ATTENDING his first Kinsman School reunion this summer was Dr. James Matson of Worthington, center. With him are former schoolmates and Henderson Ridge neighbors Ralph and Donald Henderson of St. Clairsville. In their younger days, the two Hendersons pulled Matson from a pond used for swimming in Wheeling Valley after he had gone down three times.

THIS SUMMER’S Kinsman Schoolmates Gathering attracted some 82 persons in late July, including a physician who had never attended any of the former school’s reunions.
Dr. James Matson, a Worthington resident, well remembers the days at the Kinsman School, which was located near St. Clairsville.
 Not only did Matson attend classes at the school, but his father, Lester, was a teacher there from 1928-55.
His mother served as postmaster in Maynard, beginning during the Hoover administration and continuing until around 1950, and he recalls the days of the penny post card.
Telling about Kinsman, he said, “We had no indoor plumbling, no running water, but did have electric lights.”
Matson also recalled games such as mumbley peg, baseball and softball. “That was about it,” he added. “You entertained yourself.