Issue 218

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

THE OCTOBER MYSTERY PICTURE

Are you familiar with this place? Were you ever there? Why were you there? Did you go there a few times? Did you go alone? Or who did you go with? What is the name of this place and where is it located? I will only publish the correct answer so write and guess, please. Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

"FRIENDLY" PRESSURE

From: Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956)

My goodness people, we are not teenagers who worry about what our "friends" think or that anyone but God needs to pass judgment on our actions. If you want to send Roleta something for the Newsletter then do it. There are plenty of us who would be interested in what you have to say. At our age we should be living our lives to please our selves. As long as you are not hurting anyone then go for it.

The only job I had while in high school other than baby sitting was at Williams Jewelry Store. I worked there the Christmas season of my senior year. It was my job to keep the display cases free of finger prints, gift wrapping and to run errands. Now two of our best friends are Bob and Barb Williams, both WI graduates, who live in the same retirement community as we do. Small world.

CUB SCOUT PACK #15

From: Joe Tripper (Victory 1958)

The first scout on the third row is Richard Warner, Victory class of 1961. The minister is Reverend Tally Hannah.

Picture is from Bob McIntyre (WI 1965)

This is Cub Scout Pack #15 that met at Adamston Methodist Church. Picture is from 1955. Adamston Methodist also sponsored Boy Scout Troop #15 and Explorer Post #15. I was in all 3.

(Note, if you want to check the names of the people pictured, just go to the right margin of this newsletter and click on the September #217 issue)

NEW CLOCKS IN CLARKSBURG

My, my, this is an interesting change to our hometown!

Click Here to read about this wonderful addition.

What do you think?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

WELCOME BETSY BARTLETT DAVIS

From: Betsy Bartlett Davis (WI 1940)

I just now received an e-mail message from Arreta Jaranko. We have been friends since first grade in Morgan School.

We both graduated from Washington Irving in 1940. She said you had not heard from me, so I'll send my message again.

My deceased husband, Marlow D. Davis, also graduated from WI in 1940. He passed away September, 2002

MEMORIES OF BETSY BARTLETT DAVIS

From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)

I have been wanting to tell you about one of my childhood friends, Betsy Bartlett Davis. We grew up together, started to Morgan School together and graduated from WI together in 1940. I hope there are others who graduated that year who will write when they see this I would like to know as they may write to you with memories also. Betsy had Miss Thomas for her first-grade teacher while I was over on the other side of the hall with Miss Carpenter. Betsy lived on McDowell St across the alley from where I lived on Stealey Ave. She had several brothers and sisters and I remember one of her oldest brothers was a Page Boy in Congress. When we graduated, Betsy went to West Liberty College to become a Dental Hygienist and she was the very first Dental Hygienist in Clarksburg. It was in the newspaper about her as that was a very new profession for people. She married Marlo Davis who also graduated from WI in 1940. I hope she will write to you as I know she will have lots of memories, too. She did not know about the Newsletter until I told her.

NEW READERS

Jo Haught Nerhood (WI 1963) jonerhood@gmail.com

Linda Jo Mitchell Westfall (WI 1963) and David M Westfall (RW 1965) lwestf@gmail.com

Betsy Bartlett Davis “brtsys” (WI 1940) davis6@cox.net

Frank McDonald (WI 1958) pompanomcdonald@gmail.com

DATING

Where was your favorite place for a date?

What was the average cost of a date when you were dating?

I recently heard that an average date is now between $20.00 and $50.00

Did you go to the movies or dinner or dancing?

Did you marry someone you dated when in high school?

Where and how did you meet your spouse?  Bill and I have talked about this many times in the newsletter so I know everyone knows that I met Bill on a Blind Date. We have never figured out which one of us was blind!!!!! He says he fell in love immediately. I did not! Did you have this experience?

Write your memories of dating to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.

MOVIES

From: James Probst (WI 1964)

Didn't see any mention of the Skyline drive-in on Rt 19 south. Living in Stealey, it was our closest drive-in.

The Skyline was owned by Sam Caputo. Before he bought it he owned Caputo's Grocery which was on Pike St near where it joined Main St at west end.

The Skyline was on top of a hill that had had the top cut off for strip mining coal. It had a very big screen which occasionally got damaged by wind storms. Beautiful place to watch a sunset.

Sam had been our grocer for many years. That was in the day when they delivered and if you had meat or milk and weren't home, you just left the back door unlocked and the delivery guy put your cold items in your fridge for you! Imagine that today?

So, being former customers, if Sam was manning the ticket booth that night, he often just waived us thru no charge!

I got to know the projectionist and he taught me how to run the big carbon arc projectors needed to fill the huge screen. Occasionally I filled in for him if he had to leave early. Of course, not many of the "customers" were really watching the movie after about 11pm anyway!

I am kind of an old theater nut, having worked in show production for several Theme Parks over the years. If you have any current info on the remodeling of the Robinson Grand, please send it along. Hope they can bring it up to it's former glory. My late wife, Joyce Scolish (WI 64 also) danced on that stage when she was in high school.

By the way, does anyone remember the miniature train that was at, I think, Snyder’s Drive in?

Thanks for all the memories.

From: Frank Marchio (WI 1965)

I loved going to drive-ins. One of my girlfriends and I would make a game of sneaking in. I'd put her in the trunk of the car and pay for just one admission. We nearly got busted several times from laughing so hard as I was paying at the gate. We'd take lots of food and sit on the hood of the car to watch the movie. After I got married I tried to talk my wife into sneaking in but she'd have nothing to do with that. It wasn't as much fun!!!!!

From: Harriett Stout Noel (WI 1959)

Another super duper newsletter and I am amazed at all the work everyone goes to for all of us. Tim Cork, you are simply “the best”!

When I read the movie comments in the September Newsletter I was compelled to write a quick memory. We have just seen the movie “The Glass Castle”. As some people know, I was raised in Beverly, W.Va. My best friends were the middle three girls in a family of 12 children and two adults. They lived in a ramshackle old place with an outhouse falling over the bank by the railroad tracks. When I would spend the night, we all four girls slept on the same bed. There was a bottom sheet with a blanket to throw over the top of us. Their mother was an accomplished pianist (there was a broken down piano there but I never heard it played) and drank from morning to night. The father worked on a road crew somewhere and did not miss his “hooch” at night either. I have so many memories of that family but the one my mother told for years was waiting behind my friend, Kathleen (12 years old at the time) who was buying some meat for their dinner. When the man behind the counter asked her what she needed Kathleen said a QUARTER of a pound of hamburger. My mother asked her what her mother was going to fix with it. Kathleen looked at my mother, rolled her eyes and replied, “Spanish Rice---again!” A little post script about those children. All twelve came through that childhood to become a nurse, a minister, a business man, a career serviceman---truly successful in so many ways. Three met untimely deaths as young adults. I really loved that family.

The book and the movie were wonderful (maybe I liked the book a little better). Woody Harrelson’s acting is superb and the W.Va. setting is so like many I knew as a child. It is not an easy movie to see, but the story is a true one of how the will to survive and then succeed in life is astounding!

A big round of applause to you all! And, as Bob Hope used to sing, “Thanks for the Memories”!

From: Bob Alton (Victory 1955)

First, thanks for the effort you put into the Newsletter!!

I lived for a few years in the country outside of Wilsonburg. Back then I earned money picking berries and working on farms in the cornfields and hayfields. On Saturdays, I would catch the bus in Wilsonburg and go to town and go to the movies. My favorite thing was to go to Moore's Opera House to see the cowboy shows, cartoons, and the ongoing serials of the day. Sometimes I might splurge and go the Ritz or Robinson Grand, but my budget usually limited me to the Moore's Opera House. If I was really flush with money, I would go to Harbert's Drug Store (my Aunt worked there) for a milkshake!!

It was a fun time and I learned a lot while living in the country.

Again, thanks for the Newsletter!!

Carolyn Burnside wrote about her mother and her family connection to the theaters in Clarksburg.

“My mother lived in Clarksburg for many years and was involved in so many things. I have been going through a lot of her things and have found much interesting info about Clarksburg. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were architects in Clarksburg who designed or assisted in the design of many of the buildings; the Harrison County Court House, the Ritz, the Robinson Grand, Bridgeport High School and addition to Washington Irving to name a few. Mom’s father and brother, Brownie Burnside and Cappy Burnside were also very active in Clarksburg over the years. My Aunt Virginia Wood was an artist in Clarksburg. She worked at James and Law for many years and designed the Clarksburg seal. Since I have so many items that are important from an historical standpoint, I have been giving those things to James Swiger who now owns the business my father started, WYK Associates. They are now key in the renovation of the Robinson Grand Theater.”

ROBINSON GRAND THEATER

Next month I hope some of the rest of you will please write some memories about this theater. If you write I am hoping to have enough interest shown in this subject that we will do a feature with more information.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

THE 2018 WIN QUILT

Yes, there WILL BE a 2018 WIN QUILT. 

The tickets will go on sale the first of December. This is the only money maker that we have to raise money for the WIN Scholarship. 

Sue Selby Moats (WI 1955) is the brains behind the quilt. She has packets of material which she is sending out to the WIN Quilters. WIN Quilters are people who volunteer to make a quilted square for the quilt each year. 

If you are interested in helping out, write to Sue at Moatsue@aol.com, she may still need more helpers.

78 YEARS AGO

From:  David B Bates (WI 1955)

Seventy-eight years ago, this day*,

I was introduced to the world in a wonderful way.

Miss Blanch Hogan was the lady's name.

Teaching first grade was her "claim to fame".

Towers Grade School, that’s the place!

Full of wonder, love and grace.

Miss Hogan led our class along,

Reading, math and, oh yes, a song.

She was the start of a mighty road.

She taught me how to "bear the load".

How to look far out ahead.

I had nothing I should dread.

Miss Hogan was my loving guide.

She taught to extend my stride.

Memories of her will always last.

She's always with me, from my past.

*5 Sept 1939

Copyright© 2017

From: Joy Gregorie DeFazio (WI 1959)

Sorry I haven’t submitted anything for awhile. I have sorta’ had my hands full. My husband had a stroke in February and I’m taking classes at Fairmont State in hopes of “one day” finishing my degree. (Also, it gives me a bit of a break from care giving.) The VA provides a caregiver 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. It’s a tremendous help. One question: Do you know how many were in our graduating class? (If you know, write to Roleta1)

Loretta Mayer Brickman (WI 1959) is having some health problems due to a fall in the hallway of the hospital where she was visiting her husband. If you would like to send Loretta a card or letter, email Joy to get the contact information.  joy41041@frontier.com

From: Linda Mitchell Westfall (WI 1963)

            David M Westfall (RW 1965)

Hi Roleta,

I was staying at the Hampton Inn in Bridgeport over the (picnic) week-end. I heard some gentlemen and John Teter talking about food from Ritzy Lunch. We now live in Williamsburg, Va, and visit our relatives in Clarksburg from time to time. We too love food from Ritzy Lunch and Oliverios, etc., so I decided to interact with them about coming home to get real Italian food. Anyway, I learned that you publish a WI newsletter, so am requesting that I be added to that list to receive it.

My maiden name is Mitchell. I graduated from WI in 1963 as Linda Jo Mitchell, my married name is Linda Jo Westfall, and I now live in Williamsburg, Va. My husband is David M. Westfall and he graduated from RW in 1965. Please add me to your newsletter and let me know if you need any further information.

DANCE RECITAL

  

AT THE ROBINSON GRAND

  

From: Beth Twigg Devericks (WI 1959)

This is a dance recital picture probably taken in 1947-48, not sure. Can you help us identify the year and the names of the others pictured? 

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you for helping.

ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT

From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI)1940

I was wondering if anyone remembers how good the food was at Anderson's restaurant. The cost of eating there was more than I ever could afford but when I did splurge I remember their delicious Anderson's special sandwich. It had a name and I can't remember it. Maybe someone can help me out. What I remember is my brother Darrell (WI class of 1944) had a best friend whose aunt owned Anderson's. His name was Harry Johnson. After school Harry and my brother would go down to Anderson's and work for Harry's aunt doing chores and helping her get ready for the dinner hour. Darrell was my youngest brother and he was last to be drafted for World War II. Our brother Carris had called Darrell "Jughaid" one time when they both were still at Morgan School and their friends all started calling Darrell "Jug" as it stuck. Anyway, sometimes at home we would have the foods that were on the Anderson sandwich and Darrell would make it for himself and me. It was so good. I would like to have one now so if anyone knows what went on it, I would sure like to know. Darrell ended up at West Point and Harry became a minister serving a church out West someplace. Amazing the things that come back to our memory, Roleta.

Love you

EDITOR’S NOTE: Are you trying to think of some memories to share with the newsletter? Writer about where the Anderson restaurant was located? Did you know anyone who worked there? Did you eat there often? These are just some suggestions to think about and possibly get the cobwebs out of your brain so you can write and share your memories with us. Write to Roleta1@aol.com And don’t forget, we want to know the contents and the name of the sandwich that Arreta mentioned in the above letter.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

BROAD OAKS REUNION

AND BLOCK PARTY

SEPTEMBER 9 2017

11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Haymond Highway

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN??

From: John Petitto (NDHS 1964)

I grew up in Broad Oaks in the 50's & 60's. WI students were my friends growing up. I would love to have contact info for the chair of the committee.

WIHS AND WV TOUR

From: Nancy Swing (WI 1961)

Dear Roleta,

It was such a pleasure meeting you in person at the WI picnic. At last, a face to go with the email address!

Thanks for asking about the West Virginia Book Tour. I have to say that it went much better than anticipated. I had to order more books twice to keep from running out. I wrote blog posts as I went along, including pictures. Readers can follow by going to nancyswing.com and clicking on "Blog" in the upper right corner of the home page. They'll find a podcast of a radio interview on the Gary Bowden Show under "Reviews and Interviews" and multiple postings with photos under "Nancy's News," including a long one from Clarksburg. 

Here's the picture from the Lewisburg Literary Festival.

Truly, one of the best experiences of the whole month-long visit was the chance to see fellow WI grads, including Mike Snyder (1957) and his wife Jill in Elkins, as well as 1961 classmates for a dinner at Twin Oaks and of course, all the folks at the picnic the next day.

Here we are at Twin Oaks.

It certainly was grand to be together ONE MORE TIME!

On August 25, 2017 John Teter organized a dinner for the 1961 classmates at Twin Oaks in Bridgeport, WV.

Seated Left to Right: Nancy Swing and Mike King

Standing Left to Right: Front Row Center: Suzie HESTON Palmer; Patty HICKMAN Cravey; Elizabeth SWIGER Layton; Joyce GUINN Elbon

Standing Left to Right: Back Row: Brooks "Trainer" Gainer; Jeep Wilson; Mimi Lee; Fanning; Jim Gallo; Bob Swiger; Richard Malcolm; John Teter; Rick Wilson; Steve Elbon

THE 2017 WI PICNIC

From: Penny Shanaman Donnelly (WI 1964)

And again another successful WI Annual Picnic is in the books. We had a total of 58 in attendance from as far away as California, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio. It's amazing that we saw more coming from out of state than from in state. We have secured the Osborne Pavilion again for next year on August 25, 2018, so mark your calendars and make your reservations to be here.

I would like to have some feedback as well as suggestions on the food and drinks that were provided this year, so we can better serve you next year. My email address is donnelly.jennie@yahoo.com.

Thanks to all my committee members, Kandy Smith Franke, Jan Warner Bozarth, Dave Kuhl, Willard "Bud" Wheelock, Susanna Wheelock and Howard "Bud" Smith. Looking forward to working with you next year.

Here are some pictures taken at the picnic and 
sent to us from Bud Wheelock

Below is a picture of Bud Wheelock and Penny Shanaman Donnelly (WI 1964) Chairman of the Picnic Committee

Below is a picture of Bud Wheelock on the left and Dave Kuhl on the right

Pictured below is Bud Wheelock and his daughter, Susannah.

Pictures below were just a few that Roleta took at the picnic.

Pictured above are four men at the picnic relaxing and probably talking sports.
Left front: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957) 
Left back George Cinci (WI 1961) 
Right back is Bud Smith (WI 1955)
Right front is John Teter (WI 1961)

A group caught remembering…

Left to Right: Nancy Swing, _____________,  __________________, and Marilyn Lee (HELP FILL IN THESE BLANKS)

PHOTO ONE

PHOTO TWO

In the above two photos are several friendly faces from the picnic (some I recognize, do you? The photos have been numbered to help you let us know who is who when you write to us) 

On the Left is Richard Iaquinta, beside him is his sister Sandy Iaquinta (WI 1959), and on the Right is Bob Teter (WI 1961)

Above are 4 ladies from the WI Class of 1959. Front left to right is Sharon Cottrill McGahan, Beth Twigg Devericks and Phyllis Fittro Brown

Standing in rear is Roleta Smith Meredith

Also attending but I didn’t get his picture was Ronnie Werner and you saw Sandy Iaquinta in a different picture. We missed seeing our other classmates who live nearby.

Do you recognize any the folks in these photos? Write and tell me their names.

If you took any pictures at the picnic, please send them to Roleta1@aol.com

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

THE AUGUST MYSTERY PICTURE

  

REVISITED

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

When I first saw the August Mystery Pic, I thought that it might be the Hazel Atlas, but three things kept me from responding with an answer. ONE: I could not imagine where the picture was taken from, as I lived on Broaddus Avenue and looked out at the Hazel Atlas many, many times, and I just cannot see anything that would be above the plant. TWO: I could not figure out where the expressway came into the picture, as I can not visualize where the expressway intersection that is included in the picture is, or the location of the expressway in conjunction with the Hazel Atlas.

THREE: I cannot picture where the parking lot would be in conjunction with the plant.

I talked to my sister (Lib Akin, WI 1956) yesterday and she shared my confusion with all three issues regarding the picture.

I knew that it was not the Carbon, as many members of my family worked there (including me), and I knew that the picture was definitely not that.

From: Ron Prince (VHS 1960)

That is in fact the old Hazel Atlas glass factory That is Rt 50 that was called the "Expressway" in the background. My Father worked there for 33 years until he retired. I live in North View so I am very familiar with the plant.

THE UNION CARBIDE PLANT

From: Ken Matheny (WI 1973).

In the September issue, you asked if anyone had memories of the Union Carbide plant in Anmoore. I certainly do. My dad worked at the Union Carbide plant from 1942 to 1974 as a machinist. It was tough, heavy, dirty work, but the pay was pretty good. Dad usually worked morning shifts, which meant getting up at 5 a.m. In the winter or when he had the flu or a bad cold, getting up early on a cold morning and going to work at the drafty Union Carbide factory had to be tough. Also, it was so smoky in the plant that my dad's sinuses were always clogged up, which caused him a good deal of misery. Not only did the work involve a lot of heavy lifting it was also very noisy there. Dad lost some of his hearing at work. I worked at the factory one summer when I was in college and recall there were certain parts of the factory that were so loud you couldn't hear a guy standing next to you unless he shouted. But there were a lot of good things about the Union Carbide. They did their best to keep their workers safe. It was easy to get hurt there with all of the dangerous machinery and heavy lifting. The only time Dad lost time due to a work injury was when he dropped a 50 pound piece of carbon on his foot and broke it. But, one injury in 32 years is pretty good because I recall from working there that were many, many ways to get hurt and some accidents were almost inevitable. The folks that worked there have my respect because I still remember that working 8 hours at the factory was exhausting. Some good memories of the Union Carbide include summer picnics for employees and their families, Christmas parties that drew hundreds of people, and the factory bowling league Dad belonged to. I used to love to go to Compton Lanes and watch the men from the different divisions compete. I was a little boy. To keep me amused, Dad taught me how to keep score, so I kept his score for him (the unofficial score of course). He was pretty good as were several other guys in the factory's bowling league. Most importantly, Dad made dozens and dozens of friends during his 32 years at the Union Carbide plant and remained friends with many of them long after he retired.  

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

My father worked at the Carbon for 25 years in the plant, and would have worked there for more years than that except for his passing away. My aunt worked at the Carbon for 30 years in the office area, and retired from there. My brother worked at the Carbon on a 5-year scholarship deal with Virginia Tech.

I worked there for 3 months, and if I had known what Sutter Roofing had in mind for me when I went to work for them in 1962, I would never have worked there. I took a job with Sutter Roofing during the summer of 1962, trying to decide whether I wanted to go back to Fairmont State College or just go into the work environment. The only decision that I made via working at the Carbon was that I NEVER WANTED TO WORK IN A PLACE THAT DIRTY, HOT, FILTHY, OR DARK. Sutter Roofing had been contracted to make some improvements in a section of the plant that put me in that area. I swore after that 3 months of working at the Carbon that I would never work in that type of environment again. AND, I have not. I came to the Washington, D.C. area (following my stint at the Carbon to "visit" my sister (Lib) and her husband and daughter. I was planning to just stay two weeks, and then I was going back to C-burg to seek employment somewhere outside of the Carbon. Well, I looked in the Washington Post newspaper, found a job in D.C., and I have been living in this area ever since. AND, never again working in conditions like I worked in at the Carbon. The Carbon was a big part of my life growing up, but I have to appreciate what my father, aunt and brother (and others) did working there.

My solution to "clean work environments" was to go into computer programming which I did until my retirement in 2014.

THE SEPTEMBER MYSTERY PICTURE

In the September issue of the Washington Irving Newsletter I stated:

This month is easier and you don’t even have to tell me the name of the building, if you can’t.

“Pictured above is a building that most of us who went to WI saw regularly. It has a name but that isn’t real important but if you know the name, fine. Tell me the location and what was the building used for?”

The identity is:

The Bently Apartments located at 113 South Fifth Street. Washington Irving was located at the top of the street and to the right.

Thanks to Tim Cork for sharing this picture.

I bet a lot of you now remember walking past that building daily.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE

  

ANY OF THESE CUTE KIDS?

Readers, this isn’t a contest, there is no prize.

It is just you remembering and helping Tom with the identifications. 
Thanks

Picture from: Tom Crowley (ND 1961)

Tom graduated from ND then came back to NDHS in 1969 as the First Lay (non-religious) Principal.

This is a picture of St. Mary's School 1st Grade Class.

Can you provide us with any names?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

To Bill:

My dad, Stan Jeranko, was the referee for the Globetrotters when they came to town.  My brother and I were discussing this just a week or so ago. He thinks that the 1941 date sounds about right. Satchel Paige also played in Clarksburg, and dad refereed for his baseball game. Dad and Press Maravich were good friends and the loss of Pete early in life was a blow to all who knew him.

The reason women of a certain age don’t write about sports is that many of us didn’t have opportunities to do anything other than swim during high school.  Mary Stump Harrel, Louanna Furbee and I rode horseback almost every weekend, which I still do 3 times a week at 80. I lost a beloved horse to a pasture accident last year (you can see his picture on my Facebook page) and I was ready to hang up my spurs, when my son encouraged me to continue riding. Can’t tell you how grateful I am to still be able to be active.

I have always loved to hike, but women in the ’50’s just didn’t run very often, and it wasn’t until I moved to Alaska that I learned to ski, ride in an okio (Japanese sled) and run. It was a sad day when I was told that running was not good for aging hips. I started running in my 30’s and ran until my 70’s.

Over the years, I have rappelled down into caves, gone white water rafting, hot air ballooning, gliding, flying into bush Alaska and other adventures that were only the stuff of dreams for girls in the 1950’s, Young women have many more possibilities for activities now, so if you have the opportunity to try something challenging or scary, Say Yes!

Mary Beth Jeranko Hilburn (WI 1955)

Reply to Mary Beth:

First, let me tell you how glad we are to hear from you. As we have said, very few women write to us about sports. You are correct that there were few sports offered to young women in high school in the 50's. In fact, there were no organized sports for girls at my high school. The closest thing to it was the "Class Tournaments" in basketball. It wasn't really basketball as we know it today, but the old style "girls’ game" played back then.

It sounds like you have really led an interesting life. We live in a wonderful country, which offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and it appears that you have taken full advantage of those. You are to be commended for that and it doesn't sound like you are finished yet.

Stay active and write to us often. We'd love to hear a few good stories about some of your many adventures.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Bill:

The September issue of the newsletter stirred memories for me.

I can remember going to WI High School basketball games at the Carmichael with my Dad before the Nathan Goff National Guard Armory was built. It took a lot to keep my Dad from attending Hilltopper sporting events and he always offered to take me along. And that was also where I first saw the famous Harlem Globetrotters, again with my Dad.

After the high school games were moved to the Armory, I remember going to the Carmichael to roller skate with classmates and friends from Morgan Grade School on the weekends, which continued off and on through high school. We had a Junior Class (?) skating party there and Mr. Frederick, one of the class sponsors, was prepared with an ornately decorated pillow with ties that allowed him to tie it on to protect his posterior region for the inevitable fall.

I also seem to remember the Union Carbide Employee & Family Christmas Party being held at the Carmichael with Ike Skidmore bringing Santa Claus to life with a "Ho, ho, ho” that filled the hall.

I continued to attend WI basketball games at the NG Armory and went to see the Globetrotters there each time they came to town. Those guys, led by Meadowlark Lemon, did antics and moves that were absolutely unheard of on the court at that time (with due respect to Rodney “Hot Rod” Hundley, who put on a great show of his own on the Mountaineer court).

Both the Carmichael Auditorium and the Harlem Globetrotters appearances hold special memories for me.

Fast forward 45 years and the Globetrotters were coming to Charleston, WV Civic Center. I asked my oldest grandson (who was 6-7 years old) if he would like to go see them, to which he said, yes, with enthusiasm. That was five years ago and Carter and I go to Charleston for dinner and The Harlem Globetrotters each spring.

Wade Coffindaffer (WI 1968)

Reply to Wade:

What wonderful memories. They remind me of what America used to be, when a father taking their sons and daughters to sporting events was the norm. I don't see as much of that today, but you are the exception. I think it is a healthy practice and brings families closer together.

WI was like many schools in the area. They didn't play their home basketball games "on campus", but used another local facility. Can anyone tell us when this changed? Did the Hilltoppers ever play home games at the high school? I'm sure Freddie Layman (VHS 1945) could have told us, if he were still with us, but perhaps there are other "history buffs" out there, who can find this information for us. Is it in the W I History? Also, did Victory and RW play at Carmichael Auditorium?

Finally, Wade, I agree that Meadowlark Lemon was a great entertainer, but I also remember Goose Tatum, who preceded Meadowlark with the Trotters. Those of you who don't remember "Goose", should check out his career online. He was the ultimate athlete.

Many thanks to Wade for opening up another great memory of "the way things used to be" for us. We hope to hear from you again soon.

Bill Meredith (Monongah 1957)

We often ask our readers for suggestions on subjects for the newsletter. John Teter, (WI 1961), suggested we start a "Hole-In-One-Club". Basically, what we would like to know is whether or not you have ever had a hole-in-one on a standard golf course (Not putt-putt). I am one of those golfers who have been playing golf for over 60 years, but I have yet to score an ace on a hole. My wife, on the other hand, has only been playing golf for 15-20 years and has two holes-in-one. She has a good story about getting her first one, which I hope she will share with our readers.

So, how about you, have you ever had one? If so, how many? Where were you playing? Was it a "pure" shot or did you top it and it rolled all the way to the hole? Or, are you like me, "High and dry"?

Let's see who has had the most aces. Send your stories to Bill at billmere@aol.com.

In Defense of Dana Holgorsen

Bill,

I like Coach Holgorsen. He wasn’t treated well when he was hired and too many people still see him as an “outsider” after all these years.

So, he has a lot of passion and gets angry during games. A writer to the newsletter last week said he won’t watch the WVU football games because of that. I hope that he doesn’t watch the WVU basketball games because Huggy Bear loses it now and then, but Coach Huggins happens to be “one of us.”

This same writer said that Dana Holgorsen wasn’t a leader like West Virginia born and bred coaches Rich Rodriquez, Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban were. There’s no denying that Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban are leaders in every respect, but please, Rich Rodriquez? That guy sold us out, ran away in the dead of night and is everything that a leader is not. Also, talk about being angry on the sidelines. Rodriquez rants and raves, yells at his players and is just not nice. I’ll take Holgorsen over him any given day.

Coach Holgorsen is the leader of the WVU Football Mountaineers. Let’s give him, the players and the coaches our full support.

Mitch Davis (WI 1961)

Reply to Mitch:

I've never been a big fan of Dana Holgorsen. However, I am a big fan of WVU, regardless of who is coaching them. As I've mentioned before, a lot of emotion was involved in his hiring. I'm sure all fans will recall the circumstances when he replaced Bill Stewart. You were almost forced to take sides.

Many fans have not gotten over how Stewart was treated, after three consecutive 9-4 seasons and blame it all on Dana Holgorsen and Oliver Luck. Luck is gone and mostly forgotten, but most of his legacy remains. He and Dana used to share the "hate", but now Holgorsen has it all to himself. When will it end? Probably not until WVU has an undefeated season under the current staff. Even then, being human, some will never like him.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Bill,

My husband, Tom Williams played football for the Mountaineers from 1967-1971. He was on the 1969 Peach Bowl Team. He was recruited out of Clarksburg Victory by Bobby Bowden at Hite Field following their game with Buckhannon in 1966. He's also the last player from Clarksburg to score a touchdown.

George Shehl, graduate from Clarksburg Robert C. Byrd, class of 2001 was the holder for place kickers.

Gladys Williams (WI 1971)

Reply to Gladys:

Thank you for writing to us about your husband, Tom. You were the only person to write about WVU football players from Clarksburg. I did see that George Stehl also played from 2002-2005. If the list is correct, he was the last player, who called Clarksburg home, to appear on a WVU roster. The earliest player listed is Thomas Lang, who played from 1899-1900. I can't imagine what the uniforms looked like back then.

I learned an interesting fact while researching this. The 1897 football roster included one Matthew Mansfield Neely, from Fairmont. When I was a young man, Neely was just below Franklin Roosevelt in popularity in our area of West Virginia. Some of you will remember him as the only West Virginian to ever serve in both houses of the U.S. Congress and as Governor of the state. Also, radio station WMMN in Fairmont is named after him. That is our history lesson for today.

Thanks again for writing, Gladys.

Since your husband played football, we know you are a sports fan, so we hope to hear from you again soon.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

BARBARA BURNSIDE WOOD

Barbara Louise Burnside Wood died Friday, July 28, 2017 at Somerford Place in Frederick, MD. Barbara was born in Morgantown, WV, on July 25, 1928 to Lester Wade and Mary Louise Burnside.

 She grew up in Clarksburg. After graduating from (WI 1946), she attended WVU, graduating cum laude with degrees in English, Spanish and history. While at WVU, she served as president of Pi Beta Phi Social Sorority; was elected to Phi Beta Kappa Scholastic Honorary Society; and was vice president of her junior class.

Barbara taught school in Harrison County for 25 years. From 1969 until her retirement in 1989, she was a Spanish and English teacher at Bridgeport High School. She enjoyed taking groups of her students to Spain. While living in the Clarksburg area, Barbara was a member of the Clarksburg League for Service, the Tuesday Club, Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club and the Goff Plaza Garden Club. She attended Christ Episcopal Church.

In 2011, Barbara moved to Gaithersburg, MD, to be closer to her two daughters and their families. She lived with her daughter, Mary Ann, until September 2016 when she moved to Somerford House in Frederick, MD.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Carleton Cost Wood Jr, who died April 19, 1998, and her son, Carleton Cost (Buzz) Wood, III who died July 26, 2006, and her sister, Mary Ann Browning, and brother, Lester Wade (Cappy) Burnside Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Wood Kaeser (Allan Miller) of Hagerstown, MD and Mary Ann Wood (Alethea Kimmel) of Montgomery Village, MD and their sons, Steven Parks Kaeser (Alisa) and Christopher Brian DePalma (Kristy); great-grandchildren, Carleton Dale Kaeser, Anthony Cost DePalma and Shelby DePalma. Also surviving are Charles Kimmel (Brittany), Megan Kimmel (Bob Perepiczka), Justin Miller and Brennan Kimmel; sister-in-law, Carolyn Burnside, and nieces, Kate Burnside and Mary Wade Triplett (Arnold); stepsister Mary Frances Gaylord Loy (John) and nieces, Jessica and Alyson.

 LEVINA CHAPMAN GIBSON

Levina Chapman Gibson died peacefully on July 28, 2017 at the wonderful age of 109 after a full and rich life. She was born in Sugar Grove, Greene County PA on February 26, 1908 to the late Thomas L and Mary Gribbon Chapman.

She graduated (WI 1926) and WV Business College. She traveled to many beautiful and interesting places and loved to make unique arts and crafts and for many years knitted caps for children in the hospital. She was a longtime member of the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was always ready to talk about family history. She took pleasure in the simple things. She loved bacon, ice cream, and chocolate, but vegetables not so much. She graciously gave her wise and sage advice when asked, but you may not necessarily have liked what she told you (it was always spot on right).

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years Emil L Gibson, brothers John L ‘Lee’ Chapman and T Harold ‘Snooky’ Chapman, sister Wilma ‘Willy’ Chapman and great grandson Devon Gibson.

She is survived by daughter Nancy Gibson Barr and son Kenneth E Gibson, grandsons David Barr, Eric Gibson, John Barr and wife Debra, Phillip Gibson and wife Ardella, great grandchildren Kurt Gibson and wife Samantha, Cordell Gibson, Nicole Barr, Christopher Barr, Kendra Gibson, Travis Gibson, and great-great grand-children Jaxon Gibson and Madalynn Gibson. We were all so blessed to have had her with us for so many years, it is a rare and special gift.

The following was written by Tim Cork after he interviewed her:

Levina Chapman graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1926.            The 1926 WIHS yearbook stated these words about her, "A graceful, brave and amiable maid; her choicest gift and open eye and heart." No truer words were ever spoken.

When she was 106 years old, I had the good fortune of spending almost one hour with her on the phone. I will never forget how kind she was by sharing her life story with me.  She told me stories about her childhood, stories like, who her favorite teachers were in school and as a young girl, watching as bricklayers pave the street in front of her Stealey home. She told me how she met her husband Emil Gibson and what a wonderful marriage they had together. She even shared her secret to longevity and the foods she loved most.

My good fortune struck again when I met her in person for the first time at WIHS's 100 year celebration. 

A beautiful woman both outside and inside. She never met a stranger.

Mrs. Gibson peacefully passed away on July 28, 2017 at the age of 109.

I for one will miss this dear sweet woman.

Tim Cork (WI 1962)

SUSANNE POWELL GAINER

Wife of Brooks Gainer (WI 1961)

Suzanne Powell Gainer, 73, of Morgantown, died of an acute illness on August 26, 2017. She is the wife of Brooks Gainer or known as "TRAINER GAINER" as he was the class athletic trainer at WI for the sports teams for a few years. He graduated in 1961.

She was born October 27, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to the late Deward G. Powell and Ruth Lawson Powell.

After graduating from Weir High School, she attended West Virginia University, where she earned a degree in medical technology just in time to marry the love of her life, Brooks Gainer, on June 6, 1965.

Suzanne was a medical technologist (MT-ASCP) in hematology at WVU University Hospital. She later founded Brierwood Research, a clinical research business.

 She spent much of her life as a community volunteer in Monongalia County.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Dr. Brooks Gainer; her daughters and their husbands, Kristin (Conrad) Hamrick and Shelby Gainer (Jamie Weber); and her biggest joys, her grandchildren. She also is survived by her brother, Hayward “Bud” Powell, wonderful nieces and nephews, and an extended community too large to name.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Diane Findley; and her in-laws, Robert Brooks and Geraldine Haggerty Gainer.

JOHN SUTTON STUMP

BETTY JANE YERKEY BUCKHANNON

Betty Jane Yerkey Buckhannon of Willow Beach, Mt Clare, WV, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2017. Betty was born March 7, 1931 in Lost Creek, WV, the daughter of the late Alton B Yerkey and Bertha (Bennett) Yerkey.

Betty is survived by her loving daughters, Paula L. Bomhoff and Joyce Ann Cottrill (Larry) Harris; granddaughter, Miki Surock; a very special friend, Marcia Rose; a brother, Robert Lee (Emma) Yerkey; nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty is also survived by another daughter, Margaret Jane Cottrill; two granddaughters, Stephanie Harman Storms, and Christie Surock (Brian) Sanders, and grandson, Thomas (Theresa). In addition to her parents, Betty was twice married to the late Daniel O. Cottrill and Lawrence (Barney) Buckhannon.

She also was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Walter C. Bomhoff, Jr.; a sister, JoAnn Yerkey Pettis; a brother, Brooks Yerkey; a nephew, Timothy Yerkey; and along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Betty attended Victory High School. She held many retail jobs and managed the Canteen for many years.

Betty also worked at the Hazel Atlas Plant. She then relocated to Vero Beach, Florida, where she managed a 7-11 Store and won many awards.

Moving back to WV eventually, she worked with Exxon Company, VA Canteen, and North View Market, and Wal-Mart, where she worked for 19 years before retiring.

DELORES ANN TERANGO

Dolores Ann Terango, 79, of Nutter Fort, passed away Aug. 27, 2017, at the residence of her son following a brief illness. She was born in Clarksburg, June 30, 1938, a daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Petrigac Alvarez.

Dolores is survived by her husband of 58 years, Sam Terango Jr., whom she married Aug. 25, 1959.

She is also survived by her son, Sam Terango III and companion Debbie Wheeler; her daughter, Brooke Wheeler and her granddaughter, Adriana Grega; two cousins, Virginia Guice and David Blake.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ramona Abbott.

Dolores was a graduate of Victory High School Class of 1956. She and her husband Sam originated B&B Harley Davidson in June of 1977.

She was Catholic by faith and a member of the Nutter Fort Lions Club. She and Jack Gorby were the original founders of the West Virginia Blackberry Festival, and she was the former Mayor of Nutter Fort. She was also a member of the Central West Virginia Harley Owners Group.

VIRGINIA CAROL GARRETT

Virginia Carol Garrett, 69, of Nutter Fort passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born in Clarksburg March 25, 1948, daughter of the late Frank Anthony Spenia I and Margaret Rose Talerico Spenia.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Melvin “Gary” Garrett. They just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary having been married Aug. 17, 1968.

Also surviving are her three sons, Brian (Heather) Jason (Kelly) and Gary (Deanna) Garrett; five grandchildren, and a grandson on the way. She has two brothers, Frank (Becky) Spenia II, and Sam (Lisa); and nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by grandparents, Sam and Julie Talerico; Aunt Rose Talerico; Uncle Joe and Aunt Martha Lopez; Uncle Larry and Aunt Mary Martino; Uncle Tony and Aunt Rose Talerico; Uncle John Talerico; nephew Frank A. Spenia III; in-laws Dick and Lena Garrett and John and Mary Lenoche.

She was raised in Kelly Hill and was a 1965 graduate of Notre Dame High School. She was owner of Garrett’s Gas and Groceries, a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Perpetual Daughters and Sons of Italy. She loved her family, especially her husband, sons and grandchildren. She enjoyed family vacations throughout the United States and abroad and summer cookouts with family and friends.

THOMAS H. HARTMAN

Thomas H. Hartman, 93, of Pennsboro, formerly of Clarksburg, passed away at his residence Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.

He was born in Clarksburg, June 16, 1924, a son of the late Halstead Hallie and Cecilia Healy Hartman.

He was preceded in death by his wife on March 28, 1995, Thelma Irene Gatrell Hartman, whom he married in 1955.

Mr. Hartman is survived by one son, Thomas H.(wife Cheryl) Hartman; three grandchildren, Shawn Hartman, Mary Bartlett and Josh Bartlett; one great-grandson, Corey Hartman; one brother, John B. Hartman; as well as two nieces. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, James L. Hartman.

He was a graduate of Washington Irving High School Class of 1942, and a veteran in the U.S. Army during WWII. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 42 years of service.

Thomas was Catholic by faith. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge, VFW Post 543, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge and Cape Credit Union.

ALAN D. McKINNEY

Alan D. McKinney, 61, of Brushy Fork Road, Barbour Co., went to his heavenly home August 26, 2017, following a brief illness.

He was born in Clarksburg, August 12, 1956.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Delberta Jo Carnes McKinney.

He is preceded in death by his only daughter, Mallory Jo McKinney, and his father, Vernon V. McKinney.

He is survived by his mother, Alice McKinney two sisters, Kathy (Dan) Bonnett and Marcia (Charles) Deusenberry; in-laws, Dick and Patty Carnes, two sister-in-laws, Dianna (Paul) Miller and Sandra (Joseph) Mikes; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and four cousins.

Alan was a 1976 graduate of R-W High School and was employed at Goodwill Industries for 19 years.

He attended Life Way BIBLE Fellowship with Reverend Tom Horne.

He loved life to the fullest. He was a fun-loving, gentle and caring man. Alan loved to play Santa Claus for the kids

BRUCE PAUL CHAPNICK

Mr. Bruce Paul Chapnick, 70, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at The M. D. Anderson Medical Center, Houston, Texas. Mr. Chapnick was one of two sons of Abraham and Julia Chapnick, originally from Manhattan, New York and later Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Bruce pursued his undergraduate collegiate studies at The University of West Virginia in Morgantown. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Speech and Hearing Therapy, Bruce married Sandra Rae Tuber in August 1970. Bruce and Sandi spent their honeymoon driving to The University of Oklahoma in order for Bruce to enter into the PhD program in Audiology.

Subsequently, Bruce and Sandi relocated back to Morgantown, West Virginia where Bruce entered WVU law school. After graduation, the couple settled in the Youngstown, Ohio metropolitan area where Bruce practiced law for the next twenty years. Bruce honed his sharp skill and acumen for business at the Nadler, Nadler and Birdman firm and ultimately became one of the foremost and renowned authorities in Northeast Ohio specializing in corporate tax and estate planning. Bruce achieved further acclaim for his tireless corporate tax work on the IPO for American Waste.

Bruce and Sandi relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 1994 and Bruce joined Icard Merill after passing the Florida Bar. Bruce expanded his law practice to include mergers and acquisitions, as well as trust and estate planning and corporate transactional dealings. Business professionals in West Coast Florida sought out Bruce because of his compassion for his clients and the Sarasota community, as well as his expert legal counsel.

Besides his wife, Sandi, Bruce is survived by his daughter Nicole Leigh and grand-daughter, Skylar J. and brother, Stephen Chapnick, . Bruce and Sandi suffered a devastating loss in 2008 when their son, Joshua David, fell victim to a fatal epileptic seizure. In an effort to forge on, Bruce and Sandi formed The Josh Provides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, and right up to the time of his death, personally lent a hand to other families struggling with this debilitating disorder.

The Chapnick Family requests that memorial contributions be made to JoshProvides.org.