This week: "Evening Gown" Jerry Lee Lewis, Mick Jagger & Ron Wood~2006~
AUNT PHOEBE: From the great state of Washington comes this wonderful, wonderful, book from the Friends of Aunt Phoebe Goodell Judson. What a work.
To reiterate - Phoebe Goodell Judson grew up, and attended school in Vermilion. Her father, the Rev. Jotham W. Goodell, was the minister of Vermilion's first Church, and gave the dedication sermon in that church in 1843.
Phoebe married a Vermilion boy by the name of Holden Judson. Soon after they traveled the Oregon Trail to the territory that would become Washington State - where her father (Jotham) and mother (Anna) had already settled.
Phoebe's account of that journey from Vermilion to Washington, and the years that ensued can be found in a book that she wrote entitled A Pioneer's Search for an Ideal Home. The book was published for the first time in 1925 when Phoebe was but 95 years old. I highly recommend that everyone interested in local and/or American history read this book. It's an inspirational piece, a cookbook, and a history book all in one.
The Memory Book is edited by my "net-met" friend Mary-Margaret Michaelson, the Assistant Curator of the Lynden, Washington Pioneer Musuem. (By the by - Phoebe gave name to the city of Lynden.) It is 200 wonderful pages of photographs, documents, and paintings depicting the life of the lady whose friends now refer to as "Aunt Phoebe".
The copy I received will be given to the Vermilion Area Archival Society for safe keeping and, of course, for reference. Those who would like to look through it may feel free to contact me. And those who might want to purchase a copy for themselves can do so by sending $29.95 + $5.00 for shipping and handling to the:
Were I to say that I was extremely surprised and pleased to see this book it would be an understatement. Very nice!
JUST JIM: Methinks that some folks can just get lost in the mystery that is history. And I believe that Jim White is one of those persons.
I probably know a bit more about him today that I did when he was throwing his shadow across the earth. But that is of no matter. When I came across his photo as a Vermilion High School senior in the Hi-Times annual of 1933 I recalled all my memories and thoughts of him.
Jim lived in the house now occupied by a gift store/coffee shop (i.e. Decidedly Different) on Main Street. From what I can tell it is extremely likely that he was born to this home.
When I knew him he worked for the Vermilion Water Department. Jim and Glen Feiszli (among their other duties) used to read water meters in town.
When I was the Caretaker at Vermilion's Olympic Outing Club Jim and Glen were inclined to be victimized by the charitable natures of numerous residents of the club (as, happily, was I) as they made their reading rounds around the cottages on the grounds. I mean - what's the harm is accepting a nip or two when the weather's a bit too cold - or hot - or who cares what it is?
But, seriously, Jim was a quiet man who, by and large, stuck to himself.
In later years he dated a widowed artist named Thelma Pratt for a time. But other than that he was not highly visible in the community.
Jim's mother was named Bertha, and his father was named Hubert. Evidently his mother had been previously married and had two children from that marriage; Carl and Margaret Englebry. What I really didn't realise at any time is that Jim had a twin brother named George. And I know nothing further of Jim's family beyond these things.
Jim abondoned his earthly shadows on the 3rd of January in 1980 at the age of 63. And so it goes...
GAYLE & FRIENDS: As we move through "Views" this week you will find (Dear "Viewer) numerous pix I received last weekend from Roberta "Bobbi" Riley who now lives in California (another "Net-met" friend).
That which appears above came to me entitled "Gayle Furguson & Friends".
Because I didn't know Gayle, and don't recognize her "friends" I can't say too much about the pic. (Perhaps someone can help us out here.)
This pic - as well as those that follow are all c.1937.
This is the type of "stuff" that I do wish that folks would save, annotate, and if possible, just as Bobbi and a number of others have done, scan and pass them on to me.
Great Stuff!!
HMMMM: I doubt that anyone in the United States would get away with doing what these fellows are doing in this photograph without precipatating a riot.
These gentlemen are riding in a parade in "blackface" portraying the radio (and later television) characters "Amos and Andy" in their "Fresh Air" Taxi.
I'm going to stick my neck out here and guestimate that this snapshot (it really is a "snap") taken during Vermilion's Centennial celebration in 1937. And I would place it on Liberty Avenue between Decatur and Perry Streets.
It provides us with another very unique look at Vermilion's past.
NOVEMBER: In case you haven't guessed I'm experimenting with digital video on the page. So bear with me some. It's not exceptional.
This footage was captured this a.m. in front of our house on Oakwood Drive. As is quite obvious I've not raked the leaves from the yard as of yet. But I usually wait until my birthday (November 8th) to accomplish that task. It's a tradition.
But in truth I maintain some hope that all my leaves will just blow into the yards of my neighbors and save me the trouble. I can't tell thee how much they appreciate my sentiments on that subject.
How about that?
THE DEDICATION: Again, another very rare look at Vermilion's past courtesy of Bobbi Riley. This photograph was taken in Victory Park looking west. It, again, is 1937. And it, again, was taken during Vermilion's centennial.
Here we see a crowd of citizens waiting for the ceremony that surrounded the the dedication of the plaque for Vermilion's founders that was placed on the large boulder in that park.
Below is a photo of that which looks to be a military band crossing the railroad tracks on Division/Main Street heading for the ceremonies in Victory Park. Note the bunting on all the businesses along the street.
This is a good photograph of the WRC (Women's Relief Corps) float that appeared in the 1937 Centennial parade. Some years back I wrote an article about this organization (i.e. the Delker Chapter of the WRC) for the Vermilion Photojournal and I do wish I had had this particular pic at that time. The one I had was a copy of a copy of a copy - and it was terrible. But this is a beauty.
Lastly, is a pic of the "babydoll/buggy" parade down Liberty Avenue. It is taken at about the same spot as the "Taxi" pic but looking in the other direction. In this photo the electric tracks are quite visible in the middle of the street, and the electric wires overhead were used to attach various flags.
THE NEW VAAS CALENDAR: It's out, and it's a keeper. From the Clubhouse at Vermilion-On-The-Lake to the hotel at Beulah Beach Vermilion's "Vacationland" Communities are there.
If you would like to purchase a calendar you can purchase one from myself or any member of the VAAS. They are $5.00. If they have to be posted an even $7.00 should handle the cost of postage and handling. The address for the VAAS is available below (in the "What's Afoot" section). Please make all checks/money orders, etc. payable to the Vermilion Area Archival Society.
If you want a calendar for Christmas I would suggest ordering/purchasing one soon.
They're great keepsakes.
WHAT'S A FOOT: The next meeting of the Vermilion Area Archival Society will be held in the Annex Room of Vermilion's Ritter Public Library on November 13th at 7 p.m. Brownhelm historian, Bill Cutcher, will be the featured speaker. He will present a powerpoint program re: the fishing industry in Vermilion and Huron.
Cutcher (he and his wife, Bonnie, now life in Pitsfield Township) just sent me this beauty the other day. Tis a picture of a local task that is really and truly now relegated to history; cutting ice along the Vermilion River. It came to him from his cousin, Sharon, whose father, Howard Cutcher, was a foreman at the Kishman Fish Company when the snap was taken (c.1940). The ice was cut and stored to be used to cool the fish during winter months. Everyone is absolutely welcome to attend this meeting and/or to become a member of the VAAS. Lifetime memberships are $100. Yearly memberships are $10 a person; $18.00 a couple; and $5 for a student.Our address is: VAAS P.O. Box 14 Vermilion, Ohio 44089. Please take the time to visit (or re-visit) the Hope Children's Home site linked below because there are some additions there that you might find interesting. With all the bad things happening on the "dark continent" and elsewhere it's really nice to know that there are some places where the light does shine brightly. Please keep in mind that the needs of Hope Children's Home are on-going. Partially due to the horrors taking place in the Mid-East the continued suffering of the peoples in Africa go virtually unnoticed by both our nation and the United Nations - and that should not be. Contributions to that home may be made to a Vermilion expatriot Larry Hohler in New York. Last week I received the following communique from Larry: "We're thinking about organizing an "Eco Cultural" Safari to Meru Kenya next February, that will include tours of our Home and the schools our kids attend, an SOS World Children's Village, an AIDS treatment Center, Meru Methodist University, and even a visit to nearby Game Park to view some wildlife. We think the cost for a 7 to 9 day visit will be between $3,000 and $4,000. (we can keep the cost low because we won't be viewed as typical tourists and will have the support of the Merian Community) Let me know if you know of anyone intersted in making such a trip." So there you are folks. If you'd like to take the Safari let me know and I'll put you in touch with Larry. It's an opportunity of a lifetime. Larry Hohler Hope Children's Fund, Ltd. This is a recipe that I frequently use for brunch and for Meals-On-Wheels. Try it. You'll like it. CLASS REUNION UPDATES: The VHS Class of 1957 are planning their Class Reunion for September 15, 2007. They cannot find addresses for the following classmates: William A. Brown, Carol L. Burkle, Eddie L. Davis, Robert W. DeLong, Jim B. Henry, Alexander J. Lutz, or Neil M. Marcussen. If anyone has that information please forward it to Shirley Lehky13909 Mason Road Vermilion OH 44089 Telephone:440-967-6536 or e-mail: realtor@hbr.net Bob Ferry, is heading up the VHS Class Reunion for 1987...20 years. I was unaware of it but more than just a few folks do use this site as a link to their respective class sites - so - here's the VHS Class of 1959's site back for your convenience too: Remember that site is located at: Class of '59 and it'll be updated it as Roger (Boughton) receives enough new pictures and information from classmates to make it worth reading. So send him any information that you would like to share with other classmates and he'll put it up for all to see and view. It is my understanding that some of these links are not working, or not working well. If so it is a technical problem belonging to the respective parties operating those webpages. Courtesy of my net-met friend and cartoonist Paul Kinsella You can visit his site @ Norm And Company 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 Vermilion Ohio Historic Pix History of Linwood Park Vermilion Visitor's Advisory (Satire) Gore Orphanage History The Lester Pelton Story The Wreck of The Niles #152 The History of Crystal Beach Vermilion Views Archives Vermilion's Pioneer Woman; Charlotte Sturges Cloudy; Vermilion's Ferryman The History of Vermilion's Congregational Church Dedication Sermon of Jotham W. Goodell, 1843 The Last Time I Saw Charlie Hope Childrens Home Kenya A Profile of Rich Tarrant Vermilion Biographies Vermilion - Village of Lake Captains "Hey Flanders, it's no use praying. I already did the same thing, and we can't both win" ~ Homer Simpson Vol.4, Issue 33, November 4, 2006 View Page StatsSee who's visiting this page. "Vermilion Views" Search powered by FreeFind
Everyone is absolutely welcome to attend this meeting and/or to become a member of the VAAS.
Lifetime memberships are $100. Yearly memberships are $10 a person; $18.00 a couple; and $5 for a student.Our address is:
Please take the time to visit (or re-visit) the Hope Children's Home site linked below because there are some additions there that you might find interesting. With all the bad things happening on the "dark continent" and elsewhere it's really nice to know that there are some places where the light does shine brightly. Please keep in mind that the needs of Hope Children's Home are on-going. Partially due to the horrors taking place in the Mid-East the continued suffering of the peoples in Africa go virtually unnoticed by both our nation and the United Nations - and that should not be. Contributions to that home may be made to a Vermilion expatriot Larry Hohler in New York.
Last week I received the following communique from Larry:
"We're thinking about organizing an "Eco Cultural" Safari to Meru Kenya next February, that will include tours of our Home and the schools our kids attend, an SOS World Children's Village, an AIDS treatment Center, Meru Methodist University, and even a visit to nearby Game Park to view some wildlife. We think the cost for a 7 to 9 day visit will be between $3,000 and $4,000. (we can keep the cost low because we won't be viewed as typical tourists and will have the support of the Merian Community) Let me know if you know of anyone intersted in making such a trip."
So there you are folks. If you'd like to take the Safari let me know and I'll put you in touch with Larry. It's an opportunity of a lifetime.
Larry Hohler Hope Children's Fund, Ltd.
CLASS REUNION UPDATES: The VHS Class of 1957 are planning their Class Reunion for September 15, 2007. They cannot find addresses for the following classmates: William A. Brown, Carol L. Burkle, Eddie L. Davis, Robert W. DeLong, Jim B. Henry, Alexander J. Lutz, or Neil M. Marcussen. If anyone has that information please forward it to
Bob Ferry, is heading up the VHS Class Reunion for 1987...20 years.
I was unaware of it but more than just a few folks do use this site as a link to their respective class sites - so - here's the VHS Class of 1959's site back for your convenience too: Remember that site is located at: Class of '59 and it'll be updated it as Roger (Boughton) receives enough new pictures and information from classmates to make it worth reading. So send him any information that you would like to share with other classmates and he'll put it up for all to see and view.
It is my understanding that some of these links are not working, or not working well. If so it is a technical problem belonging to the respective parties operating those webpages.
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.4, Issue 33, November 4, 2006
© 2006 Rich Tarrant