CLEARLY JANUARY:Tis clear and cold in old Vermilion, O. this a.m. However; as one who has passed over the top of the proverbial hill - and currently finds himself speeding down the other side - I can legitimately say that I've experienced colder times. It's the old, "Why when I was a boy it was so cold..." syndrome.
I've spent the last few weeks (as several of the past "Views" illustrate)learning about the life and times of Joe Hill - a 20th century union (I.W.W.) songwriter / organizer: Thus, the music (mostly sung by fellow union man and organizer Harry "Haywire Mac" McClintock) that's been used with the last several ezines.
This week the piece appearing in the "New Views" section is directed toward the life, and death, of Hill in Utah.
My interest in Mr. Hill has not so much to do with his affiliation with labor problems in the U.S. nor his apparent preference for a more socialist philosophy of government for the nation. It has more to do with his having fallen a victim to an idealistic view of the world. The reality being that manunkind is not motivated by philosophies nor theologies - and that it can be a fatal mistake to ever entertain the belief that human beings are - or can ever be - totally logical animals. His life was a very real historic tragedy.
In other matters persons should note that I've finally finished a bio on Vermilionite Larry Shafts
.The piece contains more pix than can be found in past biographies. Their use is problematic and is still in need of adjustments. But that's just part of the learning process.This bio (as I have previously indicated) is unusual on my part because whilst I've done several sketches of folks I've known most departed this mortal coil between 30 to 50 years ago. Mr. Shafts left us relatively recently (2000).
I did have occassion to meet the gentleman. But the precise circumstance for our paths having crossed escapes me. It may have had something to do with his affiliation with the Vermilion Grange. For at one time I was in close contact with Clarence and Liz Phillips who were very active in the Grange. Liz and Clarence used to volunteer at the Vermilion Food Pantry - and I believe that Larry and his spouse Margaret once visited them just prior to a distribution.
In any case, I know that many people had a great deal of affection for both Mr. Shafts and his wife - and now I understand the reason(s).
Aside from all of this tis been a busy week for me. Nothing technical has worked (the way I would have liked). Were it not for the fact that I'm used to making mistakes and, consequently, learning things the hard way I might be frustrated. But methinks I am headed in the right direction. The technical "stuff" is interesting - but forever distracting and time consuming. No matter what anyone tells anyone time, and time alone, is the most valuable thing anyone can have. Once ye spend it - tis gone.
Stay close...
ROGER: This snap of Roger Bachman may, or may not, have been used in a previous "Views". But I came across it this a.m. and thought it to be a rather interesting and pleasant pic of a Vermilionite many folks may remember and/or know.
It was taken several years back on the grounds of Mill Hollow where, I believe, and family reunion was taking place. The Bachman family is an old Vermilion family and this, consequently, means that relatives are numerous.
Roger is a character. Aside from the old Vermilion Package Store I don't know that he worked in any specific place for long. He, and his brother Melvin, lived for years in the family home on Exchange Street (in Vermilion). But a fire last year (or the previous year) displaced them. And I'm not certain where either lives today. But they're still around.
After school Roger was drafted into the Army and served in Germany where he was a Colonel's driver. That job, for the benefit of those unfamiliar with military jobs, was a very good one. And in Roger's case it was absolutely remarkable because prior to his entering the service he never drove a car. His main source of motivation was always a bicycle.
In recent years Roger's health has declined. But owing to the fact that he is a veteran he was able to acquire VA medical services.
As this pic graphically illustrates Roger was a very amiable personage. And that he certainly remains.
UNUSUAL ADVERTISEMENT: Among some items sent me by Mary Lynn (Myers) Homitz was this old cigarette advertisement. I thought it interesting. Can ye imagine blowing smoke in anyone's face - yesterday or today?
But taking it a step further I applied the old Adobe Photoshop CS2 to it and came up with a new old advertisment that I think better illustrates any reason one might have for blowing smoke in another persons face.
Cool beans!
SLATED FOR DESTRUCTION: The old Walker (later Dick Baker) Dodge-Plymouth Dealership garage was never really a very attractive building. But it served its purpose. Very soon it will be no longer. And, thus, the reason I captured these shadows of the place (now the Ritter Public Library Annex).
For folks unfamiliar with the situation: The libary (obviously) purchased the building after the Dick Baker Dealership was sold, and has been using it as an annex to their facility for various community activities. Last Fall voters decided to allow them a continuation on a tax levy that will allow for the expansion of the library. Ergo; this building will be razed to make way for that expansion.
Unfortunately, I was not attentive during the library's last expansion project, so I didn't get pix of the old Shell service station, and the demise of the Washington-Liberty Street intersection before all was taken over by a pretty parking-lot. I will, however, be sure make a pictorial record of this expansion.
TOBERMORY II: "Viewer" friend and Vermilion expatriate Alice Wakefield sent me this gorgeous pic of her grandfather's Tobermory II as it looks today. The following note was included:
Hi Rich, I am sure you will hear from other family members about the
interior picture of Grandpa's boat.I think it must have been the first
TOBERMORY, which was a Matthews, built in Port Clinton. I never knew it
had twin engines but I do know she was a woodie which clearly shows in
the drawing. TOBERMORY II was steel and had one of the first diesel
engines installed in a pleasure boat on the lakes. I hope Read will
write more details about the life of TOB II as it is an interesting
tale. My parents, my husband and I took a trip on her in 1992 or 3
which was the 70th anniversary of her launch.
PODCAST #59: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #59 is retired Vermilion Municipal Judge, Betsy Wakefield, speaking at the January meeting of Vermilion Area Archival Society about the History of the Vermilion, Ohio justice system (Part One).
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.
I actually have a bit of information about the building of this vessel. Tis an interesting story. And methinks that it may be found in the "Views" archives...
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. Always
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
"
Be quiet, Brain, or I'll stab you with a Q-tip." -Homer Simpson
Vol.5, Issue 44, January 19, 2008
© 2007 Rich Tarrant