Claysburg Area Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees

Editors Note: The first two inductees for the 2023 Claybsurg Hall of Fame were noted in last week's (March 23, 2023) Herald. The remaining nominees are in this article.

The Claysburg Area Hall of Fame has announced the induction of its ninth class on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Claysburg-Kimmel High School Auditorium. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. with a reception following. The public is invited and dress is business casual. This event is jointly sponsored by Claysburg P.A.S.T. and the Claysburg Rotary Club.

This year's inductees are John and Elaine Smith; Donald Witherspoon; Clyde Walter, Jr; Matthew Treon; and the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company, which will be receiving the Pioneer Award. Hall of Fame committee members will present the inductees with individual awards. Additionally, marker plaques in their honor will be placed in the Claysburg Community Park by the Hall of Fame Committee.

CLYDE E. WALTER, JR.

Clyde Walter. Jr., who was born and raised in Claysburg, was a member of the Claysburg-Kimmel High School Class of 1967. He worked for Pennsylvania Shoe Company, helped at the church, and volunteered at the Claysburg Fire Company. Walter entered the US Army on Sept. 18, 1969, at Fort Dix. He trained at Fort Polk, Fort Gordon and Fort Carson. He was assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion of the 12 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (airmobile) in South East Asia Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of Oct. 11, 1970, while on a protection reaction mission, Walter's platoon contacted North Vietnam enemy forces. As a result, Walter and one other soldier were mortally wounded.

For his bravery and gallantry in action, Walter was awarded the Sliver Star, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for his heroism. Walter was also awarded the Purple Heart. Prior to his death, the United States Army had awarded Walter the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar attached and Sharpshooter Badge with attached Rifle Bar, and a Good Conduct Medal. Walter was appointed corporal in 1970, by the US Army while serving in Vietnam. In his short stay in Vietnam, Walter actively participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counter insurgency operations. To this day, Walter's fellow platoon comrades remember and speak of the heroism of Walter. They continue to give Walter's family support and show their continued gratitude for the sacrifice Walter made for all of them.

For his military service and heroism, The Claysburg Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Clyde E. Walter, Jr.

DONALD T. WITHERSPOON

Donald Witherspoon grew up in Claysburg, the son of the late Ernest and Mary (DuPree) Witherspoon. He graduated from Greenfield-Kimmel in 1960, and was in the Navy during the Vietnam era. He married Linda Miller and had four children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Although he moved to Altoona, he never forgot his hometown and spoke fondly of the years he spent in Claysburg. He continued to have many friends in the area over the years. He was one of the many great parade marshals for the Claysburg Homecoming parade.

Witherspoon retired from Small Tubes Products Inc. after 20 years. He was a longtime president of the Blair County NAACP and was a Silver Lifetime member. Along with Senator Bob Jubelirer, Witherspoon was instrumental in passing the Anti-Cross Burning Law. Witherspoon fought endlessly for Human and Civil Rights for all people.

In 2016, he was awarded the Respected Citizen Award from Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission. After Witherspoon's passing in December of 2020, the Booker T. Washington Basketball Court was renamed the Donald E. Witherspoon Memorial Court. The Degol Family Foundation awards an annual $1500.00 scholarship to a Claysburg-Kimmel Senior in the memory of Witherspoon. The Sheetz family is building a Tennis Court in Claysburg and giving an annual scholarship in Witherspoon's name.

According to Witherspoon, his mother always told him to treat people the way you want to be treated and you'll make the community better for it. That is what Witherspoon spent his life trying to do.

For his work to promote civil rights for all people in our area, the Claysburg Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Donald T. Witherspoon.

CLAYSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY - STATION 70

The Hall of Fame's Pioneer Award is presented to the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. It was organized at a meeting held Thursday, March 11, 1943 in the high school gymnasium. Prior to that, residents of the area had to rely on fire protection from other communities. The meeting was held to elect officers for the organization. Officers chosen at the time were Orville Ebersole, president; Ken Ziegler, vice president; Grant Bruckman, secretary; and Wilmer Bennett, treasurer. Henry Lingenfelter became the first fire chief. The company's first truck was a 1932 Model A Ford, a chemical truck that was converted to a 500-gallon pumper. With no firehall, the truck was housed in a garage owned by General Refractories. In 1946, the company ordered their first new fire truck at a cost of $6,761 and began fundraising to pay for it. Other pieces of equipment were also added. Sally Lingenfelter organized a Ladies Auxiliary to assist the fireman.

In 1947, the company purchased a piece of land by the railroad tracks near the current Cox Refractories. The property had two buildings on it. One was torn down and the other was converted into a firehall. Throughout the years, the firehall was used for Scout meetings, union meetings, and a host of other events. It served as a temporary unemployment office and in 1952-53, became a classroom for Greenfield-Kimmel High School during their construction project. In 1953, Sparky Walter, the scoutmaster, incorporated the Explorer Scout Troop into the first Junior Fireman Program. In that same year, a vehicle was purchased to be used as an ambulance. This provided even greater protection for the Claysburg community. That firehall continued to be used until 1972 when it was torn down to construct a firehall and garage near the same location along Bedford Street.

The completion of the new firehall furnished the company with much needed garage space and provided the community with a larger meeting/event space. All the interior and finishing work for this building was done by volunteers with donated materials from community businesses and residents.

In 2008, the company saw the need to expand again. The current garage/firehall was built at 13223 Dunnings Highway. This location provides ample parking and an opportunity for further expansion.

In 2019, the main engine vehicle had a catastrophic breakdown and necessitated the ordering and purchasing of a new 2022 Spartan pumper. With great community assistance, the financial needs for this vehicle were met. In addition to the main engine, the company currently has a 2015 Spartan rescue vehicle, a 1999 tanker, a 2005 brush truck, and a 1919 Model T Ford pumper that is used for parade purposes.

Current officers of the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company are: Chief 70: Scott Eicher; Deputy Chief 70: CJ Raneri; Assistant Chief 70: Dustin Caldwell; Assistant Chief 70-1: Chip Eckard; President – Bill Lightner; Vice President – Travis Finnegan; Treasurer – Bob Clark and Secretary – Troy Crist. Additionally, there are 65 members who assist to meet the needs of the community.

Through the years the company has met the needs of the Claysburg community by minimizing fire and accident disasters. They attribute their success to their dedicated members. In some cases, second, third and fourth generations are giving their service to the company and to the community. As they celebrate their 80th anniversary, they plan to offer vital services to the Claysburg area for years to come.

The Claysburg Hall of Fame Committee is proud to present its Pioneer Award to the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company, Station 70 and congratulate them on their anniversary!