05/14/11 VIEWS DESKTOP - TRINTER HOME IN VERMILION, O.
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: First; the music. Last week a gentlemen by the name of .....Davis sent me a link to a web site containing some old minstrel songs. That which many of you hear this week is one. And I know that some persons may find part of it offensive - I do not use language of this nature myself - it is nonetheless a part of American history. Persons who don’t appreciate the language in Mark Twain’s epoch Huckleberry Finn probably won’t appreciate this old minstrel song. Yet, I think it’s very important for Americans to be aware of their heritage however repugnant some of it may be. Slavery is not something Americans should be proud of by any means. But we should never turn our backs to the truth, or we may live to regret it. And then - ah - tis Decoration Day weekend. Time to take some time and honor the boys and girls whose service to our nation helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy in our republic. In the “VV” banner you see an old soldier. His name is Luther. He’s in his 90’s. He attends nearly every event honoring American veterans wearing the Navy uniform he wore when he served. He never saw any action because by the time he was trained and deployed W.W.II was over. But he never ever forgets those to pay homage to those who fought and died. He’s a fine example of an honest-to-goodness patriot.
Historically,
DEM GOOD OL' DAYS
A NUMBERS GAME: I've not been able to identify all the children in this pic from 1949 so I've given them numbers. This (of course) is Mrs. Widdowson's 1st and 2nd grade class from 1949. It's a Richard Koontz photograph taken at Vermilion's South Street School. The photo was came to me from Phyllis Rogers. (I also don't know the reason that many of the boys were dressed in cowboy attire.) In any case here are the names with the numbers:
1.Smith - 2. V. Witt - 3. Bruce Eldridge - 4. Earl Harris - 6. Billy Sopko
9. Mrs. Widdowson - 12. Kenny Baumert - 13. Richard Elston - 16. Kenny McDaniels - 17. Charles Russell - 18. Walter Welner
19. Albert David - 22. Alfred Lengyel - 23. Janet Lengyel - 26. Rich Devorsack
27. Larry Faye - 28. Mike Clipson - 29. Joe Szekley - 30. James Williams - 31. Don "Slugger" Harris - 32. Larry Starret
I tried my best to get the right numbers with the names, and use the correct spellings. But I'm certain that where I've erred I will be corrected. And I hope that some "Viewers" will recognize some of the children we didn't know.
But it certainly is a COOL pic.
"...the car and float were passing in front of the Dennis Fish Company on Liberty Avenue"
IN 1958: The photograph accompanying this essay may appear to some to be remarkably unremarkable. It is - as is obvious - a picture of what appears to be some military related float being towed down a street by an old Chevrolet sedan driven by some women. And although it is not exceptionally old (50 years) it is quite worthy of some elucidation. The photo was taken by a local man named Albert Lingelbach. While he was not a professional “picture-taker” he was a very good amateur. I have been told that he took a significant number of photographs around Vermilion during his lifetime. This particular “pic” is one of ten recently sent me via email by former Vermilionite Dana Buell Wheeler. Taken on Memorial Day in 1958 the float being towed by the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air was sponsored by Vermilion’s American Legion Fiebirch Post #397. The sailor holding the American Flag is Glenn Owen. The other fellow - holding the Post Flag - is Mike Blakely. The young lady holding the lantern - that one might assume represented “the light of freedom” - was a Kubishke girl. One of the little girls, who I additionally assume were symbolic “embers of freedom” appears to be local resident Karen Moats. Blakely, Owen, and Miss Kubishke were popular high-school students. The boys were members of a local Sea Scouting Troop which was led at one time or another by several local residents such as Larry Shafts, Bob Liljegren and Mr. Lee who ran Lee’s Boat Yard (currently known as Vermilion Power Boats Inc.). I don’t know anything about Mr. Lee’s military background, but I do know that both Shafts and Liljegren were U.S. Navy war veterans. Glenn’s father, Lloyd, was a decorated veteran of the First World War and was quite active in the local Legion. Mike’s parents, at one time, ran the Dari-Bar Restaurant (now the site of the Old Prague Restaurant). The woman in the back seat of the vintage Chevy is Louise Moats. Karen Moats (on the float) was one of her two daughters. Her husband, Harold, was a meat-cutter and owned a tiny grocery store on the south side of Liberty Avenue. It was sandwiched between the former Williams Law offices and Liedhieser’s (now Captain Larry’s) Restaurant. Several years later he would build a larger market (IGA) just east of the Vermilion-On-The Lake Bridge. At the moment the photo was taken the car and float were passing in front of the Dennis Fish Company on Liberty Avenue. The building is currently a part of Moes Marine Service Inc. Dennis Fish was a wholesale / retail operation that supplied many local eateries, individuals, and families in the region with fresh seafood on a daily basis. While they did market fish from local sources they also sold salt water catches which included, among other things, fresh lobster and shrimp. It was one of those businesses that no one really missed until it was gone. And by then it was too late. As previously said, this photo, to some folks, may seem rather insignificant. But for those who do recall the shadows captured through the lens of Mr. Lingelbach’s camera in that yesteryear - I challenge you to look at this picture without adding some details of your own. It is wonderfully impossible.
AGAIN - ANOTHER NEW (NOW OLD) THING: Initially I said that "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." But methinks that it's carved out a niche for itself and the "Macabre stuff" with have to find another.
So stay tuned...
KILLED. -------------------- Two Workmen on the LS. & M.S. Ry. Bridge Meet Death in a Terrible Manner.
Two men belonging to the bridge crew were killed about 12:10 o’clock yesterday while at work on the east end of the Lake Shore bridge at this place. The men were working on the west-bound track while an east-bound freight was passing and did not notice a west-bound freight until too late. One of the men sprang to one side but was struck by the other and thrown beneath the wheels of the east bound train and was crushed and torn in a most horrible manner. The other man fell clear of the train and was not disfigured. The men were James Favro, of Fremont, age about 30, married and the other Chris Bechtol, Jr., of Sandusky, age 23. Favro was the one whose body was horribly mangled. His brother was also a workman and near the spot when the accident occured. The remains of the men were taken to Englebry’s Morgue and were prepared for burial. Favro was taken to this home last evening and Bechto this morning. Favro’s watch was picked up by his brother, it was a small gold hunting case time peice [sic]. The only damage being was that the front lid was torn from its fastenings. The watch had stopped at 12:20. It was not damaged so but what it started to run again when shaken.
-------------------- A GRAND BENEFIT.
A Night in NewYork., “The Big Comedy Succes:, is an all Start attraction, composed of some of the Best Singers and Dancers in the profession - only there is not a dull moment from start to finish. The company is headed by Miss Edyth Doyle - American’s Sweetest Singer - Mrs. Bert Marshall, the funny Comedian, Mrs. Ed Bernard, the character comepian [sic] and other stat artists. The features - The Big Novelty Minstrel, first part, The Florodora Sextette., The Rainbow Song, and the funnyt comedy - A Night in New York. The show is gauranteed [sic] to be the best ever presented in Vermilion. Get seats now. Prices - 15, 25, 35, and 50 cents.
-------------------- BODY FOUND.
A gentleman by the name of Burke of Birmingham while on a fishing expedition found the body of Geo. Loher who has been missing since a week ago Monday morning. The find was made near John Moes place some distance above the spot where the hounds tracked Mr. Loher, and some express the belief that the body was carried to where it was found by the current. The statement has also been made that the dogs made an effort to follow a trail up the river, but as it was thought to be an old trail and they were not allowed to do so. After the discovery Undertaker Englebry and Mayor Williams were notified and the body brought to Englebry’s undertaking rooms where the coroner’s inquest was held. Suicide is very evident, as a stone was found fastened to a rope tied around the neck and fastening the cap, which the old gnetleman wore, to his head. When found the body was head down, one of his feet within a few inches of the tope of the water. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon. Rev. Klein of the Reformed Church officiating.
--------------------
Captain Henry Kelly died at his home in Milan Friday at the advanced age of eighty-seven. He was one of the oldest captains and vessel builders on the great lakes. He was born in Rochester, N.Y. and was left an orphan when four years of age. He was then adopted by relatives but ran away at the age of sixteen and began his career on the lakes. He was a resident of Elyria for several years, moving from there to Milan 55 years ago where he built a shipyard which flourished for a number of years. He had accumulated considerable property and for several years past has not been actively engaged in business.
A class of fifty-six will graduate from the Elyria Hight School this spring.
-------------------- Council Proceedings.
Pursuant to adjournment, the Village Council met Friday evening and quite a lengthy sessions was held. All the members were present except Englbry. Geo. Krapp was sworn in by the mayor. A communication from Mr. Haines concerning electric lighting was read and referred to a committee. The committee on the opening of the new street reported and a committee of freeholders, composed of M. Wilbur, John Knott, Sr., and C.F. Decker, was appointed. The committee on the Finance made their report on the tax levy for the nexst year which was accepted. The valuation for 1903 is $456.060, and the rate for the several funds is as follows: General...............1/2 mill Road.....................3 “ Fire........................1/2 “ Street lighting.....1 “ Public grouind....1/4 “ Cemetery...............2 “ Total.........................7 1/2 mills An ordinance to issue bonds was read and duly passed. As it has been found necessary to establish a Board of Public Works, a resolution was adopted providing for same. The following were appoihted new members of the Board of health: M. Gegenheimer, John Carr, M. Wilbur. Council adjourned.
The fish hatchery at Sandusky will be abandoned and a new one erected at Kelley’s Island. The Cleveland Sunday School Union has petitioned the railroads to stop Sunday excursions in and our of that city. The matter has been referrred to the Central Passenger Association. Dr. G.S. Chandler of Sandusky passed away last Tuesday at the ripe old age of eighty. He was born at Birmingham. he served two consecutive terms as treasurer of Erie Co. The old brass works building at Lorain is being razed to the ground and the property is to be divided into business and residence lots and sold. The clergymen of the Cleveland conference of the Cong’l church will gather at Elyria some time in October to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of this organization. Theron Streetor the oung man who had his right foot cut offf by a L.S. & M.S. train nbear Ceylon Easter Sunday, and who has been taken care of at the infirmary returned to his home at Perry N.Y. Friday. Tramps and beggars are quite numerous this spring. It is disgusting in the extreme to find one of these “Weary Willies” at your door asking for food at this season when there is work for everybody by which they may earn an honest living. Dandelion wine is said to be the most medicinal wine made. This is the receipt [sic] for making it. One quart blossoms, one gallon boiling water, let stand 24 hours, remove blosoms, add 4 pounds white sugar, one lemon cut fine, one fresh cake yeast foam, let stand 36 hours stir well and strain though [sic] a cloth and bottle. It takes nearly three months to become perfectly clear. Now is the time for making as there is such a profusion of blossoms.
For Sale - A good 9 room house and 2 1/2 lots on Huron St. A good cellar under house and a good cistern. Addres P.O. Box 4, Vermilion, O.
A skeleton, supposedly that of an Indian, was unearthed at Ruggles Beach last week. It is reported that Joseph Savieg of Birmingham is in a serious condition, the result of been stings received by trying to hive a swarm. The suit of Fischer against the Village of Vermilion has been continued. H.S. Miller is spending the week at Marietta. Misses Jennie Harris and Gertrude Simons are in Cleveland today. Miss Lottie Goodell is spending the week in town. Sorosis meets with Mrs. Quigley tomorrow evening. M. Leidheiser and family had for their guests Tuesday Joe Dick, Chas. Heidloff and the Misses Myers and Heidloff of Cleveland. Mrs. C. Rumsey who was taken seriously ill last Thursday is convalescent. Mrs. Jane Andrews is able to be again after illness. [VV ed. note: I don’t know what this meant - but I’ll bet she was glad.] Henry Shoop, who was reported last week as having had stroke of paralysis died at a late hour Wednesday night. S.W. Sharp of Lorain has purchased the bloodhounds used in the Agatha Reichlin Murder case and later here in the Loher drowning case of Dr. Hickman. An attempt to kill the bloodhounds purchased from Dr. Hickman by S.W. Sharp was made the first of the week. [VV ed note: I guess their barking bothered somebody.] Alice Rumsey has been quite sick for thelast two weeks. The Electric sub-station here was forced to shut down Monday on account of the buring out of a transformer. Repairs were made in a short time. The case of Berdan and other vs. J.W. Krapp was set for hearing Wednesday. That of George Fischer vs. Village of Vermilion for today.
Hmmmmmm....
J.I. HOWELL AND HIS HOUSEKEEPER AT HIS SHOP ON MAIN STREET
THEY JUST CALLED HIM “J.I.”: Without a name the story would be interesting enough. He was born in Calhan, Georgia about 1841 or ‘42. His parents, by some accounts, were North Carolinians. On the twenty-second day of March in the year 1862 - nearly one year after the start of the American Civil War - he enlisted in the Confederate Army as a Private and became an infantry soldier in Georgia’s 51st Regiment. Over the next three years the regiment participated in nearly 40 engagements in Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and Georgia. He was a young man of about 20 years when the war began. When it was over he was very likely twice or even thrice that. As the story is told there came a time in his life when he realised that part of what he was asked to fight for was a thing called slavery. It was not, to say the very least, a concept he eagerly embraced. Consequently, by the end of the war he had abandoned the south. By 1880 he was living on South Washington Street in Sandusky, Ohio with his wife Sarah, and their five children; Willie, Daniel, Henry, George, and Jessie, where he worked as a blacksmith. During the years which followed the hardworking smithy and his family moved to Birmingham (1888) and then, by 1890, on to a shop in the Village of Vermilion, Ohio. But wherever they went misfortune seem to follow. Sarah died in 1898 and sometime during those same years three of their youngsters also died. The shop in Vermilion was located on the west side of Main Street just south of Ferry Street. It was torn down in September of 1931 by Anna Leidheiser - the widow of Captain Henry Leidheiser. Currently a tiny house - where the Leidheiser daughter-in-law Frances / “Billie” lived for years - occupies the site. But prior to that, the shop had served as a smithery for men with unassuming names such as Jim Miles, Henry Baldwin, Christ Ott, and then, of course, the subject of this essay; and later his son George. In about the year 1920 with his health beginning to decline he sold the shop, and briefly returned to Georgia to visit the scenes of his youth. By 1923 he had returned to town and made his home with his son George who had since left smithing and gone to work for the railroad. And then, “Shortly after two o’clock” on the morning of October 25, 1923, as the Vermilion News report put it, “...one of Vermilion’s oldest and best known citizens died...”. Most folks around town knew him as “J.I. Howell”. It’s hard to say if any knew him by his first name. This may be, in part, because it’s unlikely that anyone really knew what it was. And those who search for information about him using U.S. Census data will quickly discover the reason. The U.S. Civil War Soldier Records have him listed as Jarrett and Jariot in several places. And U.S. Census Records from 1880, 1900, and 1910 have him listed as John, Jared, and Jeriot respectively. The only things that any of these records have in common are his birthplace, the approximate year of his birth, the first names of members of his immediate family, and his middle initial. Well, as Bill Shakespeare’s Juliet (Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) so aptly put it, “"What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet." That is, to be sure, very true. But it’d probably be safe to bet that most folks in the yesteryear just called this rose “J.I.”.
Ref: The Vermilion News, 10-25-23 and 9-24-31; U.S. Census data from Ancestry.com; Special Thanks to: Larry E. Howell; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 3/18/10; Written 3/14/10 @ 11:02 AM; Photograph just obtained from Larry Howell on 5/26/11.
KRYSTA MORLAN
“Growing up with cerebral palsy made me a stronger person and very determined to succeed. Inventing has given me confidence and a way to help myself as well as others.” - Krysta Morlan * Krysta Morlan's first invention was a device that relieves the irritation caused by wearing a cast called the cast cooler. The portable cast cooler works by pumping air into a cast through a plastic tube. Krysta Morlan was in grade 10 when she invented the cast cooler. Still in high school, Krysta Morlan then invented the Waterbike, a semi-submersible, fin-propelled pedaled vehicle.
THE ELUSIVE M. CHERRY: [ed. note: Since writing this piece a kind librarian from the Sandusky library has contacted me and was also kind enough to sent me Marjorie's obituary. So now I know a great deal more about this lady. Next week I'll afford you (as Paul Harvey used to say, "The rest of the story."]
Some may remember that old song called “Margie”. “Margie, I’m always thinking ‘bout you...” It’s been recorded by many people such as Jimmy Durante, etc. And maybe no one ever called her “Margie”. But as I‘ve looked and looked to find more details of her life that old song pervades my thoughts. Because there ain’t much to be found. And given her work as a local historian that’s seems rather curious. Her name is Marjori(e) Loomis Cherry. She was born somewhere in Ohio on the 17th day in February in the year 1889. Her father was from Michigan. Her mother from Ohio. I’ve not been able to find her maiden name. But in the early part of the 20th century she married a fellow named Ross Cherry. Ross was a farmer in Perkins Township near Sandusky. Later he drove truck hauling sand for a local foundry. Ironically, her name appears quite frequently in the society pages of the Sandusky newspaper from the early 1930’s well into the 1970’s. But it always appears as Mrs. Ross Cherry. Her christian name is never used in those articles. That practice, however annoying I may find it [after all people do have first names for a reason], was not uncommon for those times. But setting all that aside, it is clear that Marjorie Cherry was very active in numerous social-historical clubs in Erie County, Ohio as both a member and a featured speaker. My first encounter with Marjorie was 10 or 12 years ago when someone - perhaps it was Betty Trinter - gave me a copy of a book called “Blockhouses and Military Posts of the Firelands”. As is obvious from the accompanying photo reproduction of the cover, where upon I added Marjorie’s portrait, it was published in 1934 with only the author’s last name listed. Ergo; it may be that even Marjorie didn’t think her first name was of any import. At the time I didn’t give it much thought because of the wealth of the information in the book. It wasn’t until about a year ago - when I sought to purchase a better copy of the tome - that I discovered the entire name of the author, and began to look for information about her. As previously said “there ain’t much”. What I did find is that she wrote at least 34 other things beside “Blockhouses. One was called “McGuffey Entertainment” which is, apparently, a compilation of entertaining stories adapted from the old McGuffey Readers that were widely used by school children during the 19th century. I have been unable, thus far, to find a copy of that book. But no matter. M. Cherry’s book (“Blockhouses and Military Posts of the Firelands”) was, and remains, both an entertaining and valuable historical resource for the area once known as the “Fire-Lands” including the place we now know as Vermilion, Ohio. The book basically covers the years just prior to and during the War of 1812. As Cherry says in the Forward of her book, “Those [soldiers] of the Revolution won for us our freedom, and those of 1812 made it possible for us to keep that freedom.” Due to the fact that during this war all the records concerning the military posts on what were then the frontiers of a new nation were destroyed by the British when they burned Washington this book is especially important. Unfortunately, she never cited her sources. Though that doesn’t necessarily make her writings less authoritative it would, nonetheless, have been nice to have had them. On January 22, 1978 this elusive woman of many letters passed into the yesteryear at the age of 88 in Norwalk, Ohio. Husband, Ross, had preceded her. For a number of years her book was used in area schools as part of their history curriculum. But, for whatever reason, this “woman of many letters” whose histories of the area are of no small note left very few tokens of her life - beyond those works - for others to discover. Ref: Blockhouses and Military Posts of the Firelands, by Cherry, 1934; Sandusky Register, 7/24/35 and 2/19/70; U.S. Census 1920, 1930; Ohio Death Statistics 1908 - 2007; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 5/12/11; Written 5/08/11 @ 10:59 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 townships south of Vermilion. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
NEW HAVEN.
NEW HAVEN VILLAGE.
The village of New Haven was laid out by David and Royal N. Powers, upon the 8th of April, 1815. The plat was constructed upon the plan of the town plat of New Haven, Connecticut, and the village was as tastefully and conveniently laid out as any in the State of Ohio. This was the second town plat laid out upon the Fire-lands. The center of the plat, an open space, of diamond shape, was just north of the township center. Streets were laid out, north, east, south and west, from the angles of this open common, and these were intersected, at right angles, by other streets, all at an equal distance from the center of the plat. Alleys were laid out, sub-dividing the blocks. There were one hundred and eighteen lots, over sixty of which were sold and improved within the first few years of the existence of the village. In 1820, New Haven was regarded as a rival, in matters of trade and manufacture, of Norwalk and Mansfield. This rivalry was maintained until the completion of the Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark railroad, when, from a combination of causes, it began to decline.
INCORPORATION.
New Haven village was incorporated in 1838 or '39, but it is said that officers were not regularly or properly elected until several years later. Wm. V. B. Moore was mayor in 1839. No trace of any official mention can be discovered before that date. The first and second pages of the corporation record are gone, and the first date shown is 1843. tender this date, by reference to various entries, we find that the officers were at that time as follows: P. R. Hoy, mayor; R. L. McEwen, recorder (or clerk); J. K. Partello, J. C. Towne, Wm. John, D. F. Webber, James Graham trustees (members of council). The officers during other years are given as taken from the record: 1844—R. L. McEwen, mayor; D. F. Webber, recorder; William John. Philo R. Hoy, Wm. B. Ames, John D. Loomis, Jacob Guyselman, town council. 1845—Dyer F. Webber, mayor; Thomas Johnston, recorder; Wm. V. B. Moore, Solomon Place, James Graham, Merrit Clark, William McVitty, town council. 1846—Charles E. Bostwick, mayor; Thomas Johnston, recorder; Wm. V. B. Moore, Sumner F. Webber, William John, J. K. Partello, John B. Johnson, town council. 1847—Henry Buck, mayor; Thomas Johnston, recorder; J. K. Partello, Sumner P. Webber, Phillip Green, Francis M. Chapman, Merrit Clark, town council; Cyrus Dow was appointed treasurer: and Ambrose S. Mallory, marshal. 1848—Ralp L. Phelps, mayor; R. H. Tryon, recorder; James Deaner, Francis M. Chapman, Truman W. Crowel, Elias C. McVitty, Frederick W. Clark, town council; Oscar A. Deaner was apjiointed treasurer, and George Burns marshal. 1849—James Deaner, mayor; R. H. Tryon, recorder; Wm. Kelley, Wm. V. B. Moore, Wm. John, David Lewis, John J. Vail, town council: Oscar A. Deaner was appointed treasurer, and Lucius C. Brown, marshal. Only one or two elections were held after the year above shown, and the record, having been mutilated, it is impossible to ascertain what officers were chosen. The corporation went out of existence with the decline of the village, and no further interest seems to have been taken in the matter of town government until 1808, when the village was reincorporated. The officers then elected were: Jesse Williams, mayor; Caleb Palmer, recorder; Joseph Mills, Harvey Meleck, Alanson Clark, Harrison Skinner, Stephen Page, town council; James K. Southard was appointed marshal. This was the only election held under the new incorporation.
NEW HAVEN’S BEST DAYS.
In " old times,'' no grass grew in the streets of New Haven. The mercantile business, in which Royal N. Powers was a pioneer, fast increased in mmagnitude. Hopkins, Hinman & Williams soon opened a large stock of goods. Ives & Haskins followed. Other merchants, engaged in business at New Haven at the same time and afterwards, were T. W. Crowell, Benjamin Gosling, James Hannan, T. C. McEwen, Sumner Webber, John W. Johnston and Dr. Brown. Martin M. Kellogg built a two-story hewed log tavern, in 1816, or the following year, and George Beymer became its first proprietor. Soon after, two framed buildings were erected for use as the lodging places of the "wayfarer and the stranger." Royal N. Powers, his brother Lemuel, Caleb Palmer, William D. Mann, Stowe, Fleming, Barlow, Snow. John Lang, Mosher and a Mrs. Henderson, are the best remembered inn-keepers. Manufacturing was started at an early day. Shoe making was one of the principal industries, and at one time there were from forty to fifty journeymen of this trade in the little village. In those times, shipping shoes to New Haven would have been regarded in the same light as sending coals to Newcastle. A Mr. Andrews embarked in the tanning business, and was soon bought out by Steward and Mulford. The business was prosperous. Other trades were established, and their followers flourished. An iron foundry was established by Towne and Loomis, and a building erected in 1833. It was afterward bought out by John Skinner, and became, successively, the property of a Mr. Frost and of William John. Bostwick's fanning mill and valve factory, at a later day, added largely to the business of the village. Beside extensive manufacturing interests, there were cabinet shops, a steam mill, an ashery, run upon a large scale, etc. The principal business of the place, however, was the mercantile. There were at one time five dry goods stores, and it was not an uncommon thing for the largest of them to have sales amounting...
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
IT'S NEW (TO ME): Though I've never met her in person (that I know of anyway) I consider Vermilion expatriate Bobbi Riley (Elton Fischer's granddaughter) to be a friend. She's provided me with some wonderful family photographs that would have otherwise been lost to Vermilion history archives - as well as some useful information about her family over the last several years. And this week she helped me again.
Bobbi found the pic above of Vermilion firemen testing a new nozzel out on the Vermilion Township Hall. The year was 1918. It's a postcard pic, and it was taken by my grandfather who lived just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the scene.
That which is actually unusual about this photograph is that it shows the north side of the township hall in the years when a furnace was located on that side of the building (note the smokestack), and the wrought iron was still on the roof.
I thought I'd seen just about all of grandfather's photographs. But I guess I was wrong. It was a wondeful surprise. So thanks Bobbi.
GRADUATION [Thanks Bonnie]
It's graduation day, and everybody's going to get their diploma but Jon. At the assembly, the entire senior class stands up and shouts, "Let Jon graduate, let Jon graduate!" The principal agrees to give Jon one last chance. "If I have five apples in my right hand and five in my left hand, Jon, how many apples do I have?" he asked. Jon thought long and hard and then said, "Ten." At that the entire senior class stood up and shouted, "Give Jon another chance. Give Jon another chance!"
PODCAST #232:This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #232 takes a break from history for some fun. Have a nice day...
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 and MOV) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4 / MOV" formats. If you don't have a "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.
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Vol.9, Issue 11, May 28, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant