Issue 219

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

INDIAN SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS

From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

The Hunter's Moon peaked a few days ago shining bigger and fuller in the clear mountain skies.

We've had a month-long drought and a lot of trees have dropped their leaves early, especially the maples. The noble ash tree is on its last legs toward extinction due to the Asian emerald ash borer. We have two in our front yard both over one-hundred years old; and they're looking very bad, in spite of having one undergo a costly inoculation by an arborist. All of the timber owners are cutting their ash. Strong, light and flexible ash is used for baseball bats, rake, hoe, and shovel handles, baskets and furniture. These beautiful trees have a soothing, harmonious presence and will be missed badly.

The wet spring and summer produced bumper gardens, especially for tomatoes. Ever hear of the '63 West Virginia Centennial tomato? Developed by WVU, we have grown it for a long time and like it before peak ripeness. Very few apples made it at this altitude this year due to spring freeze. I'm including a picture of a Tompkins County King apple with this posting. It dates back to the early 1800's, originating in the county of that name in upper New York state. If you like sweet apples then this is it—because it is the sweetest apple I have ever tasted. And it makes the sweetest cider of all. For eating, I like those with more snap like the Prairie Spy, York, Twenty Ounce and the newer Jonagold. There is another old-time apple we grow called the Northern Spy. A few of these hit along with a handful of Yellow Delicious, but still too early and sour for cider making.

Squirrel and bear season are open now, but this hunter doesn't chase bear and it's no fun hunting squirrels this early in the hot, bone-dry woods. It hasn't hampered some of the local bear hunters, however. They've bagged several with their Bluetick, Redbone, and Redtick hounds. I like the looks of the old-time Black and Tans the best, but I don't see them as often, anymore. Biggest bear so far was nearly 400 lbs. My favorite hound though, is the trusty Beagle, rabbit hunter par excellence.

FOREST FIRE, LIVESTOCK, PREDATORS AND TROUT

As noted, the woods and mountains are in tinderbox condition and a forest fire was burning out of control on the rugged, rocky slopes of North Fork Mountain Trail in Grant County and will likely spread into Pendleton—the west slope of this ridge is just too remote and steep for the firefighters to handle. We're scheduled for a good drenching from the latest hurricane. The rains did come after the fire burned nearly 200 acres. That is the only thing that can stop a fire like this one. The double decker cattle trucks are bringing the black Angus beefers down from the Sinks high country to winter in the South Branch Valley with some going as far off as Indiana. Sheep raising here is in a sad, steep decline due to coyote and bear predation. The sheep men only had one defense, a dose of poison on a baited shot shell device planted in the ground. But the feds took this away from them last year. A good friend here lost 40 head of sheep from predators this year and he's getting out of the business. I spent my first eight years here on a sheep farm on the Laurel Fork. They were tough years but good ones.

There are not many mountain streams where wild trout can exist year-round. The brook trout is native to the Appalachians, the Brown from Europe, and the Rainbow from the Pacific slopes. Wild ones of all three species are present in to varying extent in a comparatively few of our coldest streams. But many of these waters are almost completely dry and this will have a major negative impact on these beautiful fish we fly fishermen love so much. But all in all, this has been fabulous fall weather with red, orange and gold leaf-covered mountainsides surrounding us under the bluest skies. Far away from the maddening crowd.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

FOLLOW UP ON PICTURES FROM

THE 2017 WI PICNIC IN CLARKSBURG

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

Regarding the pictures from the WI picnic:

In the one that you have two underlines on, the first underline should be RICK WILSON, class of 61.

I think that the lady sitting behind him might be Margaret HEFLIN Bailey, but I am not sure on that one.


From: Bob Teter (WI 1960)

I graduated from WI in 1960 but was identified in the picture as graduating in 1961.

  

EMAIL CHANGES

Albert Hoffman (WI 1962) alhoffmn@gmail.com

Mary Ann Hite Williams (WI 1952) grw.mahw@gmail.com

Nila Means McNemar (WI 1966) bergdollfarm@gmail.com

Stan Frum (WIHS.1967) Sdfrum@aol.com

Ron Harvey (WI 1955) w4rrhwva@gmail.com

WILL BE REMOVED FROM LIST 

                                   NON-WORKING ADDRESSES

Bob Fazini (WI 1958) PaPa-fuzzy@comcast.net

Tom Williams (VHS 1967) Gwill1004@ma.rr.com

Ricksmarbles@charter.net

cjcranks@charter.net

Rich Newbrough (Bridgeport HS 1955) pat_rich.newbrough@rogers.com

 WI FLOOR PLAN

From: Tim Cork (WI 1962)

While working on the WI floor plans to send you, I found something of interest. I wonder how many readers know the story of the girls' gymnasium.

There was no girls' gymnasium at the school until 1928. The girls' gym and the new library were both added on in 1928. This explains why the girls' gym was higher than the boys' gym. It also explains why there were windows in the girls' gym facing down onto the boys' gym.

 

The floor plans and pictures will give the full story of the additions that were made in 1928.

The last three floor plans show room numbers. It would be nice if the rooms were identified with a teacher and year.

If you can add to this information, please write and help out.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

THE OCTOBER MYSTERY PICTURE

From: Jim Strider (WI 1955)

I believe the picture to be the Robinson Grand theatre on Pike St. Although I have never seen it from the stage fully lit, the size leads me to believe it is the Robinson Grand.

It was a good safe bet for a first date. Until I had access to a car the Grand and Ritz were about it, unless someone had a house party. In my preteen years I usually went with other boys, then I discovered girls and that changed that.

From: Wayne White (WI 1960)

This is the Robinson Grand Theater. Located on Pike Street in Clarksburg. It was built on Feb 7,1913 by the Clarksburg Amusement Company. Robert Laffetry was the President and Claude Robinson was the Vice President. It was purchased in 1984 by James Larosa. The city of Clarksburg acquired it in 2014. It was a famous place as acts such as Edger Bergen, Jack Benny and Amos and Andy preformed there. The manager was Madge Doudges and the ticket taker was Mr. Felts. I watched a lot of movies there and was very nice theater.

From: Lloyd Miller (RW 1962)

The mystery picture is the interior of the old Robinson Grand Theater.

I remember going to the theater for a quarter back in the 50s and taking our dates in the 60s. Happy Days!

From: Dr. Mary Clare Merendino Kane, (WI 1959)

For many years I have enjoyed reading the newsletter and have wanted to write to tell you what a wonderful editor you are. Finally, I can do just that and I think I have something to add to your newsletter that might be of some interest.

The Robinson Grand Theater was where the Mary Berger Dance Studio held their yearly dance recitals. I participated in a few of them and in fact, the picture of the little girls in the chef costumes was one of them. I am the dancer on the end of the right side. Perhaps Beth Twigs was another dancer, but I'm not sure. The year must have been 1949 or 1950.

Steve Limbers wrote about the Mary Berger Dance Studio in a past issue and as I recall he was an excellent tap dancer. My mother, Mary Berger Merendino, regarded him as one of her star pupils. All of the dancing girls had a " big crush" on him.

Thank you for all of your work in keeping WI people connected.

From: Richard George (WI 1965)

I had my one and only blind date at the theater. I lied to my date and said I worked at Loar and White. I did work there during Christmas time while going to WI. She was in college and me in high school. What a fantastic date while seeing the movie “Go Get Yourself a Collage Girl”. The rest of the story? I later married my blind date! Special memories at the Robinson Grand Theater.

From: Ken Matheny (WI 1973)

I have many memories of the Robinson Grand Theater. I saw my first movie ever at the Robinson Grand when I was 5 or 6 years old. My oldest sister took me to see "101 Dalmatians." There was a huge crowd there, and we sat way in the back, but I was entranced. I'd never seen a movie on the big screen before, and the theater itself seemed enormous from a little kid's perspective. As I got a little older, a friend and I would often go to the Robinson Grand on Saturdays to a matinee. On Saturdays, they played a lot of "B" movies, science fiction and horror stuff. Usually there was a lot action and very little plot, which made for perfect entertainment for a couple of boys with almost zero attention span. Often after the matinee, my buddy and I would go to Ritzy Lunch and get a hot dog and a coke Altogether, the movie and meal probably cost about a dollar and fifty cents. A lot of fun for your money. Once, when I was in grade school, I got the chance, along with lots of other kids, to appear on stage at the Robinson Grand. We were part of an operetta, and several schools were involved I think. I remember that I played a "raindrop soldier" in the operetta and had a wooden gun that I carried on my shoulder when I marched on to the stage. I also remember that most of the "soldiers" missed their cue and appeared late. This was my one and only theatrical performance, and it was at the Robinson Grand. I retired from the theater after that, at the age of 8.

From: Bob Teter (WI 1960)

The mystery picture appears to be the Robinson Grand Theater, but might be one of the others. During my little league baseball days, I would go watch movies, mostly cowboys and Indians stuff. My sister worked at the Robinson Grand and the Orpheum, if I remember correctly, so tickets were cheap if not free. Robinson Grand was actually owned by Robinson family and we wound up connected in a roundabout way as my dad's sister married Harry Lang late in life and he was married earlier to Dorothy Robinson until her death.

From: Gloria Hunter Kennedy

(would have been WI, graduated from Santa Monica High School 1957)

I recognize the interior of the Robinson Grand Theatre, but I suspect this picture was taken after it became the Rose Garden because the windows of the projection booth are not lit up. My father, Clarence Hunter, started working as a projectionist at the Grand in 1930 at the age of 15. At first, he shared shifts with his father Earl Hunter, who already worked there, and he also worked shifts at the Opera House. After his father left Clarksburg, my father shared shifts with Kenneth McGuire, who was a witness at my parents' marriage in 1937. After that the other projectionist was George Felts. That is the one I remember. After we left in 1952, I believe George Felts' son became the other projectionist along with his father.

During the time I was aware of all this, say from 1945 to 1952, my father worked his (roughly 6 hours) shift every day. He worked evenings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and afternoons on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. This made for a difficult suppertime schedule--- sometimes he was coming and sometimes he was going. George Felts worked the alternate shifts. Also, my father worked stage shows when they were scheduled. When the theater had Bank Night, he was the announcer. Apparently, he felt pretty spiffy in his white linen suit with white shoes. My mother often mentioned getting them ready. After 1948, when he bought a 1936 Packard, he was able to travel to various churches and other places where they had pipe organs (WV Wesleyan had 4) to tune and repair the organs. He would hire George Felts' son to take his shift at the theater when he travelled out of town for this.

When the theater burned, my father incurred a hernia from carrying out heavy equipment. He had two surgeries for this later in life. One in Clarksburg, and one in Santa Monica. At first, in Clarksburg, when he took the Packard to work on an organ, he couldn't carry in his tool box and he would send me out to the car to fetch whatever tool he wanted. Later on, my brother became the helper. My father still tuned and repaired organs in Los Angeles. By that time, they were mostly electronic organs

I still ramble around the theater in my mind, although there is not much chance I will be able to go back and see it again. I am 77 years old and don't get around much.

From: Mary Sue Spahr (WI 1956)

I think the mystery picture has to be the Robinson Grand Theater. I remember the box seats on the side and the orchestra pit. I've seen many a movie there, but I don't remember details about the interior because we entered and left in a darkened theater as movies back then ran and reran with the lights never coming on.

I suppose my most memorable visit to the Robinson Grand was for a dance recital when I was eight or nine in which I wore an apple green tutu and a brown hat with a wide brim. I don't remember what I was dressed up to be. There must have been at least ten girls in that particular dance. Mother made my costume and several of the others in the production. She was a great seamstress.

The class of 1956 had Baccalaureate there. I believe our entire class went there for a viewing of "Romeo and Juliet" when the entire class was reading it.

The Robinson Grand was a very classy theater for the size of Clarksburg, and it showed some fantastic events.

From: Richard Wagner (WI 1965)

While many will remember the Robinson Grand for movies, I remember it as the place my brief musical comedy acting career took place. Somehow, I was part of a theater group that did the original play "Rarely Does the Butler Ever Do It". I played the young protege to the detective who was the star. My big number was "I want to be like Mike". The show ran three nights. I think we had maybe 100 people to see the show. When I got to Marshall, I did a few plays, but never again did I do a musical. When I packed to move to North Carolina 12 years ago I found the music to show. I probably should have kept it......but! Out it went. Ahhhh memories.

From: Chuck Wilson (WI 1967)

The mystery picture looks like the Robinson Grand Theater. While in grade school I saw Peter Pan Play. Then on Saturdays you could get in for 0.10 and 6 Pepsi Caps for cartoons and a movie.

From: Bob Kramer (WI 1965)

This is a picture of the inside of the Robinson Grand theater in its hay day. Spent many Saturdays watching movies there. You only needed 6 bottle caps and I think a dime to get admittance.

You could buy a large popcorn and a cold drink for less than a dollar. 

From: Mary Virginia Duncan-Johnson-Wilke (WI 1955)

I am sorry that I didn't respond to your last newsletter. As always you and your daughter do a fabulous job!

The mystery photo is of the Robinson Grand Theatre, I hope!  I saw a lot of movies there and enjoyed all of them especially the musicals. When our church burned down, 1st Methodist, Dr. Hanifan preceded to hold the Sunday services there! Quite a change, but certainly was worth it!

I attended both the Ritz & Robinson Grand for they had the best movies!

I never ate at the Anderson Restaurant, but we used to order the best onion rings from there. They were so tasty.

Also, best ice cream was the Pure Ice cream shop and as teenagers Hugh & I went every chance we got to order Banana Splits and they were not little, lots of piles office cream, with chocolate syrup, cherries & whipped cream! They were so good!!

As far as Drive in movies, Ellis was the best. Heaters & protection canopies. All the stuff for you to enjoy the movies. If I had a cold, the heaters would clear me up. We also went to the Skyline drive in on top of the hill. One time we had to call his Dad to rescue us....... When we got to AZ we were sadly disappointed with what they called drive-ins.

As far as dating, I went out with Hugh Johnson Jr and married him 10 days after I graduated. The marriage lasted 23 years.

From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)

I think the Mystery picture is the Robinson Grand Theater. If so, Madge Douds was manager and a second cousin of my dad’s. She was Madge Stout when she first went to work for Mr. Robinson. He owned the Moores’ Opera House also and she used to sell the tickets in that little cubicle in the front. My brothers and I would spend Saturday afternoons there. John Wayne was in the serial that would be on each Saturday and I remember he played "El Shaytan" the main character in that particular serial. Then Madge moved over to the Robinson Grand where tickets were now a quarter. Also, when I was a little girl the Robinson Grand would have Cooking Schools on a night during the week to help teach how to prepare healthy meals. My mother attended one night and won the door prize!! She was thrilled as she said she never won anything ever. I don't know what the door prize was but she was tickled to death

From: Roleta1@aol.com

How wonderful it was of some of you to share your lovely memories of our grand old lady, The Robinson Grand Theater. Oh, if only she could talk. I too have wonderful memories of that theater.

Here are some web sites that you can visit and enjoy reading about the Robinson Grand:

"The Lights are On at The Robinson Grand!"

"The Robinson Grand"

"The Robinson Grand" Facebook Page

Above is an advertisement, for the Union National Bank, which was featured in THE ROBINSON GRAND THEATRE MAGAZINE in 1918. I don’t remember a magazine name The Robinson Grand Theater, do you? Wonder how many years it was in existence and what was its purpose? Do one of you have one lying around the house? Tell you if you ever have seen one.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

 

THE NOVEMBER MYSTERY PICTURE

Above is a picture of a cute little house.

Can you tell me where it was located and who lived there or why it was there? Do you have any memories of this place?

Picture was taken in 2017 and sent to me by John Teter (WI 1961)

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

 

A TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

From: John Iaconis (WI 1959)

Do you remember S&H Green Stamps? They began in 1896 and 80 percent of households used them. They were highly prized and many items could be bought by saving the stamps, filling the proper books and trading them in to pay for selected merchandise from their display or their catalog. Some people had many books of them. Merchants promoted them. I remember having some books. They still exist.

Do you remember collecting the stamps and using them?

From Roleta: I remember saving the stamps, pasting them in the S&H books. I remember looking through their catalog and selecting a needed item and saving the required number of books to redeem for my prize. One could purchase almost anything with the stamps. I do remember purchasing a picnic basket once and another time I redeemed stamps for a prized white dirty clothes hamper with a lid. I needed the items and they were basically FREE!

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

EVERY WI TEACHER 

EVER LISTED IN WI YEARBOOKS

Look what Tim Cork has been up to now:

Click on this link and you will find listed in alphabetical order the name and picture of every teacher who was ever listed in a WI yearbook. From the beginning of the publication of yearbooks which included teachers until end of Washington Irving High School. 

NOVEL NOW SOLD ON AMAZON

From: James A. Fragale (WI 1958)

Getting in touch with a brief update on my third amazon.com novel, “Seventy-Six Trombones, Life after Thirty-Nine Made Easy,” (click on the link to go to Amazon and read more) out now for one month. I received emails from Mexico, Washington, DC and Israel clamoring for the delayed Kindle version of this most recent memoir-fiction installment – and, it’s finally out there. However, I prefer the paperback -- a book you hold-in-your-hand -- and what's more, I can’t bring myself to listen to the read-aloud-to-you Kindle Fire narrated by a mysterious voice called “Alexa." I'm still a tad old fashioned. Alas, it's too soon for reviews, but I'm grateful for favorable feedback on the novel's cover--a fair start. Paesanos, I'm grateful to be from Washington Irving and complimented to be a reader of the W.I. Newsletter. 

Thank you Roleta, These days, not many people in the universe care about their high school days.

Gracia tutti.

jamesafragale@yahoo.com

CAN YOU RELATE TO THIS?

I CERTAINLY CAN

ROLLER SKATING

From: Janel Myers Fearing (Victory 1970)

The Carmichael was the best place to go roller skating. We went there almost every Saturday night and if we could afford it we would go on Sunday afternoons. My brother and my older sister and I went there a lot back in the late fifties and early sixties.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Where did you go to roller skate in Clarksburg, WV? Write and tell us and share some of the memories about it with us.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PERSISTENCE

From: Mary Stump Harrell (WI 1955)

Thank you for your persistence in getting my brother's obit in the newsletter. I am sorry it caused you a problem, but I do know that there are people who will see it and appreciate knowing his fate. As I approach 80, I think occasionally about friends from my past - people I knew and loved, but have lost track of. And when I die I would like them to know about it. But except for the WI people (thanks to the newsletter), many will never know I am gone.

Interestingly, John and Barbara Burnside were good friends and had been talking to each other on the phone for the last few years. I see that she preceded him in death by about ten days. He had, about a year ago, lost her phone number and became convinced that she was dead (he suffered from cognitive problems). I was able to get her phone number for him and they talked one last time last winter.

Ironic that their obits would be in the same edition.

MEMORIES

From: Mary Stump Harrell (WI 1955)

I promised you I would write something for this month's newsletter and here it is:

But first, despite my not writing for several years, I read the newsletter faithfully every month and always find items of great interest. Hope some of what I write here will jog some pleasant memories for other readers. All of us greatly appreciate your keeping this going for so long. Thank you.

A couple of things in the October newsletter jogged my memories--

Andersons Restaurant for one. During my high school days, I mostly went home for lunch, but towards the end of junior year and more in senior year a group of us would often eat lunch downtown. Our favorite was Rexall's where we loved the chili Rufus made (and we loved Rufus!). If I remember correctly, the chili was twenty-five cents a bowl. I have spent years trying to duplicate Rufus's chili - I can't do it! But occasionally we would go to Andersons. I think it was considerably more expensive to eat there, and also slower service, so we did not go often. I do not remember the sandwich Arreta is trying to remember at Andersons - what I do remember was a hot meatloaf sandwich that I think I always had when we went there. It was wonderful!

And do you remember when Wells Haymaker and the drug store across the street (can't remember its name) served sandwiches? They made a grilled cheese that was served so flat from the sandwich maker that it was barely a quarter of an inch thick. I loved those, too, and also loved the dill pickles served with the sandwiches.

And then there was Woolworth's with their candied apples in the Fall! Wonderful cinnamon flavored bright red hard candy coating on a nice crisp fall apple. MMM-MM! I can still taste them.

Dave's place, Candy Land, the East End lunch (best hot dogs in town), Hagan's (ice cream!), the Home Industry--wasn't that the name of the bakery that was located on the first floor of the Golf Building on Main Street? And does anyone remember Russel's - the restaurant was only there for a couple of years (probably because of its location which was out of the main stream)-Russel Lopez had a wonderful restaurant on the north-east corner of E. Main Street and Buckhannon Pike in about 1951 and 52. I remember hearing Frankie Laine sing Ghost Riders in the Sky from the juke box while eating ice cream at Russels. If you could eat a whole one of his banana splits, you got a certificate declaring "I was a pig at Russels"--a much desired trophy for the older boys in our neighborhood!

On another tack, I was interested in my friend Mary Beth Jeranko's note to Bill. She's right about women and sports --- but I do think that had much to do with our particular era -- my mother graduated from WI in 1919 (I think) and at that time WI had a girls’ basketball team on which my Mother played. And I think they played other schools--although I am not certain of that. Maybe some of our other readers would know. And Mother remembered using the swimming pool at the high school--if not for her telling me about that I would never have known that the school had a pool. We girls (Mary Beth and I and others) who were able to ride on a regular basis were very fortunate to have that opportunity. We actually had a "Mounted" senior Girl Scout Troop, thanks to Mrs. Furbee, and Mrs. Jeranko and Georgia Hess. (God bless those Mothers!)

About the mystery picture for October- I can't say that I recognize it, but the only place in the Clarksburg I knew in the fifties that this could be would be the Robinson Grand. So, is that it? Guess I'll find out in the next newsletter!

Enough -- looking forward to the next edition.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mary: Thank you so much for sharing your memories. I remember several of the things you mentioned. And I had forgotten some them so thank you for jogging my memory some, this doesn’t happen enough. I wish more people would try to help me remember. I do remember those delicious Woolworth candied apples. I remember getting off the bus in the morning before school and some of us would go into Anderson’s for a cup of coffee. Probably all we could afford; however, I have always hated coffee so I drank a coke. Boy, didn’t we think we were “the cat’s meow” sitting in Anderson’s with all those grownups who were stopping in there before lunch.

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF SHOPPING DOWNTOWN?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com and name a store in downtown Clarksburg where you liked to shop and tell us why?

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

Thank you.

 

LOOK WHO RECEIVED AN AWARD

From: Charles Ferrell (WI 1946)

At the Eagle Scout Board of Review last week, I was surprised to receive a governor's citation for my 52 years scouting service. The award included a framed copy of the citation from MD and an encased American flag flown over the US Capitol. The citation states "Be it Known That on behalf of the

citizens of this State of in recognition of your service of more than 50 years of active Scouting Service in the National Capital Area Council, Seneca District ,Troop level positions and Eagle Board Chairman-in appreciation of notable contributions you have made to the Boy Scouts of America during the past six decades :and the people of Maryland join together in offering our gratitude, great respect and best wishes on the occasion of your retirement we are pleased to confer upon you this Governor's Citation signed by  C.J Hogan, Jr, Lt Gov, and Sect of State.

Additional information on my scouting history can be found on GOOGLE: Charles Ferrell Gaithersburg Boy Scouts.

I am starting a new section in the newsletter--let’s call it BIOGRAPHY.

How did I think of this? Well, I got the idea when Mary Merendino Kane (a classmate of mine) wrote to me for the first time and I wrote to ask her where she lived and what she had been doing since high school. She was kind enough to write back… thus a subject for the newsletter. (of course, I wrote to her to ask if I could use parts of her letter in the newsletter)

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN

Just write and tell us about your life, (career), family, where you have lived, etc. since you left high school. You are probably thinking I haven’t done anything. Well, if you graduated high school in the 50’s or 60’s I think it probably comes as no surprise. YOU HAVE LIVED A LONG TIME so write a brief story which I can put it in the newsletter.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

From: Dr. Mary Clare Merendino Kane
             Ed.S., MA, LMFT Clinical Member AAMFT

I initially worked as a basic skills teacher in Jefferson High School, then earned certification as a Guidance Counselor. I worked for about 6 years as a counselor in middle schools. My MA is in religion and religious education...then came the Ed.S. in marriage and family therapy, followed by a PhD in pastoral counseling.

I worked in public schools by day and had a therapy practice in the evening. I saw clients in rectory offices and in my home office.

We have 3 grown children...a gov. agent, a school nurse, and a high school teacher, Also, we have 3 young grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Joe is retired from the federal government and sings in the church choir while I have been a lector and eucharistic minister in several churches...lately, just in one, but I occasionally speak and offer workshops on various topics.

Every other year we host a Merendino Family Reunion at our house and backyard to keep in touch with relatives and friends. The reunion is held in VA on the alternate year. For laughs and giggles, I play bridge and "May, I" with a group of other mostly retired friends.

Hopefully all this doesn't bore you completely to death.

From: Roleta1@aol.com

I wrote Cat’s Meow in a letter above and it made me think of all those weird sayings that we grew up hearing all of our lives in Clarksburg but we never seem to hear them very often anymore. Every once in a while, I will use one of those terms around my grandchildren and they just snicker at me. Does this ever happen to you? What kinds of things like this do you remember hearing that you no longer hear? What did was the true meaning of the saying? What are these things called? Any English teachers reading this who can help me with this? Oh, one that Bill has made famous in the family is ---“Six of one and half a dozen of the other”. The kids will smile and say, “That doesn’t make sense as it’s the same.” Now write some of those things that you remember hearing or using:

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF A CLASSMATE

From: Nancy Swing (WI 1961)

After the sudden demise of Brooks Gainer's wife, the day after our 1961 class reunion dinner gave me a lot to think about. One of those things is how we wait until someone passes before we celebrate their lives. I would like to suggest that we open a new column in the WI Newsletter, celebrating lives of classmates while they're still with us, so they'll know how much we appreciate them.

To that end, I would like to celebrate Karen Pleasant Booker, Class of 1961. When we were at WI, Karen was a beautiful young lady, and she's a beautiful woman now. If ever the words "grace" and "dignity" applied to anyone, they surely apply to Karen, whose carriage and life embody those terms. While we were in high school, Karen's leadership in Tri-Hi-Y, Athena, National Honor Society and B-Square was rewarded by her election to 25 Seniors Most Likely to Succeed. And succeed she did, with a remarkable career at FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, traveling far and wide to help those in need after disasters. She was active in her church and in Toastmasters, being elected to local and national leadership roles. Throughout, she found time to raise a flourishing family and to care for her mother, who has lived with her for some years now. I have had the privilege of seeing Karen now and then when I'm in the Washington, DC area. She's still fun, smart, thoughtful and a darn good cook! I'm sure others can write more about her, but I wanted to get the ball rolling to celebrate Karen's life while we're all still on this earth.

Here's hoping other grads will want to celebrate their classmates too.

Warm regards,

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you know someone who deserves you celebrating their life? Now is the time while that person can still read what you have to say or hear about what you said. Life is fragile, don’t wait, say it now.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com and celebrate a life of someone who deserves to hear the accolades.

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

Thank you.

DATING

From: Cheryl (Corder) McClure (WI 1964)

My favorite date 7:15 movie at the Robinson grand theater oh then if I remember correctly didn't they have a balcony (hum?), then on to the Parrot!

From: Shirley Pouch Berkley (WI 1961)

I look forward to the newsletter each month. You and your sister do such a good job with it and I appreciate the time you put into it. I moved from Clarksburg to NC in l969 and when I read the newsletter can see things I had forgotten, for instance the apartments to the left before going up the hill to WI. I rode the city bus to WI from Stealey and got off near Anderson Restaurant on Main St. Don't ever remember eating at that restaurant. Enjoyed hot dogs on 4th street (I think name was Cook's) and a place on the side road left of the court house. Going to town on Saturdays something to look forward to and also taking my sister to the Saturday movie matinees. Just some random thoughts coming to mind. At WI I remember in October tv in the auditorium showing World Series, liked the Yankees and Mickey Mantle, guess we could check on games between classes.

Enjoyed high school. Worked (not sure if after each school day or on Saturdays too) for Mirth Kuhl, don't remember his title other than Justice of the Peace, I recorded cases in "docket books". His office on the alley by the Court House (Court St.?) I received a certificate as a senior for the highest grades in Commercial courses i.e.: typing and shorthand, Mr. Hall our teacher. I took a government test before graduation and was supposed to go to DC with Mary Jo Pulice. She went and I didn't. I was dating my future husband at the time. Mary Jo visited me once in NC years ago, when in my town for business working for IBM at the time I believe.

My first "real" job out of high school was secretary at Harry Green Chevrolet on Pike Street. I wasn't there long, next I moved to Mutual Fire Insurance Company on Main St., the building to the right of Court House. While there, I typed policies and my shorthand came in handy for those who needed letters done. I was always nervous when called into highest official's office to take dictation.

My main reason for writing, you asked to write about dating and meeting our spouses. I was a junior in Mr. Hall's typing class, my future husband, Lee Berkley was a senior in that class. (He was known as “Jr”. in high school.) I was interested in him but he didn't ask me out until right after his graduation. I was an upcoming senior. He went to Fairmont State for a while, decided it wasn't for him and began working for Orkin Exterminating. In the meantime, his parents moved to St. Pete, Florida and he stayed in Clarksburg. Interesting his parents only bought a 2-bedroom house in Florida one for them, the other for Jr.'s sister. We married Aug. 31, 1962 at Clarksburg Baptist Church. Sarah Gervella was our aid of honor. and Jr Waugh was our best man. We had an apartment rented on Lee Ave. Right before marrying, Junior had quit the job at Orkin, we drove to his parents in Florida the day after our wedding at Clarksburg Baptist Church. Sarah Gervella was our maid of honor, and Junior Waugh was our best man. We stayed a week in Florida and went back to Clarksburg where my husband immediately got a job with Western Electric, and traveled a lot. After 7 yrs., my friend had moved to NC for husband's job with GTE phone company (later called Verizon, now Frontier Communications) and said we should check it out. We did and moved to NC as I said in April, 1969 with a 6-yr. old son, 13-month-old daughter and one due that Sept. Young people can sure take chances. Good choice, although husband still traveled some until retirement in 2004. We have been here 48 years and just celebrated 55 years of marriage. I hope this isn't boring or too much information. Be careful what you ask for Roleta, slow Saturday afternoon today, and lots of past memories.

Again, thanks for the time you put into the newsletter.

From: Bob Teter (WI 1960)

About the places to take dates, obviously the movies, but what evening would be complete without a Twin Oaks hoagie? Also, I went to a lot of dances at places like Bridgeport Civic Center, Moose, Elks, Episcopal Parish House, Lake Floyd, Maple Lake, VFW and perhaps others I cannot remember. I did date several WI girls while at WI, one or two Victory girls and even a couple of Bridgeport girls along the way. Did not meet my wife until I went to work in Kingsport, TN for Tennessee Eastman Co. Interestingly I met her on a 'blind' date also, she was a 'blind' date for a friend of mine visiting from Clarksburg!

From: Jim Strider (WI 1955)

Before I had access to a car, movies and a coke were about it. Sometimes we just stayed at the girl’s house. These dates were one or two dollars at the most, including bus fare. After a car was available a whole new world opened up. Of course, theaters were still in the mix, but drive ins were now available. Afterward there were several options, Green Parrot, Friends and Willow Beach. Of course, you did not have to go to the movies first. Some-times we would hit several “road houses” in one night. These dates were generally more expensive, up to five bucks or so, including gas and “juke box”. Sometimes an all-day date would be a trip of some kind, Audra State Park for example. Before I had access to a car, movies and a coke were about it. Sometimes we just stayed at the girl’s house. These dates were one or two dollars at the most, including bus fare. After a car was available a whole new world opened up. Theaters were still in the mix, but drive ins were now available. Afterward there were several options, Green Parrot, Friends and Willow Beach. Of course, you did not have to go to the movies first. Sometimes we would hit several “road houses” in one night. These dates were generally more expensive, up to five bucks or so, including gas and “juke box”, An all-day date would be a trip of some kind, Audra State Park.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The favorite places that I can remember going when I was dating "back in the days" was the downtown movie theaters (Robinson Grand and Ritz) or the Ellis Drive-In. I do not remember any of the movies that I went to these places to see, but that was probably because I had other things on my mind. We used to go to the Benedum Civic Center in Bridgeport on Saturday nights for dancing, but I do not remember ever taking a girl there on a "date". We met our girlfriends there, and at intermission, Bill Post and I would take our "ladies" to the Parkette on Bridgeport Hill for a snack. We also followed the "meet you there" logic going to dances in downtown Clarksburg on Friday nights, at places like the Elks and Moose Clubs. Funny thing is that I do not remember actually taking a girl out on a date for just going to dinner. I did not marry someone that I met while I was in high school, as I moved away from Clarksburg before I thought I was of the marrying age.

I actually met my first wife at work in Arlington, Virginia and my second wife at work in Arlington as well.

From: Bill Van Voorhis (WI 1958)

Harriett Danley and I met in the 7th grade. She was cute and a little taller than me---a lot smarter. We dated for a short time when we were freshman (she dumped me for some hot shot red headed kid). We reconnected late in our junior year and eventually got married while attending WVU (we actually eloped with another couple). This past May, we celebrated our 57th anniversary. I had a 38-year career with J.C. Penney, got an early retirement offer in `97 and we retired to Morgantown July `98.

Our favorite date was a takeout pizza from Twin Oaks and a movie at Ellis Drive In. The pizza was the best and we always got a fountain coke from the Ellis concession area---Mmmmm! We still visit Twin Oaks 2-3 times a year---we were just there during the Italian Heritage Festival----still the best pizza ever! Unfortunately, no Ellis Drive In---we sure saw some great movies on those dates---wink! wink!

Our favorite date these days - still pizza and a movie-Friday night-Right here at HOME!

HOT DOGS

TO SLAW OR NOT TO SLAW?

THAT IS THE QUESTION

From: Wade Coffindaffer (WI 1968)

A few months back the newsletter featured the topic of Hot Dogs and the issue of “Slaw or No Slaw”. As I read the Sunday Gazette-Mail out of Charleston this afternoon (Oct. 1) I came across this article which I found interesting, especially in light of the exchanges in the newsletter.

The printed article also included a map from the WV Hot Dogs Slaw Mapping Project (who knew??) which was interesting as well.

If you want to spend a few/several minutes in further research, one has only to Google “West Virginia Hot Dogs Slaw Mapping Project” and check out the references (both websites and images).

EDITOR NOTE: As Harrison County goes, so go I. NO SLAW on my dog. How do you feel? Yes, slaw or No, slaw?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

From: Bill Van Voorhis (WI 1958)

I’ve had two holes in one, both on the same hole (#17--214 yd. par 3 at The Pines C.C.)

The 2nd. one happened in May `01. Don Nehlen had recently retired and was in our 4-some. Usually a hole in one would get some minor mention in our local paper, The Dominion Post. However, on the sports page the next day in bold print " NEHLEN WITNESS TO HOLE IN ONE" My name did get mentioned---in small print at the end of the article.

From: Roleta Meredith (WI 1959)

Bill requested that I write about my hole in one! I think he is talking about my first one. You see I have had 2. The story about my first one is a good story that I have told a lot so I am going to start by telling you about my HOLE IN ONE #2. On September 23, 2014, Bill and I were playing golf at Harbor Hills Country Club in Hebron, Ohio. Of course, it was a Par 3 on the third hole, 113 yards long from the women’s tee. I hit a rescue club and, as Bill and I watched, the ball sailed through the air perfectly, then it hit the green and rolled out of site. I was upset as the green is slopped to the back and I figured the ball had rolled off and down the bank into the rough. So, we drove the cart up to the green and walked all over the bank of rough behind the green, and couldn’t find the ball. I walked up and looked in the cup and yelled---HOLE IN ONE! Boy, what fun.

Now, let me tell you about the first Hole and One I had. (The story Bill likes for me to tell) On May 16, 2009, I was golfing with my friend, Jilly, at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota, Florida, where we live. It was on hole number 6, a Par 3 on the East Course. One has to hit the ball over a lake, then a sand trap onto the green. More balls go into those hazards than ever land on the green. So, I hit a nice high ball with my 9 iron and it carried the lake and the trap and landed on the green. It then began to roll toward the hole. Jilly and I screamed as it went into the hole. We danced, we hugged, it was so exciting. I had never even seen a hole in one (other than on TV). My husband nor son had ever had one. Jilly and I climbed into the golf cart and drove over to the green and I took my iPhone to the hole and took a picture of the ball in the hole, just to keep the picture to remind me of that day! We finished the front nine (I was so nervous about my triumph that I didn’t score well) and I called Bill to tell him I had a Hole in One. He has never had one. He was very happy for me. Then I called our son, who at the time had about a 6 handicap and had never had a Hole in One either. Of course, my call went to voice mail, I wanted to tell him, not tell his voice mail, so I told him it was really important that he call me immediately. After all of this excitement, we went into the Pro Shop to tell the pros about my great accomplishment. My son did return my call, but didn’t get me as I was in the pro shop. He called his dad to see what the emergency was as he was afraid Bill had a health problem. Bill told Victor, “Your mom had a Hole-in-One.’ Victor’s reply was, “That Bi***h!” So; Bill called me laughing and told me how our son had reacted. We both laughed. I wasn’t upset at all. In fact. I took out my trusty camera and brought up the picture of my ball down in the cup at the end of my Hole in One and emailed the picture to Victor. My message was, HERE IS WHAT A HOLE-IN-ONE LOOKS LIKE IF YOU EVER GET ONE! I got the last laugh!

Bill:

I may have to temper my projection for WVU's record this season. I hate to think how the defense will do when we face a team that can beat a MAC team.

Ted Wolfe (WI 1974)

Reply to Ted:

I would bet many of those who predicted the season record feel the same way. Of course, as I write this, we are 5-2, with a tough one coming up against Oklahoma State. This game will probably define the rest of the season. As bad as the defense was in the 4th quarter at Waco, I tried to watch our defensive line play. I saw a lot of holding by the Baylor "O" line that was never called. I'm not one to complain about the refs, but something wasn't quite right in that game.

Thanks for your comments. I hope both of us feel better about the team in a couple of weeks.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

QUILT TIME

The weather is getting cooler and we think of cuddling up with a good book and a cozy quilt. Did I just say quilt? Does that remind you of anything?

YES, it is that time again! QUILT TIME. Time to buy your tickets to support the WASHINGTON IRVING NEWSLETTER SCHOLARSHIP.

I am so easy going that I welcome any check of any amount even if you don’t want to purchase tickets for the drawing. Many of you have never given a penny to the Scholarship.

This is your opportunity to help!

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.

For those of you who don’t know, we believe in giving back to or hometown. Your gift may be a way of saying thank you to the newsletter for all the pleasure you receive from reading it each month for over 18 years. It may be a way of saying thank you to the teachers and staff at the schools you attended while in Harrison County.

If you handed a child who is on the way to college a check for $50.00 to $500.00 it really wouldn’t be a big help but if you send that check to me, I will put it with the checks sent by so many others This year I am hoping we can raise $5,000.00 to help one graduate with their expenses for the first year of college. Won’t you help us reach this goal?

The quilt is made by several ladies who we refer to as the WIN Quilters. These ladies donate the 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 quilt made and given by the WIN Quilters, headed up by Sue Selby Moats.

The tickets cost $5.00 for 6 tickets, 12 tickets for $10.00 and the number of tickets you receive keeps 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 in April. You might like to send your check now before the holiday rush of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I certainly hope the 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 your Check to:

Roleta Meredith

3201 Charles MacDonald Drive

Sarasota, FL 34240

DO IT NOW BEFORE YOU FORGET! 

THE NAME OF THE 2018 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT:

Pieces of the Past #2

From: Sue Selby Moats (WI 1955)

Yes, there will be a WIN Scholarship quilt for 2018. It will be a two-color quilt combining vintage red print fabrics with an off-white background fabric in the blocks. Packets have been sent out and WIN quilter Lin Stricker has already returned her block.

Perhaps your family has an heirloom quilt in the same colors. The Selby family has a red & white basket quilt which I display at Christmas time. Write to Roleta with your memories of a special quilt in your family.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kitty Sager (married to Don Sager (WI 1956) has been one of the WIN Quilters for several years. Kitty is not even from WV but she is generous to help create a square every year for the quilt. She was the first one to send us a picture of her square for the Red and White Quilt. Kitty shared that the name of this quilt square pattern is “Buckeye Beauty”.

DAVID GARRETT ALLEN

David Garrett Allen, a resident of Clarksburg, passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at his residence.

He was born in Clarksburg Nov. 13, 1949, a son of the late James F. and Sara Crile Allen.

He is survived by his brother, John C. Allen of Coalton; and three nephews, James. F. Allen, IV of Clarksburg, Michael S. Allen of Bozeman, MT, and John C. Allen Jr. of Shepherdstown.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, James F. Allen Jr.; and his niece Anne, E. Hylton.

Mr. Allen graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1967 and received his BA in Economics and ROTC commission from the Virginia Military Institute in 1971. 1LT Allen served as a tank and scout platoon leader and also as S-2 officer in the 1st Bn/66th Armor, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, TX. He furthered his academic interests while studying Jurisprudence and Philosophy at Oxford University and Accounting at WVU.

Mr. Allen’s business career included a 12-year stint as vice president of J.F. Allen Company, where he started the firm’s asphalt paving and aggregates operation near Elkins. When he left the firm in 1985, the company was the state’s leading producer of crushed limestone aggregates and was the prime contractor for the Stonewall Jackson Dam.

During the same period, Mr. Allen served as President of Alcon Inc., which became the leading producer of concrete and concrete block in north central WV. He served as president of the Flexible Pavements Council and on various committees of the Contractors Association of WV.

Appointed Assistant Commissioner of West Virginia Department of Highways in 1985, Mr. Allen oversaw repair and reconstruction of flood-damaged roads and bridges. He developed a modern equipment lease-purchase program wherein the Department was able to take advantage of innovative low-cost financing for its equipment replacement plan. He also brought to fruition the state’s first issue of Special Obligation Highway Notes, a technique that advanced the completion of I-64 by three years and also allowed for early completion of many other highway projects.

After an automobile accident left him paralyzed in 1994, Mr. Allen’s focus shifted to treatment of such injuries. He co-wrote and produced the video, “Therapy and Beyond: Aquatic Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries,” for the School of Medicine at WVU. In establishing his Endowment for Treatment of Paralysis, he hoped to better the life of all paralyzed people in North Central West Virginia, if only in some small way.

Upon joining the Advisory Committee of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, he proposed that students at the WVU Journalism School interview cancer patients. The project, “Cancer Stories: Lessons in Love, Loss and Hope,” premiered in 2003 as an hour-long documentary on WV public television. The documentary won the Midwestern Regional Emmy Award for Information Programming. The companion book, published in 2005 by the WVU Press, closes with “Listening for Cancer Stories,” the chapter written by Mr. Allen.

Mr. Allen, a lacrosse player while at VMI, believed that athletic competition was an integral part of education. He served on the Board of Governors of organizations that raise funds for athletic scholarships. He donated the first racing shell for the WVU Women’s Crew team when that sport achieved varsity status in 2000.

Mr. Allen had operated a cattle farm and served as a director of the Lowndes Bank, CB&T Financial Corp. and Heritage Bank of Harrison County. He was a past president of the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association and edited their newspaper for several years.

SHIRLEY VELRA WHITE

Shirley Velra White, 76, of Mt. Clare, WV, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the United Hospital Center following a brief illness.

She was born in Dianna, WV, on December 11, 1940, a daughter of the late Junie and Phyliss Williams Cutlip.

Shirley was married to Charles “Charlie” White on July 20, 1960. Surviving are four sons, Rodney White and wife Cindy; Randy White, Mike White and wife Wanda; and Ryan White and wife April; and one daughter, Katrina Ewing.

She was a loving grandmother to 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and three extended grandchildren.

She is also survived by one brother, Keith Cutlip and wife; three sisters, Jean Taylor; Mary Lee Cutright, and Myra Grimes and husband; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Doran Cutlip and Harold Cutlip.

Shirley was a graduate of Victory High School, Class of 1959, and a homemaker.

KIMBELY ANNETTE LANGFORD

Kimberly Annette Langford, age 57, entered into the opened arms of the Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, after an extended illness. Kim’s positive attitude facing the challenges of diabetes and renal failure kept her determined and focused “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ sus.”

Parents Lois Charlene Davis Langford and Thomas Ruel Langford Sr. welcomed Kimberly into this world on Aug. 9, 1960, and celebrated her arrival as she stepped through Heaven’s gates Monday.

At a young age, Kimberly belonged to the Nutter Fort swim team, where she received several competition ribbons of success. After graduating from Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1977, she attended Fairmont University, where she studied Health Information and was on the Dean’s Honor List her Fall and Spring semesters. After college, she was employed as a caregiver, then later enjoyed her life as a stay-at-home mother and grandmother. In 1989, Kim was the first local recipient of a golden retriever service dog, Arthur, sponsored by The Lions Club of America. She was an active member of the Upper Room Church in Clarksburg, WV.

Kim will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Nina, Sunshine and Ridge and husband Kevin of, Chira Tharp, and Alex Tharp. Also surviving are her siblings, Deborah Cross, Thomas Langford Jr. and wife Suzanne, and Todd Langford and wife Rebecca; nine grandchildren.

JOELLEN FLETCHER ALLMAN

Joellen Allman, 82, of Jane Lee, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. She was born in Clarksburg on March 22, 1935. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". Joellen was a daughter of the late William and Helen right Fletcher.

She was married to David L. Allman on August 24, 1953, who preceded her in death on April 11, 2008.

Surviving are three children, Terri Stutler and her husband Brad of Jane Lew, Linda Marple and her husband Randy of Jane Lew, and Julie Shaw and her husband Gary of Shinnston; seven grandchildren, Cole, Teresa and Sheila Stutler, Emily Riggleman, Seth Marple, Joel Keesucker, and Ashley SanJulian.

Mrs. Allman was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having also been preceded in death by two grandchildren, Luke Stutler and Erin Marshall Heater.

Joellen attended Fellowship Bible Church in Bridgeport where she was a member the Titus II Ministries. She also attended the New Bethel United Methodist Church in Good Hope where she was active in Homemakers, the United Methodist Women, and Helping Hands. Joellen was a local tole painter whose artwork was displayed at the Stonewall Jackson Jubilee.

MARGARET J. MARRA

Margaret J. Marra, 94, formerly of Clarksburg, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at the Meadowview Manor Healthcare Center, in Bridgeport.

 She was born Aug. 19, 1923, in Cooks Mine, to the late John and Rose (DeLuca) Marra.

Margaret was a 1941 graduate of Washington Irving High School and retired after serving many years as a secretary with the Engineer’s Office for the City of Clarksburg. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

She is survived by her caregivers; niece, Vickie Marra and nephew, Roger Marra, both of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Other survivors include niece, Angie Veltri, and nephew, Tom Veltri, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters, Flora Secreto, Mary Veltri, Lena Henner, Jeanne Marra and Catherine “Babes” Marra; and two brothers, Patsy J. Marra and Frank R. Marra.

She was also preceded in death by one niece, Shirley Secreto; and three nephews, Frank Secreto, John Secreto and Roger C. Marra.

STUART MORRISON WALKER, JR.

Stuart Morrison Walker Jr., 85, of Clarksburg, passed away Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility.

He was born June 9, 1932, in Clarksburg, the son of the late Stuart Morrison Walker and Iley May (Troxell) Walker.

Stuart is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorena (Hamilton); a daughter, Felicia Pulice and her husband, Steve; a son, Jeff Walker; three grandchildren, Eric Walker, Adam Pulice and Amanda Hoard; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Caroline Woods; a brother-in-law, Paul Hamilton and his wife, Barbara; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Rathburn and her husband, Lyle, and Betty Walker.

In addition to his parents, Stuart was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeff Walker, II; a sister, Dorothy Williams; and a brother, Eugene Walker.

Stuart graduated from Victory High School in 1950. He was a United States Army Veteran and served during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1953. Stuart retired from Dominion after 37 years of service. He was a member of Howe Memorial United Methodist Church of Crescent City, Florida and the Good Sam’s Travel Club.

KENNETH LEE BOYCE

Kenneth Lee Boyce, 70, of Clarksburg, went on to be with the Lord Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, after a long courageous battle with brain cancer.

He was born Feb. 21, 1947, to Wellington Lester Boyce and Marjorie Maude Maxson Boyce.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Lee Boyce and his brother-in-law, Mark Anthony Gaughan Sr.

He is survived by the love of his life, Regina Keck of Mercer, PA; his sisters, Mary Frances Gaughan, Karen Sue Currey and husband Art, and Jeanie Jorgensen; his brother, Gary Lynn Boyce and wife Judi; his sister-in-law, Darlene Boyce; and longtime friend, John Jorgensen Sr. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kenny graduated from Victory High School in 1966. He was president of the union at Anchor Hocking when it closed in 1987. He then went on to work for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters where he remained until his retirement in 2009.

MARY LOUISE WILSON

Mary Louise Wilson, 84, entered into eternal life on Saturday, September 30, 2017.

She was born in Shinnston, W.Va., on September 15, 1933, a daughter of the late Hugh and Augusta Cooper Cox.

She is survived by one son, Robert “B.J.” Wilson and his companion Sheila; two daughters, Roben Wilson, and Tiffany Wilson; one daughter-in-law, Lauren Wilson; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert William Wilson; one son, Mark Wilson; and she was the last surviving member of her immediate family, being preceded in death by nine siblings.

Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Allen Chapel United Methodist Church. She served as treasurer for Shenyu Ettes, and was a member of the Kelly Miller Association. Mary graduated from Kelly Miller High School, and went on to get her associates degree from Fairmont State University.

DOROTHY ROSE MILLS

Dorothy “Dot” Rose Mills, 82, of Nutter Fort, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at United Hospital Center after an extended illness.

Dot was born Dec. 13, 1934, in Nutter Fort, youngest daughter of Thomas Paul and Allie Cox Jett.

She graduated from RW in 1953. Two years later, on April 16, 1955, she married Robert Lee Mills, who was the last surviving male of the founding Mills family of Nutter Fort.

Dorothy is survived by brothers, Larry Jett, and David Jett; sister, Betty Moccia; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 1992; brothers, Harry and William “Bill” Jett; and sister, Wilma Ruth Jett.

Tough, strong, inquisitive and loyal, Dorothy loved the social interaction with many friends, neighbors and passers-by. She had been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lucinda Rose VFW Auxiliary, Elks Club, Harrison County Historical Society and the Women’s Club of Clarksburg. She retired from the Harrison County Corrections System after 25 years of service.

VIRGINIA ADAMS MATHENY

Virginia Marie “Jen” (Adams) Matheny, 34, of Lost Creek, formerly of Doddridge County, went to be with the Lord after a Courageous battle with Colon/Liver Cancer Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Nov. 18, 1982, in Fairmont.

Jen is survived by her husband, Jason Matheny; three children, Silas, Cadence and Ethan Matheny of the Home; her parents, Charles S. “Doc” Adams and Peggy Sue (Fisher) Adams; two brothers, James Hunter and his wife, Libby, and Charles S. Adams; a sister, Melissa Burgess and her husband, Eric; mother and father-in-law, Terry and Nina Mathews; two sisters-in-law, Tara Morrison and her husband, Trey and Gala Pinkney and her husband, James; two brothers-in-law, Russell Mathews and his wife, Michelle and Terry Mathews Jr.; several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Jen was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James C. “Dick” Fisher and Agnes Marie Fisher; paternal grandparents, Noah C. Adams and Virginia G. Adams; a very special nephew, Christopher Allen Burgess.

Jen graduated from Liberty High School class of 2001 and attended Fairmont State College. She was a Vet tech at Clarksburg Vet Hospital, Doddridge Animal Clinic and Mannington Animal Hospital.

JANELL PATRICIA JARANKO

CHARLES RAYMOND WILCOX

Charles Raymond Wilcox, age 98, beloved husband of the late Katherine Moak Wilcox, died on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at NHC Healthcare of Sumter.

Born in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Walter R. Wilcox and Ida May Robinson Wilcox. He graduated from Washington Irving High School and went to work for Western Union Telegraph Company. He went on to join the United States Air Force, where he served proudly in WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam. After retirement he went on to work with Exide Battery as the manager of quality Control. He, then, went on to serve as the Coordinator of Law Enforcement of four counties with the Santee Lynches Regional Council of Governments. He was a volunteer with the Alcohol and Drug Commission as a trained counselor and he helped established and volunteered with the Greenhouse Runaway Shelter. Ray organized a joint City and County Drug Unit, a Crime analysis section and initiated the installation of 911 system for Sumter County. He served as Chairman of the Pee Dee Regional Emergency Medical Services, Chairman of the Sumter County Culture Commission, Chairman of the South Carolina Quality Control Association and a member of the Institution of Industrial and Electronic Engineers. He was the recipient of the Thousand Points of Light Award for volunteer work in the community. Ray was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are: one son, Thor Wilcox of Denmark; one daughter, Nancy Wilcox Shepherd and her husband David; his companion, Maxine Taylor; one sister, Barbara Jean Kaufman; many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including, James Wilcox and Katie Hemmingway

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Phillip Wilcox.

BARBARA JUNE NAY

Barbara June Nay, 81, of Stonewood, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Meadowview Manor in Bridgeport after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Clarksburg on June 4, 1936, a daughter of the late Howard William and Francis Marion (Hendrickson) Sutton.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Robert Lee Nay Sr.

Surviving are two sons, Robert Lee Nay Jr. and David Lee Nay and wife Judy; and one brother, James William Sutton and wife Mary. Barbara also leaves behind six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her twin sister, Beverly Jean Sutton Davis.

Barbara graduated from Washington Irving High School, Class of 1954.

SANDRA CONAWAY

Sandra “Sandy” Lee Conaway, 77, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017, at her residence with family by her side. She was born March 30, 1940, in Fairmont, daughter of the late Dexter Sr. and Iona Swecker VanGilder.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Eugene Royce Conaway; three children, Beth Ann Sullivan, Eugene Scott Conaway and Shari, Greg Conaway; three grandchildren, Karrah Fragale and Vinnie, Kelli Willis and Chris, Chad Conaway; six great-grandchildren. One brother, Dexter VanGilder Jr. and Sharon; two sisters, Kim Scott and Tommy, JoAnn Leedy and Jerry, Austin, TX; numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandra graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School and was a pharmacy tech at Bland’s Drug Store for 41 years.

NANCY LOU ROBEY

Nancy Lou Robey, 92, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, at the residence of Shannon and Julie Moore.

She was born July 4, 1925, in Flag Run, Harrison County, daughter of the late Frederick Earl and Nettie Lorraine Sandy Robey.

Nancy graduated from Victory High School Class of 1944. She worked at Maidenform for 19 years. She was a member of the Sardis Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Robey of Buffalo Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, David Robey, Richard Robey and James Robey; and two sisters, Christine McCarty and Mary Fittro.

BARBARA CHRISTIE MORRIS

Barbara Christie Morris, 85, of Clarksburg entered the Church triumphant Sunday, October 22, due to, as she termed it, “the vicissitudes of old age.”

Born in Clarksburg to Cleveland Washington and Lura Collins Christie, Barbara was a proud graduate of Washington Irving High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Salem College and her master’s degree from West Virginia University. She began her teaching career at Victory High School and then returned to Washington Irving to serve as its librarian, student council advisor and cheerleading sponsor.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, A. Paul “Bud” Morris, she is survived by their daughter, Melissa Morris Phillips and her husband Bob of Midlothian; her brother Cleveland W. Christie, Jr. and his wife Maryann; her sister Penelope Christie Johnson and her husband Emil; her sister-in-law Peggy Jane Morris; and, her brother-in law Ralph Morris and his wife Betty. In addition, she leaves a step-grandson Patrick Phillips and his family, as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins in various corners of the globe.

Born into The First Presbyterian Church in Clarksburg, she served her church faithfully her entire life. She was an elder, trustee, Sunday school teacher, librarian and active member of Presbyterian Women, by whom she was bestowed an honorary life membership as was her mother before her and her daughter after her. She loved all things Appalachian and was an avid quilter. For many years, she was a member of the Fort New Salem Quilting Ladies who gathered weekly to demonstrate their craft at the restored site. And books…. ahhhh, she loved books.