Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith
Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton
From:
Roger Young (WI 1972)
My name is Roger Young. I grew up in Clarksburg and am
a 1972 graduate of WIHS. For many years I have known of this newsletter and
have enjoyed excerpts from my mother initially and more recently via my
siblings. I am long overdue requesting that I be included on the distribution
list. I would appreciate receiving future issues.
From: Dorothy Ann
Hughes Shaffer (WIHS 1952)
Roleta,
you have a fantastic ministry with this newsletter.
As we
age, no doubt you see where we can tend to wonder if we are still making a
difference in the world. For sure, you are making a difference in many, many
lives. People may not respond the way you would like to see but the ability to
connect and restore memories is providing a therapy for all who read it.
I'm
sorry I draw a blank when I try to think of something to contribute, probably
many others have this experience. But we love the newsletter, it is a work of
art and allows us to connect with a past that is personal to us. It would no
doubt be discouraging when you don't hear from anyone but I hope you guys hang
in there until someone else feels the inspiration. Seems it could win awards
somewhere.
The
February issue was just excellent. Not only providing memories but also the
marvelous history regarding Bridgeport. Photography is so special as well.
Guess I tend to repeat myself but it still holds. "THANKS"
From: Ruby Mathews Casto (Victory High School 1947)
I believe the Methodist Church on 2nd Street
burned in 1952. I worked at Imperial Ice Cream at the time and we were working
late and we could see the fire and we stood up by Bland’s Drug Store and
watched it burn. Of course, there were no cameras handy. The large crowd at the
Carmichael, picture in January newsletter, could have been a healing service by
Katherine Kulhman as I remember taking my mother to it. I looked to see if I
could see us in the picture but didn’t find us. I know that place was jamb
packed that night and that was in the early 50’s.
W V PEPPERONI ROLL POPS UP IN WASHINGTON,
D.C. WTOP
Click here to read all about it.
THE FEBRUARY
MYSTERY PICTURE
Above is the inside ticket booth (the February mystery
picture) at the Robinson Grand. After you got your ticket, you would walk up to
the inside door where you would give your ticket to Mrs. Nuzum.
From: Phyllis Alton Nichols (WI 1957)
The
picture looks like the ticket booth at the Robinson Grand theater. I loved that
place and am glad they are going to use it again. I have been watching the
progress on the outside but haven't been inside to see the renovations. As a
young girl, there was always a group of us going to the movie together. Then
after I was allowed to date, most of the time, that is where we went. (Usually
went to Sky castle or dancing until curfew after the movie,) Sometimes we went
to the Ritz, but Robinson Grand was my favorite. I went to a beauty contest
there in 1957 or 58 and then in later years, Mr. Buffington sponsored Summer
Theater there for all the Harrison Co. kids who were interested in being in
plays or the orchestra. My son starred in "Oliver", was the king in
"The King and I", he was also in "Guys and Dolls" and a
couple of others. Summer theater was such a great thing for the young people.
They had fun, were kept busy, and made friends from other schools since it was
for the county. My children loved it and were all in involved in one way or the
other. As dancers, in the band, or doing scenery. During the first few Italian
Festivals, well know entertainers performed there. Bonnie McGowan taught my
girls dancing and her recitals were held there. I have so many good memories
associated with the Robinson Grand. Also had a friend who sold the tickets out
of this booth. Those were the days!!
Above
are two pictures of uniforms worn by ushers at the theater. The theater was
often so crowded that the usher would find you a seat. If you arrived a little
late to the movie, the usher used a flashlight to guide you down the aisle to
an open seat. This was big City kind of thing, wasn’t it?
From: Linda (Nutter) Gimmel (WI 1966)
I think it is the ticket window at the Robinson Grand
Theater. In the mid 1990's the Miss West Virginia Scholarship Pageant was held
there and I was chairman of the house committee and worked 3 nights behind that
glass. I also remember standing in line to purchase tickets to see Fidler on
the Roof with Mike Simons. Let's hope they save some of the icons of the
building in the rebuild soon to be completed.
The Miss WV Scholarship Pageant is the conduit for
Miss WV who represents WV at Miss America. It had been held in Harrison County
for many years. Originally by the Jay Cees, later by a board of directors run
by Al Cox for many years. It was held at Lincoln High School for several years
then moved to the Robinson Grand Theater and finally to the new Robert C Byrd High
School for 3 years when it opened. It is currently held in Monongalia County
each year sometime in June. The board was made up of local men and women
dedicated to raising scholarship money for ladies to pay tuition. The final
night of the pageant was actually televised live on WBOY with the late Mike
Simons for several years when it was in Clarksburg. It took about 50 volunteers
to produce and tech the three-night event. The Miss America Organization is the
largest source of college scholarship funding for women in the United States.
The local board attended the Miss America Pageant in
Atlantic City, NJ for nearly 10 years as well as national meetings in NY and CA
to represent WV with our winner.
I think it was either 1995 or 1996 that JonBenet
Ramsey along with her mother, Patsy (previous Miss WV) and father attended our
pageant at the Robinson Grand Theater. I actually held that beautiful little
girl while her mom rehearsed for her part in the show during the afternoon of
the finals night.
Hope this gives you a thumb nail sketch of Miss WV and
the Robinson Grand Theater.
Thanks again for all you do.
Thanks to Eugene Jaumot (Victory 1954) for the Robinson Grand pictures shown here:
Interested in reading about the history of the
Robinson Grand Theater or about the project now underway? CLICK HERE -You can spend a few hours reading and searching around
through the different pages offered.
Sports Editor: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com
THE WINNER
We announced in the December Newsletter that Bernie
Cohen was the winner of the Fearless Forecast Contest, by predicting the
correct final season record for the WVU football team last fall. Below is a
picture of Bernie with his prizes, a WV Desk Caddy and assorted golf ball
markers. It pays to play.
We'll be asking for your predictions again in the
August newsletter, so do your homework on the team and submit your guess for a
chance to win.
AN INCREDIBLE VIDEO
If you would like to see an incredible video of
helicopter/ground crews capturing elk in Arizona to be shipped to West
Virginia, take the following steps.
1. Go to wvmetronews.com
2. Click on "OUTDOORS"
3. Click on "Incredible video of elk capture in
Arizona"
Many thanks to Mike Snyder (WI 1957) for sending me the link.
Mike mentioned that he is a lifelong WV hunter and is proud that some of the
hunters' dollars are being used in the ongoing effort to restore the majestic
elk to southern West Virginia.
I certainly agree with you on that, Mike.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
Hats off to Mike Patrick (Frankhouser), WI 1962, who
retired as a broadcaster from ESPN, doing his last event on December 30, 2017. Mike
has been with the network since 1982. His career included doing Sunday Night
Football, college football and basketball and the Women’s Final Four.
He was and I’m sure still is a loyal Mountaineer fan. Clarksburg
and the entire state of West Virginia are proud to call him one of ours and we
will miss hearing him call the games. This link is to a nice article about Mike from the
Charleston Gazette-Mail.
Blaine Stewart, the son of the late WVU head football coach
Bill Stewart, was recently hired as a Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach by
Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers.
The young Stewart, a recent college graduate, began
his collegiate career at James Madison
and later transferred to the University of Charleston.
His father hired Mike Tomlin for his first coaching
job at VMI when Bill Stewart was head football coach for the Keydets.
Mike Tomlin just got another fan.
Congratulations to the WVU Rifle Team: They recently
won their 5thstraight and 11th overall Great American Rifle
Conference championship. Their season record was 13-0 and they were 9-0 in
conference.
On March 9 and 10, the team will be competing in the
NCAA Championships at The Citadel, where they will be going for their 6thstraight
national championship. A win this year would make it an even 20 for the team,
which remains the only sports team at WVU to ever win an NCAA championship.
“LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!”
Send your comments on sports to me at: billmere@aol.com
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
As you might expect, I have a few comments on the Mountaineer
basketball season. Before the season began, I was hopefully optimistic. Although
I didn’t see a great team, I thought they would be competitive in most games.
This proved to be true. I also thought they could compete for the Big 12
championship. This proved to be a little more difficult.
If anyone would ever stop the steak of conference
crowns won by Kansas, this was the year and WVU had the talent to be that team.
However, along the road, several things happened to derail the train and it
didn’t happen. If you watched the games, you know what those were. Blown leads,
inconsistent defense and offense, bad (or biased) officiating and losing
critical home games were just a few of the struggles.
There is nothing to be gained by rehashing broken
dreams, but I do want to point out a few “What Ifs”
What if the “Press" had been nearly as good as
last year?
What if the team had won every game in which they had
a double-digit lead?
What if someone had stepped up to take the place of a
graduated Nathan Adrian on defense?
What if Daxter Miles had been as consistent as Javon
Carter and Sags Konate?
What if Teddy Allen had not gotten into Huggins
doghouse and had continued to score in double figures the entire season?
And finally, what if Esa Ahmad had played to his
potential (which Huggins claims he has)?
Unfortunately, we all know that "What Ifs"
are for dreamers and not realists. The reality is that we look forward to the
Mountaineers putting together a few good games and winning the Big 12
Tournament. Then, they could do the same thing in the "Big Dance",
making a deep run and showing us and the country, what Mountaineer basketball
really looks like. Or am I dreaming again?
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
MYSTERY SPORTS PICTURE
Tell us
about this team. What school? What year? Name as many players as you can. Do
you know any of those pictured? Where are they now?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
SUGGESTIONS TO JOG
YOUR MEMORIES
... SO PLEASE WRITE
From: David Bates (WI 1951)
Does
anyone know why the Friday morning's program at WI was called
"Chapel"?
I'd
always thought that chapel was a church service. Let's remember. First period,
every Friday, or, first period most Fridays?????? Freshmen in the balcony,
sophomores, main floor right side, juniors left side, seniors in the center. At
the end of last program of the year, the seniors vacated their seats which were
then filled by the juniors. Tears flowed. We sang songs from the "Hit
Parade" and we learned from, or were entertained (or both), by the
presentations. I would love for some of you to
"fill in the blanks".
EDITOR’S NOTE: I believe
the seating arrangements were the same as when I was at WI. I like the idea of
the seniors vacating their seats, but I don’t remember that happening when I
was at WI, do you? I remember senior chapel and the Friday pep rally type of
chapel during football and basketball season. I remember as a Freshman,
somethings would be extra special and the balcony would start stomping their
feet only to be hushed very quickly by the home room teachers. Mine was Miss
Nutter.
What do
you remember? Were you ever on stage at WI on Friday morning? Why? Write and
jog our memories!
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
METHODIST
CHURCH
From: Ruby
Mathews Casto (Victory HS 1947)
I believe the Methodist Church on 2nd Street
burned in 1952. I worked at Imperial Ice Cream at the time and we were working
late and we could see the fire and we stood up by Bland’s Drug Store and
watched it burn. Of course, there were no cameras handy. The large crowd at the
Carmichael could have been a healing service by Katherine Kulhman as I remember
taking my mother to it. I looked to see if I could see us in the picture but
didn’t find us. I know that place was jamb packed that night and that was in
the early 50’s.
SAVE
THE DATE
From:
Roleta Smith Meredith (Roleta1@aol.com)
Have
you ever thought, “Oh, if I could do it one more time?” As much as I hate to
admit it, our time on earth is running out. We are closer to the end than the
beginning. I know that each year more and more of the people I know are no
longer with us and I think, oh, if only we could have seen them one more time.
Well,
that is what I have been thinking. If I could only see the people from
Clarksburg one more time.
So, the
spot has been reserved. I hope you will save Saturday, March 9, 2019 on your calendar to attend a Clarksburg
Picnic in Sarasota, Florida at Twin Lakes Park.
Anyone
from Clarksburg is invited to attend.
Contact
friends in Florida and tell them to save the date!
I hope
you are interested.
Just one more
time - I know I said never again.
But I
miss my Clarksburg, WV friends. We will do it and it will be a simple get
together. Please plan to come and join us!
More
information later.
2018 WIN
SCHOLARSHIP
The
goal for the 2018 Scholarship is to give one scholarship worth $5,000.00 to a
graduate from R. C. Byrd High School.
So far, I have
only received $1,715.00.
This is the
worse response I have ever had in the history of the scholarship. Won’t you
please help out with this worthy cause to help a student with the expenses of
college?
It is a
way for you to say thank you for your education from a Clarksburg school. A way
to reach out and help someone from the younger generation. Don’t you wish
someone would have helped you get a start into college?
Thanks
to those who gave in February 2018:
Eleanor
Ruth Kuhl (WI 1957)
Marcia
Young Fletcher (WI 1964)
Sharon
Gordon DiMaria (WI 1961)
Mary
Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)
Barbara
McNemar Weaver
Jim and
Sonja Alvaro (WI 1956 and Bridgeport 1958)
Catherine
Custer Burke (WI 1952)
Gladys
Williams (WI 1971)
Leslie
McKinley Wallace (Would have been WI 1960)
Remember
the drawing for the WI Scholarship Quilt will be drawn in May so hurry and get
your check to me now. PLEASE DON’T FORGET!
Tickets
are on sale in these amounts…$5.00 gets you 6 tickets. $20.00 gets you 24
tickets, $50.00 gets you 60 tickets and $100.00 gift gets you 120 tickets in
the drawing.
Write your generous check to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship
Mail to:
Roleta Meredith
3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34240
DO IT NOW BEFORE YOU FORGET.
We are counting on you!
WI
CLASS OF 1968
50TH
REUNION
The WI
Class of 1958 will hold their 50th Class Reunion Get together on
Labor Day week-end, Friday, August 31, 2018 at Maple Lake Club House.
Saturday
evening there are plans for a dinner/cruise leaving from Marietta, Ohio.
Gerald
Workman is coordinating everything and can answer any questions.
Contact
Gerald at rgw1968@yahoo.com
MEETING
FAMOUS PEOPLE
From: Blair Gloss (WI 1961)
Like all of us, I have had the opportunity to meet
famous people like Benjamin Netanyahu, Vice President Bush (yea he was Vice
President when I met him) and others. Below are a few words about some famous
people I got to work with and thus got to know.
I had the good luck to work with and get to know
several Astronauts. The two most famous are Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. I
worked on the staff of a Presidential Commission where I worked with Buzz for
about a year. Talking about his Moon experiences just did not happen but would
always like to talk about the future; like how we should protect the earth from
asteroids, meteors, etc. Typically, the astronauts I knew never talked about
their space experiences while at work. Also, during my time working on the
Presidential Commission, I worked with and got to know Neil DeGrasse Tyson,
Director of the Hayden Planetarium, author of a number of books and TV personality on
NOVA (I can recommend his NOVA shows since he is a great teacher and public
speaker). When I got to know Neil Armstrong, he was the head of the NASA
Aeronautics Advisory Committee. Some of the things that struck me about Neil
was he was very smart, always a gentleman, demonstrated a sense of grace that
you don’t see in many people, would not sign autographs (people would sell them
and he did not approve or that) and he believed that each person was allotted
only so many heart beats and he did not want to waste any of his doing
something he did not want to do.
From:
John Teter (WI 1961)
I remember running into (meeting) actor Martin Sheen
at a rental car facility at Dulles Airport in Virginia several years ago. I do
not remember exactly why I was renting a car, but there he was. I asked him for
his autograph for my girlfriend at the time, and he gladly signed
"something" with her name on the paper as well. I gave it to her when
I next saw her, but I can honestly say that she was not a "collector"
of celebrity signatures and that signature was probably tossed out.
I asked Martin what he was doing in town (like he was
an old friend), and he told me he had come into D.C. for some kind of charity
dinner.
Living in the Washington, D.C. area, I would often run
into Washington Redskin football players, but I do not remember ever talking to
any of them.
I saw Joe Jacoby at a 7-Eleven (I am 6 ft 4, and I had
TO LOOK UP TO SEE HIS FACE)
I saw Joe Theisman at a McDonald’s
I saw Dexter Manley at a Safeway
I saw Charles Mann visiting Dave Butz at a house close
to where I used to live
I saw Sonny Jurgensen, Billy Kilmer, and some of the
other Redskins at a restaurant in Alexandria
All were very interactive with the people in each of
these places.
From:
Martha Jett (RW 1979)
I would
like to share an experience I had with a celebrity. Back when television had
commercials for cigars, the name of Edie Adams was very well known. She was the
spokesperson for Muriel Cigars in the 1960’s. People might remember her famous
line, “Why don’t you pick one up and smoke it sometime?” Edie was also a famous
television, screen and stage star. She had been married to the great comic,
Ernie Kovacs. She appeared on Broadway and had her own television series called
“Here’s Edie”. One of my favorite movies she stared in was “It’s a Mad, Mad,
Mad, Mad World”.
In 2004
I visited a friend in Hollywood who worked for the Screen Writer’s Guild. She
asked if I would like to meet Edie Adams. I was a huge fan of Ernie Kovacs and
loved Edie I was very excited to have the opportunity to meet her in person. We
went to her house in Bely Hills. She was so gracious and welcomed me into her
lovely home. There were photographs all over her walls, signed photos of Frank
Sinatra, Groucho Marx, etc. It was jaw dropping memorabilia. She asked me to be
seated on her sofa while she got us drinks Here was this little farm girl from
Lost Creek, West Virginia on Edie Adams’ couch! On one end was an Emmy Award
and on the other end a Tony Award. Well, I felt like I was in a dream. Later we
went into her kitchen and sat around the table eating ice cream She told
stories about working with such stars as Steve McQueen, Henry Fonda and others.
Edie was wonderful and made me feel so at home.
I
invited her to be a special guest at the Buster Keaton Celebration in Kansas
the upcoming September and she agreed to attend. I was on the committee for the
event, so we centered our Celebration on Edie and her deceased husband, Ernie
Kovacs. Ernie had worked with Buster Keaton on a television show and Edie
worked with him in the “Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” movie. She was honored to get
the award we presented her an was such a delight.
Her
great beauty was not at all like it once had been. But, her love for show
business never diminished over the years. As soon as a camera was on or am
audience was around she was in the star mode
I was
honored to have met her. We kept in touch until the time she passed away in
2008.
That
was this farm girl from West Virginia’s brush with fame. It was an experience I
will never forget.
From: Carolyn Burnside (WI 1952)
Lord Harold Wilson former PM of G B. Our daughter
invited us to his lecture to her class. We entered the elevator with two other
occupants. After all said Good Morning the man next to Cappy asked ‘Where in
the states are you from?’ WV. I've been to the Greenbrier!!! Imagine our
delight in London that last someone who knows there is a West V. We enjoyed a
fine conversation until he was called for his lecture and then continued after
when Cappy took the photograph. An interesting pleasant man.
I grew up in Stealey. Always thought it was Angle Inn.
AMERICAN
MUSEUM OF GLASS
From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)
It was
billed as the Valentine Chocolate Festival and was to be held on February 10 at
the American Museum of Glass on Main Street in Weston. So, this writer figured
it would be an interesting winter break and also make a nice Valentine
observance for his wife.
The
festival lived up to its billing and delivered unlimited chocolate treats in
every possible concoction imaginable. But it also exposed us to an even greater
West Virginia and American treasure—a rich and vibrant remembrance of the great
era of glass making in this country focusing on the years from 1800 to the
present. Weston was an important manufacturing center of hand-blown crystal.
Many
Washington Irving grads, along with additional thousands from the Clarksburg
area's other schools are a part of this heritage. Those who were glass workers,
and those whose fathers, mothers, and relatives worked in this once-mighty
industry are urged to visit this large museum collection of some 84,000
cataloged pieces of American glassware, 18,000 pieces of which are on display.
There's an almost endless variety of patterns, colors, and forms...from early
glass bottles, tableware for everyday use, to the most elegant hand-cut, etched
and decorated pieces, even marbles. The Steuben Glass crystal sculpture display
in the front is especially an example of glassblowing expression in highest
form. All of the records of the American Flint Glassworkers Union are archived
here. Many names connected to Clarksburg are in these records.
DISPLAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CRAFTSMEN
Very
importantly, strong attention has been paid to the industry's skilled artisans
and tradesmen and the tools they used which are prominently featured. I
especially related to the mould making exhibit, as my father Enoch, WI 1929,
earned our family's livelihood from this skilled trade at the Hazel Atlas.
Another display paid tribute to the Belgians who brought their flat glass
making and glass cutting skills to West Virginia, and especially to Clarksburg.
Maybe the resourceful Tim Cork can find out just how many thousands of jobs,
many of which were union, there were in the Clarksburg area when glass making
was at its peak.
If and
when Lewis County experiences a financial windfall from the burgeoning gas
industry boom now underway, envision this: a very handsome
architecture-designed building with lines inspired by the graceful shapes of
the most beautiful pieces of hand-blown crystal. Located on a lovely tract of
greenery with curving driveways and a large parking area—to lodge a continuous
influx of travelers drawn to it by interstate signs and billboards throughout
the area.
This
writer was so moved by this rich heritage memorial to our fathers' great and
illustrious industry, that he is signing up for a supporting membership in the
museum to contribute to its continuing efforts and also to receive its handsome
quarterly magazine.
For more information go
to: www.magwv.com
THE
MARCH MYSTERY PICTURE
Name the building above and tell us who went there and
why? Tell us anything you can about the building, including location if you
can.
I only publish correct answers that have your name,
school and year of graduation.
Thank you for trying to identify this building.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
WERE
YOU IN THE MARCHING BAND?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)
I was in my high school band for three years. During
that time, the band attended many festivals and parades. In fact, the reason I
was a band member was due to an appearance our band made at the Buckwheat
Festival in Kingwood, WV.
We had four sousaphone players in the band. These
instruments are commonly called bass horns and are quite heavy. Apparently,
while attending the festival, three of the bass players acquired some moonshine
or hard cider and got a little tipsy. When this was discovered by the band
director, they were dismissed from the band upon arriving back at the high
school.
The following Monday morning I along with two of my male
classmates were recruited by the principal to be the new bass players. We were
not given a choice, we were told what our new role would be. That’s the way it
was done at our school in the late fall of 1953. The principal was the king and
you didn’t cross him.
Everything went well until we were selected to compete
in the state band festival in Huntington, WV that spring. I had never marched
in a parade, any parade, let alone one carrying a heavy bass horn. Then, we
were told that the parade would be about a 5-mile march. I knew that I was in
trouble. Although I was tall enough, I probably weighed about 145 lbs. soaking
wet.
I don’t know if the parade route was five miles long
or not, but it felt like 20 miles while I was marching with that horn. I made
it, but not by much. The next morning, I was so sore in my groin area that I
could barely walk. My fellow bass players never complained, nor did I, but I
could tell they were definitely feeling the pain.
We all marched in dozens of parades after that,
including some long ones, but I never had a problem again. Overall, I had a
great time as a band member and have fond memories of the good times we had and
friends I made during those years.
Above is a picture of a high school band marching.
Tell us what school they are from? What year was it? Do you know the town? Do
you recognize any of the stores? Are you in the picture? Do you recognize
anyone pictured? Tell us anything about this? Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
HIGH
SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS
Did you have a newsletter at your high school that was
put out by students? Tell us about it. What was the name who ran it, who wrote
in it? What all was included?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
DATING
IN THE 1950’s
From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)
Though I didn't date much in junior high or high
school, I did date enough to learn the rules. First, a girl never, never, never
called a boy if she was interested in him. It was, in my world, the job of the
boys to do the phoning and asking for dates. Well, heck, what if the boy you
liked didn't even know you were on this planet (or that's the way he acted?)
There were little things a girl could do. She could dress nicely, smile a lot
and try to put herself into his line of vision. If he had the same study hall
she had and often went to the library, she might go to the library more
frequently. I don't know how much reading would get done, but a little would be
better than none. She might also join some of the clubs to which he belonged.
Additionally, if she had a close friend who knew the guy, she could share that
she had a "crush" on someone in the hope the friend would suggest
that the girl was available and was very nice. If an organization to which the
girl belonged had a "Sadie Hawkins" dance, that would be the perfect
time to invite the guy. Oh my, oh my, I can still remember having palpitations
and tachycardia as I tried to dial his phone number. I feared he'd hang up when
I told him who I was. I feared he'd turn me down. Mostly, I think I just feared
trying to talk to him and tell him the reason for the call. I only remember
ever calling two boys and both of them said yes.
I don't know how kids of today manage the dating game,
but I'm sure the rules have relaxed quite a lot.
Do any of you ladies remember the same things
remember? Did you ever call boys? Did you ever have a friend arrange a blind
date? Are you happy that girls now experience more freedom than they did in the
1950’s?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
Tell me what it was like when you were dating, waiting
to date, getting a date, etc.?
Another subject----Who was your first date? Do you
remember? Where did you go? Who ask who to go out? Did you know this person
from school?
Write and tell us---Roleta1@aol.com
When
emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have
graduated.
Thank you.
From: Fran
Barrett (WI 1950)
These
are some I have noticed:
From "Appalachian
Quick Reference Guide"
myep-ya
= May I help you?
mear-mint
= Come here a minute.
Rat-chere
= right here (or thar)
y'all =
you all
all-y'all
= plural of y'all
pur-n-nir
= pretty near
From "Hill’n Holler Expressions"
Crick =
a stiffness. I got a crick in my backside.
Dat = Quick
spoken form of that
Far = Used
for cooking and heating
Fetch =
bring
Fur
piece = Long distance
Do you recognize any of these? Do you remember people
saying them? Do you have any that we can add to the list?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
What is the craziest thing you can remember anyone
ever doing at the high school?
Was it a stink bomb in the basement? Was it a liquor
bottle places in some teacher’s desk? Was it someone who jumped off the second
floor? Was it a crazy trip up route 50 at 80 miles an hour? How about a race to
the top of Bridgeport hill? Or a race to cross the railroad track when a train
was approaching?
Get the idea? Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
Gary Robey
(WI 1957) robey_g@yahoo.com
Delete the
following:
Lola Louise
Skufe Cox (WI 1960) LolalCox@aol.com
Cheryl Fain
Cummings Mehulic (WI 1974) ccredd46@ma.rr.com
From: James Fragale (WI 1958)
Row 1 might be Peter J. Fragale?
FOREIGN
EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN SCHOOL IN CLARKSBURG
Below are 2 of the exchange students who were at WI in
the 1950’s.
Were there any others? Wonder who arranged all of
this?
What a wonderful opportunity for all involved.
If you remember an exchange student or anything about
one, please write and tell us as this is WI History. Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and
year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.
UDO THIEM
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
There was a foreign exchange student in the WI, class
of 1961. I am not sure but I think he may have been from Germany? Rick Wilson
may know more about Udo, as I think that Udo may have lived with Rick's family
back in 1961. Udo is in the picture of the 1961 track team that was in last
month's WI newsletter. It would be interesting to know who went to the country
that Udo was from, as our exchange student?
I had the displeasure of trying to track down Udo a
few years ago, as I am the "record keeper" for our class. I somehow
got in touch with his sister and found out that Udo had passed away. SAD.
From: Rick
Wilson (WI 1961)
Udo Thiem, was a West German exchange student in the
WI class of 1961. Udo’s host family, the Roses, lived on the corner of Carr and
Elm St. in Clarksburg, down near Elk creek. John Rose, potentially WI class of
1962 was a reciprocal (I believe Rotary Exchange) student sent to Germany for
the same school year, 1960/61. John’s older sister is as you might know Jane
Rose. I don’t have handy her married name.
Rudolph (Udo) was from Hanover-Kleefeld, an urban
community in greater Hanover.
Winsener Strass 23 etched in memory from
correspondence. His mother has probably passed away but his sister may live
there now. Udo’s father was killed on the Eastern Front in WWII when Udo was an
infant. His mother was an architect, a widow, and raised the children in pretty
tough, post WWII times.
Udo was one of my best friends my senior year of 1961
when he was here. He mentioned that his WI graduation credentials from 1961
would not count when he returned to Germany to attend a delayed last year at a
rigorous Gymnasium. Udo’s chosen field in School and later in college was
ancient and modern languages. He wanted to become an archivist or related
vocation at a library or similar institution in his future. He was already well
versed in Latin and spoke standard English with a slight British accent as well
or better than most of us. Udo also took fencing (epee and all) back in Germany
and practiced leaps, jumps, thrusts and all kinds of stuff related for
exercise. We were impressed. My mother came from her bedroom once into the
living room wanting to know, “who’s doing all that stomping?” Udo graduated
from the University of Tubingen and did find work in his chosen field.
When here, he taught me some elementary German; you
know, the kind of stuff that sailors talk about in foreign ports.
When Udo first arrived in the States, Linda Matthews,
now Largay and also WI 1961, suggested we befriend Udo and introduce him
around. We all hung out together pretty much the rest of that school year and
we were together for other activities such as the Moose dances locally. I
remember also Udo was with us on the New York City Christmas trip sponsored by
Ms. Pat Dodd in late 1960. Ms. Dodd was well acquainted with the owner of Jack
Silverman’s International Restaurant in NY, a night club where we had a
wonderful dinner after seeing all the sights, Statue of Liberty, Empire State
Bldg., and the Rockette’s Radio City Music Hall Christmas show. All of us
stated we were 18, so we could imbibe freely in NY City in those days. Big
stuff! Udo and I ate at least two meals in NYC that trip at “Louie’s” a block
or two right off of Times Square because the food was great and the $2.00 dinner
cost only twice one in Clarksburg.
I think someone has already mentioned Silverman’s
night club before in one of your letters and sent in the group picture. I also
still have my original in a folder. My, -what memories.
Udo once walked about five or six miles from town
south on US 19 to go sled riding with us in his street shoes through a heavy
snow. Showed up, sat by the fire and told us, “how quick the walk was.” So,
even more impressive since he didn’t know the old street-car tracks shortcut.
I could go on and on with Udo stories; I’m sure many
will remember their own. Udo simply defined a “Gentleman and a Scholar.” I did
see Udo later in life, around 1979 or so when he returned with a friend to the
States and visited me in Tamarack, Pa. in the northern mountains where my
family and I then lived in a Consolidated Gas (CNG) company house. They spent
the night, toured the underground natural gas facilities and large compressor
station there, then returning to Buffalo, NY where his friend lived. He had
applied to emigrate to the US but never received approval beyond temporary
visas. I’d lost track of Udo after that but did also exchange emails with his
sister Frauke shortly after Udo’s death several years ago after John Teter
tracked down the particulars.
Respectfully, and very thankful for all your
newsletter work.
PER
KRISTER GORAN BOETHIUS
From: Jean Vickers Kennedy (WI 1958)
Yes, there was an exchange student in the graduating
class of 1957, Goran Boethius from Sweden. He was a year ahead of me but was in
one of my classes.
I have a fond memory of going for a long walk in the
snow with him.
Wonder if he stayed here.
From: David J. André (WI 1960)
In the February 2018 edition of the WI Newsletter you
asked about exchange students. In 1956, my freshman year at WI, my family
hosted an American Field Service exchange student who lived with us and
attended WI. His name was Goran Boethius and he was from Gothenburg Sweden.
Goran (pronounced ‘your On’) joined our family at our summer house in Chautauqua,
NY in late August. Then he came home to Clarksburg where we lived on Milford
Street in Stealey. Because he had actually already graduated from the Swedish equivalent
of high school and was primarily here to improve his English and learn about
the United States, he took a modified curriculum. He stayed with us until June
of 1957 when he joined other AFS exchange students for a bus tour of the United
States before returning to Sweden.
Since then he has been back to US many times. His
parents and his two brothers and sister have all visited here many times. In fact,
his sister went to the University of Wisconsin where she met and married a
fellow student and lives in Madison.
Goran became a doctor, in fact an internationally renowned
pulmonologist who has lectured at medical conventions in the US, Europe and
Asia. He is married and has two children. He is now retired and lives in a
small community on the west coast of Sweden. I visited him the summer of 2016
and stayed in the guest house Goran built himself next to his main house. He
and his wife Brigitta are typical Swedes, starting their mornings with a swim
in the cold ocean waters a short walk from their house.
SHARON LOUISE
SUTTON
Sharon
Louise Sutton, 66, of Clarksburg, WV, February 1, 2018, at the Louis A. Johnson
VA Medical Center in Clarksburg. She was born in Clarksburg on June 6, 1951, a
daughter of the late William E. Sutton and Thelma (Moneypenny) Sutton.
Sharon is
survived by three sisters: Mrs. James (Loretta) Corder, Mrs. Paul (Shirlene)
Starr, and Mrs. Gail (Debbie) McIe. Also surviving are several nieces and
nephews.
Sharon was a
graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1970. She retired from the United States Army, worked at
Anchor Hocking Glass Plant, and then in the mailroom and housekeeping at the VA
Hospital in Clarksburg. She also delivered newspapers for Clarksburg Publishing
for many years. Sharon was an avid fan of WVU Mountaineers football and girls’
basketball, and she loved bowling with family and friends.
MICHAEL ROMAN
Michael Roman, 86, of Clarksburg (East View), passed
away Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, at the WV Veteran’s Nursing Facility in
Clarksburg.
He was born Aug. 10, 1931, a son of the late Charles
and Susie Roman.
Michael is survived by two children, Mark (Kelly)Roman
and Kimberly (Jeff) Swiger, four grandchildren, Jamie Swiger, Malori Roman,
Michele Roman and Zack Seders; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Milo; two
sisters: Margaret Saunders and Sue West; and his former wife Esther Kelley. Also
surviving are several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in
death by four siblings, Betty Jacobs, Charles Roman, Mary Benda and Anna
Libicer.
Michael was a graduate of RWHS and then served his
country honorably in the United States Navy from 1950-1954. He later retired
from Anchor Hocking Glass Factory. Michael was a member of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
WALTER NOEL
HARDMAN
Walter Noel Hardman, 81, of Clarksburg, passed away
Jan. 30, 2018, at River Oaks Nursing Home with his wife and son by his side.
Walter was born in Flemington, Oct. 9, 1936, a son of
the late Walter Worthington and Gertrude Irene Hamilton Hardman.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Lee
Cornell Hardman, whom he married Aug. 29, 1964.
Also surviving are two children, Steven Noel Hardman,
and Stephanie Joel Hardman-(Frank) Moore and one grandson, Justin Ryan Moore;
one sister, Naoma (Harold) Boram; one brother, Norman (Sandy) Hardman;
sister-in-law, Nancy; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by
one brother, Nelson E. Hardman; and one sister, Nina R. Pasternak.
Walter was a 1954 graduate of Victory High School and
served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-58. He was a member of the Air Force
Police and trained the police service dogs.
He was a faithful Christian and had a direct line to
God who watched over him for years and finally brought him home.
ROSEMARY
CATHERINE MANCUSO
Rosemary Catherine Mancuso, 67, of Clarksburg, WV,
passed away, January 26, 2018, at the River Oaks Nursing Home.
She was born in Clarksburg, on March 28, 1950, a
daughter of the late Sam and Mary Waters Mancuso.
Rosemary is survived by her brother, Daniel F. (Sandra
K.) Mancuso; two nieces and their children; one uncle, Paul (Theresa); and one
aunt, Virginia Jeffries; special cousin and Sarah Reymond, as well as many
cousins.
She was a graduate of RW in 1968 and retired after 32
years of service with the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Administration Hospital.
Rosemary was a member of Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church.
JUDY ANN
MICHIE HAYES
Judy
Ann Michie Hayes, age 84, died in Dallas, TX on January 27th, 2018 of natural
causes. Judy was born in Clarksburg, WV to Arthur Thornton Michie and Virginia
Lough Michie in 1933. She was the oldest of their five children. She grew up in
Clarksburg, WV, graduated in 1951 from WI and graduated from WVU where she met
James (Jimmy) Lee Hayes, Jr, they married in 1956 and celebrated 46 married years
together. Judy earned a degree in Education and worked as a teacher while Jimmy
was in the Air Force completing his ROTC service commitment and pilot training.
She retired when they started a family. After leaving the Air Force, Jimmy’s
life-long career with Eastman Kodak took the family to many U.S. cities. While
raising a family, Judy returned to college part-time when the family resided in
Oklahoma City, OK and received a Master’s degree in Library Science from the
University of Central Oklahoma. They returned to Dallas in 1973 and Judy
resumed her career for a number of years as an elementary school librarian
She is
survived by her daughter Susan Lynn Hayes and son James Lee Hayes III. She is
also survived by a sister Virginia (Pep) Michie (Bruce)Culpepper;
brothers-in-law Thomas M. Hayes (Donna) and David C. Hayes; sister-in-law Susan
Jane Hayes and many nieces and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her
husband James Lee Hayes Jr., her parents, a sister Susan Michie Miller, and two
brothers, Arthur Thornton Michie, Jr. and Phillip Michie.
ANDREW “ANDY”
GEORGE KOVACH
Andrew “Andy” George Kovach, 87, of Clarksburg, passed
away on February 6, 2018. He was born October 25, 1930, son of the late Joseph
and Anna Kovach of Old Bridgeport Hill
Andy is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Lehosit
Robinson Kovach; one brother, Stephen Kovach; three stepdaughters, Nancy and
Craig Walker, Susan and Jeff Greaser, Rebecca Schmid; one stepson, Michael and
Lea Robinson; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and
nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death
by four brothers, John Kovach Sr, Joseph Kovach, Paul Kovach, and George Kovach
in infancy; nephew, John Kovach Jr.
Andy graduated from Victory High School. He was a
United States Air Force veteran and was an Aviation Mechanic Technician,
serving at the Ramstein Air Base in Miesenbach, Germany. He attended West
Virginia University.
Andy worked at Pittsburgh Plate and was in business
with his brothers in building new homes. Andy and his brothers were co-owners
of Central WV Vaults until his retirement. Andy was a devout Catholic, was a
member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and loved to sing in the
choir. He was also a member of the VFW and Clarksburg Elks.
DEBRA C.
HAMRIC WILLIAMS
Debra C. “Debbie” Hamric Williams, 62, passed away on
February 11, 2018, at the WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
She was born in Clarksburg on June 11, 1955, a
daughter of the late John Dennis Hamric Sr. and Violet Lois (Grandstaff)
Hamric.
Surviving are three sons, Derek Lee Hamric, Justin
Andrew Hamric and Issac Gene Hamric Williams; six siblings, John D. Hamric Jr,
Donna M. Baker (Ritchie), Rita C. Griffith (Charles), Marsha K. Rawls (Robert),
Lisa G. Ashbaugh (John), and William L. “Bill” Hamric; and one grandson, Ryland
Ian Goots. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in
death by one brother, Stephen M. Hamric.
Debbie was a graduate of Victory High School, worked
as a nurse’s aide for many years in local nursing homes, and then went on to
work for the Summit Center for nearly 20 years. Debbie attended the
Reynoldsville Baptist Church throughout the years and was a member of the
Wilsonburg Lions Club.
ROSE MARIE
SEFTICK
Rose Marie Seftick, 80, of Clarksburg, passed away on
Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Meadowview Manor Health Care Center.
Ms. Seftick was born August 18, 1937, in Clarksburg,
daughter of the late Vendel and Mary Dallas Seftick.
She is survived by her brother, Ronald S. Seftick of
Clarksburg, and was preceded in death by her brother, Donald J. Seftick.
She graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School and
retired from Union National Bank where she was the Supervisor of the Proof
Department.
Ms. Seftick attended the Holy Rosary Church as a youth
and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksburg.
Rose was a very devout Catholic and in previous years was involved in many
Catholic organizations and traveled extensively to various countries on
Catholic Pilgrimages.
ROBERT LEE VAN
HORN
Robert Lee Van Horn, age 86, of North View, formerly
of Camden and Thorn Street, went to be with his Jesus on Saturday, February 10,
2018, at Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
He was born November 2, 1931, in Clarksburg, WV, the
son of the late James J. Van Horn and Nina Beryl (Davis) Van Horn.
Left behind to miss his beautiful smile and sense of
humor is his compassionate loving wife of 7 years, Rose Marie Van Horn; his
daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Jeff Davis, his son and his companion,
Roger Van Horn and Lori Evans, all of Clarksburg; a daughter-in-law, Melissa
Lamp of Clarksburg; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two stepsons
and their families; three sisters-in-law, Lucille, Alda and Eula Currence; and
several nieces and nephews.
Awaiting him at the gates of Heaven will be his first
wife of 57 years, Rosalie Van Horn, his daughter and son-in-law, Debra &
Harold Mauller, his son, David Van Horn, his daughter-in-law, Michelle Smith
and he will finally have the joy of holding his granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth
Rose Van Horn for the very first time.
Bob was the last surviving member of his immediate
family. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Vivian Plum, Alice
Titchnell, and Nancy Lejeune and a brother, Jim Van Horn.
Bob was a 1951 graduate of Washington Irving High
School. He got married and joined the Army where he served 4 years. He worked
for Sears Roebuck and Company for 27 years where he retired in 1991.
Bob was a member of Freedom Southern Baptist Church
where he served as a greeter and an usher.
ROBERT EARL
BRYAN
Robert Earl Bryan, age 71 of Clarksburg, WV passed
away peacefully on February 17, 2018 at his residence. He was born February 4,
1947 in Clarksburg, WV; the son of the late Charles E. Bryan and Mary A.
(Vajda) Bryan. Robert is survived by his daughter, Danielle Renee Bryan &
her fiancé, Willie Freeman; two nieces, Simone Marie Lopez and Susanne Michelle
Golden a sister, Susanne Rogers. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded
in death by his brother, Charles “Butch” Bryan. Robert retired in 1994 from the
City of Clarksburg Code Enforcement Division. He was an avid sportsman,
outdoorsman, and carpenter. Robert was well known by everyone in Clarksburg for
helping others.
FRANK JOSEPH
ANGIULLI
Frank Joseph Angiulli, 91, of Bridgeport, WV, passed
away February 16, 2018, at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility following an
extended illness.
He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on January 19, 1927, a
son of the late John and Mary Checcia Angiulli.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Jean “Boots”
Straley Angiulli, who passed away March 27, 2009.
He is survived by one sister-in-law, Virginia
Angiulli, and several nieces and nephews.
He is the last surviving member of his immediate
family, having been preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Angiulli and Mike
Angiulli; one sister, Sister Johanna “Anna” Angiulli; and one sister-in-law,
Roanna Gay Angiulli.
Mr. Angiulli retired from Lockheed Martin in 1986 as
the director of Contract Operations with 28 years of service. He was a 1944
graduate of Victory High School and later attended Salem College, where he
earned a business degree in 1951. Frank was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during
WWII. He was Catholic by Baptism.
WONDA “CHIP”
HOPE VAN HORN GRIFFIN
Wonda “Chip” Hope Van Horn Griffin, 84, of Bridgeport,
departed this life on February 14, 2018.
She was born in Clarksburg on July 17, 1933, a
daughter of the late Harry Corbett and Pauline Mary (McGuire) Van Horn.
Surviving are her husband, Ernest Nile Griffin, whom
she married on May 3, 1958; one son, Scott Carlton Griffin; one daughter and
son-in-law Sara and Jerry McDaniels; two grandchildren, Dustin Nile Evans and
Julia Catherine McDaniels. She is also survived by one sister and
brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Charles Pitts, of Hilton Head Island, SC; and
several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in
death by one sister and brother-in-law, Dolores June and Ralph Lee Ritter.
Wonda was a graduate of Washington Irving High School,
class of 1950. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where she served
on Church Council and many other committees. Wonda was an active member of The
Elizabeth Guild. She coordinated Red Cross Blood Drives at the Church for over
30 years. She also was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and was one of the
“quilting ladies” at Fort New Salem. For over 30 years, Wonda volunteered at
the Mustard Seed, where she served as co-chairman. After two battles with
cancer, this is what kept her going.
