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Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live

Current time in Vermilion -

January 28, 2012 - Corner of Grand and Ohio

GRAND & OHIO - VERMILION VILLAGE

FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: The weather’s been crazy thus far this year. There’s been very little snow, a good deal of rain, and the thermometer is been on a roller coaster ride. (That’s not a complaint.) The less snow the better. And the warmer the better. It’s just unusual. Or maybe I forgot what it was like last year.

KEEP AN EYE OUT: I hope your keep up with the “Briefs” from The Vermilion News each week. I pick and choose what I use, but some of the little items will in time become big items. So I urge everyone to pay attention to them.

The items from the “Fire-Lands” section are also worth reading and remembering. I was fascinated by a story in that section some time back describing deer hunting in the early part of the 19th century. Some of those guys didn’t think anything of taking 5 or 6 deer a day. One fellow quit hunting – saying game was scarce – when he could only get one or two deer a day.

THE WRECKING BALL: Folks who don’t live in town may be interested to know that the old rundown duplex that sat across the street from the Ritter Library has been razed. (When Joe Villa first moved to town with his girls the family lived in part of the home.) Over the last few years it apparently became so rundown that it was beyond saving.

The changes that have taken place in town in just the last 10 years are startling. I was driving down Liberty Avenue some time back and got to thinking that if it were possible – and my parents and grandparents came back from the great beyond they wouldn’t know the place. I wonder what it’ll be like 100 years from now?

LEON: The Vermilion Area Archival Society has a blockbuster program planned for their February meeting. Leon Buell is going to tell us some stories about his father “Alf” Buell and “the River-Rats”. That was Mr. Buell’s gang when he was a blond-haired barefoot boy in old Vermilion Village. Leon, like his dad and the whole Buell clan, can tell a good story. The Society meets in the basement of the Ritter Library on the 2nd Monday of each month @ 7 PM. Bring a friend and get there early for a good seat. Tell ‘em Rich sent ya.

Historically,

Wakefield

HOW MANY DO YOU KNOW?

WAKEFIELD WORKERS: I'm running this pic again because (thanks to "Viewers" I've got some more names to add to it.) Vermilionite John Vargo gave me this photograph quite awhile ago. I don't know all the folks in it, but I do know a few faces. I see Jim Friday, Don Hoffman, Harold Rice, Barry Becker, Carl Carlson, Max Hurd, John Vargo, Arlene Friday (Redinger), Morris (the lady in the dark-rimmed glasses),John Brackley (beside her also in dark-rimmed glasses) Russ Neiding, and Dan Schisler (standing). Again, some of the other faces are very familiar but their names excape me. I'll bet readers will know most of them.

A wonderful photo.

Schwensen Bakery c. 1890

"The building (pictured) shows only the store where the baked goods were sold. "

THE GREATEST BAKERY ON EARTH: Ask anyone who ever partook - connoisseurs be damned - the Schwensen Bakery was the greatest bakery on the planet. And whilst the food preparation business is forever the object of very subjective and very harsh criticisms; seldom to never was there a negative word heard from those who “experienced” a piece of bread, cake, sour cream kuchen; a nut or fruit roll; or just a chocolate chip cookie, fresh from the ovens of the Schwensen Bakery in Vermilion, O. Most folks were too busy enjoying to talk.

Although no “official record” apparently exists that might afford a definite date when bakery founder, Cornelius Schwensen, first heated his ovens, the date scrawled on the back of the photo appearing with this essay indicates that those ovens were being put to good use by 1890.

Cornelius (b.1866 - d.1947) was born, near the North Sea, in Prussia. Following his service in the Prussian Army he apprenticed as a baker. After coming to America he lived for a brief time with relatives in Sandusky until, as has been said, he opened his Vermilion bakery in 1890. Schwensen Family folklore has it that he chose to live and work in the area because Lake Erie reminded him of his childhood home, “near the North Sea”.

The building (pictured) shows only the store where the baked goods were sold. The family home was sandwiched between it and the bakery itself. This three building set-up meant that the baked goods had to be carried from the ovens, through the house, to the store each day. What a wonderful parade that must have made. The current building was built - again in three parts - during the 1920’s and ‘30’s.

Cornelius’ wife, Laura / Line (b.1869 - d.1906) died rather young leaving him alone to raise their four children. Although this undoubtedly made life especially difficult he continued operating the bakery. In 1918 his brother August (b.1880 - d.1976) who had come to America in April of 1900, and had worked as a chef / baker for the railroad, purchased the business.

August and his wife, Elsa (b.1893 - d.1976), turned the operation over to their son Edward (b.1926 - d.1993), and daughter-in-law, Arlys, in 1960. Though there came a time when Elsa could not longer assist in the operation August continued working for the remainder of his life. Old routines are difficult to brush aside. In fact, the 95 year old “Vorlagenbäcker” worked the Sunday morning before Memorial Day in 1976, passing away at his home that evening.

In 1994, without any fanfare, the ovens in the Schwensen Bakery - that had produced what multitudes of people from Toledo to Conneaut consider to be “the very best baked goods on the planet” - went cold. Several generations of people whose morning visits to the tidy bakery at 415 Division Street, (later 681 Main Street). had long ago become more than just a habit - it was tradition - were, for the sake of any better words, simply stunned. A Saturday morning without a freshly baked sour cream kuchen on the kitchen table was like a day without sunshine.

To be sure no one likes it when the proverbial band stops playing, and everyone finally understands that the party is over. But as August’s grandson, Dave, philosophizes; “Schwensen Bakery was in Vermilion for 104 years!! That was a pretty good run...”

It surely was - for the greatest bakery on earth.

Ref: Special Thanks To: David Schwensen and his family: Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 4/24/08; Written 4/20/08 @ 11:49 AM.

Stone Make-Up Tables=

STONE MAKE-UP TABLES

MOVING ALONG: GOOD NEWS: The Vermilion City Council approved a zoning change that will allow the print shop to become a museum. This may seem to be a trivial matter to many, but it’s a real milestone. The zoning change went through a Public Hearing and three readings on council so the green light is on. Now comes the work.

I sent for the remainder of the Vermilion News microfilms from BGSU on Friday. We’ll be keeping an eye out for a good used reader. For now my portable reader is good. But later it would be good to have a reader-printer like most libraries have. It’s not a “hot button” item. It’s just something to keep in mind.

This week I’ve added more pix to the Facebook page. I’ll continue doing that as the days pass. Folks who are unaware of this page might catch the Facebook thing. It’s popular right now and surely has its uses.

I’ve begun work on the Heidelberg windmill press this week. It’s got a good many little parts – more than I expected. But I’m trying to be careful. Over the years the hoses, belts, and such have begun to age. I expected this to be the case with the older machines, but not so much with it. I was mistaken. Anyway I believe parts for this press are more available than they will be for some of the older equipment.

Georgi (my spouse) is in the process of refurbishing an old sign that used to hang on the building. It had decaled lettering. She’s ordered new lettering and will be working on the sign soon. It’ll hang on the inside of the shop window. The original is now on our living room floor. It says, “THE VERMILION NEWS” and below that “PRINTING”. We’ll have a smaller sign attached to the bottom of the old one that reads “MUSEUM”. Cool.

Visit us on Facebook.As reported last week the museum has a Facebook page. I'll keep adding pix as we go along. Please visit us at VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM . Also, if you're in the aread stop in. I'm usually there in the a.m. If you see a Chevy Silverado out front with the plate "MRCOOKR" come on in and see what's cooking.

AGAIN - ANOTHER NEW (NOW OLD) THING: Initially I said that "This will not take the place of the "Macabre" stuff all the time - but will supplement whilst I search for more macabre stories to tell." But methinks that it's carved out a niche for itself and the "Macabre stuff" with have to find another.

So stay tuned...

January 21, 1904 - Vol VII. No. 33.

COURT NOTES

A verdict of guilty was brought against Chas. Linder charged with participating in a riot at the Geunther home in Perkins. Friday a motion for a new trial was filed

The trial of Charles Geason charged with sodomy, was commenced before Judge Reed, Monday afternoon.

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Henry McDowell has filed a petition asking for a divorce from his wife, Sarah Ellen McDowell. They were married at Wallace, Elgin county, Ontario Dec, 1878, and have no children.

Upon their removal to this country, they resided at Birmingham, where they lived several years.

The plaintiff claims he has been a faithful husband, but that during an absece [sic] from home (March 1902) the defendant left taking with her his household goods and effects, going to Vermilion and later to Saginaw, Mich.

She was accompanied by Wm. Wesley and plaintiff alleges that she and Williams [ed. Note: I believe they meant Wesley]are now residing in Saginaw as man and wife.

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Since the convention of the January term the court has made the following important entries:

In the matter of the dissolution of the Milan Canal Co., A.C. Close appointed referee.

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Edward Hobert, recently sentenced by Judge Reed to five years in the penitentiary [sic] on the charge sodomy was taken to Columbus Wednesday morning by Sheriff Foster and Deputy John Ritter.

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The defendant in the case of Henry Grime vs. Diamond cheese company filed an answer Wednesday and denies that it is indebted to the plaintiff in the sum of $29 for hauling milk to the factory of the defendant alleging on the contrary, that it is not indebted to the plaintiff in any sum whatever. All other allegations in the petition also are denied.

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The firm of D.&A.T. Christmann will soon be succeeded by The Vermilion Milling Co., a $25,000 stock company. Mr. D. Christmann will continue in the mill for some time to come.

Geo. H. Englebry is making a great cut in shoes. Don’t miss this opportunity of securing footwear.

Capt. F.A. bailey is in Washington as delegate at the Masters & Pilots Association, representative f Vermilion Harbor, No. 73.

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MARRIED

On Thursday evening Jan. 14, 1904, the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Fay was the scene of a very pleasant incident, it being the marriage of their daughter, Jessie B. Fay to Mr. Milton E. Nuhn, both of Vermilion. The ceremony took place at 5 o’clock in the presence of a few of the immediate relatives.

After the ceremony and congratulations the company repaired to the dining room where a sumptuous repast had been prepared. Mr. and Mrs. Nuhn have the best wishes of their many friends for their future success and happiness.

Those in attendance from out of town were Miss Elda Kritzer of Huron and Mr. William Fay of Toledo, brother of the bride.

Rev. Rupert officiated.

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CAPTIAN KIRBY DEAD.

Capt. A.A. Kirby died at the home of his daughter at Huron on Tuesday afternoon. He was one of the oldest captains of the lakes being 86 years. He began when a boy and his services terminated only with old age. His funeral will occur at 1 p.m. Friday from the hall of Marks Lodge F. & A. M.

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Vermilion will have an Ice Cream manufactory the coming season, A.D. Baumhart, the Druggist has purchased an outfit including a gasoline engine and will make a specialty of that delicious confection.

Some of our neighboring papers have been trying to make much of the trouble at the stove plant with the molders. The affair doesn’t seem to amount to much as other molders are at work and the factory is running right along as usual. the molders that went out are members of the union or have since become members. But it is difficult to determine the right and wrong of the affair, or where the trouble lies; but it is to be regretted that anything should happen in this one department of the factory as it can result in good to no one. The company is evidently endeavoring to run as an “open shop.”

About twenty pupils of the high school chartered a sleigh Friday evening and took a trip- to the Lohr residence, east of town. their arrival was a complete surprise on the their schoolmate Miss Louise Lohr. The young people spent a most enjoyable evening with games and amusements, a find supper was served and at a late hour the young people returned to town.

A sub-station of the Lake Shore electric located at Milan, caught fire about 4 o’clock Friday afternoon and before the flames were extinguished considerable damage was done.

Lorain people are very anxious to know when the steel mills will resume operations. If the shut down continues it is reported that some of the smaller concerns will be obliged to close their doors.

A movement is being made to give a pension of $12 per month to every soldier who served 90 days and has attained the age of 62 years. a like pension will be given to widows of such soldiers in cases where marriage took place before June 27, 1890.

A new printing company has been organized a Lorain to succeed the times Printing Co., Ex-Mayor Geo. L. Glitch is president, Dr. Burley, Vice-Pres., and W.H. Cramer, Sec’y and Treas. and manager. We wouldn’t be surprised to hear of a new newspaper in the field.

Henry Tracy of Toledo, one of the best known yachtsmen on the Great Lakes, and commodore of the Interlake Yachting Association last year, died at his home Tuesday from blood poisoning. One of his fingers was slightly scratched and from that an operation and finally death resulted. He was 67 years old.

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Oberlin has prospects for a steam road to Lorain, passing through the quarries of the Ohio Quarries Co.

Chas. Poet, of Elyria was sent to the workhouse for 30 days Monday for allowing a litter of pigs to freeze to death. He was also fined $25.

Geo. C. West, proprietor of the West House, Sandusky was arrested and fined the other day for selling wild ducks during the closed season.

Oberlin is “fishing” for a canning factory. The plant, if secured will cost $8000 or $10,000 and cans tomatoes, peas, corn, beans, berries, pumpkins and all kinds of fruit.

The L.S. & M.S. Ry. will erect a new freight depot and coal docks on the east side, at Elyria. A factory will be in all probability erected near the place.

Among the latest news items is the following from McArthur, O. Alva Matteson, a miner, while walking from the mines broke through the ice on a creek, freezing his feet. He took the scissors and cut the toes off one foot. [ed. Note: McArthur is about 50 miles southeast of Columbus.]

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Endowed in Memory of Richard Butler, Born in Birmingham, O., in 1831

The trustees of Columbia University have just established the Richard Butler scholarship open to competition to men students born in the state of Ohio. the holder of the scholarship may at his option enter Columbia College or amy study under any o one of the graduate schools of Philosophy, Political science, or one of the professional schools of Law, Medicine, Applied Science and Architecture. His appointment shall be for one year only, but may be renewed for reasons of weight for additional years. The scholasshid [sic] was endowed in memory of Richard Butler, who was born in Birmingham, Ohio, in 1831. He came to New York as a boy and became interested in the manufacture of hard rubber. From 1833 until his death in 1902 he was president of the Butler Hard Rubber Company.

Mr. Butler was one of the founders and for many years a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was a member of the New York Chamber of commerce and a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

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The postoffice department has decided upon designs for the St. Lous [sic] Worl’s [sic] fair stamps, which will bear portraits as follows.:

One cent - Robert R. Livingston, minister to France, who conducted negotiations for the Louisiana purchase.

Two cents - Thomas Jefferson.

Three cents - James Monroe, the negotiations.

Five cents - President McKinley.

Ten cent - Map of the United States showing the territory purchased from France.

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Della Keller has commenced action for divorce from her husband, William Keller, at Fremont. She alleges that he has purchased but one dress for her in the fourteen years that they have been married.

Tuesday morning, Engineer Frank Stark was killed on the L.S. & M.S. Ry., in a wreck near Rocky Ridge. Two freights came together, while one was switching. Traffic was blocked for some time as both engines and a number of freight cars were badly damaged and derailed.

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Prospecting

The board of public affairs have secured a drilling apparatus and are having a test well sunk at the foot of Main St., on the lake to test the amount and quality of water in that locality. If the pumping statin can be located there it will be quite a saving.

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Stockholders Meet.

The stockholders of the Vermilion Telephone held a meeting Tuesday afternoon and elected the following directors: E.L. Coen, R.F. Quigley, Chas. McGraw, H.B. Kishman, E.W. Kishman, Edwin Fledderjohn, Jacob Englebry, E.B. Welch, C.L. Phelps, M.E. Lawless and Geo. P. Wahl.

The directors met an re-elected the officers of the company as follows: Pres., E.L. Coen; V. Pres., R.F. Quigley; Sec’y M.E. Lawless; Treas., Chas H. McGraw.

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Call Accepted

Sunday, Rev. Geo. E. Merrill formally accepted the call of the Vermilion Congregational Church.

Mr. Merrill expects to move his family to Vermilion next week from Oberlin where they are at present. We welcome rev. and Mrs. Merrill and daughter ot Vermilion.

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Rural Delivery.

Postmaster Kane and Wm F. Heck of the P.O. Department went over the prospective rural route Saturday. The route as now laid out is 25 1.5 miles long and about 150 families will be served.

In the afternoon the examination for carrier was held. There were six applicants for the position. It is expected that the R.F.D. will be pushed and the successful applicant notified.

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DeVoes Farmer’s Guide to Success. Full Crops 1904 - only 10c at Baumhart’s.

Jack Knott lately purchased a new boiler and engine for his saw mill and is now better prepared for that line of work than ever. He expresses himself well satisfied with the purchase.

The fishermen and others along the river are preparing for a flood, as the ice is very thick in the river and the lake shows heavy ice as far out as one can see.

Englebry’s Clothing Sale is nearly over, only a week yet remains. Don’t fail to take advantage of his low prices.

HURON

P.J. Hermes has sresigned as Mayor of Huron. His resignation was accepted at the regular meeting of the council Tuesday evening. President Heyman of the council took the seat as Mayor.

A furnace has been placed in the M.E. Church and other repairs have been made.

Miss Minnie Leonheiser a teacher of the public school has resigned to accept a more lurcative [sic] positon in Akron.

Frances, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bell of Huron is seriously ill with the scarlet fever.

Huron has another case of diphtheria.

Geo. Mackey, died at the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Dildine last Tuesday evening.

Hmmmmmm....

Vermilion's Pop Factory

"...the best thing of all was knowing that...Vermilion had it's own pop factory."

THE DAY THEY BURNED DOWN THE POP FACTORY: Late last week I was afforded the rare opportunity and pleasure to introduce 2 young brothers (4 and 5.75 years old) to Hostess Twinkies. There are zero words which describe the look on their faces as they bit into the “store bought” pastries for their very first time. And ignoring for the moment that the eclair-like delicacies are - to be politically correct - not considered to be good for man nor beast; the youngsters most certainly enjoyed them.

This experience took me back 50 years (or so) when I was 10 years old - a time when the Village of Vermilion, Ohio was my playground. It took me back to the amazing glass candy display case, smudged by dozens of tiny noses, in Baumhart’s Drug Store on Division Street; to the 5 cent cherry cokes that could be had at Jim Hart’s wonderful Corner Drugstore; to icy mugs of root beer fresh from the barrel that stood at the end of the soda counter in Litman’s Newsstand next door; and to colder than cold bottles of pop that could be had for only one thin dime from the chest-type coolers commonly found at numerous gas stations and garages scattered about town. How wonderful those times were.

But the best thing of all was knowing that just down the street behind St. Mary’s Church - in the middle of the lane called Columbus Street that runs between Division/Main Street to the west and Sandusky Street to the east - Vermilion had its very own pop factory. What more could anyone (let alone a young boy or girl) ask for?

The Hi-Top Beverage Company / Vermilion Bottling Company was established sometime in 1910. Precisely who established the company is presently unknown (to me). What is known is that sometime during the 1950’s a local entrepreneur, Larry Shafts, purchased the plant from the Feldcamp Family. And whilst there be a great deal of merit in the ownership and operation of any small business there are also numerous legal and financial requirements and demands that must be met in order to be successful. In America during the 50’s corporate soft drink companies had a great deal of capital at their command; a fact that, consequently, made competing for the market impossible for the small bottling companies. And, thus, did Vermilion’s pop factory fall victim to those changing times.

Were that story not gloomy enough (for any youngster) in the summer of 1954 Mr. Shafts volunteered the property to be used by the North Central (Ohio) Fireman’s Association in an exercise as “an up to date fire test on indirect application of water on interior fires”. And on a bright Sunday afternoon, August 1, 1954, a crowd of over 1500 persons watched as the Vermilion Fire Department, under the direction of then State Fire Marshal, Charles R. Scott, staged the practice session - and burned Vermilion’s pop factory to the ground.

Three of Mr. Shaft’s nephews and a niece (Pictured R-L: David, Dale, and Larry Hohler and Cindy Shafts) posed for their picture outside the plant that just a few minutes later (also pictured) was in the process of being consigned to a yesteryear. It was an experience, like the first time a youngster tastes a “Twinkie”, that would never be completely recalled; nor entirely forgotten -that day they burned down the pop factory.

Ref: The Vermilion News, 8-12-1954; The Lorain Journal, 7-29-1954; Special Thanks to: Larry and Dale Hohler; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 1/31/08; Written 1/27/08 @ 2:09 PM.

LISA MARIE WRIGHT
Columbus, Ohio

Invention: The "Auto-Off" Candle, a candle that automatically turns itself off.

"The township was named after the principle river
emptying into the lake through its territory..."

THE FIRE-LANDS: I found the following information re: the early inhabitants of our area to be extremely informative. Methinks you will also.

I am getting better at transcribing these passages so there are fewer mistakes. But I like to read as I go - and sometimes I fill in the blanks. So tread carefully this trail through yesteryear.

The following series will take thee to the townships south of Vermilion. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.

THE PIONEERS.

GREENWICH.

…lots, or a great proportion of them, were quickly disposed of, at reasonably remunerative figures, to good parties, and upon them were built the comfortable and beautiful homes which now form the new village upon the northwest side of the C. C, 0. & I., R. R. The first building was erected in 1874. The village of Greenwich had, in that year, a population of but seventy souls, and now has upwards of five hundred and fifty—an increase which is directly attributable to the stimulating effect of the land company's enterprise. The full title of this organization, under which it was incorporated, was the Greenwich land company and building association, but this name implied more than was covered by the scope of the company's intention. It was not designed that the company should be a building association, but simply a land company, and it has only given encouragement to building enterprises by the loan of its otherwise unemployed capital.

GREENWICH LODGE, NO. 640, I. 0. O. F.

This lodge was instituted July 6, 1876, with the following charter members: J. M. Maynard, William Jackson, L. M. Palmer, Eugene Pennington, M. A. Palmer, J. A. Frost, James Skain, G. T. Cupit, T. C. Adams, C. R. Barber and A. S. Gilson. The following officers were elected for the first term: William Jackson, N. G.; L. M. Palmer, V. G.; T. C. Adams, R. S.; J. A. Frost, P. S.; M. .B. Lee, treasurer. The present officers are as follows: M. B. Lee, N. G.; N. 0. Griphy, V. G.; E. S. Pennington, R. S.; H. N. King, P. S. ; L. M. Palmer, treasurer.

CEMETERIES.

There are, including private burial lots, at least twenty places for-the burial of the dead in the township. The first ground set apart for a cemetery was in lot twenty-four, section four, in laud owned by H. G. Mead. Varney Pearce, acting as his agent, allowed the establishment of a cemetery at this location about the year 1824; but when Mead came to the township sometime after he denied the privilege. At a later date Joseph Washburne granted a piece of ground near his home in the northeast part of the township. James Kniffin donated the land now included in the Friends' cemetery. The only burial place of which the township has control is in a piece of land near the center of lot twenty-two, first section, now owned by M. M. Burgess, but in the possession of Thaddeus Fancher at the time it was set apart for the purpose of a cemetery.

POSTAL MATTERS.

The first mail was carried through the township in 1829, and for three years thereafter, by Robert Inscho, of New Haven. He went once a week between New Haven village and Medina county, upon horseback. The first post office was established at the center, and Benjamin Kniffin was the first man who held the commission of postmaster. He was succeeded by Rufus Sheldon. About the time that the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad was constructed, a post office was established at the station and, in fact, was kept in the railroad building for some time, Hirim Townsend being postmaster. He was succeeded by John Barnes, in whose charge and that of George Stedwell, the office remained nearly all the time until William B. Haviland, the present postmaster, was commissioned.

ROADS.

But little was done in road-making in this township, which now has from fifty-five to sixty miles of roadway, until 1820. The north and south center road was the first laid out. The line was established in 1820 but only a small portion of it had been chopped and cleared half a dozen years later. The east and west center road was the second one laid out. It was surveyed and opened through the county. What is known as the "angling road" was ordered to be laid out in answer to the petition of Ephraim Barker and others in 1828 or 1829.

VILLAGE OF GREENWICH STATION.

Greenwich Station is the only village in the township. It is located upon the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad, about one mile from the west town line, and upon the east and west center road. It would undoubtedly have become a large village by this time had it not been for the peculiar repugnance that the principal land owner, Hiram Townsend, had toward any improvement which would have stimulated growth. The village has had almost its entire growth since 1874, and has in that time increased from a small cluster of houses to a village of about five hundred population. As it is surrounded by a rich country and has within its limits the elements of enterprise, it is probable that it will achieve in the near future quite an importance as a trading place and become a good sized borough. Greenwich Station was incorporated in February 1879. It has at present three hotels. The Seydel House, the first one built in the place, is the principal one, and now kept by Samuel Seydel, who has been its landlord for two years, and a resident in the neighborhood, all his life. The Thompson House is kept by T. Thompson, and the Union House, kept by Andrew Thompson. Richard Culver erected a warehouse and elevator at the station, which is at present and has been for the past twelve years, managed by John W. Richardson, who does a large business in handling grain. Greenwich is also one of the leading places for the shipment of cattle on the Cleveland. Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad, and large numbers are handled here every year. Following are the firms and individuals engaged in Mercan...

Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 -
Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Piston Pusher Calling Card =

VERMILION ARTIFACT #34

GARSH-DARN THE PUSHERS: Back in the late 50s and early 60s there were several "hotrod" clubs in Vermilion. The Piston Pushers was one. Aside from having some real nice cars (they call them "rides" today) they also helped the police when there were crowds in town for special events or problems. During the Great Flood of 1969 they were of great help around town.

PANTS

[Thanks dEE]

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and therefore we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax—OH MY...!" Then silence.

Soon, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier but while I was talking, the flight-attendant brought me a cup of very hot coffee and she spilled it in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!"

A passenger in Coach said, "That's nothing. He should see the back of mine!"

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ZILCH: No Podcast this week. I'm still gathering my thoughts. (Or attempting to...) Merry Christmas.

Persons interested in the history of the Lake Shore Electric Railway (which was the subject of a recent past podcast series) - "the greatest electaric railway system on the planet" may want to go to Amazon.com and purchase a book called "Images of Rail - Lake Shore Electric Railway". It was put together by Thomas J. Patton with the help of my friends Dennis Lamont and Albert Doane. It'd make a nice gift.

Also, please note that all the video (MP4 and MOV) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4 / MOV" formats. If you don't have a "Quicktime" it's easy to find and free to download.

NOTE NOTE:Past podcasts are not available in the on-line archive. They just take up too much disk space. But if one really, really, really wants to acquire a copy of a past cast it can be had by contacting me and I will place it on a disc and send it to ye for a minimal fee.

LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: After giving it much thought this link has been "put-down". During the last year most of the folks who used to use this page as a bulletin board have acquired their own and, consequently, no longer need this forum from "Views". I have, however, kept links (in the links section) to Larry Hohler's "Hope Homes" in Kenya - and to Bette Lou Higgins' Eden Valley Enterprises sites. They are historically and socially relevant projects. I suggest that you visit these sites on a regular basis to see "what's shakin'".

Pay particular note to the "Hope Homes" page during the next few months. They are constantly improving the lives of their youngsters and those around them. This is an exciting project accomplished by exciting people.

Although this years Vermilion High School Class of 1959 reunion is over classmates may want to stay connected with each other through organizer Roger Boughton. Ye can connect by mailing him @ 2205 SW 10th Ave. Austin, MN. 55912 or you can just emailRoger.

Alice W. is back - and guess where she is now (?): Ali's Blog.


THE BEAT GOES ON: This page is generated by a dreaded Macintosh Computer and is written and designed by (me) Rich Tarrant. It will change weekly ~ usually on Saturday. Bookmark the URL (Universal Resource Locater) and come back at your own leisure. Send the page to your friends (and enemies if you wish). If you have something to share with those who visit this page, pass it on. And if you see something that is in need of correction do the same. My sister, Nancy, is a great help in that respect. It only takes me a week to get things right. And follow the links. You might find something you like. If you experience a problem with them let me know. Also, if you want to see past editions of this eZine check the new archives links below.

If you're looking for my old links section (pictured) I've replaced it with a pull-down menu (visible in the small box next to the word "Go"). If you're looking for links to more Vermilion history check that menu.

How the old links menu looked

Links to additional Vermilion Ohio pages:

For Persons who would like to donate to the cause (to keep these "Views" on-line you can send whatever you would like to me at the following address. And THANKS to everybody who has already donated to the cause. I doth certainly appreciate it):
Rich Tarrant
1041 Oakwood Drive
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-670-2822

or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them."-A.A. Milne

Vol.9, Issue 46 - January 28, 2012


Archive Issue #463

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