June 1, 2018

Issue 226



Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton





GET TO KNOW OUR
NEWSLETTER FEATURES


From: Roleta1@aol.com

Before you go any further… if you do this, you will be amazed at all the information that is available in our newsletter. When I tell people what all we have available for our readers, they just don’t believe me.

I think it is time we tell you all the things that appear
on the WI NEWSLETTER blog
besides just the newsletter.


In a letter below, Dave Kuhl, has explained all those file tabs across the top of the newsletter that you now have on your screen. A lot of work has gone into the Clarksburg and WI History. All of this is thanks to Tim Cork (WI 1962).

Read below as Dave Kuhl explains what you can find by just clicking on a tab every once in a while.


YOU WILL BE AMAZED

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A NEWSLETTER


By Dave Kuhl (WI 1962)

Have you really looked at the newsletter site lately? There is so much more to the site now.

You can go to the WI Newsletter Home page at anytime
by going to

And when you scroll up to the top of the display...


you will find the following subheading
“page” title tabs
 in the banner across the top:

Home page where the latest newsletter is posted. Move your cursor to this location and click the left mouse button on the page name to go to that page. 

On the right side of this page are also links such as how to subscribe and how to submit letters. 

There are also links to older newsletters and our policies. 

You can check out any of these areas but when you are finished with one file, return to the newsletter to check out another one.




About page tells about the history of the newsletter. This is about, Roleta Smith Meredith, the editor and her classmate, Judy Daugherty Kimler, and how they started the newsletter in August 1999.

This page is on the newsletter site. Therefore, clicking on the “Home” page tab will take you back to the most current newsletter.




WI Historypage provides access to edited copies of all of the WI yearbooks. Looking for your yearbook or you want to see someone else’s yearbook? Just click there.

On that page, you will find the instructions: 'Take a look now by clicking on the below link:" Scroll down and click on Washington Irving High School History” (in blue).

This will display blocks of years in 17 blocks. The first block “1914-1919” also includes early history. The first yearbook was in 1916 but they were able to get information from newspaper microfilm and other sources on 1915 and other history. Click on other blocks and take a virtual trip through history.

This history was compiled by Tim Cork, class of 1962, for the 100-year history of WI in 2014. Many volunteers helped with collecting, borrowing and loaning yearbooks and Tim will always be grateful to them.

There is also a link on that site to the “Clarksburg My Hometown” blog by Tim.

Clicking on Home there will take you back to the introduction to the history (not the HOME page of the newsletter).

To get back to the newsletter, click on https://winewsletterwv.blogspot.com/





WI Teachers page is one of the newest features and provides a list of all of the WI teachers and staff listed in the yearbook. 

On that page you will find the instructions “Just follow the directions below:” Scroll down and click on “… link” (in blue).

The actual location of this list is:

If you spot an error or have something to add, Tim would like to hear from you. 

* For example, are Susan Manley (1974) and Rebecca Manly (1975)  the same person? Or sisters? Notify Tim at: tpcork@bellsouth.net

NOTE: Any additions, comments or corrections, please contact Tim Cork at: tpcork@bellsouth.net

To get back to the newsletter, click on https://winewsletterwv.blogspot.com/




WI Graduates page is another new feature. This lists every graduate from 1915 through 1996.

On that page you will find the instructions “Just follow the directions”
Scroll down and click on “… link” (in blue). This page also offers you instructions on how to use the outside site.

The actual location of this list is:

Tim has added a date of death where known and other information such as married name. This needs a lot of work. Each year needs to be carefully proofread against the original yearbook. Look up your friends and family. Is there something to add? Again, Tim would like to hear from you with corrections and additions. The list is presented both alphabetically and by class year. 

NOTE: Any additions, comments or corrections, please contact Tim Cork at: tpcork@bellsouth.net

To get back to the newsletter, click on https://winewsletterwv.blogspot.com/




Class Reunions and Picnic Reunionspages will take you to messages about upcoming reunions and picnics as well as pictures of past reunions and picnics.

Both of these pages are on the newsletter site. Therefore, clicking on the “Home” page tab will take you back to the most current newsletter.







 2018 WIN SCHOLARSHIP


Congratulations to Haley Thomas 
who is the winner of the 
$5,000.00 WIN Scholarship for 2018.





Haley wrote to those who gave to the scholarship:


Dear Mrs. Meredith and those readers who helped with this award:

I want to extend my sincere graciousness and gratitude for believing in me and helping to give me the opportunity to follow my dreams. You have lifted a great financial burden for me and my family, and for that we are truly grateful.

I promise to work hard, stay focused and continue reaching for the stars.

Again, thank you for this blessed gift and opportunity.

Sincerely,

Haley Thomas


From: Roleta1@aol.com

Haley lives on Factory Street in Clarksburg. She will be attending Fairmont State University in the fall with intentions to become an OB-GYN Registered Nurse. She has been active in school activities while attending RC Byrd. 

We all wish the best for Haley. 

I will send the first half of her scholarship to FSU in August and the second installment in Dec. 

Haley said that her mother raised three children on her own for over 10 years with little to no help most of the time. Living paycheck to paycheck her mother was unable to save to help with Haley’s college education She states that this scholarship with give her the opportunity to further her education in hopes of securing a better future for herself and her family without coming out of college with a huge student loan debt.

Thanks to those who gave to the 2018 Washington Irving Newsletter Scholarship. The money given to purchase tickets for the quilt totaled $2,790.00 and money given to the scholarship without receiving tickets totaled $1,470.00 bringing the total put into the WIN Scholarship bank account to $4,260.00.


Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI 1957) is the lucky person who will be receiving the
2018 WI Scholarship Quilt.

Congratulations, Mere!



Those who gave to the scholarship this month were:

Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI 1956)
given in memory of Marianna Warblock Coey (WI 1956).

Teresa Snider Fazio (WI 1967)
given in memory of Susa Kennedy Tustin (WI 1967).

Barbara Charles
thank you for your continuing support of WIN Scholarship and quilt.

David Saucer (WI 1951)
thank you for your support of WIN Scholarship.






MAY MYSTERY PICTURE


From: Mary Stump Harrell (WI 1955)

I think the mystery picture is surely Holy Rosary Catholic church on East Pike Street. To the left in the picture is the school connected with the Church. My mother took me to Mass there one time when I was about eight or ten years old and I was fascinated by the beautiful blue interior. But most fascinating to me then was that the Scriptures and sermon were said in Polish! This was in the days when the Mass was celebrated in Latin with only the Scripture readings and sermon in the vernacular. I had never heard Polish spoken before and instead of being bored by my lack of comprehension, I remember straining to distinguish words - anything! - that I could understand.
We regularly attended Immaculate Conception Church where the vernacular parts were done in English. Also, we occasionally attended St. John's, the Italian church on Water Street --but I do not remember that the readings were given in Italian. St. John's was a memorable experience for me because of the warmth and friendliness of the people there.
One year, I think I was in high school, we saw a performance of Othello by the Catholic University Theater group. The stage was such that when an actor exited stage left and next had to come back on stage right, he had to climb out a window, run around to the other side of the building, and climb in a window on that side.
In those days there were five Roman Catholic churches in Clarksburg--we knew them as the Irish, the Italian, the Polish, the Slavic, and the church in North View, which so far as I know, had no ethnic identity. I remember during the Kennedy campaign for president, reading an article in Time magazine about West Virginia. Religious issues were very much in the forefront of things because of Kennedy's nominal Catholicism. The magazine stated that WV was 3% Roman Catholic and I was astonished at such a low percentage because my experience in Clarksburg included such a large number of Catholic churches and Catholic friends.


From Mary K. (McDaniel) Bellisario (WI 1965)

I think the May photo is the Eastern or Greek Church, on East Pike Street in Clarksburg. Always thought it was beautiful. I clearly remember attending Dr. Jim Genin’s wedding to his wife Stephanie there. Jim was a member of the W.I. Class of 1964. Hope he sees this! This wedding service was definitely an orthodox service, with the appearances of Greek or Russian Orthodoxy.


From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

The name of the church in the mystery picture is Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church. Sonja said years ago they had mass in Polish and people referred to it as called it as "the Polish Church". She said that she attended church there when she was a little girl.


From: Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI 1959)

Mystery picture is of the Catholic Church by Southern States on east pike and later a performing arts place for concerts. Also, beside it was a school which later became a day care center. Now the day care center is closed and the Church is now a Baptist Church.



  

JUNE MYSTERY PEOPLE


Who are these people? Tell us who they are and share some memories you have of them.

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 HiY CLUB FOR BOYS?


Tell us about the organization. 

Some suggestions that you might write about:

How were you selected to be a member? Who selected? Was it based on grades, popularity, activities participation in activities outside of school? Was this just a club at WI, or did other high schools in the area also have HiY Clubs? What was the purpose? How often did you meet? Where did you meet? Did you go to summer camp? Was it for guys of all grades or just seniors? Were there officers? Did you vote on the officers or were they appointed by the directors? Who were the directors? (By calling them directors, I mean the adults in charge?)

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

  




From: Allen Alvarez (WI 1958)

I have a small world story about a friend of mine who did all the planning for my 70th birthday. She had told me that she had spent some time with her aunt at Lake Floyd in the summers when she was growing up. So, her aunt was visiting her and I had her ask her aunt if she had every stopped by the Dairy Queen in the west end of Clarksburg and she said they had. She asked my friend my name. She found out that I went to college with her aunt at Salem college. Her maiden name was Janet Van Horn and later went on to become a professor at the college and retired from there. Her married name is Janet Thorngate and we both were surprised that we had known each other for 10 years and just found out that her aunt knew me. When she went home to Salem and found an old Salem College year book of her Junior year and sent my friend a picture of me in the yearbook. So that 6 degrees of separation is really true. I have had this happen a lot of times in travel because I do business all over the United States and many foreign countries. I will be talking to strangers and come to find out I know someone that they know.
Keep up the good work with the newsletter and all the people that help you put it together. You are doing a wonderful job of keeping us in touch with our home town.


NY TRIP FOR THE CLASS OF 1974

From: Penny Shannan Donnelly (WI 1964)

It was an all-night bus ride, but most of us slept. We drove into the city just as the sun was rising. It was a very exciting 3 full days of sightseeing. The trip included the Empire State Building, a show with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, the boat ride out to the Statue of Liberty and the last hoorah was a dinner at the Jack Silverman Night Club with a floor show of scantily clad dancers which I am sure the guys couldn’t keep their eyes from starring holes through. We got to dress up semi-formal and have a night out on the town. Mrs. Dodd gave us the treat of our young lives that Easter weekend. It is a shame she is no longer around to continue this tradition.

Does anyone else have fond memories of those trips?
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.



From: Don Sager (WI 1956)

Today was a BIG DAY for our Hilton Head WVU Alumni Chapter. Coach Bob Huggins came to a Meet and Greet this afternoon. He visited with everyone and gave a rousing talk. We SURPRISE him with 2 old friends who did the intro honors for us. Bobby Cremins, former BB Coach at Georgia Tech and Les Robinson, from St. Albans originally, and former BB Coach at NC State. Bobby lives locally and Les on Sullivan’s Island near Charleston, SC. They all have been friends for years. Big news of the day was that Konate is returning to WVU. The news broke about an hour prior to Bob arriving.
I was the “official photographer” for the Chapter today. I had never met Bob and guess I figured I never would have a chance. Attached is a picture of me and Kitty and Huggy-Bear. (Famous people)
We also took donations for the WVU Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment Fund. Bob’s Mother. Our goal was $ 5000. We had over 100 in attendance. The event was FREE to members.
WE RAISED OVER $ 18,000 THIS AFTERNOON. I could tell Bob was really touched when we announced the total.


From: Les Hall (Victory HS 1955)

I have been a WI Newsletter reader for at least 15+ years. Great format for Clarksburg. I appreciate the Newsletter and have always admired WI, especially with relatives going to school there and of course Martha, my favorite WI dance instructor, who helped me make my next three years in Paris absolutely enjoyable!






From: Roleta1@aol.com

Dear Readers:
For several months, I ran a list of COLLOQUIALISMS. I tried to get you to think, to remember, to respond with some that you heard growing up in West Virginia. I know we all heard these expressions. I got very little response, so I figured you were not interested in remembering, recognizing or responding to my plea. I wasn’t making fun of the “old Speech Habits” of people in our area. I had read years ago that the style of speech to which I referred was derived from England and Scotland and brought to our country by our forefathers,

Have you thought of any yet? 


Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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


Thank you.


Below is a letter referring to this:


From: Mary Stump Harrell (WI 1955)

On another topic---earlier you spoke about words and expressions unique to our mountain state. Two stories came to mind--one was from Mrs. Greer (a born and raised Clarksburg native and graduate of WI in the early twenties) who taught high school English in Towson, Md for a few years and then taught in Romney WV for few years. She said that she found it easier to teach Shakespeare to the students in Romney because their language was still rooted in the old English of the early settlers and they understood the idioms used by Shakespeare because those idioms were still part of their everyday speech. Whereas in Towson, a suburb of Baltimore, the old ways of speaking had disappeared in the urban culture and the idioms had to be explained to those students.
The other story comes from Sandy Jeranko--Mary Beth's mother, about her experiences with the natives of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She said that the "native" people there still spoke the remnants of Cockney English because they were descended from the sailors who survived shipwrecks in the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" and made new, but very isolated, lives for themselves on the Outer Banks. Maybe if Mary Beth reads this she will share some of her mother's examples. It is a shame that since WWII we have slowly lost these unique manners of speed and have through mobility and above all movies and TV begun to speak a fairly standard English-losing many of the quirks of the earlier times.
I presently live in the mountains of Western North Carolina and we still hear some unique ancient expressions from mountain folk who until fairly recently were still very isolated in the hills and "hollers" of this region.
One thing: Have you heard and used the expression that you will do something "if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise"? Did you, as did I for many years, envision a creek whose waters might flood to prevent you from keeping your commitment? I learned only recently that the creek is the Creek and refers to the Creek Indians! If we live long enough we actually learn a few things...


From: Roleta1@aol.com

In answer to what Mary wrote in her letter above:

I remember that my grandmother from Braxton County had a lot of different expressions than my grandmother from Barbour County.
I often heard the expression about the “CREEK” as stated above in the letter from Mary.
Another one is “Don’t cut your nose off to spite your face”? What could that mean?
We have visited the area of the Outer Banks and have noticed that many of the natives in that area speak with an English Accent and often use “Old English” terms. Have you ever notice that?

Can you add anything to this conversation?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.



From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

Here are a few old ones,
geet yet................."did you eat yet"
no, jew..................."no, did you”
squeet..................."let's eat"

  




Jean Wells Himmel (WI 1959) jhimmel41@gmail.com

Boyd Waner (WI 1958) BoydLWaner@aol.com

James C. Jackson (WI 1958) jcjksn.@frontier.com

Miriam L. (Ashland) Jackson (WI 1957) mimmyj@frontier.com

Jerry Belt (WI 1959) jerrybelt11@gmail.com






JUNE MYSTERY PERSON


The lady in the picture on the left is the Mystery Person of the month. Do you recognize her? Tell us who she is and any memories you have about her.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.

  





Sports Editor: Bill Meredith





From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)

Even though the main stream media did not cover it well, many of you may have still noticed that in early April, President Trump hosted the National Champion University of Alabama football team at the White House.
The fact that this happened was not big news, since many championship teams in many sports have been invited there over the years, including Alabama several times. However, two things stand out to me about this visit. First, there was not one hint of any type of protest from the players about going to the White House. I've read that Coach Nick Saban told his team that they were going "as a team" and that they should be honored to receive the invitation, since few Americans get the chance to do this and it was something they could relate to their grandchildren. The second thing that impressed me is the fact that after the formal proceedings had ended, several of the players asked for and were granted permission to pray for and with the President. I am told that very few media outlets reported this.
There are a lot of people out there who do not like Alabama football and that is their right. However, I, for one, was extremely proud of them for the way they handled themselves. It was refreshing not to hear the controversy we've heard recently about such visits. Do you think the fact that the head coach grew up in north central West Virginia had something to do with the way this was handled? Yes, I'd like to think that it probably did.

Send your comments on this or any sports subject to me at billmere@aol.com

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


Thank you.




GOODBYE TEDDY BUCKETS


From: Bill Meredith (billmere@aol.com)

One of my favorite WVU basketball players recently left the Mountaineer program to transfer to Wichita State, namely Teddy Allen, the 6'-5" shooting guard from Boys Town, NE. When I learned of the transfer, I started thinking about why I liked Teddy. I think it was because he was "different". You might call him a breath of fresh air. He appeared to me to be his own biggest fan. The students loved him and so did the majority of the WV fans.
When I was a kid, every story about Boys Town, NE was a feel-good story. Maybe I related Teddy to those good old days. I really don't know a lot about his background, except that he was the player of the year in Nebraska his senior year in high school. Why did he end up in Boys Town, NE, when he was from Nevada? Again, I don't know, but I'd bet Bob Huggins knew why. It is strictly a guess, but I saw Teddy as a project that Huggins took on, feeling that if he could dig deeply enough, he would discover an elite basketball player Sadly, it didn't work out and I'll miss seeing Teddy Buckets next year and I suspect, so will the WVU basketball program.
What do you think? Even though he had some problems, do you think Teddy Allen should have stayed at West Virginia or did he do the right thing by transferring? Send your thoughts and comments to billmere@aol.com.





QUESTION


I have not lived in West Virginia for over 50 years, but still follow the local sports scene closely. Something that has intrigued me, particularly in the past decade, is the amazing success of the sports teams at Bridgeport High School. Regardless of the sport, their team always seems to be competitive on a statewide level.
My question is, “Why does this happen”? Is it coaching? Is it a superior youth feeder program? Perhaps they have excellent facilities. Maybe it is “all of the above”. I don’t know, but I think our readers probably can give me the answer(s).
Please send your comments and thoughts on the Bridgeport phenomenon to me at billmere@aol.com. When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.




From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)

Hi Bill:
There were lots of things going on in sports when I was in high school. During football season, students would meet in Chapel on Fridays, but depending on when and where the game was to be played. sometimes we would have short "Cheerleading" sessions on other days. These would be to send the team off feeling good about their performance. I have been around for a long time. but I still remember David Brand and Jimmie Paugh. Jimmie was the star of the team and was highlighted a lot. I also remember another one but I can't think of his first name--- Bohensky. My brother, Carris Radcliffe (WI 1942), played football and ran track. Coach Folio didn't play him much in football, because he was so light, but he always held him up as a good example. because Carris was always there and ready to go if the coach needed him.

Reply to Arreta:

It is really good to hear from you again. I can certainly identify with what we called "Pep Rallies", held prior to football games. These were especially important if it was a big game or one against a hated rival. (Do they do that anymore?) Plus, back then, the cheers were known by the entire student body and everyone cheered. I think cheerleaders today are just practicing for competitions. I, personally, can't understand much of what they are saying now.
There were always players like your brother on every team. They would show up for every practice and seldom got to play, but they were still a vital part of the team. When a player is very small, sometimes the coach is doing them a favor by not playing them much. Young men grow considerably during their four years of high school and the bigger ones could really cause injuries to smaller freshmen.
Thanks for writing. It is always good to hear from you.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)




From: Fred Alvaro (WI 1959)

Bob Secret (WI 1960) and I were both on the Babe Ruth League All-Star Teams at the age of 13. My team, the Clarksburg Americans, made it to the 1955 Babe Ruth League World Series in Austin.TX. and came in third place. This photo was taken at Norwood Park, when I had on my WV All-Star uniform. Then at age 14, Bob and I played for a team in Zeising

Reply to Fred

Thanks so much for sending this. I'm sure you guys had a great time representing the state in Austin. Anytime you can make a national tournament as a youngster, it is special. I attended high school with a couple of boys who were on teams that went to both the Little League and Pony League World Series. They said it was one of the biggest thrills they ever had. I'm sure you and Bobby felt the same.
It's good to hear from you. Don't wait so long to write again.



From: Bill Bryan (RW 1957)

I believe the sports mystery picture is Lyle Corder, (R-W 1957). Still, I think many WI graduates are familiar with Lyle and will identify him correctly also. Lyle was a very good student and succeeded in life. And as I remember, he had a near-perfect "DA" haircut back in the 50's! And most know his father taught at Central. A pleasure knowing him.
And thanks for having one more Sarasota reunion. We appreciate your time and effort to accomplish this-as we do with the "Newsletter." Always good reading!

Reply to Bill

I'm sure many of our readers know Lyle, but, for some reason, they didn't write to identify him. I like your comment about the "DA" haircut. Most of us wore a flat top back then and where I lived, there were only a few barbers who knew how to cut it properly. Eventually, those guys got all the business. Do you remember the hair wax and the round plastic brushes? Those were the days!
Thanks for your note and the nice things you say about Lyle. I'm sure he appreciates it and it is well deserved. I hope to hear from you again soon.





From: Lyle Corder (RW 1957)

I was shocked to see my basketball picture in the Newsletter. But, it is my favorite picture. It was taken in the R-W gym where we played all our home games. They were done taking our pictures when Coach Bonfili yelled at me: " Goose, take one with two balls"; so, we did. I got the nickname Goose from the great Goose Tatum who often posed that way. I had just turned 16 at the time. Attached is the only picture I have of the real Goose; perhaps you can croup me out of it.
Sad to say, even with two balls we didn't beat WI or Victory during my days on the floor. Thanks for the publicity, I think.

Reply to Lyle

I'm glad we were able to show your ball skills as a 16-year old. If anyone out there thinks that is easy, they should try it. I know that I never could do it. It is said that Esa Ahmad, the senior forward on the WVU basketball team has such large hands that he makes it look easy. If he would only learn to hit the 15-footer consistently, it would help my pulse rate during Mountaineer games. BTW, Goose Tatum was always a treat to watch. Those Globetrotters were the best.
If I remember correctly, R-W was not the only team that had trouble beating W I and Victory in the 50's. They both produced some pretty good teams back then. Jim Alvaro refers to one of them elsewhere in this newsletter.
Thanks so much for your comments. Stay well and keep supporting us. We are always looking for interesting items to publish.




From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

Buck Tustin sent-shirts like this to everyone who played on the 1954-1955 great basketball team at WI. I think he located just about everyone on the team who is still with us today. Buck heard my big mouth cheering for these guys when they played at Carmichael Auditorium. It was enough that he was so kind to send me one also, along with a couple other "cheerleaders". Well, he said one size fits all. I made the 10 x 8 image look like the size of a newspaper. What a great team WI had that year. Not only a great team, but a fantastic bunch of guys. Several of them are still very dear friends today. I think it was very nice of Buck doing this, although it did not surprise me. Over the years, I have received several surprise gifts from my dear friend.

Reply to Jim

Way to go Buck!!! I've always said that you will never have better friends than those who were your classmates in your first 12 years of school. This is more proof of that. Thanks for sharing the story and the picture. You never seem to age, Jim. It must be that Georgia water.




WHO ARE THESE FOOTBALL PLAYERS?


Can you identify all or any of these football players? I really like the uniforms and they all look like they are really for Big 10 action.

Send their names and hopefully a comment about them to me at billmere@aol.com. When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.






Write to me about summer camp. Did you ever attend one? Was it through or with an organization? Where did you go? What did you do while there? Tell us all about your memories.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.






TELEPHONE MEMORIES


From: Jim Stout (Weston HS 1948)

Back in the "good old days" (1945 ++) we moved to a small farm on the Lost Creek-West Milford Road, about 1 mile west of Lost Creek. While Lost Creek was hooked to the Jane Lew exchange of "Ma Bell" and had rotary dial service, our new location was hooked to the West Milford (company?) plug-in switchboard and our home phone was a "crank the operator" for connection. Some 10 or more customers were also on this line! Our phone number was 9r21 and our "ring" was 2 longs and one short.
One number I frequently called had a "ring" of four shorts! Each customer had a "wall" phone, or the newer "desk set"-which also had a small "crank" on the base. Each customer also had a large "dry cell" battery, and those who didn't replace this battery often enough dealt with greatly reduced volume.
Before cranking, it was cordial to lift the receiver to see if the line was "busy"- and if it was wait until the line was clear to talk to the operator. There were some customers who liked to listen as you talked – and the condition of their battery was apparent to you if their battery needed replacing.


From: John Teter (WI 1961)

I can remember "back in the day" when my parents had one phone and that phone was located in the hallway just inside the front door. During my time at Central Junior (1957 - 1958), I made three tables in shop that adorned that hallway, two of which were still in place when my mother moved out of the house back in 2007. The third table that I made had been moved to the basement, as my mother had another "desk" that had replaced the one that I had made. At some point, there was a second phone put into my parents' bedroom, which was also there back in 2007. I also remember "party lines", as we had one for some period of time. It was always "something to do" if we caught someone on the party line, and we would listen in. This was not something that we did very often, as we were afraid of getting caught. I also remember that the first phone we had was a "rotary dial". Can you imagine people using "rotary dial" phones, and especially those who have their fingernails kept long and/or manicured?


From: Roleta1@aol.com

I was born in Braxton County but my family moved to Harrison County when I was 4 years old. We lived in Wolf Summit where my father had a job as principal of the school. I have not forgotten the phone number—
43 40W13
Yes, it was a party line. For some reason I think it was a 3 party-line. I was so young, I never listened in on a phone conversation. I probably never even used the phone. Our ring was 2 or 3 short rings and that is how one recognized that it as their call. There was one phone and it as located on a desk in my parent’s bedroom. When we moved to Clarksburg, the house my parents bought was about twice the size of the one before and was 3 stories high. The phone was located just inside the front door. conveniently there as a small hall coat closet there which became my private phone booth. We no longer had a party-line. But it was the only phone in our house so if you were upstairs in a bedroom, in the basement or on the porch, it was a mad dash for the phone. Later my parents remodeled the house and we had a second phone which was on the wall in the kitchen. What luxury!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you remember your first phone number? Did you have a crank phone, did you speak to the operator? Did you have a party line? What was your ring? 

If you can remember any or all of these, please write and tell us.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.
Thank you.

  



SUBJECTS SUGGESTED 
FOR YOU TO WRITE ABOUT


From: Jean Vickers Kennedy (WI 1958)

I was never in detention while in high school, but, was there detention? What did they do when boys or girls (any girls out there?) got into trouble? Would they share their mischief with us? 

Did any teachers ever use physical force to get a point across? What was the most excited or aggravated you ever saw a teacher behave?

Write about your experience to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.



  

IT’S SPRINGTIME
THE CARNIVALS WILL START APPEARING SOON


From: Roleta1@aol.com

Do you remember the carnivals that came to Nutter Fort, Clarksburg and/or Bridgeport? Did you ever win anything playing any of the games at the Carnivals? What? Do you still have any of these items? Remember Carnival Glass?  Is that where that type of glass received its name? By people giving it away at the Carnival? What was your favorite game to play? What was your favorite ride to ride? Did you ever work at a Carnival?

Write and tell us all about it so we can enjoy your memories and remember some of our own.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.






 MAY MYSTERY PICTURE


From: Dr. Mary Clare Kane (WI 1959)

Just a note to say that I think the girl with the long hair in the front row is Loretta Mayer. I believe she became a professor in chemistry at Tuffts University in Philadelphia. She was in 1959 WI class.
Thanks for all you do.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Joy Gregory DeFazio (WI 959) sent the picture and she furnished the names below.

Back row, l-r: James Highlight (RW student), Eddie Kerns, unsure of the next two. 
Seated Judy Davis, Loretta Mayer, Joy, and we still don’t know her name.

None of us could remember the two boys on the right of the picture nor the girl seated on the right in the front row.

Anyone know any information?
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 is Mary C. Merendino Kane (WI 1959) 
She is the lady between the two men.

DR. MARY CLARE MEREDNINO KANE 
(WI 1959)


From: Roleta Smith Meredith

I am always asking you readers to tell us where you are and what you have been doing since high school. After receiving a letter from Mary Clare, I wrote and asked her what all the initials after her name stand for and where she has been since high school, she should be very proud of her accomplishments.


Dr. Mary C.M. Kane, 
Ed.S., MA, LMFT Clinical Member AAMFT

She wrote: “The Dr. is a PhD in pastoral psychology; the EdS is an educational specialist in marriage and family therapy; the MA is a master’s degree in spirituality, the AAMFT is a professional organization - the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The BS from the Univ of Pittsburgh is not included in the “alphabet soup”.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I also found out that Mary Clare retired as a NJ School Guidance Counselor and now maintains a private practice. She and her husband have three grown children and four grandchildren.

It looks like Mary Clare has been very busy since high school.

Congratulations on having a very successful career and home life. Thank you so much for writing to us.

Write and tell us what you have been doing.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing me, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.






VICTORY HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
ATTENTION ALL VICTORY ALUMNI
SAVE THE DATE: July 7 2018


From: Les Hall (Victory HS 1955) for Rita Bailey

The ALL VICTORY CLASS REUNION WILL BE HELD ON July 7, 2018 at the Harrison County Recreation Center on Rt 19, Clarksburg, WV. 

This year (VHS’s 101st year in existence) will begin at 11:00 am and will be hosted by the Classes of 1965 and 1966 with the cooperative efforts of the Class of 1963. 


The Reunion Committee will provide ham, hot dogs and all the fixings. Class will provide bottled water. If anyone needs something else to drink, please bring your own. Coffee will be provided! 


Please bring your favorite covered dish (casserole, vegetable, salad, dessert) to share.

We are asking that each class representative notify their class members and let them know the details. We are looking forward to seeing all of you for an afternoon of getting reacquainted and visiting with each other!

Any questions, please email Les Hall at engleh@aol.com

Thank you.



ANNUAL DINNER
WI CLASS OF 1961
SAVE THE DATE: August 24 2018

Followed the next day by the WASHINGTON IRVING HIGH SCHOOL REUNION PICNIC (* see picnic details below)

The annual dinner for the class 1961 will be held this year at 6:00 pm at the following location:

F. O. P. Mountaineer Lodge #78
1422 Buckhannon Pike
Nutter Fort, WV, 26301

Please let John Teter (jateter@aol.com) know if you plan to attend the dinner, so that we may provide the restaurant with an accurate head count.



WASHINGTON IRVING HIGH SCHOOL
REUNION PICNIC
ATTENTION ALL WI ALUMNI
SAVE THE DATE: August 25 2018


From: Penny Shanaman Donnelly (WI 1964)

I know we are all busy planning our summer vacations, which may include a trip home to Clarksburg to visit family and friends, so be sure to include the Annual WI Picnic at the Veterans Park on August 25th from 10:00 am to whenever. Look for the Osborne Pavilion across from the Amphitheater.

MARK your calendars for August 25th. 

Can’t wait to see all our classmates again and catch up on all that has happened since graduation.



REUNION NEWS
WI CLASS OF 1958
SAVE THE DATE: September 29 2018


The WI Class of 1958 is planning their 60th Reunion to be held on Saturday, September 29 for one day only. 

We will gather together at the Bridgeport Conference Center. 


For more information, please contact Connie Ferrell via email: ferrellcc@aol.com, or Linda Pritchard via e-mail: moolinda9@msn.com, or Sonny Donaldson via e-mail: Shedrickdonadso@gmail.com



50THREUNION
WI CLASS OF 1968
SAVE THE DATE: August 31 2018


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



55th REUNION
WI CLASS of 1963
SAVE THE DATE: September 28 & 29 2018

From: Sara L Hall Howe (WI 1963)

September 28th and 29th 2018. 

Casual dress both evenings.


Friday night will be held at Progressive Woman’s Association (“old YWCA”) on Washington Ave. (parking is close by.)

Saturday. Best Western Plus on Lodgeville Rd.
Doors open at 5:00 -5:30 pm
CLASS PICTURE at 6:00 pm
DINNER at 6:30 pm

If you need any further information, contact saralhowe@yahoo.com.



CLARKSBURG WINTER PICNIC
IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA
SAVE THE DATE: March 9 2019


Don’t forget to mark your calendars and make your plans now!
One more time for the old times.

It will be the first time in 3 years and the last ever. One final time to see everyone and have some good times sharing memories one more time.

Come join us!






LINDA JOHNSTON BINKLEMAN

Linda Johnston Binkleman, of Charlotte, N.C. passed away on April 18, 2018 after a three-week battle with leukemia.
She was a graduate of Washington Irving High School with the class of 1959.
She is survived by two daughters Courtney and Amnity; and her special friend Leo Trapp.


CAROLYN KAY REED BONNER

Carolyn Kay Reed Bonner, 74, of Elk Horn Road, Salem, departed this life on Thursday, May 3, 2018, in her residence surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on August 6, 1943, in Dale, WV, daughter of the late Troy Andrew and Mary Naomi McIntyre Reed.
On May 17, 1965, she married Roger Dale Bonner, who preceded her in death on March 10, 2017.
Surviving are one daughter, Nichole Lyrae (Joseph II) Thomas, two sons, Robert Wayne Bonner and Rodney Dale (Christine) Bonner;8 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Royce, (WI 1962), and Janet DeVenuto, (WI 1964); brother, Michael Troy Reed (WI 1968); and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Bonner was a homemaker and was member of Cascara United Methodist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.harbertfuneralhome.com


CHARLES MARTIN PITTS

Charles passed away on May 1, 2018 at the age of 81. He was a native of Clarksburg, WV and graduated from WI in 1954.He then joined the US Navy and served 3 years before attending Fairmont State University where he graduated with a degree in accounting. He worked at Anchor Hocking for 30 years before retiring in 1991. He is survived by, Mary Lou, his wife of 61 years; a son Randy and wife Carla. A daughter Kelly and 3nhyyu grandchildren and a great grandson. Service to be held in Hilton Head, SC.


D. R. BROOKS GAINER, II

Dr. R. Brooks Gainer, II, 74, of Morgantown, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, in the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
He was born June 29, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to the late R. Brooks Gainer and Geraldine Haggerty Gainer.
He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Kristin (Conrad) Hamrick and Shelby Gainer (Jamie Weber), and his grandchildren: Hunter Hamrick, Abigail Weber, Harrison Hamrick, Avery Weber, Kelcey Hamrick, Henley Weber, and his special grandson Captain John Maxell. He also is survived by his sister and her husband, Sondra Lee Gainer (Dennis) Koon, and his niece Melissa Dawn Koon, as well as his Aunt Eva Haggerty Newlon and Uncle Bernard Haggerty, several loving cousins, extended nieces and nephews, a host of dear friends, and his large bunch of dogs and cats.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Suzanne Powell Gainer, who passed away last August; and his in-laws, Deward G. Powell and Ruth Lawson Powell.
Brooks graduated from Washington Irving (WI) High School in 1961, where he began his healthcare career as the first student trainer in the state of West Virginia, before attending West Virginia University. At WVU, he continued his work in athletic training and began his love of Mountaineer sports. He also met the love of his life, Suzanne Powell, whom he married on June 6, 1965. Brooks was involved with the First Presbyterian Church in Clarksburg, and then in Morgantown, where he held various positions.
After graduating from WVU School of Medicine in 1969, he did post-graduate training in Akron, Ohio, before returning to WVU to complete his internal medicine residency and his fellowship in infectious diseases. Brooks joined the Morgantown Internal Medicine Group (MIMG) in 1974 and worked at Monongalia General Hospital. He was also an associate clinical professor of medicine at WVU, as well as an infectious disease and epidemiologist consultant for several hospitals and organizations. Brooks was an active member of the Monongalia County Medical Society.
In 2005, he retired from MIMG and shifted his primary focus from caring for people to caring for animals. In 2008, he began volunteering with Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program (M-SNAP). Initially a volunteer at the ReTails thrift shop, he soon began driving fundraising efforts, planning events, and later becoming the organization’s president.
Brooks was a true Mountaineer fan who was a fixture at games and events and a frequent caller into the WVU sports radio shows. He was a Varsity Club member and a great supporter of the Pride of West Virginia.
Brooks lived his life committed to his passions. He loved his patients and his community: as a physician, he devoted 48 years in service, and as a citizen, he gave himself to the many organizations and charities he represented. He was always ready and willing to help out anyone in need. Brooks was forever dedicated to WI and his former classmates, and as a Mountaineer, he pledged unwavering loyalty to all teams that donned the old gold and blue. Above all, Brooks adored his wife, his family, and his friends.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests a tribute donation in his name to any of these organizations: M-SNAP Inc., P.O. Box 4335, Morgantown, WV 26504 (http://www.m-snap.org/); The WVU Medical School Annual Scholarship Fund; The Pride Travel Fund. Contributions to the WVU organizations can be sent to WVU Foundation, One Waterfront Place – 7th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650.
In Brooks’ memory, the family asks that you do as he did: Love, Give, and Live. Please love and treasure your family and friends, find ways to give back to others, including animals, and always cheer loud and proud for WVU.
Finally, the family would like to thank: the staff and fans at the WVU Coliseum, the EMTs, and the staff at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital for their attention and care during his last 12 hours; his two lifelong friends for hanging in with him until his daughters could arrive; and his friends, especially those in the animal community, for helping with his beloved dogs and cats during this very difficult time and transition. Brooks would be so proud and honored to see how many have stepped up to help in his time of need!
Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com


MARY NICEWARNER TUCKER

Mary, a resident of Pasadena, MD passed away December 7, 2017.
She married the love of her life, Jerome Tucker in 1961.
Mary retired as owner of Tucker’s Exxon in Annapolis, Md in 2004.
She is survived by her son John and wife Patti. Also surviving is daughter, Jennifer and husband Robert Lee Eckman, brother James “Jim” and Robert “Bob” Nicewarner and sister Claire Conley.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Celestine Nicewarner; her husband Jerome Tucker; her brothers Sonny and Joseph Tucker.
She leaves behind several grand-children and great-grandchildren.


SUSAN HUSBAND YOUNKIN C.A.G.O.

Sara Husband Younkin of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on February 25, 2018, at Seasons Hospice in Cumming, Georgia. She was 99 years old.
Born on September 4, 1918, in Dawson in Southwestern Pennsylvania, on the Youghiogheny River, her parents were David P. and June (Miller) Husband. Her parents offered piano lessons, little Sara took the streetcar trolley to her teacher’s house, and gradually grew in her keyboard ability. At Connellsville High School, she was the accompanist for the orchestra and solo musicians, one of whom was Jack Younkin, a handsome trumpet player who later became her husband.
Jack went off to the Great War in Italy and North Africa, and in August, 1944, their first daughter, Barbara was born. When Jack came home after the war, he got a job locally, and in 1946, their second daughter Elaine, was born. Wanting to make their way in the world, Sara and Jack moved the family to Clarksburg, West Virginia, to start a new life.
In Clarksburg, Sara took a job as organist at First Methodist Church, played for funerals at Davis Weaver Funeral Home, and additionally became the organist playing Hammond Organ for popular music at lunch and dinner at the famed Stonewall Jackson Hotel. With lots of important travelers passing through, it was only a matter of time that Sara would be discovered by a talent agent. Indeed, she had an offer to travel with a big band (we were told it was Guy Lombardo) which she considered, but ultimately turned it down in order to stay in Clarksburg and be a wife and mother. Change came again in 1955, when Jack’s job uprooted the family from the hills of West Virginia to the flat tidewater of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Settling in the town of Easton, Sara again found a job as organist.
Sara’s husband of 52 years, John E. Younkin, passed away in 1994. She was also predeceased by her brother, David M. Husband, grandson Clayton Christopher Clark, step-great grandsons, Robert William Stevenson, and Logan Kleier.
Sara is survived by daughter Barbara Park and her partner, Frank Blake, daughter Elaine Bloomer and husband Gregory, and daughter Jeanette Kleier and husband Mark. She is also survived by: several granddaughters, step granddaughters; step-grandsons and great grandchildren.


KATHLEEN VIRGINIA HOSTUTLER

Kathleen Virginia Hostutler Martin, 94, formerly of Nutter Fort, WV, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the Bridgeport Health Care Center.
She was born in Hundred, WV, on November 23, 1923, a daughter of the late David R. and Eva Dye Hostutler, Sr.
Twice married, Kathleen was preceded in death by her first husband, John W. Morrison, and her second husband, Jim Martin.
Mrs. Martin is survived by one son, Ed Morrison and wife Carol of Maple Lake; two grandchildren, Brooke Carnes and Cory Morrison; two great-grandchildren, Bryce Carnes and Brody Carnes; one nephew, William Hostutler; and two nieces, Ricky Davis and Cindy Hostutler.
In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Hostutler and Dave Hostutler.
Kathleen was a 1942 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School and retired from Dave’s Restaurant after 55 years of service as their cook.
She was a member of the United Methodist Temple, and a member of Bidawees Bunko Club in Nutter Fort. She enjoyed bowling and being with her family.



MARIANNA WARBLOCK COEY
This was written by Marianna’s friend Marolyn Tustin Jett

Marianna was a Stealey girl, attending Morgan Grade School and Central Junior High, graduating from Washington Irving High School in 1956. She went on to graduate from WVU.
She had lived in Durango Colorado since 1971. In 1977, she began teaching in the Foreign Language Department at Timberline Academy, a small boarding school. She alternated years teaching French and Spanish and each year took the class to either France or Spain. She also hiked, rock-climbed, kayaked and other outdoor activities with her students.
Marianna loved traveling and in precise detail, relayed stories of where she was and what she was doing. This was seen in her Christmas letter to her many friends. Each year, she wrote in great detail of her adventures and also provided pictures and drawings. Many missed receiving her letter this past Christmas and wondered about her. She had become ill and was diagnosed with cancer, spending three weeks in November being tested at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. She passed away on January 14, 2018.
Marianna's life was full. She had planned to open a shop on her property with her collections from far and wide when she retired at the end of the 2017. She reached a milestone of teaching school FIFTY years. (I know of no one who has accomplished that and I come from a long line of teachers). Her husband, Dan, built structures to accommodate her “stuff”, as she called it, in anticipation of her retirement and her next adventure. Sadly, this dream of hers was not fulfilled.


Marianna's husband, Dan Coey, has been the Head Master at Timberline Academy for many years. Dan is from Ohio and survives her in Durango. Many reading this will remember her brother Ted and his wife, Sue Roland Waroblak, and brother Tim Waroblak all graduates of Washington Irving High School.
Marianna is missed by so many but her legacy lives on in our memories and in the children she taught.


JOHN CLEMENT KREYENBUHL

John Clement Kreyenbuhl, 77 of New Milton, departed this life on Saturday, May 5, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 3, 1940 in Clarksburg a son of the late Clement Leopold and Regina Droppleman Kreyenbuhl. On May 21, 1960 he married Charlotte Ragland Kreyenbuhl who survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Terry K. Swisher and husband Keith, one son, John Clement Kreyenbuhl Jr. and wife Tammy, Bristol, several grandchildren; great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild, one sister, Sister Mary Joan Kreyenbuhl, CSJ. One granddaughter preceded him in death.
Mr. Kreyenbuhl retired from Rish Equipment as a Parts Manager with over 30 years of service.  He was a member of I.U.O.E. Local #132 of which he had served as Steward. John had served on the Doddridge County of Board of Education from 1988-1994 and the Board of Directors of United Technical Center, Gore. He was a 1958 graduate of Notre Dame High School and was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church.