VALENTINE BLOODY VALENTINE: On the morning February 14, 1929 "Bugs" Moran's men were waiting in a warehouse (SMT Cartage) at 2122 North Clark Street in Chicago, Illinois for two empty trucks to arrive. They were to drive them to Canada and pick-up some booze for their boss. Rival mobster Alphonse Capone had a surprise Valentine's Day gift for them.Seven sedans loaded with Capone's men (armed with submachine guns) pulled up outside the warehouse. They walked in on the five unsuspecting mobsters and proceded to blow them to bits.

Only in America...

FROM THE AIR: My friend Buffalo Bill Hlavin sent me this photograph just yesterday (2-13-04). I would guesstimatethat this photo was taken in the late 1930's or early 1940's. As one can see there are very few homes built yet in what we now recognize as the Vermilion Lagoons. The housing project had been finalized by Vermilion authorities in 1929, but the dredging of the wetlands and building of the homes there was not immediate.

One thing about the picture that I find interesting is that apparently a bridge existed between two of the lagoons close to the Vermilion River bed. This is not a startling bit of information, but it is something I didn't know.

It only goes to show that there's always something more to discover.

ELECTRONIC SENSES: Here is something I found to be unusual. These are visual representations odor and a taste. On the left is what a Giorgio perfume looks like under a microscope. And on the right is Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Almond Crunch ice cream. They are intriging visuals are they not? They could pass for colorful paintings very easily. While I don't remember the URL of the site where I found these items I have it if anyone is interested. They also have micro-pix of beer for thirsty folk.

It is amazing what one can find on the net. Simply amazing.

THE LIGHTS ARE UP: A few weeks ago some pix of downtown Vermilion appeared showing the initial work being done to install new street lights in that area. This photograph was taken yesterday (2-13-04) of Liberty Street with the lights fully installed. I wanted to take a few more pictures but it was fairly icy outside and for some reason my camera doesn't like that weather. I got one picture and the camera refused to take any more.

I don't know if the lights are being used as of yet. Early yesterday morning I drove through here and the lights weren't on. It may be that they are preset to work during certain hours and/or the electrical work isn't finished. In any case, they look as though they've been there for 50 years.

PORKY JAMISON: My good friend, Frank A. Homitz furnished me with this picture last Thursday (2-12-04). Its not particularly old. It was taken in 1966 from the porch of his mother's home on Jackson Street (on the west-side of Vermilion).

My assumption is that the import of the photo at the time was the deer grazing in the foreground. But as the years turn that isn't what I (nor perhaps Frank) find to be significant.

The photo is taken looking north from the Homitz home. By the direction of the shadows and the presence of the deer, early in the morning. To the immediate right (out of the picture) is Center Street running east-west from Adams Street.

The important feature in the photograph is the shack behind the deer. It was the home of one "Porky" Jamison. "Porky" was called "Porky" because he spoke with a stutter. In a different time or a different place this might have seemed cruel. But, at the time, it was not. And I don't think "Porky" ever looked at it as being a negative. Without getting into a great deal of detail about Mr. Jamison let me say that he was fond of amber liquids. Yet what I find to be most amazing is that even at the time of this photograph he called this place "home".

I don't think he lived there in the winter months, but he most assuredly did in the summer. This, good friends, is about as base as one can get without a cardboard box. Keep in mind that this was 1966 and not 1866. There was no electricity. No running water. He got his water from Frank's mother.

I don't really know much about Pork. I know he served in the Army during WWII. I know he wasn't an idiot. But this is truly truly amazing. Just a few years after this picture was taken we were putting men on the moon.

CLASS REUNION UPDATES: Again members of the Vermilion High School Class of 1959; your class reunion will be held between October 8 and 10, 2004 here in town. Those looking for more information on the subject can now visit the Class of '59 website by clicking on the highlighted text. To my knowledge Roger Boughton is responsible for this site. I should mention that a visit to this particular website is worth ones time. Maybe you didn't belong to this class, but I'm sure you know someone who does. And I think you'll enjoy reading some of their memories of those days. Also BuffaloBill Hlavin has asked me to find and 1958 football program for him. I'll look. But I'll also ask class members tuned into this site to also look and let myself, Roger, or Bill know if you have one.

Dale Wendell, in sunny Arizona, told me that his class (VHS 1944) will also be having a reunion this summer. Just this day (1-24-04) Dale let me know that it will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the Vermilion Fish and Game.

As news regarding these activities comes to my attention it will appear on this web page. So stay tuned.

From a long way around the planet comes a message about the VHS Reunion of the Class of 1954. Their Reunion is planned for the 17th of July, 2004 at the Amvets Post on Route 60. I've also heard (2-14-04) from George Hoffman of this class who now lives in Sandusky. He,and four fellow classmates, are putting this reunion together.

And I'll have to get back to you about the Reunions of Classes 1963, 64, and 65. I published it a few weeks ago but don't have it at my fingertips right this moment. In any case it's going to be a busy place for such activities this summer. Perhaps we should have just had one gigantic blow-out.

The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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 let me know and I'll send them to you.

Links to other sites on the Web

Vermilion Ohio Historic Pix
History of Linwood Park
Vermilion Community Orchestra
Vermilion Chamber of Commerce
Vermilion's Oldest Church
Vermilion Visitor's Advisory (Satire)
Gore Orphanage History
The Lester Pelton Story

"I am not authorized to fire substitute teachers." ~ Bart Simpson

Vol.1, Issue 47, February 14, 2004

© 2004 Rich Tarrant