The Grapevine: Visiting with "The Broadway Bunch"
By Rosalyn Queen on March 30, 2023 from The Grapevine
Several years ago Mary Katherine Perris Taylor returned to the area after being away and realized that through her absence she had lost contact with a lot of her friends. Immediately she decided that she wanted to rectify this and catch up with her friends, especially those who lived in the Broadway area of Clarksburg.
After talking with several others, she was able to get a group together who had the same feelings she had. At first the group called themselves The Broadway Girls and elected Mary Katherine as their leader. As the group grew larger and their fellowship became known
there were men who wanted to join the group so the name changed to The Broadway Bunch and still with Mary Katherine as their leader
there were men who wanted to join the group so the name changed to The Broadway Bunch and still with Mary Katherine as their leader
They meet monthly for lunch at a local restaurant and the group has grown in numbers with in excess of 30 in the group.
If I were a little rat in a corner, I am sure I would hear everyone reminiscing and I know the conversation would include memories of Fugo’s market and Andy’s store. Then everyone who ever crossed the intersection would stop in Midledge’s Drug Store for a visit with George or Anfon.
No one would deny that the best hot dog in town came from Mary Herrick’s little cafe. It was a special treat if you had a few cents to have lunch at Mary’s. Sirriannis had a little business so as did the Friendly Corner.
Mr. Delapa repaired all of our shoes and the Oliverio’s operated the cleaners. The biggest business in the area was Southern Pine and most of all we remember the tunnel that led us from Main Street to the playground. But one of the busiest places was the Ayoob barbershop where all the worries of the world were settled every day. Many spent evening hours at Tucillio’s enjoying a pizza and enjoying good conversation with Joe. The Broadway corner was one of the busiest places in the area where just about every boy hung out.
Most of the group includes students from Broadway School but also includes residents. Many memories were made at the school. Most of the boys learned how to excel in the sport of choice. Every other year there was the operetta conducted by Mrs. Chenoweth and every student in the junior high participated. Probably everyone at the meeting could remember a song or dance learned at this event.
Broadway was an excellent community with caring residents and many of the students turned out to be productive adults. The best thing is that everyone looked out for each other and we all knew that Ruth Loy, the honorary “Mayor,” would take care of all of us.
Mary Katherine Taylor’s dream is a reality, which provides a lot of good memories for a lot of people. Thanks for the memories.
Also, do not forget to place your order for Easter Bread from the PWA at 304-624-6881 or chocolate Easter eggs, all served on a Fiesta plate.
Take care, stay healthy and until next time, “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
Editor's Note: Pictured are a few member of the "The Broadway Bunch." From left, looking at the camera, are Ruby Kirtner Oldaker, Norene Kirtner Franklin, Candy Hagi, and Betty Hagi. Standing are Bill Brummage and fellow Broadway residents.
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