Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith
Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton
CLARKSBURG
CHRISTMAS MEMORY
From:
Barbara Younkin Park (would have been WI 1962)
– graduated from Easton High, Easton, Maryland 1962
– graduated from Easton High, Easton, Maryland 1962
My
childhood was spent in Clarksburg, and I have wonderful Christmas memories. An
earliest one is of Christmas Eve, standing outside of our home in Chestnut
Hills, looking up at the cold, starry, clear, night sky and searching for
Santa. Oh, how I wanted to see his sleigh and reindeer, so I stayed out as long
as I could until I got too cold and I had to go in! Before we went to bed, my
sister Elaine and I left a plate of cookies and glass of milk near our tree to
give Santa refreshment for his long trip around the world. Then we were off to
bed, hardly being able to contain our excitement. Meanwhile, Santa took bites
out of our cookies and left our presents.
The
next morning, we always found our stocking, and since we had no fireplace, one
of mom’s nylon hose was found pinned to the arm of a wing chair near our tree.
The stocking was stuffed with small gifts and always had an orange in the toe!
Although we were perplexed by “Santa’s” use of a nylon stocking, we always
appreciated the greater volume of things that a stretchy nylon could contain.
The
year in the photo is probably 1953 or 54, and I am the one with the pigtails.
Santa was careful to give Elaine and me nearly identical gifts, and that year
we both received beautiful Madame Alexander Winnie Walker dolls. We had asked
for “nurse” dolls, so Grandma Santa had capes made so that the dolls would look
like nurses, since nurses wore navy blue capes back then.
It was
very special to have our maternal grandparents visit that year, and also very
special was the visit by one of my father’s Clarksburg friends, Sam Winerman,
of Crown Opticians, his wife Sara and boys Marty and Jerry. They stopped by to
say hello and to take our family Christmas photo. It was also fun during the
Christmas season to go to the Winerman home (across the street from WI) where
Sara would bring out her wonderful thumbprint cookies. I think of Mrs. Winerman
every time I see thumbprint cookies (the kind with the jelly in the middle!
Yum!)
Can you
see the paintings on the picture window in the photo? My father bought
Christmas stencils and tempera paints and taped the stencil to the outside of
the window, facing in. Dad would then paint the drawing on the inside of the
window as it faced him, and when the stencil was removed, choirboys and an
angel appeared, visible from both inside and out. We thought that was pretty
neat.
Mom was
the organist at First Methodist Church, and I sang in the “cherub” choir for
Christmas services. Since part of being a Christian is giving, church families
brought in cans of food wrapped in white tissue paper to give to the needy.
Every
family has its traditions that we pass on. I went on to sing in church choirs,
and now I play French Horn in my church’s orchestra at festival times,
Christmas being my favorite. When my daughter and step-daughters were growing
up, “Santa” always used panty hose cut in half for their Christmas stockings--and
yes, he always made sure that there was an orange in the toe!
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
I remember the Salvation Army Band playing on the
courthouse square on Main Street, and the only reason that I can think they
were there for was the Christmas "bucket donations" of today.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you for writing. Your memories brought back a
lot of memories for me. I am sure all of the readers would like to read about
favorite memories of Clarksburg during Christmas time.
Write and share your
memories with me at Roleta1@aol.com
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
From:
Roleta1@aol.com
The
other day I was thinking of Clarksburg downtown particularly this time of year.
Holiday time! I am a big fan of the Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel
and downtown Clarksburg could have been used as a setting for many of their
movies. There was a Christmas Parade each year as the season approached that
always had the local high school bands marching and playing a Christmas song
with the finale being the big guy himself. “SANTA” who would be sitting on his
sleigh and throwing candy canes to the crowd.
The
shops were all beautifully decorated and the people were dressed in what looked
like their “Sunday Best” as they hustled from one store to the other to pick up
just the right gift. There was always a crowd and we had to weave in out among
people to reach our destination. The streets were decorated with garland and a
wreath hung on them too. Santa was on the court house plaza in his little house
and the big decorated Christmas tree was sitting near. I worked at some of
those little downtown shops while in high school. I remember one winter evening
in particular. I must have been working Friday evening at Lerner’s and was
walking down Third to catch the bus in front of the Ritz Theater to go home.
There was a light snow coming down, those big flakes that land on your coat,
stick on your eye lashes and last a while. I remember looking ahead at the
beautiful big Waldomere mansion and listening to the church bells ringing out a
Christmas song. I was so happy, it was so serene. I felt as though I was all
alone in another world. It was just me experiencing this and I will never
forget the beauty of it all. I also remember that tears came to my eyes. Now I
realize that I was experiencing something so special. It is so sad that the
young people today can never experience this. It is a memory of mine that I
will cherish forever.
WHERE I GREW
UP IN CLARKSBURG
From: David
Ellis (WI 1960)
In
response to Roleta’s request for articles for the Newsletter, I decided to
offer some recollections from grade school through graduation from WI in 1960.
I believe these early memories are accurate, or at least I have convinced
myself of their accuracy; perhaps because I have played them over and over in
my mind so many times. Some of you, in fact many of you, attended grade schools
and junior high, other than the ones I attended. So, you may not relate
directly to my grade school and junior high memories, but I hope they may bring
up similar memories of your grade and junior high school days. But before
talking about my grade school in Clarksburg, let me describe where I lived
before starting school. This may help you guess my grade school, and bring back
some of your memories of Clarksburg in the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Angle-In
or Angle-End?
From
1944 (I don’t remember moving in but have been told that was the operable
moving year) until 1950 I lived on the southwest corner of Main Street and
Sumner Street. That is on the right, as you drive up Main Street, between the
Angle-In and where you start up the steeper part of Main Street near Chestnut.
Before continuing, let me explain what I call the Angle-In (see picture). That
is the point where West Pike Street separates into Main Street, heading East,
and Pike Street, coming back to the West. I grew up calling that angled
intersection the Angle-In. Googling that term, however, turned up Angle-End.
What is your recollection; Angle-In, Angle-End, or something else?
The picture,
by the way, is vintage very early 1950’s.
Write your thoughts to
Roleta1@aol.com.
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
Main
and Sumner
I don’t
have a picture from the 40’s, but the area is little changed from 70 plus years
ago. Our home was a duplex on the corner and the old house is still there. We
lived next door to the Caruso’s, who were very good friends of my grandparents
and parents. Gloria Caruso (WI 1958) was my older brother’s age, and her
brother Joseph (WI 1964) was a bit younger than I or my younger brother, Sam.
Their older sister married Dr. Ormando Columbo.
Directly
across the street from our home, on the opposite corner of Main and Sumner,
there was a used car lot. The used car business was run by a Mr. Swiger in the
40’s and 50’s, and was later taken over by a Mr. Alexander and then Tony Moss.
(Picture is me “directing” the Sam Ellis orchestra in a parade in 1947.) Down
Main Street, next to the used car lot, there was a two story brick building
owned by my Uncles. The downstairs housed the Ellis Brothers’ Grocery for many
years, until about 1947, and the upstairs held apartments. That building was
still standing until a few years ago, but it had become pretty dilapidated like
so many old store buildings in Clarksburg and it has now been torn down. Next
to the store was the steel latticework of two large billboards that faced Pike
Street. Those billboards are still there between another store building, which
I will mention later and which is now a bicycle shop, and the building that was
White’s Drug Store. Given the area described, have you figured out my grade
school? More to come.
Write
your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com, can you guess his school?
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
THAT
BAND — THE ELECTRAS
From: Mary
Jo Pulice Benedetto (WI 1961)
Too
funny! I was laughing out loud reading the comments from Mike King, Bob Swiger,
Gary Dawson and Billy May reminiscing about their “famous” group and their
popular band.
So many
happy memories and I know Robert Maxwell is laughing too. Actually, I remember
them being pretty good. But then - what the heck did I know! I just thought
they all were all SO cute!
ROLLER
SKATING
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
The
only place that I can remember going to and roller skating was at the roller
skating rink in the upstairs portion of a building in Norwood/Nutterfort, close
to where RW was located. I never owned my own roller skates, but I do remember
going roller skating and renting the skates. "Ladies choice" and
"Couples only" were a couple of the "segments" that I can
remember them having. I do not remember ever going roller skating at the
Carmichael.
I also
remember going ice skating out at Maple Lake many times, but I am not sure
where I got my ice skates, as I am sure that I never actually owned a pair. I
probably borrowed the ice skates from someone; most likely Richard Underwood's
family as they had a house/cottage at Maple Lake.
The
only pair of skates that I can remember actually owning "back in the
day" were the type that you used to connect to the bottom of your regular
shoes with a "skate key" locking them in place.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Where did you roller skate? I never went to The
Carmichael to roller skate. I did however skate several times in the rink in
Salem, WV but mostly in Nutter Fort where our Junior Class also held a skating
party.
Let’s
write about our memories of the Roller Skating for the February newsletter. And
I am sure you know the address, but just in case here it is for the millionth
time.
Write to
Roleta1@aol.com
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
PEANUT
BUTTER FLOPS
AND
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES
AND
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES
From: Jim Rogers (WI 1964)
The question you asked about being in Clarksburg and
having peanut butter flops and grilled cheese sandwiches while at Mercer Drug
Store brought back several memories.
I worked there after school at WI in the 60's. Milk
shakes were 25 cents, fountain cokes sold for 15 cents. We served grilled
cheese and ham salad sandwiches which were 30 cents each. Tom Lee would deliver
Coca Cola once a week.
In 1974 I bought Mercer Drug Store as my first
pharmacy. John Tiano (WI 1965) and I worked the pharmacy there
where we prepared coffee at 7:30 am for our coffee crowd.
Many memories about a wonderful town and a great place
to live.
From: roleta1@aol.com
One of
my favorite ways to eat my ice cream is with hot fudge and peanut butter sauce
mixed together and poured over my ice cream. When attending WI, I stopped after
school at Mercer Drug Store with what seems like half of the other kids who
rode the city bus to and from school. We enjoyed this treat that cost either 10
or 15 cents. It was named a Peanut Butter Flop! Wonder who named it? I ate there
often for lunch and my favorite sandwich was a grilled cheese sandwich with
lettuce and tomato on it. Some way they knew how to grill the sandwich just
right then pull it apart and add the lettuce and the tomato and the added
vegetables stayed crisp while the cheese sandwich remained hot and the cheese
stayed gooey! I remember a lot of my friends at a dish of mashed potatoes with
some meat and gravy on them. All of this
was probably done by a man named RUFUS who never got frustrated or upset with
any of us. I will never forget him but as much as I liked his culinary skills
and his smiling face, I was too busy to get acquainted and really never even
knew his name or anything about him. Weren’t we all so involved in our own
lives then that we never thought to ask any questions? Some of us have
discussed this before in the newsletter but we can never say enough good things
about the great food served in the soda shop area of Mercer drug store on Main
Street in Clarksburg, WV. We took it all for granted
From:
Carolyn Burnside (WI 1952)
First of all, thank you for the mention of my WI
history in the September newsletter - the first is for Tim Cork about the
teachers. Martha Ann Norman Bailey graduated in the early sixties around the
time her mother was on the faculty. We lived on the same street and she
baby-sat for me. She is deceased. Frank Gentilozzi, also deceased, graduated
in 1952, my class. Bill Nester was my student and graduated in the
mid-eighties. Also, James Bennett attended WI but moved before graduating.
Grace Albright, Glyde Bailey, and Lillie Mae Bauer
were my favorites and Lillie Mae my true mentor and the reason I was a theatre
major at WVU. She gave her dramatic talents a workout in World History class.
Now to November. The “cottage”” is the Oral Lake club
house - many, many memories from then though children, grandson, etc. and now
- great place for picnics.
I redeemed S & H Green Stamps at their store next
to the Nutter Fort Thorofare - bought my first Corning Ware set there – one
piece remains.
On Friday nights, the Stealey bunch took the bus to
the Rollerdrome in Nutter Fort. The bus stop was across the street. No worries
about getting home around eleven and walking up Hall Street from Duff Avenue.
Clarksburg Shopping: Oh, my goodness - anything and
everything. Most of my clothing came from The Exclusive which Friedlander’s
later bought. I had a few things from Friedlander’s, the Elaine Shoppe and
sometimes Broida’s first or second floor (my mother shopped on the third).
Lerner’s had underwear. And shoe stores were everywhere - Pettrey’s on Third
Street and Robert’s (later Aaron’s) and Wunder Shoes on Main. Melet’s and Loar
and White were popular for men’s wear - Parsons- Souders had clothing, shoes,
etc. for everyone as did Watts Sartor Lear. OJ Morrison’s was across Main
Street from them. James and Law remains in their location there. Wilbur Marr
Jewelry was on Third Street next to the Union National Bank. Roger’s was on
Main Street close to Woolworth’s, Murphy’s and McCrory’s. Then there was Wells
Haymaker Drug store with its small round tables and chairs. Next was Nussbaum’s
book store. Byard’s Drug Store was across the Street in the Goff Building.
Harbert’s was on Fourth Street, Back to Main: Orpheum Theater, Rex Heck, the
arcade with shops, Hagan’s and Selby Drug, and Anderson’s Restaurant.
Fourth Street had Ormond’s for lingerie, Dudley’s
Florist, and Moore’s Opera House. On the opposite corner was Candyland.
I hope someone else writes about Pike Street - I’m
tired. With only seven years between our classes, I doubt many changes occurred
before you were trudging up Fifth Street.
WHY ARE THEY
GATHERED IN THE CARMICHAEL IN THE 1950’s?
From: Roleta1@aol.com
This
picture is from sometime in the 1950’s. Do you recognize anyone? Do you know
why these people are gathered here? Was it Christmas time? Picture provided by Dick Duez (NDHD 1962) and Eugene Jaumot (Victory HS 1954).
Write to
Roleta1@aol.com
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
BOB’S DOO
WOP HALL OF FAME
From:
Bob Pugh (WI and then graduated from Elkins in 1961)
In that email I sent some of you yesterday I joked about
"Bob's Doo Wop Hall of Fame". There's, of course, no BDWHOF, but over
the last several years I've written down the groups and songs that would be in
it if it existed. There actually is something called the Doo Wop Music Hall of
Fame, but they include stuff that, although great, doesn't have people in the
background singing stuff like "doo du wop, do wop" or repeating the
last couple of words just sung by the lead singer in the previous line of
lyrics, or "sha doop ba doo, be be doop da be be doop" 3 times in a
row before the first line of lyrics. Bob's Hall is exclusive, with only the few
enshrined who have imprinted their lyrics and background patter on my mind and
likely yours too. So, I've decided to share the list of my entire Hall with you
in no particular order. How many of them do you remember, and how many bring
back a memory of a specific place or event?
BOB'S DOO WOP HALL OF FAME
With the individual
recordings that got them in my Hall
The
Moonglows: Sincerely, Most of All, When I'm With You, Over and Over Again, Ten
Commandments of Love, In My Diary and We Go Together
The
Flamingos: Lovers Never Say Goodbye, I Only Have Eyes for You and Till the End of
Time
The
Five Keys: Close Your Eyes, Glory of Love
The
Harptones: Life Is but A Dream, Sunday Kind of Love
The
Dubs: Could This Be Magic, Chapel of Dreams, Don't Ask Me to Be Lonely, No One
Pastels:
Been So Long (it was a one-hit wonder)
The
Five Satins: In the Still of The Night
The
Jive Five: My True Story, What Time Is It, I'm A Happy Man, Never Never, Don't
Believe Him Donna, Rain, Beggin You Please
The
Capris: There's A Moon Out Tonight
The
Chantels: Maybe
The
Diamonds: Little Darlin
The
Skyliners: This I Swear, Since I Don't Have You
Little
Anthony and The Imperials: Tears on My Pillow, Hurt So Bad, Goin Out of My
Head, I'm On the Outside Looking In, Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop, Two People in The
World, Take Me Back
The
Schoolboys: Please Say You Want Me
The
Turbans: When You Dance
The
Blue Jays: Lover's Island
The
Del-Vikings: Come Go with Me
The
Crests: 16 Candles
The
Shirelles: Dedicated to The One I Love
The
Crystals: There's No Other (like my baby)
The
Shields: You Cheated (another one-hit wonder)
The
Danleers: One Summer Night (yep, a one-hit wonder)
The
Paradons: Diamonds and Pearls (I'll just abbreviate one-hit wonder with OHW)
The
Penguins: Earth Angel (OHW)
Shep
and The Limelights: Daddy's Home (OHW)
The
Tune Weavers: Happy Happy Birthday Baby (OHW)
Rochell
and The Candles: Once Upon a Time (OHW)
The
Spaniels: Baby It's You, Here Is Why I love You, Stormy Weather, You Gave Me
Peace of Mind, I lost You
The
Orioles: Crying in The Chapel
The
Vows: I Want a Chance (it was never a hit ... I stumbled onto it one day ...
absolutely great)
The
Dells: Oh, What A Night, Stand in My Corner
The
Nutmegs: Story Untold
The
Drifters: There Goes My Baby, Adorable, Money Honey, Such A Night, This Magic
Moment, Save The Last Dance for Me, Some Kind of Wonderful, Up on The Roof, On
Broadway, Under the Boardwalk
Hank
Ballard and The Midnighters: Teardrops on Your Letter
The
Five Royales: This Is Dedicated to The One I Love (also a hit for The
Shirelles)
The
Channels: The Closer You Are
The
Cadillacs: Gloria, Earth Angel
The
Diablos: The Wind
The
Heartbeats: A Thousand Miles Away
The
Tymes: So Much in Love
The
Prodigals: Won't You Believe (had to include the Clarksburg group)
That's it. Many of these groups had other hits or
great records, but they weren't Doo Wop. I encourage you to go to YouTube to
use their search box and listen to some, or all, of these. And I hope you were
singing a line or two of lyrics as you read the names of the songs that bring
back so many memories. Bob.
EDITOR’S NOTE You are probably wondering who is this Bob? I
couldn’t place him at first either so I wrote and asked him. He has written
before and is a friend of many of you, of the newsletter, of Clarksburg and
particularly a big fan of music. (My kind of music!!)
Here's his reply:
I’m Bob Pugh, a native of Elkins, where I graduated from high school in
1961. You'll remember that I corresponded with you after posting about The
Prodigals on your WI site. I figured you grew up in the Doo Wop era, so my
fictitious Bob's Doo Wop Hall of Fame would likely be interesting, and
familiar. As an aside, I played in an R&B band in '60 and '61 (The Shades)
with Chuckie Collins (formerly the lead singer for The Prodigals) and Terry
Shorr (he was a drummer and attended WI before moving to Elkins), along with
another Clarksburg guy (I don't think he went to WI, maybe RW), Bill Hickman,
who played sax. I also remember playing ball against two really good WI
players, Bob Secret and Gene Donaldson. Secret was also a top track guy, very
fast.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I remember so many of these songs. Do you? What songs
make your list of favorites?
Again, it is so simple to write to Roleta1@aol.com
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
Jim
Cappellari (Huntington HS 1949) the2capps@comcast.net
He is the husband of Martha Jo (Little) (WI 1950). Martha
Jo recently passed away. Her obit as in last month’s newsletter. However, Jim
would like to keep in touch with their Clarksburg/WI friends and the WI
Newsletter.
Marlene
Rachelle Paugh (WI 1993) marlenepaugh@gmail.com
Brad Fittro (WI 1990) marshallfan71@gmail.com.
David Ellis (WI 1960) djeconsulting@aol.com
Sports Editor: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com
MY OPINION ONLY
From where I sit, it appeared that
the WVU football team did about as well as could be expected. The defense was
below average. The running game was OK, but nothing special. Will Grier
(through ten games) and his receivers (all four of them) overachieved and kept
us in most of the games. Everybody seems hyped about next year, but we had
better find a consistent run defense and a pass rush or it will be more of the
same. (Did I ever tell you that I hate the 3-3-5?) Regardless, I can't wait to
see how Will Grier does. Could WVU finally have a legitimate Heisman Trophy
candidate? Let's hope so, for as Grier goes, so go the Mountaineers.
Huggins young basketball team has
looked average at times, but they do what is necessary to win. 13 in a row at
this time. We'll know a lot more after the next game against Oklahoma. A big
win there and the return of Esa Ahmad could make this a very interesting team.
Speaking of next year, if you haven't
already done so, do a little research on a high school player named Jordan
McCabe. He is signed up to play at WVU next year. Even my Sunday School teacher
here in Florida, who is a former player at Furman, thinks McCabe may be one of
the more exciting guards he has ever seen. A replacement for Carter? Sure hope
so.
What's on your mind about sports? Send
your thoughts and comments to me, so I can share them with our readers.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
Way back in August, sixteen of our
readers and this writer submitted their predictions (guesses) for the final
regular season record for the WVU football team. Terry Shorr and John Carney
were the most hopeful, thinking the Mountaineers would end up 10-2. I love an
optimist. No one predicted a losing record and that shows fan loyalty.
The actual final record was 7-5. Three
people guessed correctly. One, Bud Collins, is a previous winner of our
contest. Another one, Bernie Cohen, also got it right the year Bud got the
prize, but missed out in the luck of the draw. The third person (Me) is
ineligible to win, so in all fairness, Bernie Cohen will be awarded a nice
prize for his accurate prediction. Hopefully, we can get a picture of Bernie
with his prize for the February newsletter.
I want to thank all those who
participated. With Will Grier and his top receivers returning in 2018, we all
have something to look forward to next fall.
GO MOUNTAINEERS!
WHAT'S THE ANSWER
The end of the college football season brought us
another controversy for the "final four" selection committee. This
time it centered on whether or not a conference champion (Ohio State) should be
included instead of a second team from another Power 5 conference (Alabama), which
did not even make their conference championship game. When Alabama secured the
fourth spot, it left both the Big 10 and the Pac 12 out of the playoffs.
My questions are:
How would you change the playoff format to ensure that
this type of thing never happens again?
How can you be fair in selecting four teams, when
there are five power conferences?
Everyone seems to have their own solution. What's
yours?
Send your thoughts and comments to Bill at billmere@aol.com
From:
James Fragale (WI 1958)
Back in
the 50's a lot of us were riveted to television, many of us remember one woman
who was on many talk and news shows, Mrs. Cindy Adams. I am sure that name is
familiar to you. Decades later, at 87, Cindy Adams is still active with a
syndicated column in the New York POST, aptly called “Cindy Adams.” Last year, I was
touted twice by Mrs. Adams for my new novel “Seventy-Six Trombones, Life after Thirty-Nine Made Easy”
(as well as that newspapers gossip maven Richard Johnson). My third outing
garnered six five-star reviews and only has been out for three months. I
include my home state of West Virginia in most of my books.
GUESS WHO?
From: Jim Hornor (WI 1959)
I want to thank you for your continued dedication to
the monthly WI newsletter. I look forward to it each month.
The “GUESS WHO” picture is none other than my lifelong
friend William Wirt Wolfe. I had to magnify his face to get a positive
recognition but could not mistake those eyes.
Wirt is standing at the Sinks of Gandy carrying a US
Springfield Mod 1873 Cal 45-70 and is authentically dressed as one of Teddy
Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. I cannot recognize the pistol but the holster is
correct for the period. The knife looks to be a Puma sheath knife.
Wirt and I spent much of our High School days hunting
and fishing and tromping throughout Harrison County. I look back on those days
with fond memories.
My wife, Jean (WI 1962) and I had the opportunity to
visit Wirt and his family, a few years back, at their home. Wirt gave us a
grand tour of the area which included his historic home. I really enjoyed the
visit and getting to know his wonderful family.
Thanks again for the Newsletter.
From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)
The Sinks of Gandy has always inspired curiosity and
mystery since earliest times—Indians, rebels and rustlers, moonshiners and
murderers, some fact, some fiction. This privately owned ¾ mile long cave
through which Gandy Fork flows is located near Osceola, which is located near
nowhere, deep in the mountains of Randolph County.
This past October, the two surviving members of the
Elmo Lincoln Brigade resolved to hold a rendezvous at the Sinks. Wirt Wolfe, (WI
'59), was pictured in the December issue of the Newsletter, standing at the
entrance to the Sinks, replete in full Spanish-American War regalia, down to
the Trapdoor Springfield .45-70 rifle. Why? Well, why not, Wirt opined, seeing
as how he missed out on the Battle of San Juan Hill, being born some 40 years
after that legendary event. And the Sinks could always accommodate another
strange and curious visitor. (My grandfather Hay fought with a rifle just like
this one in the same war in the Philippines.)
Nearby Yokum Knob overlooks the ridge under which the
cave is located. This knob is named
after Wirt's mother's family which grazed cattle there in the early 1900's. The
swallows had already left the mouth of the cave when we re-visited the Sinks. A
previous trip there had rewarded us with an up-close encounter with a bald
eagle. But on this bright fall day, we had no desire to traverse the cave and
its waterway into the pitch-black darkness beyond. Many do make the trek,
however, including our son in his teenage years. Good lights, a sunny day, and
yen for adventure will see one safely through to the rocky exit on the other
side of the ridge. Warning: never try it on a rainy day.
Readers can learn more about the Sinks online, and be
sure to look up David Hunter Strother who wrote and sketched in the Civil War
era under the pen name Porte Crayon and gave the outside world a glimpse of the
Sinks in Harper's Monthly Magazine. As for the Elmo Lincoln Brigade--“We
few, we happy few, we band of brothers” -- it best remains shrouded in the
mists of the past. Back home, safe and sound, we brothers enjoyed a delicious
repast by Chef Jill of squirrel gravy and biscuits, followed by pineapple cream
pie topping off our mini-adventure which took place on the writer's 78th
birthday,
We also noted this interesting poster of the dog and
caption attached to a fence post below Yokum Knob.
From: Charles
Ferrell (WI 1946)
I enjoyed seeing the Dec WI
Newsletter. I grew up with the Wilson children shown in one of the photos. Tom
and I went thru classes at Morgan School, JR High School and WI and graduated
in 1946. The picture of the man in front of a cave is holding an 1874 single
shot Springfield 45-70 trapdoor action rifle, the same type Gen Custer had in
his last battle with the Indians. I have the same rifle but have never shot it.
I did shoot the same type at Salem College at a nearby rock quarry in the
1940's. This week my son, Frank, and I visited the Army War College in
Carlisle, PA and the museum to see a collection of military weapons. It
included this rifle. We later went to the Gettysburg, PA. museum. Both of these
are very interesting.
WIN QUILT IS BEING
MADE
AS YOU READ THIS
This quilt square was made by Joyce Royce and is a
beautiful sample of an appliqued red on white pattern.
The WIN Quilting ladies are making their quilt squares
for the 2018 WIN Scholarship Quilt. They are busy doing their part to support
this quit. Won’t you do your part?
We are hoping to raise over $5,000.00 for the
scholarship this year. We hope to give one WIN Scholarship for $5,000.00 to a
student who will be graduating from the consolidated Clarksburg High School,
that being R. C. Byrd High School.
To be part of this, just make out your check to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship
Mail your check to:
Roleta
Meredith
3201
Charles MacDonald Drive
Sarasota,
Florida 34240
No gift is too large or too small but when we put all
of our efforts together, we amass a large check to help a student from
Clarksburg afford college.
The tickets
cost $5.00 for 6 tickets. Then 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.
The drawing will take place sometime after April15.
This is something to look forward to - Winning the quilt!
Please respond today to help with the group project as
we say Thank you to Clarksburg, our schools, and teachers for all they have
given to us.
I never disclose the amount that anyone gives. Won’t
you join in and show your appreciation?
I loved the beautiful Christmas cards so many of you
sent to me. And I appreciate the nice notes too. Never can read enough of
those.
My heartfelt thanks to the following for sending checks to the
Scholarship in December:
Babe
Bisping Cashman (WI 1956)
Terry
Snider Fazio (WI 1967)
Bud
Collins (WI 1955)
Mary
Ann Bailey Donato (WI 1956)
John C.
Allen (WI 1957)
Sally
Anne Pulice (WI 1969)
John
Teter (WI 1961) Gave in memory of Bobby Secret.
Please take a minute right now a give to the WIN
Scholarship.
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION
ON
DICK HALL (WI 1955)
Buck Tustin
(WI 1955) would like to get in touch with Dick Hall. Dick was on the great WI
basketball team and graduated in 1955. Buck has contacted or has addresses for all of the members of that
team except for Dick.
If you have
any information on Dick Hall, will you please send it to me at: Roleta1@aol.com
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thanks for the help.
THE DECEMBER MYSTERY
PICTURE
From: Wayne White (WI 1960)
Easily distinguishable in this aerial photo is Hite Field. The field
always had a Friday night football game for more than Fifty years. South
Chestnut street is to the left portion of the photograph. Sutter Roofing and
various business interests can be seen on the right foreground. West Fork River
and the Hartland section can be seen in the center at the top of the photo.
This was a “one time” field with lots of different schools playing there.
From: AD
“Augie” Malfregeot, (WI 1956)
The December mystery picture is Hite Field or WI High
School football field. There is the parking lot with many cars. The WI Mothers
Club concession stand is not there, but Victory and RW’s Mothers concession
stands are still there. The fence does not cover all of the stadium. Kelly
Miller’s practice field, which was also used by Central Junior High School, is
above the parking area. The Kelly Miller dressing house which was outside of
the stadium is not there. The WI dressing room is not in the picture either.
Over by the railroad are a couple of marbles companies. One year as I was
coming out of the dressing room door, I saw Mr. Grudekunst marking the fields
for whoever ran the chalk lines. WI, Victory, RW, St. Mary’s Kelly Miller,
Central Junior High and WI Junior Varsity all played on the field, which is why
there was very little grass left by November.
From:
Dave Kuhl (WI 1962)
The
aerial photo is of Hite Stadium looking southwest. In the photograph, the house
cut in half just showing a triangle next to South Chestnut Street as it goes
out of the picture going north was my family home. The next house south was the
McKinley family home. The last living McKinley was Clarence in the WI class of
1950. The father, Carl McKinley, drove a city bus and had cows in the field
below South Chestnut Street to the right (west) in the photo. The picture may
have been taken by J. Frank Wiseman who had one of the first if not the first
pilot's license in the state of WV. Frank and Eleanor Wiseman had two girls,
Mary Wiseman Wetzel, (WI 1959), and Eleanor Frances "Frankie" Wiseman
Hatfield, (WI 1962).
There
is an unpaved street called Dane Street which goes from Chestnut down to the
marble factory. That was part of the short cut path down over the hill, then
through a gate and cow pasture to get to the stadium.
Coach
Bill Moore grew up in the house on the southwest corner of Chestnut and Dane.
His father's name was Calvin Moore. Bill had an older brother named Jack who
was an FBI agent.
In
1929, my uncle Manfred Spangler who was living just north of my home lost his
job. He and my aunt Lena Kuhl Spangler, (WI 1919), and their three sons: Burt
born in 1920 (WI 1938), Bob born in 1922 (WI 1939) and Mirth born in 1924 (WI 1942)
all moved into the Moore's basement. I think the Moore's also had three boys.
That would have made a house full with 10 people.
Before
1926, the WI football team practiced at Norwood Park and traveled there on the
street car. I remember some story about football players riding the street car
and getting it all muddy because they did not have any place to change into
clean cloths.
My
grandfather, Robert Floyd Kuhl who died in 1925, brought his family from
Fairmont to Clarksburg about 1912 working for the traction company (street
car). By 1918, his draft registration said that he was the assistant city
treasurer. Margaret Heflin Bailey, (WI 1962) and former Clarksburg mayor said
that they had no records going back to that era.
The
street car line was shut down about 1949. Kuhl Ave in Stealey is on the old
Street Car line right of way. I was told that it was named for my grandfather.
Chestnut
St. was closed to through traffic because of a slide at Dane and Chestnut. That
area is so steep and the roads are so narrow that it is only fit for mountain
goats. I edged past the road closed signs to get close to the slide. The detour
around it routes traffic past RCB High School and through Broad Oaks.
From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
I know the mystery picture is that of WI Field. I
don't know when the name was changed to Hite Field but it was appropriately
named for Clay B. Hite. Every day after school during football season, we would
walk down Lee St to Chestnut St., then a little way on Chestnut St. till we
came to a path next to the home of one of our class mates, Nancy Graham. That
path led us down to WI field. The club house or dressing rooms, as we may have
called the building back then, was a block building with two sections. One area
was for the home team and the other for the visiting team. I don't ever
remember going into the visitor’s area. Our area had lockers along the walls
with wooden benches in front for us to dress. Our showers, as I remember, were
block walls, concrete floor, and I think the shower piping was on the face of the
wall and not within the walls. The restroom, I won't go into that, but they
were not that private.
That building was a good place to sit and talk to
your buddy about football practice. The first 10 or 15 mins. after practices we
drank water. Coach Folio would not allow us to have any water on the field no
matter how hot during practices. We could have water during games. A little of
the subject but:
I don't remember any of us missing practices due to
colds or any sicknesses. But during our games our drinking water was in a
galvanized bucket with a dipper. We would put the dipper in the water and drink
what we wanted and when we finished we would throw the rest on the ground. Some
probably just put the remainder back in the bucket. Did we get sick or colds
from that?? Don't think so. Also, since I'm off track of the mystery
picture... Mentioning Lee St above, made me think of a T-shirt I had back
then that read "WI LeeStreeters". I guess we were LeeStreeters before
Hilltoppers.
The other field beside WI Field was Kelly Miller's
field. We practiced on that field once in a while. I don't know why unless the
main field was being striped for a Thurs evening game.
After practice was over, we showered, dressed, and
headed home. We walked up the path to Chestnut St., down to Lee or sometimes
Washington Ave., on down to Water St (Broad Oaks guys), cross swinging bridge
to Broad Oaks. Then sometimes we had evening "Chalk Talk" back at the
school. We thought it was a long way but the truth to be known, I doubt if the
whole thing totaled 5 miles. Would I do it again?? HECK YES!
From:
Bob Kramer (WI 1965)
This is
a picture of Hite Field. This is where WI played their football games and was
the site of the track team. Around the parking lot end of the stadium were the
football mother’s concession stands. They had great hot dogs there.
From
David Ellis (WI 1960)
The
December Mystery Picture is Hite Field, off of South Chestnut Street. The field
was named for Clay Hite, the well-known football coach, and later Dean of Boys
and Athletic Director at WI. He was still at WI when I started in 1956, but
passed away in 1958. (Read a very nice article about him by his daughter, Emma
Lee, (WI 1960), in the Newsletter, Issue 48, 2003.) I spent my four years at WI
in the band, so I remember the separate set of bleachers which you can see as
white squares behind the end zone on the right side of the picture. That is
where the band sat during the game. Behind the other end zone, between the
parking lot and the field, you can see a small building that was the concession
stand. The area to the left of the parking lot is the practice field. The band
used that area for practice early in the morning, with Henry Mayer, barking out
his marching orders for the precision marching we would perform at half-time.
Even though the band practice did not start until around 8:30 in the morning,
we looked forward to getting there early to take part in the sand-lot football
game that always took place before practice. The street two blocks from the
parking lot in the upper left corner of the picture is where the band would
form up on Friday nights, before the game. We would then march in formation to
the field, form up under the left goal posts and march, playing “Our Boys Will
Shine Tonight” across the field to our seats. Great fun.
1926 - WI’s
NEW Athletic Field-near South Chestnut Street (Hite Field) became the setting
for sports events in 1926. Clay B. Hite used his engineering education to
direct its construction. Hite’s daughter Emma Lou, said that Bobby Bowden, then
WVU’s football coach, expressed his opinion that “Hite Field” was the best
designed field in the state because it drained better than any other, including
old Mountaineer Field. South
Chestnut Street can be seen in the lower left corner of the photo and
Monticello Elementary School is shown in the top left of this photo.
TWO
GOOD BOOKS
REVIEWED BY MIKE SNYDER (WI 1957)
First, there's NO TIME TO FEAR, the memoir of
Bernard Berry of Clarksburg, which was also written about in the Newsletter
this summer. This book delivers in spades, a true WWII war epic about the
intrepid 24-year-old U.S. bomber pilot who was shot down in Northern Italy in
December, 1944. He becomes attached to the British Special Forces and leads
Italian partisans in numerous successful missions against the Germans by
disrupting their trains and motor transports with explosives, machine guns,
rifles and grenades in the Brenner Pass in the deep snows and bitter cold
during the last months of the war. His fascinating and action filled accounts
of fighting and surviving on wine, cheese and bread, skis, bullets and bravery,
bring to life the undaunted courage of Lt. Berry and his Italians. All WW II
buffs will really enjoy this gripping action by a true hero from our hometown.
I ordered the book through our local library and it was sent up from the
Clarksburg library with a hand-written inscription on the title page by Bernard
Berry, himself, who has since passed away.
And there's MALICE ON THE MEKONG by WI grad,
Nancy Swing, (WI 1961), who spent 40 years in foreign service in a host of
third world countries. This is a ladies' murder mystery set in the stark and
exotic country of Laos. The main character, a 50-year-old Indian woman and the
rest of the ex-patriot women in this all-female cast (with one wimpy male
Canadian diplomat) are brought to life by Swing. In first hand detail she
describes how these foreign nationals live a sophisticated life style amongst the
polite, self-effacing Laotians who can show their darker side and “black
hearts.”
When the
leader of this group of wives, whose husbands are away on projects, shows up
dead in the Mekong River, our Indian gal sets out to find out “who done it.” I
enjoy reading about foreign locales, in which Swing, who has lived there,
describes so well. Her well-developed characterizations and their personal
agendas leaves the reader wondering which one of these interesting women could
have killed the victim who wanted to control the lives of all those around her.
Nancy Swing's excellent writing deserves the five-star rating this book earned.
(The colorful cover on the book shows a group of orange-clad Buddhist monks
strolling towards a temple. All is peaceful and serene, but a closer look
reveals the monk in the back has half his fanny subtly protruding out of his
robe. Curious, Nancy.
MUSIC-MUSIC-MUSIC
From: Gary Robey (WI 1957)
Old 45 RPM Records 1950 - 1989
This is better than an old record player any day! This is a keeper.
It
lists the song and the label from each Top Ten 45-rpm record for every month for
40 years!
You can
click on this link and play each song!
THE
JANUARY MYSTERY PICTURE
Do you
recognize this structure? Where was it located? Where did you see it? What was
it used for? Tell us anything you can about what is pictured here.
Picture provided by Dick Duez (NDHD 1962) and Eugene Jaumot (Victory HS 1954).
Write to
Roleta@aol.com
Thank you.
CLASS
MEETING
Classmates
from All Classes are Welcome
HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US
From: Mary
Beth Miller Stenger (WI 1980)
Our WI Class of 1980 meets the first Tuesday of every
month for dinner.
We meet at 6:00 pm at the Caboose.
Because the location and even the date sometimes changes,
please check with Mary Beth Miller at 304.745.3511 or join our class Facebook
page where we put the monthly dinner as an event to confirm dinner details.
Everyone pays for their own meal; we often celebrate
monthly birthdays with a homemade cake/dessert.
WI CLASS OF 1963
55TH REUNION
SAVE THE DATE
The
WIHS Class of 63 will be celebrating their fifty-fifth-class reunion on
September 28th and 29th, 2018 in Clarksburg, WV. We will
send out the mailings in February.
We are
trying to find the following classmates. If you are in contact with any of them
please have them send their address and email to saralhowe@yahoo.com.
Mary
Lou Bennett-Coyier
Autrice Bowsman
Charles Cooper
Pam Cutright Hunter
Rebecca Davis
Betsy Dilmore-Runyan
Edward Evans
Karen Floyd Barrett
Jeanne
Griffith-Mackie
Marilyn Jackson-Dumire
Barbara Kibbee-Clayton
Phil Nedrick
Losh
Nancy Lee Masonheimer-Adams
Barbara McClain
William Meck
Linda Miles-Barnes
Edger Thomas -Miller
Linda Mitchel - Westfall
Carl Murphy
John E. North
Hazel Patrick
Thank you in advance.
Sara L. Hall Howe (WI 1963)
A SURPRISE
ARRIVED
From:
Roleta Smith Meredith (Roleta1@aol.com)
I
received a very nice surprise in the mail this Christmas week. It is from Ralph
Hardman (WI 1959)
He
writes:
Roleta, I was reading the WI Newsletter and saw where
you asked people to write about West Virginia Expressions. I used to write the
newsletter for our church and would put expressions in it once in a while to
get members talking, enclosed is a booklet I was given named,
“Hill’n Holler Expressions”-A Dictionary of West
Virginia Hillbilly Talk.
What a
nice surprise, Thank you, Ralph. I do appreciate it.
I am sharing
a few with you and I hope you will write back with a few that you remember.
Believe me, if you stop and think of things you have heard people say you too
can relate to this booklet. I would love to have a few of these expressions in
the newsletter each month
COLLOQUIALISMS
Has our
manner of speaking been white washed to the point that it is getting harder and
harder to pick out the certain sayings or ways of speaking in certain areas? My
grandparents had words or expressions that they used commonly but I seldom hear
those things being spoken today. I know what most of these things mean and I
probably used many of them when growing up. I am sure I learned them from my
grandmother who lived with us for 7 years. I love dialects, colloquialisms and
manners of speech as it really tells us where a person is from. This little
booklet that Ralph sent to me is a step for me back into the past. If you stop
for a minute and think of your grandparents or some older people, you too will
remember some of these sayings. I hope you will write and share these with us. Hopefully
we will have some of these in our newsletter for the next few months.
So here
are a few to start off with:
All-git-out - which means Really big. Example = “It was as big as
All-git-out!”
A Fixin’ - Getting’ ready to. Example = “We’re a-fixin to go to
town.”
Agin - When. Example = “It’ll be suppertime agin I get the
chores done.”
Aim – Plan, intend. Example = “I aim to come back to these
mountains ever’ year.”
Airy – Any at all. Example = “I don’t have airy a penny to
give you.”
Do you remember
any? Come on and share with us!
Write to
Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your
name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
Pictured above (l to r) are Barbara Davis, Jonathan
Goldsmith and Mitch Davis
MEETING
SOMEONE FAMOUS
Have
you ever met someone who is known as a Famous Person?
What
makes someone famous?
I can’t
describe it but I am sure you know what I mean. Below is an example of such a
letter.
Write
us your story Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your
name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
From: Mitch Davis (WI 1961)
My wife and I celebrated our 50th anniversary on
December 2nd. What was fun was meeting the Original
Most Interesting Man in the World on that same day. Many
readers may remember him from the TV advertisements for Dos Equis beer. He
always ended the commercial saying "Stay thirsty my friends."
His fame knows no boundaries:
It's said that mosquitoes refuse to bite him out of
respect.
He once won the Tour de France but was disqualified
because he rode a unicycle
The circus ran away to join him.
Big Foot is looking to take his picture.
In museums, he's allowed to touch the art.
He won a lifetime achievement award, twice.
He once had an awkward moment, just to see how it
would feel
His name is Jonathan
Goldsmith and he's acted in many movies over the years. He lives in Vermont
where my family and I lived for 15 years. My wife and I now live in Albany, NY.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year!
Roleta, your hard work makes sooooo many people happy.
Thank you!
A
DIFFICULT FAREWELL
From: Bill Meredith (Monongah 1957)
I was saddened to hear of the resent passing of Bobby
Secret, undoubtedly one of the finest athletes ever to call Clarksburg home.
Having grown up in Marion County, my only knowledge of Bobby's exploits was
what I read in the local papers or was told by my future wife and her friends
during our dating years in the late 50's. We left the area in 1961 and I lost
contact with the local sports scene for several years.
About 10 years ago, while attending an early W I
Summer Picnic, I met Bobby for the first time. We became instant friends. Not
the kind of friends who grew up together or who see each other often, but
friends nevertheless. We had one very big mutual interest---SPORTS-- WVU
sports, in particular. Mix in a little politics and you know that he was my
kind of guy. He loved his God, his family, his country, his local area and, of
course his Mountaineers.
Since I never saw him play any sport, I won't be able
to remember his amazing ability like many of you can. But I can and will
remember one thing about Bobby. He was the ultimate fan. Regardless of how bad
the Mountaineers were playing or how big of an underdog they might be in an
upcoming contest, Bobby would pick them to win. That, my friends, is the
ultimate fan. His loyalty was legendary, not just in sports, but in life. I am
told that he had more friends than one could imagine. Everyone loved Bobby and
so did I. I'll see you in the post-game, my friend.
ROBERT L.
SECRET
Robert
L. “Bobby” Secret, 75, of Clarksburg, joined our Lord Dec. 24, 2017, at home
with his loving wife.
He was
born in Clarksburg, March 28, 1942, a son of the late Patrick and Mary Shields
Secret.
Bobby
is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon Tiano Secret; daughters, Tara
Secret Seckman and husband Josh and Ashlee Secret Barkley and husband Jacob;
grandchildren, Alvee Marie Barkley, Samuel Robert Seckman, Naomi Elizabeth
Barkley, Saul Bryant Barkley, his sister, Marianne Secret Hanner; and brother,
Patrick Secret; aunt Eleanor Shields Alessi; sister-in-law, Jacquline Romano
and husband Carmen and brother-in-law, Lou Tiano and wife Marina. He also
leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and
extended family.
In
addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Secret
Lehosit.
Bobby
was a stranger to no one. He was a light and inspiration to everyone he met.
When Bobby was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago, he used this as an
opportunity to bring encouragement and hope to those struggling with this
disease. He was given two months to live and here we are 10 years later celebrating
the life of this amazing fighter. Although his body was weak, his faith was
strong and with this strength he found peace and the grace to minister to
others.
Bobby
wore many hats. He was an athlete, a beloved coach, an amazing math teacher and
mentored many young lives throughout the years.
Bob
Secret was a four-sport superstar at Washington Irving High School. He excelled
at football, basketball, track and field, and baseball (American Legion). He
was one of three outstanding athletes in WV Class AAA named All-American both
in football and basketball. Bobby was runner up to Jerry West for the WV
Amateur athlete of the year award and received a trophy for Morgantown
Touchdown Club (known now as the Kennedy Award). Bobby went to Notre Dame
University as a football recruit and finished his career at Salem College with
a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree at WVU.
His
love for sports flourished into a lifetime of coaching. He was an assistant
coach at Victory High School for a few years in the 1960s. He also coached
American Legion Post 13 with his brother Pat for many years. In 1992, they won
the state tournament and went on to the Mid-Atlantic regionals in New York. He
coached against his uncle Timbuck Shields and cousin Jimmy Salentro. This was a
sight to see.
Not
only did he share his knowledge on the field, court, diamond, golf course and
pool, but he shaped lives by teaching. He was a numbers man. He worked in
Harrison County, as well as spending many years teaching at the Salem Correctional
Center for the Youth, where he helped troubled kids feel like they could be
someone. He taught life lessons, as well as math. He helped kids get their GEDs
and do something positive with their life. He tutored many students at his home
and encouraged everyone he met. Bobby was named Teacher of the Year several
times throughout his career.
Bobby
was always building relationships, but the most important relationship to him
was the one with Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Men’s
Group and Tuesday morning prayer group.
To be
Bobby’s friend was something, but to be his family was everything. His love for
his parents and siblings was unwavering. Everyone knew his tremendous love for
his girls, that he was so proud of. You could see the love in his eyes every
time he smiled at them, and when they finally gave him grandchildren his heart
overflowed. They kept him busy. Oh, how he loved to play with them and tell
them stories.
No love
could ever compare to the love he had for his wife, who was the love of his
life. He always said, “She saved my life.” He was home with his love when Jesus
called him.
The
family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who loved, cared
and prayed for Bobby. A link to read more about Bobby.
LOIS WISEMAN FIELDS
I
received a letter from James William Fields informing me that his wife Lois
Wiseman Fields (WI 1946) is deceased. We extend our sympathy to the family.
ROSE LUCENTE
Rose
Lucente, 87, crossed into the glory of Heaven and into the arms of her Savior
Jesus Christ Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, surrounded by her family.
She was
born at home in Summit Park on June 17, 1930, and was the daughter of the late
Frank and Daisy Devono Lucente.
Rose is
survived by one sister, Rebecca Lucente, who resides in Bridgeport.
Rose
attended Summit Park Elementary and Junior High and was a 1948 graduate of
Victory High School. She worked at her parent’s neighborhood grocery store from
a young age and, after the death of her parents, went on to establish the Rose
Lucente Pizzeria at the same location in 1986. She served her famous pizza,
hoagies and pepperoni rolls until 2011, when she began to have health issues. She
lived in Summit Park for 85 years until 2015, when she went to live with her
cousin Mary Lou “Weege” Vargo. In addition to her sister, Rebecca, Rose is
survived by two sisters-in-law, Velma and Marlane Lucente; 23 nieces and
nephews; as well as many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.
She was
preceded in death by five brothers, John, Tony (Tubby), Joe, Frank and David
Lucente; three sisters, Jennie Jenio, Katie Papasidero and Margaret Jane
Lucente; one nephew, Tim Lucente; and one niece, Teresa Lucente.
Rose
was a faithful servant of the Lord and attended Christian Assembly Church in
Nutter Fort. She would often be heard singing her church hymns while she worked
and cooked. She was a gentle spirit with a huge heart.
RANDY WILLIAM COCHRAN
Randy
William Cochran, 62, of Clarksburg, WV (Arlington Addition), passed away on
Friday, December 1, 2017, at the WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV,
following an extended illness.
He was
born in Clarksburg on July 3, 1955, a son of the late Chester William Cochran
and Jo Ann (Holmes) Cochran of Clarksburg.
In
addition to his mother, Randy is survived by two children: daughter, Starla
Lynn Cochran, and son, Shawn William Cochran; four siblings: Danny W. Cochran,
Cathy A. (Steve) Oldaker, Lonny D. (Mitzi) Cochran, and Debby L. (John). Also
surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Randy
graduated from Victory High School, Class of 1973, and attended the United
Methodist Temple.
CAROLYN JEANETTE RUTHERFORD GEORGE
Carolyn
Jeanette Rutherford George, 73, of Nutter Fort, passed away Monday, Dec. 4,
2017, in the Ruby Memorial Hospital-WV Caring following an extended illness.
She was
born in Pittsburgh, PA, on Feb. 8, 1943, the only child of Carl and Bernice
“Beck” Fleming Rutherford.
She was
married to Charles Robert George April 9, 1965, who preceded her in death on
Aug. 29, 2015.
Surviving
are two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Marvin Keith George and his wife
Patty and Beverly Ann Fleshman; four special nieces and nephews, and four
great-nieces and nephews.
Carolyn
was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School. She was a secretary at
Washington Irving High School from 1976 to 1996, when began working as a
secretary at Robert C. Byrd High School, having worked for the Harrison County
Board of Education for over 27 years and retiring in 2003.
BERNICE KING McHENRY
Bernice Ruth King McHenry, 83, wife
of E. Ronald “Ron” McHenry, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017 surrounded by
loving family members and friends.
Born in Clarksburg, WV, she was the
daughter of the late Archie and Virginia Lynch King.
Bernice was a graduate of Washington
Irving High School and West Virginia Wesleyan University where she was a member
of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and a Director of the Emeritus Club. She was a
schoolteacher in Parkersburg and Clarksburg, WV, and Fostoria and Berea, OH.
She was also a Sunday school teacher and church youth leader in Parkersburg,
WV, Clarksburg, WV, Fostoria, OH, Lawrenceburg, TN, Berea, OH, and Leesburg,
FL. Bernice was also a Girl Scout leader in many of these communities. She was
Director of Adult and Senior Ministry at the United Methodist Church of Berea,
OH for over twenty years, where she introduced and directed the Stephen
Ministry Program. Her expertise in many fields resulted in her teaching classes
in prayer, retirement, Alzheimer’s disease and other subjects in many churches
and corporate locations.
Bernice enjoyed her church
activities, cooking, baking, world traveling with her husband, and spending
quality family time. She took being a grandmother to her two grandsons very
seriously. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and
friend to many.
In addition to her loving husband of
59 enriching years, Bernice is survived by two daughters, Deanna Lebiedz
(Christopher) and Karen Walker; two grandsons, Bradley Walker and Steven
Lebiedz; a brother, Eugene King (Betty); and her cherished nieces.
ANTHONY LEON BELLOTTE, SR.
ANTHONY
LEON BELLOTTE, Sr. "Tony," died on December 11, 2017 in his home. He
was born on June 1, 1939, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He graduated from
Washington Irving High School in 1957 and soon after joined the United States
Navy. He then went to Bainbridge, Maryland where he attended Communications Technician
School. While in the Navy he was stationed in Great Lakes, IL, Treasure Island,
California, Guam Island, Washington, DC, where he went to the Naval
Intelligence Spanish Language Training School in Anacostia, and then to San
Juan Puerto Rico. Tony served at sea, on the Blockade during the Cuban Crisis;
volunteered to take on military duties overseas as a civilian to release
Military to go to Vietnam; and worked extensively in South America on Counter
Drug activities for various Contractor companies. He is an awardee of the US
Navy Honorable Discharge, Good Conduct Medal and the Civilian Meritorious
Service Medal. With all the hard work mentioned above, completed by the
thousands of people who worked with him over these many years and to whom he
owes a great amount of gratitude. Tony is survived by his wife, Jody Georgene
Bellotte, daughter Maria Austin-Bellotte and her husband Grant Austin, son
Joseph David Bellotte and his wife Teresa, and son Anthony Bellotte II and wife
Tracey, and brother David Bellotte of Clarksbug, WV. We have 8 grandchildren
and 6 great-grandchildren. Tony and Jody remained in Severn, Maryland. Tony
also has five nephews, with their families, who live in the Annapolis and work
in the immediate surrounding area
JAMES CLIFFORD CORRELL
James Clifford Correll, 69, of Clarksburg, passed away
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at United Hospital Center surrounded by his family.
He was born June 15, 1948, in Paintsville, KY, son of
the late John Clifford and Lois Irene Mitchell Correll.
James is survived by his wife, Pamela Correll, whom he
married March 1, 1980; one son, James Arthur “Arty” Correll; two brothers,
Frank Correll and Della, and Charlie Correll; two sisters, Dorothy Wakowski and
John, and Nancy Whaley; sister-in-law; Fe Correll; brothers-in-law, Richard
Smith and wife Karen, and Timothy Smith; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in
death by his beloved sister, Lois Jean “Jeanie” Correll; one brother, Raymond
Correll; nephew, Randall Flanigan; and niece, Diane Correll;
James was a Vietnam veteran in the United States Army.
He worked for Coca-Cola for many years. He was a life member of MOPH Chapter
418, past commander of Purple Heart, American Legion Post 31 and Clarksburg VFW
Post 573. His awards include the Bronze Star of Valor, Army Accommodation with
Valor, two Purple Hearts and various Vietnam Service Awards. James collected
World War I and World War II memorabilia and enjoyed doing jigsaw and crossword
puzzles.
JAMES RAYMOND COLLINS
James
Raymond Collins, Jr., 78, of Clarksburg, WV (Broad Oaks), passed away on
Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at the Meadowview Manor in Bridgeport.
He was
born in Clarksburg on May 4, 1939, a son of the late James R. Collins Sr. and
Vena (Morris) Collins.
James
was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Steele Collins in 1997.
In
addition to his parents and wife, James was preceded in death by one brother,
Steve Collins.
Mr.
Collins is survived by one daughter, Rebecca C. (Josh) Biser; niece, Debbie
Childers; nephew, Steve Longwell serving in the United States Navy and
stationed in Japan; and nephew, Jeff White. Also surviving are several cousins.
Jim, as
he was known to many, was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and then
served his country honorably in the United States Navy.
He
retired after many years with Lockheed Martin as a tooling inspector.
Jim was
a very avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast, a 32nd Mason, and greatly enjoyed
golfing. James liked working with his hands and enjoyed drawing, various metal
art, and muzzle loading to name a few.
SAM BERT TERANGO, JR.
Sam
Bert Terango, Jr. 84, of Nutter Fort, WV, passed away on Dec. 28, 2017, at the
United Hospital Center following a brief illness.
He was
born in Clarksburg, WV, on Sept. 28, 1933, a son of the late Sam Bert and Rose
Julian Terango.
His
wife of 58 years, Dolores Ann Alvarez Terango, preceded him in death on Aug.
27, 2017.
Mr.
Terango is survived by his son, Sam Terango, III and his companion Debbie
Wheeler; granddaughter, Brooke Wheeler and great-granddaughter Adriana Grega;
one brother, Ross Terango and wife Patricia; and one sister, Anita Fazzini. Sam
was Catholic by faith, and a graduate of Washington Irving High School. He
served our country as a veteran in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
Sam was
the owner and operator of B & B Harley-Davidson since 1977. He formerly
worked as a glass worker at Rolland Glass Factory, and was a machinist at
Hart’s International Products.
Sam was
a member of the National HOG Chapter, Central WV Hog Chapter and the National
Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and hunting birds with his dog.
He especially enjoyed the outdoors, spending time on his farm and at Canaan
Valley.
He was
a hunting guide at Paint Rock Lodge in Sheridan, Wyoming.
CONCETTA OLIVERIO YEAGER
Concetta
Oliverio Yeager, 64, of Clarksburg, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 at her
residence following an extended illness.
She was
born in Clarksburg June 13, 1953, a daughter of the late Mario “Mutt” and
Katherine Medina Oliverio.
Surviving
are one daughter, Alana Genteel Mayle; two brothers, Mario Oliverio and wife
Angela, and Paul “P.B.” Oliverio and wife Melinda; one sister, Rosann; one
half-brother, Franky Oliverio; and two cats, Pinky and Mimi.
She was
a loving mother to Alana. Mrs. Yeager was a graduate of Notre Dame High School,
was a homemaker and was Catholic by faith. She loved cooking, was a traveler
and an artist, and she was a true provider.
DAVID EDWARD “COACH” PATTERSON
David
Edward “Coach” Patterson Sr., 78, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017,
at his residence.
He was
born in Glenwood Hill Feb. 12, 1939, a son of the late James Arthur and Ella
Virginia Patterson.
He is
survived by his wife, Sandra Jo Fitzpatrick, whom he married March 25, 1959;
four children, Kimberly Ann (Frank) Secreto, Jacqueline (Douglas), Shawna J.
Patterson, and David E. (Becky) Patterson; seven grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren, and one brother, James (Betty) Patterson.
He was
also preceded in death by one son, Daniel David Patterson; and one sister,
Clista Jean Patterson.
Mr.
Patterson was a 1958 graduate of Victory High School, was a retired Coal Miner
with 30 years of service at Consol, and was the Owner of Rose of Sharon Flower
Shop. He coached Pop Warner Football for 18 years earning him the nickname,
“Coach.” He led the Clarksburg Panthers to several Pop Warner Championships,
was awarded Coach of the Year, and was the first coach ever to be awarded the
Frank Loria Award. Coach Patterson could not have loved his boys any more. He was
Protestant by faith.
SHIRLEY ISABELLA MILLER
Shirley
Isabella Miller, age 66, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at United
Hospital Center.
She was
born June 4, 1951, in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of the late Ottie F. Harvey
and Hazel F. (Jarvis) Harvey.
Shirley
is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Ann Miller; a son, Scott Brian; two
sisters, Rose Ann Jarvis, and Brenda Harvey; and a brother, George. In addition
to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Sears Creed
Miller; a sister, Marion Harvey; and two brothers, Elsworth Harvey and Dorsey
Harvey.
Shirley
was a homemaker and a Christian by Faith. She was a graduate of Victory High
School and the Clarksburg Beauty Academy.
