Vermilion Views

A PARTY: Unlike the heading for this part of "VV" I don't have a clue as to the identity of any of these women. I discovered this pic (along with several others) in a cabinet and just thought it to be a very intriging photograph. I found it as you see it.

What I did note is that it is a halloween time photo as indicated by the lady holding the jack-o-lantern, and the lady with the broom. I would say that these shadows were captured somewhere around 1910. And I do note that the woman (bottom center) has both the Amerian and British flags draped over her shoulders. (I'm not sure what to make of that.)

Perhaps some "Viewer" might recognize one or more of these women. But I've no idea about them. It's just an interesting photograph of a halloween in a yesteryear.

BOO [HOO]: It is probably no coincidence that the festival of Halloween and Election Day are so close together. Halloween originally celebrated as the Celtic festival Samhain (pronounced "sah-win") commemorated the end of the harvest season. It was a time when some thought the boundaries between the worlds of the dead and the living overlapped, and the dead guys “w-w-would” return and pester the living. To appease / mimic the undead - living folks took to the wearing of costumes / masks at that time of year. It was hard to tell them apart. Speaking for just myself, of course, both events sound an awful lot alike. It’s scary.

The reality is that life - often stranger than fiction - can also be more frightening. Don’t believe me? Take another look at candidates currently running for political offices. According to television commercials most of these people are either terribly psychotic or just plain stupid. But setting all that aside I will relate to thee a very true story from the past that is as loathsome as it is frightening. And though it did not take place in Vermilion it did take place in Ohio - in a yesteryear. It all begins with the text of a letter dated January 22, that was received by a gentlemen in a nearby city in 1910 which read as follows:

“Dear Sir: - I have a secret that I presume you do not know; what I reveal to you is certainly true. I witnessed it myself. I had the secret over forty years.

When your father died his corpse did not rest in the grave until twelve o’clock the first night. I saw it taken from the grave by three doctors - they are all dead now. I will give their names: [Note: the names were not published with the text of the missive]. I will describe the whole as I saw it. They dug down into the grave, broke open the coffin, put an iron hook into his under jaw, raised the corpse, took it by the arms, dragged it over a rail fence at the south side to a large elm, (that tree is yet standing there.) They cut the flesh from the bones, put them into a casket, carried them to the office of (name also omitted.) In due time the bones were cleaned and wired together into a skeleton. I have seen it many times. It was in the possession of (name omitted) to his death. If you would dig to the bottom of the old grave you would find no bones.”

The letter, which very vividly depicts “grave robbing”, had a Cleveland postmark, but was not [surprise, surprise] signed. And while I’ve no idea if the son of the allegedly un-interred gentleman took the advice of the note’s author [I pray he did not] there was one rather glaring mistake in it. If the letter writer had been keeping his secret for “forty years” he was either a lousy mathematician or a liar. On the other hand, if he was a learned political aspirant he may just have been used to stretching the truth to fit the circumstance. Because what he actually wrote was that he’d been living with “the secret over forty years”. Ergo; “over forty years” could certainly be discerned by good logisticians as being the same as fifty-eight years.

Some say that the practice of grave robbing in Ohio, for the purpose of selling the bodies to Cleveland medical institutions to train professionals, was a common practice in the mid-19th century. That may - or may not - be the precise truth. And if it was done at all it was both a very frightening and despicable thing to have done no matter the reason. Which brings me back to the principle analogy of this essay: That it is probably no coincidence that the festival of Halloween and election day are so close together. Boo [hoo]!

_{_{Ref: The Evening Telegram, Elyria, Ohio, 1-29-1910; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 10/28/10; Written 10/24/10 @ 8:42 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...

October 15, 1903 – Vol. VII. No. 20.

JOHNSON.

Speaks at the Town Hall on the Political Situation

Hon. Tom L. Johnson arrived in Vermilion today at 11 o’clock and addressed a large crowd at the Hall.

Geo. R. Curtis and John Stand accompanied him. Mr. Johnson will speak at Huron, Berlin Heights, Norwalk and at Sandusky this evening.

Mrs. H.L. Edson went to Toledo to day [sic] for a visit.

Oysters - Oysters - Oysters. Fresh Oysters direct from Baltimore at Giddings News Depot.

Mrs. Elizabeth Kane entertained at Flinch Monday evening.

[VV Ed. Note: Flinch is a card game, played with a custom deck, invented in 1901 by A.J. Patterson. This deck has 150 cards, consisting of ten sets numbered from one to fifteen. Some variations use a 144-card deck. It is based on "Spite and Malice". Rules of play

* The cards are dealt face down.

* The first player turns over their top card and if it is a one it is put in the middle of the table; if it is not a one it is put face up so that everyone can see it. The second player takes his top card, and again if it is not a one it is put face up; and so forth for the rest of the players.

* The first player goes again: if her face-up card happens to be a two it can be placed in the middle, on top of the one; or, if the face-up card is either one more or one less than another player's face-up card, that card can be placed on top of the other player's card. For example, if the first player's face-up card is a seven, it can be placed on another player's six or eight. If the player is able to get rid of her face-up card in one of these ways, she turns up his next card and attempts to discard it using the same methods. She continues until she is unable to discard any more cards. Play then continues with the next player.

* Note that cards may be placed in the middle only in ascending order, starting at one and continuing to fifteen, whereas cards may be placed on other players' cards in either ascending or descending order.

* The object of the game is to get rid of all one's cards.

* If the current player's turned-up card could be discarded, but the player fails to notice this, other players may yell "Flinch!".]

Remember the Maccabee social at V. Thompson’s tonight.

Mrs. C. Roscoe of Milan is the guest of relatives.

Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Simons returned from their western trip Wednesday morning. they enjoyed a very pleasant trip.

Miss Agnes Jones and brother Lewis are both very ill.

Frank Thompson is now making his daily rounds caring for the street lamps. We hope he will be successful, as the lamps have served their time and would probably have been out of commission long ago but for the painstaking care of Geo Andrews.

The autumn day has come again, The song we heard of yore; It thrills with pain that will refrain, “Dad blame it! Shut the door!”

Killed.

Wm. Griffin a farmer, aged about fifty, residing on the old Bacon farm, was killed early Wednesday morning by being thrown from his buggy.

The accident occurred near the Sherod farm and it is supposed that his horse was frightened by a traction engine, causing it to shy throwing the man out on his head breaking his neck.

Mr. Griffin came from Toledo some two years ago. He leaves five children.

What is known as the “Nigger Elm” at Oxford, O. on which two men have been lynched will be cut down. A third man was recently hung on the same tree but was cut down before he died.

The Sandusky Journal is authority for the statement that the Lake Shore Electric Railway shops at Beach Park are to be moved to that city. It also says that one of the pits at the local car barns will be lengthened to the entire length of the building and a new wash pit constructed. The machinery will be shipped soon.

An editor announced that he would write an article on “Hell and Who Will Be There.” Since then he has received letters from one lawyer, two bankers, three newspaper men, four hotel men, one barber and four druggists, threatening to stop their paper and sue him for slander if he should dare mention any names.

BIRMINGHAM

Oscar Haise is harvesting his immense apple crop in his Henrietta orchard. He employs several hands among them two or three women. Women make good sorters, being quick and the work is light and pleasant. A visit to his orchard is worth while.

Birmingham club dances will be resumed Friday night, with a new orchestra.

Chris Baumann, of Henrietta died last week, of blood-poisoning. He scratched his hand while cutting corn, and the corn smut is thought to have caused the poisoning. He was ill only about one week.

The ladies of the town who have been deploring the need for another dress-maker, will be glad to know that Sadie Bartholomew is intending to move here. -News Correspondent N. De Plume.

The county commissioners wee in town Wednesday looking over the culvert under Water Street near the Power House.

Remember Prof. R.R. Clark’s demonstration at the own [sic] hall Wednesday evening. He is the man who for told the Spanish American War. He is a wonder, Mrs. Clark will assist him. Admission 15 cents.

John Ritter, proprietor of Vermilion’s tailoring establishment is quite sick.

Ed Mason was gathered in Saturday night and assessed $2.00 and costs for assault.

Dan Myers, a fisherman, residing south of the Nickel Plate track, who has been sick with rheumatism for some time past is still confined to the house.

RESIGNATION.

To the Members and Friend of the Congregational church of Vermilion, Greeting:

I hereby offer my resignation to take effect November 9th, 1903, to accept a call to Little Valley, N.Y.

It is with very great regret that I take this step. Out relations have been so pleasant, we have worked together so harmoniously, you have entered into every move I have made with so much spirit, that it is with exceeding sorrow that i think of leaving. i shall never expect to be associated with a people whose relationship I shall enjoy more than I have yours.

After eight and one-half years of unbroken friendships, it is no easy matter to break the tie, but circumstances over which we have no control admonish us and we must separate. And so, wishing you abundant jo and peace and prosperity and thanking you most heartily for the many kindnesses shown I subscribe myself,

Yours as ever,
In the Lord,
J.A. Kaley.

Shop Lifters.

Vermilion merchants have had some experience with shop lifters recently. Saturday a woman was caught in the act at Davis’ store but settled for the goods she attempted to appropriate. It is thought that she had a companion but she escaped detection.

Mrs. N. Riefert of West Vermilion spent a day with her sister, Mrs. G.H. Blattner.

Six Sandusky milk dealers were arrested last week, for selling mild below the standard.

Mrs. Frances Pelton, Mrs. Yates, and Mrs. eyestone spend a few days at the home of her sister, Mrs. Davis near, New London.

Suit has been filed with clerk of courts by Jennie Pelton for divorce from J.R. Pelton. The couple were married in 1866 and have two sons, aged 30 and 21. Petitioner setup that defendant left her in 1898 and did not return until 1902. When he came back he agreed to pay board at the cost of $2.50 a week. it is admitted he has done this but plaintiff sets up that his conduct has been very objectionable, that he refused to help on the farm or to assist her when she had an operation for cancer. It is further set up that his abuse has been so great; plaintiff was forced to abandon her home and go to her sister for shelter. Pelton is said to have ample means and also to be fit for manual labor if he would work. The wife prays for divorce and for an injunction to prevent annoyance pending suit. The injunction is granted.

Hmmmmmm....

“There is no record of the identity of the idiot who thought it was a good idea to taste test formaldehyde..."

DON’T DRINK THIS STUFF: At the end of June in 1903 as the invasion of the smallpox contagion in Vermilion, O. (VPJ 6/15/11) was winding down the following item appeared in The Vermilion News: “It has recently been discovered in Vermilion that Formaldehyde is not palatable although as an external remedy for disease germs it cannot be excelled.”

As long and as hard as one might give serious thought to any circumstance, or set of circumstances, that apparently led someone (anyone) to the discovery that the taste of formaldehyde is unpleasant, the reason for having accomplished such a study in the first place is rather mysterial. At the time of this proclamation in The News there was a great deal of formaldehyde about town because it was being used to help prevent the spread of smallpox. A solution of formaldehyde in alcohol and / or water, commonly called formalin, was used as a disinfectant.

To momentarily digress it may help some to understand that formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong, suffocating odor. The largest source is, of course, the chemical manufacturing industry. However; it can be found in cigarette smoke and can also be formed in the environment during the burning of fuels or household waste. In addition to this very small amounts of the gas also occur naturally in the human body. Aside from its use as a disinfectant - as it was in Vermilion in a yesteryear - it is commonly used in the production of furniture, flooring, stairs, cabinets and many other household furnishings. Materials containing the substance can be found in our automobiles, fertilizers, inks, wrinkle-free clothing, wood products, paint, and veneers on particle board. It is also used as a base for resins in oil and gas drilling operations and, last but not least, as an embalming fluid. But nowhere is it listed as a refreshment.

In short, formaldehyde is a toxic substance. It is listed as a carcinogen (a cancer producing substance) by the EPA. Its vapors are intensely irritating to mucous membranes. Topical application may produce severe skin irritations. And Ingestion may cause severe abdominal pain, hematemesis, hematuria, proteinuria, anaemia, acidosis, vertigo, coma, and death. [Note: This sounds very much like the current rapid fire disclaimers one hears for various medications on radio and television.]

Now; whether one knows all that “stuff” or not, nearly everyone who, during the course of their lives, have been exposed to formaldehyde innately understand that it isn’t food. So who, on earth, was the person that thought it would be a good idea to taste it? Moreover; was it really necessary for anyone to publicize the fact that it is “unpalatable”?

There is no record of the identity of the idiot who thought it was a good idea to taste test formaldehyde and give the results to the local newspaper. One may rightly infer from that that that individual wanted to remain anonymous. But if there be a point to the advertisement of those results it is likely to illustrate to those of us who read about it nearly 110 years after the fact that such stupidity didn’t begin with our generation. That is, the generation who places warning labels on products like: “Not to be used as a personal flotation device” on a 6 x 10 inch inflatable picture frame. Or, “Do not use orally” on a toilet bowl cleaning brush. While we may like to believe that we’re more intelligent - given our sophisticated electronics, etc. - than the folks of yesteryear the bottom line may be that the only things that have ever "really" changed are the dates on our calendars.

_{_{Ref: The Vermilion News 6/25 and 7/02/1903; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 7/14/11; Written 7/10/11@ 10:44 AM.}}

KAILEIGH KIRTON
Age: 11
Invention at Age: 9
Jacksonville, FL

The Sifting Shovel

In the springtime, cleaning out flower beds often wastes good soil. There is no easy way to separate usable soil from old leaves and mulch. This results in a great deal of soil landing in trash bags. Kaileigh remembered that it is easy to separate shells from the sand at the beach, using a little sifter which comes with a bucket. This is how she came up with a new idea. The “Sifting Shovel” is made of metal mesh which does not allow too much waste to fall through. This invention is beneficial because it provides a way to separate soil from leaves and mulch. It also is easier to lift the bags, because they are not half full of soil. In addition, it is good for the environment because the “Sifting Shovel” can be used to add yard waste to a compost pile.

"The township was named after the principle river
emptying into the lake through its territory..."

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.

THE PIONEERS.

FITCHVILLE.

...Wright, Wm. Johnson, 0. Burgess, J. C. Thompson and Wm. Westervelt (a second engagement). Ruudel Palmer was, for many years, one of the strong pillars of the church, and frequently served in the capacity of minister. Meetings were held until about 1830 in private houses, but in that year a small church was erected, north of the present village. About 1813 or 1843, a small house of worship was built in the village, which obtained the name of "Gospel Shanty."

THE PRESBYTERIAN

element organized a church, which remained active for several years, but, finally, about 1816, as it became weak, the church edifice which had been built by this denomination, was sold to the Congregationalists, by whom it is used at the present time. The church has now a membership of about seventy persons. The present pastor is the Rev. G. W. Wells, and the following are the officers: C. 0. Crittenden, James Barnes, Leander Mead, deacons; M. E. Mead, clerk; M. E. Mead, treasurer; James Barnes, L. Hibberd, C. B. Russell, trustees.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

A Methodist class was formed in 1822, by Dennis Goddin, circuit preacher, at T. B. White's house. William W. Watrous, of Fitchville, was the leading spirit in the movement which resulted in this organization, and Thomas B. White and wife, from Greenwich, were among its strongest supporters. The preachers, most prominent in the early meetings were the Rev. James McIntyre and the Rev. Mr. Pettit. The denomination had at one time over a hundred members in the township, in four classes. The present church edifice, built over thirty-five years ago, is a commodious structure, kept in good repair, and located upon the Norwalk road, in Clinton village. The pastor of the church is Rev. A. H. V. Boothe, and the following are the officers: P. Hauxhurst, Herbert Mickey, stewards; P. Hauxhurst, John Abbott, class leaders; Herbert Mickey, William A. Knapp, Hauxhurst, James Boothe, and John Abbott, trustees.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

was received into fellowship by the council, in 1838, August 16th. Following are the first members: F. P. Hall, Henry Barnhart, Sally Barnhart, Hiram Barnum, Isaac B. Barnum, Betsey Barnum, William Johnson, Melinda Johnson, Abigail Barber, Betsey Royce, Joel Blakeman, Lydia Watkins. The first person baptized was Huldah Foote. Elder F. P. Hall was the first pastor of the church, and Hiram Barnum the first deacon. The church edifice was built in 1843, or the following year, and is still in use. Elder Hall, the first pastor, is at present again in charge of the church. The officers are: R. W. Beckwith, deacon; R. Laughlin, clerk; Mrs. L. R. Beckwith, treasurer; R. W. Beckwith. Robert Anderson, Ralph C. Johnson, trustees.

All of these three churches are located in the village of Clinton. There is another in the township—the North Congregational,—situated upon lot thirty-seven, section two, near the northeast corner of the township, in which vicinity most of its members reside. It was organized in 1852, as an evangelical church, with eleven members, but was made a Congregational church some years later. Elder Dimm, of New Haven, was the first pastor. The church building was erected in 1856, at a cost of about nine hundred dollars. The church had once as many as sixty members, but now has not more than a third of that number. The pulpit is at present supplied by Rev. G. W. Wells, of the Fitchville Congregational church. The deacons are: William Lee and William Chase.

Beside the Presbyterian organization, alluded to above, the only church that has been formed in Fitchville, and which is not now in existence, was the Free Will Baptist.

The first Sunday school in the township was held by Allen Johnson, at his house, in 1825, the pupils being Edward and Benjamin Green, Barnard Johnson, Louisa Johnson and Sarah Palmer. Mr. Johnson's assistants were Ebenezer Osborne and Zetta Green.

EARLY SCHOOL.

The first school in the township was taught in a little log building, a short distance south of the center. This building served the double purpose of schoolhouse and place of worship for many years. Samuel Palmer taught the first school here in the year 1824, his pupils being from the families of Rundel and Abijah Palmer, Charles Lyon, Abraham Mead, Gilbert Martin and Joseph Washburne.

The township has at present the usual district schools, and there is at Clinton a union school.

PHYSICIANS.

The first physician, who settled in the township, was Dr. William M. Ladd who arrived in the spring of 1822, and made his home at the cabin of Abraham Mead. He soon achieved quite a reputation for ability in his profession, and had a ride, which extended over half a dozen or more townships. He was a man of fine constitution and well qualified mentally as well as physically to lead the life of a pioneer man of medicine. He passed through many hardships, seldom slept undisturbed through a whole night, made long rides in all kinds of weather and overall kinds of roads or trails. When the Cleveland and Columbus Railroad was completed, he removed to New London where he died in 1853.

Dr. S. W. Baker came to Fitchville before Dr. Ladd's departure, and went into partnership with him. Dr. Timothy Gibson who began practice about 1840, remained until 1856, and was very successful. He removed to Norwalk. Dr. D. D. Vanrecton who came later, had also an extensive practice. He was followed by Doctors Charles Chamberlain, Kester…

_{Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 -

Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio}

_{VERMILION ARTIFACT #20}

CRYSTAL GARDEN: This is a copy of an old poster I found at the Vermilion News print shop last week. It's hardly in as good a condition as you see it here (Photoshop has its usese), but I found it fascinating and have it hanging on the door in the office.

I never heard of Bob Deikman before yesterday. But I found a few things out about him. Deikman gained some element of fame as an American song writer and bandleader during the mid-1920s. He made a number of recordings with Gennett Records from about 1921 to 1926 or thereabouts. Gennett recorded some of the leading artits of that era. But they were essentially wiped out by WW2 when the raw materials for making records were rationed.

I've not yet found a "bio" on Mr. Deikman so he obviously didn't acquire the stature of some of his contemporaries. But it would be interesting to know what happened to the guy who recorded such hits as "Mama Let Rosie Along", "Some Other Bird Whistled", and "The Camel Walk". (His recordings are actually very collectable.)

WINE BUYING TIPS

When it comes to wine be very particular about what you buy. There are two things you need look for before making a selection.

First, the word "Wine" must appear somewhere on the label. This is something you have to insist on.

Secondly, look for a sign nearby that says "On Sale."

Follow these two rules and you can't go far wrong.

PODCAST #0:The Vermilion Views Podcasts are suspended until I acquire time to better develop them.P>

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'".

Pay particular note to the "Hope Homes" page during the next few months. They are constantly improving the lives of their youngsters and those around them. This is an exciting project accomplished by exciting people.

Although this years Vermilion High School Class of 1959 reunion is over classmates may want to stay connected with each other through organizer Roger Boughton. Ye can connect by mailing him @ 2205 SW 10th Ave. Austin, MN. 55912 or you can just emailRoger.

Alice W. is back - and guess where she is now (?): Ali's Blog.

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}

Links to additional Vermilion Ohio pages:

For Persons who would like to donate to the cause (to keep these "Views" on-line you can send whatever you would like to me at the following address. And THANKS to everybody who has already donated to the cause. I doth certainly appreciate it): _{Rich Tarrant
1041 Oakwood Drive
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-670-2822}

or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)

"The bluebird carries the sky on his back."-Miguel de Cervantes2)

Vol.9, Issue 33, October 29, 2011

Archive Issue #450

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