ALEXANDER WINTON: A PRoscoe photograph of this same vessel appeared in last week's edition of "Views". At the time I didn't know that it belonged to a man named Alexander Winton of Lakewood, Ohio. It's precise name is not yet clear in my mind. It is been called LaBelle, and Isabella. Although I prefer the name LaBelle I am inclined to believe that Isabella is the proper name. For you see there is a significant history surrounding this vessel - or should I say its owner; Mr. A Winton.
I will reserve a lengthy discussion of this gentleman for another venue, but I will cover a few things regarding him today.
Winton was a Scottish immigrant (a man after my own heart) who distinguished himself as an American auto pioneer. His contributions to the development of the automobile in these United States, and the world, was/is more substantial than that of Henry Ford - among others. Although his profile is, to say the least, less than visible in historical accounts of this industry he was, nonetheless, a very major player.
This does not surprise me . It's not that historians have ignored men like Winton; it's just that they have placed/misplaced all their focus on others - such as Ford.
Ford's greatest achievement [or it should, perhaps, be termed influence] in the auto industry was to make the automobile affordable to the common man. Ford was a businessman - not an inventor. Winton was both.
FLORENCE TOWNSHIP HALL: Let us review a bit of Ohio history of government. There is an organization of government that goes something like this: state, county, township, town/city. Towns/cities are located in townships; townships are located in counties; and counties are, of course, located in states. In the beginning the townships governed the towns, the counties governed townships, and...etc. This is the reason townships had halls, and the smaller towns did not.
This, however obvious, to some (who were not sleeping in their highschool civics classes) is not understood by as many Ohio citizens as it should.
In Vermilion, for instance, more than a few people have been surprised with the fact that the city doesn't own our Town Hall. They also don't understand that they, as citizens of Vermilion, actually live in a township. They think of the township as an entity outside (if you will in the "coutryside") their "town". This is in spite of the fact that they regularly vote for township trustees. In brief, all of this is been lost on the mind-sets of contemporary Ohioans.
And, thus, would I be willing to believe that more than a few persons will find this picture of the Florence Township Hall to be somewhat puzzling. But there it is. Puzzle no more.
The townships still exist - and in some cases are much more prosperous than the towns within their territories - and they exist, perhaps fortunately, in spite of the ignorence of many of the constituents who in them abide.
Ironically, this picture came to me via Erie County Commissioner Sparky Weilnau. Mr. Weilnau is also a historic artifact collector.
AT LIBERTY: This photograph of Liberty and Main Streets looking northeast over the Vermilion River, the early fish shanties, and the marshland beyond is a keeper. But what I find of most interest here is the stark reality of the scene. There ain't nothing bucolic/romantic about it. As much as one might appreciate history and historical events and artifacts one must also learn to appreciate the present. Often have I been amused at those who, in some fashion, look to recreate those days of yore as if they were very pleasing moments. I'm sorry folks but I've got to appreciate paved streets, walks, indoor plumbing, and electricity, and have little desire to do away with those things for someones amusement (including my own).
This picture should remind us that our lives are good.
CUB SCOUT FACES: I really like this photograph. I can't remember everybody in the picture - but do remember many of the faces.
This is Vermilion Cub Scout Pack 309. At one point in time Ralph Bard was the leader.
The photo was taken in the Firehall I'd guess in the realm of 1955-56. Here are some of the faces I can remember:
Back Row: Pete Nichols (now a minister in Portstown, PA.); Ken Risdon(Bob Risdon's brother who is a professor in Deluth, Minn.); Tommy Roberts; Bill Ream (my very good friend now living in FLA); Ray Croxford; Jerry Smith; Bob Hill; Bob Risdon; Randy Dellisanti; Paul Heffernan.
Second Row: ?;Hollosy; Dan Gray; Rick Furgason; Dicky Adams; ? Sanderson; Lee Myers; Jimmy Calvey; ?; ?; Steve (a.k.a. Bozo) Balmert.
Sitting: ?; Tom Hauff; Tom Rodgers; ?; (looks like) Tim Peters; Vaughn Smith; Joel Hasenflue; Bobby Rhodes; ?; Donny Reiber; Martin Bodde; and Bill Nowacki.
Ya' gotta help me here folks! This is a great picture and we need identify everyone.
WEST OF THE PIER: I find this photo to be somewhat unusual. It is the shoreline west of the Vermilion River. It may have been taken from the homemade pier that George Wakefield built just below his father's Harborview home (now the Great Lakes Historical Society Museum). I've not seen many pictures of the shore west of town. Nor have I seen more than, perhaps, one picture of the Sherod Home (Sherod Park area) - though I have some faint recollections of that area from a half century ago.
The Sherod Park shoreline was, at one time, a rather busy port area. Those who know the waters there to any degree understand that there are many rocks beneath the surface. They are, I've been told, remnants of the piers that extended from the shore.
Oddly enough the Great Lakes Historican people rejected an offer from the city for land to build a new museum in the Sherod Park area. It actually has some great historical significance - marine and otherwise.
YESTERYEAR: I now track the book from Redmond, Washington State to Maumee, Ohio. It's been sitting in Redmond since April 22. I'm not precisely sure as to the reason. It may be that it is due to the publisher's stated release date of May 2. [Very interesting.]
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 5, April 23, 2005
© 2005 Rich Tarrant