Vermilion Views

This pic - as well as the "vid" - was taken from the small bridge that passes over the creek on Edson Street a few days ago. Some people may recall that Edson Street was once called Thompson Street.

I don't know when that changed. Perhaps it was the same time that Division Street from Liberty Avenue to South Street was changed to Main Street.

The bridge, as well as the street itself, is relatively new - historically. Until perhaps 60 some years ago the street was not a through street. It was (more or less) a path on both sides of the stream that ended at the stream.

The youngsters who lived in what folks called the "Stove-Plant Allotment" on the west side of the creek either had to wade across the water to get to school everyday or walk around (across the railroad tracks and along the busy West Lake Road) to get to school at South or State Streets.

Finally someone (or local organization) built a footbridge. That, of course, gave way to the bridge that exists today. Ergo; Thompson / Edson Street came to be - at least officially.

It's one of the nicest areas in the entire city, and I doubt that it will ever experience any radical change beyond that inflicted upon it by the seasons.

WAKEFIELD'S "FIRST CREW": This pic has been about for years. It has appeared in "Views" at least once before - but never with the names of those pictured.

As with many things I come across - coming across an article with the names of the persons in this pic t'were purely a serendipitous matter. They are:

E.H. Wakefield was a younger brother of F.W. and was also born in Great Britain. He was superintendent of the Finishing Department.

On June 2, 1906 the folks in the accompanying photograph received the very first paychecks issued by the F.W. Wakefield Brass Company along with A.W. Copeland, A.J. Copeland, E.H. McVeen, Paul W. Thompson, Walter Baatz, F.W. Wakefield, and C.H. Hofrichter.

Many of the names of those listed are familiar to long time Vermilionites, as well as those interested in Vermilion's history. Not much is known, however, about Colonel.

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS: Herein is but another serendipitous event. Philip F. "Buddy" Tarrant was one of my older brothers. He was born on January 23, 1930, and passed away on the 20th day of December, 2001.

This photograph of him - which was, incidentally, taken by our older brother Bill - was taken sometime during the 1940's on the sidewalk in front of our Perry Street home. And if any photograph could perfectly describe the individual pictured - this is it.

Throughout his life Philip had an insatiable appetite for learning new things and developing new skills. Professionally, he was U.S. Postal carrier. But that was simply a way to finance his true interests in electronics, leather, woodworking, and his children and grandchildren. His sense of humor was second to none, and remains thus to this very day.

Shortly before he died he gave me a clock. It chimes every fifteen minutes. Now every time the clock chimes I think of him. And every time I think of him I hear him guffaw-ing. I know now "For whom the bell tolls". And it ain't for him.

IT'S THE CAT'S MEOW: This pic of the Decatur Street School is probably one of the worst photographs I've ever put together (and it was "put together"). I was asked to take a picture of the school by some friends so they could have the Cat's Meow people make a wooden cut-out of school for their class reunion (1958).

Keep in mind that this building is probably one of the sorriest pieces of architecture in the city. It lacks, among many things, personality. Ergo; my initial pix were accomplished at an angle because it simply makes the building look a little bit better.

But that's not what they wanted. They wanted a pic of the building from the front. And there were apparently none in existence from which to draw upon.

Lacking a wide-angle lens to make this an easy shot I took 2 or 3 pix from in front of the school and then pieced them together to accomplish the wide-angle effect seen above. I also had to eradicate some of the signage that now exists in front of the building and omit the cafeteria. I was not happy with the result. But I gave them what I had.

I am surprised. That's probably the best the building has ever looked. It's really the cat's meow. This is second one of my photographs to have been used in the production of one of these items.

PODCAST #65: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #65 is a looped video of Edson Creek in a recent snowstorm along with additional readings from the late Betty Trinter's book "The Way It Was". And (as always) these podcasts are eternally under construction...

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. Always changing...

Incidentally, "Viewer" Larry Hohler who is a big part of the Hope Home in Kenya wants folks to know that the children they are assisting are safe - midst the turmoil raging around them in that country. Methinks all "Viewers" should take a good look (go to the links section of "Views" for a virtual tour) at how the project really, really helps underprivileged children in this 3rd world nation. It is sincerely a worthwhile effort.

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.

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):

Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live