DESKTOP - 8/27/11 - THE LAST DAYS OF ANOTHER LANDMARK
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: Autumn’s in the air. Or at least it seems that way. Maybe it’s just because school is about to start. Anyway, it seems like the summer just flew. Darn. I was just getting used to it.
The neighborhood children seem excited. Talking with one young mother the other day she told us that one of her boys wasn’t really looking forward to the start of school. A friend of his was standing nearby. He told her that her son actually was very excited about the event – albeit secretly. Ah, the early stages of manhood; the feigning stoic (not to be confused with “stork”) age. As I said, “Autumn’s in the air.”
WHISPERS: I’ve heard some whispering about what’s to become of the old (my beloved) South Street School. But let me stress that that’s all it is – whispering. It reminds me of that old game where everyone sits in a circle, and one person whispers something in their neighbor’s ear, etc., etc., etc. And when it gets to the last person that person says aloud what they’ve heard. Seldom is it the original idea.
So I’ve heard the “whispers” about South Street. But I also subscribe to the adage that says, “Wish in one hand, and spit in the other…” Y’all know the result. The ruins of State Street School stand (barely) as an example of where wishful thinking leads.
MUSH: I do have my Vermilion Classified’s page finished. I’m just unsure about how much to charge for advertising given the platform. I want to make it affordable and, of course, effective. The intent is to allow local persons an opportunity to sell services and goods locally. It just seems practical. The page should be ready for launching by the end of next week. So…
Historically,
YA' HAD TO LOVE'M ALL
I CAN'T SAY WHAT:I like this photograph because I know all but one of the folks in it. But, unfortunately, I can't say why they're together for this photo. The only reason I can think of is that it might have had something to do with one of the hotrod clubs that existed at one time in Vermilion.
Pictured are:
BACK ROW - L-R: A woman identified only as Jeanette, Doug Hildum, Darrell Ollis.
SEATED - L-R: Fran Wheeler, Police Chief Harry Lechner, and John Herchler.
The snap was taken in what looks to be the interior of Vermilion's High School when it was located in the Decatur street building. It would have been taken sometime in the very late 1950's or very early 1960's.
I know that Doug, Darrell, and Harry are gone now. And I know that "Herch" - who became a rather successful businessman - is still about. But I don't know if Fran is still living. And, as indicated, I really don't recognize the lady identified only as "Jeanette".
Though I don't know much about the pic I'm glad I found it. Most of those pictured were very much a part of the Vermilion in which I grew up.
"Six of the eight persons in this photo were educators...."
EXTRAORDINARY RECORD OF AN AMERICAN DREAM: AN 'Twere an odd place in time - June 1949. In a bad dream called the “Red Scare”, set in our nations capital celebrities Helen Keller, Dorothy Parker, Danny Kaye, Fredric March, John Garfield, Paul Muni and Edward G. Robinson were named in an FBI report as being members of the Communist Party. It was big news. But other than that not much was, as the expression goes, shakin’ in our nation. World War Two had been over for four years. Americans had taken time to catch their collective breaths - get some rest - and now the time had come to shake off the affects of that nightmare, as well as some of its residual “unpleasantness”, wipe the sleep from their eyes, and move on.
The photograph accompanying this essay exists as a very extraordinary historical record of those persons who were central to this process in the post-war Village of Vermilion in Ohio. The occasion for the photo was the high school graduation of young Rudy Moc in June of 1949. The place is the Moc Family home, "Snug Harbor Farm", on West Darrow Road in Vermilion Township. Pictured are:
Back Row L-R (standing): Willis Henry Gebhardt (1896-2000), Rudy Moc Jr., and Robert Braden. Middle Row L-R: Cletus K. DeWitt (1903-1974), Mr. Flanders, and Rudy Moc Sr. (1896-1969) Front Row L-R: Thomas D. Utter (1897-1975) and Sarah M. Welker (c.1903-2007).
Six of the eight persons in the photo were educators. Many current Vermilionites may recognize Mr. Gebhardt and Mrs. Welker (PJ 8-16-07). Mr. Gebhardt was a no nonsense math teacher and high school principal with a heart of gold. He was, in later years, recognized as “Good News Gebhardt” forecasting weather for Dick Goddard’s Woolly Bear festivities. And Mrs. Welker was a heart of gold who also happened to be a proficient journalist and business skills educator.
Thomas Utter was at one time or another both an industrial arts and driver education instructor. He also had the distinction of being one of Vermilion’s Mayors, and may have also been a member of the Board of Vermilion’s Ritter Library during its construction. Mr. Utter and his wife Zara lived in a little house on the west side of Main Street three doors north of what is now the Main Street Grill. The "Mrs." operated a beauty parlor from the home.
Cletus K. Dewitt had been a Vermilion teacher, Principal and football coach when the school was still located on State Street. Sometime after VHS moved to the wonderful South Street building (1927-28) he was promoted to Superintendent of the system where he served until his retirement. Always active in his church and community he was, among other things, the local Rotary Club President from 1955 to ‘56. He, along with his wife, Grace, and son, Richard, built and lived in an all-steel “Lustron” (PJ 3-6-08) home on Jefferson Street.
Mr. Flanders was likely one of the most influential and highly respected industrial arts teachers ever to have worked in Vermilion’s education system. His knowledge and expertise helped launch more than a few blue-collar careers and businesses over the years.
Mr. Braden was a highly motivated VHS teacher and football coach. His enthusiasm and determination were, at least figuratively speaking, contagious and are extremely palpable in this particular photo. Unlike his contemporaries, his career as a Vermilion educator was relatively brief. Not unlike coaches of today, he moved on to another school and another system.
The elder Rudy Moc was, as most local historians recognize, a very successful professional photographer. His “Snug Harbor Farm” was a real jewel in the midst of what was then rustic wood and farmland southwest of town. The home had an in-ground swimming pool that was, at the time, a rarity in even the most affluent suburbs in Ohio.
The younger Moc had distinguished himself as a VHS student, and was Class President at the time of his graduation. He graduated, premed, from Ohio University, and in 1958 graduated from Medical School at the University of Cincinnati. After his residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital in Cleveland and the Cleveland Clinic, he set up practice in Elyria and North Ridgeville until his retirement in 2003.
The folks in the photo from June of 1949 were on the verge of helping build a productive future for a nation. W.W.II, along with the “Red Scare”, took their rightful places in the pages of history books. America did wake up and move on - and continues to move on - toward another dream - and another yesteryear.
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...
August 13, 1903 – Volume 7 – Number 11
Mrs. Elizabeth Hasenpflug of Cleveland, died at East Lynn Cottage, Linwood Park, Friday morning at 4 o’clock of heart failure, age 65. She was in apparent good health when she retired for the night. Mrs. Hasenpflug was the wife of Rev. Geo Hasenpflug deceased, and leaves nine children, four sons and five daughters. They are Mrs. J.G. Ziegler, Mrs. Chas. Honnecker and Nelson and Millon Hasenpflug of Cleveland, John and Ezera, who are engaged in the manufacturing business in Geneva, Ohio, one daughter, is the wife of C.N. dubs, a missionary in China. The other daughters Misses Maria and Sarah were with their mother at the time of her death.
Mrs. Hasenpflug had many friends and relatives in this vicinity. The remains were taken to Cleveland.
Jas. McNally, one of the picnicers [sic] at Shadduck’s Park Saturday, died suddenly while engaged in a “tug of war.”
McNally was an employee of the Otis Steel works, of Cleveland, and was here with the other employees of the company.
Rivalry existed between different sections of the workers and a “tug of war” was instituted. After pulling for some time McNally fell over and expired before a doctor could be summoned. Englebry’s ambulance took the body to the morgue and latter [sic] it was shipped to Cleveland.
This sudden death made a sad ending to the races and games and nearly broke up the picnic. The cause of death is supposed to have been heart trouble brought on by over exertion.
C.C. Baumhart to E.L. Coen and G.B. McConnelly, trustees, 44 84-100 acres, section 2, Lot 27, Vermilion $3,700.
A.W. Judson to Charlotte S. Taylor 12 32-100 acres, section 4, lot 7 Florence township; 7 68-100 acres, section 4, lot 17, Florence township, $600.
Benjamin B. Wells to the Vermilion Telephone company, lot No. 202 (block 22), ex. 16 feet. Exchange Place Vermilion $200.
John Laylin, trustee, et al, to Elizabeth A. Stephens, lot No 54, section 4, lot 4, (Mitawanga) Vermilion township, $875.
At the home of Mrs. Louis Griggs, 66 Division street a very quiet wedding was solemnized Wednesday evening, in which Miss Iota May daughter of the house was the bride ad the groom was Charles Howard Jay of Vermilion. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W.F. Rothenburger of the church of Christ. The bride was beautifully gowned in pale blue silk landsdown with lace.
The bride is an estimable young lady who has spent nearly the whole of her life in this city and has friends innumerable. The groom is manager of the Buckeye Fish company’s business at the Harbor and very popular with the friends he has made during the season that he has spent here in that capacity. Mr. and Mrs. Jay will live for the present at the home of Mrs. Griggs and at the close of the fishing season here, will go to Vermilion for the winter. – Ashtabula Beacon Record.
James Solomon of Huron, who was arrested for theft of whirts was before the probate court and sentenced to two weeks in jail.
The case of Oliver P. Marble, charged with practicing medicine without a license, came up in the probate court at 9 o’clock Tuesday morning and will attract much attention.
Angelo Gannitolli appeared in probate court and obtained his final naturalization papers. He is a native of Italy and a resident of Huron.
Many came to Vermilion to see the yacht race August 1. Why not have a race or a series of races each year for a prize – say a cup. If a cup let it be given with the understanding that it should be raced for each year off Vermilion. The winner defending it the next year. This would attract large crowds to an already popular resort. Think it over.
Capt. Blattner arrived home Saturday having left the steamer the “C.W. Watson” at Ashtabula. He will take out the new steamer “Lewis Woodruff” recently launched at Lorain. We wish him success with the new boat.
One of the first cases in this vicinity of a horse suffering from lockjaw came to light in Sandusky last week. The animal was owned by Jacob A. Beehl, a grocer, and a few days ago stepped upon a rusty nail. The jaws were tightly locked and it was thought advisable to shoot the animal, which was done.
Mrs. J.F. Nolan was struck by a 32-calibre bullet Sunday evening while at Foster’s Bridge Boat house. It passed nearly though one of her arms and was extracted by Dr. Quigley. Her arm is quite sore but otherwise getting along nicely.
The ball came from the direction of the park. It is not known who fired the shot but it is an inexcusable piece [sic] of carelessness on the part of someone.
“I, as Mayor, extend invitation to the public in general, to come and enjoy the hospitality of our town and see our town lit up for the first time with its municipal electric lighting plant, on Wednesday the 19th of August – The Firemen’s Convention.” –A. Baker, Mayor of North Amherst.
Mrs. Geo. Bell, Mrs. F.V. Pelton and daughter returned last evening from a four weeks’ visit in Denver, Col.
The supper at the M.E. Church parlors last evening netted the society [sic] $15.58.
The tugs Fred Driscoll and Mary and Norman and crews left for Erie yesterday.
Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Coen entertained Mr. and Mrs. Geo. E. Reiter of Sandusky last Friday afternoon.
The Vermilion Telephone Co. has bought of Mrs. Lewis Wells the lot at the rear of Schwensen’s bakery at the corner of Exchange and Railroad streets. The purchaser will tear down a part of the old buildings and rebuild the balance for its use as a warehouse.
Miss Belle Pachett is the owner of a fine new piano.
Adam Holl is again quite low.
Mrs. Magdalene Nieding, whose maiden name was Holscher, was born on the 2nd day of March, 1826 in Frielingen, District of Hersfeld, Kurhessen, Germany. She left the Fatherland to come to America on the 26 of May with her bridegroom, Mr. John Nieding who survives her. They were united in the holy bonds of wedlock on the 12th day of September the same year. God blessed this union with eleven children of whom four have preceded their mother to the Eternal Shore. The happy pair were allowed to dwell together in peace for 52 years, 11 months. Mrs. Nieding fell gently asleep as a little child, on the 9th of August 1903, having reach [sic] the ripe old age of 77 yrs. 5 mos. 7 das.
Rest top her ashes; peace to her soul.
Hmmmmmm....
"So fierce were the flames that they leaped across the street and torched Wm. Irish’s Lake View Hotel..."
THE GREAT FIRE OF 1875: I had not really paid a great deal of attention to the event - “The Great Fire of 1875" - in our local history until a reader of the Photojournal emailed me about it last Saturday (01/01/11). The reader explained that while she has been a resident of Vermilion for only a short time she has developed an interest in the history of the community. She went on to say that she had run across an article in a Cincinnati newspaper about a fire in October 1875 that destroyed downtown Vermilion, adding that the article said that “11 blocks of the business district were burned by 2 arsonists”.
A passage about the conflagration appears in local historian Betty Trinter’s book “The Way It Was”. However; I was puzzled about two aspects of the Cincinnati report; the size of the fire, and the claim that it was arson.
Because the reader was kind enough to forward me a copy of the “Queen City” report I determined that some of the problem might be a matter of interpretation - semantics. The actual account reads, “Eleven business blocks in the heart of town are in ashes.” I understand the phrase “business block” in the report to mean each place / lot where a business was located. I don’t know if the expression (i.e. business blocks) was commonly used at the time or if it was simply a casualty of “grapevine” reporting wherein a story is embellished as it is passed along. But whatever the case, eleven blocks - business or otherwise - (as most folks currently understand city blocks to mean) certainly did not burn. And, sure enough when one takes a close look at the report it lists eleven buildings / businesses as having been totally destroyed by the fire.
Some may also note that in Mrs. Trinter’s account - taken from the Amherst Free Press - the fire destroyed 19 shops. Though I’ve not seen that particular report I have a copy of a report that appeared in the Elyria Independent Democrat that says that 14 buildings were turned to ash. The discrepancy in numbers between reports is likely due to the fact that some of the shops may have contained more than one business, and / or that some not totally destroyed, but significantly damaged, were counted in the Amherst assessment.
The story about the fire being arson only appears in the Cincinnati version. That article also claimed that two men had been caught and charged with the crime. No mention of anything like that appears in any other account of the fire. So - whether there was any substance to the claim is not currently known. However; given the fact that most of the buildings were made of seasoned wood and heated and lighted by fire burning fuels it probably didn’t take very much to get a good blaze started during the winter months. And noting that the same business block burned in 1891 and again in 1903 a claim of arson may be immaterial.
What’s particularly significant (at least to myself) about the 1875 fire is that it was not confined to the business block on the southwest side of Liberty and Division / Main streets. So fierce were the flames that they leaped across the street and torched Wm. Irish’s Lake View Hotel on the southeast corner (currently the site of the Fischer building) of the same streets.
The last paragraph of the account that appeared in the Elyria Independent Democrat reads, “We have no doubt the enterprising citizens of Vermillion will build up the burned district in modern style, and that in the end the fire will be a benefit to the thriving village.” The Lake View Hotel (pictured) was rebuilt the year after the disastrous conflagration of 1875 and occupied that corner until 1903 when it was moved down the hill to its current location. All the shops that once occupied the opposite block have come, flourished and then have disappeared again in the flames of another time, in another yesteryear. But from their ashes new shops would rise. And they always will.
Mana Golzari was born in Iran and escaped with her parents when the Ayatolla Khomeini took control of the country. The Golzari family made their way to the United States to begin a new life in Florida. Living near the coast, Mana quickly developed a love for the ocean. in the 6th grade, Mana learned that the depleting ozone later was destroying the ocean’s plankton, which produces over 90% of the earth’s oxygen.
Over the next seven years she invented the Automatic Plankton UV Reflector. This device monitors the pH levels of the water and the damaging ultra-violet rays of the sun, then releases the right amount of chemicals to protect the plankton when necessary.
In 1995, Mana’s invention won the US Department of Commerce Patent & Trademark Society Competition at the International Science Fair. Mana will attend Harvard where she plans to major in Biology and Women’s Studies.
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.
…Watts, Thos. Pettit, Wm. Lewis:. C. W. Hale. Enos L. Marsh, David Truxell, (reo. Ellis. Isaac Atyco, Arthur Stevens.
The township was named after the Rev. Hezekiah Ripley of Connecticut, who was one of the "Sufferers," and who located land in the third section.
was formed in 1831, or the following year, and consisted of the family of the Rev. Joseph Edwards. A short, terse constitution was drawn up and signed by Joseph Edwards, Clarissa Edwards, Elizabeth A. Darling, Sarah W. Edwards, Harriet Edwards, Frances H. Edwards, Joseph S. and Cynthia J. Edwards. Soon after a larger society of which nearly all the families in the township became members, was formed. It was a direct outgrowth of the Edwards' family society. The township has always had an enviable character as a temperance community, and during most of the years of its existence no places for the sale of liquor have had an existence within its limits.
Henry Broomback was the first child born in the Township. He now lives in Plymouth.
The first framed house was built by Deacon Timothy Austin, one mile north of Delphi, in 1831, or the following year, and the first brick house was that of John Stotts, which stands upon lot eleven, section three.
The first orchard was planted by Aaron Service.
The first tavern was built by D. E. Merrill at the center, about 1835. It was a log building.
The first mill was built about the year 1828, southwest of Delphi, upon a small creek, in which there was usually insufficient water to turn the wheel.
The Rev. Joseph Edwards was the first ordained minister who preached in the township. He preached in 1827, to the first audience gathered for religious instruction, and consisting of twenty persons, representatives of seven families. This meeting was hel at the house of Abraham Stotts.
Beside the Congregational and Methodist Churches still in existence, there have been formed in Ripley, churches of the Presbyterian, Christian, Disciples, Baptist, Wesleyan, Methodist and United Brethren denominations. Nearly all had an ephemeral life. The Presbyterian Church was organized at Rev. Joseph Edward’ house in 1830. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. E. P. Salmon from the text:
“Fear not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give ye the kingdom.”
This church had quite a nourishing life for a number of years, but began to decline, and about twenty years from the time of its formation, was supplanted by the Free Congregational Church.
Early in 1836, there were several conversions. Three small churches were in existence at this time, and meetings were held with more or less regularity at the houses of their members and at the log school house; but there had been, up to this time, no general religious awakening—no movement that could properly be designated a revival.
F. C. Paine, who was at that time, to use his own language, "a wicked, vain and almost thoughtless boy, while some forty miles from home, and alone upon the highway, was led, by God's spirit, to both see and feel himself a lost sinner." Having reformed his way, sought and found the comfort of Christian religion, he was anxious that others (especially his fellow youth) should walk in the way he had chosen. He exhorted and entreated them to serve God. Prayer meetings were held at different places on Sunday and other days of the week, and a general interest on the subject of religion was created. The meetings were continued through the summer and autumn, and, when the first month of winter had come, the impression prevailed that extra means should be resorted to and an organized effort made for the propagation of Gospel truth. But when, where and by whom, did not appear an easy matter to decide upon. Finally it was decided to hold a two days' prayer meeting. The time was fixed and the place selected. The meeting was held at the schoolhouse east of Edwards' corners, upon the knoll overlooking the swamp. The dimensions of the building were eighteen by twenty feet. Foreign help was called. A messenger was sent to Fairfield, where "there were giants (morally) in those days."
On one Saturday in February, a clear, warm beautiful day, the people assembled. Ere long, a group of men were seen coming from the north—from Fairfield. As they drew near they were recognized as Father Owen, Elisha Savage, William C. Huestis (afterwards a minister of the Methodist Church, North Ohio Conference), Harrison Wakeman and Alvin Allen, all strong, earnest men, accustomed to the work, which was to engage them here.
Father Owen led the first meeting, and before the people dispersed to attend their home duties, all felt that a good beginning had been made. Elisha Savage had charge of the evening meeting, and various others took part. All of the services were marked with deep solemnity. Mr. Huestis made a powerful exhortation, and, when he closed, sighs and sobs were heard from every part of the house.
Sunday morning dawned clear and pleasant, and long before the hour of service, groups of people could be seen coming from all directions to the place of meeting. Some were from the immediate vicinity and came on foot, others came on horseback from a greater distance, and many with ox-teams. The seats were…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
VERMILION NEWS SIGN: This was / is among the many, many artifacts in the Vermilion News building. It is, as one can see by the pic, one of the original signs that was posted on the building back in the 1930's. My intention is to have them restored and placed, again, on the building. While I've only found one of them to date; I'm thinking that it won't be too difficult to make a new one if I'm unable to find the other sign.
* Old telephone books make ideal personal address books. Simply cross out the names and addresses of people you don't know.
* Fool other drivers into thinking you have an expensive car phone by holding an old TV or video remote control up to your ear and occasionally swerving across the road and mounting the curb.
* Avoid parking tickets by leaving your windshield wipers turned to fast wipe whenever you leave your car parked illegally.
* No time for a bath? Wrap yourself in masking tape and remove the dirt by simply peeling it off.
* Apply red nail polish to your nails before clipping them. The red nails will be much easier to spot on your bathroom carpet. (Unless you have a red carpet, in which case a contrasting polish should be selected).
* If a person is choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a jug of boiling water down their throat and presto! The blockage is almost instantly removed.
* Save on booze by drinking cold tea instead of whiskey. The following morning you can create the effects of hangover by drinking a thimble full of dish washing liquid and banging your head repeatedly on the wall.
PODCAST #0:This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #0 is none existant - again. I'm waiting until I've got something nice that's easy to load.
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 24, August 27, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant