Vermilion Views

OKAGIS (AGAIN): Ok, call me “Redundant Rich”. But I can’t help it. When I find a great photograph of Vermilion’s yesteryear I am, for some reason, compelled to share it. Never mind that its focal point (i.e. the Okagi Restaurant) has been the subject of previous columns. It’s still worth sharing.

There are at least two things that make this particular photo significant. The first is that it affords all a very, very good look at, not only the front of the restaurant as it appeared in the mid to late 1930s, but also gives us a rare look at Vermilion’s first Kroger store next door. Secondly, it serves as a graphic example of the popularity of the eatery. The folks milling around in front of the place are not waiting for a bus. They’re waiting for the door of the restaurant to open. Moreover, they’re first in line. Later in the day the queue of souls waiting for their turn to eat at Okagis would easily fill the walk. So popular was the restaurant that on most holidays and Sundays waiting patrons were given numbered tickets to insure their place in line.

Briefly reiterating the history of the famed restaurant and its owners: In the autumn of 1913 Mamoru Okagi (b. Fukuoka, Japan 1880) and his wife Marie (b. Bordeaux, France 1889) had purchased both a restaurant and a home in the Village of Vermilion, Ohio. Late Vermilionite Don Englebry wrote in his memoirs; “Okagis opened their first restaurant where the Prague Restaurant is now.” But by 1919 their business had become so successful they found a need to acquire a larger building – the one (pictured) next to the Erie County Bank. The new quarters had a seating capacity of 225.

Despite their ethnicity (i.e. Japanese and French) the restaurant fare was American. The food was served family-style on tables covered with linen tablecloths, set with real linen napkins, silverware, and china and glass table settings. Everyday fresh flowers were placed in the front window. In short, the food was apparently great, the prices reasonable, and the ambiance extremely pleasant.

Over the years a basement was added to increase work and storage space. And in the spring of 1933 a black and white glass front was added. It was the very first (and only one) of its kind in the village. In addition to that another door was added to the front of the building making access and egress for large numbers of customers much easier.

The couple having no children of their own took in, and raised, two orphan children - a girl and a boy. The girl's name was Mary Kenik. She eventually married a fellow by the name of Russell Vasbinder. The boy they raised was named George Kominis. He became a pilot in the military during WW2. Afterwards he became a commercial pilot, and had a very successful career.

In 1942 Mrs. Okagi, upon discovering that she was terminally ill, took her own life. Some years thereafter Mr. Okagi sold the business to his adopted daughter's husband, Russ Vasbinder, and his brother-in-law, Cecil Thomas. A few years afterward Mr. Okagi left his adopted town, and the business he had so carefully crafted with his wife - forever.

Mamoru Okagi did not return to Japan, but lived out the remainder of his years on the West Coast. He died on December 23, 1956 in Los Angeles. Today no corporeal vestiges of the restaurant that had earned a national reputation remain. It is now dissolved into a storefront shared over the years by several different agencies. But ask around. There is still a person or two who can remember the wonderful Okagi Restaurant.

As a footnote to this story I add the following communiqué that I received in August of 2007 after Mr. Okagi’s nephew, Bob Okagi, came across my story(ies) about his uncle on the Internet:

“…being related to the owner of the Okagi Restaurant of yesteryears, it gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as one of his nephews (live-75 years). And am currently residing in Lacey, WA, although I have not been privileged to visit Vermilion, I have frequently visited and enjoyed Mamoru Okagi's hospitality during Aug 1955 through Nov 1956 in Los Angeles, CA. during his retirement.

There were many interesting moments of his life that was shared in the short time we spent together while I was attending Northrop Aeronautical Institute in Inglewood, CA. Your website has refreshed many memories of times spent together including his memories of his wife Marie, Mary & John [sic] Vasbinder, Cecil Thomas, and Mary's son that wrote to his pappy routinely, which was cherished and enjoyed by Mamoru…”

So in the end, redundant or not, the Okagis and their restaurant earned a place in history worth knowing and remembering whether you live here, Los Angeles, or Lacy, WA.

MOVING ALONG: This week I was cleaning the stone composition tables at the museum print shop. The pic above is of some interest because it is the head banner for The Vermilion News - still ready for printing. The top pic is the actual way it looks. I copied it and reversed it for the photo you see at the bottom. That's the way you'd see it printed.

I'd like to lock it into a form and print it. But that'll be a long, long way from today. Everywhere I look there are (figurative) treasures such as this to be found.

A week or so ago I recieved half of the microfilm files of The News. I hope to have the rest by early spring or summer. I was hoping that Bowling Green University would just give me copies, but that was probably too much to ask. Anyway, I was able to arrange to get the entire collection before the raised the price (inflation).

This week there will be a hearing on re-zoning the property for a museum, and the third reading of the ordinance that would allow it follows that meeting. I'm hopin there won't be any snags. But who knows? It's always something.

As reported last week the museum has a Facebook page. I've added additional pix since last week, and will continue. Please visit us at VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM . Also, if you're in the aread stop in. I'm usually there in the a.m. If you see a Chevy Silverado out front with the plate "MRCOOKR" come on in and see what's cooking.

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...

January 14, 1904 - Vol VII. No. 32.

COURT NOTES

August Shuster has filed a petition for divorce from his wife, Emma Shuster. They were married July 4th 1903 at Vermilion.

The plaintiff claims he has been a faithful and dutiful husband and supplied her with home and comforts.

He alleges she was not satisfied, did not like the country, and complained that plaintiff was not sufficiently polished and refined to achieve to her ideals of a husband.

She insisted “upon his selling the farm” and moving to the city, but plaintiff would not make this sacrifice to satisfy her ambition to become a leader in city society and repeatedly she threatened to leave him.

Finally, August 15, 1903 while plaintiff was absent, she disappeared taking with her most of the plaintiff’s goods and chattels.

She went to Lorain, and there, later he had her arrested for larceny. She confessed her guilt, paid costs, and returned to plaintiff his property. This incident is dated Sept. 15, 1903.

Since leaving plaintiff, it is further averred she has been accompanied to places of public resorts at Lorain by a “certain man,” a bar tender, whose name is unknown to plaintiff.

And in conclusion, plaintiff sates while she was living with him, she occasionally referred to this bar tender, saying he “treated her well” and she could never be happy until she was near him.

She refused to cook plaintiff’s meals, neglected her household duties, abandoned him for long periods, and ridiculed him in the presence of strangers.

His life was “one continuous round of misery.”

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And application for the dissolution of the Milan Canal Co. a corporation, was filed Wednesday. The petitioners are Ralph M. Lockwood, M. Smith, H.L. Wilson and a majority of the directors of the Milan Canal Co.

The company was organized by an act of the genera assembly of the State of Ohio, Jan. 24, 1827 and the petitioners now deem it to the interest of the stockholders, that the company be dissolved and on the premises that the original objects of the corporation have been entirely abandoned.

The petition gives a list of its stockholders, and recites that the properly of the company is real estate in Milan, and Huron County, including the so called drydock and the canal basin, and all of the upper and lowerdocks of the canal and the grounds and the privileges [sic] connected therewith. The real estate is subject to a lease to the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway for a period of 99 years, commencing July 12, 1881.

The personal property of the company consists of the sum of $10006.13 now in the hands of the treasurer. there is no incumbrance [sic] upon the property except the lease, and the petition prays that a master commissioner be appointed with a view to dissolving the corporation and the appointment of a receiver.

Work on the canal was commenced in 1832, but not completed until 1839. its object was to give Milan an outlet to the lakes. At the time there were no railroads and the canal was considered of inestimable advantage. Instead, eventually it cost Milan a pretty penny, for later, when the L.S.& M.S. Ry. sought an entrance into the town, it was refused, and as a result the railroad changed its course, and went through Norwalk. With the opening of the canal, Milan assumed the importance of a lake port and a prosperous grain center. Shipyards were established, and many lake vessel s constructed - but unfortunately the boom was short.

The first vessel that arrived at Milan, which proved to be a great curiosity, still lingered in the memory of the “oldest inhabitant” when the railroads encroached upon the trade of the canal and its utility and importance began to wane.

The “First Boat” was the schooner Kewanne, of 150 tons, and she reached Milan on July 4, 1839. Captain Moran of the schooner leading the processions and in the afternoon he was presented with an American flag, by Miss Marie Butman on behalf of the patriotic ladies of Milan.

It was a great day. The keys of the little town were given over to the revelers, cannons boomed during the day and a grand hop, with the best fiddlers in the district, was held in the town hall in the evening.

That was many years ago. Now the canal is practically dry and the town, altough greatly improved in many respects, is about where the railroads left it. - Reg.

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Vermilion seems certain to have Rural free delivery soon. Next Saturday the 16th Wm. F. Heck will be here and look over the route and commencing at 2 p.m. will hold and examination, at the rear of the post office of applicants for carrier. The particulars are given in a notice in the post office.

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Wedding.

Married at the M.E. parsonage on Tuesday evening Jan. 12, 1904 Mr. Ford Gargett of West Richfield and Miss Nina Fowler of Berlin Heights.

Mrs. Gargett is one of Richfield’s nicest young men and was employed by the Lake Shore Electric as motorman and conductors for the first year and a half after its construction. He was one of Rev. Rupert’s Sunday School class boys at Richfield. Miss Fowler is one of Berlin’s best girls. They have the good wishes of their many friends in their new relation of life. Rev. Rupert officiated.

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The Subscribers Library.

On Tuesday of this present week the Subscribers Library Association was one year old. On the 12th of Jan. 1903 the first book was drawn from the library. Charter members especially and others who will please to take notice that the annual dues of $1.00 should be paid at once. Any desiring to become members should do so at the beginning of the year thus having an equal chance in selections of all new books from the library.

The library is in splendid condition after one year’s use. not a single book of the entire number of 160 or 170 books but that in this Library or in use by some member that can be accounted for. Twenty-five new volumes will be placed in the library within the next two weeks and later on others will be placed there. A second installment perhaps about the first of Feb. the annual meetings for election of officers and transaction of business will be held sometime this month of which notice will be given later. All membership fees and dues should be paid to Miss Alma Wellmes. A full report will be printed in the News later.

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It is rumored that the Vermilion Flouring Mill will change proprietors soon.

The Cong’l S.S. has elected following officers for the ensuing year.

Supt. Mr. M.E. Lawless Assist. Supt. W. Earle Childs. Sec. and Treas. Miss May Lawrence Librarian Mr. F.C. Morgan Pianist Miss Mary Baxtine Asst. Painist [sic] Mr. F.C. Morgan [Maybe that isn’t a mistake.]

The following officers were installed at the meeting of the masons on last Wednesday evening:

W.M. - A. McGregor Sr. W. - A.E. Beeckel Jr. W. - John Sherod Treas. - C.F. Decker Sec. - C.A. Trinter Sr. D. - E.C. Rust Jr. D. - Chas. Leidheiser Tyler - John N. Englebry

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Business Change.

Chas. H. Englebry has sold his furniture department to the Ohio Furniture Stock Co. but will continue the undertaking business.

The new firm will endeavor to keep up the reputation of the establishment for courteous treatment and will be pleased to meet its patrons.

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On Tuesday evening the Fishermen Union gave a smoker and installation of officers which was well attended and enjoyed by those present. The featurers [sic] of the evening were the singing good fellowship displayed and as one of the guests remarked “the good things provided and the singing were well worth the price of admissions and he was only sorry that they did not have them more often.” The committee on arrangements deserve great credit for the very excellent service rendered. Have another boys.

The pleasant home of Capt. and Mrs. F.A. Bailey was the scene of joyous activity Tuesday evening, the occasion being the Christian Endeavor “Weight” social. Nearly one hundred persons tipped the scales at weights ranging from 40 to 300 pounds. Flinch and Pit furnished amusement until lunch was served, which the committee did in a very commendable manner. It goes without saying that the host and hostess were successful in making every one [sic] feel at home and giving a good time. The proceeds were about $14.

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A bill will be introduced in the Ohio Legislature providing for a diagram of the theatre, with exits marked plainly, printed on theate programs.

A movement is being made to revise the present fish and game laws for protection of game. A closed season in the spring is also desired. Hotel keepers and market men want to sell game from other states during the closed season in the state. There seems to be no reasons why they shouldn’t.

Dr. C.O. Probst, secretary of the state board of health, has emphatically denounced the practice of some physicians in certain parts of the state of diagnosing mild epidemics of smallpox as “Cuban itch.” He states that there is no such disease, and the unwarranted practice of physicians does much to hinder the stamping out of the smallpox in Ohio.

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The Vermilion Fishermens’ [sic] Union held their installation Tuesday evening. a light lunch was served after the meeting and all had a fine time.

Homer Sturtevant has received word from Chicago that his niece lost her life in the Iroquois Theatre fire.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. James Halloran was made happy by the arrival of a little daughter Thursday, Jan. 7, 1904.

The Vermilion Telephone company will hold its annual meeting Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock Jan. 19 at the Bank.

A little girl came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Fieszile on Thursday Jan. 7, 1904. [Note: I believe the last name is misspelled. It shoud be Feisli]

Normal Matthews has been promoted operator at Brownhelm Station.

The school house at Gypsum, this county was totally destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon. Loss about $2,000 some of the school books and furniture were saved.

It is reported that the Fish commissioner’s steamer Perry will be sold in the spring. the boat draws to [sic] much water for the use it has been put too [sic]. Another boat will be built to take its place.

The appointment of Edgar M. Kane as postmaster at Vermilion was confirmed by the senate Monday.

Dr. L.F. Cain is trying to get a bill introduced requiring all patent medicines to be labeled [sic] showing ingredients. Druggists and patent medicine men will fight against this.

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RE-APPOINTED

The appointment of Edgar M. Kane as postmaster at Vermilion was confirmed by the senate Monday.

Mr. Kane has served as postmaster at this place for nearly sixteen years, the only interruptions being during the administration of President Cleveland.

He states that when he first took the office it paid $560 per annum. Since that time it has become a presidential office with a fixed salary. Mr. Kane and his assistant Mr. Warren Kane, are evidently giving satisfation as there was not opposition to the reappointment.

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BIRMINGHAM

Mrs. Sadie Bartholamew has returned from Cleveland where she has been receiving hospital treatment.

The measles are still with us. Mrs. Russel Lawrence of Terryville has them now. Miss Irma Clary, who has been spening the holiday vacation with her grandparents, is just recovering from the disease.

Mr. Henry Snyder of Toledo was brought here to be intered [sic] in the cemetery, Jan. 4th. About twenty people accompanied the widow. They cam on C.S.W.

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AXTEL

The Happy Go Lucky’s took in eleven new members at the last meeting. This shows the club still to be flourishing.

Quite a number of young people from this place attended the Hill recital at Vermilion Wednesday night.

The stock-holders of the Diamond Cheese Co. held their annual meeting at the Co’s office here last Monday.

A good bye delegation from Axtel and vicinity, including the pres., vice pres., and sec’y of the D.C.C. are spending a few days with friends and relatives in Tuscarawas Co.

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NOTICE!

All those indebted to the firm formerly known as Krapp Bros. Meat Market will please call and settle at once as above firm have desolved [sic] partnership and wish to balance books. - Geo. Krapp - Fred J. Krapp.

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Willis Maxfield and gus Neiding held two of the lucky keys at Bamharts. The sum received was $10 and $6.

Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting next Tuesday evening. Be sure to attend.

Born - To Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Irey Tuesday, Jan 12, 1904, a daughter.

Blattner’s fire sale closes Saturday the 16th. Hurry up if you want to buy.

The Hill entertainers gave one of their programs at the Town Hall last evening. Mrs. Hill gave a number of selections on the harp and Prof. Hill gave readings and impersonations. A large number were in attendance and enjoyed the entertainment. The proceeds will be added to the school library fund.

Hmmmmmm....

"...Mr. Howard from the Novelty Stove works of Savannah, Mo. came forward with a proposition..."

SEEDS OF A YESTERYEAR: From The Vermilion News - December 18, 1902 - “The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce met Friday evening. A constitution was adopted and other business transacted. A plat of 40 acres has been secured which will be offered; 10 acres for a site and the balance to be divided into lots and sold any industry which will locate.” All the acreage lay between the L.C. & M. S. [Conrail) and the Nickel plate railroads, at a point where the electric crossed the wagon [W. Lake] road at the west end of the village.

Though no “official” announcement had been made it was reported that a man named W.G. Jackson, president of a pottery company, had visited and inspected the 10 acre site. Thirty acres had been divided into 140 lots, and the lots quickly offered for sale at $200 a piece promising that if they were sold within a reasonable period it would mean that “the pottery is a sure thing”. Unfortunately, the only “sure thing” in life is death. Taxes being, of course, negotiable.

So - no matter that The News later reported that “The pottery concern has agreed to make a contract with the Chamber of Commerce to erect and equip buildings to cost not less than $85,000 and be a permanent thing.” And no matter that most of the aforementioned lots were sold in short order, and the Chamber, the Editor of The News, and the people of Vermilion anxiously anticipated the signing of the contract to seal the deal. By the end of January, 1903 the Chamber was forced to abandon the “Pottery Project” because in the end “no satisfactory terms could be made with the company”.

In the meantime The News ran an editorial suggesting that one of the obstacles with which the Chamber of Commerce had to contend with in their attempt to bring more industry to the town was, of all things, water. The editor referred to it as a “rather queer situation. We have water to drink and wash in, but when it comes to a larger supply, we are compelled to acknowledge that there is none.” And he further observes that, “in case of fire in the business portion of town the hydrant in the [Exchange] park may be brought into use, but the stranger asks,’Why is this the only attempt made to utilize this exhaustless supply?’” It was a timely editorial and and an extremely valid question. If Vermilion was going to move forward into the new century and attract industry a good supply of water would be necessary.

As fate would have it almost as soon as everyone had abandoned all hope for the pottery a Mr. Howard from the Novelty Stove works of Savannah, Mo. came forward with a proposition - sans rash promises - for locating a stove plant on eight acres of the land. The company agreed to give bond for $11 thousand, and start work on their buildings as soon as a contract was signed. The buildings would cost no less than $10 thousand and would be completed by July 1st of 1903. The plant would employ at least 50 men, and have a payroll of $400. Most - but not all - of the townsfolk were jubilant. Early in March a deal between the Howard Stove & Mfg. Co. was consummated. Soon after ground was broken for the new factory, and the Howard Company’s latest stoves were being displayed at the town hall.

Election results in the April 2, 1903 edition of The News showed that H. R. Williams (D) won the Mayor’s office by 84 votes, and John Delker (R) was retained as town marshall by 14 votes. But more importantly, the mandate for the issuance of bonds for a new Water Works - total completion costs for the plant being a whopping $35 thousand - passed. 186 votes for it - 85 against. And Vermilion was on its way into the new century.

It looked to be a good year for the town. Down on Liberty street the first permanent electric lights were turned on at the Lake Shore Power Station. The presses and other machinery of The Vermilion News in the Wells building were removed from the second floor to the north room of the first floor without missing an issue. The first annual meeting of the stockholders of The Vermilion Telephone Company was held and well attended. And Vermilion boasted of having a library. Though very small - folks could become a library member for $1 per year and acquire books at Penning’s News Stand. All these things and more were but mere seeds in our community of a yesteryear. The soil in which they were planted was fertile.

_{_{Ref: The Vermilion News; issues 12/18/1902 through 4/02/1903; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 4/21/11; Written 4/17/11 @ 11:15 AM.}}

IVY SUMMER LUMPKIN
fourth grader at Ecole Kenwood School
Columbus, Ohio

INVENTION: "The Twilight Post," a lighted address mail post.

"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.

GREENWICH.

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

Dr. Richard Morton was the first resident physician in the township, and came in about the year 1825, at first practicing in partnership with Dr. Moses C. Sanders, of Peru, who was quite popular among the men of his time in Greenwich. Dr. Campbell, of Fairfield, had some practice in Greenwich at an early day, and so also had Dr. Wm. McLadd, of Fitchville, and Dr. Johns, of New Haven. There was for a short time in the settlement a physician by the name of George W. Sampson, who made his home with Benjamin Washburne. Lovana Mitchell, who came in the township with her husband, James Mitchell, in 1821, before there were any physicians there, was very useful in the capacity of midwife, and deserves the gratitude and kindly recollection of the community. She often traveled alone and afoot at night, by the light of a torch, utterly regardless of the weather, and her fearlessness and power of physical endurance were only equaled [sic] by her professional skill. It is said that she never lost but one patient. She died in 1863, in her eighty-fourth year.

Among the physicians who practiced in the township for short periods were Dr. Wm. Rice, who was a partner of Dr. Horton, and Dr. Andrews, of Ruggles. Dr. G. Hutchins and Dr. Owen were also among those who might be termed transient residents. Dr. Henry Reynolds, of New York State, began practice in 1836, and has practiced constantly in the township and surrounding country since, until within three or four years. Dr. S. R. Haviland, who came in 1831, has also practiced most of the time since his settlement.

The physicians now resident in Greenwich are Drs. Amos Ewing, R. H. Reynolds and D. W. Rumbaugh. Dr. Ewing, of the allopathic school, who has been in practice in the village since 1868, is a graduate of the Cleveland Medical College; Dr. Reynolds, a son of Dr. Henry Reynolds, is a graduate of the Eclectic School of Cincinnati, and has been in practice since 1871. Dr. Rumbaugh came in the latter part of 1878. He is of the allopathic school, and received his medical education in the St. Louis and Cleveland colleges.

SOCIETIES. THE GREENWICH FAIR ASSOCIATION.

This association was organized in April, 1875, when a meeting was held at which it was moved and adopted that an association should be formed for the purpose of holding a union fair, in the township, sometime in June of that year. The organization was perfected bv the election of the following officers: M. B. Thomas, president; L. P. Sisson, vice president; W. A. Hossler secretary: John S. Berry, treasurer; J. W: Beach, (Ruggles), H. C. Washburne, (New London). William P. Noble, (Ripley), William A. Knapp, (Fitchville). George H. Thomas, (Fairfield), William Sutton, S. McCullow, H. J. Gifford, A. H. Leonard, (Greenwich), and John Stoner, (of Butler township, Richland county), directors. Grounds were leased of the land and building association upon which the fair association erected suitable buildings, and here fairs have been regularly held every season since the inception of the plan. These fairs have annually been held in the spring or early summer, and the exhibitions, especially in the stock department, have been of a character, which justly entitles the association to much credit. The, officers elected in 1878, are as follows: B. H. Fowler, president; L. P. Sisson, vice president; W. A. Hossler, secretary; John S. Berry, treasurer: W. J. Beach, W. Hannah, D. D. Washburne, H. Horr, William A. Knapp, directors.

HURON GRANGE, NO. 186.

The Patrons of Husbandry effected an organization under the above name, October 30, 1873, the charter members being: Frank Salisbury, C. A. Washburne and wife; H. Griffin and wife; D. D. Washburne and wife; H. J. Gifford and wife, William Sutton, Miss 0. Wickoff, Miss Martha Salisbury, E. Culbertson, Preston Palmer, W. J. Washburne and wife, J. A. Frost and wife, A. Jennings, J. Strimple and wife, and Miss L. Frost. The first officers elected were: J. A. Frost, master; H. J. Gifford, overseer; J. Strimple, secretary; Frank Salisbury, treasurer; D. D. Washburne, lecturer; A. D. Jenney, chaplain; H. Griffin, steward; H. Griffin, assistant steward; W. J. Washburne, gatekeeper; Carrie Wickoff, lady assistant steward; Martha Salisbury, Flora; Mrs. H. J. Gifford, Ceres; Margaret Washburne, Pomona. Following are the present officers; J. A. Frost, master; H. Horr, overseer; H. E. Reed, lecturer J. Strimple, chaplain; W. H. Sisson, secretary; H. D. St. John, steward; J. R. Ellis, gate keeper; Mrs. H. Horr, lady assistant steward; Mrs. W. H. Sisson, Pomona; Mrs. G. W. Ellis, Flora; Mrs. C. A. Sutton, Ceres; C. H. Horr, treasurer. Number of members, forty-eight.

LAND AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION.

This organization, which has operated most powerfully and favorably in the interests of Greenwich, particularly the village, was incorporated by special act of the legislature in 1873, and the company was organized with a capital stock of thirteen thousand. The incorporators were: L. P. Lisson, L^. B. Thomas, Lorenzo Barrett, A. Ewing, J. B. Smith, W. A. Hossler, W. T. Smith and S, W. Thomas. The first officers elected were the following, who, by the way, still remain in their several places: U. B. Thomas, president; J. B. Smith, secretary; J. W. Richardson, treasurer. The object of the association was the encouragement of local business interests and the development of the village. With this end in view, the association purchased the Townsend farm of one hundred and twenty acres, adjacent to the village, and laid off forty acres of it in town lots. These…

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

Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio}

_{VERMILION ARTIFACT #33}

THE POOL HALL: E.C. Furgason had a bowling alley / pool hall just behind the Fischer Building on Division / Main Street. Interurban historian Dennis Lamont sent me this pic a few days ago.

I was never in the place when I was a lad because "Furgie" also sold liquor, and it wasn't the place for children. But I remember the guys who frequented the place. And I still know a few guys who set pins there. I wish we had some pix of the interior back then.

1887 NURSING JOB DESCRIPTION

In addition to caring for your 50 patients, each bedside nurse will follow these regulations:

1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient’s furniture and window sills.

2. Maintain an even temperature in your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day’s business.

3. Light is important to observe the patient’s condition. Therefore, each day fill kerosene lamps, clean chimneys and trim wicks.

4. The nurse’s notes are important in aiding your physician’s work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.

5. Each nurse on day duty will report every day at 7 a.m. and leave at 8 p.m., except on the Sabbath, on which day she will be off from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

6. Graduate nurses in good standing with the director of nurses will be given an evening off each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if you go regularly to church.

7. Each nurse should lay aside from each payday a goodly sum of her earnings for her benefits during her declining years, so that she will not become a burden. For example, if you earn $30 a month, you should set aside $15.

8. Any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any form, gets her hair done at a beauty shop or frequents dance halls will give the director of nurses good reason to suspect her worth, intentions and integrity.

9. The nurse who performs her labors [and] serves her patients and doctors faithfully and without fault for a period of five years will be given an increase by the hospital administration of five cents per day.

ZILCH: No Podcast this week. I'm still gathering my thoughts. (Or attempting to...) Merry Christmas.

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)

"If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree."-Jim Rohn

Vol.9, Issue 45 - January 21, 2012

Archive Issue #462

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Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live