Issue 231

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

From your Editor:

A big thank you to my husband, Bill Meredith who is not even from Clarksburg nor even Harrison County, but he volunteered to head up the sports section of the newsletter so you readers could write and discuss sports.

Bill started a new series about Clarksburg Athletes last month. He personally interviewed Tom Williams (WVU Mountaineer) and wrote an article last month that reminded us of all the great Clarksburg athletes who played with Tom (Victory 1965) throughout his years of playing Babe Ruth, American Legion, Junior High, Victory and WVU sports and the inside look at some of the best coaches of that time, too.

Also, a big thanks to Tom and Gladys Walsh Williams (WI 1971) for answering all of Bill’s questions and helping with this article. I believe the article is a prize winner that is good enough for any SPORTS PUBLICATION!

OCTOBER MYSTERY PICTURE

Thanks to Barbara Park (WI 1962) for submitting the picture above of the Chestnut Hills Grade School Patrol boys train trip to Washington, DC about 1945-55. The ones she could identify are Jim Hovey, Barry Rosenthal, Mike Patrick, Dan Wheeler, Dave Kuhl, Larry or Gary Norris, she doesn’t remember the names of the two boys in front. All of these boys graduated from WI in 1962.

From: David Ellis (WI 1962)

I think the October Mystery Picture was taken on a train taking School Patrol Boys to Washington D.C. I can see two Patrol Badges in the picture. I don't recognize the boys. If they graduated in 1962, the picture was probably taken in the spring of 1956 since the trip was taken by sixth graders near the end of the school year.

The trip to Washington was a sixth-grade rite of passage back in the 50's when I attended Pierpont Grade School. The year I went, it was a whirlwind trip, leaving Clarksburg in the evening and arriving in D.C. early in the morning. I remember we visited at least one museum, the Capitol Building, National Airport, Mount Vernon and the Zoo. All in one day. I remember everyone being psyched up, so nobody slept much on the trip from Clarksburg to Washington, but after that schedule, we pretty much passed out on the trip home.

The trip to the Capitol Building was very memorable because when I took the trip as a sixth grader in 1954 there had just been an attack on the House of Representatives when a group of Puerto Rican Nationalists opened fire from the visitor’s gallery. That happened just a month or two before the trip and I vividly remember the guide pointing out bullet holes in the walls of the House Chamber.

From: Roleta1@aol.com

I was never a school girl patrol. But I did go on one or maybe two trips to Washington D.C. as my daddy was a principal at some Harrison County Elementary Schools and he took me along for educational purposes. I agree with David Ellis about the excitement that surrounded us leaving the depot in Clarksburg, it may have been my first train ride. No one slept that night, we were too excited. Couldn’t even sit still. Some things I remember about Washington D.C. was riding a paddle wheel boat on the Potomac River, visiting Mt. Vernon, seeing the original Declaration of Independence, going to Arlington cemetery and seeing the changing of the guards. We went into the capitol building and into the House Chambers to walk the halls and see pictures and statues of past presidents. We traveled around the town on a bus and saw all the sights. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Maybe that is where my love for traveling was born.

Above is a picture of the Zickefoose siblings.

Left to right are his sisters, Judy and Sandra (WI 1956) with Rex (WI 1959)

HERO OF THE MONTH HONORED

REX ZICKEFOOSE (WI 1959)

Congratulations to a great example of "A Good Person"

Rex Zickefoose was named Doddridge County Schools volunteer of the month. He was introduced and honored at the Homecoming game at half time on Friday October 5 with ear splitting applause. He was chosen by the School Board and faculty members. Rex volunteers at the schools and their sporting events. 

He is a long-time member of the VFW and Lions Club. Through the VFW, he furnishes all the schools USA Flags. The Lions Cub has a pavilion at the Doddridge County Fair Grounds and he makes sure the area is always clean. Rex is also active in Relay for Life and the monthly VFW Pancake Breakfast.

Rex oversees two essay programs for the VFW. The Patriot Essay is for high school students and the winner is awarded a small scholarship from the VFW. The Voice of Democracy Essay is for elementary students and has a cash award for the winner from the VFW. 

Rex is in the Military Color Guard for the local parades and attends local veterans’ funeral services. He raises the US flag at events and sees that they are positioned correctly for all special days. He also chairs a reading program close to Veterans Day.

Rex tries to keep his volunteering under the radar but some have noticed and are giving him credit.

Rex was chosen Doddridge County Citizen of the year in 2009. 

He is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief.

From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)

Growing up in a small town had many advantages. One of those was the ability to know most of the people in my area. In the 40's and 50's, it seemed that almost everyone had a nickname. Some of them were appropriate and it was easy to figure out why the nickname was chosen, while others apparently came out of nowhere.

Roleta mentioned in the last newsletter that one of my brothers, Jack, had large ears as a youngster and had the nickname of "Loppy". My other brother, Joe, tended to cry a lot when he was 6 or 7 years old and earned two nicknames, "Pucker" and "Lippy". One of my sisters got tagged with "Snaggle Tooth", when she was losing her baby teeth. The name stuck with her until she was a teenager.

Some of the other nicknames I remember were "Pee Wee" given to a short man in town, "Scotch", who drank a little too much occasionally, "Bigfoot", a good friend of mine with big feet, and "Duckfoot", another friend, who had a funny way of walking. Nicknames that were given without any obvious reason included "Skip", "Peaches", "Hoopy" and "Chick".

My father was called "Muggsie" and I have no idea why. My grandfather, on the other hand, earned his nickname. He spent a few years as the town "Chief of Police". He had a nervous habit of sniffing through his nose while talking and was secretly called "Sniffles" by the local teenagers. One Halloween night, the boys "borrowed" an outhouse and placed it in the town square. On it, they hung a large sign, which read, "SNIFFLE'S OFFICE". Our family laughed about that for many years, but never around my grandfather.

I feel that nicknames are slowly becoming a thing of the past. I think part of the reason is that years ago, we could make fun of each other without anyone getting upset. Unfortunately, those days are gone forever as the PC culture has taken over. Even Snow White's seven dwarfs would probably be called common names like Fred, Tom, John, Bill, Jim, Bud or Sam today.

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

The only two nicknames that I can remember from "back in the day" were SEEKS (for Bob Secret) and TEETS (for Bob Teter), both WI, 1960. Every once in a while, some of my friends would refer to me as LITTLE TEETS, with Bob being my brother, but I think the nicknames were strictly for the two of these guys. These nicknames probably started when Bob and Bob started playing sports together and thus to keep them separated the names were given to them and they have stuck.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
What are some NICKNAMES you remember and why were they given that moniker? Write and tell us about those names of neighbors, relatives or people in your school.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

GIFTS RECEIVED IN OCTOBER 2018 FOR 

THE WIN SCHOLARSHIP

Sheryl Pinnell Suplee (WI 1965)

Nice to hear from you and thank you for the very generous gift to the WIN scholarship fund. Thank you for your sweet note of appreciation.

Roger David Saucer (WI 1951)

Thank you for your nice gift to the WIN Scholarship and thanks for sharing your picture with your Jag in last month’s newsletter. My sister and I nicknamed that picture as “James Bond”.

Kaye Wamsley Jacobs (WI 1961)

Thank you for your generous gift to the WIN Scholarship.

John Fazio (RW 1962) and Terry Snider Fazio (WI 1967)

Given in memory of their nephew Edward R. Wilson (WI 1976)

All of the people who sent money in October will have tickets made out in their name for the quilt.

If you do not wish to have tickets for the quilt, please write me a note and tell me.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

13^TH ANNUAL

2019 WIN QUILT IS BEING MADE NOW

OUR ONLY SCHOLARSHIP MONEY MAKER

"Visions of West Virginia"

The 2019 WIN Scholarship Quilt will again feature the "Visions of West Virginia" ink drawings of Tina Richmond. They were originally part of the WV Mountain Quilt Quest a few years ago.

The WIN Quilters have previously made two scholarship quilts with these drawings:

One with Civil War Reproduction fabrics 
(blues, gray and red)

One named 'There's Gold in Them Thar' Hills' 
(black, gold & white fabrics)

This year's quilt will have an Autumn theme using Fall colored batik fabrics with the tan background fabric of the black drawings.

The WIN Quilters hope that all of you will again show great support for the scholarship fund benefiting RC Byrd HS students.

Good Luck to Sue (Selby) Moats (WI 1955) and all our great WIN Quilters.

Shown in the block photos above are:

- the WV state flower: rhododendron

- Visions of West Virginia with hills

- the WV state bird: cardinal

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

AND WHAT A BARGAIN

They are still offered at the same price as in 2006.

6 tickets for $5.00

12 tickets for $10.00

24 tickets for $20.00

48 tickets for 40.00

Make your check payable to:

Roleta Meredith / WIN Scholarship

Mail your check to:

Roleta Meredith

3201 Charles MacDonald Drive

Sarasota, FL 34240

  

AN ARTICLE FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

From: Joe Malone (WI 1952)

Here's a story from The New York Times that I thought you'd find interesting. 
Remote as they seem, communities just three hours from Washington, D.C., are more than a jumping-off point for world-class outdoor adventures.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

(Monongah HS 1957)

billmere@aol.com

please email our Sports editor with your comments, questions and especially your memories

WHAT MADE ME, ME

From your SPORTS Editor

One of my favorite poems is titled:

“What Made Me, Me”

(Author Unknown)

The first few lines read:

“Long ago and far away in a land that time forgot

Before the day of Dylan or the dawn of Camelot

There lived a race of innocents and they were you and me

Long ago and far away in the land that made me, me”

Even though this poem is probably referring to the 1950’s, we all had a time or a “land that made me, me”. Our past is what created our memories and one of the purposes of this newsletter is to allow each of us to share them. Among those are memories of sports teams at local high schools with names like Washington Irving for which this newsletter is named, Victory, Roosevelt Wilson, Kelly Miller, Salem, Bristol, Lumberport, West Milford, Lost Creek, Shinnston and Unidis. They are all gone now, victims of consolidation and changing times. However, for most of us, they were a big part of “what made me, me”.

Perhaps, similar memories caused Coach Bill Bennett, the boys’ basketball coach at Robert C. Byrd High School, to first think about honoring the three high schools, which formerly served students living in the RCB attendance area. He had seen teams wearing “throwback” uniforms and a couple years ago, began thinking of how cool it would be for his team to play an actual game wearing the uniforms of Kelly Miller, Roosevelt Wilson or Washington Irving, the three schools mentioned above. However, there would be hurdles to clear, such as permission from administrators, funding and many more. He knew that even his current team only got new uniforms every three or four years, because they were so expensive, so how could he possibly justify raising the money to cover the cost of different uniforms, which would only be worn for one game?

That is when one of Bill’s friends, a former local high school basketball player, became interested in the project. His enthusiasm and willingness to do much of the leg work convinced Bennett that they could “pull it off”. The cost of the uniforms would vary from year to year, but currently run about $130.00 each. With hard work, support started coming from local businesses and the Board of Education offered some help.

Coach Bennett chose to honor the schools in the order of their closing. Therefore, last season, in a game against Preston High School, his team wore replicas of uniforms worn by the Kelly Miller Yellow Jackets. (See the picture above) In the weeks after the game, 17 of the uniforms were sold for $100.00 each. Three of the uniforms were not sold. Each of them was framed and had the number 18 on them, designating the year they were worn, 2018. One was given to the Kelly Miller Association for future display in the renovated school or gymnasium. Another was given to the Board of Education for their conference room. The third one is displayed at R C Byrd High School.

In addition to the uniforms, Coach Bennett and his group sold long-sleeved black tee shirts with Kelly Miller and the school mascot on the front. His team wore these as warm-up jerseys for the game and the cheerleaders also wore them along with the KM team colors.

One of the benefits of honoring Kelly Miller was the support the team received from former players and fans of the school. Many of the former players were in their 70’s and 80’s and actually attended the game. After the game, the RCB players went up into the bleachers behind their bench to shake hands with several of the Kelly Miller players and fans, many of whom were wearing the black KM tee shirts.

Another benefit was the team being able to hear firsthand from W I grad Phil Carter (WI 1959), what it was like to play basketball at Kelly Miller and then, when the school closed, attend W I and play there. Phil was able to relate to the current RCB players what it was really like during the early days of school desegregation in West Virginia. He went on to play basketball at Marshall College (now University) and has been associated with the school ever since. Coach Bennet wants to publicly thank Phil for taking the time to talk with his team, offering them an invaluable educational opportunity and to also thank the Kelly Miller Family for their support of last season’s event.

With the first hurdle cleared, what does Coach Bennett have in store for the coming season? You might be surprised. You can read all about this and much more in the December Newsletter.

Our thanks to Coach Bennett and to all those who helped make this project a reality. It took a lot of hard work and community support to get it done. Hopefully, it brought back some fond memories of the good old days and gave each of you some insight of “What made you, you”.

Send your comments to: billmere@aol.com

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

Thank you

AS I SEE IT IN SPORTS

From your SPORTS editor

We were sorry to hear that legendary basketball coach Joe Retton passed away on October 10, 2018. Jo-Jo, as many around Marion County knew him, coached at Fairmont State from 1964-81, where his record was 478-95, a winning percentage of .836, the highest of any men’s basketball coach across all collegiate levels. Prior to FSU, he coached at Barrackville High School, where his winning percentage approached what he did for the Fighting Falcons.

Many people always wondered why Retton never accepted a position at a big-time program. Rumor had it that he feared flying and would always ride a train, when his team appeared in the national NAIA tournament. If this is true, no further explanation is needed.

Congratulations to Coach Bob Huggins and his staff for receiving a commitment from five-star recruit Oscar Tshiebwe, a 6-foot-9 forward from Hermitage (PA) Kennedy Catholic. Many think he may be the best addition to the program in the last decade. However, we all know that it is a long way from a high school gym to being able to star at a Power 5 conference school, so we’ll have to hold off awarding him a gold star, just yet.

Finally, has anyone else noticed the numbers being put up by senior quarterback, Connor Neal, at Fairmont Senior High School this season? I caught a couple of his games on WV Metro News and have watched highlights of other wins by the 9-0 Polar Bears. I’ve seen dozens of good high school QB’s, including Art Schlichter, who started as a freshman for Woody Hayes at Ohio State, but Neal is the most accurate passer I can ever remember at this stage of his career. I haven’t heard who is recruiting him, but would think that Dana Holgorsen would be interested. If not, you can bet that Jason Woodman would love to have him at Fairmont State.

Letters from readers have been few and far between. If you are tired of reading about what I think about sports, you can solve that problem by writing to me about any sports subject.

Send your comments to: billmere@aol.com

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

Thank you

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN, 

STILL COULD BE

From your SPORTS editor

After watching the Iowa State game, what many think was the poorest performance in recent memory by a WVU football team, I thought the chance for a special season was dead! However, the Mountaineers are still breathing, as evidenced by their overwhelming win against Baylor last Thursday night.

Had they beaten the Cyclones and won out, they would have most certainly made the national playoffs. After the loss, can they still get in by winning the rest of their games? I say, yes, but they need a lot of help. I agree with most WVU fans that a one loss Mountaineer team would get beat out for the playoffs by a similar one loss team, which is currently ranked ahead of them, so that means eight teams need to lose another game.

Is that possible? Yes, but not probable. I’m conceding that Alabama and Clemson are in. I’m assuming that an undefeated UCF would not get in. West Virginia can knock Texas and Oklahoma out by beating them. LSU loses to Alabama. Georgia beats Kentucky and Florida, then loses in the SEC Championship game to Alabama. Penn State upsets Michigan and Michigan beats Ohio State. There you have it—-eight more teams with two losses.

That leaves Notre Dame. There is room for both WVU and the ND in the four-team playoff, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Northwestern or Syracuse upset the Irish.

Am I dreaming? Sure, I am, but wouldn’t it be something to watch? Quite honestly, I’d be happy to just beat Texas and (especially) Oklahoma. Regardless of what happens, I’ll miss seeing Will Grier tossing those long bombs, when the Mountaineers take the field next year. Thanks for the memories.

Send your comments to: billmere@aol.com

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

   

Jacques Clichés: Annoyer Extraordinaire

FACING THE MUSIC

From: Tim Corsini (WI 1951)

Jacques Clichés does not beat around the bush or preach to the choir. He puts his money where his mouth is and stirs the pot. However, he often jumps the gun, flies by the seat of his pants, sees only the tip of the iceberg, bites off more than he can chew, and gets in over his head -- right off the bat.

But when the chips are down he thinks outside the box, pushes the envelope, raises the bar and takes it up a notch to level the playing field. When he steps up to the plate he is as cool as a cucumber and strikes while the iron is hot even though he may not have a leg to stand on.

His cup of tea is flying in the face of adversity. He throws caution to the wind as he opens a can of worms and connects the dots with a fine-tooth comb. Jacques does not sit on his hands or rest on his laurels. Instead, he pulls the plug and lets the chips fall where they may. He knows that nothing is etched in stone, that when it rains it pours, that what goes around comes around, that no good deed goes unpunished, and that if the shoe is on the other foot -- it hurts.

Jacques does not count his chickens before they hatch, or expect a walk in the park - unless it’s in his neck of the woods. He will not be caught whistling past the cemetery in the dark or be led down the garden path. He puts his money where his mouth is, pays the piper, faces the music, and risks being made to eat crow, get raked over the coals -- or thrown to the wolves -- even if it means that he will end up in hot water and have his goose cooked.

From: Joyce McDonald Hoskins (WI 1961)

I want to point out that that three of my older books are out of print but often pop-up on eBay and other used book sites.

I chose “I Seek Him” to share with you because the characters are strongly based on the wonderful real people that I grew up around in WV. It is about a young lady who goes on a quest to find her biological mother. Her search takes her to a small town in NC. She grew up in a good Christian home in Atlanta and falls in love with the town and the people. It is more than a love story, it is about what God does in the life of his children when they seek Him.

I did find the book on Barnes and Noble nook site and you can read an overview sample there. You can also purchase this for your Kindle on Amazon.

I was very shy and quiet in school so I doubt if anyone will remember me. I do enjoy the newsletter and appreciate your hard work.

By the way: My brother, Frank McDonald (WI 1958) encouraged me to send my information to you and I haven’t told him that I did it, so he will be surprised.

I am the author of these novels:

Freedom’s Voice.

I Seek Him.

The Second Day of Summer.

Whispering Echos.

Ashes of Yesterday.

The Last Swallow.

Belinda Bowdine, PI.

The Adventures of Irene Sumner.

The Mystery (free download from most online book stores)

And the contributing author to:

The Rocking Chair Reader, Memories from the Attic.

Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul, Daily Inspirations.

Classic Christmas, True Stories of Holiday Cheer and Goodwill

A Florida Christmas.

Love is a Verb Devotional.

I write Christian, secular, fiction, and non-fiction

From: Rebecca Smith Hunn (WI 1969)

The back roads and wooded landscapes of Taylor County, West Virginia, provide the setting for a newly published mystery novel called “Finding Joe” by local author, Rebecca Hunn. “Finding Joe” is available on Amazon.

Hunn, a rural Monongalia County resident, spent five years leasing the Marcellus Shale in Booths Creek District, and doing title research in the Taylor County Courthouse. It’s against this rich backdrop that her first novel, “Finding Joe” was born.

The fictional Joe is one of four siblings who have inherited a significant interest in oil and gas, a fact that comes as quite a surprise to the three who can be found. The ownership is solid, but it’s origins, more than a hundred years ago, are nothing short of nefarious. And it all starts to unravel when leasing agent, Donna Cain, begins her search for Joe, the fourth and youngest sibling, who left almost twenty years ago and hasn’t been heard from since.

“Finding people,” Hunn points out, “is just a routine part of the job. Oil and gas wells have been drilled in north central West Virginia since the late 1800’s. People would often sell a piece of land and reserve all or part of the oil and gas under it. To lease those minerals now, you must find all the legal heirs of the person who made that long-ago reservation.

“Finding heirs is pure detective work,” Hunn said. “You go through dusty, thirty-pound books in the courthouse basement, dig through Ancestry and Family Search, and sometimes just google a name, a place and a date in the hopes something will come up. The most exciting part is when you find that first warm body, a true living heir.”

“I especially cherish the conversations I have with older people who were born and raised here but left at a young age. When they realize that I know the names of their parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles, that I know where the old family farm is, and I’ve driven there, then they start telling me stories. This is still the home of their childhood and they cherish it.  Those conversations are special.”

The plot line for “Finding Joe” is fiction, but Hunn admits she’s drawn on real life to provide the details of her main character’s family. Hunn’s husband is a cabinetmaker and musician a/k/a Soup Camel, and her son is a Sheriff’s Deputy in Monongalia County, all characters who make up Donna Cain’s family in the book.

Hunn is a graduate of Washington Irving High School (now Robert C. Byrd) in Clarksburg and holds a Journalism degree from WVU. She had a thirty-one-year career in radio sales at WCLG AM and FM in Morgantown before taking the plunge into oil and gas. Her second book, set in both Marion and Harrison County, is already in progress.

For updates on future book signings: go to Facebook.com/rebeccahunnbooks.

What is your passion? Please write and tell us about a hobby you enjoy. Send us pictures, too.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Here is a letter from Sara Stephenson Laber (WI 1955) regarding her passion.

Sara spends her spare time making pine needle baskets. I told her my favorite is the blue one. Which one is your favorite? They are so lovely. She certainly has the patience.

She writes in answer to my reply to her:

Just looking, I think I’ve made 32 and I’ve given 20 away. I mainly enter them into the North Carolina mountain fair and get $10 and various ribbons for each of them. Typically, I do three a year. 

I’ve been doing it for over 10 years. I took some classes in Florida. My husband picks the pine needles green, right off the trees by the basketful. I dry them, and bundle into about 1-inch groups. Let them dry and then make the baskets. 

I have given a basket to Sue Selby, Martha Jeffreys, and Sondra Morrison –  friends in the class of WI 1955. Basket with all the walnuts in it, the Fair gave me $100 just to let them take it to the state fair at Raleigh North Carolina for show.

Those blue seed pods were from a necklace of my mothers. I have dyed some needles black and made a miniature basket. By not selling my baskets, I remain an amateur at the fair. Roughly speaking, I allow 45 minutes for 3 inches of work—Some stitch work takes longer and some less.

NOVEMBER MYSTERY PICTURE

This is not a very clear picture. It looks like it was snowing or maybe raining; but I don’t think we have ever had a picture of this place. 

Try to guess what it is, where it is, and were you ever there? What do you know about this?

Play our little game, write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

  

SNYDER CIDER

From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

Pictured above are Mike Snyder and Wirt Wolfe (WI 1959) making fresh cider in a press at the home of Mike who lives in North-Eastern WV.

Pictured above are a few of the jugs of the delicious cider and some of the apples from Mike’s trees.

Mike also sent the picture above on October 21, 2018. First snowfall in the mountains. Mike lives up in the mountains near Canaan Valley. Looks to me like he has a nice way to keep that cider cool.

IT’S BEEN PUBLISHED

From: Nancy Swing (WI 1961)

Another great issue, as always. I don't know how you find the time to do what you do, but you surely have the talent.

I'd like to share with fellow Hilltoppers that LAZARUS, the second book in my trilogy of West Virginia mysteries, will be out December 1, available from Amazon in print and electronic copies. I'm attaching the draft of the book cover. Still working on it with the publisher, but folks can get an idea of how it's going to look.

For more information about the plot, they can visit my website, nancyswing.com.

Best wishes to one and all as the year draws to a close.

Through the newsletter and over almost 20 years, I have made some very good friends electronically. One lady is our oldest reader and she writes to share things in the newsletter often. We also correspond privately and I enjoy hearing from her, I love her as if I had been her best friend for ages.

Some of you know Dr. Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940). She has been having a few minor health difficulties and I don’t hear from her often now. One problem she has is her eyes are not as good as they used to be, but she reads the newsletter with a magnifying glass and has written often.

Since I hadn’t heard from her in a while, I wrote to her last week and she answered with a very nice letter that I asked her if I could share.

She lives with her son and she told me that her granddaughters gave her a birthday party recently as she has never been one to celebrate too much.

By the way she just celebrated her 96^th birthday.

From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)

So glad to hear from you. I was 17 when I graduated and not 18 until the following September so I am 96. Imagine that!! I use the computer and read the newsletter with my magnifying glass. It the print was just a bit larger I could see it. But I do alright just have to take it slow. Bill Jackson (WI 1943) may have known my two brothers. Carris Radcliffe who played football and track. Darrell Radcliffe was Vice Pres of Hi-Y. I was in music and drama. Had the lead in the Senior play. I get along alright. Just can’t do the things I used to do like cooking etc. as it affects my breathing. And of course, I use a walker. I don’t want to fall. I have never smoked in my life and doctors had a time figuring out why I was having problems with breathing. Finally decided chalk dust from all my years of teaching. Seems reasonable. When I was teaching at WVU I organized and was elected First President of the West Virginia Reading Association. We are celebrating our 50th year and our State Conference is coming up in November. I am asked to speak. It is always held in Nov at the Greenbrier. I have done it before but not sure I can do it this time. It is the largest professional organization in WV and I am very proud of it. We have a Website if you want to look it up on the computer. It has a big error in it saying Madge McDaniel was first pres. I appointed her when my term was up because I knew she would be good for a fledgling organization. And she was. There are local councils all over the State. There is a Leadership conference every July in Bridgeport. I spoke at that meeting last year and was supposed to this year but my breathing kept me from doing it. I was prepared but now I hesitate to say I will as I can’t be sure how I will feel.

Just thinking and I was wondering if I am the only one who remembers the church bell ringing. We lived on Stealey Avenue around the corner from the U.B.church. That is what it was when I was a kid. UB stood for United Brethern. My mother attended church there when she was a little girl too. My brothers and I went there to Sunday School That church was an established part of the neighborhood and the lives of many families. A long rope was attached to the bell in the steeple. On Sunday mornings the first bell would ring at 8:30 to let us know church was open. The second bell would ring at quarter til 9 letting us know we should be there and the last bell rang at 9 telling us Sunday School was starting. Amazing what we remember, isn’t it? Now the bell and the church are long gone.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Arreta brought up a wonderful MEMORY about the morning church bells. Do you remember? Write and tell us about those memories of your Clarksburg neighborhood. We are interested.

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

Thank you.

From: Janice Metzgar (WI 1968)

Excellent newsletter. I am in the picture of the WI 68 class reunion front row 2nd from left blue striped shirt. I wish I had the names of all of them also. I hope someone will supply them for all of us.

Thank you, Janice

EDITOR’S NOTE:

TO ANYONE FROM THIS CLASS: Send me a list of those in the picture. When supplying the names, go from front row to back, left to right. If you don’t know someone just put ? in that space in place of the name.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

Response to letter sent to the newsletter last month from Sandra Squires Beverly (WI 1956)

Sandra, it is so good to have an update on your adult life. It is so good to hear that you are still in the land of the living. I remember so very many of the things you mentioned about Martin Street. I remember slumber parties at Janet Webb's house. I remember “Bunky” well and have wondered quite often whatever happened to him after all of us grew up. He was a bit older than you and I, but I don't remember by how much. Of course, I remember Jack Borror's house backing up to yours or nearly so because I had a huge crush on him the entire time I was in elementary school. You likely remember that! Thanks so much for remembering my wonderful parents. I remember yours as well. And, yes, I did know that you were adopted by your aunt and uncle. It is truly wonderful that you have found a sister. Sisters are the greatest. My sister, Janna, (WI 1954), is still living in Broad Oaks with her husband Jerry Westfall. Our brother, Tom, (WI 1939), celebrated his 97th birthday in August and lives with his wife of 72 years, Betty McMillan, (WI 1944), at Maple Lake. Our brother, Keith, (WI 1941), died in 1991. I hope you've had a wonderful life. It sounds as though you have. It is just wonderful that you posted a note in the WI Newsletter.

From: Sandra Squires Beverly (WI 1956)

Dear Roleta: You are a marvel!

I did newsletters for BPW in Clarksburg and several organizations in FL. How you keep your sanity when dealing with this wonderful endeavor is amazing. I know it takes many hours, but on the other hand, I am sure you enjoy it or wouldn't have done it all these years!

Sports are great also!

Guess we all turned out OK! You are a WV jewel! Hope all turns out that I can meet you!

Last month we posted this question sent to us by John Harpold (WI 1962). John says his brother Randy came up with the question that stumped them.

If you know the answer, write to Roleta1@aol.com.

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

Thank you.

QUESTION: 

What was the name of the march that Miss Nutter used to play on the piano?

 From: John Harpold (WI 1962)

Thanks, Roleta. I don’t have a clue. Brother Randy celebrated his 50th anniversary of graduating WI this year. So, it’s a member of the class of 1968 who’s asking. It’ll be interesting to see what answers are forthcoming.

EDITOR'S NOTE: 

This is another question that no one answered. I am sure Miss. Nutter played the piano but I have no idea what she played. I guess no one wanted to answer or no one read this letter or no one knew the answer. Your guess is as good as mine???

*****NO ONE KNEW THE ANSWER?*****

ROLETA IS TAKING A SURVEY

I have planned a picnic for anyone from Clarksburg, WV. It will be held on Saturday, March 9^th in Sarasota, FL. I have been saying in the newsletter to SAVE THE DATE for several months. I have not heard if you are interested or not. I am taking a survey to see if it is worth me doing all the planning if no one is coming. Just drop me a line to tell me if you are interested and if you are planning to attend. I know it is a few months away but I am sure you know if you will (if possible) or will not attend.

PLEASE write to Roleta1@aol.com and let us know if you think you can make it or not. When emailing, please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.

AIR MAIL 1945

From: James S. Stout (Weston 1948)

In many parts of America (post WW I) Air Mail service was provided by brave pilots flying WW I type “Jennies” (a training “bi-plane”) or similar. Charles Lindberg was one of these pilots serving middle America – Chicago – Peoria – and nearby cities that had airports that allowed landing for pick-up and delivery.

After WW II somebody had a new idea – small remote towns with no scheduled passenger service could better be served by “dropping” mail for local delivery in a “can” – and “picking-up” air-mail for other cities by using a cable with a “hook” on the end – grabbing a “can” of mail attached to a loop of cable placed on two steel rods – as the plane flew just above the posts the hook could grab the loop and carry it (and the attached “can”) which could be pulled into the plane – and the loop could then be returned to the ground crew.

West Virginia at this time had very little “scheduled air” passenger service – perhaps Charleston and Huntington had daily service – Clarksburg Benedum and Elkins probably did not – even if the railroads gave good service.

I saw the “Drop and Pick-up” in action once at Jackson’s Mill – serving Weston and cities nearby. The plane appeared over the nearby hill – dove easily toward the two posts just on the airport side of the river, - simultaneously dropping a can and picking up the loop and can strung between the posts.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you for sharing this memory. We certainly have come a long way since 1945. Do you have a sweet memory that others would love to hear?  Please share with us. 

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

WHO IS THIS MYSTERY MAN?

Tell me a little bit about either one of these two gentlemen. Do you recognize the man on the right? Do you know the gentleman on the left? How do you know them? Where did either of them go to school and what year did they graduate? What are the memories you may have of them.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

Regarding the picture of the 1959 class members who attended the class reunion at the Summer Picnic, I republished the picture in the October newsletter with a young man kneeling in the front of the group. The correction is that the boy is Travis Christie, 6^th child of John and Debbie Christie.

 

DIAGRAMMING

When you were in high school did you ever have a nightmare like this? What teacher comes to mind when you see this? Did you enjoy diagramming or not? What did you think of this English teacher? Did you ever in your life after high school find that learning to diagram came in handy?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

  

ELEVEN WEST VIRGINIA WOMEN

HONORED AT 

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION LUNCHEON

The Progressive Women’s Association honored 11 women of Italian heritage during the Women of Distinction Luncheon on October 12th at the Uptown Event Center in downtown Clarksburg.

Honorees were: Dominique Spatafore, Mary Ravasio Minard, Jenna Robey, Dr. Ashlee Secret-Barkley, Kristen S. Queen, Kelley Ann Davisson, Tara Secret Seckman, Melissa McAra, Costanza Iaquinta, Janet Lanham McNemar and Suzanne Gorgonio Shaffer.

Nicky Epstein, a Harrison County native who was born and raised in Spelter, was the keynote speaker.  To Read More: ClickHere.

Congratulations, ladies!

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

Tell me something about the people in the picture above.

For instance: Do you recognize any of them? Where was it taken? Why are they there?

Picture was submitted by: Bob Kramer (WI 1965)

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

When submitting information in writing to the editor always include:

1.     Your Complete Name

2.    Your School's Name

3.    Your Year If and/or When You Graduated

A NEW SERIES

Won’t you write and share with us where you have been and what you have been doing since you graduated from high school? Tell us about your life and the jobs you have held in your lifetime.

Below are 2 letters from friends of the newsletter. 

Hopefully these letters will cause you to remember your past and write and share it with us.

Another thing for you to think about. You can write and share it here, copy it and give a copy to family members. You will be surprised how appreciative they will be to you for sharing your history with them.

Don’t you wish your parents or grandparents would have written these things down so you could have them. Bill and I have often said we wish we had recorded our parents talking about their life so we could know and understand more about them.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

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

Thank you.

Write and tell us about your LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

From: Vincent Fragomene (WI 1959)

So Roleta is relentless at times, constantly asking for input for the great newsletter she has excited us with for years!

I told her, sometimes we don’t always have stories about growing up in and around Clarksburg and going to high school in the 50’s. A time for the ages for sure… Some of us have a better memory and memories than others!

Then I said some of us also left north central WV early in our lives, and have been traveling ever since!

In a nutshell, I went to Morgantown from 59-64, Navy Career 64-95, after retirement from Navy, worked in Belgium, 95-98, DC area 98-99, San Diego 99 – 2010. FINALLY quit working full time and moved to Hawaii in 2010 – 2016, and now live in Seattle, WA. So many experiences in those times, with not enough space to relate. Standing on the Great Wall of China in 1980 was one of them!

I am not bragging or even complaining, just wondering where the hell the time went. Certainly, glad that wherever I was there were ways I could stay connected to Clarksburg, my family, and of course WVU. My brother always made sure I had a hat or two, some shirts or jackets that had the logo. Even today I wear them here in Seattle and always get a nod or “I am from ___.” Large contingent of alumni here as well.

Many of you have had adventures after WI, and have shared them. It was great to see the class of 1959 at the picnic this past summer!

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

GRADE SCHOOL THRU HIGH SCHOOL

Shoe Store - Clarksburg, WV 

(received my Social Security number and work permit at age 11.)

Duties - receiving stock and doing inventory of the shoes.

McCroy’s Five and Dime Store - Clarksburg, WV

Duties - Clean and buff the floors

Producer’s Dairy - Clarksburg, WV

Duties - Woke up at 3:00 am, walked to the dairy, loaded truck and help driver deliver milk then off to school. Also, I operated the bottle washer.

North Pole Ice Company - Clarksburg, WV

Duties - Made ice, bagged crushed ice, loaded ice truck and drove to Grafton, WV to B&O rail yard. Unloaded truck into ice house for car refrigeration. Two trips per day. 27 clocks of ice @ 300 pounds per block per truck.

Elite Cleaners: (formally Moyle-Stanton-Joyce) - Clarksburg, WV

Duties - Clean and buff large rugs using large buffer and squeegee.

Frito-Lay Potato Chip Company - Cleveland, Ohio

Duties - Helper on line and loaded trucks.

B.F. Goodrich Tire Company - Akron, Ohio

Plant started in 1960

Duties: Mill operator (also I drove an ice cream truck with I got off work).

Clarksburg Welding School - Clarksburg, WV

Duties - Student ad instructor trainee. I was asked to move to Atlanta, GA to be an instructor trainee

October 28, 1961-married Sonja Grossa (Bridgeport 1958)

Weldech of Georgia - Atlanta, GA

Duties - Operator/Instructor

Weldech of Clarksburg, WV

(Bought into school and moved from Georgia to WV. Sonja ran the business part).

Duties - Owner, operator, and instructor. Also, opened additional welding school in Parkersburg, WV

MOVED BACK TO GEORGIA 1964

Southern Iron and Equipment Company - Chamblee, GA

Duties - Welder / Fabricated Railcars, Fire line plows, cranes

Southern Iron and Equipment Co. 1966 (Railcar Builders) - Decatur, GA

Duties - Project Manager- (Took drafting course, Hoke-Smith Tech)

Designed jigs and fixtures.

Landmark Development-1970 (Home Builders) - Tucker, GA

Duties - Layout home-sites, draw house plans, project supervisor

Buckhead-Chrysler-Plymouth - Atlanta, GA (owned by WI grad Paul Light)

Duties: Automobile Sales

West Building Materials - Atlanta, GA. (evenings and weekends)

Duties: Taught product knowledge and construction estimating to future managers throughout the company.

Atlanta Technical College-Atlanta, GA (15 years)

Duties - Started the welding program, Building Trades Coordinator, (Oversee house construction built by students then

auctioned off). Job placement coordinator (10 yrs)

Dunette’s Jewelers - Atlanta, GA

Duties - Owner, Operator, repair, design and made jewelry (evenings and week-ends.

Ornamental Iron and Design-Atlanta, GA (week-ends only)

Duties - Part-owner, designed and fabricated wall sconces chandeliers, candle-holders, etc. (sold to {Pier One Imports on consignment)

Gwinnett Technical College GA

Duties - started welding program, Admission Specialist. (retired after 30 years with GA State Dept. of Technical Education)

SIDE JOBS WHILE WORKING AT TECH COLLEGES

Maxwell Hi Adult Education Taught Construction Estimating

Thrall Rail Car Mfg.-GA

Duties - Preparing welders for certification test

Smith Frozen Foods-Austell, GA 

Duties - Taught maintenance welding

Owens Illinois Glass 

Duties - Taught welding to maintenance workers

AT & T - Norcross, GA

Western Electric

I received a notice that Tammy Gill Metzgar (WI 1987) passed away on May 1 2016.

CHARLES CHUCK STROGEN

Born August 6, 1933 in Nutterfort, WV, to the late Martin and Mary (Yankowski) Strogen. Chuck enlisted in the Air Force in 1953 and served 4 years, reaching the rank of Staff Sgt. After his time in the service he attended West Virginia University and then settled in Dover, NH where he established Strogen’s TV sales and service, which he operated for over 25 years.

Chuck was an avid golfer, and was a member of the Cochecho Country Club for over 50 years. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the Dover Elks, Lodge #184, the Rollinsford American Legion, Post 47, the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge 443. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in DoveHe enjoyed playing golf with his son and friends, bowling, and he especially enjoyed his time at the lake with his family and grandchildren. After his retirement he continued to be involved in Real Estate.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia (McCabe) Strogen of Rollinsford; four children, Debra S. Barrett and her husband Arthur of Manchester, Charles P. Strogen MD and his wife Gayle of FL, Kimberly A. Strogen of Rollinsford and Susan M. Strogen of Rollinsford; two grandchildren, Matthew A. Barrett and James E. Barrett of Manchester; two brothers, Robert L. Strogen of Gonic and Martin Strogen and his wife Cathy (WI 1964)of PA; brother in law Michael McCabe of Dover; two sister in laws, Mary Jane Strogen and Karen Strogen of WV; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his brothers, William and Paul Strogen.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38015.

MARGARET ANN COLE CARTER

Margaret (WI 1964) was the daughter of O.B Cole and Margaret (Peg) Cole, passed away October 8, 2018, from a long illness.

Survived by her husband, Ed Carter; daughter, Amy (Chuck) Thompson; son, Scott (M.J.) Carter as well as 3 grandchildren, Breanna Jones, Preston Carter and Jeremy Carter.

Memorial services held on Oct. 20 in Pasadena, MD.

CHARLES WESLYN WILKINSON

David Weslyn Wilkinson, 53, of Clarksburg, passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018, at his residence. He was born in Clarksburg on May 15, 1965, a son of the late Charles Harbert and Jeannette Harriet Stewart Wilkinson.

Surviving are one son, Jason Quickle; three daughters, Brittany Goetz, Amanda, and Armani Boyd; two grandchildren, A’Zariyana Turner and Chase Boyd; and seven brothers and sisters, Sheila P. Hill, James H. Wilkinson, Mavis A. Hairston, Donna K. Watson Douglas K. Wilkinson, Timothy E. Wilkinson, and Tinsley E. Wilkinson.

Mr. Wilkinson was a graduate of WI in 1983 and was formerly employed with the City of Clarksburg Public Works.

ROGER LEE CAPLINGER

Roger Lee Caplinger, 67, of Clarksburg, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at the United Hospital Center. He was born December 17, 1950 in Clarksburg, WV, the son of Lois E. Bennett Caplinger of Clarksburg and the late Donald L. Caplinger.

In addition to his mother, Roger is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marsha Kay Golden Caplinger; two sons, Graham Caplinger and wife Taylor, Justin Caplinger and companion Erin Sandy; one stepdaughter, Danielle Bryan and companion Willie Freeman; three grandsons, Julian Caplinger, Andrew Caplinger and Jack Doddrill; two brothers, Kevin “Bud” Caplinger and Todd Caplinger; and other relatives.

Roger graduated from WI High School, Class of 1968. He was currently employed by North Central West Virginia Airport — Benedum Airport Authority in maintenance for over 15 years. He was a talented musician. He sang Baritone and played the Bass in the band, Golden Grass. He also played in the bands, Tracks of Time, Mailbox and Now & Then.

CINDY P. PRESTON

Cynthia P Preston, 67 of Clarksburg, WV passed away October 27, 2018 at United Hospital Center with family by her side. She was born April 1, 1951 in Clarksburg, daughter of the late, George William “Bill” and Ethna Elinor Snider Pinnell. Cynthia graduated from W.I. Class of 1969. She got her Bachelor’s from Fairmont State and Masters from Salem University. She worked for the Harrison County Board of Education for over thirty-three years. She taught at Central Junior High, Broadway Junior High, R.W. Middle School and retired from W.I. Middle in 2011. Her hobbies were collecting and playing cards. She was very active and member of the Clarksburg Baptist Church. Cynthia was secretary one day a week, helped with food pantry and cooked meals when needed. She is survived by her husband of forty seven years, L. Steve Preston whom she married September 2, 1972; two sons, Jason Kelley Preston, Clarksburg, Zachary Ruben Preston, Snowshoe Mountain, WV; one sister, Sheryl Suplee and husband Ed, Gettysburg, PA; one nephew, Jeff Mays, Richmond, VA; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Charles Preston and Sharon, West Jordan, UT, Rob “Carol” Preston and Connie, Tampa, FL, Jeff Preston and Jenny, Fairmont, Ellen Preston and Tammy Bean, West Milford, Pat Preston, Martinsburg, and Charlee Jo Francis and David, Houghton, MI; numerous nieces and nephews. The family received friends at the Davis Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 with Pastor David Hulme and Pastor Phil Wayman officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Clarksburg Baptist Church, PO Box 327, Clarksburg, WV 26302.

Online condolences can be made at www.davisfuneralhomewv.com.