Vermilion Views

Very funny. But, in truth, March is still raging in Northern Ohio. We received about 6 inches of new "stuff" while we slept - or at least while I slept. But this is a light snow so it likely won't be around long.

This issue of "Views" represents another milestone for this rather eccentric ezine (def: electronic magazine). Vermilion Views is now in its 6th year. This is the 261st issue.

This week it was received in 37 states in the Continental U.S. and 4 other nations - in Europe and Asia. A-mazing!

More amazing (to me) may be the fact that I have become acquainted with numerous people I have never personally met - and will likely never ever meet. But all of these people have one thing in common: some interest in the little City of Vermilion, Ohio and the folks who live, or at one time lived, there.

One of my first subscribers was a retired mining engineer who lives in Wales named Don Morgan. Don's interest in Vermilion was Lester Pelton. Don knew (and probably knows) more about Mr. Pelton and his invention (i.e. the "Pelton Runner") than anyone. He once had a wonderful website with a working / animated wheel on it. I've not heard from him for some time - but his emails arent' being "bounced" so I must assume that he's still there.

And that is one of the benefits of having produced "Views": Sharing information pertaining to the place called Vermilion, and friendships with people from all over the planet. What fun!

I extend my sincere thanks to all who visit for their participation. It has been, and continues to be, a truly rewarding experience.

DING JEFFERY: This pic, I came across by pure happenstance. While going through some old slides (for the Vermilion Area Archival Society) taken by late Vermilionite Roy Kneisel I happened upon this one.

I swear - it's almost like I'm standing right there - on the corner of Grand and South Street - watching the Memorial Day Parade pass on bye. And there is "Ding" Jeffery on the back of a Vermilion Fire Engine waving to parade watchers.

While I believe the year on the pic tell one that it was 1965 I (for several reasons I'll not rant about at this moment) believe it was more likely 1967.

Mr. Jeffery was an extremely amiable personage. My first memories of him were from the days when he worked with his equally amiable brother, "Doc", in their Park (Meat) Market in the Fischer Building on Liberty Avenue. He later worked for, and retired from, the U.S. Postal Service.

These Jeffery fellows were always a source of amazement to me. For they had good reason not to be nice, nor tremedously happy. They had had their fill of tragedy in their childhoods. But they simply seemed to just take what life offered them - and move on. All three brothers (another brother "Bud" was a career military man) led exceptionally productive lives.

Until I came across this photo I had almost forgotten that "Ding" had been part of the VFD. But now I remember. Just like it was yesterday...

THE YEAR THE PARADE WENT THE WRONG WAY: Whilst on the subject of parades let us visit a Vermilion, Ohio "Decoration Day" Parade in 1957. Last week a pic of my sister, Nancy Alice, on her horse appeared in "Views". And I did wonder where (on Earth) it was taken. Because, for whatever reason, the locale seemed to be unfamiliar.

Now folks who watch these parades know full well that until just recently they started on North Main Street near Exchange Park, and ended at Decatur Street. Ergo; the parades, historically, move clockwise.

I will be 64 years old this November and I do not recall any deviation in the "clockwise" route of any parade (Memorial, Fish Festival, nor Woollybear) in Vermilion.

The above photograph (another Roy Kneisel slide photo) was taken in 1957 at the corner of Exchange and South Streets looking west. The white house in the background is the one that stands on the northeast corner of Main / Division and South Streets. And the big house in the shade to the right is the house that until just recently was the home of Jess and Marian Greene (a.k.a. the Captain Moody house).

This slide comes from a series of slides taken in the same spot. So it's not just part of the parade. It appears that the parade was actually going counterclockwise.

Go figure. There is probably a good explanation for the inconsistancy. And I will look for it in the micro files of The Vermilion News. But until then it will just have to be one of history's mysteries.

AN INTERESTING PIECE: I've no idea how this poem found its way into the archives of the Vermilion Area Archival Society. It's not Shakespeare - but it is dated, signed, and is interesting.

I believe we can (especially right now) identify with snow drifts. And the mention of chestnuts and streetcars really date the piece. It is an historical document worth reading.

WHAT A BUST: Another work by me friend Frank A. Homitz. Prior to this only his drawings have been displayed in "Views". But, as is obvious, he works in other mediums as well.

I've had it for some time now but haven't had a way to photograph it. What I needed to take a reasonably good pic of the piece was a thing called a "photo-tent". The cost of one of these items (although most come with lights and a small tripod for a camera) is from $65 to several thousand dollars.

The tent makes photographing small objects easier because the photog doesn't have to deal with backgrounds that make small objects difficult to see, nor the shadowing and glare one experiences when trying to photograph small objects under other circumstances.

Not wanting to spend a great deal of money on a piece of equipment that I will only use on occasion my wife, Georgi, and I found some very simple plans and instructions and made a light-tent.

In the photo to the left you see Georgi pasting 2" strips of sketch-pad paper on the inside of a cardboard box. I had previously cut out pieces from 4 sides of the box leaving 2" margins. When she was finished she drapped a piece of white muslin over two sides and the top and fastened them to the box with masking tape.

The backdrop is the only relatively expensive piece of material used for the tent. It is a piece of white synthetic material (not as pliable as muslin). It was drapped on the bottom and over the back of the box. Again, it was fastened with masking tape.

I placed several full sheets of the sketch-pad paper on the bottom of the box.

On the right is the finished box. The light I used is simply an inexpensive adjustable lamp with a clamp and a 40 watt bulb. I already had a tripod. And as one can see from the finished product (above) it worked rather well. (Or at least I believe it did.)

And as for Frank's bust - it's just wonderful. It looks just like someone I know - but I can't quite remember who...

SWIFT'S HOLLOW: Is this pic palpable or what? My friend Dennis Lamont passed it to me via the net last week. It certainly captures the historical flavor of the place.

And did ye know that the Swift Family never ever heard it called "Swift's Hollow" until sometime in the early part of the 20th century. They just referred to it as their home "Rosedale".

Methinks that's an indicator of just how strong - and lasting - the Swift Family's presence was felt in the area. Few of us will have something as lasting continue to exist long after we are gone from this mortal coil.

The locale of the pic - as near as I can tell - is looking down the road to the southeast in the hollow. If one followed the road behing the carriage you would arrive at the aforementioned "Rosedale" before going up the hill to the south.

By the time this photo was froze in time the Swift Family was long gone from the area - and very likely the Light of Hope Orphange was also gone - or was about to be gone.

PODCAST #68: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #68 is "me" in our Family Room telling "Seldom told Stories of Vermilion's Yesteryear" - Part Two. It's a terrible production...but it's just a matter of record. And (as always) these podcasts are eternally under development...

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