During the Italian Festival we had the opportunity to enjoy our 1957 Ford convertible which has been in our family for almost 70 years. Most car enthusiasts know this vehicle well and will always inquire about it.
Just a little history about this car. In 1957 I was a senior at Roosevelt Wilson High School and at the time I was working evenings at the Clarksburg Cable Company. I had received a home economics scholarship to West Virginia University. but since I had a job I decided to forgo going to college. At the time, my father had found this beautiful vehicle and said to me, I will make the down payment on this car if you wanna buy it and since you have a job, you can make the payments which were about $52 a month on it and it will be your graduation gift. I jumped at the idea. What girl graduating from high school did not want to travel around in a beautiful Ford convertible. so in 1950 We purchased the vehicle and it was titled in my name. Did I have a great time traveling around in that vehicle? My dad kept it at home And dusted it every day. Dad was as proud as I was to have this vehicle in our family.
Last week I was attending my RW 1957 class luncheon and Garnet, Gillespie Garrett, and I had a great time talking about the 57. She was my classmate who lived very close to me and we were always doing things together. She reminded me of the time I took the vehicle to Weston to attend a funeral of a classmate, and she accompanied me and several other girls who at the time we just couldn’t think of their names.
As the story goes, I got married and I was interested in building a home and not riding around in a convertible. So dad had some property and we agreed we would exchange the property for the convertible. But I did not want to do that until I took the convertible on my honeymoon to Washington DC.
That was in October of 1958.
Trina Byard, a teacher in our system, is working on getting a group of student actors to a national competition. These are students from Bridgeport High School. I urge you to support this project and help these students earn this honor.
Two very popular events were held this past week: the Clarksburg Lions Club and the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Marconi Lodge. The Lions club picnic was held at the Clarksburg City Park and we invited the Nutter Fort Lions club to be part of our party. The Marconi Lodge picnic was held at the Our Lady church picnic shelter in Stonewood. Both events were well attended, and there was so much delicious food. It’s always great to attend these events and have the opportunity to mix with my many friends.
The Progressive Women’s Association continues to supply food baskets to cancer patients at the United Hospital Center. Once a month five baskets are taken there and given to those patients who need help at the time. The PWA is always looking for donations for this project. If you are interested in donating food or money for this project, please contact the PWA at 304-624-6226.