Sunday, January 29, 2023
Friends Forever Carol Jean was my very best chum from the the time we met as 7th graders in the early '40's, the days of WWII. We had attended different grade schools in Buckhannon, WV. Throughout the next six years we had some classes together and we were both in the band. CaroI Jean played a flute; I a clarinet. During our junior year, she learned to twirl a baton and traded her flute for a majorette uniform. One of our most memorable band experiences, never to be forgotten, was waiting the arrival of some Naval Cadets who were coming to study at WV Wesleyan College. After wearing our uniforms to class for 3 days as we waited for their arrival the fire siren sounded at an early evening hour to summon us to the train station. I do not recall the month but it was a cold snowy winter evening that we greeted those cadets arriving from Florida and escorted them to the College. After our high school graduation in 1947, she entered Wesleyan and I was employed as a secretary in an insurance office. Together we became members of the Buckhannon Chapter #18 of the Eastern Star and although neither of us stayed in Buckhannon we both became 50 year members. At Wesleyan she met Ed. When they married at the end of her junior year I was one of her bridesmaids. They stayed in Buckhannon until she graduated. Although we had less opportunities to be together our friendship continued. Carol encouraged me to continue my education. Eventually my path separated us in location but we still kept in touch. During the 1960's I visited with the Crow family in Lafayette Hill PA. It was no surprise to my family that in 1970 it was Carol who came to Columbus, OH to be the maid of honor when Denny and I wed. Later Denny and I were with them at Blackwater Falls State Park in WV on several occasions. Throughout the years we were able to keep in touch with each other and had occasional phone conversations. Those I cherish and I look forward to the day we see each other again. Annabelle Marteney Cruise Huntington, WV
