THE RAIN BARREL: I caught these pretty shadows today (6-1-07) very shortly after a good hard rain fell to earth. The water was still running into the rain-barrel at the back of the house. Some of the flowers looked as though they were drinking from the birdbath.
Quite nice.
This week I'm doing "Views" late on Friday night. In the a.m. I've got to help with a funeral luncheon for the family and friends of a good friend who passed into eternity a week ago. Her name was Pat Reising. Some folks may have known her as Pat Grote. She was but 75 years old. Cancer caught her and wouldn't let go.
"Patsy" (as I teasingly called her - and she called me "Richie" in turn) and all her family were always great help at the Congregational Church - in whatever activity we'd be about. She was a great help with the Vermilion Food Pantry.
She'll be missed.
Note the music - I'll Fly Away. The piece always strikes me as being a melancholy but very graceful dirge. Like the water splashing into the rain barrel it somehow soothes the spirit.
THE PISTON PUSHERS: I don't rightly know if young men still form Hot Rod Clubs anymore. Perhaps not. This pic of Vermilion's Piston Pushers Club back in 1957 is a real classic. "Viewer" Alice Wakefield e-mailed me this, along with several others, last weekend. I believe they may have appeared in the 1957 Vermilion High School Log Book.
It's not a wonderful reproduction. And I could go into some detail as to the reason this is true. But I don't believe many folks care too much about the tech end of things here. So...
I retained the caption that appeared with the pic for "Viewer" amusement. And I do remember most of the fellows in the photo. Off-hand I can make out the faces of Dave Dickerhoff, Lee Kress, Darrell Ollis, and Bob Hunter. And while I can make out of the faces of a few more of the boys their names don't immediately pop into my brain.
Those were the days of really hot stock cars. They don't make cars like these boys had anymore. Most were stock 8-cylinder autos that could and did go "like a bat out of hell". How we all survived those years is anyones guess.
29 CENTS: Alice W. also sent me this jewel. It goes well with the Piston Pusher pic. Gas at "Bud's Sunoco" station (still there) next to the American Legion Hall (now Cassell Realty) across from the Vermilion Boat Club was 29 cents a gallon for high test. That, in part, explains why everyone could drive those 8-cylinder monsters that could easily hit 120 mph on the backroads around Vermilion.
Stories of running those roads at those speeds, avoiding the local constable, "fruiting", and smashing mailboxes along the way were hardly uncommon rites of passage for many youngsters of that day.
Although we'd like our children to believe that such things are despicable (and they certainly are) they were, nonetheless, a part of the lives of most of those who came of age during the mid to late 1950's.
Some of those kids even grew up to become policemen.
THE GOODY-GOODY BAR: And so long as we're on the subject of the '50's those who came of age during that time probably remember the Good-Goody Bar - the soda shop / restaurant that was sandwiches between the "picture-show" (i.e. the Liberty Theater) and Fulper's Sohio Station.
And if ye recall that ye may also recall these two faces: Jeanette Wiseman and her mother who waitressed there. I certainly do.
I also remember that there was a hand drawn dollar bill in a frame on the wall of the restaurant. Local artist Bernie Black drew it free-hand - and it was amazing.
These pix from Alice really jog the old memory.
THE LIBERTY THEATER: And how many folks spent time in Vermilion's Liberty Theater during their younger years?
I still remember the music that played before the movies began. One of the pieces was a thing called "Feudin' Fussin' and Fightin':
...Grandma, poor old Grandma Why'd they have to shoot poor old Grandma? She lies 'neath the clover - Someone caught her bendin' over Pickin' up a daisy..."
What a great place for old memories...
Sopia Stevens in her greatcoat hiding the dinner she brough with her from Okagi's...
One of the "big kids" running from Mr. Nuhn on the backs of the seats all the way to the screen...
Dime boxes of popcorn. Nickle candy-bars...
The movie called "THEM" - T-error, H-orror, E-xcitement, M-ystery..."The Creature from the Black Lagoon"..."The Blob"...Roy Rodgers...Marilyn...Jayne...Esther Williams...
Who couldn't fall in love with the Liberty Theater?
Not I!
THE WEST BREAKWALL: And stepping away from the Happy Days trip this pic of the west breakwall along the great Vermilion River is simply a wonderful view of that area at about the turn of the century.
This pic was taken in the approximate vicinity of the place where the Ted Wakefield house sits today. The changes in the scenary about town that have occured during the last century are often a-mazing.
PODCAST #26: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #26 It is simply a continuation of readings from Betty Trinter's history "The Way It Was" by "Views" editor Rich Tarrant.
Feel free to collect/download these readings and place them on a disc for listening at a later time. If you have the equipment it would be relatively easy to edit them (cut out the misc. stuff) and just keep what ye might find interesting.
HAVE YE QUESTIONS (?): From "Viewer" Lorna Naegele comes the following question:
"A few days ago, I was driving along and got this weird whiff of vinegar, and thought of what we used to call the 'pickle factory.' I thought to myself "I should write Rich and ask about the pickle factory!" So imagine my surprise when I opened this week's VV and there's the story of the 'pickle works!' Thanks! Though we didn't live in that neighborhood, my frequent babysitters, the Weitzman's, lived on South St., so we ofter walked by the 'pickle factory.' I do still have a question - when was the plant in operation? "
Though we didn't live in that neighborhood, my frequent babysitters, the Weitzman's, lived on South St., so we ofter walked by the 'pickle factory.'
I do still have a question - when was the plant in operation? "
ANSWER: Lorna
Honestly, my schedule has been so hectic for the last two weeks I've hardly had time to think about anything. Perhaps I will find time during this coming week to answer this question as it should be answered. I've actually received some great information peraining to this facility that I want to share when time permits. So please hang in there.
And while ye wait - if anyone has any other questions...
WHAT'S A FOOT: There will be no June meeting of the Vermilion Area Archival Society. However; during Vermilion's Festival of the Fish society members will be on hand to greet persons interested in Vermilion history at their new home in the Hull / Consumer building next to the railroad tracks on Main Street.
Everyone is welcome to stop by and talk with them and 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:
And I need to mention the projects of my friend Bette Lou Higgins, Artistic Director, of Eden Valley Enterprises. For those unfamiliar with her work - they stage historical people/events from (and) around the State of Ohio.
A great deal of research and practice goes into these productions to make them as accurate as possible.
I will attempt to keep updates on Eden Valley' programs here throughout the year. So keep coming back.
On June 16, 2007 at 1p.m. travel back to 1899. Meet Sarah Comstock who grew up in a house on the Underground Railroad in Sandusky at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, 125 Meigs Ave.; Sandusky. She will discuss her new book, NEXT STOP, FREEDOM! This first person character program is part of the museum's Juneteenth celebration. The program is open to the public and free with museum admission. For more information, call the museum at 419-624-0274 or visit them at Sandusky Maritime Museum.
A performance of YOU CAN'T PLAY BALL IN A SKIRT! be featured and will be held at the Freer Family Field at the corner of Park St. and Morgan Ave, June 25-30. The Chautauqua is sponsored by the Ashland Community Arts Center and this year's theme is "Sport and Society." For more information call the Ashland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 877-581-2345 or e-mail: Ashland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
To arrange for this or any of their programs for your group, contact Eden Valley directly with your request (and/or to view a complete schedule of Eden Valley Events) visit their web page at www.edenvalleyenterprises.org.
Please take the time to visit (or re-visit) the Hope Children's Home site linked below. The site has been recently updated. 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. 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.
I need to strongly reiterate the fact that this is an on-going project. The need is forever continuing. Please think about these children. If not with your pocketbook - at least in your daily prayers.
CLASS REUNION UPDATES:This from Shirley Williams Gleason: The CLASS of '58 is planning on hosting the reunion on the weekend of July 17, 18, 19, 2008....The Committee will be sending out information this spring in regard to the plans.
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
And I just received the following from Alice Wakefield:
"...I just established a yahoo group for the VHS Class of 1957 so we can catch up on our classmates before our September reunion..." Here are the details: The Group home page can be found at: VHS CLASS OF 1957 The Group email address is: VHSClassof1957 Go to the home page and join today!!
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. And, incidently, I received the following communique from Roger this recently. It said in part:
JUST A REMINDER: You'll also want to place on your calendar the dates for our reunion in 2009. It will be held the weekend of September 18-20, 2009. It seems like a long way off but you'll find it will be here sooner than you anticipated.
It is my understanding that some of these links are not working, or they are not working well. If so it is a technical problem belonging to the respective parties operating those webpages. They appear here only as a courtesy to those parties. Please address any concerns you may have about those pages to those responsible for them. 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 Vermilion's Youngest Minstrels For Persons who would like to contribute 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 contributed to the cause. I doth sincerely appreciate it): Rich Tarrant1041 Oakwood DriveVermilion, Ohio44089Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-522-4459 "Stealing! How could you? Haven't you learned anything from that guy who gives those sermons at church? Captain whats-his-name?" ~ Homer Simpson Vol.5, Issue 11, June 2, 2007 View Page StatsSee who's visiting this page. "Vermilion Views" Search powered by FreeFind
It is my understanding that some of these links are not working, or they are not working well. If so it is a technical problem belonging to the respective parties operating those webpages. They appear here only as a courtesy to those parties. Please address any concerns you may have about those pages to those responsible for them.
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
For Persons who would like to contribute 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 contributed to the cause. I doth sincerely appreciate it):
Vol.5, Issue 11, June 2, 2007
© 2007 Rich Tarrant