AND THUS IT BEGINS (AGAIN): I have often said that if one gave a monkey a camera that it is entirely possible that sooner or later he will come up with a reasonably good photograph. And I be a prime example of that thought.
This week I will be rushing through the composition of "Views" because I have pressing matters before me. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen / read / looked at.
One thing that I'm doing in "Views" that is rather new this year [although it actually began before Christmas] is that I am using some old recordings I've purchased from the Smithsonian Institute along with this electronic publication.
No small part of my reasoning is that I find the music entertaining. But the larger part of my intent is educational. Most of these recordings are tangible pieces of American history.
This week features a fellow named Gilbert Vandine 'Cisco' Houston (August 18, 1918 – April 29, 1961) singing an old cowboy / folksong piece entitled "Tying a Knot in the Devil's Tail".
Cisco Houston in London - 1958
As time passes I will afford ye a bit more info on the artist(s) as well as history behind the music. However; as I have previously indicated - I'm a bit rushed this week so I'll have to be moving along...
SO LONG BETTY: This photograph has appeared in past editions of "Views" with all the names of the folks in it. This is, of course, the Vermilion High School Class of 1937.
Willard Smith, Mike Sopko, Norman Smith, Earl Klucas, (Seated girls in front) Marie Williams, Dora Krapp, Eunice Louks, (then past them) Lois Wohlever, Russell Darley, Orville Hite, Virginia Welch, Robert Lafferty, Werner Kishman, Else Rommen, Clara DeLeonardis, Lily Krincick, Warren Lee, Loren Utter, Carl Fichtel, Fred Fischer, (Seated) Betty Shimansky, Nettie Bogart, and Betty Becker.
The reason I pulled it from the "Views" archives this week is because Betty (Elizabeth Lee Shimansky) Trinter (seated on the bench to the right - third girl to the left) passed into the hands of God this week. She was 90 years old.
Betty's legacy to Vermilion, Ohio is substantial. Her book(s) "The Way It Was" along with her The History of Vermilion's Congregational Church are invaluable resources for local, and perhaps all, historians.
Somewhere (I don't recall exactly where) I recall reading of her that she was noted for her writings as a youngster / teenager. I, for one, am certainly glad that she used that talent later in her life. It will never ever be forgot.
So - so long Betty - so long.
LARRY SHAFTS: And here is another - and a great picture - of later Vermilionite Larry Shafts. While I now have enough information to do a bio on Mr. Shafts (thanks to his nephews Larry and Dale Hohler)I've not yet begun. (Again - I'm a bit pressed for time right now.) However; by next week it will have been done.
In the meantime I thought it would be nice to share this pic of a young Mr. Shafts on the beach in (I think it was) somewhere in Canada. Now what do you suppose these Tarzanian look-a-likes were up to?
Seriously though - it may interest some to know that the fellow on the right was a brother to Dr. Kevorkian of assisted death fame.
Small world is it not?
CABIN FEVER: My artist friend Frank Homitz never ceases to surprise me with his drawings. The historic interest of this particular piece is that it portrays the upper cabin on one of the Wakefield vessels.
It was adapted from a photo take by Frank's father-in-law Herb Myers who was a friend of the Wakefield Family. Note the hand powered bilge pump to the right and the compass hanging in front of the wheel. It was a twin screw vessel. But its name (???). Perhaps someone recognizes it.
Franks title for the drawing is "Cabin Fever". At this time of year it is terribly appropriate.
HOLY NAME SOCIETY: I don't recall if I ever used this particular photograph in a previous "Views". But no matter. Tis a wonderful pic.
Note that the aforementioned Larry Shafts can be seen in the very front row of the photo with a very young Joe Mayer on the left and the very popular Steve Martin on the right.
I also see one of the Beurskin boys, Mr. Feldcamp, and Father Bristle in the photo.
I don't know much about the Holy Name Society except that it was a part of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vermilion. It may have been part of the Knights of Columbus. In my initial search for information about Larry Shafts I noted that he was an officer in that organization.
I assume (a dangerous thing to do) that the pic was taken in St. Mary's church in 1949. It's a Rudy Moc portrait.
Great stuff!
As a footnote to this particular photo I received the following message from "Viewer: Mary Koller Orians:
Dear Rich--just reading my Vermilion Views and enjoyed seeing the Rudy Moc photo of the Holy Name Society of St Mary's Church and I noticed my dad Rudy Koller was on the left end of the second row. Also, want to correct the name of the priest at the time. He was Father Bissell. I can remember him very well.
I need thanks Mary for the correction of the priest's name and noting her father's presence in the pic. I can only get things right with the help of all those who access these pages - and I like being correct.
THE FISCHER MANSE: This pic is part of the Fischer Family photo collection provided "Views" by (Bobbi Riley) the great-granddaughter of "the folks in this photo (George and Elizabeth Fischer)". Note that I was wrong about the identities of the folks in the pic. Whilst Lizzie is correct the gent is Elton Fischer. Bobbi was kind enough to correct me on the matter and send me this additional photo:
With it she also sent me the following comment(s) that I found rather amusing:
"First Cousins Virginia Fischer (daughter of Ruth Goodsell Fischer & Elton Fischer) and Richard Priest (son of Maud Fischer Priest and Orland Priest). They are standing on the front porch of the Fischer home after it was enclosed. I'm guessing this was taken about 1925. And, no, I don't think my mom is flipping the bird but she definitely looks up to something. Just look at the worried look on Richard's face. This is one of my favorite pix and it always makes me laugh.
What a wonderful caption and photograph!
What an interesting photograph.
PODCAST #57: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #57 returns to the old routine of readings from the late Betty Trinter's wonderful history of Vermilion, "The Way It Was". This week we cover the years 1866 and 1867.
Happy New Year!
For the benefit of all - kindly take note of the fact that I have produced an archive (that can be found in the "Links" section of the page) that will allow "Viewers" an easier way to access all past podcasts.
Note: (1)that the podcasts are in the archives; (2)that one can easily listen to them on-line and / or copy them (for free) to their PC or Mac for later listening; and (3) that all have also been preserved, by myself, on a separate hard-drive and on CD's. Anyone unable to listen to, or acquire the audios on-line and wishes to acquire a copy of any of these audio casts and / or recordings of persons who have spoken at a Vermilion Area Archival Society meeting during the last 12 months can do so by contacting me, and paying a small cover fee for recording materials.
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Looking for the latest information about VHS Class Reunions, The Vermilion Area Archival Society, Eden Valley Enterprises events, and Hope Home in Kenya. Follow the link to the Vermilion Locals page. Something new (mit a few new pix added) for your enjoyment.
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 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
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: 440-522-4459
"We live in a society of laws. Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun? Well I didn't hear anybody laughin',did you?" -Homer Simpson
Vol.5, Issue 42, January 5, 2008
© 2007 Rich Tarrant