PREPARED FOR THE CHRISTMAS RUSH
DECK THE HALLS WITH BALLS OF FOLLY: I've been thinking lately about early American Christmases. At least those experienced by American pioneer families.
I think that, perhaps, we have lost touch with the spirit of the season. We seem so driven by the media. Lately it's been that thing called the "social media". But, nonetheless, we are driven. And because of it we may have allowed ourselves to forget what this time of year is about.
I certainly don't excuse myself from this lapse of understanding. I need reflect on my attitude. It is, at times, less than giving - much less forgiving. I allow myself to become entangled in politics - personal and social. And in that tangle it is almost impossible to see the reason for the season.
Now wouldn't you think that any person who has an interest in history would be able to avoid the distractionss of this time of year?
I suppose that's really okay. Because who is above human frailty? Not I. But it is certainly something that demands some improvement.
Yesterday the little girl who lives across the street stopped by to visit my "always-a-school-teacher" wife. The little gal is, understandably, excited about the upcoming date with Mr. Claus, etc. She talked about not being chosen to star in a role in her school Christmas pageant. It was disappointing. She and my wife started singing Christmas Caroles to forget the "hard things", and pass the time. One of the caroles was "Deck the Halls".
And thus she sang at the top of her lungs, "Deck the halls with balls of folly - Fa-la-la-la-la, La-la-la-la"...
I don't believe anyone ever sang it sweeter nor truer.
Historically,
VIVO
LONG AND LEAN: This pic (if you've not yet guessed) is part of a larger photo. It was taken in the early years (c.1925) of the 20th century of the traffic on the Vermilion river.
The pleasure craft is the "Vivo". I believe it is steam powered. And she's a pretty big boat. The smaller boat is "Cloudy" Noel's ferry-boat "Marry / Mary". That boat was built by one of the Goetz brothers in their shop that was once located between the water-works and the sail-loft on the western shore of the stream. Cloudy's ferry dock is visible in the backgound of this pic.
I thought I might discover the owner of the "Vivo" by looking through the archives available on the BGSU website. But "no dice". I would have thought that a craft that size might have had a listing.
One of the things I've noted about these early pleasure boats (the large ones) is that they're very narrow. Someone once explained the reason for that to me. But I'll be darned if I can remember the reason at this writing.
In any case, this is a nice photograph.
MILES THOMPSON
A LITTLE ABOUT MILES THOMPSON: A few days back I received an email from a fellow named James Albrecht asking if I might have a better photograph of Vermilion's Miles Thompson. I told him that I did not - but wished I did. Because the one you see above has the potential of being a real beaut.
I scanned it from the 125th Anniversry Edition of The Vermilion News. And you can see the "dot" reproduction process they used for hard-type printing makes it very difficult to reproduce digitally. The digital reproduction - using pixels (little squares of information) is not compatible with the original metal plate imaging system.
But I tried (again).
In any case, this is Miles cooling his "tootsies" in the heat of an 1880 sun.
The Thompson family had a very distinquished role in development of Vermilion, O. and our nation. Back in the dawn of American life there were three brothers; Justus, Charles, and Henry Thompson. Charles was a clerk in the Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Confederation as a Connecticut representative. His brother Henry was a delegate to that body, and the third, Justus, was a Revolutionary War soldier. The influence on local history began sometime in 1808 when Justus, along with his wife and four sons migrated to the area from Connecticut settling along the Edison Highway just 2 miles west of Florence / Jessup (southwest of town) at a place called “Tater’s Corners”. Horace, one of the four sons, married a gal named Mary Nicholas whose family also came to the area during the early 19th century. They first settled along the lake shore on a portion of land that would later become Shattuck’s/Shadduck’s Grove, then Crystal Beach Park, now occupied by the Crystal Shore Apartment buildings. They would later buy another piece of land and build a home on the spot where, later, F.W. Wakefield constructed his “Harborview” mansion early in the 20th century; now the home of the Great Lakes Historical Society’s Maritime museum. Two of Horace’s and Mary’s sons, Miles and Henry, were very active in the civic affairs of the fledgling village of Vermilion. Miles became town Marshall and curator of the town lockup, and Henry became Vermilion Township and Corporation Clerk. Miles had five children. One of his boys, Alburn was the father of two boys, Howard and Hazen, and one girl Helen (Tischer).
So - this picture - however bad - is, nonetheless memorable.
PAINTING THE TOWN: Sometimes things are painted in pictures. And sometimes in stories. But however painted they are nonetheless as powerful...
A TRAGIC HOLIDAY: On April 15, 1933 Henry and Katherine Weigel came from the Cleveland area to take the job as Caretakers of the Olympic Outing Club. The Weigels had four children, George, Henry [r, Robert, and a daughter, Ruth. George and his wife, both 29, were married in July. Ruth was also married and had an infant daughter named Katherine. Henry Jr. was 18 and lived at home at the club with his younger brother, Robert. Henry St. had been a member of the .club since 1902, when the club was born. Living in Vermilion, and working for the club was a dream and opportunity of a lifetime. When Mr. and Mrs. Peake, who formerly took care of the club left, Henry and Katherine readily took on the job. When we travel back to 1933 in Vermilion, Ohio, we need to understand that none of our railroad crossings had signals. At that time the state employed men as watchmen at each of the crossings. When they were notified of a train approaching they lowered large gates to keep foot, auto, and horse traffic off the tracks. We also need to understand that there were three sets of tracks on the New York Central rail line. One track was a work track, another was a slow track, and the third was the high-speed track. The final thing to attend to concerns the fact that the watchmen only worked from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The rest of the time the tracks were unguarded. The summer came and left. All was quiet at the Olympic Club. A majority of the members were Clevelanders who spent their summers in Vermilion and wintered in their homes in the city. Christmas approached. The Weigels were happy. They invited their children, George and his wife and their daughter Ruth Werle, to spend Christmas with them and their two younger boys at the club. George and his wife came from Reading, PA. Ruth (Wiegel) Werle came in from Cleveland with her 20-month-old daughter. Ruth's husband was disabled so he couldn't come. As Christmas Eve neared, Mrs. Weigel made plans with her daughter, daughter-in-law, and her three sons to attend the midnight mass at St. Mary's church on Ohio Street. Her husband, Henry, opted to stay home with infant Catherine while they attended the service. What a wonderful way to begin the Christmas celebration. It doesn't take much imagination (for myself at least) to understand the true magic of attending a late evening church service on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Weigel was driving. After the service she and her family headed north Division Street toward the NYC tracks to go home. The reason for her decision to go home this way will never be known. They could have simply headed east down Ohio Street to West River Road for their home. Three days later (Thursday, December 28, 1933) this would be the headline on the front page of the Vermilion News: Funeral For Train Victims Held Today. At about 1:20 Christmas morning their car was hit broadside and completely demolished by an eastbound flyer, Engine No. 22, at the Division Street crossing. Mrs. Weigel, her daughter, and her daughter-in-law, were killed instantly. George and Henry Jr. still hung to life. A westbound train was halted and they were placed on board to be taken to Providence Hospital in Sandusky. George died while being transported, and his brother, Henry, passed a few hours later. Miraculously, Robert was thrown from the auto as it was pushed to the east of the railway station received a broken leg and numerous bruises. Hundreds of parishioners were at the scene of the accident. They heard the sickening crash, and rushed to help. But there was little to be done, but pray. Mrs. Henry Andress, walking home, was knocked to the ground by a piece of the automobile, but received no great injuries. The silence of that majestic night had been broken in the flash of a second. I (among others) have known about this particular tragedy for many years. It came a bit closer to me when I was contacted by Robert's daughter, two or three years ago. She wanted me to research the article in the archives of The News and send her a copy. She lives and works in San Francisco. Her father is still alive. The one thing she told me that really touched my heart is that her father never mentioned that accident to his family until she was well into her twenties. What a great tragedy to keep to one's self. Having lived in Vermilion all my life, I am very familiar with train mishaps. I am always cautious about crossing tracks. I understand the power of the locomotive and the Diesels that pull/pulled these great loads. I know what can happen in an instant. In September of 1934 the Ohio Public Utilities people recommended that flashing lights be installed at most of Vermilion's NYC crossings. They also mandated that all trees growing near the railroads be removed, and that crossing watchmen be kept at the crossings 24 hours a day until further notice. In January of 1935, over two years after this tragedy, flashing lights were ordered to be installed at two of the crossings, It would be some 50 years (and many accidents) later before PUCO would order gates installed at all crossings in Vermilion.
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...
December 4, 1902. - Volume 6 - Issue 7.
The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday evening a committee on the organization of the Chamber of Commerce reported, and Tuesday evening in the organization was perfected. Although they have not called on all, the committee has secured 52 signers and will continue to solicit. 13/15 directors have been chosen as follows; Geo. B. McConnelly, C. C. Baumhart, L. J. Decker, Dr. F. E. Englebry, Geo. Englebry, Guy S. Davis, S. W. Simons, J. A. Clark, Theo. Penning, A. D. Baumhart, E. L.Coen, Wm. Englebry, D. L. Nielsen. The following officers have been selected: C. C. Baumhart, Pres. G. B. The Connelly, 1st V. Pres. Dr. F. E. Englebry, 2nd V. Pres. A. D. Baumhart, Sec. S. W. Simons, Treas. Executive Committee. L. J. Decker, J. A. Clark, G.L. Englebry, E. L.Coen. Committee on Resolutions. Dr. Englebry, Guy S. Davis, S. W. Simons. The next meeting will be held pursuant to call of the President.
-------------------- The Salvation Army.
On Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14th, a party of Salvationists from Cleveland will hold forth in the Town Hall. An excellent musical program will be rendered Saturday night and meetings will be held all day Sunday. The party will be composed of some 18 people. The ADJT. And Mrs. Bartlett who have charge of No. 2 Corps Cleveland, Ensign Coup. Capt. Paul and a fine brass band of 14 pieces. There will be plenty of music and good singing, interesting stories of conversion etc. Meetings on Sundays as follows: 11 AM. 2:30 and 7 PM. Weather permitting open-air meetings will be held as follows: Saturday night 7 PM. Sunday, 10 AM., Two and 6:30 PM The public is cordially invited and urged to attend these meetings.
-------------------- Briefs.
Geo. Ritter of Cleveland spent Sunday at home. Baby cribs and Go-carts. Wickens and Ransom, Lorain, O. Ms. Maud Fischer of Oberlin spent a few days last week with her parents. A. C. Connors of Milan was here Saturday on business connected with her new telephone. Ms. Anna Baxtine was the guest of Cleveland friends last week. The ladies of the Cong'l church realized about $35 at the bizarre and waffle supper last evening. The tug Mary and Norman brought in 5000 lbs of fish Tuesday. The other tugs did fairly well. The catch is however varied greatly. One day amounting to nothing the next day being excellent. The tough rough weather also greatly interferes with fishing.
--------------------
No nicer Christmas gift than a yearly subscription to a magazine or journal. Panning gladly accepts them.
Mrs. Fred Bailey with the Huron Tuesday to meet her husband, whose boat was in port. Mrs. Snider of Martin, O. And Mrs. Melissa Pelton are the guests of Mrs. Henry Baldwin for a couple of weeks. Mrs. Henry Baldwin invited the members of the Birthday Club to dinner Tuesday, and 16 responded, and a most enjoyable time was had by all.
-------------------- The New Telephone.
The telephones of the Vermilion Telephone Company are being put in and connected as rapidly as possible and by the time we go to press between 60 and 70 phones will be in operation. The long-distance copper metallic circuit is also in running order and it is now not necessary to wait while Berlin, Milan and several other towns are being called up in order to make connections. The company can now give more direct service without such delay. A number of the country phones are connected also. The new phones are very satisfactory. Being unsurpassed in clearness. The first directory will appear in a few days. It is claimed that the entire plant is one of the most modern and thoroughly equipped in this section. -------------------- Born–to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kishman, Tuesday, Dec. 2, a son. Mrs. Chandler of Cleveland is the guest of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lumley. Mrs. E. A. Hill was a Cleveland visitor Tuesday.
We are pleased to learn that Vermilion Business Men are organizing a Chamber of Commerce. It is a move in the right direction. We have long needed an organization for furthering the interests of the town and it is hoped that some efforts will again be made to have our harbor approved to some extent. We should think that backed by an organization of this kind our petition for an appropriation will have more weight.
What is known as an Undergrade is now being used by the electric railway. The change was made during the past week. It will be remembered that the electric passes under the Nickel Plate just this side of Lorain using the wagon road. A cut has been made and now cars pass through an opening under the track just west of the road.
-------------------- Our Library.
We have now the prospects of having a library and Vermilion. Something that every village or city needs. It enables a person to have a considerable quantity of reading at a small cost. We can while away winter evenings to no better advantage, especially during the stormy weather, than to sit by our own fireside and read some good books. It not only relieves our minds of the cares of the day but also brings bodily refreshment as well. Already between 50 and 60 persons have become members of this Library Association and anyone who wishes may join by paying the required amount. Another feature is the cheapness. Where can we find so much good reading for so little money? You may wish to read some particular book. If you are a member of the Association you can hand in the name of what you wish and thus have a hand in the selection. Again you may have a book or books which you have read and reread for which you no longer care: there may be many who have not had an opportunity of reading the book. Why not donate such books to the library, we believe that they would be acceptable. Think this matter over and don't delay. Join the subscribers library at the earliest popper possible opportunity. Don't wait to be invited personally.
While Vermilion has been looking over the stove factory question one of our citizens, C. C. Baumhart has been endeavoring to attract other industries to oue advantages as a manufacturing point. Several persons have been here the past week looking over the ground for a factory which, if we succeed in securing will employ 200 persons. As yet nothing definite can be learned as to the proposition asked for.
-------------------- Alexander Gilchrist.
Died–Monday afternoon at the family residence On Grand street, Alexander Gilchrist, age 82 years and two days. Alexander Gilchrist was born it Giffstown, New Hampshire, Nov. 29, 1820. He grew to manhood on a farm at that place and then entered into business at the neighboring city of Manchester. He was married November 17, 1849, to Betsy Ruth Clogh. In the spring of 1850 he disposed of his business and company with his brother Albert removed the St. Clair County, Michigan, where he engaged in the lumber business, settling down Marine City in that county. There he resided until 1869 when with his wife and family he removed to Ann Arbor, Michigan, in order that his children might have the benefit of the schools and colleges in that city. He, and the company with others built and operated several vessels in the grain trade on the Great Lakes. In the year 1877 he came to Vermilion went into the lumber and vessel business with his son's continuing here until his death. Mr. Gilchrist retired from active business a few years ago but still took a lively interest in all that was going on. He was the father of four children, Joseph C. And Charles P. Of Cleveland, and Mrs. Mary F. Frey. of Findlay, and William, who died at the age of four at Marine City. His beloved wife, Betsy preceded him to the future life about 18 months ago. Funeral services were held at his late residence at 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. G. Rupert of the M. E. Church and was attended by a large concourse of relatives, friends and neighbors. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful. The remains were laid to rest Maple Grove Cemetery. Mr. Gilchrist has been failing steadily since his wife's death, but retained his remarkable memory to the last. He could relate many interesting incidents of not only his own life but of a great many of the prominent personages, connected the history of our country. He will be greatly missed by all. His sons and grandsons are well known in the commercial world being interested in one of the greatest fleets of the Lakes, of which Mr. Gilchrist was so proud it took so much interest in.
Hmmmmmm....
THE VERMILION LAGOONS:
The above song was sung and introduced by F.B. Maxfield and appeared in the 125th Anniversary Historical Edition of The Vermilion News on August 25, 1962. I seriously doubt that the comment about Chinese laundries was intended to be discriminatory. There was no mention of when this song was written or introduced to the public, but it was well before the development of what we have come to know as the Vermilion Lagoons; the Cape Cod on Lake Erie. I use it to take you back in time when that which existed in that area were weeds and thistles. It was mainly swamp land. There was a worn path that ran from Linwood Hill to the river that folks used to get to Cloudy's (Lewis Noel's) ferry that transported people up, down and across the river to a thriving little village called Vermilion. During an era known as The Great Depression in our nation a man named Wells, who owned The Wells Construction Company in Cleveland, had a brainstorm. He knew the depression would someday end, and he wanted to keep his company going. He employed many men. To keep that company going he had to find work for them. Wells looked at that old swamp that ran along the Vermilion River from Linwood Hill to Lake Erie and saw opportunity. He could dredge lagoons from parts of the swamp, pile the rich soil on the sides of the lagoons, let the wet soil dry, smooth it out, and make it into a waterside housing development. An agreement transferring the marsh land from the Smith estate to the Wells Marine Construction Company of Cleveland was finalized in October of 1929. Mayor, KS. Welch was given notice of this project during the last week of that month. The initial stage of the plan was to build a road that would run from Lake Road, south of Linwood, to the lake. It called for the construction of a 250' lagoon, and a smaller one near the lake. The road would later be . known as Portage Drive. The proposed lot size was 50 x 125'. Construction was to begin on December 15th and continue throughout the winter with the expectation of having part of it completed by early summer. This was a formidable task. And I suppose there were many town folks who laughed at the idea. After all, who in their right mind would want to build a house in an old marsh. It was (and remains) in a flood plain. But Wells forged ahead, and he did it. The photograph shown gives you a rare look at one of the first structures (if not the first) in the Vermilion Lagoons. Then it was called the "Boat Landing Club House." Later people would come to know it as the Beach House. It has recently been rebuilt. The view in this photograph would be impossible to recreate today with very good reason. Wells' folly became one of the most popular home development projects on Lake Erie. One home after another went up. Residents had ready access to their boats along the lagoon that fronted their homes. The view was/is spectacular from their living and dining areas. The gulls, cranes, and other odd-looking waterfowl soared over the water and roosted along their docks waiting for a stray fish. There was also a great deal of continuity among the houses. All were white. Most had green trimmings. But once in a while black crept into the trim. It truly looked, and continues to look like a tiny Cape Cod village. Occasionally, bad times would visit the place. When the ice froze thick in the river and the thaws came, ice jams would form, and the water would surge through the lovely homes. Yet this was true of all the homes and cottages on the river. In later years the Vermilion Port Authority has made 'an attempt to. keep the ice from getting too thick from the bridge to the mouth of the channel. They break it with some regularity. The only thing that can ruin this wonderful place is a flood like we experienced on July 4,1969. Nothing would stop that. But I know the spirit of the people who inhabit the Vermilion Lagoons, as well as others who live in the plain. They just pick it up, and start over again. Mr. Wells had a dream. It was the Vermilion Lagoons. That dream came true.
Ref: Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 8/08/002; Written 8/04/002.
SOMETHING OLD - SOMETHING NEW: Well, the months / years have gone by and I'm no closer to publishing a book than I was in the beginning. While content is not a problem I have some concern about the expense of the project. And though I could get it done at no expense (to me) I would relinquish significant control over content. And I don't really want to do that.
I came mighty close to purchasing the equipment to do my own publishing. However; the prospect of have the equipment in our livingroom trumped that idea. Additionally, I'm experiencing some troublesome eye problems. (What am I going to do print it by touch?) So - what to do.
Well, it only goes to show that - if it ain't one thing - it's another. C'est la vie...
The Frank E. Baker Ford dealership started out on the northwest corner of Libery and Grand streets in Vermilion, O. I don't know the reason all these vehicles are lined-up along the street in front of his dealership, but it surely is impressive.
The buiding where Mr. Baker's dealership was located is long gone now. So too, are the rest of the buildings pictured in the old photograph. Once upon a time the building was a general store. After Mr. Baker built his new building - just down the road where, currently, a Convenient Food Mart store and an investment firm are located, Glenn Martin had a Pontiac dealership at the site.
And sometime back in the late 1940's - when Leonard Osberg (Vermilion's Singing Mayor) had a cosmetic company (and the Mayor's office) on the upper floors of the place - it burned to the ground.
It was afterward replaced with the building pictured as the "new" building. Later it was used as Kaiser dealership, and later a Gulf service station. And just recently it was being used to house the local emergency ambulance provider.
A great deal history re: that particular block - has been lost over the years. So again I must say, "C'est la vie".
December 4, 2010 8:48 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 of Vermilion in the Clarksfield area. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
Born in 1842, he is the youngest son of Hiram May and Eunice Cunningham. His father settled in Clarksfield in 1838, and Edwin's place of birth was at the old Cunningham homestead, while his father toiled many wearisome years to make it the beautiful home it became before Edwin left its shelter. Mr. Cunningham senior purchased his land in the second section, known as lots twenty-one and parts of lots sixteen and twenty-two, the extent of his purchase being a little more than two hundred acres, for which he paid four hundred and fourteen dollars and seventy-five cents. He lived in Clarksfield until the time of his death, July 11, 1860. His was a quiet, useful, and unostentatious life. He believed in the advantage of a good education, and aided his children in this direction to the full extent of his ability. Edwin began his collegiate course at Baldwin University in 1800. where he completed his junior year. In the fall of 1865 he went to Hillsdale, Michigan, and in June of 1860 he graduated with honors. As a student, while he was perhaps less industrious than others of his classmates,he scarcely ever appeared in recitation without having gained a ready mastery of the subjects to be recited. His mind was then, and is still, of an analytical turn and quick of comprehension, and it scarcely ever grappled with a subject or problem which it did not quickly understand or solve. His classmates were often puzzled over the question: "How is it that Ed masters with so little effort what it cost us so many anxious, toilsome hours to overcome? As a scholar he excelled in mathematics and the natural and mental sciences. The very fact of his easy mastery of his lessons made him a little careless of the details of the subject in hand. Understanding the main features clearly, the minor ones would often escape his attention. But for this fault, no fellow-student of his could possibly have equalled him in excellence of recitation, for none excelled him in talent. Leaving Hillsdale after his graduation,he returned to Clarksfield, and March 12, 1867, was united in marriage with Miss Deborah Rowland, daughter of Ezra and Catharine Rowland, pioneer settlers in Clarksfield. The attachment which thus happily culminated in marriage was formed before Edwin had left his father's home to prosecute his studies in Baldwin University. Thrown in the society of other young ladies, some of them the fairest of the fair, still, through all the years of his almost constant absence from his first love, his fidelity remained unshaken. This constancy has been rewardedby the happiness which has ever characterized his home life; a happiness which we feel safe in saying has never known a single disturbing element, save that which has come in the line of domestic affliction, the tendency of which is always to cement still more closely the bond which unites two hearts in one. After his marriage Mr. Cunningham taught for one year, assisted by his wife, the public schools of Milan. He then went to Urbana, Illinois, where three of his brothers were residing, and secured the position of superintendent of the public schools of that city. His leisure hours he gave to the study of law. In June of 1869 he was admitted to practice by the supreme court of Illinois, and in the following month removed to Emporia, Kansas, where he has since resided. He and the writer were in partnership for a short time in the law and real-estate business. In the spring of 1870 he was elected police judge and held the office two years. In 1872 he was elected to the office of probate judge, which position he filled for six years with great acceptability. The republicans nominated him for representative to the State legislature in 1878, but he was defeated by a few votes, the greenbackers uniting with the democrats for this purpose. *He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Emporia, and was chosen lay delegate to the general convention of that church which convened at Baltimore in 1876. He has four children living: Maud, born January 12, 1868; Mabel, December 11, 1871 ; Ella, June 24, 1875; Ralph E., May 27, 1878.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
A CLOSER LOOK: Nothing new here to most "Viewers". But as I was just looking through various pictures I found taking a closer look at this one to be interesting. Not a great deal has changed since these shadows were captured back in abt. 1936. But the Crystal Theater building (the one to the near left) is gone. And the names of the stores have changed. Alheit's hardware is now the headquarters of an interior decorating firm; Englebry's drygoods is now Brummer's candystore; the meatmarket and the restaurant are gone; and the fancy cornices atop the Masonic Temple have disappeared. Nonetheless...
it's a very nice photo.
A LESSON FROM WIKILEAKS
Like many Americans I find the information made public this week via the website called “WikiLeaks” to be an act of terrorism. Though little of that which has been leaked may place our nation in mortal danger it is - in my view - only a matter of time when that will happen if someone doesn’t plug up the source(s). On the other hand, it appears that some of that which has been fed to the public is of a more personal note (i.e. diplomats saying rather nasty things about persons). That’s not to say that the airing of this information won’t make diplomacy more difficult. But it is to say that much of what was said (I guess in writing) thus far is not likely to cause WW3. What is clear, however, is that over the years diplomats have become complacent - not only about what they say of others - but also how they say it. Placing such information in writing - no matter whether it is been classified or not - is just a dumb thing to do. I sure don’t know about any of those diplomats, but my parents always told me, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” If may be that whether in the world of high diplomacy, or just daily living, a person needs to vent their frustrations with others. But I’ve got to say that it’s best to do it in private with just one person you can trust. Otherwise you’re just asking for problems. I certainly don’t condone the activities of WikiLeaks. But what’s done is done. We need learn from it - and move on. And always remember that old WW2 saying, “Loose lips sink ships”. As obvious as that might be to some it appears that many have forgotten. 3:27 PM 11/30/10
PODCAST #208:This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #208 celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas. (It's a cartoon.)
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 38, December 3, 2010
© 2010 Rich Tarrant