FAVORITE PIX AND OTHER THINGS: This week I received several communiques from Andy Verhoff of the Ohio Historical Society. Andy is the OHS "Local History Coordinator". If you haven't heard: the OHS learned a week ago Friday that the Ohio Senate Finance Committee’s FY10-11 current budget recommendations call for cutting ALL FUNDING for budget line 509, which funds the Ohio Historical Society’s outreach activities. These include the Local History Office, historical markers, Civil War 150th anniversary, History Day, and teacher professional development programs.
Well, there wasn't much time to do anything about this. But I did contact some of the politico's responsible - BUT - the bill passed anyway.
So - Andy asks that those who can to mark your calendars for Thursday, June 11 from noon – 1 p.m. to Rally for History! at the Ohio Historical Center, located at I-71 and 17th Avenue in Columbus.
The Ohio Senate voted Wednesday (June 3rd) to approve the next two-year state budget, which includes significant budget cuts that would reduce the state’s investment in the Ohio Historical Society to the lowest level since 1994. Now the budget goes to a conference committee made up of a small number of House and Senate members as well as Strickland Administration officials.
So what now?
There is still time to make an impact and help restore funding for historic sites and the Society’s Outreach programs that affect students, teachers, local history organizations and Ohio communities. It's time to Rally For History! Ergo the OHS asks (those who are able) to please join them on Thursday, June 11. FREE parking and admission to the Ohio Historical Center for participating in the rally. More details coming very soon…
Browsing through some of the many pix I've collected through the years this week I thought it would be nice to use a few of them as subject matter for this edition of "VV". I've never taken an actual account of the numbers - but there are probably near 8 to 10 thousand.
Some - long-time "Viewers" have already seen. And some not. But they're all intriguing in their own way(s).
Historically,
Albern
ALBERN THOMPSON: Albern Thompson was born in Vermilion, Ohio in September of 1857. He was the second child of Miles and Julia A. Thompson. Miles was born in Ohio in 1831 (probably in Jessup / Florence Township). Julia was born in Maine in about 1834.
There were three other children in the family; Alice (b.1855), Vernon (b.1861), and Cora (b.1867).
Miles, among other things was Town Marshall, and kept a "lock-up" in the area most Vermilionites now recognize as Exchange / Rubberneck Park in the very heart of town.
Miles father, Horace had migrated with his family to Ohio early in the 19th century. He married a gal named Mary Nicholas whose family also came to the area about that same time. Originally settling along the lake shore on a portion of land that would later become Shattuck’s/Shadduck’s Grove, then Crystal Beach Park; and now occupied by the Crystal Shore Apartment buildings - they would later buy another piece of land, and build a home on the spot, where F.W. Wakefield eventually built his wonderful “Harborview” mansion early in the 20th century. It is now the home of the Great Lakes Historical Society’s Maritime museum.
A handsome man, Albern, worked as a Marine Engineer on one of the fish tugs out of Vermilion's fine harbor. He married a lass named Anna and had two children; Hellen / Helen (b.1886) and Hazen B.(b.1890). The young family lived on the main throughfare (i.e. Liberty Ave).
This wonderful pic of Albern came to me from Major Jack Corsino - Albern's great-grandson.
"...no, I don't think my mom is flipping the bird ..."
COUSINS: This is an extremely charming pic of 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 on Liberty Avenue after it was enclosed. (Note: the home is gone and the space it once occupied is currently part of Exchange Park.) The pic is c.1925.
When Virgina's daukghter, Bobbi Riley, sent this to me she made wrote that "...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."
Elton and Maud were the children of George Fischer who gave their first names to the old hotel on the southwest corner of Exchange and Liberty streets (i.e. the 'Maud-Elton").
Bobbi's mother, Virginia, from whence this pic probably came passed away in January of 2006. While I've never really met Bobbi she has been kind enough to email me numerous photographs pertaining to the Fischer Family and Vermilion over the last five years that I really, really, appreciate.
She is a valuable historical resource and a good friend.
REASONS TO LIKE BEER (BY 7 YEAR OLDS)
A handful of 7 year old children were asked, 'what they
thought of beer.' Some interesting responses, but the last
one is especially touching.
Tim- 'I think beer must be good. My dad says the
more beer he drinks the prettier my mom gets.'
Melanie - 'Beer makes my dad sleepy and we get
to watch what we want on television when he is asleep, so
beer is nice.
Grady - 'My Mom and Dad both like beer. My Mom
gets funny when she drinks it and takes her top off at
parties, but Dad doesn't think this is very funny.'
Toby - 'My Mom and Dad talk funny when they drink
beer and the more they drink the more they give kisses to
each other, which is a good thing.'
Sarah - 'My Dad gets funny on beer. He is funny.
He also wets his pants sometimes, so he shouldn't have too
much.
Lilly - 'My Dad loves beer. The more he drinks,
the better he dances. One time he danced right into the pool.'
Ethan - 'I don't like beer very much. Every time
Dad drinks it, he burns the sausages on the barbecue and they
taste disgusting.'
Shirley - 'I give Dad's beer to the dog and he
goes to sleep.'
Jack - 'My Mom drinks beer and she says silly
things and picks on my father. Whenever she drinks beer
she yells at Dad and tells him to go bury his bone down the
street again, but that doesn't make any sense.'
"It is one of my very favorite photographs..."
VERMILION BOY WITH A FISH: Some semblance of this photograph has appeared in "Views" at least on one other occasion. I found it to be so compelling that I made a 13"x19" print of it; framed it; and have it hanging near the inner entrance to our Oakwood Drive home.
I have no specific details regarding it. I don't know the identity of the youngster, nor where the photo was taken. But I have some suspicions.
The photograph was among several that were loaned to me by Warren and Anita Mehnert. They were probably a part of Warren's mother's collection.
I make that wide assumption because many of the pix were of the John and Carrie Naegele family, and they, at one time, made their home on Huron Street next to the house where Warren Mehnert came of age.,P>
John was a fisherman out of the Kishman Fishery. He operated a tug named the "Rainbow". Consequently; I suspect that this might have been an early picture of Mr. Naegele.
In the spring of 1962 Mrs. Naegele (Carrie) was scratched by a plant while working in the flower garden behind their home on Huron Street, and subsequently died when it became severely infected. In August of the same year Mr. Naegele (John) also sailed into eternity.
But, O-Lord! What a beautiful portrait. It is overwhelmingly a Vermilion vignette.
I don't know about you - but if the "doors were not locked" this mystery is history...
"...when it was called "Division" Street.
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A PARADE: This pic has been published in numerous places over the years. But I don't believe that any of those published photos allowed anyone a good opportunity to see the detail in it. There's a great deal to look at.
The pic is c.1898 and (of course) was taken from the second floor of the Masonic Building looking southeast over a parade on Main Street when it was called "Division" Street.
The people and "things" along the street as just as interesting as the GAR Band which appears to be stopped, and performing for on-watchers. Nolan's Saloon is open for business selling "Milwaukee Beer" and "Hot Lunches" to the folks who have gathered along the dusty street for the "Firemen's Convention" Parade.
I'm not familiar with any G. Englebry - so I can't comment on that sign. I am amused by the sign on the back of the buggy (lower right) that advertises "J.B. Lewis Footwear". (Note: that sign was not entirely clear on the original.) And I'm also amused by some of the youngsters pictured. One little fellow is running about barefoot, while others are decked out in suits and straw-hats.
This is the type of pic that would make a great mural in a Vermilion, Ohio museum.
DON'T JUST SIT THERE WITH A MOUSE IN YOUR HAND! HELP THE (MY) ECONOMIC RECOVERY!: Take a cyber visit through my on-line store.
I am working on designing some new things. However: If you've not purchased something yet you're missing both the proverbial and literal boat. But, if nothing else, take a stroll through my shop. I keep the floor swept, the windows clean, and my dog don't bite.
And for those who might wonder - this is my shop - and I do make a few bucks selling the items therein...
VERMILION VIEWS GIFT SHOP
Podcasts - "forever under construction..."
PODCAST #131: This week Vermilion Views Podcast #131 the cast is Part #1 of an interview of William Roscoe Tarrant of Vermilion, Ohio. Bill was the oldest of eight children born to William B. and Ella G. Tarrant owners and publishers of Vermilion's weekly newspaper - The Vermilion News (1898-1964).
This interview is the first of what (hopefully) will be many that will be recorded of long-time Vermilion citizens over the next few months and years. Because it is the very first it is not exceptionally professional nor comprehensive. But in time their quality should improve.
Also note that all the video (MP4) podcasts (where used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4" format.
NOTE NOTE:Past podcasts are not available in the on-line archive. They just take up too much disk space. But if one really, really, really wants to acquire a copy of a past cast it can be had by contacting me and I will place it on a disc and send it to ye for a minimal fee.
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: After giving it much thought this link has been "put-down". During the last year most of the folks who used to use this page as a bulletin board have acquired their own and, consequently, no longer need this forum from "Views". I have, however, kept links (in the links section) to Larry Hohler's "Hope Homes" in Kenya - and to Bette Lou Higgins' Eden Valley Enterprises sites. They are historically and socially relevant projects. I urge you to visit these sites on a regular basis to see "what's shakin'".
Pay particular note to the "Hope Homes" page during the next few months. They've recently received a significant grant from the Dolan Foundation and are constructing a Manual Training Center for their children and for other young people in that community. This is an exciting project.
Vermilion High School Classes of 1963, 1964 and 1965 may be interested in knowing that a reunion is planned for the weekend of June 27, 2009. Those interested can contact Ruth Bauman Tanner.
The Vermilion High School Class of 1959 may be interested in knowing that a reunion is planned for the weekend of September 18-20, 2009. Registration can be made through Roger Boughton 2205 SW 10th Ave. Austin, MN. 55912 or you can just emailRoger.
Where's Alice? I found this link interesting. You just never know what Vermilion expatriots are up to - or where their up to doing it. Alice Wakefield is one of those people. So check out his link. Methinks you'll be surprised: Talking Turkey.
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
or you can use PayPal:
"
'Whom are you?' he asked, for he had attended business college."
-George Ade
Vol.7, Issue 12, June 6, 2009
Archive Issue #325
© 2009 Rich Tarrant