I was asked recently if I would do another article on the 100 Years Ago theme, and I am now happy to do it. While searching through the old newspapers that we were fortunate enough to get digitized a few years ago, I found some interesting items. I hope you enjoy reading them as well.
On March 6, 1924, one hundred years ago, Sunnyside Grade School played a game of basketball against Shadyside Grade School. It ended with a victory for Sunnyside with a score of Sunnyside, 17; Shadyside, 14. The Sunnyside lineup: A. Lewis, center; Glen Duckworth, forward; Wayne George, forward; John McIntosh, guard; Dick Stutler, guard, and Lester Thomas, Substitute. On the Shadyside lineup: Earl Williams, center; Ed Maxwell, forward; E.D. Curry, forward; Bert Broadwater, guard; and Wirt Randolph, guard. Frank Christie refereed the game.
A West Union High School Banquet was held that week in the dining rooms of the Kiwanis Hall, as well.
The football squad was reported as Earl Smith, Captain for 1923, and Burl Groves, Captain for 1924. Seniors were Rhea Stutler, Roy Stutler, Harry Lipscomb, Forest Wetzel, Frank Davis, Henry McGovern, Engle Pease, and Olin Wetzel. Juniors were Farr Johnson, Ercel Lewis, Dick Stutler, Billy Hofelter, and Glenn Barr. Sophomores were Bunk Christie and Luther Pigott. Freshmen were Elmer Grant and Poole Stutler.
The blessing was given by F. B. Christie of Smithton (Smithburg). (Can’t do that these days.) Various speakers were announced by Lathrop Charter, who acted as toastmaster for the occasion. Before calling on Dr. A. M. McGovern for the first speech of the evening, he requested cheerleaders, Miss “Midge” Smith, daughter of S. Lee Smith, and Laton Gibson to get their Cheering Squad together and get the Doctor away to a flying start.
Professor Springer gave a short report of the finances of the Athletic Ass. Of the High School. Homer Drane responded for the Kiwanis Club. Mrs. W.M. Stout spoke on behalf of the mothers and sisters and gave an expression of the deep interest that they all felt in the welfare of every department of the school.
Coach A. J. Jolly, idol of the boys on account of his splendid physical and mental development, was of course the hero of the evening.
Local News and Personals – Week of March 13, 1924
Frank Davisson of Harlin was on our streets Saturday, and Harry Bee of Pennsboro was a visitor to our city as well.
Mrs. M. L. Rush of Salem visited friends and relatives here last Friday, and Mrs. H. E. Hutson of Smithton was a pleasant shopper in our city on Saturday. W. Frank Jones of Smithton was looking after his business matters in town on Saturday.
The Pennsboro High girls were the winners of the Spencer Tournament that year, having defeated Victory High in the finals.
Miss Maud Twyford and Harry H. Twyford of Clarksburg (former of West Union) spent Sunday here with home folks (Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Twyford).
Miss Mamie Chapman of Blandville, and sister of Ed Chapman, was shopping and visiting with friends and relatives in West Union on Saturday.
Mrs. George N. West taught at Smithton Jr. High the week before for Miss Mary F. Jones who had been on the sick list for a few days.
Willie, John and Clair McConnell of Smithton, and W. L. Coffman of Junior, were among the many visitors in town on Saturday.
Miss Esty Dotson of Central Station, who was teaching at the Long Run School, was shopping in town in the latter part of the latter week.
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Coffman and their two children of Junior, W.Va. (WV), spent the weekend visiting with Mr. and Mrs. W. A. McConnell above Smithton.
Miss Gladys Coontz, the little daughter of Howard Coontz, was under the care of Dr. A. Poole and was rapidly convalescing from an attack of double pneumonia at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Goff Hennings of Wabash Addition.
Brad Williams, son of Mrs. Stewart Williams, brought his young bride home a few days ago from Mt. Savage, MD, and spent several days here visiting with friends and relatives. Brad held a good position in Maryland City, and his many
riends here were surprised to learn that he had taken unto himself a helpmate.
G. W. Twyford, who was seriously ill in FL, was reported much better, and after being removed to a hospital in Lakeland, FL, by his son, George T. Twyford, where he was receiving the best of attention, all had hoped for a speedy recovery.
Charley Ashburn and F.W. Knight came in on the No. 12 Train Thursday evening from Los Angeles, CA, where they spent several weeks visiting with friends and relatives. Mr. Knight informed us that the Finley family were all getting along nicely and his son-in-law, Clyde Finley, was enjoying better health than usual.
Dr. Keener was in town on March 18th and 19th of 1924 to serve local patients in need of eye checkups and obtain new or replacing old eyeglasses. He was staying at the Columbian Hotel where he also saw those in need of his service.
From Charleston, we learned that there was a Smallpox epidemic raging throughout WV this week, one hundred years ago.
Patricia Richards Harris,
President
Doddridge County Historical Society
