Reminisces with Joe Gonzalez
Joe Gonzalez returns to the Clarksburg History Museum podcast to discuss his work with Clarksburg filmmaker Clyde Ware on the 1972 film - No Drums, No Bugles, filmed on Maxwell Ridge in Doddridge County - and starring a young Martin Sheen. He also shares memories of Clarksburg’s B&O Railroad, the 1967 train derailment near Toll Gate in Ritchie County, West Virginia, and the railroad’s impact on local businesses and neighborhoods. Joe also shares stories about his work with the Central Appalachian Astronomy Club and its partnership with the Green Bank Observatory.
Images provided by Joe Gonzalez
Joe Gonzalez in his early career days photographed while doing public safety work in West Virginia.
Posing in the Good Hope Observatory, Joe poses with his Meade 16-inch f/10 LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Read more about the Central Appalachian Astronomy Club.
The Good Hope Observatory is owned and operated by Joe Gonzalez, president of the Central Appalachian Astronomy Club. The club partners with schools and other educational institutions to promote astronomy and science education. The observatory welcomes science clubs, amateur astronomers, educators and anyone interested in learning more about astronomy. Projects and group visits can be arranged by contacting Joe at (304) 669-3555.
The observatory is located along U.S. Route 19 in Good Hope, approximately 10 miles south of Clarksburg. Its location in southern Harrison County provides dark skies that are ideal for observing. The site is located at 39° 10′ 04.45″ N, 80° 26′ 24.15″ W, using North American Datum 1983, at an elevation of 1,125.6 feet above mean sea level.
The observatory features a 15 foot dome with a 45 inch shutter that provides an unobstructed viewing area from 5 degrees above the horizon to 24 inches beyond the zenith. Manufactured by Ash Manufacturing Company, the dome uses two heavy duty electric motors to control its 360 degree rotation and shutter system. It sits on a building measuring 16 feet by 16 feet, with walls that are five feet high and one entrance. The interior includes insulated walls, carpeting, four corner workstations and separate white and red lighting.
Clipping from another Clyde Ware film crew project - Posing at The Wonder Bar
No Drums, No Bugles
Doddridge County filmed No Drums, No Bugles follows Ashby Gatrell (Martin Sheen) who is a conscientious objector to the American Civil War who is forced to flee to the woods of West Virginia to avoid combat. Gatrell ultimately ends up living alone for four years in isolation, a theme heavily explored in the film along with survivalism, freedom, and the emotional toll of it all.
Joe Gonzalez shares his memories of working with Clarksburg native Clyde Ware on No Drums, No Bugles, which was filmed on Maxwell Ridge in Doddridge County. While working for the City of Clarksburg, Joe was assigned to help Ware and the production crew. He remembers Martin Sheen as quiet, friendly and personable. Joe also appeared in the film during a battlefield scene and recalls its 1972 premiere at the Robinson Grand Theater. (Read more on Clyde ware here.)
Credits
Host, Research, & Scheduling: Martha Jett
Production & Marketing: Clarksburg History Museum volunteers
Music: West Virginia Mountain Melody performed by Steve Peters
Special thank you to: Martha Jett, Beth Gain, John Joseph, and Joe Gonzalez
All images provided by Joe Gonzalez