Bledsoe, Jim - jim-judyb@peoplepc.com

Camden, Mary Ellen Wharton - mecamden@earthlink.net

Daniel, Carolyn Sue - CenterStage55@comcast.net

Eastham, Pat Brammer - P_Eastham@yahoo.com

Gemmill, Francine Blaine - fbgemmill@comcast.net

Gerber, Phyllis - peony@tampabay.rr.com

Hale, Wilsie - wilsiewithanodyne@hotmail.com

Jenkins, David - frcadej@msn.com

Johnson, Richard - gjohnson@bcswan.net

Marcum, Ronald - ronniebm@adelphia.net

Pace, Nelson - nelson@sterlingrates.com

Pelfrey, Doug - scpharoh@hotmail.com

Pruitt, Carolyn Havens - hanna_jonathangranny@hotmail.com

Richmond, Richard - Ingomar@Netzero.net

Salyers, Sandy York - nanasdolls@adelphia.net

Smith, Paula Whitten – psmith6972@neo.com

Underwood, John - homenow@adelphia.net

Vinson, Helen Belvin - rwmonacan@aol.com

Wireman, Mary Nancarrow - marylu@zoominternet.net

A complete list of e-mails can be found at Cyberpony E-Mail Addresses.

New Cyberpony - Jim Bledsoe.  Jim Bledsoe has purchased a computer, due to the insistence of granddaughter Madison, and is now exploring the wonderful world of the Internet.  He and wife Judy (Lewis) - HHS'61, live in Huntington (Spring Valley).  They have been married 40 years and have one daughter and one granddaughter.  Jim is now retired from 33 years at Owens Illinois Glass.  He and Judy enjoy exercising at their local gym in Kenova.  Please welcome Jim to the Cyberponies.  His e-mail address is:   jim-judyb@peoplepc.com.

New Cyberpony - Ron Marcum.  Please welcome Ron Marcum to the Cyberponies.  Ron lives in Barboursville, WV.  He has 2 daughters (Melissa and Veronica) and 3 grandchildren.  Ron retired from CSX Corp. after working there 35 years.  He is a big Marshall fan and also enjoys traveling and being with his grandchildren.  In addition to being our classmate, Ron is brother-in-law to two other classmates - Louis Elam and Lindal Coyle.  You can contact Ron at his e-mail address ronniebm@adelphia.net.

New Cyberpony - Richard Richmond.  I have great news!  Richard (Dick) Richmond found our web site and contacted me.  He writes, "For the few people who might remember me this is Richard Richmond.  I live in West Hills, California and my E-Mail address is Ingomar@Netzero.net.  I just found your web site and think it's great.  I saw the list of classmates that are no longer with us and cried. The names brought back so many memories and they were such good people. I only knew of Bob Barrett passing due to a car wreck which happened not long after graduation. I was surprised at the number of people who have died. Thank you all for making High School a great experience."  In a second e-mail, Richard provides some more details.  "What have I been doing for the last 45 years? I can't believe it’s been that long.  I married a voluptuous red head from Tennessee.  We have two daughters and six grandchildren including a set of twin boys.  We divorced after 13 years.  I remarried a beautiful brunette from Argentina and we have been together for 20 years this Valentines Day.  We have no children.  I worked for Max Factor in Hollywood for a number of years and continued in that occupation with other companies throughout my working life.  I've made products from lipstick to shampoo.  I'm helping out a friend that started a cosmetic company of her own.  I only" work" 3 days a week because I retired last year.  Please put me on the list of Cyberponies. You are right I would have enjoyed the reunion."  Richard Richmond

New Cyberpony - Pat Brammer Eastham.  Please welcome Pat Brammer Eastham to the Cyberponies.  Pat lives in Chesapeake, Ohio.  She and husband Ronald have been married 23 years.  Pat has 6 stepchildren and 17 step-grandchildren (age 19 months to 21 years).  Pat is now retired after working 33 years in banking (20th Street Bank, Security Bank).  Ronald manages his own business in Land Surveying.  You can contact Pat at her e-mail address P_Eastham@yahoo.com.

New Cyberpony - Carolyn Havens Pruitt.  Recently, Carolyn Havens Pruitt joined the Classmates web site.  And, through her initiative, I was able to connect to her.  She is just learning to use the computer and the Internet.  Carolyn lives in Lewisburg, Tennessee near Nashville.  She has three children from her first marriage to Bob Jarrell (HHS'61).  Bob is deceased and he was the brother of our classmate Carol Sue Jarrell Kirkpatrick.  Carolyn's oldest son has completed 20 years in the USAF and is now living in Kentucky.  Her other two children live near her in Tennessee.  Carolyn has three grandchildren.  She retired from a local cosmetics factory but still works part-time for a Collision Center in the office.  Carolyn would be happy to renew old friendships with her HHS friends.  Please welcome Carolyn to the Cyberponies.  Her e-mail address is hanna_jonathangranny@hotmail.com.

Classmate - Charles Campbell.  I am very sorry to pass on the sad news that our classmate, Charles Campbell, passed away suddenly, on February 27, 2006, due to heart failure.  The following obituary was in the Herald-Dispatch.  Charles will be greatly missed.

CHARLES R. CAMPBELL, 63, of Huntington, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, February 27, 2006, in St. Mary's Medical Center. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2006, by the Rev. Trent Eastman at Klingel Carpenter Mortuary, Huntington. Interment will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. He was born October 30, 1942, in Huntington, a son of the late Roy and Pleas Richardson Campbell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, William Campbell and a sister, Mary Ann Campbell. Mr. Campbell was a graduate of Marshall University and was a retired teacher and administrator for the Cabell County School system. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and the Beverly Hills Baptist Church where he served as deacon, worship leader and member of the choir. Charles was the faithful and loving husband of Suzanne Brownfield Campbell; father of Michael Ian and his wife Debi Campbell and Laura Leigh Campbell, all of Huntington. He was the proud papaw of four grandchildren, Laurel, Jacob, Landon and Maura Campbell who gave him so much joy. Charles will be greatly missed by a host of family and friends whose lives he touched in countless ways.

Classmates Remember Charles Campbell.

"It was my pleasure and honor to get to speak of Charles at his funeral. Charles, Ray Chapman, and myself made up a threesome of great friendship. One of us has fallen but will never be forgotten. We three shall be brothers forever.  We shall miss him terribly. He was a Vietnam Veteran. We were there at the same time; 66-67. I loved Charles like a brother.  George Hale.

"Charlie was a good friend and I know that his funeral will be well attended.  Unfortunately for business reasons, I will not be able to attend.  I could tell you many stories -even a couple from Nam - about him.  The best was the memories from the high school band (The Royal Coachmen - was one name) we had, playing at the Elks, the 'Y', and Riverside.  Wow.  He is gone so quickly."  Ray Chapman

"Charles was a nice guy and a good principal in the Cabell school system."  Pam Adkins McCoy

"I knew Charles Campbell from Miller Elementary.  We were both on patrol duty.  He was the Captain, and did a good job.  Charles was a leader.  I asked Ms. Brown in 6th Grade why she had selected Charles as Captain.  She said it was his demeanor.  She thought that if there were ever an emergency, Charles would be calm, and do what was necessary.  Life is short, and every moment is something to be treasured."  Bill Weaver

Remembering Others Who Have Left Us.  Please join with me to remember our friends and family who passed away recently.

James G. Billups, Sr., 73, of Rittman, OH.  Joann Christian Billups' husband passed away in December.

Miriam Schutt Evans, 94, of Portsmouth, OH.  Rhys Evans' mother passed away in December.

Margie W. Lyons, 38, of Parkersburg, WV.  Daughter of Bill Weed and Patricia Bentley Chambers passed away in April.

Josephine Lykins of Tarzana, CA.  Bob Lykins' mother passed away in December.

Jessie Louise Roach Shears, 89, of Sumter, SC.  Sharon Roach Ray's mother passed away in February.

Tana Sue Simonton, 62, of Gilbert, AZ.  David Simonton's wife passed away in March.  David was a student at Marshall High School ’60.

Angie Adkins Swanson, 91, of Huntington, WV.  Mother of Joyce Swanson Jost and Romey Swanson (HHS'57) passed away in February.

Mr. Warne, of Dayton, OH.  Pat Warne Vaughn's father passed away in September.

Frederick C. Watts, 64, of Galion, OH.  Linda Watts Peters' brother passed away in March.

Dorothy Jean Wilson, 83, of Long Beach, CA.  Barbara Wilson Lunsford's mother passed away in February.

Missing Classmate Found - Linda Meadows Harold.  Through the efforts of Carolyn Havens Pruitt, and her tip that Linda's brother Richard works at the Reger Funeral Home, I was able to find Linda Meadows Harold.  She is living in Huntington and is retired from the Stone and Thomas Department Store.  Linda has two children and one grandchild.  She does not have an e-mail address.  Thanks Carolyn.

Carolyn Sue is Back.  Carolyn Sue Daniel has returned to the Cyberponies.  She has recovered from several health issues and is now getting back to her normal busy life.  Carolyn Sue lives in Dallas, TX.  She has no children of her own but she is very close to a family with five children (16, 8, 7, 4, and 2 months) for her to borrow.  She tells me, “I lead a bible study in my home two Sundays a month - we call them LifeGroups at our church.  I am at the Daycare for music two mornings a week, have my senior chorus 1 morning a week and then teach piano about 15 hours a week.  The rest of the time I spend with my borrowed children.  As I said, life is full.  Recently I took up knitting and knitted a blanket for the new baby.  That was really fun.  I had to use really big needles since my hands have arthritis.  But, I liked doing something with my hands as I watch TV.  Now the rest of the children have put in requests for blankets - so my work is laid out for me.  I sew also.  I always made my clothes in junior and senior high school.  Now I make curtains, etc., to decorate.  I love designing and decorating my home and the homes of friends and those of my students.  Recently painted the bedroom of a student royal blue - including a popcorn ceiling.  That was a task!!!” 

Carolyn Sue has used her musical talent well singing and directing choirs in her community.  She writes, “I still direct the Blue Horizon Chorus (seniors).  In addition, I formed a Chorus from 4 and 5 years olds at the Day Care.  They are precious.  We take them out to Retirement homes and they sing a 30-minute program for the residents.  They will combine with my BHC (seniors) on the 17th of this month in a big concert at the Mesquite Arts Center, which is a small version of Meyerson Symphony Hall.  I also am still teaching piano and voice.  I no longer play organ for the church.  My hands and arms just do not work like I would like them to due to arthritis - but that is OK.”  Carolyn Sue.  Carolyn Sue’s e-mail address is CenterStage55@comcast.net.

Bill and Litz Retire.  Bill Jarvis is retiring in May from St. Marys Hospital after 25 years of service.  Bill's wife, Litz St. Clair Jarvis (HHS'61) will also retire from the Cabell County Schools at the end of the school year.  Bill says, "We will move to our farm near Lewisburg, WV.  Our home was a stagecoach weigh station with the kitchen built in about 1760. We have been renovating it for the past (??) years and I have a feeling that I am about to find out what I am going to do when I grow up. We have 255 acres 15 miles from the nearest gas, bread, and toilet paper. I get a little shaky thinking this is the first time in more than 45 years that I have not had a full time "honest to God" job, but hearing from all you 'old' people gives me security. Thanks for keeping us all in touch." Bill Jarvis.  Congratulations to Bill and Litz.

Richard and Lola Retire.  Richard and Lola Casey retired from Alcon Laboratories, in Huntington, in January after 11 years of service.  Richard was a Development Engineer and Lola was a Production Technician.  Richard says that since retirement, "I bought a new motorcycle for us to take a few trips on (and save on the price of gasoline).  We have done a little traveling and already have plans to go to Myrtle Beach this year.  We are active in the church and do what we can.  Things are going to pick up now that the weather is getting better."  Richard vacationed in Las Vegas last September.  See Lola's picture with the boys of "Thunder Down Under" in Classmate Photos.  Congratulations to Richard and Lola.

Stan Directs the Marshall University June Harless Center.  Dr. Stan Maynard is Executive Director of the June Harless Center for Rural Educational Research and Development at Marshall University.  Stan explains the major programs for the Center.  "The Harless Center was established five years ago with initial funding provided by Buck Harless, a WV philanthropist.  The mission is to promote educational opportunities for rural students in WV and internationally in the Dominican Republic."

"Some of the major projects include:  Demonstration Site of kindergarten, first and second grades for research and best practices in teaching and learning; Videoconferencing capabilities allows rural schools in WV to connect and observe and communicate with master teachers utilizing best practices; Videoconferencing of fifteen Spanish classes to rural WV middle and high school students who otherwise would not have access to a foreign language.  Virtual honors program in calculus delivered by videoconferencing to Pendleton County High School; STEM Center being planned for WV to promote best practices and 21st Century Skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; International program focused on professional development for the teachers and the administrators in a small rural school in Consuelo, Dominican Republic."  Stan Maynard

Stan has directed the June Harless Center since its inception.  His wife, Dr. Barbara Maynard, also serves the Harless Center as Director of Program Development Projects.  Congratulations to Stan and Barbara for their dedication to this very important educational development for Marshall and West Virginia.  See Classmate Photos for Stan's photo with Mr. Buck Harless.

Linda Watkins - Realtor for Century 21.  Linda Tomblin Watkins is a realtor with Century 21 Professional Group in Orlando, FL.  Linda tells me that, "After seeing a lot of our classmates moving to Florida, I just wanted to let them know that I am a realtor and would love to help out anyone that is moving down to the Central Florida area.  Please keep me in mind.  I can be reached at Phone #407-908-6435, email: linda.watkins@century21.com."  Linda

Judith and Lefty Have Moved to North Port, Florida.  Judith Benson Majher and her husband Marion "Lefty" Majher (HHS'57) have moved to North Port, Florida.  This makes 53 classmates in Florida.  Judith and Lefty moved from Kitty Hawk, NC on the Albemarle Sound.  I asked Judith, why did they leave such a beautiful place.  She said, "We have lived here in Paradise for almost four years, living somewhere and vacationing in a place are two different things.  So, needless to say, we enjoyed vacationing better.  Everything is created for the tourist from May to October, then most everything shuts down.  We also didn't think out how cold and miserable this place would be in the winter months.  Wow!  When that wind blows off the Ocean and it's already cold, well it sure is biting.  We will certainly miss our lovely home that looks out over the marsh and the Albemarle Sound.  It's so beautiful and it's a lot to give up.  The deciding factor for us is my arthritis that freezes me up so bad in the winter months.  We are looking for a warmer climate that will allow us more freedom to exercise and stay in shape and not be so confined with winter.  We will be close to Sarasota, which is great for the Arts and shopping and restaurants, we love it there, can't afford to live there though.  So, we will have a lovely new house in North Port, Florida about a half hour inland.  We can still be to the beach in 30 minutes, and close to a lot of things to do.  Here in N.C. there is nothing, zip!  We are even going to have a heated pool in the back yard so I can soak my aches and pains away.  Yea!  Lefty and I have been married 42 years now, so far happy and healthy and want to be more active.  We still like to lift weights and do strength training.  Looking forward to Florida very much."  It sounds like Judith and Lefty have thought out their move very well.  We wish them success in their move.  They are among many friends in Florida

Wilsie Gets a New Knee.  Wilsie Hale has just had knee replacement surgery.  She says that, "It is  - No fun!  Terrible to get old!"  Best of Luck to Wilsie in her physical therapy to get that leg working well again.

Tom and Delores Take a Long Vacation.  Tom and Delores Rutledge are recently back from a one-month, 4000 mile, vacation trip to see friends and family in Illinois, Georgia, and Florida.  They saw Phil & Patricia Ellis and Louis & Mary Elam while in Florida.  Tom sent a photo of Gary Lyons and himself taken earlier this year.  See Classmate Photos.

Mary and Charles Move to Catlettsburg.  Mary Nancarrow Wireman, and husband Charles, have moved to Catlettsburg, KY.  Her new e-mail address is marylu@zoominternet.net.  Mary says that they found a nice one floor plan so that her mother could move from Florida and be with them.  It is in a beautiful area just outside of Ashland, KY. 

John and Donna Plan a European Vacation.  John Underwood writes, "We're planning on going to Europe mid-June until mid-July, so have to get this old body in shape.  We will be starting in Budapest and going up the Danube.  Then ending the river trip with a land trip to Prague.  We will continue from there by train to Germany and to visit our German Exchange student, his parents, and some friends."  John Underwood

Pace Family Up-Date.  Joe McVay recently brought us up-to-date regarding Nelson Pace and his family in New Orleans.  Your kind support offered to them after Hurricane Katrina was very important to their recovery from this terrible event.  And, it is very much appreciated by Nelson, Diane, and Duncan.  Joe writes, "They moved back into their apartment 10 weeks after the hurricane.  Their apartment was filthy with trash, mold, and all of their belongings were either ruined or not there.  Diane and Nelson spent two weeks cleaning and scrubbing the walls and floors and then painting everything and all this time they had no electricity. They keep all of their food in two large Igloos that Nelson had to empty the water out of every other day and then refill them with ice.  When they finally did get their electricity back on, Nelson said the person he has the most respect for and always will until the day he dies is Benjamin Franklin for inventing electricity.  Once they got electricity it took another month to get a refrigerator and Nelson said the most dangerous job in town was driving down the street in a truck with a refrigerator in the back of it.  Nelson's neighbor who got them out of town and drove them to Baton Rouge still lives up the street and he and Nelson have become good buddies."

"Diane is still not able to work and the first time they got all of their back mail they opened a letter denying Diane any more benefits and so they spend a lot of time trying to get her benefits reinstated.  So far to no avail.  Nelson has gone back to work for the same mortgage coming he was with before Katrina, and he is caught in a Catch 22.  People want and are qualifying for loans but no Insurance company will write any coverage for them.  So, without coverage, no loan!.  He said ALL of the government agencies especially FEMA are still just a joke.  The only help the people are getting is the help they give each other.  Duncan finished out his semester at LSU and then came back home to help his parents.  He has two jobs - one as a bartender and the other job is waiting tables.  The good thing about Duncan's situation is that he is making really good money because good help, that have a place to live, are very hard to find.  When things get back to "normal" I don't have any idea what that would mean down there, but Duncan plans to go to Tulane, work and help his parents."

"THEY HAVE ASKED ME TO THANK ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED THEM IN THEIR TIME OF NEED!  They will always remember your kindness and generosity.  I want to also add my thanks to all of you for all that you did for Nelson, Diane, and Duncan.  Through your kind donations, prayers, and thoughtful generosity we raised $15,450 for them and they wanted me to tell you, that without your help they don't think they could have made it. They wanted you to know that their families also were and still are very kind and giving to them.  Through all of this Nelson hasn't lost his number one asset - his great sense of humor.  He is and always has been the funniest guy I know.  One last thing Nelson wanted me to tell you all that some of his thank you, letters came back to him marked undeliverable.  He wrote to everyone who gave him a helping hand and wants you to know that if you didn't receive a thank you note he is sorry but he has a list that Billy Garner sent him and he knows who you are, and thanks each and everyone of you."  Joe McVay

David Jenkins Continues Ministry.  David Jenkins writes, "Jane and I are doing well.  We keep busy with work, church grandkids, etc.  We were pleased to be able to come to the pre reunion event.  It was fun to connect with several people there.  Since the end of December I have been in India and Costa Rica as a part of the ministry I'm involved with.  I will probably be doing some similar things again in 2007.  Hope to visit Huntington again before too long.  David Jenkins

Pinkie and Christie Enjoy Daytona Beach.  Jean and I recently visited John (Pinkie) White and Christie at their condo in Daytona Beach.  The view of the Intercoastal Waterway and sunset are breathtaking from their third floor balcony.  We enjoyed reliving the class reunion and shared many stories about our retirement lives and our past in Huntington.  See Pinkie and Christie at Classmate Photos.

Fred and Jean Vacation.  Someone asked me, "What do you call a vacation when you are retired?"  I don't know, but Jean and I are enjoying every minute of it.  We took a 10-day trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in January.  It is our third time there, so you can tell we like it - the beach, the town, the food and drink, the shopping, and the people.  See Classmate Photos for our photo in PV.  In April, we took a driving trip to Florida.  We saw sights in St. Augustine, The Villages, Mount Dora, Largo, and St. Petersburg.  We visited with friends and family too.  I have my camera ready for our next adventure - The Grand Canyon and the National Parks in Utah.

Classmates Gather in Pinellas Park, Florida.  Louis and Mary Elam organized a nice gathering for us, while we were visiting Florida, at their son's (Mike) restaurant.  His Italian Pizza Oven on US19 is a favorite place for Marshall fans to gather for games during football season and the pizza is great!  We were able to see Lindal Coyle for the first time since high school.  He retired as manager of Harts department store in Huntington and moved to Florida a number of years ago.  Lindal is married to Connie Marcum (HHS'62).  They have two children and 5 grandchildren.  John Hicks joined the group with close friend Sandra Rosende/Diez.  They live in Tampa where John is a Manufacturers Representative in the window and door business.  John is very busy traveling over a large area.  Ron Marcum and close friend Judy Kay Lynch were also there.  They were vacationing nearby.  Ron is brother to Connie Marcum Coyle (HHS'62) and Mary Marcum Elam (HHS'69).  We all had a great time.  See Classmate Photos.

Judy Purchases Home on Woodland Drive.  Judy Browning Clark purchased a home in Huntington and has moved.  See Classmate Photos for a view of Judy's home.  Congratulations Judy!

George Moves to Fairfield Plantation Resort.  George Hale has sold his home in Douglasville, GA and has purchased a new home west of Atlanta in Carroll County.  His new home is in the Fairfield Plantation Resort. Congratulations George!  See Classmate Photos.

Huntington Hotdogs.  Pat Richardson Adkins found a very interesting web site telling about the wonderful Huntington Hot Dog.  It is written by John Salvatore.  It tells the history of the Frost Top, Stewarts, Midway and other hot dog stands in Huntington.  You can't read it without tasting your favorite hot dog.  Go to http://www.roadsidepeek.com/rpeekeast/eatseast/joints/huntwv/.  Pat, thank you for letting us know about this piece of Huntington history.  Richard Richmond tells me that he was one of the first employees at Frost Top on 16th street.  I am sure that Phil Ellis, who worked at Midway, will enjoy the article too.  Bill Weaver says, “I am not supposed to eat hotdogs, but I do.  Churchill Downs has a hotdog my father wanted on his deathbed.  I am unsure whether this had to do with the actual taste of the hotdog, or the associations of the hotdog with great happy times, but I think we all have our favorite hotdogs, and not all of our ideas of how wonderful they are have to do with the quality of the food actually served.”

Keith Albee Theatre.  The following article describes the closing of the Keith Albee Theatre on January 22, 2006.  It is now owned by the MU Foundation which will determine it's future use.

http://www.huntingtonnews.net/local/060119-rutheford-ka.html

Other interesting pages from the Keith Albee Theatre web site are:

Home Page: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/keithalbee/index.html

History: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/keithalbee/pages/history.htm

Photos and Video: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/keithalbee/pages/photos.htm

Organ: http://www.ourshowtimes.com/keithalbee/pages/organ.htm

This should really bring back some great memories.

Also see http://www.huntingtonnews.net/local/060124-rutheford-kieth.html

Comments About the Keith Albee.

“I was sorry to read the article about the Keith.  I guess I am a baby when it comes the Keith.  I have such wonderful memories of that beautiful theater.  I saw Nat King Cole there as a little, little girl and watching him play his white piano sparked my love of music.  So many other things about the theatre are great memories.  The city of Huntington has made some very serious mistakes and I feel they have just made another one.  When I was at the reunion I walked around down town Huntington and looked at the dates on the buildings.  They are old some over 100 years old. It seems that 3rd and 4th avenue from 10th street to the Court House and old Jail could be turned into an historical landmark.  If someone who had money and a creative imagination could do that it could bring in tons of money for Huntington.  Wonderful stores like the men's store on the corner of 4th avenue and I think 9th street could dress like they did when they opened.  The bank across the street is lovely if it were spruced up. Charleston SC has created a wonderful place to visit by appreciating what they have and using it to the cities advantage. Plays, concerts, old movies with premieres could draw people from many places to the Keith if it were put back as it was originally. Many other places such as Jim's Spaghetti House and the Newspaper could create atmosphere and nostalgia.  The new is OK but to have the history and old sitting along side the new and young contributing to the growth of a dying town would be a gift to the future.  I know it would take an enormous amount of time and money to create Huntington, West Virginia Wonderful River Town but I pray someone will think of something.”  Sharon Roach Ray

“Being in the band, we always had at least one rehearsal before graduation to "get used to" the orchestra pit.  A few us always tried to stay behind and explore.  We got to all parts of the stage, dressing rooms downstairs and in the wings above either side of stage accessed by a circular staircase.  Under the stage were still animal cages for the vaudeville animal acts, even an elevator to lift animals etc. via a trap door to the stage. There were passages under the auditorium that came out in the men's and women's bathrooms at the front of the theater.  Don't know what Mr. Rathburn (or any else) would have done if the had caught us.  This really brought back memories and a grand fit of nostalgia.”  Bill Weed

“I was just wondering if there are any old pictures of the inside of the Keith Albee?  I spent many a Saturday and Sunday afternoon there. I would love to have some pictures of the place to show my children.  There are so many memories involved with that place. I am sure not just for me but most all of us who grew up there.”  Pat Richardson Adkins

“There are so many things missing in Louisville, that it is more the exception than the rule, when I see something that is the same, as it was when I was little.  And, even when some exterior facade is the same, nothing is happening inside like it used to.  One of the reasons I like to go and bike in Huntington is that there are many things that stayed the same.  I can imagine my bike wheels hitting the same bricks they hit when I was a child.  While charming to those of us who come back for a visit, I am sure the lack of progress has had its negative effects on some.  I am sorry the Keith Albee had to close, but many movie houses are closing all around, just as orchestras are going broke, and actor's groups are also waning.  I just don't see the desire in people to get out and do something when there is so much entertainment available in our own homes.  Maybe MU can do something positive with it.  Still, some kind of positive market force must be there, or it will turn into a parking lot, or worse yet, another boarded up building.”  Bill Weaver

“Wow.  That's kinda sad.”  Betty Tweel Rahal

“I'll add my Keith Albee memories--remember lots of movies but most of all the amazing performances I saw there: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, George Shearing, The Kingston Trio, Ferrante & Teicher.  My folks knew the Hyman family; they had the two mansions south of 4-pole creek near the Memorial Arch.  One summer around 1955 or so, their grandson, Hugh Silverstein, who lived in New York came to visit for the summer.  Since I was his age, they invited me to come over to their home to play with him.  It was a huge house, similar to 1930's California mansions with an elevator, a parlor, large covered porch, 4-5 car garage.

The movies may have only cost 10-15 cents, but, judging by their home, they were making a living!  The Opera House in Lexington was a performance center in the early 20th century, then a movie theater, and finally a 2nd run theater, finally closing.  The roof literally collapsed, and there were plans for demolition.  after all, you can always use more downtown parking, right?  But the community and some donors came to the rescue, and now there are Broadway-run shows, concerts, etc.  I hope Huntington can save the ‘old gal’.”  Michael Lerner

“Some of my most precious memories are of happenings, people and places in Huntington.  My first move was the Greatest Story Ever Told and then there were many more.  Some of my favorite places in Huntington are still there: Jim's Spaghetti, Planter Peanut Shop, Midway, Stewarts and Monty Pizza.  The places I miss are the Powder Puff Shop, the Hat Shop, Anderson-Newcome, Woolworth's and McCroy.  This was my very favorite dime store. I think of other places like Bradshaw-Diehl, Grant's and Silver's.  I will never forget the Huntington Store, especially the floor with all the toys at Christmas. When the elevator opened I was breathless.  Also, I appreciate the poem and info about miners.  My family worked in the mines and many still do today.  I purchased a book entitled ‘Life On The New River’ which has a picture of my grandfather Everett Berry as a miner at the age of 18.  Some of our classmates who had connections with the mines may want to get this book.  Lots of pictures and info. Let me just say Camden Park was the best.  No matter where I ever live there will never be another place like Ninth Street West.  Some of the best people I have ever known lived in this area.  Friendships were made there that will last for a lifetime.  Sharleen Berry Sane

“I thought the stories about the Keith were neat, brought back a few memories....what? the HUGE lobby, the ornate ceiling and walls, the orchestra pit (you are correct Bill - almost like the little hiding spots at the HHS auditorium), the balcony, the Planter peanut (Mr. Peanut) shop next door, the South Side bus that would drop me off a half a block from my house? A movie cost what? 12 or 15 cents???  I think the bus cost a dime and wonder what happened to the tokens.”  Ray Chapman

“My earliest memory of the Keith-Albee was going there with my Mother. It was before I started school, so that was 1946 or before.  I have no recollections of the feature movie or eyeing the grandeur of the decor.  But I do recall sitting on an aisle seat on the East side of the center section near the rear & that the audience played bingo during the intermission.  I remember my Mother helping me punch-out 'numbers' on my bingo card as a man on stage drew balls from a wire basket & called out the numbers.  Someone shouted 'bingo' & when my Mother recognized that the winner was a friend of hers, she became very excited, She let me know & I strained to see the 'winner.' I didn't know the lady.  I believe the prize was $75, no small amount in those days.  I remember walking up the aisle as we left the Keith & clutching my losing 'bingo' card.  My 'bingo' card lay around the house a couple of days & disappeared after I punched-out all the tabs.  As for Ohio Valley Bus tokens, that was a different matter. Four tokens for a quarter, when I began riding alone at age seven.  Tokens were wonderful.  A token would take you quickly & safely to any destination in Huntington & with a few cents one could purchase a transfer to Milton, Point Pleasant, Lavallette, Proctorville, Ironton, Kenova & Ashland.  My Mother gave me a 'quarter' or two tokens each day for my fare from Westmoreland to Marshall Laboratory School. I traveled with a couple of 'buddies' in my grade school that, also, lived in Westmoreland. Each & every day it was another 'great' adventure.  Not long after starting, we learned the routes & often took variations.”  Richard McCoy (HHS’58)

“Thanks a lot Fred for the Keith Albee articles I really enjoyed them .It brings back a lot of memories.  It’s really sad that it will not be open anymore.  Royce Hinchman

Mrs. Ginevra (Callaway) Tidman Honored.  Mrs. Ginevra (Callaway) Tidman was honored, along with nine others, as a Distinguished Civilian Employee at the Huntington district of the Corps of Engineers.  The Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees is an honorary award program.  Nominations are solicited annually and inductees are selected by a panel based on significant contributions made to the district during their careers.  Mrs. Tidman is a graduate in Journalism from the University of Michigan.  She worked in the public affairs office at the Huntington Corps of Engineers, beginning in 1951 and retiring in 1989 with 38 years service.  She started and was editor of the District's newsletter, Castle Comments.  Mrs. Tidman lives at The Woodlands, in Huntington, and is the proud mother of Jim Callaway (HHS'60), Helen Callaway Shaver (HHS'61), and Holly Callaway Grobe (HHS'70).

Huntington in 2006.  An article in the Herald-Dispatch tells about expectations for 2006 for Huntington and the area.  Key items are:

* Hospital expansion projects at Cabell Huntington and St. Mary's hospitals.

* Pullman Square 75% full now.

* Marshall Biotech Center to open in Fall 2006.

* Marshall vs WVU football scheduled for Sept 2. 2006.

* New industrial park in South Point, OH.

* Lawrence County, OH economic development projects to bring jobs.

Charlie Neighborgall tells me, “We have been right in the middle of this.  My company is finishing the Edwards Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital this week and will finish the Hospice House and the Heart and Vascular Center at Kings Daughters Hospital in Ashland, KY this spring.  These projects not only provide for future services for our community, but also for an immediate economic boost with millions of dollars in high paying construction jobs during construction and high paying positions at the facility in the long term. Truly a win-win for our neck of the woods.”  Charlie Neighborgall

Greeley’s Legacy Runs in the Preakness.  Greeley’s Legacy, trained by George Weaver, son of Bill and Billie Weaver, finished fifth in the 2006 running of the Preakness Stakes.  It was George’s first time to enter a horse in the big race and he made a very good showing.  Congratulations to George and parents Bill and Billie.