DESKTOP - 10/01/11 - HAYES BRIDGE SOHIO STATION
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: Hurrah! The old Vermilion News building / print shop has a new low-pressure steam boiler. And she’s a beaut. The heating guys did a beautiful job. One of the workmen told me that it should last for 30 years. That means that I’ll likely not be alive when it blows. Its predecessor lasted for 60 years. I’m impressed. Though I’m certain this means very little to most “Viewers” I just can’t hide my elation. YIPPEE!
(Sorry:)
THOUGHTFULLY: Some may be familiar with the Robert Frost poem called “Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening”. Through the years it’s been discussed, dissected, and written about to death. Works of art are like that (sometimes). It’s so simple. What could it mean?
I woke up early today with the poem running through my mind: “Whose woods are these I think I know…”
The poem was copyrighted / published in 1923. I never paid any attention to it until, perhaps, 1970. Now - after 40 some years of thinking about the piece - I finally understand. (Perfect Iambic Tetrameter be damned.) The process is called understanding by osmosis.
INEVITABLY:My friend, Frank Adkins, called me just the other afternoon to tell me that the Ted Wakefield family home at the bottom of the west break wall along the Vermilion River is being razed.
The home is being torn down to make way for a new park along the lake and river. Though I realize that the house wasn’t a century home I still hate to see it go. Such change doesn’t sit well with me. I’m an old curmudgeon when it comes to such things. Yet I realize that changes in the Vermilion I love are inevitable. They may not always be for the better. But they are, again, inevitable.
Historically,
THE PLAYERS c. 1958
WHO REMEMBERS (?): I won't try naming all the faces in this pic. But I remember them all. These were the guys and gals that I looked up to when I was young. My heroes.
I think it's interesting to look them over and, if you're as priviledged as myself, know what's become of many of these folks. Some, of course, are gone. But most of those who remain have done reasonably well for themselves.
I believe Coach Braden is gone now. (As is his son, Bobby.) Coach Zeimke is still around. But I have no idea as to where Coach Hunt is today. I think that all the cheerleaders are still about. But Shirley (Williams) is the only one that I see - when she's up from Florida.
Cliff Bartlome's gone. As are the Ollis boy, Bob Bailey, and Rick Walker. But I still see Bob May, Freddie Smith, and Timmy Trinter with some regularity. John Hunter's currently the Mayor in Sheffield, Ohio.
What an interesting photograph. The original is a composite cut-out. It may have appeared in a Log Book or The Compass. Cool...
"During the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries Vermilion Village was host to several conferences of this nature."
WHEN THEY CALLED IT "DIVISION" STREET:This photograph has been published in numerous places over the years. Unfortunately, few of the published pictures really allow persons much of an opportunity to examine it in much detail. And there is a great deal to look at.
These circa 1899 shadows were likely captured from a second floor window of Vermilion’s Masonic Building looking southeast over a parade on Main Street when they called it "Division" Street.
On the dusty course below the window Vermilion’s Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Band appears to have halted and is, perhaps, performing for spectators. The occasion (if the sign above the street behind the band is an indicator) is a “Firemen’s Convention”. During the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries Vermilion Village was host to several conferences of this nature. Volunteer fire fighters from surrounding towns regularly gathered to share their experience and knowledge in an effort to refine methods of controlling fire hazards in their respective communities. The sign over the wooden walk on the opposite side of the street blazing abroad the availability of “Milwaukee Beer” and a “Hot Lunch” indicates that fires of a more corporeal and immediate nature could be extinguished at Jim Nolan’s Saloon.
Nolan’s buvette, was sandwiched (pun intended) between the Schwensen Bakery to the south (right) and the outdoor dance floor and refreshment bar of the Lakehouse Hotel to the north (left). Currently (2009) it is an empty building housing the ghosts of the Strong Waters, Flashback, Brass Horn, Lemon Tree, and Eland’s / Lefties saloons. It has a comprehensive (again, pun intended) oral history.
When this image was frozen a Vermilion man by the name of James F. Nolan and his wife Adel owned the place. James, born in Vermilion in February of 1860, was the oldest of six children born to Irish native William, and Canadian born Mary, Nolan. The elder Nolan was a sailor. And prior to purchasing the taproom, which took his name, the younger Nolan also spent some time on the lake.
The sign in the foreground (lower right in the photo) marks the location of George H. Englebry’s shoe store. George was born in Vermilion in May 1869. He was the son of German immigrants Jacob and Margaret Englebry. About the time this picture was taken he married Bertha Naegele in Vermilion. Born in August of 1879 she was the daughter of Vermilion residents Charles Frederick Naegele and Emma Hull. George died in 1904 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. Bertha later (1913) married another Vermilion man named Hubert White.
A sign on the back of the buggy just beneath Englebry’s sign is an advertisement for the J.B. Lewis Co. of Boston Massachusetts. The Lewis Company was once recognized throughout the United States as a quality manufacturer of leather boots and shoes. Englebry must have been a distributor.
Yet, setting all those things aside the people gathered along the parade route are as curious as the parade itself. Male spectators decked out in straw hats, fedoras, and navy-style and military-style chapeaux; some in coats and vests; others in their shirtsleeves; mustached; arms on hips, or in their pockets; loiter on the walkways to pay witness to the proceedings. The few ladies in the gathering dressed in ankle-length dresses, long-sleeve blouses, some with their hair tucked under close fitting hats - some without - seem to search for a familiar face among the marchers. And, finally, there is one little fellow, who looks as though he hadn’t taken a bath for a month, standing barefoot on a sandstone curb spellbound by all the hubbub - on Division Street - in a yesteryear.
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...
September 17, 1903 – Volume 7 – Number 16
The Labor Day race of the Lakewood Yacht club was held off Vermilion Sunday. The morning was rather cloudy and a stong breeze blowing from off shore, but by the time the start was made it died down until it was very light coming in uncertain puffs.
The course was a triangular one of three miles each leg. At a little after 10 o’clock twelve yachts left the harbor and prepared for the race. The stat was made at 10:45. The boats started nicely towards the north with nearly every sail set and presented a beautiful sight. The second leg of the course was nearly paralled [sic] with the shore and afforded those who were fortunate enough to posses [sic] glasses a fine view of the contest.
The Chloris led far in advance and when the last stake was turned a freshening breeze brought her home in fine shape.
The Orinda and Mona context for second place and when near the line, the former succeded [sic] in blanketing the Mona and forged ahead crossing just 15 seconds in advance.
The Village Council held a short session Tuesday evening. The notice for the sale of the water works bonds was considered and order published.
Two applications for the position of lamplighter to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Geo. Andrews were considered and that of Frank Thompson accepted.
Work is Progressing and Men Will Soon be Employed in all Departments.
A visit to the Howard Stove and Mfg. Co’s., factory this week discloses the fact that Vermilion’s new industry will soon be running at full blast.
At present between twenty-five and thirty men are employed mostly in making the light castings for the stoves. Casts are being made nearly every day and other workmen are placing machinery and putting it in running order in the other departments.
Several families have already moved to Vermilion including those of Supt. Balson and Mr. Campbell.
The works will tend to bring others here as in some departments skilled labor will be employed from the start. It will also give employment to a number of Vermilion people. We are fortunate in the securing a factory with promises for a bright future but cannot expect to feel the full effects until work has been in progress for some time.
Trustees I.B. McConnelly and E.L. Coen have been engaged in making out the deeds for the stove lots during the past two weeks.
Lard 12 1⁄2 c per lb. Krapp Bros.
A.D. Baumhart is on a business trip to Chicago, Ill., and Des Moines, Iowa.
For clean and fresh Drugs call on C.E. Harris.
Wanted – A girl or middle aged lady to assist in light house-keeping in family of three. Enquire at Wahl Cottage, Linwood Park, Vermilion, Ohio.
A very small steamer was in port Sunday. It is said it was originally an electric launch at the World’s Fair.
The Reichlan case may again be brought before the public. An uncle of the murdered girl has taken a hand and is investigating.
The many friends of Geo. Parsons, whose illness was mentioned in our last issue, will be sorry to learn that he is still in a precarious condition.
Work is progressing on Philip Becker’s new house on Ohio. Street.
How do you like the general appearance of the News this week? Look it over.
For some time past we have found our paper too small for the growing needs of the town and after careful consideration have purchased and installed a drum cylinder with a capacity for fulfilling our needs for some time to come.
We are proud to say we have as find a book and newspaper press as can be found in any country office, and we cordially invited any who may wish, to call and see our outfit. We are now prepared to do printing of any kind.
Remember the News is equal in size to any country weekly and only ONE DOLLAR per year. Come and see us.
Another victim was added to the long list of people who are determined to make railroads public thoroughfares. Friday night a car on the Lake Shore electric struck and killed an unknown man as he was crossing the trestle at Rocky River. This is the second one killed there within six months.
Eighteen trainsmen thirteen brakemen and five conductors were discharged from the services of the Nickel Plate railroad Saturday because of their disregard of rule No. 108, which prohibits the use of intoxicating liquor by the employees.
H. Kent Clark, a well-known young man of Moroeville, a son of Thomas Clark of that place has become suddenly and violently insane and yesterday was take to the Toledo State hospital for treatment. Young Clark, who is only about 30 years of age, is a printer by trade. Several years ago he developed a tenor voice and has been connected with one of the leading operatic concert troups of the country. The petition filed, asking for his admission to the hospital states that the direct cause of his unsound mind is excessive [sic] cigaret smoking.
Hmmmmmm....
“...the young lady nearest the bow on the starboard side of the vessel is Annabell / Annabelle Derby Kuhnle..."
FOR SOME THE DAY WAS GOLDEN: The photo accompanying this essay is a very pleasant composition. Professional Vermilion photographer Paul Ludlow took it during a South Shore Regatta celebration somewhere around the year of 1940. The cruiser is about to turn upriver toward its home port near the river bridge and (just east of) McGarvey’s Nautical Restaurant.
Things have changed a bit over the years. McGarvey’s Restaurant is, of course, long gone, and Lee’s Boat Yard has morphed into Vermilion Power Boats Inc. But, by and large, the area remains familiar to old eyes, with young hearts, and well seasoned minds.
For some those days were golden. At least that would be the impression one derives from the photo. It was a cloudless afternoon in full summer. Whether the cruiser was part of a floating parade for Regatta watchers or simply a floating advertisement for Mr. Lee’s marina is unknown. (Although It was probably a bit of both.) But clearly the floating float was intended to attract the attention of the public.
On board were, by best count, at least 15 young ladies in swimsuits, and two musicians; one playing a clarinet, and one playing an accordion. Also on deck were two young boys (sitting toward the bow) and a man standing above the cabin who is sporting a longhaired wig, sunglasses, and a grass skirt. There are two other men and women on board the vessel. The gentleman at the helm is probably Mr. Lee.
Mr. Lee’s first name was Leroy, but many folks about town called him “L. D.”. He was an ambitious businessman - a real entrepreneur. He was the person responsible for developing the Vermilion housing subdivision known as Shady Lakes just east of Sunnyside Road. He was also active in local youth programs. For several years he and Vermilionite Bob Lilgegren were advisors in the local chapter of Sea Scouts.
But back to the sunny day these shadows were captured by Paul Ludlow’s camera from the docks at the Kishman Fish Company. Vermilion expatriate Jean Derby Bauer, who currently lives in Natchitoches, Louisiana, contributed this photograph with some notes. She indicated that the young lady nearest the bow on the starboard side of the vessel is Annabell / Annabelle Derby Kuhnle. (Annabelle, as some folks know, was Vermilion’s Centennial Queen in 1937.) Jean is the girl behind / beside her. And, yes, the day was certainly golden. At least it was for some.
As the boat neared McGarvey’s a splash was heard, and a man standing dockside at the restaurant began shouting, “Man overboard! Man overboard!” It was not clear in Jean’s notes if the person who had fallen into the river had been on the cruiser or was dockside. But in any case, it was later discovered that the person who had slipped into the stream was a young boy, and that he had drowned before anyone could react.
So for some folks the day this photograph was taken was, and will always be, golden - invoking wonderful memories of a yesteryear along the Vermilion River. But for others it was a day in that same yesteryear they would have preferred to not have been at all.
An intermetallic coating is a coating comprised of two or more metals (in this case, nickel and boron) that reduces friction while simultaneously increasing durability and lifespan of the object being coated. This invention results in the creation of a coating that uses Sodium Borohydride as the Boron source, rather than Boric acid, and incorporates Zirconyl ions as deposition enhancers to increase the percent of Boron in relation to Nickel that can be deposited onto the surface of a blade. This new Intermetallic coating is harder, cheaper, more friction resistant, and more environmentally friendly than any other coating on the market today. Currently, one in every third cast removal results in some kind of burn or laceration to the patient as burns and abrasions can occur from the heat created by frictional forces and direct blade contact. This coating may revolutionize the medical industry by preventing harms from medical saw blades. It may also be used in any metal-based industry, including automotive, oil and gas drilling, and food processing industries by reducing harsh abrasion. It is of importance to the military and armed forces as it uniquely reduces infrared emissivity by an effective means of heat distribution, making military devices practically invisible to infrared sensors. In addition, since this coating is harder than previous ones and more cost effective, it is a better alternative to current products to coat the barrels of guns.
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.
…many slow but successful steps, accumulated the large property of which he is now owner.
The old house, which is shown in illustration, Mr. Stotts built when he was twenty-seven years old, and it answered the needs of himself and family up to 1867. When he erected the spacious and elegant brick residence, which has since been his home. The brick house, south of his residence, (which appears in the plate) was the house of his father. Upon his death, the subject of this sketch bought out the other heirs and thus came into possession of the old homestead. Mr. Stotts was married October 23, 1850, to Maryette, daughter of John and Susan Boughton, of Fitchville township, who is still the partner of his joys and sorrows. Their children are: Flora A. (Mrs. Hopkins), of Ripley; Dellie E. (Mrs. F. A. Hilton), of Coldwater, Michigan; Clarence Eugene and Elmer A., the two last named at home.
Mr. Stotts is one of those men to whom the trite term, “self-made," is appropriately applied. He had only the most narrowly limited advantages for an early education, there being no school of any kind in the township until after he was twelve years of age, and his father being unable to give him any instruction, even in the rudimentary branches. Though lacking these advantages in youth, he supplied them as best he could in later life, and has attained much of that most valuable education of all, which comes from observation, experience, and general reading of books—and men. Whatever he has attained has been by his own unaided efforts. Beside achieving an independence, so far as pecuniary position is concerned, he has made for himself a character and reputation that place him in the highest regard of the people who know him best. The feeling of confidence in his judgment and probity is attested by the fact that he has not only been called upon to serve, in offices of trust, in the township in which he resides, but has been chosen to fill an important place in the civil list of the county. He was elected county commissioner in 1875, and re-elected in 1878 for a term of three years.
Politically, Mr. Stotts was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, since which time he has been an unswerving supporter of the cause which that organization espoused. He has long been a member of the Baptist church, and his Christianity is of that type which is a credit alike to its professor and to the faith.
Mr. Stotts has now lived in Ripley longer than any other resident; has been prominently identified with its interests, and is looked upon as one of its solidly worthy citizens, a man who has worked hard and lived well, in the best significance of the term, and who is appreciated for his earnestness, sincerity and honesty.
His father, John Stotts, died May 16, 1863, and his mother in March 1856.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
A VERMILION WOMEN'S CLUB: The Vermilion, Ohio Women's Club known as "Sorosis" was organized on the third of December in 1893. It's motto was, "There is a woman at the head of all great things." What follows was their creed:
Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large, in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding and self-seeking.
May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgment, always generous.
Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight-forward and unafraid.
Let us take time for all things; make us grow calm, serene and gentle.
Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in the big things of life we are as one.
And may we strive to touch and t know the great common woman’s heart of us all; and O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind. – Mary Stuart.
Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'BARB you should have remained a virgin.' -BARBARA BUSH (mother of G.W. BUSH)
I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog: - 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.' - Eleanor Roosevelt
Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. - Mark Twain
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. - George Burns
Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - Victor Borge
Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain
By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates
My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. - Jimmy Durante
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.. - Alex Levine
My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. - Rodney Dangerfield
Money can't buy you happiness ... But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan
Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP. - Joe Namath
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers
Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you. - Winston Churchill
Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty .. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out. -Phyllis Diller
By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. - Billy Crystal
And the cardiologist's diet: - If it tastes good spit it out.
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 29, October 1, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant