LOSING IT: Yesterday (7-10-09)I spent an inordinate amount of time going through all my files (on and off line), and at the local library searching for the story that goes along with the photograph (above).
I could swear that it appeared in "Views" a long time back. And I know that I found and kept a photo-copy of the article from The Vermilion News when it appeared at the bottom of the front page way back in the 1950's.
But I'll be darned if I could find it. So - I'll just have to wing it.
As the summer waned for a goodly number of youngsters way back in the early part of the 1950's a few of them gathered and got the idea to put on a production for their, equally bored, contemporaries.
The production - to the best of my recollections - was held in a garage behind the Evangelical and Reformed Church on the corner of Ohio and Grand Streets. The garage served as a stage, and youngsters from far and wee gathered on the lawn before it to watch their friends entertain them.
I am unable to recall the names of all the children pictured. Those I do remember are Doris Boone (Stwan), Pearl "Ginny" Tarrant (Wilkes), Linda Leidheiser, Tommy (Thomas H. Esq.) Rodgers (with the guitar), Bobby Farrell, and Bobby Greenawalt.
The garage where this production took place still exists. But it has been moved from its original location. Recently it has also been given a "face-lift" - so it doesn't resemble what one sees in this pic anymore.
Looking back - this was a rather unique experience. And this particular pic - which Tom Rodgers sent me a few years ago - is naught be a jewel.
Richly,
Sunday School at the old Congregational church.
c.1955 Local resident Larry Jeffery stopped by the other day and gave me a few pix - and the one seen above was among them. Larry is the son of Morey "Bud" Jeffery. Larry's a retired military officer / pilot. He currently works as a consultant for the federal government, and visits numerous embassies all over the planet. (An interesting guy.)
The pix that Larry provided were taken at a time when the old First Congregational Church (on Division Street - curently the Millet Auction House) was bursting at the seams, and the push was on to build a new church. Ergo; I date it to be c.1955.
Because all the pix have "familiar faces" in them they will - at some time or another - appear in "VV". But for this time it's just one of the "girls" Sunday School classes. Back then the classes were all segregated.
Go figure.
I can only name 8 of the girls sans their married names:
From Left to Right: Teacher - Unknown, Unknown, Patty Tokar, Lynn Creel, and Judy Shaw.
Back Row (right) L-R: Unseen / Unknown, Jacques Jeffery, Linda Russell, and Elizabeth "Beegee" Boone.
Front Row (coming toward camera) L-R: Unknown, Unknown, Melissa Copeland, Cheryl Fisher, Unknown, and Unknown.
The growth of the church during this particular era was phenomenal. And before two years had passed a new, and much larger, church was built just south of the Nickle Plate Railroad tracks on State Street.
"The little village of Vermilion, Ohio had its share of Civil War veterans..."
THE G.A.R.:
My original intention was to write a column limited to the G. A. R. Band of Vermilion, Ohio. While this is / was still my basic intent I thought it might be nice for folks to understand just be what the G. A. R. was and it how it originated. Those interested in the veteran’s organizations and the American Civil War may already possess this knowledge. But, on the whole, I doubt that many other folks understand the significance of this organization.
The Grand Army (of the Republic) was organized by a Dr. B.F. Stephenson and the Rev. R. W. J. Rudolph in Chicago during the winter of 1865-66. It was initially comprised of the surviving soldiers and sailors of the Civil War and of the militia on active duty in that period on the side of the North.
Another resource, Robert V. Beath’s copyrighted (1889) book, “History of the Grand Army of the Republic”, reports that during Gen. Sherman’s expedition to Meridian, Mississippi in February 1864 Dr. Stephenson, surgeon, and chaplain W. J. Rutledge of the 14th Illinois infantry were tent mates. During this campaign they talked about forming some fellowship that might possibly preserve the friendships and memories of their common trials, sufferings, and dangers after the soldiers were mustered out of the service. Those discussions during the conflict and ensuing letters following it resulted in the end formation of the G. A. R. In Decatur, Illinois on April 6, 1866.
The major discrepancy between these two reports is the identity of the co-founder of the group. Was it Rutledge or Rudolph? I would point out that in the investigation of historic information is not uncommon to find that hand written to records can be problematic and, therefore, subjectively interpreted. In this case the names (including the initials "W." and Jake "J." ) are so similar I would suggest that both are one person whose name has been corrupted by one or more historians. I make this point because it illustrates the precarious ground of facts upon which historians travel.
In any case, the first post was organized in Decatur Illinois in 1866 and the first national encampment was held at Indianapolis on November 20, 1866. By this time the primary purpose of the Association was to help the families of dead comrades by caring for their orphans, establishing soldiers homes, and securing adequate pensions for veterans. For a time it was a powerful political force in our nation. At its peak in 1890 it had a membership of over 400,000. The final camp was held on August 31, in 1949 and was attended by six of the last 16 surviving veterans. In 1956 the organization was dissolved sending its records to the Library of Congress, and their badges, flags, and official seal to the national archives of the Smithsonian Institute.
The little village of Vermilion, Ohio had its share of Civil War veterans and of course, its own chapter of the G. A. R.. The photograph accompanying this column first appeared in the Vermilion Photojournal on 4-27-02. At that time I had little idea of its details. Some months later I stumbled across the picture, along with the story, which appeared in the September 1913 issue of the Vermilion news, while scanning micro files at the Ritter library.
On September 20, 1913 Mayor F. W. Wakefield and his wife hosted a party at their Harborview home (now the Great Lakes Historical Society Museum) to honor Vermilion Civil War veterans. Following the mayor’s short address to the G. A. R. Membership and townsfolk he turned the keys over to the men providing that "no one steal any of his children".
The men pictured are (back row L. to R.): F. W. Wakefield, T. J. Ball, Anson Pease, A. A. Blair, C. B. Parsons; (middle row) J. B. Burns, E. M. Kane, J. Will Senate: (bottom) W. Maxfield, J. Burkhardt, J. McCarthy, C. Roscoe (my great-grandfather), and William Rowland.
The G.A.R. band, led by one Eugene V. Ackley was said to have played several "patriotic airs" and further said that "one but had to glance at the old soldiers" to know that it was thoroughly appreciated. And of that I am sure.
Ref: History of the Grand Army of the Republic, Robert B. Beath-1889; Untitled article by Marilyn Evert from the Homewood-1993; The Vermilion News; September 1913; Special thanks to Al Tarrant for the photograph; Published in the Vermilion (Ohio) Photojournal 2/19/04; Oral transcription made at the Olympic Outing Club in Vermilion, Ohio on 7/07/09
TOP 10 LEAST ROMANTIC SAYINGS
10) "You're The Cheez Wiz on my potato."
9) "Being without you is like a biscuit without gravy."
8) "I need you like someone with the squirts needs Pepto
Bismol."
7) "You make me so excited, I just can't hold my bladder."
6) "I wanna be close to you like a leech on an abrasion."
5) "I want you like a dog wants a muscular leg."
4) "You mean more to me than a Buy one, Get one Free Coupon at Waffle House."
3) "I want you more than a Romulan wants to kill a
Klingon."
2) "I want you more than the nastiest heroin addict needs
a fix from a dirty needle."
1) "It's either you or the dog but I gotta sleep with
someone tonight!"
"Pelton-power in Germany."
PELTON GENERATES MAIL TOO:... This is a rare and odd instance where I have composed of first part of a two-part article last in the last part first. Now that I have everyone thoroughly confused, I’ll try to explain why it why this is the case.
As the staff and editor of the Photojournal will attest, the "Yesteryear" column generates attention from former citizens of Vermilion now living in other states as well as a number of persons who live in other areas of our nation - but have never been here - who are interested in the subject matter presented. It is not unusual for me to hear from folks from Maine to California who have either read or heard about something that was published in the paper or on the Internet (I would stress the local businesspeople that it might be the better part of wisdom to advertise in the Photojournal - a sizable number of former residents are extremely interested in their old hometown, things that happen, and the thing sold here.)
Lester Allen Pelton, born in Vermilion in 1829, is one of those aforementioned subjects. Now, one may ask, why is this fellow so important? Why aa the curiosity from around the world? Most of never heard of this man. And those who have either don’t know or don’t understand the significance of his invention. The following are but two communications I have lately received about him and his invention.
Re: Lester Pelton and the apparent lack of interest in him by those who promote Vermilion... I grew up in Vermilion. For years I always mentioned Pelton in my college physics classes here in Maryland. Imagine my shock when I found out that he was from Vermilion! I had no idea this was the case until after I’d been teaching college physics for years.
Jack Dean - Maryland
**********
The date is September 1955, the place a lecture room in the engineering school at Port Talbot steel works, the subject - machine efficiency calculations. The mathematics are not important but the example is. “Today” said the lecturer, “the most efficient method of converting natural energy to useful work was achieved by Lester Pelton, an American, in the 19th century, it still remains among the highest ever achieved”.
This statement was taken from my written notes on that far-off day. So you see Vermilion, people in a little Welsh town knew about possibly the greatest engineering advance of the century and, come to that, this one as well.
Don Morgan-Wales, U.K.
**********
The efficient conversion of “natural energy” (in this case water) to ”useful work” (i.e. electric power) was no small matter when Pelton invented and patented his water turbine; and it is no small matter today. In our area we probably missed the importance of the invention because we use fossil fuels and atomic power to generate electricity. But in the western part of the United States and numerous places around our planet using water to generate electricity is extremely important, as well as vital.
This, then, is the reason Lester Allan Pelton is so important and the reason people from all over the world are curious about his younger years in Vermillion, Ohio. For without the Pelton runner (as some call this invention) more than a few people would still be living in the dark.
No less important an inventor than Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell, very few persons beyond the fields of mining, engineering, and physics know of his work and life...
Ref: Originally published in the Vermilion (Ohio) Photojournal 12/11/03; Oral transcription made (of only part the orginal text) at the Olympic Outing Club 7/07/09.
"Thanks to Al Doane for this tidbit. I know it's not June 27th - but it's an interesting piece."
Made in Vermilion, O.
WOODPECKER @ WORK:Yesterday (7-10-09) I received the following email:
"Greetings,
...Do you have any information about the WOODPECKER company from Vermilion? They apparently made a wooden Basic Block Toy.
The box reads Created and Produced by KARL G. OSBERG and Associates,
Vermilion, Ohio, USA.
Any information you may provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time."
Pat
Until this person mentioned it I had forgotten about Osberg's enterprise. But, truthfully, I know very little about it. Somewhere (in the back of my little brain) I do recall the business, but it was gone before it reallyi caught my attention.
I believe that Karl Osberg was Vermilion's "singing Mayor's" (Leonard's) brother. And I think he was married to Ginny (Hain) who, among other things once operated a kindergarten atop the Fischer Building in downtown Vermilion. But much more than that I don't know.
So - if someone knows a bit more about "Woodpecker" toys I - as well as "Pat" would appreciate learning more about it and the owners Mr. and Mrs. Karl Osberg.
Pat was kind enough to provide pix of the box and toys produced by the company.
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 anon. 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 #136: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #136 provides an video illustration of just how Lester A. Pelton's invention touches most of our lives. It's short and sweet.
Also, please 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 suggest that you 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.
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:
"I'm an Atheist...thank God."
-Dave Allen
Vol.7, Issue 17, July 11, 2009
Archive Issue #330
© 2009 Rich Tarrant