06/04/11 VIEWS DESKTOP - BROWNHELM SCHOOL GETS A FACE CLEANING
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: This weekend is Festival of the Fish weekend in good ol’ Vermilion O. Many people like festivals such as these, but I am not one. When I was younger I liked such things. But for an old fuddy-duddy like me it’s just a very uninspiring affair. I don’t appreciate crowds like I used to. [Bah-Humbug!]
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I am intent in my desire to have the VN building renovated. I’ve set the book I’d been working on aside. Though funding is always a factor there are other considerations - things - that also require attention. Some personal. Some social. Some political. It’s an adventure. But one with a time-line. [I’m not getting younger.]
I’ve given up trying to do podcasts every week. I think it’s more to the point if I only do them when I’ve got something locally relevant to share such as an interview or something historic. I’ve not really got the time to do a great deal with video. And it doth take time. I currently have some good equipment and, hopefully, in July sometime I’ll have some good interviews to use. It’s taken me several years to acquire the right recording equipment for the task.
The music I’ve been using lately with the page comes from a collection I acquired from Smithsonian (Inst.) Folkways. called “Election Songs of the United States. They’re performed by a fellow named Oscar Brand. The collection begins in 1800 and goes through 1948. Via this music you will find that many of the presidential races of the past were “hot”. That’s not a recent development - though it’s still very distasteful. [The concept of human respect and decency may never have existed.]
Historically,
UNFAMILIAR FAMILIAR FACES
WHO ARE THEY (?): My friends Dolores and Frank Adkins stopped at a garage sale on Douglas street last week and purchased a few items. Along with those items was this (and another) photograph. I don't know who these folks are. But I thought that maybe a "Viewer" might recognize them. They look vaguely familiar. It's a very nice portrait.
The other pic appears in the portraits section of "VV" this week. It's unuaual.
"The scene is extremely bucolic / idyllic."
DON’T IT ALWAYS SEEM TO GO...IN VERMILION: A headline in the February 18, 1936 issue of The Vermilion News read “ Standard Oil Company Leases Church Corner; Opens May 1st.” The “church corner” alluded to in the article had once been the home of Vermilion’s Methodist Episcopal church. For years it stood as a local landmark on the southeast corner of Liberty and Grand streets in what was then the very heart of Vermilion’s bustling retail business district. After the congregation merged with that of the local Congregational Church in 1927 the building was leased to a plumbing company. A few years later the building was destroyed in what at least one local historian has described as “a spectacular night-time fire”. Times were certainly, as poet-musician Bob Dylan much later put it, “a changing”. The days of using mass transportation systems like the steam railroads and the electrics such as northern Ohio’s once renowned Lake Shore Electric railway were rapidly fading. The era of personal transport (i.e. the automobile) had arrived. Consequently, as the numbers of auto owners expanded so too did the demand for stations to serve them. As an aside, it’s interesting to note that some persons once considered automobiles to be just a fad for the wealthy. In 1903 the Michigan Savings Bank told Henry Ford's lawyer not to invest in the Ford Motor Company because automobiles were but novelties. Obviously neither Henry Ford nor a great number of American citizens paid much attention to the sage advice or predictions of the aforementioned bank. Ohio’s Rockefeller certainly didn’t. Because in the early years of the 20th century a small Standard Oil service station was in full operation down the hill - just east of Division / Main street on the south side of Liberty - opposite George Fischer’s lumber company. And business was apparently so good that by 1936 the company decided to upgrade. Thus, the company erected a building that was approximately 24x24 of Rockface sandstone (pictured). A gentleman named P.E. Durbin of Mansfield took over management of the local station. His predecessor, one Oscar Lundgren, left for a position in the Lorain shipyards. The News simply reported that the old station was “abandoned”. [Note: That site may very well be at, or very near, the current site of Vermilion’s Sunoco station.] The accompanying photograph was taken by late Vermilionite Roy Kneisel in, or around, the year 1942. Because this was at the very beginning of the second world war; and because Vermilionite Glenn Fulper Sr. had been, among other things, officially appointed as one of two local tire inspectors for the government, it is very likely that he operated the station when the photo was taken. The scene is extremely bucolic / idyllic. Who wouldn’t like to live in a town like that in the photograph? In the background one can just see the steeples of the First Congregational church and the Vermilion Township Hall. Butler’s Restaurant looks like a very inviting place to drop in for a cup of coffee and a sandwich. The old Sohio / Standard Oil of Ohio sign on the pole along Routes 6 & 2 would likely be prohibited - as a safety hazard - today. And if you dropped in to buy some gas you can bet that an attendant - Mr. Fulper and, later, his son Glenn - would fill your tank and clean your windshield. But the years have fled; and with them Fulper’s station, his auto parts store, most of the buildings in the photo, and, not to be forgotten, the steeple on the town hall. And to quote the words of but another poet / musician, Joni Mitchell: “Don't it always seem to go/That you don't know what you've got/‘Til it's gone...”
Ref: The Vermilion News 2/18/1936; Special Thanks to Roy Kneisel Family and the Vermilion Area Archival Society; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 2/03/11; Written 1/30/11 @ 11:27 AM.
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...
June 4, 1903. - Volume 7 - Number 1
The Smallpox Situation.
Despite the many reports to the contrary, the smallpox situation in Vermilion is not desperate, and if no more cases develope we shall consider ourselves fortuante. A detention hospital has been established and four patients removed to it. The disease has so far been confined to the Brooks family with the exception of O. Shaffer, Henry Ries, (the undertaker’s assistant) the krapp children and Mrs. Guy S. Davis, who reside near the Brooks home. W.H. Brooks, father of William Brooks who broght the disease here, died Friday. Miss Mabel Brooks died Wenesday. Miss Brooks’ death was caused directly by pneumonia, although it is thought that she had smallpox also. So far no one owho was at the funeral of Wm. Brooks and was not in the house before or at the time of his death as come down with the dread disease. Dr. Chapman, representing the State Board of Health, was in town the first of the week. He thinks there is little danger of a further spread of the disease. It is to be hoped that there will be no more cases, but great care should be taken for some time to come, that the disease does not break out again. Thee wil be no church services Sunday, and no public gatherings until further notice.
The Vermilion Telephone Co.’s business is increasing considerably, the receipts for the toll alone representing a neat sum. D. Christmann returned from Alleghany, Pa., Wednesday. Mrs. Christmann is resting comfortably at the hosptal there after undergoing a severe operation. Wm. and Augustus Lohr have been appointed administrators of the will of the late George Lohr.
-------------------- NOTICE TO PUPILS
As soon as conditions will permit, Teachers will meet with Superintendent and make promotions. The same will be based on two previous examinations and class work. No commencement exercises this week. At a meeting of the Board of Education Monday evening, June 8, it will be determined what shall be done concerning commencement. It will be announced through the columns of this paper next week we hope, when pupils shall come to school building to get their books. At this time all library books must be returned. Respecfully, J.C. Seemann, Supt.
-------------------- Want a Name.
The Vermilion boys have organized a base ball team and are looking for a name. They are making the following offer: The name of the buiness firm or man sending in the highest bid will be given the team. Hand your bid to Geo. Ritter as soon as possible, as the boys desire to start right.
Dave Rice an employee on the Nickle Plate road died, at his home in Milan Monday of black dyptheria. M. Mommell, a well-known manufacturer of wines and champagne of Sandusky, died Sunday. His death was caused from peritonitis resulting from the kick of a cow.
-------------------- COUNCIL MEETING
A short sessions of the village council was held Monday evening. Only four members were present. The meeting was adjourned until next Monday evening.
Papers were filed in the suit of Henry Glime against the Diamond Cheese company, appealed from justice court. AA. Pearl, the extract man of Norwalk, did not make his regular trip to Vermilin last week on account of the small[pox scare. He will continue his regular trips as soon as practicable. It has been reported that Shaffer the man who has the smallpox, was a Stevens’ Market Sunday. This is unture as the market was closed at an early hour.
Volume Seven.
With this issue the News enters into its seventh volume. That our efforts during the past year have been appreciated has been manifested in the goodly number added to our subscription list. During the next year we hope to make many improvements and look for the hearty support of the people of Vermilion and vincinity.
-------------------- For Smallpox and Scarlet Fever
The following recipe was copied and contributed by an Axtel lady: Sulphate of Zinc 1 gr., Foxglove or Digitalis 1 gr., 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Mix with 2 tablespoonfuls water. When mixed add 4 oz. of water and take a tablespoonful every hour. Use the solid extract of digitalis, as the liquid is valueless. Either disease will disappear in twelve hours. For a small child give smaller doeses
Warren Becknell has accepted the presidency of the Lake Shore Electric. R.B. Lersch, of Elyria, has received the nomination for state representatiive.
-------------------- A False Alarm
The report that there was acase of smallpox in town was somewhat premature. Mrs. A.G. Davis, who was somewhat indisposed the first of the week, is about the house attending to her work. So after the little flurry of excitement caused by the reports, all is quiet and peaceful among the cliff dwellers. - Berlin Neights Budget.
-------------------- OBITUARY.
The many friends of Robert Dalzell Jr., of Huron, formerly of this place were shocked to learn of his death which occurred Wednesday night at Milbury. It appears that while in discharge of his duties as brakesman on the Lake Shore railroad, in some manner, fell of a freight car. He was discovered by the fireman and engineer of this train, and haste was made to plce him in a hospital at Toledo. The injuries were so serious, however, that the young man died on the way to the hospital. The funeral services were held Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Episcopal church at Huron, Rev. Freeborn officiating. Deceased was twenty-three years of age, and had been employed as brakeman on the Lake Shore road only a few months. He leaves a father, mother, and one brother to mourn their loss besides a host of sorrowing friends. One could see from the many beautiful floral tributes that he had many friends as he was always of jolly disposition. Those from this place who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Baumhardt and daughter Nelee, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Baumhardt and Mrs. G. Wolhaver.
-------------------- Merwin Myers.
Merwin Alfred Myers, died Friday morning, May 29thth, 1903, aged thirty-six years, after an illness of three weeks. The funeral services were held at the home of his mother, Mrs. Amanda L. Myers in Vermillion [sic] on Tuesday at 2 p.m. June 2nd, 1903. The short serviceses were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Kaley in the presence of only the family and dear friends. A hymn, Lead Kindly Light, was sung by Mr. F.M. Nicholas. The floral offereings were very numerous and exceedingly beautiful. Mr. Myers was for many years a trusted employee of the American Shipbuildijng Company of Cleveland, Ohio.
Circumstances over which we have no control make a scarcity of local news this week.
-------------------- COOPER-MOULTON
Cards are out announcing the marriage of Miss Mable Moulton, a highly esteemed young lady of Brownhelm, to Mr. Austin J. Cooper, a young business man of the same place, which occurred at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Milo Moulton, Sunday, May 24, 1903. The News joins their many friends in wishing them a happy and prosporous journey through life.
Hmmmmmm....
The four men standing to the right of the steamer are (L-R) Dick Macklin, Woody Wheeler, Mr. Meckle, and Charlie Solomon.
'TWAS BUT YESTERDAY: It seems like ‘twas but yesterday. But, no, it was more than a half century back when someone - perhaps one of the local photographers, Paul Ludlow or Dick Koontz - forever captured the accompanying shadows behind the American Legion Hall on Liberty avenue. I was ten - going on sixteen - and in a daydream running my Cleveland News / Cleveland Press paper route in a shiny aqua colored Thunderbird. In reality I was more than likely riding my shiny red bicycle by the hall the moment this picture was being taken. It was Thursday, August 25, 1955. and the Legion was preparing for their 24th annual Clambake. The four men standing to the right of the steamer are (L-R) Dick Macklin, Woody Wheeler, Mr. Meckle, and Charlie Solomon. The fellow standing next to the building in the background is Lloyd Owen. Of all the men I knew Mr. Owen the best. Lloyd served as Chaplain for the legion post, and was also a very active member of the Congregational church as well as the local Boy Scouts. He was, to say the very least, “quite a (good) character” who had more metal in his body than most modern automobiles have in theirs. His, however, was souvenir shrapnel from the war in the Pacific. He was a Navy man. Dick Macklin was also a Navy guy. If you look closely you’ll note that Dick was “well tattooed”. Unlike today tattoos were then relatively uncommon among the general population - except for a few men (not women) who had served in the armed forces. Dick owned and operated a “beer-joint” on Division / Main street. When he first assumed ownership of the place it was a blue-collar bar called Eland’s Cafe / “Lefty’s”. In the late 1950’s or early 1960’s he “classed” it up some; installed a curved bar; put a brick face on the place; and gave it a new name - the Lemon Tree Lounge. Across the street from the lounge was a department store (currently Brummer’s candy store) owned and operated by Woody Wheeler and his wife. Through the years the store went by several different names; Englebry’s; Fishers; and Mayer’s. So it’s hard to say what it was called when Woody and his wife, Fran, owned it. The Wheelers had two sons who were fair athletes. Consequently, Mr. Wheeler was real active with the local sports boosters as well as the legion. Charlie Solomon, along with his son Eddie, owned and operated Vermilion’s celebrated McGarvey’s Nautical Restaurant just below the river bridge. They purchased the restaurant from its namesake, Charlie McGarvey, in 1945 and worked very hard to earn an esteemed place among the top eateries in northern Ohio. Sometime in the mid 1960’s Macklin sold his bar, packed his family into a nice houseboat and sailed off into the sunset to Florida. After the Wheeler boys graduated from high school the family left Vermilion and essentially disappeared from the business and social landscape. Charlie Solomon died in 1963, and his son Eddie took over operation of the restaurant. And Lloyd Owen stayed in town, never too busy to help a fellow veteran. In the early 1990’s, though up in years, he finally moved to Michigan with his second wife, Ida, where he eventually went to his final reward. And, yes, that yesteryear really seems like ‘twas only yesterday to me. Even though I never got an aqua Thunderbird it’s hard to look back at these smiling faces from August 25, 1955 without smiling back. Surely - a good time was had by all.
Ref: Special Thanks to Larry Jeffery; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 11/04/10; Written 10/31/10 @ 1:55 PM.
ROBERT PATCH
On June 4, 1963 six-year-old inventor Robert Patch obtained a patent for a "toy truck". Patch's toy truck was designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by a young person and it can be changed into different types of trucks each time.
ANOTHER UNFAMILIAR PERSON: As mentioned in the "Familiar Faces" portion of "VV" this week this is one of the photographs inadvertantly acquired by Frank and Dolores Adkins at a garage sale on Douglas street last week.
This is a rather compelling photograph of a pretty young women taken by the "Michaels" studio in 1935. If nothing else if affords us with a good example of a formal evening dress worn by American women 76 years ago.
I would hope that someone might be able to identify this person. But chances of that may be rather remote. Still - it's a great photograph...
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.
...July 6, 1875. On September 13, 18?5, the schools were opened in the new building, six rooms being occupied, and an enrollment of three hundred and fifty pupils. There are six teachers employed, beside the superintendent. The system of instruction followed is similar to that of the most approved schools, very simple, yet practical, the main object being,—first—to give the pupils a good, common business education. There is not a rigid adherence to the plan of any particular text book, the work being provided by the superintendent each month. The course of study consists of thirteen years ; after eight years are spent in the study of the common branches, there remain five years for the completion of the higher studies of the course. The schools are in excellent grade, there being two grades, of one year each, in each room, except in the high school, which has three grades. Since the re-organization of the schools and adoption of a course of study, in 1875, there has been one class of six graduated—in June, 1877. Hereafter there will be a class each year. A concise report of the schools has been issued each year, since 1875, showing the condition of the schools at the end of the particular year. The schools are in a thriving condition. The corps of teachers, at the present time, stands as follows: Superintendent, C. W. Butler; high school, Mrs. 0. W. Butler; A grammar. Miss Kate Tubbs; B grammar. Miss Nora Reed ; A primary. Miss Stella Billstein; B primary Miss Sarah Tucker: C primary, Miss Mary Culp. Board of Education: S. Bloom, president; Solomon Spear, secretary; Wells Rogers, treasurer; Josiah Wyandt, George Hoffman and A. F. Plank.
SCHOOL BUILDING.
At a meeting of the Board of Education, March 4, 1874, it was decided to submit to the voters the propriety of building a new school house. The vote was taken, April 14, and resulted by a large majority in its favor. The building is a brick structure, three stories high, and a basement. There are, at the present time, six regular school rooms, a recitation room and a superintendent's office in use. The rooms are all well furnished, lighted, heated and ventilated; halls wide and roomy, and the building, as a whole, one of the finest in the State. Its cost was about twenty-five thousand dollars.
DEMOSTHENEAN LITERARY SOCIETY.
This society was organized in the fall of 1875, in connection with the high school. It enrolls about one hundred and fifty members, counting both present and absent members. Its efforts have been attended with a marked degree of success. Its hall is well furnished. Since its organization, the society has purchased an organ, chandeliers, books, and a complete set of Zell's Encyclopedias. It is regarded with much pride by the patrons of the school.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PLYMOUTH.
The First Presbyterian church, of Plymouth, was organized by Rev. William Matthews, February 23, 1819, and consisted of the following named members, there being forty-one in all—twenty males, and twenty-one females : Mr. and Mrs. Levi Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. Abram Van Houten, Mr. and Mrs. George Mack, Mr. and Mrs. John Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. William Vanfleet, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. David Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Dewit, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Conklin, Mr. and Mrs. William Guttery, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. James Davis, Mr. and Mrs. George Garret, John Conklin, William Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gunsaullus, Levi Gunsaullus, Abram I. Brevier, Sophia Bodly, Hannah Bodley, Dinah Bodley, Jane Bodley and Mary Morrow. Nearly all of the above named persons came to Ohio from the State of New York. The following named persons were the first elders of the church-ordained as such July 10, 1819: Mr. Levi Bodley, John Conklin, Abran Van Houten and David Gunsaullus. As first organized, the church was under the care of the Richland presbytery, but in August, 1838, it withdrew from that body and united with the presbytery of Huron. It continued to hold this relation until September 16, 1876, at which time it returned to its first love, uniting with the presbytery of Wooster, which embraces in its territory the greater part of what was once known as the Richland presbytery. This relation the church still holds. The first church edifice was a log building, erected in 1824 or ‘25. It stood about a mile and a half south of the present village of Plymouth. In 1823, fourteen members, two of them being elders in the church, withdrew, and formed the Associate Reformed church, which has since ceased to exist. Worship was continued in the log "meeting house" until about 1836, at which time the church began to hold its services in the brick school house, situated within the present village of Plymouth, and now occupied as a dwelling house. In 1839 the present church edifice was begun, and finished in the fall of 1840. It was remodeled in 1870, and is now a very convenient and comfortable building. In 1853, twenty-two members withdrew, and formed the Congregational church of Plymouth. The organization of the Associate Reformed Church, in 1823, for a short time seriously retarded the growth of the church. The same is true in regard to the organization of the Congregational church. But for the most part, during its sixty years of existence as a church, it has been greatly prospered. It has enjoyed a number of very interesting revivals, one of especial interest in 1866, which resulted in the addition of over fifty persons to the church. Another during the winter just closed, of equal interest; up to the present date,...
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
LOCAL ARTIFACTS: As the years turn I learn and (hopefully) adjust "VV". My friend, Frank Homitz, invited me to his home a month or so back to look at - a photograph if possible - some of his paintings and artifacts that he and his spouse, Mary Lynn, have collected over the years. This yard stick (of course) is one item from their artifact collection. [Some people specialized in taking pix of people. I specialize in taking pix of things.]
I do have a few items of my own like this. Some have appeared in "VV". Some not (yet). But now I'm thinking that I should make a special place for pix of local artifacts. Frank and M.L. have quite a collection of things. And I'm certain that others do too.
Note that these pieces have Vermilion spelled with 2 ells. They're nice collectors items.
I can't say that I, nor anyone else, will know a heck of a lot about these things. But they'll be interesting to see.
So...
THINGS YOU’LL NEVER HEAR IN A WESTERN MOVIE
"I reckon I'll have me a half-caf double latte with a twist. IN A DIRTY MUG!" "Gentlemen, rather than get caught up in mindless reaction, let's draw upon our feminine selves for a more intuitive solution." "Can we postpone this duel till 12:05? I gotta use the little boys room." "Let's see... hardtack and pemmican... that's three grams of fat, seven grams of protein, and two starches." "You 'n' Slim round up them strays, and I'll tell Cookie to get started on the gazpacho and the fondue." "That's him! That's the yella-bellied varmint who shot my therapist!" "He was a strong man, a good marshal, and I reckon he had a keen eye for interior decoration." "Hey, Buck, do these chaps make my butt look big?" "It's like I keep tellin' ya, Earl: men is from Tombstone, women is from Dodge." "HANG HIM HIGH, BOYS!! ...Okay, now a little to the left....Oooh! Stop right there. Perfect!"
PODCAST #0:This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #0 is none existant - again.
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.
How the old links menu looked
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol.9, Issue 13, June 18, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant