Marching Through History: A Clarksburg Parade on West Pike Street

The photos I am sharing today are part of the Ralph Murphy photo archive, which my husband received from his Aunt Jean in 2012 and I digitized in 2015. This extensive collection includes 21 boxes of slides, totaling thousands, all captured by Uncle Ralph. The images span the years from 1947 to 1984 and feature scenic shots from their travels across the United States, glimpses of family members, and candid moments with friends and co-workers.

In this post, you will find photos taken by Ralph during a parade in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The slides were stored in a box labeled “Box 3: Nov 1950 – Feb 1953.” While the index does not specify details about the parade, I have estimated the timeframe to be between November 1950 and September 1951, possibly on Armistice Day in November 1950. Armistice Day would later become Veterans Day. The parade viewers are wearing coats, and military personnel are present. The tower seen in several of the photos belonged to the First Methodist Church, which tragically burned down on September 4, 1951. The fire was described as “the greatest fire in 12 years here.” The church was rebuilt and completed about 1956.

The parade likely began on West Main Street, then made a left turn onto South Third Street. Continuing, they took another left at West Pike Street, which would have brought them to the corner depicted in the photo below. Today, that location is occupied by the Huntington Bank.

In the next photo, the parade color guard stands proudly, having already made their way to West Pike Street. Ralph is positioned nearby, ready to document the participating floats and marching bands. While the color guard might not have led the procession, they were likely among the lead group. Several business signs are visible in the photos. As the signs become more readable in the photos, I will share the details I was able to uncover about each of them. Standing tall in the background is the stone tower of the First Methodist Church. You will see that tower in several photos.

On the left side of the color guard photo is the American flag. The second flag represents The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses, also known as La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux—some of those words are visible on the flag. Founded in 1920, the Forty and Eight was an honor society for World War I veterans within The American Legion. Its name originates from French Army boxcars marked “40–8,” which could transport either 40 men or 8 horses. Despite the challenging travel conditions, the organization sought camaraderie through shared hardship. By 1959, it became independent of The American Legion due to discriminatory membership requirements, but later modified its rules to prohibit discrimination. Until 2008, members were also required to be part of The American Legion. As for the third and fourth flags, they both belong to the American Legion—possibly two different chapters—but I cannot definitively confirm that.

In the next photo, we get a look down West Pike Street, likely before the parade reached this point. A sizable crowd stands in front of numerous businesses, anxious for the parade to begin. The Evans Hotel prominently graces the scene at 339 West Pike Street. Its office, situated on the second floor, offered rates starting at $1.50.

The Paramount sign caught my attention; while I suspect it may belong to a record shop, I cannot be certain. Upon zooming in, musical notes and a 45-rpm single record are visible, along with the word ‘Records’ at the top of the sign. At the sign’s base, ‘RCA Victor’ stands out. Nearby, a classic barber pole with its white, red, and blue stripes hints at a local barbershop. I found a Palace Barber Shop in the 1952 Clarksburg City Directory located at 321 ½ West Pike Street that may be this business. Adjacent to the Paramount sign, the word ‘Brunswick’ appears on another sign. My research in the 1952 Clarksburg City Directory led me to a Brunswick Billiard Hall at 317 West Pike Street, which also served lunch. Associated with the hall were J. Herrick and Louis Solomon. While I cannot definitively confirm that this sign represents their business, it is a good possibility.

Across the street, I spot Jerry’s Auto Supply at 310 West Pike Street. They likely specialized in automotive parts, accessories, and supplies. Next door, Barton’s—a men’s clothing store—occupies 312 West Pike Street. On another sign, the words ‘The United’ caught my eye, although other text remains obscured by a pole. My research in the 1952 Clarksburg City Directory reveals a United Cigar Whelan Store at 300 West Pike Street, fitting well within the expected range. The cigar store’s manager was William B. Garrett. Hanging from the pole is a U.S. Route 50 highway sign. West Pike Street transitions into U.S. 50 as you head west, connecting the local area to broader routes.

Further down, Caplan’s Jewelers sits at 318 West Pike Street. Although originally based in Weston, West Virginia, they established a shop in Clarksburg during the 1950s. Caplan’s not only offered jewelry but also sold watches and provided watch repair services.

Ads from the Clarksburg City Directory (1956)

Another sign catches the eye: Selby’s Prescriptions. Although the 1956 city directory lists Selby Drug Company at 411 West Main Street—not West Pike Street—this sign suggests a separate store dedicated to prescriptions. The sign also bears the word ‘Anthony’s,’ yet my search has not revealed a business by that name.

Adjacent to Selby’s, is Moskin’s Credit Clothing Store at 325 West Pike Street. Moskin’s specialized in men’s, ladies’, and children’s ready-to-wear clothing. And there, right beside Moskin’s, a Coca-Cola sign hints at a nearby restaurant.

Next door is Palmer Music. Interestingly, the city directory places Palmer Music Company at 1652 Sterling Avenue—not West Pike Street, so it could just be an advertisement. 

But the real gem lies beside Palmer Music: the historic Waldo Hotel located at 300 West Pike Street (the intersection of North Fourth Street). The hotel was built between 1901 and 1904 by real estate developer Nathan Goff, Jr. It stands across from his family home, now the Waldomore library. Named after his father, Waldo P. Goff, the hotel aimed to attract businesses and residents during Clarksburg’s coal-driven growth. Designed by architect Harrison Albright, the seven-story brick and terra cotta structure cost over $400,000. Its Beaux-Arts style featured symmetrical facades, a corner tower, and classical elements. The Waldo Hotel, once a luxurious hub, hosted parties, weddings, and civic gatherings. The grand lobby boasted 31-foot ceilings, marble columns, and ornate plasterwork ceilings adorned with Beaux-Arts motifs.

Waldo Hotel (ca. 2015), Carol M. Highsmith, public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons

Just beyond the Waldo Hotel, you will find the Robinson Grand Theater, located at 444 West Pike Street in downtown Clarksburg. The theater, which opened in February 1913, was rebuilt in 1927 and then again after being destroyed by fire in 1939. Its most recent renovation was completed in October 2021. After the First Methodist Church burned down in 1951, Madge Douds, the theater owner, generously allowed the congregation to use the theater for Sunday morning services at no cost while they rebuilt the church.

The 1950 Buick featured in the next photo transported representatives from Navy Mothers’ Club 491. Founded in June 1930, the Navy Mothers’ Clubs of America welcomed mothers, stepmothers, and anyone who had raised a son or daughter since childhood—provided their child was serving or had served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Sea Bees. Eligibility extended to fathers, brothers, sisters, grandmothers, husbands, wives, sons, and daughters of current military members or those honorably discharged. Additionally, chaplains from the Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard, as well as former chaplains and civilians interested in supporting the club, could become honorary members.

In the photo above, the crowd was riveted by something beyond the Navy Mothers’ Club car. Their gazes extend from the windows to the man perched on a ladder, capturing the moment, and even to the figures standing atop the building on the right. The streets and buildings proudly display red, white, and blue banners. The most prominent business in the photo is the C. C. Keys Music Company at 222 West Pike Street. More than just a store, it was a hub for music enthusiasts. Here, they sold sheet music, musical instruments, radios, televisions, pianos, and even Wurlitzer organs. Many of the band members likely acquired their instruments from this very shop. 

Ad from the 1956 Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory

Next door to C. C. Keys was the Watson Standard Glass and Paint Shop at 222 West Pike Street. Watson’s sold paint, enamel, varnish, wall paper, plate glass, mirrors, furniture tops, safety glass for automobiles, and re-silvered old mirrors.

Ad from the 1956 Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory

The Princess Hair Shoppe, located on the second floor above either the restaurant or music store, was a local hairstyling establishment located at 226 West Pike Street. From a sign hanging near the Princess Hair Shoppe sign, we see the restaurant served Imperial ice cream. 

The next photo appears to represent a local Moose Lodge, possibly the Loyal Order of Moose Clarksburg Lodge No. 52 located at 150 West Main Street. The Loyal Order of Moose is known for its commitment to community service, camaraderie, and mutual support. Members participated in various activities, including charity drives, fundraisers, and social gatherings. On the left side of the photo, you can see a few people with a perfect viewing spot looking out the windows.

The Sanitary Hot Dog Restaurant, located at 308 West Pike Street, was a beloved spot in downtown Clarksburg. As the name suggests, it specialized in hot dogs, but also likely served classic American fare, including burgers, fries, milkshakes, and sodas. It was a place where friends gathered, families dined, and memories were made. The photo below, featuring Nick Koutsobaris standing in the restaurant’s doorway, adds a personal touch to the restaurant’s history. Preserved by the late Steve Trahanis (passed away in 2023), shared with the Exponent-Telegram, and featured on the Restaurants page of the late Tim Cork’s (passed away in 2018) blog, “Clarksburg: My Home Town,” this moment is a cherished piece of Clarksburg’s past. It was also included in the Washington-Irving Class of 1959 Newsletter, issue 24, August 2001, edited by Roleta Smith Meredith, and Buzz Floyd’s Authentic West (By God) Virginia Hot Dog Chili, Harrison County-Food page.

Nick Koutsobaris (ca. 1960)

The 1950 Cadillac in the next photo carried four passengers as they drove past the Sanitary Hot Dog restaurant. Two occupied the front seat, while a boy and a man sporting a distinctive red military-style cap sat in the back. Unfortunately, the car lacks any visible signs or markings to indicate who these occupants were representing. Next door stood the Diamond Pants store. The crowd lining the street stands four deep, eagerly watching the parade. 

In all parades, high school marching bands play a central role. The band in the next photo is the Elkins High School band as they passed the C. C. Keys Music Company. How clever that the majorette uniforms were used to spell out ‘Elkins.’ The First Methodist Church tower and further back is the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church tower stand tall in the background providing a picturesque backdrop that day. Curious faces peered from windows, and a few men watched the festivities from the rooftops. 

Elkins High School band (ca. 1952)

Elkins High School band and majorette photos
from their 1952 school yearbook

Several businesses stand out in the Elkins band photo. Frances F. Carson, a local Justice of the Peace and notary public, operated her business at 214 West Pike Street. Mrs. Carson’s lineage traced back to David Ken Harrison and Frances Garrison. She was married to Marshall Lee Flint in 1930 and later, Charles Kit Carson, a state policeman, in 1949. Beyond Mrs. Carson’s sign, two other establishments left their mark. The F. C. Welch Company, located 212 West Pike Street, provided plumbing and electric services to the community. Meanwhile, the aroma of the Coffee Mill Restaurant, located at 210 West Pike Street, likely enticed passersby to step inside for a warm cup of coffee. 

The next photo is the Roosevelt-Wilson High School band, the drum major whistle at the ready to guide his band down the parade route. The church towers stood tall, while curious onlookers peered from windows and rooftops, watching the band’s procession. 

Roosevelt-Wilson High School band (ca. 1952)

Roosevelt-Wilson High School band (Mr. Alan Staton, Director)
photo from their 1952 school yearbook

Bland’s Drug Store held court at 217 West Pike Street. Nearby, West Virginia Business College at 215 West Pike Street nurtured young minds. And then, the grand dame—the Hotel Gore—graced the corner of West Pike and Second Streets. In 1913, it claimed the title of “the largest hotel in the state of West Virginia.” Imagine stepping into the five-story building, where 217 rooms awaited guests at rates of $1, $1.50, and $2 for rooms with bath. Within those walls, guests slept on brass beds in rooms filled with mahogany, walnut, maple, and oak furniture, along with leather chairs. The floors were covered with tile and the plumbing was “the best that could be installed, all the piping being brass.” Venture to the second floor, and an elegantly furnished ladies’ parlor awaited—a sanctuary where women could rest and talk freely (free of charge). Tile floors and bathrooms mirrored the guest rooms. The third floor featured a bridal chamber, furnished in mahogany. Meals were served in a café, men found grooming solace in the barber shop, ladies indulged in manicures, and the basement featured the “enlarged Gore bowling and billiard parlors.” Guests found everything they desired in the hotel while never leaving the property. Today, the Hotel Gore is a mixed-use building, with businesses on the first floor and apartments above. For those curious about its past, Tim Cork’s ‘Clarksburg: My Home Town’ blog reveals glimpses of this historic hotel.

The next photo reveals the Washington Irvin High School band. Using 1952 and 1955 school yearbooks, I was able to identify the band by comparing the uniforms shown in Ralph’s photo. Despite the yearbooks being black and white, the 1955 edition specifically mentions the “Gold and Blue” musicians—the very colors this band is proudly wearing in Ralph’s photo. To further confirm their identity, I compared various uniform details. First, the light-colored pants adorned with a stripe down both sides caught my attention. Additionally, the shoulder cords matched those seen in the yearbook images. 

Washington Irvin High School band (ca. 1952)

Notably, the band’s leadership was also a clue. In the photos below, the young woman on the left is Jo Ellen Duling, the 1952 Washington Irvin High School band drum major. The photo on the right was taken by Ralph the day the parade took place and appears to be the same person, at least in my humble opinion.

Two signs stood out in the photo. Rather than promoting businesses, these signs showcased products. One advertised “Mobile,” likely referring to a brand or service related to automobiles, while the other highlighted tires made by Dayton—a nod to the automotive industry prevalent during that era.

In the next photo, the Shinnston High School majorettes and band proudly march past the C. C. Keys Music Company. The majorettes wear skirts embellished with musical notes, as the same spectators watch from the windows and rooftops.

Shinnston High School band (ca. 1952)

The photo below, from the 1952 Shinnston High School yearbook, includes the majorettes wearing the same skirts as seen above. While it is difficult to tell if this is the same group, I can at least confirm it is the correct band.

Shinnston High School band photo from their 1952 school yearbook

The next photo is the Bridgeport High School band. When comparing Ralph’s photo to the 1952 school yearbook image, I noticed a consistent feature: the band members’ jackets. These jackets boast three cords and a light triangular panel. Additionally, the white belts stand out against the darker (red) jackets.

Bridgeport High School band (ca. 1952)

Bridgeport High School band photo from their 1952 school yearbook

The next photo features a band I believe to be the West Virginia Highlanders from Elkins, West Virginia. Notice how they are clad in a striking yellow and black tartan, coordinated down to the matching socks. The black jackets lend an air of formality, while the distinctive horsehair sporran adds a touch of Highland authenticity. The drum major stands out in a red jacket, deviating from the black worn by the rest of the band. Their bagpipes evoke the spirit of ancient traditions and the rugged beauty of Scotland.

My efforts to identify the various bands featured in this post stopped here with me being unable to identify the last two bands. I strongly suspect that the band featured in the next photo represents a larger school. The presence of seven tubas is a telling sign, as smaller schools typically would not have such a robust brass section. Additionally, the silver instruments caught my attention. These tend to be more expensive, suggesting a well-funded program. My own experience with my oldest son, who attended a small high school, confirms this. Their band was fortunate to have even one tuba.

Despite the blurry quality of the next image, I have included it in the hopes that someone might be able to identify the school. 

The band captured in the next photo presents clues that lead me to believe it is not a typical high school band. First, the absence of majorettes—a common feature in high school bands. Furthermore, the all-male composition of the band hints at a more mature group, perhaps a college level band. The drum major’s uniform bears a distinctive design, which could serve as a valuable clue for future identification. Beyond the band itself, on the left side of the street, an individual stands atop a ladder, likely capturing this very moment on film as Ralph has done. On the right side of the street, a Boy Scout is standing beneath the Bland’s Drugs sign. And finally, the words ‘Walgreen Agency,’ partially blocked by a pole leaves me wondering if Bland’s holds any relevance to the Walgreens chain we know today.

During the parade, two military groups made their presence known—I suspect both were from the Army. The second photo features an exclusively military police ensemble. 

I extend my thanks to Beth Gain at the Clarksburg History Museum for her invaluable assistance in identifying the parade route, buildings, and other intricate details that enrich this post. Her expertise allows us to capture the historical context captured in these photos.

I hope you enjoyed this group of photos from Ralph’s archives. To see others from his collection, click here.

References

• A Look Back in Time, Washington-Irving Class of 1959 Newsletter, no. 24, August 2001, edited by Roleta Smith Meredith; https://wihs59.tripod.com/news/news0108/news0108.html. 
• Admin, Clio, Sydney Stapleton on behalf of Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, and Billy Joe Peyton, Hotel Gore, Clio: Your Guide to History, April 5, 2017. Accessed July 14, 2024; https://theclio.com/entry/26209.
• Biggest Fire in 12 Years at Clarksburg Destroys Church, Hinton Daily News, Hinton, West Viginia, September 5, 1951.
• Biggest Hotel in State Opens, The Daily Telegram, Clarksburg, West Virginia, August 4, 1913.
• Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport, West Virginia (1952), U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900–2016.
• Buzz Floyd’s Authentic West (By God) Virginia Hot Dog Chili, Harrison County -Food, West Virginia Mountain State News, March 9, 2016; https://wvmountainstatenews.com/buzz-floyds-authentic-west-by-god-virginia-hot-dog-chili-p1550-415.htm. 
• Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory, 1956.
• Cork, Tim, Clarksburg: My Home Town: Restaurants; https://clarksburg-myhometown.blogspot.com/p/restaurants.html. 
• Elkins High School, Elkins, West Virginia (1952), U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900–2016.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68435480/frances_e-flint-carson: accessed July 13, 2024), memorial page for Frances E Harrison Flint-Carson (12 Dec 1911–1 Apr 1994), Find a Grave Memorial ID 68435480, citing Bridgeport Cemetery, Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia, USA; maintained by Preacher James (contributor 47284795).
• Frances E. Harrison, West Virginia, U.S., Marriages Index, 1785–1971.
• Frances Flint, West Virginia, U.S., Marriages Index, 1785–1971.
• Navy Mothers’ Clubs of America; https://www.navymothersclubsofamerica.org/. 
• Robinson Grand Performing Arts Theatre, Cinema Treasures; https://www.cinematreasures.org/theaters/21090. 
• Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Clarksburg, West Virginia (1952), U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900–2016.
• Shinnston High School, Shinnston, West Virginia (1952), U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900–2016.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia, 1950.
• Waldo Hotel; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldo_Hotel. 
• Washington Irvin High School, Clarksburg, West Virginia (1952, 1955), U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900–2016.