Issue 210

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

NOTE: Mary Sue sent this for last month’s newsletter, but I missed it.

I suppose that most people have a favorite tree ornament in their collections. Like most people, we have a favorite. Many years ago (at least forty) when Grants still had a store in Fairborn, Ohio, we went shopping for a star to put on the top of our tree. It happened that Grants was out of stars. As a matter of fact, they were out of just about everything. Still, we needed something to put on the top of the tree. As we dug down into the heavily picked over selection, someone came up with the decoration that we are still using today. At first glance it looked like a man in a full suit of armor. No it didn't. It had a bell for a face and bells for arms. It kind of looked like a nutcracker, but it wasn't that either. And who has ever seen a suit of armor or a nutcracker with a spire on the top? It had a round lower torso that kind of looked like a tutu but that didn't seem to suit either. Anyway, forty something years later the ornament is still on the top of the tree each year and when sons and grandchildren see it, they almost never fail to ask, "Did you decide what it is yet?" The answer is always no.

So if anyone out there has any idea what the ornament is, please let us know. It's for sure we can't wait another forty years to find out.

Bill White (WI 1956)  jovencita2@gmail.com

G. Diane (Cork) Sullivan (WI 1952)  gdsullivan27@gmail.com

Louis C Palmer (WI 1957)  lcpalmermd@yahoo.com

            His dad was the chemistry teacher at WI

Brad Andrews (WI 1974)  bachse@aol.com

            Grew up in Broad Oaks

From: H. Gregory Jaranko (WI 1960)

Let me start with the sad news. I assume that Doug Gray's name in the obit was just misspelled.

Second, Mike McGuire's name was not on the list.

Mike had decided to get out of the gasoline station business and become a police officer. The last day of training at the state police academy he had a heart attack and died. He had a son and a daughter.

Since he was older than the usual trainee it was assumed that since he worked so hard to stay ahead of the younger guys, which apparently he did, His heart just gave out.

He owned and operated a dirt track race car, his first love was cars. He also owned 2 service stations in Clarksburg. In fact the previous owner used to shoot pool at the Stonewall with Doc Mills.

There is my first memory of Fred Dunham. The Stonewall. The Stonewall of ham sandwiches with spicy hot mustard for lunch.

We both grew up in Stealey and went to the same schools but I don't remember him at that time. I do remember Mike Snyder and his younger brother. They lived across from my grandmother's house.

I came across Fred again in Wheeling when I went there to work for a local Wheeling contractor. He invited me to dinner at his home where Joann welcomed me like a long lost friend.

Fred asked me to wire his dad's hunting cabin in Elkins and loaned me his corvette to get there. He was to be out of town and asked me to take car of his car for the week. Now there was a trusting soul. Gas prices were reasonably inexpensive compared to today. Just to drive that car a few miles was to judge your distance by the gas gauge rather than the odometer. The two mile round trip to town was a quarter of a tank of gas. Yes he had the biggest engine corvette came with. I think it was a '69.

I did get to the hunting cabin and was high up on the ladder when his father arrived. He said he thought I looked thirsty and did I want a drink from his mason jar. Even from that high a vantage point I was sure that the clear liquid was not water. I respectfully refused. I thought my ladder perch was precarious enough without having a drink.

I can't tie in Gerrard Folio into my above two friends except for the commonality of Morgantown. Let me say that having known Gerrard as lead guitarist for several cover bands and danced to his music all over the several counties around Harrison including Monongalia I also considered him a friend.

When the song "Maggie Mae" was released I was sure it was Gerrard doing the vocal. I even bet he had changed his name to Rod Stewart. How wrong I was.

The picture of the curb feelers reminds me of how much fun we made of the sissys that put them on their cars. It also reminds me of taking my oldest son to take his drivers test.

We pulled into the parking lot by the state police barracks in Martinsburg to find a curb and white line set up for the parking test. I told my son to practice a few times prior to taking the test. Well if we had had those curb feelers I might not have told him to park outside the white line but rather inside closer to the curb. He failed his test because of that.

I have another story about his retest which I will save until another newsletter subject brings it back to mind.

Jerry and Terry Warne shocked me the first week of my sophomore year at WI when I saw how tall they had gotten over the summer. WoW! They must have grown 12" and I hadn't moved a millimeter.

I have more to say but my fingers are tired. I should have taken that typing class. What was I thinking? All girls. I was just too shy.

I do enjoy all the reminiscing and memories they engender.

Thanks

JANUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

CURB FEELERS OR CURB FINDERS

From: Phil Williams (Mingo County) and wife Mary Jean Todd Williams (Victory 1954)

I believe that these were called "curb finders". Installed near the wheel to remind the driver that he was getting close to the curb and therefore keep from scrapping his white-wall tires.

Thanks for your wonderful letters about Clarksburg. My wife graduated from Victory, class of 54, her name is Mary Jean Todd. Mine is Phil Williams and I grew up is Mingo County.

From: Al Starkey (WI 1960)

Hey ROLETA just so you know, I look forward to and enjoy the newsletter every month.

You and your sister JALON are doing a great job. I hope you are able to continue for some time to come.

About the picture, I remember those as being called “CURB FEELERS” and that is what they were for.

To let a driver know when he was getting close to a curb, purpose being that he wouldn’t rub the white walls tires or hub caps, or what ever.

I never had them, but I knew some fellows who did. I can just hear the noise they made when close to the curb.

Back then the rear view mirrors were not like they are today. They didn’t have power adjustment from the driver’s seat, which can make it much easier. Some even do it automatically in reverse. In my Acura MDX. If the adjustment switch is in the L or R position the related mirror goes down when put in reverse, and come up when put in drive. If you don’t want it just move the switch to center position.

Ahhh, modern conveniences!! THANKS AGAIN.

From: Rusty Elliott (Marty Elliott WI 1957)

I never had one, but I think it is a gizmo used to tell you when you were close to the curb so that you didn’t scrape you pretty white walled tires.

From: Bill Cowgill (WI 1959)

Those are curb feelers and were used to keep from scuffing those beautiful white walls. I didn’t have them on my cars but I drove Carl Hopkins Cadillac that had them on it. You could definitely hear them when you got too close to the curb

From Buzz Floyd (VHS 1956)

Those things in front of the wheel were called “curb finders”. They were there to protect your white wall tires from being scrapped by the street curbs when you parked. If you were too close to the curb they would give a loud twang to warn you. That was high tech back then, but I never used them. Now cars can park themselves, but I can still do a parallel park in one movement. I remember learning how to do it from a tip that was in the Exponent/Telegram back in the 50s or 60s.

EDITOR’S NOTE: So what is the tip? 

HIS ANSWER: It was pretty much like this one.CLICK HERE 

From John P Harrison (WI 1956)

You will note the white wall tires in the photo. What better way to protect them than not running into the curb? You got it. CURB FINDERS.

My first car was a 39 Plymouth and finding the curb and running into it served me well as my brakes would "bleed out" on a hill and finding a good size curb was an essential part of learning to drive.

Other notes: I was born in the old Union (something or other) Hospital on Washington Ave. near Water Street. They locked the doors at night and my Doctor had no key to get in, so he tossed pebbles against the windows till someone heard him and let him in. I understand he was in time to catch me, all 7lb.2oz., 21 inches long. So much for the long and short of that.

After my Dad died in Dec. of 1946 I spent my growing up (up to 6' 5") years at 422 Holden St. right across from the John W Davis home, later the Gabbert’s Parking Lot. My home is now home to the Columbo Law offices.

From: Cinda Frenzel O'Neill, (WI 1966)

I remember "curb feelers" like this on my grandfather's 1948 Hudson. My mother always told me that he had bought the car that year for his new granddaughter to ride in. I have many memories of riding in the back seat, no car seat or seat belt then. He had that car until I was in grade school when he bought a Rambler to replace it; no feelers on that one.

Thank you again for all the time you contribute to putting out the newsletter.

From: Don Marple (WI 1953)

These are curb detectors, put on the car to scrape the curb and vibrate loudly to warn the driver and save wear and tear on tires and alignment.

I don’t remember the years they were popular and I do know that we never had a set of them. If we had, I might remember the car we had them on and that would indicate the years they were popular.

From: Justin Jerry Hustead (WI 1963)

That is a picture of "curb feelers". They were invented by a man shortly after his wife drove the family car to the store right after he had 4 new whitewall tires installed! Their purpose was to protect whitewall tires from being scuffed on a curb. The metal looking tentacle would "feel" the curb and make a scrapping noise letting the driver know they were close to the curb saving the whitewall tire and a marriage.

From: John Iaconis (WI 1959)

Many cars used "curb feelers" when parking to detect distance to the curb.

The two rods give a sound (warning) when nearing the curb.

Drivers did not want to mar their white-wall tires.

Whitewalls were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

From: Rt. Rev. Richard Wagner (WI 1965)

Ahhhh, the infamous curb finder. When you were moving close to the curb, the finder was supposed to tell you when you were going to hit the curb. Worked great if the curb was high enough. If not, you scuffed those beautiful white walls.

From: Charles Ferrell (WI 1946)

The picture of the item on the car is 'Curb Feelers'. They indicate how close to the curb is when you park the car. They make noise when you get next to the curb. I had them on my used $500.00 1940 black Chevy Coupe in 1951-52 when I was in the US Army Chemical Corps at Edgewood, MD.

From: Barb Charles

I believe those metal things on the car were used to alert you that you were close to the curb. Useful when parking.

I wish my car now had them. LOL.

From: Susanne Hallman

Those gadgets. I don't know their name; they were placed there to alert the parallel parker to know he was close to the curb.

Your site was sent to me by a resident of somewhere around Clarksburg....my online friend. I am in Portland, OR., but was born (1948) and raised in Western Kentucky.

From: Les Hall (Victory 1955)

The curb feelers were wire sensors, placed on both sides at the rear of the car to protect the lower part of the car, when parking. Particularly handy on high curbs and especially useful to protect the rear wheel covers and those very wide whitewalls!

From: Paul Rector (WI 1958)

In the 50-60s these things could be attached to fenders so the WHITE WALLS would not be damaged by being curbed. White walls for most part were strips of rubber held onto tire by the steel rim. These things were called Curb Feelers and driver could hear the scratching metal sound to avoid damage when parking; i.e., parallel parking. We never owned any! Thanks for the memory.

From: Bob Twigg (WI 1955)

Those attachments on the fender were called fender finders. When you parked your car in town they would scrape the curb and warn you that you were about to scrape those white wall tires. It was a real treat to get the scuff marks off the side walls if you curbed them. Now it is hard to find white wall tires. It is almost a special order to get them.

The fender finders would make an awful noise when they rubbed the curb. It would sound like you were tearing off the side of the car. Now days a lot of the drivers could not park a car along the street if they had to, just pull into a mall parking lot and stay in between the lines.

Correct answers also submitted by:

Bill Phillips (should have been WI 60)

Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956)

John Campbell (WI 1959)

  

Corinne Tannenbaum Levy (WI 1959)

Bob Kramer (WI 1965)

Debbie Sayre Stoikowitz (WI 1969)

David Corsini (WI 1950)

  

IN THE JANUARY ISSUE

Anita White (WI 1948) is correct, not Alice White as I had put in the January Newsletter. She wrote that she loves reading Newsletters, just wishes some from her class would contribute. I told her I wish that some from my class would contribute, too.  

From: Roleta Smith Meredith

PLEASE READ THIS 

THEN LOOK THESE PHOTOGRAPHS OVER

- SEE IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY ANYONE - 

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

In December, I asked for mystery pictures and I received a few. Some I know I can use some I have had in the newsletter before and some are a bit old for our type of mystery picture. But one kind lady sent some pictures because your help is needed.

Here is a letter I received from a volunteer at the Harrison County Historical Society. Board Member and WI graduate Carol Schweiker asked the society for help.

Please read the letter then look at the marvelous old pictures. Write and tell me if you recognize anyone pictured. Perhaps you have seen a copy of one of these pictures in someone’s home and that might help. Please be sure to reference the PICTURE NUMBER in your reply. 

Thank you - 

Hello Roleta,

My name is Sydney Stapleton and I am a volunteer with the Harrison County Historical Society. Our board member Carol Schweiker said that you were running out of mystery photos for your Washington-Irving Newsletter so I have attached 7 photos for you. If someone identifies on, we would appreciate if you could let us know. If you would also say they were from our collection as well that would be great. If you have any question please let us know.

Best regards,

Sydney Stapleton

Preserve WV AmeriCorps Member

PICTURE NUMBER ONE

PICTURE NUMBER TWO

PICTURE NUMBER THREE

PICTURE NUMBER FOUR

PICTURE NUMBER FIVE

PICTURE NUMBER SIX

PICTURE NUMBER SEVEN

From: Sally Anne Pulice (WI 1969)

For my first two years of life, I lived in a small two story home on Howard Street in the Broad Oaks area of Clarksburg. Howard Street runs parallel to Harrison Street, and is the last street that met the swinging bridge that went over the West Fork River or was that Elk Creek? Help who knows? That swinging bridge was so fun and scary at the same time. From age two to age five, I lived on Stanley Avenue in Goff Plaza. My family lived in the downstairs of a large home, and the Editor of the Clarksburg Exponent/Telegram, Mr. Randall Strother, and his wife lived upstairs in a separate home. The Strothers owned the home; they had no children. They were so kind to us, and their home was grand with lots of pretty natural woodwork and a wide covered front porch. Then at age five, my family returned to the Broad Oaks area, as my parents purchased the only home they would own on Worley Avenue. That home remained in my family for 52 years. The best part of that house was that the backyard was terraced in three separate levels, and from my parents' bedroom window, you could see all of downtown Clarksburg. That view was especially pretty at night.

From: Judy Holden Cork (WI 1962)

My family moved from Princeton, WV to Clarksburg in 1948. We went from a small one story, two bedroom home to a two story home on Williams Court which included a full basement and large finished attic, four bedrooms and one bathroom which my parents, four children and grandmother shared ( a lot of “hurry up I need to use the bathroom”). I have great memories living on Williams Court. I spent a lot of time with my siblings (Sallie, Chuck and Linda) and friends playing in the large attic. I loved being outdoors skating, biking and playing games with the neighborhood kids. Christmas time was always special. Mom spent weeks baking cookies, making fudge and assorted goodies. We always had the neighbors over Christmas day for Tom and Jerrys (a drink similar to spiked eggnog).

We moved to Chestnut Hills in 1958 and several years later our Williams Court home was torn down to make room for the Route 50 overpass.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The only house that I can remember living in was located at 410 Broaddus Avenue, where my mother remained living until we moved her out of the house back in 2008 (?). I lived there with my parents, my sister (Lib WI 1956) and my brother (Bob WI 1960). For a while my mother's mother lived with us, so we were living in cramped until my sister went away to college and subsequently got married and moved to Maryland. The house was not a HUGE house, but it was sufficient for us to live comfortably.   

Many of your readers should remember the house as they frequently visited, mainly after we were all in high school. Visitors included Bill Post (WI 1961) and Bob Secret (WI 1960). My sister’s friends that visited were Dave Thayer and Buzz Floyd. Jim Collins was quite often at our house too.

I also remember 410 Broaddus Avenue being the "gathering place" for the neighborhood kids that were getting ready to play games on Willison and getting ready to go sled riding on the alley between Broaddus Avenue and College Street. Kids would spend hours riding sleds down that alley, and the stopping point was a wire protective fence that was all that kept us from going over the creek bank and into Elk Creek. I do not remember anyone ever actually ending up in the creek as a result of our sled riding.

Other readers may remember coming to our house to observe the flowers that my father had put up on the back porch that "opened up" every night. Other readers may remember coming to our house to gather for our "block game parties", held at the corners of Broaddus Avenue and Willison Streets.

From: Roleta Smith Meredith (Roleta1@aol.com)

I was born in Braxton County but my family moved to Harrison County when I was about 4-1/2. My parents rented a very small house in Wolf Summit that had only 2 bedrooms and one bathroom a kitchen, and a living room. There was an attached washroom and a cellar dug in the ground where mother stored canned goods that she put up from the garden. My daddy was the principal at Wolf Summit Grade School. (Remember that was before the school was referred to as Elementary School). We lived there for about 5 years. During this time, my dad spent 2-3 summers at the U of Pitt to get his master’s degree. My mother attended Salem College to get her BA degree in education (I think it was BA then but BS now??) We moved to Clarksburg at the beginning of my 5^th grade. I attended Morgan Grade School, Central and then WI. We lived sort of on the edge of Stealey and Hartland. The move there was a major adjustment. We now had 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, living-room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast nook with a full basement, back porch and front porch and garage. So much nicer than where we lived before. I spent a lot of time at the Stealey Play Ground in the summer where I participated in girl’s sports…ring toss, volleyball and soft ball. Right after I went to college, our family moved to Ohio. Our family is there, we still go there for the summers. But I guess your heart never leaves where you grow up. We have been gone from WV longer than we lived there but we still love WV and the wonderful friends that we have who live there or are from there.

CHESTNUT HILLS REUNION

Saturday, August 26 2017

6:00 Social 7:00 dinner

Bluebird Store - Main St.

SAVE THE DATE

CONTACT: 

Gladys Williams 304-672-9071 gwill1004@aol.com

Facebook-Gladys Williams Williams (WI 1971) Please contact me if interested.  
We would appreciate any known addresses or email addresses. 

More information will be sent out in July.

HOW I GOT INTO MUSIC

From: Ron Ogren (WI 1950)

How I got into music:

Our family lived in Jamestown, NY, before moving to Clarksburg where I started in the 6th grade. In Jamestown we had a piano which my mother played quite frequently. My older sister played the piano very well and it seemed that she never had to be pushed or coaxed to practice. She loved it! That love for the piano and talent did not trickle down to me. My brother and I were both led to a piano teacher who tried hard to develop our skill with little success. The music teacher suggested the saxophone and it really was more in our interest. Dad had tried to interest another older sister in the violin and the trumpet without any success. Great music talent was not in the genes of most of us, but I enjoyed the sax.

In Clarksburg we played in the Central Jr. High band and also in the WI band, both led by Mr. Mayer. We marched and practiced many formations at the football field and played at the football games, home and away, and of course we marched around Main and Pike streets in the Memorial Day parade. The band uniforms were wool, heavy and hot, but we played our lungs out, enjoyed the applause and after the parades we went gatherings at Bland's drug store for a coke.

A fellow band and sax player, Johnny Goots, was very good with the sax and had gotten a job with a professional dance band, directed by Bill Brookover. John suggested that I try out for the position of 3rd alto sax and I was soon playing in a six piece band consisting of 2 alto and 1 tenor sax, a trumpet, the drums and a piano. Sometimes we'd add another trumpet and trombone. The "Bill Brookover Orchestra" was well known and very well liked in the area. We played at the VFW, American Legion and nightclubs around town and even went as far away as Elkins. The pay scale according to the AFL-CIO was not much for me: $7.50 for three hours usually 9-12:00. The band leader, Bill Brookover, made double, $15.00. Bill urged me to get a clarinet which was not much different than the sax. It added sounds of a bigger band when we had 3 playing on both sax or clarinet.

We played at the Zanzibar nightclub one News Years Eve until 3:00 am when the owner was doing great at the bar and paid us extra to stay and play longer. I took home $30.00! We also played for the High School sororities and the Demolay dances at the Masonic Temple. Opening with our theme song "Moonglow" got everyone in the cheek-to-cheek mood, and then our music was mostly foxtrots, waltzes, a tango, cha-cha, and a polka now and then. To signal 'intermission' we played the Bunny-Hop which then gave everyone a needed breather. The evening dances were closed with "Good Night Sweetheart".

I wonder if anyone remembers these dances as well as I do?

Music 'played' a big part in my life and I now have Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren also playing the sax and clarinet.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks, Ron for sharing this with us. Do any of you readers remember this music from “back in the day”? Tell us what you remember about the Bill Brookover Orchestra? Sounds like good music for dancing to me. Do you remember the names of any of the other guys who played with this orchestra? Were you even one of them?

Write and share your memories with us and with Ron Ogren

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

WIN SCHOLARSHIP

This is the way we can come together to make a difference in our home town. We are helping 2 high school graduates from our Consolidated High School, R.C. Byrd High School, with their first year of college.

I wish everyone reading the newsletter would send a check to support the scholarship. 

I am hoping that we can raise enough through this year’s ticket sales to support this year’s scholarship. 

This month we collected $1,320.00.

Actually, this is not much of a response for my request for your support. 

The drawing is April 15 2017. That is ONLY 2-1/2 months away. So far we haven’t even received enough money this year to cover one scholarship.

PLEASE RESPOND

Many thanks to each of you who sent checks this month to support the scholarships:

Catherine W. Cobb

Allen Alvarez

WI Class of 1961 Reunion

Ernest S. Fragale (WI 1965)

Judy and Gary W. Wamsley (WI 1960)

Dorothy and Charles Shaffer

Martha Rice

Sam Selario

Bob Teter (WI 1960)

Sally Ann Pulice

Diana and Hugh Haskell

John A Teter (WI 1961)

Catherine Custer Burke (WI 1952)

John Campbell (WI 1959)

Babe Cashman (WI 1956)

Cinda Frenzel O’Neill (WI 1966)

We have had a quilt raffle since 2006. 

This is the only money maker we have for the scholarships.

ALL MONEY RECEIVED GOES DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOLARSHIP. 

THE MONEY SENT TO PURCHASE TICKETS 

ALSO GOES DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOLARSHIPS. 

The ladies who make our quilts donate their materials, time, talent and energy to make this happen!

Won’t you buy tickets to support this year’s scholarship and possibly you will be the winner of the 12^th quilt made and given by the WIN Quilters, headed up by Sue Selby Moats?

The tickets cost $5.00 for 6 tickets. 

Then 12 tickets for $10.00...

and the number of tickets you receive keep increasing 

compared to the amount of money you send to the scholarship.

I look forward to every gift received. 

NONE TO SMALL and NONE TOO BIG

The winning ticket will be drawn on April 15. You only have 2-1/2 months left to buy your tickets. I certainly hope more money starts pouring in soon.

If you wish to be part of this giving back to CLARKSBURG WV:

Write your check to: 

Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

Mail to:

Roleta Meredith

3201 Charles MacDonald Drive

Sarasota, FL 34240

DO IT NOW BEFORE YOU FORGET

HAGAN ICE CREAM STORE

From: John Campbell (WI 1959)

A current Clarksburg acquaintance who works on Main Street in the old Hagan Ice Cream Store had heard of a shooting in that store in the 1950’s and wondered who and what the story was.

Can any of the readers help on this…

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

FEBRUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

Above is a statue that is located in West Virginia. Have you ever seen it? What do you know about this statue? Tell me what you know. I never knew this existed.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

I want to know what you know, not what you research about it. Sign all emails with your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thanks

THIS RESTAURANT USED TO BE A BANK

IT IS IN MORGANTOWN, WV.

To Read All About It, CLICK HERE

 This West Virginia Restaurant Used To Be A Bank And You’ll Want To Visit

Information shared by Marty Ashland (WI 1959)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bill Meredith, take note, I would love to go see this sometime! I loved those stately old banks.

TIME TO THANK THAT TEACHER

From: Sally Anne Pulice (WI 1969)

I have often written that I so enjoyed Miss Virginia Nutter's Latin 1 and Junior English classes. I know I am in the minority. But, I would really be remiss if I didn't mention that the teacher that likely helped me the most in my eventual life's work was Janet Robinson. Ms. Robinson taught typing. As a speech and language pathologist I am continually writing (typing), first on a manual typewriter, then an electric one, and now laptop computers. Thank you, Ms. Robinson. You certainly had a long lasting positive impact on my life. I have very fond memories of your typing class, and I remember you wore matching, beautiful jewelry. Roleta, a zillion thanks for all you do for so many of us. Every month I eagerly await the arrival of the newsletter to my inbox!

EDITOR’S NOTE: I am so glad you look forward to the newsletter each month. I appreciate your note and my sister does too.

From: Fred Alvaro (WI 1959)

There were two teachers whom I was not crazy about at the time I was in high school but later on really got to appreciate them for their teachings. Miss Taylor really put a lot of time teaching grammar and if you recall, we would use crayons to underline subjects, nouns, verbs, etc. and that would really stick in our minds. I hear many announcers on TV and radio who constantly us singular subjects and plural verbs, etc. Mr. Gudekunst really was an excellent teacher for math and he was a disciplinarian. When he asked us a question, we were obligated to stand up to respond and if we were sitting in our seats with legs crossed, he would come over and kick our foot to uncross our legs. I never received more than a grade of "C" but in college I earned A's in all my math classes.

From: Tim Corsini (WI 1951)

Speech teacher, Lillie Mae Bauer, was my favorite teacher. It was in her classroom that I learned the importance of speech diaphragmatic breathing, a technique that served me well during my career. She provided encouragement, emphasizing the fundamentals of diction and projection while silently nodding approvals of our accomplishments. Her own speech delivery, punctuated with approving and disapproving facial expressions and body gestures, stressed the importance of good communication. Especially was that communication useful when those techniques were applied in the school plays she directed. During rehearsals, she would sit on a folding chair at the apron of the stage, leaning in to face the actors, mimicking each line, her dark eyebrows reflexively arching as she reacted with subdued groans or deep, quiet laughter. As president of the Thespians and being involved in several plays, I was given the opportunity to experience her enigmatic persona as much as one can from the prospective of a teenager. While I could not have known it then, looking back I believe that in and out of the classroom, Lillie Mae Bauer reacted to others with grimaces or wry smiles, masking a wonderful, quiet sense of humor.

GROWING UP IN NUTTER FORT, WV

I grew up in a "little" town called Nutter Fort, WV. It was during a time when everyone treated each other like Family. We went outside to play, we got dirty. We bought chips & candy from the corner store. We played Red Light, Green Light, Kick the Can, Simon Says, Hide and Seek, Mother May I, Hopscotch, Dodge Ball, Red Rover, Baseball, Softball and Football. We could ride our bikes to the store, or the park, or down a country road and stay all day. We even swam in the creek when we had the chance. We ate beans & hot dogs, mac and cheese with peanut butter sandwiches. We walked or rode a bike everywhere and never worried about safety. We never thought to lock our windows or doors at night. And we had chores to do around the house. And we helped clean off the table after a meal and ate our meals as a family at a table together. We weren't AFRAID OF ANYTHING, 'cept our parents. If you fell down, you would just get back up. We challenged each other everywhere. “King of the Hill”. If someone had a fight, that's what it was, a fight. Kids weren't afraid of fake guns when I grew up. Real guns were just a part of life and we respected them as well as our parents, our teachers, the American flag, the principal AND God. We said the Pledge of Allegiance every time we went to school. We left our houses as soon as we could in the morning and right after school till our neighbors would yell out for their children as a reminder to get in the house for the night. If one kid was called for dinner then we all knew to go home. We watched our mouths around our elders because we knew if we DISRESPECTED any adult there would be a price to pay and we had manners and respect, otherwise someone else's parents put you in your place. I would not trade anything for the childhood we had, for we had enough, and we had love, and all that made us the adults we are today.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I don’t know who wrote this, however, I wish to thank Janet (Snyder) Sponaugle (R-W 1970) for thinking of the newsletter and sharing this with us.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The only "fad" that I participated in "back in the day" was the chain hanging from my belt. I do not remember what was actually on the chain, but I seem to think that perhaps it held a key to our house on Broaddus Avenue.

THE 2017 WI QUILT

PIECES FROM THE PAST

Above is a picture of the square made by Dianne Jeffries Kanzler (WI 1953) The name of the square is The Ribbon Star square may be my second one from the extra scraps I had.

Above is a picture of the quilt piece named Ribbon Star Quilt Block made for the quilt by Pam Wolfe Brown (WI 1960)

Above is a picture from Sue Selby Moats (WI 1955) of the 2017 Scholarship Quilt in progress. You can see the work that has been done and a lot is still to be done to finish it up. The women make the squares and send it to Sue; she then starts doing the rest. This shows that each quilt piece has the edging sewn on and she has temporarily placed them in a design.

These ladies work so hard to support the WIN Scholarship. 

Won’t you take a bit of time to send a little money to support their effort, please.

Thank you

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

IT PAYS TO PLAY

Back in August, I asked our readers to predict the regular season record for the WVU football team. I stated that the prediction which was the closest to the actual record would win a prize. We had eleven participants. Seven of you guessed 7--5, one guessed 8--4 and two of us figured 6--6. Then, there was our winner.

Rich Newbrough, (Bridgeport HS 1955), was the most optimistic with a prediction of 9--3. His only miss was that he thought TCU would beat us, in addition to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. As all of you know, the final record was 10--2, not including the bowl loss.

Congratulations to Rich. For his effort, he received the four stainless steel tumblers pictured below.

His comments after receiving the gift are below:

Roleta and Bill,

Many thanks for the tankards - just what I needed. However, since we have used them for the basketball games, the team is in a little funk and better snap out of it soon.

In the last 2 games they have turned it over more than they have taken it away. 

BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR.

Rich

P.S. We look forward to having the contest again this fall. Based on what I've read, I'm excited about the next season and will be more positive, which I trust won't come back to haunt me.

GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!

"HITESMAN TROPHY"

In the January newsletter, we published a letter from Joe Malone (WI 1952) in which he challenged our readers to offer nominations for what he called the "Hitesman Trophy", recognizing great athletes who attended Washington Irving High School or any other high school in Harrison County. We only got two responses, which are shown below.

Bill,

In my opinion, NO LIST could be put together naming some of the best athletes to come out of WI without BOB SECRET's name being mentioned.

Bob excelled in all sports, including football, basketball and track. He did have a tremendous supporting staff in his endeavors, but he was ONE OF THE BEST to ever grace the walls of WI.

John Teter (WI 1961)

Bill,

Bobby Secret is my pick for athlete. He lettered in all sports all four years. He and I go back to Little League Baseball. I just knew him to compete against during those baseball days.

I do know a lot about his accomplishments during high school and college. He went to Notre Dame while Gene Donaldson went to Purdue. They were both my good friends.

When Bobby tried out for the WVU football team he broke thru the line on his first play from scrimmage and ran for 50 yards for a TD.

He excelled in all sports everywhere. It was a joy to watch him play. It's past tense because I am still waiting to play a round of golf with him.

H. Gregory Jaranko (WI 1960)

From: Bill Meredith

I want to thank John and Gregory for their comments about Bobby Secret. Certainly no list would be complete without Bobby being on it. Not only was he a great athlete, but he is an even better person and that is what life is really all about.

I am surprised that we only had two letters on this subject. Bobby attended WI from 1956 to 1960. Were there any great athletes who attended WI before or after him? Of course there were!! We just need some of their classmates or anyone else with knowledge of their accomplishments to write to us about them.

How about Victory, R W, Shinnston, Bridgeport and all of the smaller schools in the county? I'd bet that if I were talking to you and stated that no great athlete came out of your high school, you would take a strong exception to the statement. So, come on, share your thoughts with us. Send your comments to me. Please do it today, while it is fresh in your mind.

Write to me at billmere@aol.com

HOW GOOD CAN THEY BE???

As I've watched college basketball over the last 65 or so years, the thing I've noticed is that really good teams have one thing in common-CONSISTENCY!!! They are also usually good at the foul line (70% or better), have good depth and always have a go-to guy when it is crunch time.

WVU has lost four games by a total of 11-points. They have as much raw talent as any team Huggins has had in Morgantown. Yet, they lack three out of the four qualities outlined above. They can't seem to put good teams away, often allowing them to "make it close". They are not very good at the foul stripe, but do have good depth. Finally, when the chips are down, I haven't seen anyone who can take charge and secure the win for them.

In all honesty, this team should be undefeated. In all four losses, they were the better team. Unfortunately, it is the final score that counts. If you wonder how good they can be, just look at the Baylor and Kansas games in Morgantown. They are capable of beating any team in the country.

So, what can we expect for the rest of the season? First, they need to find that one special player. Esa Ahmad can be that player, but he needs to show up every game. They need to make at least 70% of their fouls every game. They can do it with proper concentration and practice, practice, practice. Finally, they need to play hard both halves. That is consistency. If they do all of these things, expect them to win most, if not all of their remaining games. If not, three or four more losses are likely.

Frankly, I've enjoyed this season and just like most of you, I live and die just a little during each game. My hope is not particularly for a conference title. It is for them to redeem themselves after last year's NCAA first round loss, by going deep in the tournament this March. That way, I can enjoy the summer and look forward with excitement to both the football and basketball seasons next fall.

Comments??? Send them to me at the address below.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Dear Classmates and Friends:

I am sending this note with deep appreciation and sincere thanks for ALL of the prayers, beautiful cards, phone calls and notes that we received during Jerry’s passing. Each card was filled with heart warming thoughts for me and my family.

As some people journey through life they leave footprints wherever they go and Jerry left many with his woodworking and kindness toward others.

He always enjoyed spending time with family, friends and especially his grandchildren. Jerry looked forward to helping to organize our class reunions and before it was over-singing with some of the other guys.

I will always remember your kind expression of sympathy and love. I will keep God as the center of my life for strength and courage during this difficult time. We have been blessed with so many wonderful, caring friends and family.

With heartfelt thanks,

I remain your friend

Carolyn (Pinella) Warne (WI 1959)

Regarding Jerry Warne (WI 1959)

“ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO THEM, OH LORD,

AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM”

THE CLASS OF 1958

Elberta (Poling) Alderson

Melanie Jane Aspy

Danny Bacchus

Robert Bartos

Edward Boyles

Diane (Cottrille) Brown

Arden Butcher

Gary Carpenter

Tanya (Burt) Cole

James Cooper

Richard Cox

Peggy (Criss) Cumberledge

William Gene Davis

Rogert Driggers

Herbert Enelow

James Hall

Betty (Cox) Hardy

Sandra (Cabo) Harold

Barbara (Kemper) Harris

John Hart

Louise (Gilespie) Hill

Beverly (Morris) Hissong

Richard Jones

Barbara (Fox) Kibbee

Jerry Knight

Judith (Lerner) Kressel

Gwendolyn Lewis

Charlotte (Ferrell) Lockwood

Mary Ruth (VanDevender) Marple

Arlene (Lopez) McKetrick

Glenn Morrison

Patricia (Harper) Morrison

Mary (Harbert) Nophsker

Gale Poole

Penny (Capehart) Rasel

James (Stewart) Scott

Tom Tallman

David VanHorn

Leonard Wagner

Dolores (Costlow) Wall

Warren “Kenny” Whaley

James White

Penny (Fish) Wolverton

THE CLASS OF 1965

This is a list of the classmates that we know of that we have lost. If anyone knows of any others from this class, please let us know at WI1965@aol.com.

Andy, Frank Paul (January 19, 2017)

Barker, Bill (September 10, 2009)

Barnes, Michael

Berman, Bobby (April 2, 2011)

Boggess, Greg (November 14, 2014)

Cain, Judy (Nicholson) (December 13, 2016)

Cassidy, Sandra (Hess) (April 3, 2005)

Clark, Denzel (April 5, 2016)

Corathers, Phillip

Cutright, Darlene (Moncer)

Deffett, Linda (Coburn)

Dolan, John

Eddy, Joyce

Emerson, Irvin, Jr. (Viet Nam)

Everson, Patty Chedester (October 2, 2016)

Garrett, Mike (In high school)

Gay, Ricky

Harper, Gary (In high school)

Hegmann, Carol (Mulford) (January 8, 2016)

Hemsworth, Sherry (Grover) (November 29, 1998)

Joseph, Shari  (May 8, 2014)

Kyle, Diana Trusler

Law, Gary (December 2015)

Lebrun, Rick (November 30, 2012)

Losh, Dennis Earl (2001)

McKinney, Scott

Minehart, Barbara (August 8, 2011)

Moore, Diane Evans Dawson (February 2010)

Moore, Sheila

Myers, Lana (August 3, 2012)

Perry, Martha

Pritchard, James

Richardson, Nancy Hess (April 13, 2007)

Roda, Pat

Sheets, Carolyn Sagar

Sirockman, Alan Herod (September 16, 2013)

Smith, Gregory C.

Stalnaker, Roberta Axton Paugh (June 11, 2012)

Stewart, Ronnie

Tustin, Burlin (August 7, 2012)

Weekley, Mark

Wilkinson, Adella Jean Brown

Winters, Kenny (August 29, 2015)

EDITOR’S NOTE: 

We are sorry to report this list of the deceased from the classes of 1965 and 1958

Do you or one of your classmates have a list of the deceased classmates from your class? I would like to honor them by listing them here so others can take a moment to remember them.

Send the list to Roleta1@aol.com

CHARLES E. BRYAN, JR.

(This obit was submitted by: Danielle Bryan - Class of 1994 with love and respect for her "UNKIE BUTCH")

Charles E. “Butchy” Bryan, Jr. passed away September 26, 2016, at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, WV, following an extended illness. He was born on April 17, 1944. He graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1962. He was the son of the late Charles E. Bryan, Sr., and Mary A. (Vayda) Bryan of Clarksburg. He is survived by 1 brother, Robert E. Bryan of Clarksburg, and niece, Danielle Renee Bryan of Clarksburg, and 1 sister, Suzanne Bryan Rogers of Lexington, Ky.

DAVID BEVAN

David Arnold Bevan, Jr., of Warren, Ohio, went home to his Lord on Sunday morning, January 1, 2017, at home surrounded by his adoring family. David was born on September 2, 1942, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to Laura Margaret McBride Bevan and David Arnold Bevan, Sr.

David leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 48 years, Joan Laraine Thralls Bevan; their son and daughter-in-law, Brian David Bevan and Dr. Katherine Ann Schumacher Bevan; their daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn Laraine Bevan Rovegno and Louis Edward Rovegno; and adored grandchildren.  David is also survived by his sister, Margaret Jenedean Bevan Brasseur , and his brother-in-law, Herbert R. Cottrill. He was predeceased by two brothers, Dr. Richard Arnold Bevan (Martha), and Robert Alden Bevan; two sisters, Ruth Ann Bevan Johnson (Richard) and Myrta Jean Bevan Cottrill (Herb); and one brother-in-law, Alan Edgar Brasseur. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

David graduated from Washington-Irving High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Fairmont State College, in Fairmont, West Virginia. He was a diver on the swim team and a member of the track and field team at Fairmont State and served as president of Theta Xi Fraternity. He joined Alcan Aluminum in the Customer Service Department after college graduation and worked there for 18 years. In 1987 he changed careers and became a registered representative for Prudential. After retirement from Prudential, David worked as a hearing monitor for the Social Security Administration Office of Disability, Adjudication and Review in both Cleveland and Akron.

Helping others was a driving force in David's life and that drive gave him great pleasure. He once said that his favorite days were those spent helping someone else. He loved the outdoors and camped with the Boy Scouts in his youth and later with his own children. He worked as a lifeguard in his youth and taught swimming classes. During summer break in college, he worked for the Boys' Clubs of Metropolitan Detroit helping inner-city boys experience the outdoors. He purchased his first boat while there. Later in life, he helped children at Camp Koinonia and Camp Falling Leaf, a grief camp for children. David had many interests: fishing, boating, yard work, reading, woodworking, and watching on television Ohio State and West Virginia University football games and Wimbledon tennis.

David was an active member of Central Christian Church and enjoyed working in the memorial garden, participating in the pecan roll bake sales, serving as a greeter, and attending Open Door events.

ANN MILLER GLOVER

Ann Miller Glover, 73, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at her residence surrounded by her loving family ending her battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on November 18, 1943, a daughter of the late Gus Miller and Iona Panteloukas Miller McCollom.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Patsy Glover whom she married December 13, 1964.

Also surviving are one daughter, Patricia “Trish” Glover and companion Carl. M. Smith III of Clarksburg and one sister, Nikki Miller Hermosilla of Bridgeport, WV.

She was a 1961 graduate of Washington Irving High School and was a beautician for over 50 years. She retired from Marion’s Beauty Shop in Clarksburg in December of 2014 after 30 years of service. She was proud to have been a member of the very first class of VIPS (Volunteer in Police Service) in Clarksburg.

LOUIS E. DAY

Louis E. “Bud” Day, Jr., age 89, of Clarksburg passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, December 24, 2016, at his residence, surrounded by his family by his side. He was born on February 24, 1927, in Clarksburg, WV; a son to the late Louis E. Day, Sr. and Mary Evelyn (Morgan) Day.

Bud is survived by his nephew, Michael Burks of Clarksburg, WV; step-son, William Sigler, of Clarksburg, WV; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two great nephew; and two great nieces.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances (Findley) Day; a step-daughter, Christy Sigler Womeldorff; a sister, Bette Jean Day Burks.

Bud attended Clarksburg Public Schools and graduated from Washington-Irving High School in 1945. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the Navy serving his country aboard the USS Cabot aircraft carrier in the South Pacific. After his military service Bud attended and graduated from West Virginia University School of Business. While in Morgantown he was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha social fraternity.

Bud was employed by Hope Gas Company as an accountant for many years. He was a lifetime member and enjoyed playing golf at Sunny Croft, attended Mountaineer games and was a well-known Friday night diner at the Clarksburg Wonder bar while his health allowed. Bud also was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Clarksburg.

CAROLYN SPELSBERG SHIBEN

Linda Spelsberg Wolfe (WI 1958) sent this obituary concerning her sister:

Carolyn Spelsberg Shiben age 79, born 1937 and died 2017. graduated from WI 1955. Carolyn passed away from pneumonia on January 3, 2017.  She lived in Maryland and West Virginia most of her life. She is survived by her children, Tom Shiben, David Shiben, Tanya Shiben and A.J. Shiben, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also siblings, Marian Spelsberg Stevens, Linda Spelsberg Wolfe and Tom Spelsberg.

DELORES JEAN ANDERSON

Delores Jean Anderson, 80, of Clarksburg passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016, at the Meadowview Manor Nursing Home following an extended illness.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV on March 29, 1936, a daughter of the late Ralph Delaney and Flossie Goff Delaney.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Franklin Anderson. Also surviving are five sons, Douglas Anderson and wife Diana of Lost Creek, WV, Ralph Anderson and wife Ramona of Tucson, AZ, Calvin Anderson and wife Judy of Clarksburg, WV, Mike Anderson and partner Bonita Cosner of Clarksburg, WV and Kevin Anderson of Clarksburg, WV; one daughter, Kimberly Adams and husband Michael of Las Vegas, NV; two brothers, Owen Delaney and wife Julie of Maryland and Skip Delaney and wife Thelma of California, 18 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Dusty Delaney and Bill Delaney and one sister, Janet Delaney.

She was a 1954 graduate of Victory High School and a member of Stealey Assembly of God

MARILYN ALBERTA SPROUT HENDRICKSON

Marilyn Alberta Sprout Hendrickson, 67, of Nutter Fort, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Clarksburg on June 3, 1949, a daughter of the late Leonard and Marjorie Jamison Sprout.

Surviving are one daughter, Melissa Riley and her husband Justin of Stonewood; two grandchildren, one brother, Richard “Dick” Sprout and his wife Becky of Clarksburg; one sister, Patricia “Pat” Sprout Newbrough and her husband Rich of Canada; and four nieces and nephews. She was well loved by her many great-, and great-great-nieces and nephews who fondly referred to her as “Morm.”

Marilyn was a 1968 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School. She began her career in 1968 having been a beautician for 48 years. For over 25 years, she was a beautician with Mere Image Salon in Nutter Fort up until the time of her illness. She will be missed by her family, friends, and clients whom she served lovingly for many years.

FRANK PAUL ANDY

Frank Paul Andy, 69, of Pleasant Valley Community in Marion County, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at his home. He was born in Clarksburg on July 20, 1947 a son of the late Frank Andy and Victoria Urso Andy.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Saeler Andy.

Frank graduated in 1965 from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg. He served his country in the United States Army for two years, stationed in Alaska. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 years as a Letter Carrier. Frank was an avid classic car lover. He participated in many car shows and won numerous trophies with his original 1970 Grey Ghost Chevelle. In addition, he enjoyed sports of all kinds, including WVU, Steelers and NBA.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother, Louis Andy of Clarksburg; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Andy, Leo Andy, Tony Andy and Pete Andy and his sisters, Virginia Venenziano, Clara Pishner, and Catherine Pinti and twin siblings in infancy.

PATRICIA MARIE FLINT

Patricia Marie Flint, 83, of Rootstown, OH, and formerly Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

She was born on December 26, 1933, in Clarksburg, WV, a daughter of the late Raymond F. and Helen V. (Kuhar) Flint.

Patricia is survived by one brother, Danny Ray Flint and wife Helen of Rootstown, OH; a sister-in-law, Sharon Flint of Cleveland, OH; many nieces and-nephews; as well as great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Flint was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Lee Flint.

Patricia was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1951, and attended Barnes Memorial Baptist Church. She retired from Hazel Atlas, Anchor Hocking, and Newell Rubbermaid with 33 years of service.

JACK L. WALKER

Jack L. Walker, 87, of Clarksburg, WV, departed this life on Monday, January 16, 2017, at 10:15 p.m. at River Oaks with his son by his side.

He was born on April 1, 1929, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Willis D. and Beatrice (McFadden) Walker.

Jack is survived by his son, Scott D. Walker and wife Bonnie of Fairmont; his granddaughter, Mackenzee Walker of Fairmont, who was his pride and joy; one brother, Charles Brockman of Willoughby, OH; several nieces and nephews; his former wife, Helen F. Heater, who remained his longtime friend; as well as the beloved family pet, Paisley.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by four sisters, Alberta Walker, Thelma Simon, Bonnie Durst, Marybell Warner, and one brother, Willis Walker.

Jack graduated from Victory High School in 1947 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a machine operator for Hazel Atlas, Brockway and Anchor Hocking for 34 years. Jack was also a member of the B.P.O.E. 482, L.O.O.M. 52, American Legion 13 and VFW 5. He enjoyed playing golf, shuffleboard, fishing and hunting.

JUDY M. NICHOLSON

Judy M. Nicholson, age 70, of Clarksburg departed this life suddenly Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at her residence. She was born October 5, 1946 in Smithfield, WV a daughter of the late Winfield Conoway Cain Sr. and Helen Virginia Wright Cain. Her husband, Richard L. Nicholson preceded her in death November 9, 2013.

Surviving are one daughter, Kathy Currey and her husband Edward of Clarksburg. One son, John Christopher Nicholson of Clarksburg. Eleven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; two sisters, Linda A.E. Bowen of Stonewood, and Rosemary V. Second and her husband James of Sun Valley. Two half brothers, Winfield C. Cain Jr. of Clarksburg, and David E. Cain of Clarksburg, along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, and one great grandchild.

Judy was a graduate of Washington Irving High School. She was retired from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources as an Administrative Assistant with over 35 years of service. She was a member of the E.C. Church at Oakmound and loved spending time with her family, shopping and crocheting.

MATTHEW LEVI McELWAIN

Matthew Levi McElwain, age 33, of Clarksburg, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 13, 1983, in Clarksburg, WV.

He is survived by his wife, Kristi (Todd) McElwain; two sons, Braydon Levi McElwain and Jackson Riley McElwain, at home; daughter, Emma Grace McElwain of Clarksburg; grandfather, Ken Osborn, Stonewood; mother, Wanda (McElwain) Morton and husband, William “Mot” of Bridgeport; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Renee (Miles) Todd of Reynoldsville; a brother-in-law, Scott Todd and wife Brandy, a nephew, Jeremiah “JT” Todd, a niece, Abigail “Abby” Todd, all of Reynoldsville; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Matthew graduated from Robert C. Byrd High School Class of 2002. He was employed at the Town of Nutter Fort in the maintenance department. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Nutter Fort Fire Department, Company 7. Matthew was a member of Reynoldsville New Hope Independent Christian Church.

JOHN RICHARD PINION, SR

John Richard Pinion Sr., 84, of Bridgeport, passed away suddenly, on January 26, 2017, at his residence.

He was born in Clarksburg, on May 16, 1932, a son of the late Joseph Pinion and Pauline Goots Pinion.

He married his wife, Mary Theresa Pishner Pinion, on June 16, 1957, and they enjoyed 32 years of marriage before her death on April 13, 1989.

Mr. Pinion is survived by one son, John Richard Pinion, II and his wife Penny; two daughters, Cynthia Wiant and husband Gary and Lisa Pinion; and three grandsons. He is also survived by one sister, Ada Trupo and husband Louis “Zeke”; one brother-in-law, Joseph Pishner of; as well as several nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1950, and was a veteran in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. He retired from Parsons Souders/Stone & Thomas with 42 years of service as the Display Manager. He was well-known for his creative Christmas mechanical displays in the windows at Parsons-Souders. He also retired from JCPenney after 13 years in their display department.

He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church.

JAMES HUBERT CAMPBELL

James Hubert “The Mad Hatter” Campbell, 74, of Clarksburg, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at his residence.

He was born October, 12, 1942, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Margaret Louis Clutter Campbell and Hubert Ross Campbell.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy L. Blackwell of Clarksburg; three nephews, David Jeffrey Blackwell and his wife Celia, Shawn David Blackwell and his wife Jocelyn and Zachary Harpold; three nieces, Tina E. Harpold and her husband Randy, Amy Blackwell Allen and her husband Eric and Emily Sendling.

He was a 1960 graduate of WI High School and was employed with Hope Gas Company until his retirement with 34 years of service. He was a member of the Clarksburg Jaycees and also the RCB Scholarship Committee and the Scottish Heritage Society of North Central West Virginia. He could be seen during the holidays dressed in his holiday finest, passing out candy to Mall employees. Jim enjoyed watching West Virginia University Athletics, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers, and going to the movies. He will certainly be remembered as a caring son, loving brother and uncle.