THE J.H. DRISCOLL WITH BABY
NOTHING STAYS THE SAME - BUT CHANGE: They’re tearing down Fulper’s gas station / autoparts building this week. There ain’t much left of the Vermilion I knew as a youngster. O - tis still recognizable. But a hundred years hence? I doubt - were we able to live so long - that we’d recognize any of it. I’m not going to call it a shame. The world moves on with - or without us. So there’s no surprise involved. No reason to moan. No reason to groan. No reason to bitch about what is or ain’t. As my friend R.B. wrote to me regarding a similar matter a few weeks back, “Rich, who really cares?? All of us will be dead in 20 or so years and the community will not adhere to past values. We are not a national park!!! “ Actually I both agree and disagree with this thought. All of these things are, of course, beyond our (or at least my) immediate control. And even if I were able to keep things the way I want - when I’m no longer about - they will certainly change. But I do “care”. And so long as I have an ability I will always seek to keep things that I like much as they are. If it ain’t broke... [Fulper’s, by the way, was one of those broken things.] It’s not that I’m against change. I just don’t appreciate unnecessary alterations to, or the elimination of, stable structures and / or systems. But that’s just me. Semper fi.
Historically,
"...the people gathered along the parade route are as curious as the parade itself."
WHEN THEY CALLED IT "DIVISION" STREET: This photograph has been published in numerous places over the years. Unfortunately, few of the published pictures really allow persons much of an opportunity to examine it in much detail. And there is a great deal to look at. These circa 1899 shadows were likely captured from a second floor window of Vermilion’s Masonic Building looking southeast over a parade on Main Street when they called it "Division" Street. On the dusty course below the window Vermilion’s Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Band appears to have halted and is, perhaps, performing for spectators. The occasion (if the sign above the street behind the band is an indicator) is a “Firemen’s Convention”. During the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries Vermilion Village was host to several conferences of this nature. Volunteer fire-fighters from surrounding towns regularly gathered to share their experience and knowledge in an effort to refine methods of controlling fire hazards in their respective communities. The sign over the wooden walk on the opposite side of the street blazing abroad the availability of “Milwaukee Beer” and a “Hot Lunch” indicates that fires of a more corporeal and immediate nature could be extinguished at Jim Nolan’s Saloon. Nolan’s buvette, was sandwiched (pun intended) between the Schwensen Bakery to the south (right) and the outdoor dance floor and refreshment bar of the Lakehouse Hotel to the north (left). Currently (2009) it is an empty building housing the ghosts of the Strong Waters, Flashback, Brass Horn. Lemon Tree, and Eland’s / Lefties saloons. It has a comprehensive (again, pun intended) oral history. When this image was frozen a Vermilion man by the name of James F. Nolan and his wife Adel owned the place. James, born in Vermilion in February of 1860, was the oldest of six children born to Irish native William, and Canadian born Mary, Nolan. The elder Nolan was a sailor. And prior to purchasing the taproom, which took his name, the younger Nolan also spent some time on the lake. The sign in the foreground (lower right in the photo) marks the location of George H. Englebry’s shoe store. George was born in Vermilion in May 1869. He was the son of German immigrants Jacob and Margaret Englebry. About the time this picture was taken he married Bertha Naegele in Vermilion. Born in August of 1879 she was the daughter of Vermilion residents Charles Frederick Naegele and Emma Hull. George died in 1904 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. Bertha later (1913) married another Vermilion man named Hubert White. A sign on the back of the buggy just beneath Englebry’s sign is an advertisement for the J.B. Lewis Co. of Boston Massachusetts. The Lewis Company was once recognized throughout the United States as a quality manufacturer of leather boots and shoes. Englebry must have been a distributor. Yet, setting all those things aside the people gathered along the parade route are as curious as the parade itself. Male spectators decked out in straw hats, fedoras, and navy-style and military-style chapeaux; some in coats and vests; others in their shirtsleeves; moustached; arms on hips, or in their pockets; loiter on the walkways to pay witness to the proceedings. The few ladies in the gathering dressed in ankle-length dresses, long-sleeve blouses, some with their hair tucked under close fitting hats - some without - seem to search for a familiar face among the marchers. And, finally, there is one little fellow, who looks as though he hadn’t taken a bath for a month, standing barefoot on a sandstone curb spellbound by all the hubbub - on Division Street - in a yesteryear.
Ref: United States Federal Census 1860 - 1910; Special Thanks to: Eric Eyman and Dave Rathbun, Linda (Rathbun) Rucins, and Claire (Rathbun) Ribble; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 6/11/09; Written 6/7/09 @1:08 PM.
"...night watchman, John Krapp, discovered the flames at dinner time on Thursday, December 4th, 1924."
THE WAKEFIELD STORE - PART 2: I don't know that the entire story can ever be told. When I wrote these things six years ago I still had access to some of the folks who knew some of the folks pictured. Amos Feiszli was still here. And Amos knew a great deal. He also had some additional pix. He had a better one of all the workers that was taken back in the 1940's that I did use. However; it was a large photo. I didn't scan it, but let the people at the Vermilion Photojournal do the work. It ran across the top of the entire page. But c'est la vie. This pic was contributed to the Vermilion Area Archival Society by Rita Mayer and it's just a wonderful photograph.
IT'S JUST A MINOR INCONVENIENCE: And it was in the late winter of 1906 that local contractor, John Gegenheimer, began to put up the 150x40 foot building that would become the Wakefield Brass Factory. The building stood on a 3 1/4 acre parcel of land just south of the Nickel Plate railroad tracks along the "West River" road. Just four years earlier an old farm house that had stood on the land had served the town as a pesthouse (i.e. a shelter for those infected with a contagious disease) during a smallpox epidemic. Prior to having this factory in Vermilion there were two other plants located in the village; the Erie Woodworking Plant and the Duplex Stamping Works. Neither were doing much work. As F.W. Wakefield had promised when he proposed building the plant he brought with him five or six skilled workers and then hired the rest from the local population. By September 4, 1906, less than 18 months after the construction of the brick building began, the factory was up and running strong. A twenty-seven horsepower double cylinder gas engine powered the machinery turning out parts for chandeliers and other light fixtures. At the west end of the building castings were being made using heat supplied by crude oil. The fittings were standard, and there were. five main stems that could be used to make an assortment of designs. The fixtures were of a dull and polished finish. What auto pioneer Henry Ford did some years later when he standardized the manufacture of automobiles, F.W. Wakefield did for the manufacture of light fixtures in 1906. At this time the plant actively employed twenty-three people. Among those names on the first payroll were: A.W. Copeland, A.J. Copeland, E.H. Wakefield, E.H. McVeen, Paul W. Thompson, Alfred Buell, Lattis Martinek, George Nieding, and Walter Baatz. In February of 1915 The Vermilion News reported that the company had "perfected a small lighting outfit for the lighting of smaller boats, tugs, etc." Each unit used a small electric bulb "of special design" that would draw current from "a special waterproof dry battery". The advent of this lighting system was directly related to Wakefield's boating interests. And the system was first tested on his new cruiser Tobermory I. It was in anticipation of the government's increasing enforcement of small craft navigation laws. Later the same year an incident involving a member of the firm whose automobile was stuck on the diagonal crossing of the Nickel Plate tracks just cast of town led to the invention of yet another device. After successfully stopping a passing interurban and borrowing a lantern this person was able to flag down a passenger train before it collided with his auto. This event led to the development and manufacture of an auto spotlight that could be instantly changed to a red danger signal light. The novelty of this light was such that it significantly increased the business of the factory for the next three years only interrupted by a "100% devotion" to build lanterns for the U.S. Navy during the first war. It was also to be the origin of the Red Spot name that would be used by the company as a trademark for years to come. And then, as if all this good fortune had gone without a proper amount of piety, the plant was completely destroyed by fire. The night watchman, John Krapp, discovered the flames at dinner time on Thursday, December 4th, 1924. Despite the fact that Vermilion's volunteer firemen arrived with great dispatch, their efforts were for naught. Their equipment was found to be sorely lacking and the Lorain Department was called in to kill the flames. But it was too late. . Within an hour of the fire company leaders met and drew up plans to rebuild a 60 x 70 foot fireproof building with :! 2,000 square feet of factory space. The next day nearly all the 60 to 70 men and women employees were on the site cleaning and salvaging equipment. Products and parts saved in storehouses were moved to other plans for assembly. And business offices were temporarily housed at the Erie County Bank and the old Dall plant. It was just a minor inconvenience.
Ref: The Vermilion News; 2-15-07; 12-11-24; 6-18-25; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 4-01-04; Written 3-28-04; Special Thanks to: Amos Feiszli and A.C. Tarrant.
PAINTING THE TOWN: As previously mentioned this is a preview piece for a new webpage that I am currently developing. Using a new software program in conjunction with Adobe's Photoshop CS4 & 5 I am able to take some already wonderful pix of Vermilion, O. and make them (at least in my view) more "wonderfuller"
NO HOBO'S HERE: This - although it is a backdoor view - is a tidy view of the backdoor to Granny Joe's an ice cream parlor / diner on the corner of Liberty and Grand streets. The place is as nearly as attractive at the back as it is from the street.
A long time ago it was a funeral parlor. When I was a kid it was a home. Later Clarence and Edna Wolf used it for their Wolf Electric business. Then, Edna - who was an excellent cook - made it into a place she called "Edna Mae's" ice cream. Initially, I believe she made her own ice cream.
As a piece of local trivia I think it's interesting to note that the wrought iron fence surrounding the yard of the place is original. It's not one of those vinyl "wannabees" now sold in places like Home Depot and Lowes.
September 11, 2010 7:28 AM
Beautiful.
AGAIN - ANOTHER NEW THING: This will not take the place of the "Macabre" stuff all the time - but will supplement whilst I search for more macabre stories to tell.
So stay tuned...
Thursday, January 9, 1902.
Rather Mixed.
The Lorain Times-Herald has quite an article on the electric railway. It seems that they have made a startling discovery. It is that the “boys” of the several towns go to neighboring places on Sunday for “booze.” They also give us the information that that commodity is hard to secure in Vermilion because the marshal is proprietor of a candy and fruit store and wants all the trade possible, so he watches the vendors of wet goods. Where Lorain neighbors obtained their information is hard to tell; It may have been the case several years ago but we doubt it and is rather a slur on a former marshal. We have elections over here in Erie county and change officials occasionally. We are also law abiding. Our present marshal has no candy store, and if he had it would have nothing to do with the case. As to the discovery that the “boys’ visit neighboring towns for “booze”, that has been going on ever since towns were in existence, only it is more noticeable now that the electric cars are running.
--------------------------------------- OBITUARY.
The funeral services of Mr. John Newberry of Rugby was held Sunday, Jan. 5, 1902, from the house at the noon hour and from the Axtel M. E. Church at 2 o’clock. Every available space in the church was occupied by the large congregation that had gathered to pay a last tribute of respect and love. This seems to be evidence sufficient of the high esteem in which the deceased was held in the community. Mr. Newberry gave evidence in his last sickness of his willingness to meet death and of his being prepared to meet his God. He was sixty-nine years old, and leaves a wife, one son and one daughter, six grandchildren and one great grandchild, besides many neighors and friends to mourn their loss. The Grange, of which he was a member, was present in a body and performed the burial rites of that order at the grave of their beloved brother. The funeral address was delivered by Rev. A.G. Rupert.
--------------------------------------- FROM OTHER PLACES HURON.
Mr. and Mrs. L. Heckelman and family returned to their home in North fairfield after spending a few days with Mrs. Heckelman’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan. Clarence Curtis spent New Years in Huron. A small party of young people spent the evening of the 1st at the opera in Sandusky and was very well entertained by “Peck’s Bad Boy.” Huron is alive with the mumps and all that haven’t had them are liable to have them soon, for almost every one is getting them. The schools began Monday after a two weeks vacation. Mrs. and Mrs. B.H. Haley have returned home after spending the holidays in Portland, Ind. and Ft. Recovery and Lima, O. Ona Wikel, Morman Frye, William and Alexander Border are among those who are down with the mumps. Mesdames Anderson and Davey spent New Years in Chicago. Alferd Haley entertained William Smith and Arthur Becker of Kelley’s Island last Friday and Saturday. Walter Dahlhofer returned to his home in Norwalk after spending a week with Huron friends. Mrs. Charles Cook spent Monday in Norwalk. Mrs. Harry Cook is ill with typhoid fever. Mrs. Rhodes and daughter Emily returned home Thursday evening after spending the holidays in Michigan.
--------------------------------------- FLORENCE.
Claud Collingwood is boarding at the home of Mr. Jay Temple. Miss Amy Young was the guest of Mesdames Chas. Strickrath and Jay Temple a few days last week. Miss Lizzie Austin of Taiter Hill spent Sunday at the home of her mother. Byron Brooks, who resides 2 1/2 miles northwest of Florence, sold forty-five acres of land to Mrs. Martin Schisler of South Amherst last week. Mr. Brooks expects to make his future home in Michigan. Mrs. and Mrs. H.P. Mason spent New Years at Birmingham the guests of their daughter, Mrs. LaFevre. Mr. J. Wely has his new barn nearly completed. Anyone that contemplates building will do well to see Mr. Wm. Crum, the carpenter. Corn is advancing rapidly in price. Gust Spenner has 2000 bushels for sale. Our diphtheria patients have all recovered. They took a long ride in their new carriage Saturday and attended the musical entertainment at Wakeman.
---------------------------------------
Dr. Caldwell’s Syrup Pepsin sweetens the breath. Sold by Nuhn & Triner [sic}.
--------------------------------------- Slowly Recovering.
William Brooks, the bridge man who had such a severe fall a week or so ago, is recovering as readily as can be expected. It will probably be a week or more before he will be able to be out. Mr. Brooks did not have his back broken as was reported by out of town papers but was severely injured by string on the bridge. He is able to sit up a little and is thankful it was no worse.
--------------------------------------- ENTERTAINED.
Mrs. Elihu Cuddeback entertained at 6 o’clock dinner Thursday. Covers were laid for eleven and ma most enjoyable time is reported. Among those present were guests from Elyria and Toledo.
--------------------------------------- Furnace Corners.
Mr. Anson Pease is still confined to his bed. Miss Leah Burrows of Vermilion visited her grandmother, Mrs. Burrows, of this place. Mrs. C. Hoffman of Elyria spent New Years with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frisby. George Trinter returned home Thursday after a two weeks; visit with relatives in Oak Harbor. John Kuhlman paid Berea a visit last week. Miss Rae Poyer spent the holidays with Elyria friends. Miss Sarah Goldmith is very sick at this writing. Mr. Otto Seidler of Berea visited with friends here last week. Several of the young people attended the dance at Axtel and report and grand time.
--------------------------------------- Change of Firm.
Having sold my entire business to my son chas. H. Englebry, all parties indebted to me are requested to kindly call at the Office in my new building and settle their account, as I need the money for building purposes. John A. Englebry.
--------------------------------------- ANNOUNCEMENT!
Having purchased the entire Untertaking [sic] Business of John a Englebry, I wish to announce that I am prepared to give my best attention to all details and arrangements of Funerals. My stock is complete, and I carry everything pertaining to the Undertaking Business. Undertaking Rooms at New Building of J.A. Englebry next to L.S. & M. S.Ry. All calls promptly attended day or night. Phone 43. Additional. - I have added to my Undertaking Business a large line of Picture Moulding and am prepared to do Picture Framing at all times. I solicit your patronage. Chas. H. Englebry.
Wm. Banning was born in Vermilion, Sept. 30, 1861, and has resided in this place all his life. His death occurred Dec. 27, 1901, after a short illness. He was married Nov. 24, 1898 to Kate Full Gerlock and leaves a wife, one son, an aged mother and two sister, Mrs. Brady and Mrs. Towne, to mourn his death. Funeral services were held at the house Monday, Dec. 30. Interment at St. Mary’s cemetery, Elyria.
--------------------------------------- Card of Thanks.
I wish to thank the kind neighbors and friends for their assistance during sickness and death of my husband. also [sic] the K.O.T.M. for their beautiful floral offering. Mrs. Kate Banning.
--------------------------------------- School Notes.
Amelia Hahn is absent from room 5. Bertha Walper, Eva Krapp Anna Nieding and Anna Wahl are reviewing arithmetic with the senior class. Another stove has been placed in room No. 5. Although its appearance is not as beautiful, it is hoped that it is a better heater. The next cold snap will prove its merits. Fred and Will Krapp have entered room No. 5. Elmer Trinter was absent Monday. The trees have all been trimmed and it is hoped that they will present a better appearance in the spring. Nearly all the pupils were in their places upon the opening of school after the holiday vacation. Herman Ries has been absent from room No. 4 this week. Hazel Blattner and charles Jones of room 3 are on the absent list this week. Eilen Hyde has retuned after a month’s absence. Georgia Burrows was absent from room 5 on account of sickness.
Hmmmmmm....
A REAL BEAUT: The accompanying photograph is one that could very well stand by itself without further comment. It is - as I am often inclined to say - “a beaut”. Nonetheless there is something - but not much - that should be said of it. And much of that, I must confess, is the result of pure deductive logic as it relates to the manner of dress, and hairstyles of persons in the photo, as well as the landscape surrounding them. All that and - a fair amount of guesswork. The large hats anchored by full hair; the rather full sleeves at the lower arms of the blouses / dresses ending in cuffs; and the feather boa worn by one of the girls; are indicative of styles worn by young women in the early part of the 20th century. Because the hats, by themselves, appear to be quite elegant it is probably safe to assume that these women have dressed for some observable occasion; and that they are not just going out to the store. The trees are not yet in full bloom, and one young lady is holding several freshly cut daffodils. Ergo; it is more than likely springtime. Given these observations it may not be entirely unreasonable for us to also assume that this photograph was taken on a Sunday in 1900. And because the head ware is, indeed, so ostentatious it would not be out-of-line to go further and submit that it was very likely an Easter Sunday. While there is no way of “really” knowing much of that for certain there are a few things that are known. The two young ladies on the left side of the group are sisters. The girls are daughters of the town barber, Jacob, and his wife, “Feima” Phillipena Abell. Hattie is the lass on the far left holding the daffodil sprigs. Her sister, Ollie, is the belle next to her. Both Ollie and Hattie were born in Vermilion, O. in 1880 and in 1882 respectively. Their youthful bearing in this photo only helps to confirm the notion that it was taken about 1900. Mr. Abell was born in Ohio, and the Mrs. was born in another state. (Her precise place of birth is problematic.) His parents, like a good number of people who settled in the Vermilion area during the mid 19th century, migrated here from Hesse Cassel (Germany). Her parents came from Wartenberg (Germany). The Abell family lived on Washington Street. And this is where the real guesswork enters into this scholium because things have changed some since these shadows were captured - be it only a century back. But after due consideration I believe the photograph was taken in the morning while the ladies in all their finery stood by a fence outside a home on the northeast corner of Ferry and Washington Streets. The manner in which the shadows fall seems to indicate that it is perhaps 11 a.m. The ladies are standing in the shade of a building - perhaps their home. They are facing southeast into a camera that is facing northwest. The house in the background appears to be the house which still stands near the southwest corner of Washington and Huron Streets. The barn behind the home is, of course, gone now. And another home occupies some of the space between the street and the aforementioned house. But back to the ladies for a moment. Hattie eventually met and married a young sailor named George S. Rathbun (PJ 10/16/08). She and George lived in a house not too many feet away from the place where this photo was taken and raised two sons. Her sister Ollie married into another prominent Washington Street family named Naegele. And both now have descendants scattered to the far corners of the world. I know that because every now and then I hear from one of them. Sometimes they even send me a photograph or two over which I muse for hours - and sometime days - on end. But, in the end, some of the photographs (like this one) don’t really need any explanation at all. They are, as I say, just real “beauts”.
SOMETHING OLD - SOMETHING NEW: The idea for this piece began as an idea for a coffee-table book of historical photographs of Vermilion, Ohio and, hopefully, it will (someday) be realized.
Originally the concept - as previously stated - was just a picture book. But after mentioning such a project in an issue of my weekly web page - Vermilion Views - a reader by the name of Scott Dommin suggested that it might be interesting if it featured photographs of how people, places, and / or things in the City of Vermilion, Ohio appear today along with photos showing how they appeared in the past. Ergo; the title "Now & Then".
"What a great idea." I told both myself and Scott.
[NOTE: I've said that this is going to take some time; and so it is. While I can actually have such a book published at no cost to myself such a venture menas that I have very little control over the make-up of the a book. I don't like the trade-off. So - I'm currently toying with the idea of acquiring equipment and publishing my "stuff" (as well as others) myself. Nothings ever easy.]
Once upon a grand old time Okagi's nationally reknown restaurant occupied this site on the south side of Liberty street in what was, then, busy downtown Vermilion, O.
Since that time the site has been occupied by numerous business concerns. And as ye can see the building is up for sale once again. I gave up trying to keep track of who and / or what's in the building. The businesses now on site may have been there for a year (or two) already. But I'm so accustomed to their changing I don't pay much attention to them.
September 11, 2010 7:09 AM.
THE FIRE-LANDS: I found the following information re: the early inhabitants of our area to be extremely informative. Methinks you will also.
I am getting better at transcribing these passages so there are fewer mistakes. But I like to read as I go - and sometimes I fill in the blanks. So tread carefully this trail through yesteryear.
The following series will take thee to the south and west of Vermilion in the Berlin / Berlin Heights area. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. ALMON RUGGLES.
Few, if any, of the early pioneers of this country, are more deserving a place in history, and none filled more prominent and important positions, or had more varied and interesting experiences, than did the subject of this sketch. He came to this country from Danbury, Connecticut, to survey the "Sufferer's Lands," so-called, in 1805. His first surveys were made under orders of his principal, and proved unsatisfactory to the committee, and he was then chosen by the committee as chief, and the survey was made the second time, to the satisfaction of all concerned. In this survey he called to his aid Judge Wright, of New York, who had charge of one branch of the work. In addition to his salary, he was permitted to select one mile square any where on the lake shore, within the limits of the Fire-lauds, at one dollar per acre. He selected the land,—a portion of which is now owned by his only surviving son, Richard Ruggles, on the lake shore, in the township of Berlin. The beautiful grove, known as "Ruggles' Grove," was spared by his order, and is now a fit monument to his memory, and in sight of which his ashes repose. He was an expert swimmer. When it became necessary to cross a stream he could not ford, he would tie his wardrobe into as small a bundle as possible, cross the stream with them, and return for his compass. His father was Ashbel Ruggles, a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Scotland, but just what year is not known. His mother was a Bostwick. Almon was a twin. His brother Alfred died in infancy. His father was in indigent circumstances when he was a boy, and he went to live with an uncle, who was a Presbyterian deacon, and very parsimonious. He refused to give young Ruggles an education, or to even give him an opportunity to acquire one. He obtained his first book by catching wood chucks, tanning the skins, and braiding them into whip-lashes for the market. As Providence helps the man who helps himself, so this young man was prospered. Six months was the sum of his school days, yet by application, he fitted himself for teaching, and taught in an academy for some time. The very obstacles to be overcome, gave him that energy and strength of character which ever after characterized his public and private life. He was a self-made man in the best sense of the word. His own early struggles with poverty, gave him active sympathies with the poor pioneers of this country. All regarded him as a friend, and many of them depended on liim for support in all emergencies. He had a store of general merchandise, and trusted all those who could not pay. It is said of him that he might have been very rich had he been disposed to grind the face of poverty. He preferred to live more unselfishly, and merit the confidence and respect of his fellows. He not only encouraged the early settlers with material aid, but with cheerful looks and kind words. He was always jolly, and enjoyed fun, and all enjoyed his society. He represented this" senatorial district in the State legislature in 1816-17-19, when the district consisted of the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga, Portage, Cuyahoga and Huron, and in 1820, when it consisted of Cuyahoga and Huron. He was associate judge for several years, under the old constitution. His ability, his integrity, his knowledge of the country and people, eminently qualified him for the places he filled, and it is said of him, that in all his public life, no official misconduct stained his record, or cast a shadow on his character. He was an earnest worker in the whig party, and a personal friend of General Harrison. He was twice married. His second wife was a widow, Mrs. Rhoda Buck nee Sprague. He has two living children: Mrs. Dr. Phillips, of Berlin Heights, and Richard, who married Miss Eleanor E. Post, of Berlin. He lives on the homestead. Charles married Miss Mary Douglass for his first wife, and Miss Julia m Mallory for his second. He was a member of no church, but was equally liberal with all, opening his dwelling for meetings and for the entertainment of the ministers. He was too large a man for wrongdoing, and too liberal and kind to treat any with incivility. Such a life never ends, so long as grateful children and grandchildren walk in its echoes. Such men can walk fearlessly and confidingly [sic] down into the great future to meet whatever awaits them there. He passed in to the “Beyond,” July 17,1840,in the sixty-ninth year of his age.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
1 WINTER: This was a winter photograph taken from what was then the Vermilion Municipal Court rooms on the second floor of the Fischer Building overlooking Exchange Park. While Kishman Fish is long gone the Fisherman's Bend condominiums are not yet finished; and Exchange Park is yet a long way from being rearranged for (methinks) the mere sake of rearranging it.
Someone (I've been told) wanted to move the Veteran Memorial Clock. But, fortunately, the veteran's kicked and it was left alone (for now). The cannon was, however, moved, and a few other things have been done. But for the most part the park remains much the same.
Through the years some folks have wanted to remove the cannons from the park. And for the life of me I don't know the reason. Generations of youngsters have played on them (I have the pix to prove it). They may have wanted them removed because the guns are workable.
Folks in the community used to fire them on the 4th of July, etc. My Pa (W.B. Tarrant) was one of the last persons to fire one of them. They filled it with some fish netting that fell across the lighthouse at the end of the west breakwall after it was fired. Very impressive.
A pretty pic.
HONESTLY...
Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.-Don Marquis Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.-Oscar Levant Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.-Brooke Shields Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.-W. C. Fields Television has brought back murder into the home - where it belongs.-Alfred Hitchcock Television is a medium because anything well done is rare.-Fred Allen The consumer isn't a moron; she is your wife.-David Ogilvy The four building blocks of the universe are fire, water, gravel and vinyl. -Dave Barry The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby.-Natalie Wood The reason there are two senators for each state is so that one can be the designated driver.-Jay Leno The superfluous, a very necessary thing.-Voltaire The two basic items necessary to sustain life are sunshine and coconut milk.-Dustin Hoffman The way taxes are, you might as well marry for love.-Joe E. Lewis There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.-Henry A. Kissinger There comes a time in every man's life, and I've had plenty of them.-Casey Stengel There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.-Mark Twain Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die.-Mel Brooks
PODCAST #194:This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #194 is a "re-run". This week Vermilionite Genevieve Clark, aged 86, passed on and into the ages. This snippet of her talking about the biggest influence in her life was captured at the VAAS "Remembering Old Vermilion" at the end of last July. The sound is bad, and the "mp4" clip ain't good - but it's watchable. I'm so happy to have had the chance to interview her.
Persons interested in the history of the Lake Shore Electric Railway (which was the subject of a recent past podcast series) - "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.
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: This page is generated by a 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
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol.8, Issue 26, September 11, 2010
© 2010 Rich Tarrant