SCHS CLASS OF 1958

BLACK EAGLES

OLD NEWS  2002

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January 7, 2002

Hey guys:

I've been hearing from several of you about your holidays (some 
being just regular, some being something different for you, others 
unusual happenings or gifts, spending the time on the beach, etc.)

How about sharing with all of us. Just write out your story and 
pass along to me and then I'll send to our classmates. I'm sure 
everyone would enjoying hearing about your holidays.

Love to all - Jackie

January 1, 2003

December 20, 2002

It is with much regret and sadness that I tell you The Bennett's 
(Gee, Joe, Jane and Joan) mother passed away Friday afternoon, 
December 13. I will post the obituary once it appears in the 
paper.

Listed below are their home addresses so you can send cards.

Love to all, Jackie
_____________________

Jane and Freddie Ferrell
4808 Country Club Blvd.
South Charleston WV 25309

Joan and Gus Belcher
52 Kenna Drive
South Charleston, WV 25309

Joe and Kitty Bennett
304 Montrose Drive
South Charleston, WV 25303

Gee and Karen Bennett
1309 South 19th Road
Arlington, VA 22202

Alma Bennett Bernard

Alma Bennett Bernard, 91, of South Charleston passed away Dec. 13, 
2002, in Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, after a short 
illness.
She was born Dec. 6, 1911, in Oak Hill, daughter of the late James 
and Grace Weatherford.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of both South 
Charleston and Lehigh Acres, Fla.
She is survived by her brother, James S. Weatherford of Los Angeles, 
Calif.; sister, Marie E. Burke of South Charleston; sons and 
daughters-in-law, George E. and Karen Bennett of Palmyra, Va., Joe 
G. Jr. and Kitty Bennett of South Charleston; daughters and 
sons-in-law, Joan B. and Gus Belcher of South Charleston, Jane A. 
and Fred Ferrell of South Charleston; granddaughters, Dianna Thames 
of Lubbock, Texas, Margeaux Clark of Arlington, Va., Leslie Farris 
of Stafford, Va., Jennifer Bennett of South Charleston; seven 
great-grandchildren; stepgrandsons, Michael, Kevin and Brian Climo; 
stepgranddaughter, Katherine Climo; four stepgreat-grandchildren; 
and many nieces and nephews.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Sunset Memorial Park 
Mausoleum Chapel, South Charleston, with Dr. John E. Allen 
officiating.
There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made 
to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 4606 Kanawha Turnpike, South 
Charleston, WV 25309.
Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge of 
arrangements. 

November 18, 2002

Hey guys and gals:

We had a great lunch on Saturday with the following showing:

Butch Buckley and son, Scott, Judy Bowen Romano, JoAnn Spitler 
Bostic, Delbert Kidd, Jo Anne Berkley Scarbro, and me.

Jane and Joan's mother had emergency surgery this past week so they 
weren't able to make it. She is doing better now, but still in ICU. 
Anyone wishing to send her a card should check with me about 
address.

I've had questions about why we didn't make it to Putnam County for 
a visit with Bob Rogers - it was NOT because of him - just too many 
conflicts with our usual lunch group. So we needed to postpone 
until later.

Love to all, Jake

Cecil B. Adams         

Cecil B. Adams, 87, of South Charleston died Nov. 1, 2002.
He was born Dec. 27, 1914, in Fayette County, a son of the late 
Lewis H. and Sarah E. Adams. He was a retired member of Painters 
Union No. 970, and a former driver of Conlon Baking Co. He was an 
avid bowler and won many awards during his years of bowling, both 
locally and regionally. He and his deceased wife, Emogene "Jean" 
Adams were the proprietors of Jeans Lunch in Spring Hill for over 30 
years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 519, 
Moose Nitro Lodge No. 565, and American Legion Post 73. He served in 
the Army during World War II and the Korean War.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two 
infant sons; and brothers, Herbert P. Adams of St. Albans and Ralph 
Adams of Radford, Va.
He is survived by two daughters, Sarah Jalbert and her husband, 
Ronald of Parkersburg, and Anita Fay Collins and her husband, Jerry 
of South Charleston; a sister, Martha Hoffman of Napoleon, Ohio; 
grandchildren, Vicki Wolfe of Parkersburg, Jerry Wayne Collins of 
South Charleston, Susan Price and her partner, Elizabeth Staber of 
Barrington, N.H., Michael Collins and his wife, Kimberly of 
Charleston, Gregory Price and his partner, Wayne Osborne of 
Stamford, Conn., Jason Rogers and his wife, Ashley of San Diego, 
Calif., Jessica Collins of Charleston; step-grandchildren, Karyn 
Jalbert, Scott Jalbert, Kimberly Hammer, Kristen McNally and her 
husband, Dan of Parkersburg; and one great-granddaughter, Savannah 
of San-Diego; step-great-grandchildren, Shaun Hammer, Jeffrey Hammer 
and Stephen McNally of Parkersburg; a niece, Delores Fifer and her 
husband, Ralph of Holgate, Ohio; two nephews, Herbert Adams and his 
wife, Sharon of Ravenswood and Albert Adams of Charleston; and 
several great-nephews and nieces.
Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South 
Charleston. Burial will follow in the Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, 
Cross Lanes.
Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. 
Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are preferred to Kanawha Hospice Care Inc., 
1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064; or the American Cancer Society. 

October 22, 2002

Hey guys:

Missed you at lunch Saturday.

I actually didn't expect too many to show up, but to my surprise 
there were 12 of us. Joe Ann Spitler Bostic, Butch Buckley, Bull Miller, 
Judy Bowen Romano, Dreama Martin Vass, Janet Buckner George, Bill 
Coles, Roger Vass, Raymond Barnett, Joan Bennett Belcher, Jo Anne 
Berkley Scarbro and me. We had a great time.

We were all so pleased to see Bill walk in with such a wonderful 
spry step since he just had his knee replacement surgery. He 
looks wonderful and is living proof that type of surgery really 
works. 

Buckley was his usual self - keeping us all doubled over with 
laughter (does this guy know just how funny he really is without 
trying?) Most I can't repeat and some just loses the wit in 
translation. See.... you all need to come join us.

We are considering meeting somewhere in the vicinity of Nitro next 
month and then going on to visit Bob Rogers. We will keep you 
informed of our plans.

Love to all - Jackie

PS Something to keep in mind - I plan to have the December lunch at 
my house again this year the third Saturday of the month unless 
something unforeseen comes up. Sooooooooooo, try to make your 
plans now for a visit to WV.

October 22, 2002

Judy Bowen Romano's granddaughter, Audriana Potter (age 6), was 
selected to be a Princess in the Minor Court for the 2002 Italian 
Heritage Festival which was held in Clarksburg WV on Saturday, April 
20. 

An interesting note is that Audriana was named after her 
great-grandmother Audrey Bowen (remember Judy's Mother and her 
Bowen's Beach?) and her middle name is Judith after her grandmother.

The following is an article, complete with pictures, about this 
event. Of course, Audriana is the one that is leaning forward  in this 
picture. As you can see, she's a beauty just like her grandmother 
and her mother.

       
Click on picture to see full size

by Shannon Blosser

REGIONAL WRITER

CLARKSBURG — Clarksburg isn’t Rome . West Virginia is no where near Italy . No one seemed to mind Friday afternoon.

On a day filled with the scent of Italian sausage, Italian music, and the red, white and green of the Ital­ian flag waving in the air West Virginia Italians, and those visiting from other states, celebrated their her­itage during the first day of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.

While there was plenty to celebrate, Friday’s focus was on the coronation of Regina Maria XXIV Emilee Nora Romano of Bluefield .

 It was the first official activity of the annual festi­val, and for Romano, it was a chance to honor her great-great-grandmother who came to the United States from Italy .

“When I found out that I was selected as Regina Maria, my family and I decided to fill in some miss­ing places in our family’s history,” said Romano, 18, who wore the traditional red coronation gown. “I want to represent (my great-great-grandmother).”

Romano takes over the title from Regina Maria XXIII Kristen Queen. Dur­ing the coronation cere­monies, Queen presented Romano with her crown and scepter. She was also pre­sented with the key to Clarksburg by Mayor Terry Greaver and a medallion by Del. A. James Manchin.

“(The festival) is a cele­bration of who we are and the type of people we are trying to be,” Queen said during her farewell address.

Romano, an English major at Wheeling Jesuit University , compared the lives of Italian immigrants to today’s descendants of Italian immigrants during her speech.

The festival’s first day was spent honoring the her­itage of Italian immigrants who came to the state from Italy .

“Unless you are a Native American, all of us have our roots in other parts of the world,” said Mike Queen, who served as master of ceremonies during the coro­nation. “We honor our ances­tors and take pride in their stories.

“They wanted us to be Americans and we are. We made their dreams come true,” Queen said.

For many of the Italian immigrants, family was their main concern. West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Chairman Mary Queen said family is still the main focus.

“They always kept the family and God in the fore­front of their lives,” she said. “We must never let this go.

October 22, 2002

The Fenwick's have a new grandson born to their son, David, and 
wife, Carrie. His name is Grant Goodwin Fenwick.

I'm sure we will follow later with pictures of this little guy. 
Grant has a brother, Johnny.

Congratulations to Phyllis and Johnny.

October 22, 2002

The August weekend my family and I were at Canaan this true story 
had just happened. I have been waiting until I could have pictures 
before I posted the story.

Phyllis (Rumbaugh) & Johnny Fenwick's daughter, Vicki, was away from 
the Fenwick place house-sitting for someone for the evening. When 
she returned home, she said she wondered why a bag of beans would 
be in the yard. Then as she walked upon the porch she saw the 
garbage can had been dragged outside.

Upon entering the house she saw things were in shambles. The stove 
was on, curtains torn down and garbage all over the place. She 
immediately knew the house had been invaded by a bear. She called 
the DNR and told them. In turn, they came and set a trap. Now for 
several nights nothing happened, but on the third night she heard 
the trap slam down. Then she knew that a Momma Bear was caught 
because she heard the crying of small cubs. 
She could hear the noise as the bear thrashed against the trap 
trying to get out. As she got up to check she could see the babies, 
three of them, climbing on the trap trying to get to their Momma and 
looking through the window at her. Now in addition to all this 
noise, growling and howling - Vicki's dog, "Barley", was barking and 
crying. Needless to say, Vicki had very little sleep until the DNR 
could return in the morning to sedate the Momma Bear and tag her. 

Turns out this bear has been a nuisance in the area and they have 
been trying to catch her for ten years. Her name is Isabelle. 
After taking care of the necessities, the DNR nudged and shooed the 
big drowsy bear away to her cubs who were anxiously awaiting their 
Momma in the woods. 


Vicki says now that she thinks about it - so much COULD have 
happened: 
* She was soooo happy that she had "Barley" with her because she 
would have been in the house with no way out and the bear probably 
would have attack the dog. 
* The bear stepped on the stove as she came through the window 
turning on the stove - it had a few things knocked 
over on it (so it could have caught the house on fire)
* and also the chilling fact that Vicki herself could have walked 
in while the bear was still in the house. 
Thank God none of this happened. The DNR believes the bear was 
simply looking for food for the little ones. 

So our big bear hunter, Vicki, can rest easily now that Momma bear 
is back in the woods with her cubs. 

I'm very happy that Vicki got through this situation without any 
physical damage to her or "Barley". Jackie



                             

Click on pictures to see full size.                                                   

October 22, 2002

Norma Jean Baker attending Dreama Martin Vass's wedding in 1957. Can't you
tell she just finished modeling school by the way she is sitting?  Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!

October 22, 2002

  Click on picture to see full size

Charleston Gazette October 6th 2002

October 22, 2002

HEY GUYS: 

REMEMBER THIS STORY? I HAD LOTS OF GUESSES FROM OUR GROUP, BUT NO 
ONE WAS CORRECT.

AT LUNCH SATURDAY SEVERAL PEOPLE ASKED WHO THE UNDERCLASSMEN OF '59 
WERE...........SO HERE'S THE ANSWER. 

LEFT TO RIGHT:
SUSIE THEWES BREWER, TOMMY WOOLWINE, JOAN WOOD HILL, & JUDI 
BLAINE WOOLWINE.

THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN IN MYRTLE BEACH THIS SUMMER. NOTICE THEY 
ALL HAVE ON THE SC ORANGE AND BLACK SHORTS THAT WERE SOLD AT THE 
GRAND REUNION. I'M TOLD THEY HAVE A BLACK EAGLE ON THE FRONT OF 
THEM.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED - JACKIE

October 7, 2002

Hey classmates:

I wanted to pass on some information about Pelfrey's cousin, Danny 
Pelfrey. Gary had told me some time ago about his cousin and that 
he wrote music for lots of TV programs. It all sounded so 
interesting, so I wanted to share - especially since it looks like 
the new series "American Dreams" is going to be a hit. If you 
haven't watched it - tune in next Sunday night.

Below is the email Gary sent me last Sunday night which includes 
what Danny had written to Gary about the show:

I'm not much of a TV fan, but tonight there is a new show coming on 
with the music done by my cousin, Danny. The show is American Dream 
& it is on at 8:00 PM.

Here is what Danny said about it:

On September 29th at 8:00 PM, my new TV series "American Dreams" 
debuts 
on NBC. It's pretty high profile and is receiving a lot of press 
including Time and Newsweek coverage. Executive produced by Jonathan 

Prince and Dick Clark, "American Dreams" features vintage footage 
from 
the original "American Bandstand." I'm composing the score and 
producing 
some classic rock and roll performed by pop stars, (such as Nick 
Carter 
from the Backstreet Boys, Michelle Branch and Usher) who recreate 
Bandstand performances from the 60's and 70's.

The show centers around 15-year old Meg Pryor who becomes a dancer 
on 
American Bandstand and is transformed by the turbulent era. 
America's 
loss of innocence is a strong theme as the show explores the impact 
of 
events such as the Kennedy assassination, the civil rights movement 
and 
the Vietnam war.

________________________________________________________________________________________

When I wrote asking Gary if it would be alright to share with all of 
you he sent me the below email which gives lots of info about Danny. 
I have read it and fine it all very exciting that he is Gary's 
cousin and each time I've watched the show - that's what I think of. 
Hope you enjoy sharing in the excitement for Gary and Danny. 
Gary had told me about visiting with him, I believe it was last 
summer, and how he was such a nice guy. Jake

__________________________________________________________________________________________



Jackie:

Go to www.dannypelfrey.com  There is a bio section which 
has "tons" of info. I would be afraid to take something from it and 
miss something more important. I think the Emmy nomination for 
"Felicity" is definitely worth mentioning. The most amazing thing 
about Danny is that he hasn't let the Hollywood lifestyle change him 
from the good, decent person he is. If he had let Hollywood go to 
his head, he wouldn't correspond with a cousin he has seen only once 
in about 30 years. He works about 15 hours many days, but always 
responds to my emails. Sometimes he even comments on how much he 
enjoyed a joke. I rarely send him jokes. Only ones that are real 
"sidesplitters."

GP 

October 7, 2002

Classmates:

I was sent the attached picture from someone anonymously. I was 
asked, could we (the class of '58) identify these underclassmen 
from the class of '59? 

Somehow they look familiar, but I'm not sure who they are - got any 
guesses? 

Jake

Click on picture to see full size.

October 2, 2002

Hey classmates: 

Sorry I couldn't get the pictures for the Carbide Camp open that 
Bob Johnson sent to me either. 

Now this attached picture I COULD get into. It was sent by a lady 
named, Jane Harkins. I am not familiar with Jane. She wrote again 
the next day the following message that I am passing on to you about 
identifying people in the picture. Thought some of you who had 
attended camp might remember someone and ID it for her.

I will appreciate your letting me know if you can ID anyone else and 
I will let others know.

Love to all. Jake

   Click on picture to see full size

Jackie,

Can you identify anyone in the picture? Bob Lilley has been wanting 
to post it on his site and asked me to compile a "who's who" list.

Here is my effort so far:

(Left to Right)
Kneeling: Unknown, unknown, Kay Young Biddle, LeAnn VanMeter 
Litton, Ellen Richardson Prichard, Jane Harkins, Julie Wiles, Sherry 
Heath Asbury, Amy Rice
Standing (1st Row): Sarah Summers Trabucco-Higs, Merge Yelton 
McMillion, Cyndi Yelton Alber, Unknown, Sue Burford Smith, Becky 
Shea, Penny George Brick, Sandy French, Stevie Brigode, Unknown 
(maybe Betty McGuinness), Unknown, Unknown Child
(2nd Row): Marty Wyatt Kerr, Unknown, Unknown, Ann McBride, 
Unknown, Unknown, Unknown

Can you help me? Where I went to camp in from 1977-1982, I don't 
know many of these folks, who attended in earlier years.

Jane

September 23, 2002

Classmates:

Well - for those of you who didn't get to join us at Judy's home on 
Saturday - you really missed it.

We had a wonderful time with lots of great food. (Lasagna, 
meatballs, hot peppers, salad, bread, cookies, peach pie, lemon 
dessert) Yummy - I ate too much, but was it ever goooooooood!

Those who were able to come were: Joan Bennett Belcher, Jane 
Bennett Farrell, Jo Ann Berkley Scarbro, Barbara Wolfe Harvey, Butch 
Buckley and his son, Scott Buckley, Bull Miller, Judy and myself. 
We stayed and talked for quite some time. That Judy sure is a good 
hostess. We felt right at home. 

A special treat for the ones of us who lingered the longest was 
Judy's youngest daughter, Paula, stopped in with her three little 
daughters. They are so adorable and cute and whatsmore very, very 
entertaining. They did some and gymnastics for us. (Note: Watch 
for a story to follow soon about Paula's oldest daughter.)

Think about what all you are missing when you don't show for lunch. 
Next month Joan and I are thinking about doing some flips and 
through Applebee's - what do you think????????? Sure - they'd 
have to take me to the hospital. :-)

Love Jake

9/21/02

Classmates:

Well - for those of you who didn't get to join us at Judy's home on 
Saturday - you really missed it.

We had a wonderful time with lots of great food. (Lasagna, 
meatballs, hot peppers, salad, bread, cookies, peach pie, lemon 
dessert) Yummy - I ate too much, but was it ever goooooooood!

Those who were able to come were: Joan Bennett Belcher, Jane 
Bennett Farrell, Jo Ann Berkley Scarbro, Barbara Wolfe Harvey, Butch 
Buckley and his son, Scott Buckley, Bull Miller, Judy and myself. 
We stayed and talked for quite some time. That Judy sure is a good 
hostess. We felt right at home. 

A special treat for the ones of us who lingered the longest was 
Judy's youngest daughter, Paula, stopped in with her three little 
daughters. They are so adorable and cute and whatsmore very, very 
entertaining. They did some and gymnastics for us. (Note: Watch 
for a story to follow soon about Paula's oldest daughter.)

Think about what all you are missing when you don't show for lunch. 
Next month Joan and I are thinking about doing some flips and 
through Applebee's - what do you think????????? Sure - they'd 
have to take me to the hospital. :-)

Love Jake

August 6, 2002

Classmates:

Saturday, July 13th, I had the distinct pleasure of joining Gypsy 
(Barker) & David Lyle, Becky (Atwood) & Max Padon. We had a delightful day starting at 8:30 
am. We met at the Ramada Inn  where Gypsy and David were staying. 

Off we went in the Lyle's rented van. We first went to Blenko Glass 
in Milton. After the many purchases of their beautiful glassware, we 
gathered again in the van and made our way back to Winfield where we 
went to visit with Bob Rogers. I had tried to call Martha to let her 
know of our plan so we might be able to visit with her also, but was 
unable to reach her. 

Bob was pleasantly surprised to see so many of his classmates at one 
time. We only stayed a short period so not to tire him. He laughed 
with us. It was a nice visit. We then jumped (can you imagine this 
group jumping????) into the van and continued our journey. (Hey, on 
second thought, some of them could have jumped.)

We stopped in Cross Lanes at the Cracker Barrel and had lunch. The 
food was very yummy as usual. Of course, we continued to reminisce 
and wonder have you seen or heard from this person or that person, 
etc? Love David's heart - he just sat through the whole thing and 
listened to us. He should definitely be made an honorary '58 
graduate of South Charleston. He's certainly familiar with 
everyone's name by now. :-}) I have the feeling he hears 
about a lot of the people from good ole SC. He's like my husband, 
Jerry, he just sits and listens and humors us along. My 
understanding is David is a well trained Karate person - so, if I 
remember correctly - they study a lot of self control?? I get the 
feeling that's how he puts up with us. ha ha 

When we arrived back at the Ramada, I did go in briefly to talk some 
more and end our wonderful day. When I left the four of them - they 
were planning the rest of their day which included a trip to the old 
Carbide Campground. This is the reason Gypsy and David came all the 
way to WV from Arizona......the Carbide Camp Reunion. Maybe we can 
get Gypsy to write a story about this later. 

At first I thought Gypsy and David had driven all the way from AR, 
but Gypsy says, "Actually we only drove from western KY where we 
were visiting David's family. We always fly into Nashville, TN as 
David's hometown of Scottsville, KY is 60 miles north of there and 
then we rent a car in Nashville. We've done the drive from Tucson 
twice when the boys were little, but that was enough." 

Unfortunately, it has rained so much this weekend and all I can 
think about is I really wished it had been a sunny beautiful weekend 
for all those people who came in for the Carbide Reunion. Although, 
I know the rain could never put a damper on their time shared 
together. 

Now...............if everyone just has a safe trip home. 

(EXTRA NOTE: They did get home safely, I've heard from them - sorry 
it took me so long to get his story together and pictures from Max 
added to it.) 

Love Jake 

"David and Gypsy taking a rest at Blenko." Note the umbrella...rain, 
rain, rain.

"Gypsy boosting the economy in WV."

Click on pictures to see  full  size

Pictures from Gary Pelfrey

Gary with Judy Fox and Cookie Payne

Click on picture to see full size

August 13, 2002

THIS NEWSPAPER STORY WAS SENT TO US BY JUDY FOX TULLY:



Frontpage News last updated: August 13 12:22:20 AM 


Wreck kills one, injures four


August 13, 2002
ANN RUNDLE
Victoria Advocate 
GOLIAD - A 61-year-old Victoria man was killed and four others 
injured in a three-vehicle crash at about noon Monday that shut down 
part of west U.S. Highway 59 just east of Goliad for more than two 
hours. 


Sixty-one-year old Arthur Coles of Victoria was killed and 
four other people were hurt in this three-vehicle wreck Monday 
near Goliad. The wreck shut down part of west U.S. Highway 59 
for more than two hours. 

Arthur Coles was pronounced dead at the scene by Goliad County 
Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Ophelia Moreno. An autopsy was 
ordered through the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office in 
Austin. 
Coles' passenger, Elizabeth Huff, 41, of Victoria, was taken by 
helicopter to University Hospital in San Antonio, where she was 
listed in stable condition. 
Eula Pfenninger, 61, of Goliad, the driver of a Dodge van, and her 
passenger, 44-year-old Pam Janca, also of Goliad, were both listed 
in critical condition at Citizens Medical Center. 
Kyle Meismer, 22, of Victoria, the driver of a Ford pickup, was 
treated for minor injuries at DeTar Hospital Navarro, according to 
Department of Public Safety Trooper George Ramirez. He did not know 
if Meismer had been released from the hospital, and a hospital 
supervisor declined to release any information regarding the 
patient. 
According to Ramirez, Pfenninger was traveling east and was 
attempting to turn left when her car was hit from behind by 
Meismer's pickup. The impact spun her van into the westbound lane, 
where it was struck again by Cole's Cadillac sports utility vehicle, 
Ramirez said. The van stayed in the lane while the SUV left the 
road. 
"It hit the culvert, flipped over and came to rest facing southwest 
on its wheels," Ramirez said, as he pointed to grass on the north 
side of the roadway which had been painted to show where the SUV 
ended up. 
The wreck closed both the east and westbound lanes of traffic on 
Highway 59 about two and a half miles east of Goliad while emergency 
personnel and law enforcers cleared the road. Motorists were 
rerouted down Sapenter and McCampbell roads. 
"We shut it down to all but emergency traffic," Ramirez said. "It 
was a mess. It was a real big mess." 

Classmates: 

I had an unusual request yesterday from Rhonda Holley (most of you 
probably remember that this is David Holley's widow) who lives in 
PA. 

Rhonda wants to sell David's mother's (now deceased) home in 
South Charleston. She wanted me to ask our classmates if they or 
anyone they know might be interested in buying the home to live in 
or to rent. 


The location of the house is 709 Glendale Avenue in South 
Charleston. It has 2 bedrooms 1 bath, living room, dining room, a 
TV room which was added to the back of the home, full sized 
basement with shower and also a sewing room. Her nephew lives 
there now and would be available to show the house. 

I don't want to publish her phone number on the website - so if 
you are interested or need to discuss this further with Rhonda - 
please send an email to me and I will forward her phone number to 
you. 

Rhonda asked that I tell all of you "hello." She hopes her 
Charleston High School Reunion will be at the same time ours is so 
she can stop by to visit awhile. She says she is keeping busy and 
doing well. 

Thanks - Jackie

July 31, 2002

Published in the Gazette Mail Metro Community news on July 31, 2002.

WILLIAM SCOTT BUCKLEY, son of William E. (Butch) Buckley
 of South Charleston and the late Linda S. Buckley, has graduated cum laude 
from the Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vt.  Buckley was named to
the school's honor roll and was inducted into the National Cum Laude Society.
He plans to attend Middlebury College next February, where he will study environmental
Science.  After completing his undergraduate education, he plans to attend law school.
This summer, Buckley is an intern in the office of Secretary of State Joseph Manchin III

July 31, 2002

Hey classmates: 

Below are some stories and pictures from Becky Agnew Huffman. I'm 
sure the stories will be enjoyable and the pictures will certainly 
bring many smiles and laughter to your hearts and minds. 

Love Jake
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Click picture to view full size 

ZOGG O'DELL ELEM.-----front steps (5th or 6th grade):

STORY FROM HUFF: I ran across a photo of either the 5th or 6th 
grade class at Zogg O'Dell, with a vast number of our graduating 
class in it. There are two people I cannot identify - if anyone 
recognizes them - let us know.

Left to right row 1- Suzanne Walker, Becky Agnew, Sharon Triplett, 
Sheila Hamrick, unknown (Anderson?), Nancy Clark, Gypsy Barker, 
Becky Atwood, Barbara Wolfe, Patti Gross, Alice Hopkins, unknown, 
Barbara Schoonover.

Left to right row 2 - Bob Rogers, Charles Anderson, Jim Stuck, 
Dickie Thewes, Carl West, Bill Price, Larry Forth, Dick Meeks, 
Rebecca Craddock, Jane Keys, Nancy Smith.

Left to right row 3
Charles Boll, Tom Roper, Joe Price, Steve Bowles, Jerry Weeks, Eddie 
Seckman, Charles Hinkle, John Jackson, Wendell Withrow, Jeff Johnson

Left to right row 4 - Howard Hackney, Doug Forth, Jerome Gorby, Joe 
O'Dell

Photo 3 In the snowsuits-----remember leggings? I can remember 
how deep (I thought ) the snow would get every winter and as I grew 
much older, it never seemed deep at all. Maybe it was because I was 
shorter then. Our Moms always made us wear undershirts when we were 
little --MB and I hated them and were embarrassed by them. When all 
our other friends matured enough to wear bras, MB and I were still 
in undershirts. We both remember how proud we were of our first 
bras and to rid ourselves of undershirts forever.

Just thought all would like to see them and remember a few 
memories. Huff
_______________________________________________________________________________________

(NOTE FROM JACKIE: HUFF, I KNOW EVERYONE HAS ENJOYED CHECKING OUT 
ALL OF THOSE WONDERFUL LITTLE FACES AND HAVING GREAT MEMORIES OF 
EACH OF THEM. THANKS FOR SHARING. JAKE)

July 27, 2002



CLASSMATES: 

NOW THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD RETURN HOME TO WV. 

BECKY AGNEW HUFFMAN SAYS IT IN SUCH BEAUTIFUL WORDS....MAKES ME WANT 
TO GO OUTSIDE AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND AGAIN AND RENEW THE FEELINGS 
AND SMELLS OF GOOD OLE WV. I MUST SAY I DON'T THINK THEY COULD EVER 
MAKE ME LEAVE HERE. I LOVE TO GO FOR A VISIT AND SEE PEOPLE AND 
OTHER PLACES, BUT ALWAYS YEARN TO RETURN HOME. HOPE BECKY DOES LOOK 
FOR PROPERTY - IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE HER BACK HOME.

LOVE TO ALL AND ENJOY BECKY'S STORY.

 JAKE
____________________________________________________________________________________________

It had been 15 years since I last visited West Virginia, and felt 
that it was way past time, for another visit. Although I hadn't 
forgotten its beauty, somehow my soul just needed to be refreshed 
and renewed by the mountains with their flora and fauna. My spirit 
needed recharging.

The area has changed so much, with the network of highways and even 
with map in hand, found it quite a challenge to find my way around. 
The air is so much cleaner now. I can remember during childhood, 
the chemical fumes that were pumped into the air, especially at 
night and the cinders blowing all around. It is a wonder that any 
of us have any lungs now. Driving a convertible vehicle, during 
those days could be quite gritty. It was so nice to be able to 
drive down Rt. 60, and breathe in the fresh air, without fumes or 
grit.

The mountains, on this visit, were even more beautiful and serene to 
me, than in the past. The green softness, the clouds of mist 
hanging between each hill, the smell of wildflowers, the soft rich 
soil under my feet, green mosses giving the forest floor a soft 
spongy carpet under shoeless feet. Yes, I did have to experience 
going barefoot, once more. Morning dew and the soft gentle rains 
brought a peace to my sense of being. Just the smell of the air, as 
the rain begins, and yes, I walked in the rains, and let their 
gentleness touch my skin, that had been toughened by the extreme 
Texas heat.

I left W.Va., for New Hampshire in 1969, moved to Texas in 1972, 
where I have remained. I have seen much beauty and experienced many 
people throughout the United States, however, there is no beauty to 
match our lovely mountains, nor any people who match the genuine, 
humble, sincere people of W.Va.. I have made many friends through 
my moves across the U.S., and many through the education venues, 
where I have taught, and none of them even come close comparing to 
the fine people of W.Va.. 

Coming home meant so much to me, and it was so wonderful to visit 
with my classmates of 1958, for lunch and to see my old childhood 
neighborhood friends, and the past teachers with whom I have taught.

We can travel the world over, visit exotic places, and see almost 
everything there is to see, however, COMING HOME, regardless of how 
humble it might be, lies the treasures of the heart.

When I return for the 2003 reunion, I plan on looking for some real 
estate there. I just may have to move back home.
huff 

Classmates:

Bull Miller came up with two pictures of the South Charleston Pony 
League from August 1958. We can identify several of the people in 
the picture-others we don't know. 

Now here is your chance to "show your stuff". Put your brain to 
work and let us know who the one's are that are NOT identified. 

To submit your answers - just write a 1,400 page report explaining 
how you know these people, give your gender, age, height, weight and 
middle initial and just how long you have known anyone in the 1958 
class of South Charleston High School, what kind of grades did you 
make in the 11th grade, why you want to be in this contest and then 
rub off the covering of any cartoon in your Sunday paper, blab, 
blab, blab. Seriously folks, we would like for these people to be 
identified - so try to help us out with this one.

Click picture to see full size

Picture 1: (left to right) Shake Keene, ?, George Dorsey, Pat 
Murphy, ?, Dayton Griffith, Ival Gibson, Mike Murphy, Butch Buckley, 
Donnie Cottrell Adults: ?, ?, Ralph Beabout, ?

Click picture to see full size

Picture 2: (left to right) ?, Shike Keene, George Dorsey, ?, 
Pat Murphy, Ival Gibson, Butch Buckley, Dayton Griffith, Mike 
Murphy, Donnie Cottrell

Let us know your answers

Jackie

Click on picture to see full size

SCJHS CLASS PHOTO 1953-1954:

STORY FROM HUFF: One story I can think of regarding the 8th grade 
class photo. The homeroom teacher pictured, Mrs. Curry. She was 
also my algebra teacher and I struggled through algebra to pass. 
(Never being a math wizard). Anyway, after my college graduation 
and becoming a biology teacher, I was hired and taught 4 years at 
Charleston High School. Mrs. Curry was then teaching there also. 
She and I became real good friends and "running buddies". 

Left to right row 1
Mrs. Curry (teacher), Danny Starkey, Jean Fields, Bill Warner, Becky 
Agnew, Larry Studdard, Virginia Jenkins, Bob Cunningham, Deloris 
McCune

Left to right row 2
Jim Stuck, Barbara Harrison, James Hammock, Donald Fowlkes, Carol 
Nelson, Ivan Arbogast

Left to right row 3
Barbara Townsend, Max Padon, Sharon Moffett, Sharon Burdette, Pat 
Mahoney, Patsy Kelly

Left to right row 4
Mike Carter, Betsy Kerns, Jim O'Dell, Anita Wilson, Dick Bare, Ann 
Kay Legg, Jeff Johnson, Jo Ann Hill, Harry Webb

Left to right row 5
Kelly Smith, Linda Sullivan, Alice Hopkins, Mary Ann Blair, Earleen 
Rapp, Frank Turley

absent from photo --- David Loos, Clinton Cobb, Tommy Lott, 
Raymond Barnette, Mary Fields

"FOREVER FRIENDS":

THREE STORIES FROM HUFF: The next three photos are of Mary Beth 
Dorsey and Becky Agnew when we were four years old. I call them 
"FOREVER FRIENDS"

Click picture to see full size

Photo 2 Summertime shot of us outside the house. MB always 
stood like a flamingo . She would tell me that she was going to be 
a dancer, when she grew up, and that is the way dancers would always 
stand. Incidentally, my legs are still toothpicks, but in a normal 
size torso.

July 15, 2002


Hey guys and gals:

Sorry to be so late with a report about our Friday night at the 
Grand Reunion.

We did have a great time visiting with everyone. We were there from 
9 - 12am. Actually, we went past our time. 
Fortunately, some stayed to help us gather up our "stuff" and carry 
it to the cars. Thanks to Raymond, Treasure, Ellen, Phyllis, Bull, 
and Joan . 

A lot of our "usual reunion people" showed up which is always a 
treat. But, this time we saw some new faces that we haven't seen 
for way too many years. Patsy Atkins Carr, Janet Buckner George 
(NOTE: Janet's been to some lunches lately, but not to a reunion), 
Norma Baker Michael and Lewis Collins. I'm sure I've forgotten 
someone - forgive me if I have. 

We had others from different SC classes drop by to pay us a visit 
which was also nice. Treasure Wiblin (class of 57 now lives in CA), 
Blanche Ewart Harrison (class of 59), Carlotee "McKever" Emswiller 
(class of 56). 

A steady flow of classmates happened all evening so I do hope I 
haven't forgotten anyone as they wandered through: Mona Turner & 
Leo Mallory, Bull Miller, Bill Dunlap, Joe Bennett, Raymond 
Barnett, Jack & Carol Pauley, Lewis & Dolores Collins, Phyllis 
Rumbaugh & John Fenwick (59), Ellen Andrews, Norma Jean Baker & 
Lawrence Michael, Dreama Martin & Roger Vass, Janet Buckner & David 
George, Patsy Atkins Carr, Gary Pelfrey, Bud Williams, Wanda Clay 
Colbert, Jo Ann Berkley Scarbro, Delores Cobb Anderson, Laura Jo 
Counts & Bob Carte, Joan Bennett & Gus Belcher (57), me..........and 
low and behold - true to their word - Becky Atwood and Max Padon 
showed up a little late after driving from St. Louis!

Raymond provided the 50's music for us. We had lots of food to 
munch on, but the best part was getting to talk and reminisce with 
everyone. 

A special treat for those of us who stayed behind to load the cars 
was - Phyllis showed us how she planned to "march" in the parade the 
next day. Actually, she looked pretty good and even pretended to 
have a baton and twirl. ha ha She did walk/march in the parade 
and I saw her on Monday. After a full weekend plus marching in the 
parade she could hardly walk......but, I'm still impressed with her 
making it all the way through the parade and she even went to the 
dance Saturday night in addition to all the other functions she 
needed to attend to as our class representative. Hurray for you 
Phy!!!

A SPECIAL NOTE: although at the moment many of you may be 
completely "done in" with reunions - don't forget that the class of 
'58 will have their 45th reunion in the year 2003. We will begin 
working on it soon and we will keep you notified of plans at that 
time so you will be able to mark your calendars.

Love to all, Jake

Click picture to see full size

Saturday Night Group Picture

Donna Hall Twigg, Dreama Martin Vass, Norma Baker Michael, Janet Buckner George, Wanda Clay Colbert, Judy Bowen Romano
Lewis Collins, Phyllis Rumbaugh Fenwick, Patsy Atkins Carr, Ellen Andrews, Laura Jo Counts Carte
Jim O'Dell, Jack Pauley, Bud Williams, Gary Pelfrey, Bill Dunlap

Click on picture to see full size

July 23, 2002

Hey guys:

We had another fun lunch. Wish all of you could have been here 
with us.

We thought that Becky Agnew Huffman had traveled the farthest coming 
from Texas, but lo and behold guess who surprised us? None other 
than Bonnie Brenneman had just made it to the good ole US - coming 
all the way from China. 

Now two points of interest about these gals:

1 - Becky had come in town for a reunion of Charleston High School 
teachers. We were fortunate enough to get to see her for lunch and 
she promises to come back for the '58 reunion next year.

2 - Bonnie tells us she is going back to China around September for 
another year of teaching. She must really love it over there. 
Hope she doesn't decide to go back and then stay there permanently.

Besides Becky and Bonnie, we had the following classmates join us: 
Joan Bennett Belcher, Sally Lewis Henson, Jo Ann Spitler Bostic, 
Raymond Barnett, Butch Buckley, Judy Bowen Romano, Bill Coles, Jim 
and Katherine Garber and their good looking son, Scott and me. 

Scott is leaving for Utah on Thursday to spend a few months working 
in several states - I believe he is a Forest Ranger and he also 
plays on the "WV Blitzing' Bulldogs" football team that is newly 
formed and plays here in Charleston at Laidley Field. By the way, 
they won Saturday evening 30-15. 

Bill Coles tells us that he will have knee replacement on August 
13th - so keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Now, see what all you missed by not coming to lunch with us? 
Maybe next month - I think I will be having the lunch at my home. 
Will let you know details ASAP.

Below are pictures Sally Lewis Henson shared with us during lunch. See how good
you are at naming these classmates.

Love to all - Jackie 

           
Click to review in normal size

July 25, 2002

Hey guys:

The picture attached is one that Cookie Payne (class of '60) sent to 
me. I think all of you will enjoy viewing this one.

Cookie writes that this picture was taken at the Snow Festival 
December 7, 1957. 

An extra note of interest, Cookie reminded me of how all the girls 
traded formal dresses, etc. She wondered if I remembered her pink 
dress and shoes...........she had borrowed them from me. Now tell 
me, was I EVER that small. ha ha

Thanks Cookie for sharing this wonderful picture and memory of you and Bob. 

Click on picture to see full size

July 17, 2002

Sally Lewis Henson notified us about our classmate Cora Jane Ellison 
Means' death. We wish to post this sad news. Unfortunately, we 
did not know in time to notify all of you before the funeral.

Jackie

_________________________________________________________________________________________

CORA JANE ELLISON MEANS 
Cora Jane Ellison Means, 62, of South Charleston passed away July 8, 
2002, in Hubbard Hospice House. 
She was an aide and clerk for CAM-Newborn ICU with 40 years of 
service. 
Surviving are her husband, Carlon M. Means; her dogs, Spanky, Taz 
and Buster; brothers, Thomas H. and Larry E. Ellison, both of South 
Charleston, Kevin W. Ellison of Covington, Va.; sisters, Linda D. 
Caya of Atlanta, Ga., Freda M. Champe of South Charleston. 
Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, July 11, at Keller Funeral Home, 
Dunbar, with the Rev. Don Meadows, the Rev. Kermit Meadows and the 
Rev. Gene Pauley officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland 
Memorial Park. 
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Keller Funeral Home, 
Dunbar. 
Donations may be made to Kanawha Hospcie Care, 1143 Dunbar Ave., 
Dunbar, WV 25064. 

June 27, 2002

Below is a little information from Max and Becky about their newest
grandson. Check out the pictures - he sure is a handsome little guy. No,
I'm not talking about Max - I'm talking about Harrison. :-})

Congratulations to Max and Becky.

Jake

 Well, Becky and I have been in St. Louis about two hours visiting
 with our newest grandson, Harrison Maxwell Padon, born to Stephen
 and Heather Padon on 24 June 2002. Harrison arrived at 8 pounds 7
 ounces, and 21 inches -- about nine of those inches seems to be
 feet.

 This is three grandsons, as Harrison was preceded by Storm and
 Falken Brown, and one granddaughter, but Becky and I are
 confident that Savannah can hold her own among all those boys.
 So, Storm, Savannah, and Falken, here are photos of your newest
 cousin.

 I took the attached photos specifically to email, so the files
 should be of a reasonable size. In the event that anyone is
 wondering, the fourth is just as exciting as the each of the
 first three.

 Becky & Max

Click pictures to see full size

June 23, 2002

Hey guys:

IT'S FINISHED!!! The mural is finished - I drove up today to see 
first hand the completed work.

Don, good to his word, has posted the final picture with an enlargement 
of a surprise at the bottom of the mural. It has two children 
looking up at the mural. Believe me, it is adorable.

Check out the site again. www.evanslumberco.com  go down on left 
to Historical Train and click. then go to pictures day 10 and on.

Enjoy. Jake

June 17, 2002

Well, as usual we had a terrific time at lunch yesterday. Those 
eating together were: Jo Ann Spitler Bostic, Jo Anne Berkley 
Scarbro, Barbara Wolfe Harvey, Mary Ann Blair Tantillo, Joan 
Bennett Belcher, Butch Buckley, Bull Miller, Judy Bowen Romano
and me. 

Joining us for the first time were Barbara and Mary Ann. Mary Ann 
looked great after all the surgeries she's had from falling through 
her attic over a year ago. Barbara was also doing well after 
having surgery on her leg. We all laughed that now our 
conversations center around which doctor, which medicines and which 
surgeries. :-})
We are all so thankful that we can still get around.

As usual Butch kept us all in stitches. When we were getting ready 
to leave - Butch got up and talked with 2 "little ole ladies" who 
were sitting over from us. I do think he was apologizing for us 
being so loud and so much laughter.....gosh, I hope he wasn't asking 
them out. Anyway, they said they got a big kick out of us having 
so much fun. They came over to the table and talked with us for a 
while. Turns out they were in their 80's. Pretty nice gals!

We all went to the parking lot and stood and talked for probably 
another hour. Somehow we just have too much fun to give up and go 
home and about our errands, etc.

Hope to see some of you for the next luncheon in July.

I also expect Joan and I will see some of you at the Friday night 
get together for the class of '58. We'll be at the Community 
Center on Jefferson Rd. from 9pm - 12am. Drop by and see us - think 
what a treat that will be for all of you. ha ha

Love to all - Jake

                                 Click on picture to see full size

PS In case you are wondering - I do get on the computer every day 
and felt I should get this one out - doing so in between Sunday 
School, church, cooking for Father's Day and want to get it done 
BEFORE the kids and grandkids come today.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND I'LL BE THINKING OF ALL OF YOU - JAKE
            

Click picture to see in normal size

June 14, 2002

HEY GUYS AND GALS:

WE HAVE POSTED A CONTINUING STORY FROM MAX AND BECKY PADON ABOUT 
THEIR TRIP WEST A FEW YEARS AGO. WE BELIEVE YOU WILL ENJOY READING 
ABOUT THEIR ADVENTURE. THE STORY IS VERY INTERESTING, EDUCATIONAL 
AND ALSO INCLUDES PICTURES OF CLASSMATES THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER AND 
LOVE TO SEE.

JUST GO TO "MAX & BECKY'S TRIP" AND DOUBLE CLICK.

JAKE

May 21, 2002

HEY GUYS: I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM BECKY AGNEW HUFFMAN 
WITH MEMORIES SHE HAD AFTER READING THE GORBY STORY. SHE SAID IT 
WAS FINE TO FORWARD TO ALL OF YOU...ENJOY! LOVE JAKE
_________________________________________________________________________________________


Jake: Thank you so much for sharing the Jerome Gorby article with 
us. It was one of the most interesting articles that I have read in 
a long time, it also brought back so many fond memories of 
childhood, in S.C.

As a child, my friends and I would walk down the steep 
Central Avenue hill, all the way to 7th Avenue, headed toward 
Gorby's Music Store. We would look through the 45 rpm records and 
play them for hours. I fondly remember the little listening booths. 
We often bought only one or sometimes, none at all . Mr. and Mrs. 
Gorby were always so kind and generous to us kids. On the few times 
I have been back to S.C., I always go back to 7th Avenue and 
straight for Gorby's. It's always like going HOME.

Mom bought me my first 45 rpm record player from Gorby's and 
at that time, I remember how proud I was of it. Mom and I walked 
all the way there and back, from Central Avenue (top of hill). When 
I look back, my parents were not financially wealthy and I am sure 
that they did without, to buy that record player, but it was one of 
the best gifts anyone could have at that age---MUSIC.

I am sure that the Gorby's experience and the Junior High 
music teachers got me really interested in different musical 
instruments and the different sounds that they made. I don't 
remember her name, but she would play the sounds of different 
instruments to us, on a record and we had to learn them, by their 
sounds. She was good to do this, for us. This experience with 
music interested me enough to join up with the SCHS band, playing E 
flat alto, and French horn.

The high school band experience brought great joy to my life. 
There was the music, and all of the fun we had on the band buses 
going to football games. During our Sophomore year, we were asked 
to play at a concert symposium at West Virginia University, which 
was such a great experience for us all and to hear other bands. 
Larry Combs played his solo clarinet performance and it brought all 
of the audience to their feet. It was an honor to play in the 
concert band with Larry Combs. At one time, he also played with 
Chuck Mangione.

I still cannot call Jerome, Jerry. He and I were in the same 
classes in elementary school. One day, my Mom invited him to our 
house at lunch time, for a fried chicken lunch. We walked all the 
way from Zogg O'Dell to my house for lunch and back. Either we 
didn't eat much or were fast walkers, to get there and back , in one 
hour. Jerome probably doesn't remember that lunch, but I won't 
forget it.

I am glad that Jerome's father has lived to see the future 
generations of Gorby's assume his love for music and his business. 
I am sure, with all of the chain music stores and discount stores, 
it has not been easy. I admire the persistence.

No, I have not continued the French Horn, since high school, 
however, my love for music and the instruments, has not diminished. 
I keep antique musical instruments on my walls at the entry-way of 
my house and antique instruments, all through my living room. There 
is just something about them, whether music is coming from them, or 
their silence, makes them a beautiful work of art. 

Thank you Gorbys, for being there, when I was a kid and for 
all of those to follow.

Becky Agnew Huffman 

Published in the WV Gazette, Monday, May 20, 2002

‘I'm up studying every night'
Monday May 20, 2002


His father, Charles Gorby, was West Virginia's version of "The Music Man," 
an exuberant peddler of musical instruments who marched through the state 
organizing school bands. In the mid-1940s, he parlayed that salesman's 
zeal into the Gorby Music Co., a landmark South Charleston store 
specializing in everything from pianos to sheet music.
Now, Music Man scion Jerry Gorby keeps the stalwart store in tune. 
Embracing change, guided by a reverence for music instilled by the store's 
flamboyant 92-year-old founder, he has outlasted local and chain 
competition.
He's erudite, sophisticated and thoughtful, a man of strong opinions. 
Weighing options for the next step in his 62-year-old life, he's grooming 
his son, Vince, for a third generation ascendancy to the music emporium 
throne.
"MY FATHER came here in 1932 as an industrial arts teacher and became 
assistant football coach and the first band director in South Charleston. 
Then he went on the road selling for the H.N. White Co. and setting up 
bands in West Virginia and Virginia.
"Back then, there were not music stores all over the place, so he would go 
into a community, very much like the Music Man, and get a band director, 
sign up band members and get money for the background instruments, the 
tubas and sousaphones and drums, and there would be a band in that town.
"The times I would go with him, we would leave on a Sunday and come back 
the following weekend. When we worked on the eastern shore of Maryland, we 
worked in segregated schools. They would actually give us bodyguards, 
because sometimes we would be the only white people there. But we never 
had a problem. Music is universal. I haven't found anybody who doesn't 
like music.
"He started me playing clarinet in grade school. I practiced a lot. I was 
with a group in junior high school, the Symphonettes. We had a clarinet 
quintet and a drummer, and we won a talent show on Channel 3. The winner 
got to go to New York and play on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour.
"Our best player was Larry Combs from Kenna Homes. He played in the 
Charleston Symphony in the seventh grade and plays principal clarinet with 
the Chicago Symphony. One of the best clarinet players in the world was in 
our little group right here in South Charleston.
"The store was founded over top of the Vogue Dry Cleaners down the street 
here in 1946 or '47, after my dad got out of the Navy. It moved to this 
end of the block where our band department is now and expanded on either 
side.
"I went to Ohio University and majored in business with English and music 
minors. I took a little agriculture and some government and history. I'm 
not super good in anything, but I was exposed to a lot of things, and I'm 
very glad about that.
"I graduated on a Sunday and was in Poca selling band instruments the next 
day. The only break I had was six months of Army Reserves starting that 
fall.
"My dad would take me to factories and I would see how instruments were 
made. The general public would be very interested in their musician 
heroes. I had that admiration, but I also had admiration for people who 
designed and built instruments and repaired and sold them. So I had a much 
broader view than the average person.
"My younger brother, Steve, entered our business in combo guitars, 
amplifiers and also in keyboards, so my parents, my brother and I were all 
involved. He died in a plane crash in 1985. That put our business in 
turmoil for a long time.
"The big drain in the state's school population started about the time I 
started at the store. There's no way in the world any of us could have 
projected that the Kanawha County school population would drop by over 50 
percent, and it continues to drop. Half the school population gone in 30 
years is a terrible blow to anyone in retail, particularly someone who 
sells to children.
"When Carbide and other plants pulled out and 110,000 coal miners left, 
the median income dropped and continues to drop. When your disposable 
income drops, a lot of people will think a band instrument or piano is a 
luxury. I disagree. I think music and art should be part of everyone's 
life.
"We've added and subtracted departments. Early on, we sold accordions and 
we got out of that. At one point, we sold record players and records. 
Sheet music remains very big. And we've always taught hundreds of 
students. That part has stayed pretty consistent.
"I spent 35 years on the road calling on schools and putting beginner band 
classes in many different states. I don't do that at all now. I made a 
complete switch to keyboards. Our growth areas have not been in band 
instruments for the last 10 years, and not in keyboards either, but in 
combo equipment, in guitars, amplifiers and sound reinforcement.
"Another big change is that the price of many products we sell has come 
down drastically because of offshore production. A drum set that we would 
have on our floor at a discount price of $500 to $600 today would have 
cost $2,000 to $2,500 when I started here.
"Eighty percent of all the pianos sold in the world now come from three 
Asian makers. When I started, it was all American and European makers. Now 
we're seeing a lot of extremely good drum sets and guitars made overseas, 
a lot from mainland China. And that's going to continue. If our school 
system was smart, we would be teaching Oriental philosophy, religion and 
history. Within 50 years, we're supposed to have the world's third-largest 
economy behind China and India.
"Our store had a lot of competition. I recently made a list of over a 
dozen music stores that have gone out in downtown Charleston. At one time, 
you had Galperin's and Londeree's and Herbert's, and Woodrum's sold 
pianos. There were chains. Fulton Piano and Organ had 54 stores in 
Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and they're completely gone. To stay in 
business, you have to be very perceptive about change.
"To think when I was growing up that I could have played a symphonic piece 
with a choir by myself on a digital piano. Now you can replicate the sound 
of almost any instrument electronically. You can play ‘Mary Had a Little 
Lamb' on maybe 300 different instruments.
"My son is here full time. I started Vince as a drum student in 
kindergarten. The normal age for starting back then was fourth grade. Paul 
Moore, our drum teacher, took him on as a student to prove it wouldn't 
work. He lost his bet. Paul teaches a lot of students now that are in 
kindergarten.
"Vince had private lessons from Paul every Saturday morning when other 
kids were watching cartoons. After a while, he complained. I told him I 
would have a present for him. I brought a package home. He said, ‘This 
looks a lot like a flute.' I said, ‘It is a flute. Now you get two lessons 
every Saturday. Maybe that will teach you to quit complaining.' It didn't. 
The next year, he got a saxophone. Then he had three lessons every 
Saturday morning. Then he understood I was serious about music. In junior 
high, he won an expense paid trip to Honolulu to play with an All-American 
band. When he came back, he looked at me and said, ‘Thanks.' Back then, 
parents decided what was best for their children.
"My dad is 92 and doing very well. I try to call my parents every other 
night. One night last year, I called him and he had a John Philip Sousa 
recording on and was marching around the house. He's very strong on 
marches. I think he would like to have a march played at his funeral.
"My father was past 85 when he retired. I don't want to go that long. I 
turned 62 in March. We don't live forever, and I have all sorts of 
directions I'd like to go. When I go through a change, it takes me six 
months to a year to figure out where I want to go next. That's what I have 
to do now.
"I never sleep through the night. I'm up studying every night, three or 
four different subjects. Last night, it was the photographer Walker Evans. 
I try to read three to five books a week. People ask if I'm taking a 
class. What has that got to do with it? I don't understand that mentality, 
that lack of mentality.

May 20, 2002


I RECEIVED THIS NICE STORY FROM BARBARA LITTERAL PORTER. ISN'T IT WONDERFUL
TO HEAR SUCH GOOD NEWS? BARBARA - I'M SO SORRY TO BE LATE POSTING THIS
STORY. JAKE
____________________________________________________________________________


I have my first great-grand child; born March 6, 2002 , at the Naval
Hospital
at Jacksonville, FL A little boy named Kyle....new mom and dad doing fine
and grand parents have spoiled little boy rotten of course
great-grandparents
haven't had a hand in the spoiling.

 

Kyle Preston Waggoner is the son of our granddaughter Kristen and
her husband, Jason. Kristen is the daughter of our daughter, Jacqueline Kay
and her husband, Gary Williams. Kyle weighted 7lb. 7oz. and 20 inches
long.

His father is out with his squadron for training; later he will be deployed
for the six month tour. The doctor at the naval hospital here in
Jacksonville
did a marvelous job. One of the doctors on hand was commenting to our
J0ackie how lucky Kristen was to have her mom, dad, grand parents
and her brothers attend the birth. Most of the young mothers he has
contact with are far away from home and their husband are at sea.
I know how that is being in a foreign land , without family although
the service families are closer at times overseas then kin are here at home.
Little Kyle is a doll and we love every inch .. oh, yes, he has lots and
lots
of hair and he has the Porter chin with a dimple. Hope this fills in the
story for you.

Oh yes I wish we could be up for the reunion, but we
can't make it.  Maybe we can make the August lunch...

God Bless you all Barbara

May 20, 2002

HEY GUYS: 

THIS IS A GREAT STORY FROM GARY GRUBB. I'M SURE ALL OF YOU WILL 
ENJOY "CATCHING UP" WITH GARY. I SURE HAVE. 

I REALLY DO APPRECIATE HIM TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE THIS INTERESTING 
STORY FOR ME SO I CAN SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOU. THIS SHOULD BE 
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ALL OF YOU TO DO THE SAME.

LOVE TO ALL AND LATER - JAKE
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Gary's story . I will try to keep it short .

Left W.Va. in 1967, having worked for Union Carbide, after a two 
year stint at W.Va. University. Parents retired , also from Union 
Carbide and decided to relocate to Las Vegas , where we had several 
relatives in business and politics . Getting tired of life back 
there, I also moved to LV to join my father in business. Soon after 
my then finance, Linda Johnson from St. Albans, came out to LV and 
we were married there. 

After about two years, we dissolved the business and decided to look 
for work and life elsewhere, since LV didn't offer much in the way 
of work beyond entertainment. Being short on talent, the 
opportunities were limited. At that time , Cape Kennedy, Florida was 
in the " heyday " of the space program and work was bountiful. We 
packed up everything and headed for Florida. Landed in Titusville, 
Fla. and soon began working at the space center . Was there for 
about three years . After leaving Florida, I began a long career 
with a major design and construction firm doing a lot of moving 
based on job assignments within the U.S. and international. Of 
particular interest was a three year assignment in Saudi Arabia. My 
field has been in the project controls area , specializing in cost 
and schedule control activities. 

Ten years ago , I joined Merck and Co. , a major pharmaceutical firm 
in Somerset, NJ, where we currently reside . I am a Director of a 
Project Services Organization ( about 150 personnel ) supporting the 
design and construction of new and revamped facilities for the 
company. The job has been difficult, but very rewarding personally 
and financially for us . 

By the way, along the trip we had a daughter, Amy, who is 29 and 
teaches high school English locally. Not married yet, but still 
looking . Also, my father passed away about five years ago . My 
mother still lives in LV and is doing pretty well . I try to see her 
a couple of times a year. I expect to probably work another 2-3 
years and then hang it up ( if we can afford it ). Don't yet know 
where we will eventually settle down. My wife's mother and siblings 
still live in St Albans. I come back about once a year with her.

That's a short version of my life since we left W.Va. I will always 
have mixed emotions about leaving there. My life has been 
interesting having experienced a great deal based on wanting to see 
what was on the other side of the mountain. Then there are the other 
memories of life there, perhaps offering less stress and more family 
stability. One cannot look too far back , except to recall the 
memories of SCHS and the friends left behind.

Hard to accept that I am that old. Don't feel it :-)

Love to you and all,

Gary

May 18, 2002

Hey guys and gals:

We had a lot of fun visiting again Saturday at lunch. 

Those who were able to make it were: Butch Buckley, Bull Miller, 
Raymond Barnett, Phyllis Rumbaugh Fenwick, Jo Anne Berkley Scarbro, 
Jo Ann Spitler Bostic, Sally Lewis Henson, Joan Bennett Belcher, 
Judy Bowen Romano and me. 

For some extra laughs - Butch spilled his "hot tea" right after they 
brought it to him. And no, he didn't spill it on himself so you 
won't be reading about the lawsuit in the paper. Of course, you 
realize the reason we laughed was because Butch jumped up and then 
blamed the whole thing on Bull who was quieting sitting beside him.

Phyllis wanted me to remind you that you need to make your 
reservations ASAP for the Grand Reunion as there is a cut off date - 
June 15th.

Hope to see a lot of you at the June lunch - so make your plans 
soon.

Love to all - Jake

This is not the picture for the above lunch but thought you would like to see anyway.

Click on picture to see full size

May 18,2002

AT LUNCH TODAY THERE WERE SEVERAL REQUEST FOR JOANNE BERKLEY 
SCARBRO'S SWEET POTATO BALLS THAT SHE BROUGHT TO MY HOUSE AT 
CHRISTMAS LUNCH:

Sweet Potato Balls

3 cups mashed (canned) sweet potatoes 
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
Marshmallows
Grated coconut
Finely chopped pecans

Mix potatoes, sugar, butter, vanilla and spices until well blended. 
Form around marshmallows and roll in grated coconut or pecans.
Place in baking dish and bake 20 minutes in 350 degree oven. Yield 10 to 12.

May 6, 2002

Hey Guys and Gals:

For those of you who have written to me and have been anxiously 
awaiting for Schultz's website so you can place orders for his 
books, this is it:


http://www.shadowmountainpress.net


He has a special instruction page where you can place information 
for inscriptions. (I'm going to have him write a special note and 
autograph my book.)

Browse through his website even if you don't plan to buy right now - 
its neat.

Love to all - Jake

May 6, 2002


HEY GUYS: WITH BECKY'S PERMISSION I SHARE THE INFORMATION BELOW. 
(PS - I'M SURE BECKY WOULD PASS ON ANY "HELLO'S" TO LYDA) JAKE
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Jake: Just wanted to share with you some great news. My 
childhood friend and a graduate from our class is coming to visit 
me, Sunday. Do you remember Lyda (Bitty) Barry? She lived in my 
neighborhood all through Jr. High and High School. She and her 
husband, Wayne Faustman live in Nebraska and have never seen Texas, 
so I am going to cover as much ground with them as possible. I am 
so excited about it and just wanted to share the news with you. 
Bitty doesn't have a computer, so I will share the web site with her 
, so that she can see all the work you guys are doing for all of us.

I am just learning computers and have enrolled in an introductory 
class, beginning in early June, at the community college here. It's 
for seniors (I never thought of myself as this type of senior--it's 
not all that great of title). The other senior titles--high school 
senior, college senior names were such great smart-ass names and how 
BIG we felt being called that.

Austin is a great place to live. We have natural springs (like 
Silver Springs, Fla.), here---all along the Balcones Fault line, at 
the edge of the Hill Country. We have lots of hills, like WV, but 
not quite as tall. I plan to take Bitty on glass bottom boat rides 
on the springs, to all the lake areas , where there are huge decked 
restaurants on cliffs overhanging the lakes. I am 4 and one half 
hours from Mexico, so I am taking her there for her birthday on 
Tuesday, then to San Antonio (70 miles) to see the River Walk, 
Alamo, Botanical Gardens. On Monday, to the Hill Country via Johnson 
City (home of LBJ). I am only 3 hours from the Texas coast, so we 
will go to Padre Island for some beaching. She may never want to go 
home. They are coming in a van , so I told her to leave plenty of 
room for all the stuff we were going to buy along the way Oh yes, I 
am going to take her to some western stores and buy some dude 
clothes and eat a bunch of Texas BBQ and Mexican food.

Jake, I can hardly wait for them to get here. It's a bit empty 
without Mom, especially being the first Mother's day coming up 
without her. So having my ole buddy will keep me busy and we will 
all be having a great time.
They should be here in just a few hours now. 

Take care, and look at those beautiful W VA mountains for me, touch 
the fragrant cool soil after a rain, smell the colorful wildflowers 
for me, and enjoy the curvy narrow roads. Ha Ha I cannot believe 
that I learned to drive on them

Spring was my favorite season there, after getting through Feb., 
(the shortest month), yet feeling the longest. Gray skies, mud, and 
leafless trees on the mountains. Those first wildflowers were such 
a gift and a welcome sight. I can remember walking the railroad 
tracks along Huntington's wooded area, around Shoals, WV, enjoying 
every flower. An old friend of mine, who died several years ago, 
took one of the railroad spikes, after the railroad was torn down, 
and had it chromed for me, He remembered how I loved walking there, 
I now have it in my curio cabinet and look at it occasionally 
remembering my WV paradise.

It's always just great hearing from you. I'll give Bitty, your 
regards.

Huff

April 22, 2002

Hey Guys:

I just finished reading Schultz's manuscript for his new book, "The 
Girl Who Loved to Run", and it really is a wonderful book. (Greg 
felt I should read the book before recommending it to our 
classmates.) I'm pleased he gave me this opportunity and I do 
wholeheartedly recommend it to you.

The story takes place in WV and it follows three young friends as 
they grow up. The threesome go off to Washington and then to other 
parts of the world and their paths keep crossing. I'm proud to say 
the book is worthy to read - Greg is a very good writer. I 
especially loved the way he speaks of WV and all it's beauty and the 
way he remembers his friendships growing up here. (A reminder 
is... ALL of his characters are fictitious, although I can't help 
but think I recognize some of these people - ha ha) I also seem to 
remember some of the story lines and when they happened.

Greg went to a lot of trouble to keep the facts straight about 
places in WV and he even spoke with our WV Culture Center and got 
permission to use one of the pictures they had of Pocahontas County 
on the cover. 

I found after I started reading that I could hardly put the book 
down. In the first parts of the book, I was concentrating on the 
characters and the places they were going to or discussing - places 
I knew existed in WV, although Greg had changed the names. Then 
after the characters went to Washington - it brought on a whole new 
thought system for me - I was, by that time, involved with the 
characters and wanted to know what each of them did with their 
lives. Ends up, I had tears in my eyes in the last chapter and 
that's an unusual thing to happen to me. It truly is a story which 
makes you find yourself linked to their lives and caring a great 
deal for each character and wondering what will be their destiny.

I keep wanting to tell you so much about the story, but if I get 
started I'll ruin the ending for you. For now I will just tell you 
it is "good reading" and you might want to pick one up as soon as 
they become available on his website. 

I will keep you posted when the web site is available to everyone. 
Love to all - Jake

SPECIAL NOTE: SEVERAL CLASSMATES WANTED TO KNOW IF WE WILL BE ABLE 
TO HAVE THE BOOKS WE PURCHASED SIGNED BY GREG. I HAVE ALSO BEEN 
ASKED IF HE WILL PUT SPECIAL NOTES IN THE BOOKS IF WE REQUEST - 
BELOW IS HIS ANSWER:

You bet. This is one of the benefits of an online bookstore. When 
a book is ordered there will be a place that says "additional 
notes". The customer can write the inscription they want in the 
"additional notes" space. I will sign the books and also write 
any personal remarks they may want. We should be set up soon. I 
will give you the new web site name when available and you can go 
in and check it out. Thanks.
Greg.

April 22, 2002

Hey there:

Yesterday proved to be another delightful day and delightful lunch. 
I so much enjoyed our classmates presence as I'm sure the others 
did.

Those attending where: Phyllis Rumbaugh Fenwick, Dreama Martin 
Vass and husband, Roger, Bull Miller, Butch Buckley, Bill Coles, 
Janet Buckner George, Raymond Barnett, Gary Pelfrey and me. 

Gary is to be commended for driving so far to have lunch and visit 
with us. I believe his trip takes between 6 -7 hours.

Everyone still wonders who our "mystery guest" is and all I can say 
is he/she plans to be here next month. We shall see. Gary filled 
in this month as our "mystery guest" ha ha.

Once again, Buckley kept us entertained with his wit.                        

Love to all, Jake  

5 - Bonnie Brenneman Turner 

I heard from Bonnie and she will back in the states on January 28th, 
but she will be returning to China on February 21st. Bonnie 
originally was suppose to come home in January for good, but she is 
returning to do a second semester. I'd say this has been a very 
good experience for her.

Bonnie writes that she hopes to make the February lunch - she has to 
see as she has lots to catch up on while she's here including 
getting her taxes ready.

BONNIE: WE DO HOPE TO SEE YOU FOR THE FEBRUARY L

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