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_{A REAL PIP}

OOPS - ALL OVER AGAIN: "Xin loi" in Vietnamese (pronounced 'zin loy') means "I'm sorry". And so I am.

During the week while (as I am inclined) working with a software progam with which I was / is unfamiliar concientiously (of course) building a new webpage and...to make a long story short(er) I inadvertantly deleted the entire "VV" page that I'd put together and published last week. It was gone in its entirety.

The down side is that I had to very quickly do it all over - again as best I could given what I could remember - and I could not remember it verbatim. And the up-side? Well, perhaps there's not much of an up-side except my understanding of how stupid I can be sometimes. Anyone who has accidentally broken a favored keepsake may understand the feeling. You just pick up the pieces and try to piece them back together.

But it's never the same.

On the other hand I did have some minimal success with the new software with which I am working. The page I've opted to create with it will contain all the information in Miss Lucy Morgan's book "One Hundred Years of Church History" once I've completed the entire transcription process. Parts of this book appear in "VV" each week (below) as I complete each section. And when I am finished with everything (including the graphic portions) it will be published in the new format by itslf.

The initial parts of the book (with the exception of that which appears in this edition of "VV") can be accessed by clicking on the high-lighted words which follow: The First 100 Years of Vermilion's First Congregational Church. However; there is no link on that page that will bring ye back to "VV" - yet.

But take a look (if ye dare). It's actually a very attractive production. And I'm working to make it even better. But this time I'll try not eradicate another edition of "Views" in the process.

Famous-Last-Words-ly,

H.W.CHURCH: I received this postcard pic from Vermilion expatriate Bobbi Riley - who currently lives in CA. Bobbi's grandfather was late Vermilionite Elton Fischer.

The card is / was for sale on eBay. Neither Bobbi nor myself recognized the name "H.W. Church" on the card. So - I went digging

Harry W. Church was born in New York State abt. 1868. By 1910 he was the "Proprietor" of the Maud-Elton Hotel. His wife, Angeline L. Church (born abt. 1867) was the "Assistant Manager" of the hotel. Living with them on a permanent basis (I suppose at the hotel) was their son, Harrold W. Church (17); James I McKnight (17) an employee; Thomas J. Fisher (51) Servant; Josephine Henry (20) Servant; Harriet A. McElhaney (38), a boarder; and Lucy E. Krapp (33) also a Servant.

I can't really say just how long Church managed the hotel - but I don't believe it was too long. When George Fischer built the Fischer Building (block) in abt. 1915 the days of the inn were probably on the decline. At the same time the Lake Shore Electric was gearing up and, therefore, affording a great many people easy access to numerous lakeshore destinations besides and beyond Vermilion.

That is, however, a guess. What I do know is that by 1920 Mr. Church was no longer in Vermilion.

The Quasquicentennial

25 YEARS LATER: After seeing the pix of the "Centennial Baby Carriage Girls" Carol Trinter and Nancy Tarrant in "VV" last week Viewer Lorna Naegele sent me this great pic of herself with Helen and Don Weitzman's dog "Herkie". This pic was taken during Vermilion's Quasquicentennial (8/62).

Lorna actually sent me 2 pix. I'll use the other another time. But she went on to tell me that "Aunt Helen" was my babysitter when I was little, and Herkie was the father of our own dog (according to the picture!). I have just the vaguest memories of this event - I was 3 and a 1/2 - but do remember the fancy wagon and dressing up in the pioneer-type clothing.

Part of my comments last week (which I mistakenly deleted) about the pic with Carol and Nancy concerned the fact that I intend to do a picture book of Vermilion history sometime in the near future and pix such as these will certainly be included.

_{"...it is said that even today when the Summer sun sets along the coast of Lake Superior..."}

THE POWER YACHT "TOBERMORY II": The Tobermory II was the first of its kind on the Great Lakes. It was commissioned to be built by the Crossley Lead and Machine Company, 16 West Fifth Street in Erie PA. for F.W. Wakefield of Vermilion Ohio. It was built in a vacant lot next to the Crossely Company in 1924. When it was finished it was 50 feet long with a 13 foot beam and weighed about 35 tons. It was launched from the foot of State Street (in Erie) into the waters of Presque Isle before a cheering crowd of 1000 spectators. And as the boat slid into the water the builders daughter, Elizabeth Crossely, christianed it with these words; "I name you Tobermory II. May you bring success to the owner and to the builder."

The name “Tobermory” was derived from a town in Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula and lies at the very tip of the Peninsula in Ontario - a strip of land separating Lake Huron from Georgian Bay. It is considered to be a “paradise” by many naturalists, photographers, divers, hikers, kayakers, and leisure-seekers. The natural beauty of that place may very well explain the reason Wakefield found the name so appealing.

This was possibly the first power yacht on Lake Erie that was constructed entirely of galvanized sheeting. The first “Tobermory”, a Matthews, was a “woody” built in Port Clinton. It had one of the first diesel engines installed in a pleasure boat on the Great Lakes. The second Tobermory was, of course, also powered by diesel. All the detailed finishing of the craft was accomplished by Mr. Wakefield and his sons after it was brought to port in Vermilion.

The same year (1924) it was built Wakefield and his family returned to Georgian Bay on a vacation / fishing trip. The image “ghosted” in the foreground of the photo of the craft as it looks today is that of F.W. Wakefield flanked by two of his sons, Ted and Ernest, proudly displaying a good-sized Pike they had snagged while aboard their freshly finished yacht.

In time the Tobermory II, like a good many boats familiar to local sailors around Vermilion’s busy harbor, simply disappeared. Few persons asked its whereabouts - and it was all but forgotten. One of F.W.’s sons (Ted) named his trawler Tobermory. And another son (George) also gave the name to one of his sailboats. But the years passed and the memories of the 50 foot beauty began to fade. Then, one day a young man found a beautiful old yacht sunk in the water somewhere near Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. It was the Tobermory II.

In 1994 Vermilionite, George Wakefield, along with several members of his immediate family, took a ride through the locks at Sault Sainte Marie aboard a newly restored vessel called the “Gerald D. Neville”. Seventy years had gone by since the octogenarian had stood on the deck of the vessel beside his father and brothers. Seventy years of memories trailed in her wake. Only the name of the vessel had really changed. As Will Shakespeare sagely put it; “What's in a name? that which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet...”

But it is said that even today when the Summer sun sets along the coast of Lake Superior if one looks very closely at an old, but stately, yacht moored near the shore you can almost make out the name “Tobermory II “ neatly printed on the sides of her bow.

_{Ref: The Vermilion News archives (1924); Special Thanks to Alice W.; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 7/10/08; Written 7/6/08 @ 1:08 PM.}

"Out of the two hundred forty-nine Congregational churches
in the state of Ohio, but twenty-one have a longer history than this one.."

THE FIRST 100: This is the second portion of the text of the Lucy Morgan book about Vermilion's First Congregational Church published in 1918. This is a document well worth reading. While it will appear in "VV" in parts the entire text will eventually be on a web page by itself. Again - this is a historical document.

History of the Church - PART 4

June 1, 1895 Rev. J. A. Kaley came, to whom belongs the distinction of having the longest pastorate in the history of the church, being with us eight and a half years. During this period several important events took place. Children's Day, June 14, 1896 was a day long to be remembered by reason of the offer made by Mr. J. C. Gilchrist of Cleveland, a former member of the church. The old pipe organ had outlived its usefulness and had been taken down and a cabinet organ put in its place. At the close of the program, Mr. Gilchrist arose and said he would like to present the church with an organ costing not less than $1,000 or more than $1,500 in memory of his daughter Daisy, and in appreciation of the faithful services of the organist. He further said he would give $100 toward a new piano for the Sunday School room if sufficient sum could be raised to purchase a good one. This came as a genuine surprise and' the audience sprang to its feet and sang with a Will "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." An order was speedily given to A. B. Filgemaker, Erie, Pennsylvania, for an organ costing $1,250, to be built for the place it was to fill. It was received and set up late in December. January 1, 1897 a test recital was given by Prof. George Andrews of Oberlin Conservatory. The next evening a public reception was tendered Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist. Sunday, January 3rd, the organ was publicly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God with the following order of service:

Voluntary on the Cabinet Organ
Hymn
Invocation Reading of the Scripture
Presentation speech and keys delivered by Mr. Gilchrist to pastor and organist.
Response by organist and acceptance in behalf Of the church by the pastor
Anthem
Sermon and closin-g exercises

A few months later acommittee-was appoinJed'to solicit funds to purchase the piano.

February 3, 1898 the church adopted resolutions of sympathy for the family of Mr. J.O. Versoy in their bereavement. A testimonial of appreciation of his devoted service to the church during his twelve years of residence here, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Clerk, even acting as pastor on several occasions, he was indeed a tower of strength to his fellow companions.

February 20, 1898, the'eightieth anniversary of the church was observed with 'appropniate exercises, .. At the morning service the pastor, Rev. J.A. Kaley, gave-a review of the history of past years, showing how God's hand had fed His people to the present time. In the evening letters were read from former pastors then living: Rev. Palmer Litts, Rev.M.K.Pasco,Rev. W: C. Rodgers, Rev. O. C. Clark, Rev. R. Humphrey, Rev. A. Streimer, Prof W. B.Chamberlain, Rev, C. S. Hamlen and Rev. L. .a. .Royce, This was followed by reminiscences of early days' by' Mrs. Elizabeth Sherod read by her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Pelton; Mrs. Maria Goodell, by her daughter, Lottie and Mrs. Laura Harris, by a granddaughter; Miss Ollie Lawless. Following this Mr. E. L. Coen read a paper on the "Future of the Church from a Financial Point of View," and Mr. J. W. Boss read a paper on "The Future of the Church from a Spiritual PoInt of View". This closed a delightful day, though a very stormy one.

Early in the year of 1903 a gift of $500 was received from Mr. Gilchrist toward a repair fund if the' church could raise an equal sum. The offer was accepted and repairs weremade on the parsonage and church, new seats, new carpet and fresh wall decorations .Shortiy after this Rev. Kaley resigned to accept a call to Little Valley ,N. Y.

January 14, 1904, Rev: G.E.Merrill accepted the pastorate here. One of the notable events in the beginning of the year was the Men’s Supper February Twenty-second at which time the net receipts were one hundred and six dollars.

-------------------------------

"Was it a vision, or a waking dream?"

VBC SAIL CAMP - 1949: The year 1949 was a busy one in America. President “Give ‘em hell Harry” Truman proposed four major courses of action in his inaugural address on January 20th of that year. Point Four called for "a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underprivileged areas."

Pacific Southwest Airlines begins an intrastate service in California. By 1978 it became the nation's largest commuter airline.

U.S. auto production reaches 5.1 million units - catching up with a production record set in 1929.

A Nebraska-born MIT electrical engineer Jay W. (Wright) Forrester, 31, devises a memory system that replaces electrostatic tubes and stores information in three dimensions. His random-access magnetic cell will eventually prove far superior to the slow, unreliable storage systems that have retarded the development of computers.

A thing called a “whirlpool bathtub” is invented by an Italian-born California engineer Candido Jacuzzi, 46, to relieve the pain of his 15-month-old son Kenny, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.

CBS introduces improved long-playing vinyl plastic phonograph records. And RCA introduces small 45 rpm LPs that require large spindles making popular music and songs such as: "The Hokey Pokey" by Detroit-born songwriter Larry Laprise, 36 readily available to millions.

Amid all the technobabble of the 1949 world at work - on a very peaceful, clear, and warm summer afternoon along a beach in Vermilion O. - sixteen young souls briefly paused and posed for the accompanying photograph. And though the day would certainly come when they, too, would be swept away by the winds which inevitably propel the young onward and into adulthood - for the moment their proverbial sails were without wind. This was the Vermilion Boat Club’s Sail Camp in 1949.

Pictured are:

Top row L-R: Camp Counsellors for first year of VBC Sailing Camp: Unknown, Sailor from Norway Freddy Schaefer, Unknown, and Nancy Gregory.
2nd row L-R: Bobby Williams, Alice Wakefield, Shirley Williams, Judy Paulson, David Halley.
3rd row from top: Mary Lou Callahan, Unknown, Lance Warner, Mary Ann Wakefield, Polly Warner, and Sue Cone.
Seated: Billy Wakefield, Roger Kishman, Unknown, Carol Halley, and Betsy Canfield.

It is truly hard (at least it is for me) to believe that this photograph was taken over a half century ago. Many of these names and faces are still so fresh in my mind. Alice Wakefield, who provided the photo, is now an author / professor at Virginia’s Old Dominion University specializing in early childhood education. Her sister Mary Ann Buxton is a gifted writer. She is a columnist for the Southside Sentinel in Urbanna, VA and has authored several books. Occasionally when she writes a word or two about growing up in good old Vermilion she passes it along. I appreciate her reflections immensely.

Dave Halley, like his father, is now a doctor. I’ve not seen him nor his sister Carol for years, but I hear of him now and again. Shirley Williams (Gleason) lives in Florida, but still makes it to Vermilion (Linwood Park) when the weather is good. In my mind’s eye she still looks very nearly the same as she does in this photo; outgoing, friendly, and athletic.

I’ve met Roger Kishman only in passing. However; I know his sisters Gretchen (Neiding) and Karin (Rathbun) well enough to recognize the resemblance in this picture. And Bob Williams sends me a communiqué now and then via the internet.

Nancy Gregory is the only counsellor in the photo I recognize. She is still sailing - and probably always will be. For her it appears to be more than just a sport: It’s a way of life.

Again, it’s hard for me to believe how the years have flown since these shadows were captured. As English poet John Keats (1795-1821) asked himself at the end of his poem “Ode To A Nightingale”, “ Was it a vision, or a waking dream?”

_{Published in the Vermilion Photojournal on 7/24/08; Written 7/20/08 @ 11:33 AM.}

_{Garrett Wall Band}

THE MUSIC THIS WEEK: I just want to write a little blip about the group responsible for the background music this week. It is, obviously, the Garrett Wall Band. What I want to make persons interested in all things Vermilion aware of is that the percussionist in the band is a Vermilion man named Rob Jones.

Although the group is known some in the United States it is better known in Europe. This piece called "Fading Colours" is simply one that I found exceptionally compelling. Their recordings are available on iTunes.

_{"...the Switzer factory, is located on lot number three,
in the second section, and began business in April, 1877,
with a patronage of one hundred cows."}

EARLY INDUSTRIES: This is some cool stuff describing some early commerce in Vermilion O. The chees factory (seen above) still stands on the west side of State Route #60 just a stone's throw south of Axtel Corners (i.e. Mason and State Roads).

INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS

George Sherrats built, in the years 1809-10, the first flouring mill in the township. This was propelled by hand, and commenced to grind wheat in the spring of 1810. Shortly after, Peter Cuddeback built a similar mill, and for three years or more the inhabitants of this, and some of adjoining townships, patronized these mills extensively. No other grist mills have been built in the township.

The first saw mill was erected by Job Smith, on La Chapelle creek, in 1819.

In 1830 or '31, Messrs. Ford, Sanford, Tracy and others, of the Geauga Iron Company, put in operation at Vermillion village the Huron Iron Company. This grew to be an extensive business, and was in operation until 1855.

It was succeeded by the Vermillion furnace, under the ownership of Philo Tilden, who was afterward associated with D. R. Paige. Some fifty thousand dollars were invested in the business, and an average of sixty men employed. The furnace ceased business in 1865.

Two cheese factories have had an existence in the township, and one is still in operation. This is what is known as the Switzer factory, is located on lot number three, in the second section, and began business in April, 1877, with a patronage of one hundred cows. Christopher Bauman is the manufacturer. The milk is made into one cheese daily, and these, when cured, are marketed in the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Fischer & Company have a sash, door and blind manufactory in the village.

_{"Notice: the above material is Public Domain (no copyright)."File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives byTed Reisingtedohio@yahoo.comDec. 15, 1998.
[Vermilion Twp., Erie County, Ohio]}

God Bless their souls - each and every one.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS
_{[Thanks to Ruth in WA]}

1. The economy is so bad... that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

2. The economy is so bad... I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"

3. The economy is so bad... that CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

4. The economy is so bad... if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

5. The economy is so bad... Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

6. The economy is so bad... McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

7. The economy is so bad... parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names..

8. The economy is so bad... a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.

9. The economy is so bad... Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

10. The economy is so bad... Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

11. The economy is so bad... the Mafia is laying off judges.

12. The economy is so bad... Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

_{Podcasts - "forever under construction..."}

PODCAST #164: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #164 rides the Lake Shore Electric from Fremont to Gibsonville.

Persons interested in the history of the Lake Shore Electric Railway - "the greatest electaric railway system" on the planet may want to go to Amazon.com and purchase a book called "Images of Rail - Lake Shore Electric Railway". It was put together by Thomas J. Patton with the help of my friends Dennis Lamont and Albert Doane. It'd make a nice gift for the New Year.

Also, please note that all the video (MP4) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4" format. If you don't have "Quicktime" it's easy to find and free to download.

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'".

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}

Links to additional Vermilion Ohio pages: Vermilion Ohio Historic Pix History of Linwood Park Vermilion Visitor's Advisory (Satire) Gore Orphanage History The Lester Pelton Story The Wreck of The Niles #152 The History of Crystal Beach Vermilion Views Archives Vermilion's Pioneer Woman; Charlotte Sturges Cloudy; Vermilion's Ferryman The History of Vermilion's Congregational Church Dedication Sermon of Jotham W. Goodell, 1843 The Last Time I Saw Charlie Hope Childrens Home Kenya A Profile of Rich Tarrant Vermilion Biographies Vermilion - Village of Lake Captains Vermilion's Youngest Minstrels Don Englebry's "Growing Up In Vermilion" "Views" Podcast Archive The Story of Vermilion's Education System Eden Valley Enterprises VHS Class of 1959

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:

"There is only one way to achieve happiness on this terrestrial ball,
and that is to have either a clear conscience or none at all."
-Ogden Nash

Vol.7, Issue 45, January 23, 2010

Archive Issue #358

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