EARLY BIRD: ...And life on Vermilion's harbor begins to stir. This boat is docked directly across from the Vermilion Boat Club's west parking area. It was one of the first of the larger boats in the water this year and last. Although the weather's not been very warm during the last few weeks a few sailors have already ventured out on the Erie. This week the air has been clear and sunny - but rather chilly. The wind is been from the northeast (of the north Atlantic and Canada). But tis due to warm up some by Monday.
The Red Clay, at McGarvey's Landing, had their early bird festivities this week. A handful of boats showed for the event, and one could see folks on the restaurant deck imbibing - however; it isn't nearly as big an event as in past years. Perhaps that's age. Or maybe it's just the wisdom that comes with age.
AT THE OLYMPIC CLUB: Spring comes to the Olympic Outing Club too. Cottage #3 is open for business; the water and heat are on - but the commode needs some mending. The rod holding the curtain by the tub fell during the winter and damaged the plastic works inside the toilet. Plastic tends to get a tad brittle in the cold.
Because it was a bright day, and there were very few people around the club, I strolled the grounds and took a few pix last Sunday morn. I know it doesn't interest people much but this picture was manipulated with Photoshop Elements software to give it a soft, painting effect. It's amazing how one can take a rather mundane scene and transform it into something a bit more pleasant to the eye.
DEJA VU AGAIN: This is the same place (the Olympic Club) on an August afternoon 68 years ago. That's my pop, William Basil, playing with some of my younger siblings near what clubbers call the "Casino".
Once upon a time the club had, what they called, "Vermilion Day" every summer and all the residents of Vermilion, and their families, were invited to the grounds for a day of music, a picnic, and baseball.
The year of this photo was special because it was the year the place called Vermilion, Ohio celebrated its 100th birthday. My grandfather, Pearl Roscoe, took a number of pix during that particular outing. This is but one.
One of my earliest memories is of being along the river at the club and looking at the white buildings with their green roofs that stood, and still stand, back away from the stream. I don't know the reason I remember that picture. And I certainly had no idea that the club would someday become an important part of my life.
Very strange - but wonderful as well.
CAN YOU GUESS?: Would anyone care to guess the identities of those pictured before I clue you in?
Actually I only know the identity of one of the boys in this photo. And - when I tell you who it is - most folks familiar with Vermilionites of the past will also recognize him.
This would be a great picture of a group of boys anywhere. But the picture is made better (for me at least) because it is a group of little buddies taken c.1919 in a backyard in Vermilion, Ohio.
O-my what the future had in store for these little fellows!! People would come to both love and hate them. What lay before them on that day so long ago was a day of adventure, friendship, and fun. And that is the way it should be for boys their age - forever.
Well, let this be a mystery no more. The dark-haired lad to the far left is Ray Full. Ray, as most local folks know, eventually became the owner of the Kishman Fish Company. I do have some inkling of who some of the other youngsters might be. Two may be the Horton boys (Red and Charlie). And I surmise that the remaining boy may be one of the Wakefields (but there is nothing written in stone here).
Dawn Full gave me the snapshot, along with another of a very young Ray in a sailor suit holding a small rifle - that was probably a bb or pellet rifle - alongside his uncle.
As I am inclined to mention to people (repeatedly enough to become annoying) their snapshots may not seem important to them - but their historical significance to many others may be substantial. This photo is a fine example of that thought. It will become a part of the Vermilion Area Archival Society historical archives.
TRAGEDIES AND SCANDALS: PRoscoe's picture of this early auto that apparently abandoned the road for a ditch or pole projects a story I am unable to tell. I have no idea as to the reason he took this picture. It may have been a car his wife (my grandmother), Bessie, accidently lost control of (I have heard several stories of her driving skills - or lack thereof). Whatever the case it inspires me to mention that several folks have asked me to tell them about local bootleggers, and other scandalous/less than honest behaviors of local folk of yesteryear.
Of some of this, I will honestly say, I have no knowledge. But there are some things I, along with several others, do know. There is no question as to the interest these stories may generate among people. But there is some question as to whether it would be appropriate to make those things public. In short, would telling those stories harm someone?
I do not believe that human beings are infallible. That, in part, is what makes us human. But should we amuse ourselves at the expense of others?
On the other hand, there might be something said for revealing that fallibility - the darker side - of our collective lives. Should history always confine itself to the myth that Abraham Lincoln, for example, was strictly a champion of human freedom without regard to the fact that he did believe in slavery?
Those are tough questions. But methinks that the darker side of human character can be presented with the positive in a manner that represents the real human condition. If that offends someone it is not intended to offend. It is intended to provide greater dimension/perspective and understanding of human character.
TRAP NET: From Brownhelm historian, Bill Cutcher, comes this wonderful photo of his grandfather, William LaCourse, and a trap net inside the Kishman net-house. I've been sitting on this photo for months because I want to know more about the nets. Those unfamiliar with commericial lake fishing may be surprised at the very size of the net. It is substantial. But more surprising than that (for some) may be the fact that each of these nets were made by hand. It was not done in a day.
The commerical fisherman was a highly skilled worker. It was never a matter of just catching fish. There were, literally, hundreds of things involved in working the industry. Building a net was one. My respect for commercial fishermen grows the more I learn about their work. It is impressive.
YESTERYEAR: The final proof for this book is finished. There are some minor errors in the book that I will allow. They will give perspective readers something for which to look.
The book consists of only 60 pages. Influenced by a writing style I developed from writing a newspaper column each piece is relatively short and to the point. I believe each book will cost about $12 US.
CLASS REUNION UPDATES:
Ray Beursken tells me that the VHS class of 1955 has scheduled their 50th class reunion on September 10, 2005 at the Boat Club. Class members of 1955 should put this date on their calendar. They're hoping for a good turnout.
Bruce Eldridge tells me that he and John Hunter just secured the Amvets hall for their 45th 60,61 & 62 class reunion. The reunion will be Sat. July 22, 2006. John Hunter, class of 1960, will be starting a web site in May or June of 2005. Bob Wolford, class of 1961, will be sending out a letter to all the classmates who attended our 40th class reunion asking them to update their E-Mail and help find other classmates.
A gal named Shelly from the Class of 1985 tells me that "the VHS class of 1985 will be having a 20 year reunion in the summer of 2005......no further details. The name of the organizer is Kim Schultz."
From Roger Boughton comes the following note: Thanks to Gail Lyon and Pat and Glenn Owen we have some additional pictures of our reunion held last October. Take a visit to our website and see what's new. Memories of this October are only a click away. Enjoy and remember.....if you send pictures we'll share with others on our website. Mary Ann is busy writing stories for her Virginia paper. You'll want to visit the site and read her thoughts on Liberty. Keep the pictures coming as classmates who were not able to attend are enjoying seeing "old" school mates. Also, you might want to send us news from and about your family and we'll include it on our web site. Our survey clearly indicated that most wanted our reunion held in Vermilion in 2009. Thus, we'll be celebrating our "special" occasion (50th Reunion) in September of 2009. Put it on your calendar and plan to join the fun. Remember our web site is located at: Class of '59 and I'll update it as as I receive enough new pictures and information from our classmates to make it worth reading. So send me any information that you would like to share with other classmates and we'll put it up for all to see and view.
I've visited Roger's website and it's fun.
Persons interested in having their VHS (and vicinity) reunion plans posted on this site are welcome to do so. I can't provide anyone with webpages to post their activities in depth, but I can provide a link to existing pages and/or post some activity items here. All anyone need do is contact me at my email address and pass along their material electronically.
I should add that some of the people who are noted in this part of the page are good resource folks for all types of information if one should be looking for some long lost friend. I won't give out contact information unless I have permission from those named, but I will contact them on your behalf if you desire.
As news regarding VHS reunion activities comes to my attention it will appear on this web page. There's not much going on right this moment, but stay tuned folks.
The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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.
Links to other sites on the Web
Vol.3, Issue 4, April 16, 2005
© 2005 Rich Tarrant