American Cancer
Society, where he was a District Representative and fund-raiser for 20 years.
He was a lifelong member of Spring Hill Chapel,
Clarksburg, serving as a Trustee and Sunday School teacher.
RICHARD CHILDERS
Richard Childers, CMSGT Ret USAF. Born in Clarksburg, WV
on March 15, 1939 and passed away suddenly on July 28, 2016 while visiting his
daughter in Nashville, TN. Former resident of the Peninsula and Mathews, VA
until 2009 when he and his wife Mary, settled in Saint Marys, GA. Richard
Childers retired from USAF after 27 years of distinguished service and then
spent another 20 years in Civil Engineering. During his career, Rick spent 1
tour in Vietnam, 2 tours in Germany, 1 tour in Iceland, and state side at Shaw
AFB and Langley AFB. He was a Master Mason in good standing with Oriental Lodge
#20, Mathews, VA and was a member of both Mathews Baptist Church and Kingsland
Baptist, Kingsland, GA. He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Mary Ellen
Childers, their grandson, Cory David Jensen and four brothers. He is survived
by one brother, 4 children; Deborah Ambrose, Larry "Gene" Laughery
Jr, Richard Childers Jr and Dawn Jensen along with many grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
ROBERT EDWIN
GRIFFITH
Robert Edwin “Bob” Griffith, 81, of Clarksburg, passed
away on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at his residence. He was born in Akron, OH,
on June 11, 1935, a son of the late Sidney Reed and Lelah Hutchinson Griffith.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Mae Ritter Griffith,
whom he married on September 15, 1957; two sons, David Alan (Sherry) Griffith
and Brian Dale (Beth Ann) Griffith and five granddaughters, Lauren Olivia,
Morgan Ashley, Rachel Elizabeth, Emily Rose and Julia Caroline.
He was also preceded in death by one sister, Betty
Armstrong.
Mr. Griffith was a 1954 graduate of Washington Irving High
School and a United States Army veteran. He was a Night Expediter with the U.S.
Postal Service, having retired in 1994, and was a member of the Freedom Baptist
Church in Nutter Fort.
A friend of Bob Griffith sent a personal note:
Washington Irving High School Alumni has lost a remarkable
man.
Robert Edwin (Bob) Griffith died of a heart attack on Aug.
17th 2016.
I have been best friends with Bob for 75 years. We did
everything together, even after graduation and going our separate ways in life
we stayed in touch and got together when ever possible.
Bob was a very kind, gentle and unassuming man. He was
quiet and soft spoken. I never heard him raise his voice to anyone. In all the
years I knew Bob, we never had any harsh words between us. Bob and I were the
Brothers we never had. I will always cherish his friendship.
He was always there for his family, friends and anyone
else who had needs.
He had great love for his family, friends and his God. He
was a hard worker in his church and went on mission jobs to help people in need
in other places.
There will be a big hole in the hearts of those who were
close to Bob.
Bob graduated with WI class of 1954.
David
Lawrence Kinney (WI 51)
DONALD WAYNE GARDNER
Donald Wayne Gardner, 88, of Clarksburg, passed away
suddenly at home on the evening of August 11, 2016.
He was born January 10, 1928, in Jeannette, PA, son of the
late Harry William Gardner, Sr. and Helen Myrtle Milliren Gardner.
Donald is survived by his wife, Dorothy Imogene Donnellan
Gardner, whom he married on June 29, 1949, at Lost Creek Methodist Church. Also
surviving are two sons, Gary Wayne and Richadeen Gardner Donald Mark Gardner;
two granddaughters; three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry William
Gardner, Jr. and his wife Helen; two sisters, Elizabeth Naoma Gardner Newbrough
and her husband Charles, Anne Mae Gardner Heater and her husband Chandos.
Don was a 1944 graduate of Washington Irving High School
in Clarksburg. Shortly thereafter, he began an apprenticeship as a flat glass
cutter at Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Stonewood. He spent 32 years
working for PPG before retiring. He then took up a second career as a U.S.
Postal Service, rural route carrier for 22 years.
LOIS “LIBBY” SMITH
Lois “Libby” Smith, 90, of West Milford, departed this
life Friday, August 19, 2016, at United Hospital Center.
She was born in Clarksburg on January 25, 1922, to the
late Cecil and Lois Lynch. On April 6, 1946, she was united in marriage to the
late Roy “Don” Smith.
She is survived by one son, Robert (Karen) Smith,; one
grandson, Robert “Doug” (Sheri) Smith; one granddaughter; two great-grandsons;
one sister, Rebecca Richards; two sisters-in-law, Carol Campbell and Kathleen
Lynch; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband and parents, she was also preceded
in death by two brothers, Charles Lynch and John Lynch and two sisters, Joan
Burrows and Elenor Thompson.
She was a 1944 graduate of Roosevelt Wilson High School.
Lois was employed at Monongahela Power and the S&H Green Stamp Store in
Nutter Fort with 24 years of service in 1978 as manager.
SANDRA RUSSELL
LEMASTERS
Sandra (Russell) Lemasters, 72, of Clarksburg, passed away
August 12, 2016, with her family by her side.
Sandy was born December 16, 1943, in Jane Lew to the late
Denver and Nina (Reed) Russell.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Wayne Edward
Lemasters.
Sandra was a homemaker and beloved mother to son, Tracy
(Tracey) Lemasters, daughter, Deborah Lemasters (Michael) Huff; daughter, JoAnn
Lemasters and partner Kim Hyatt, and Michael (Lori) Lemasters. Beloved
grandmother of 7 and 4 great grand children. She is also survived by one
sister, Judith Seal; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Russell, a
grandchild, Collin Huff, and a great-grandchild, Maverick Smith.
She was a 1962 graduate of W.I. High School and was
Baptist by faith, having been a member of the Summit Park Baptist Church.
