THE HARDY INN ON LIBERTY AVE.
DESKTALK: On the desk this week is a partial pic that was made (in part) to show the location of the Hardy Inn on Liberty Street in Vermilion, O. If the locale escapes ye the Inn used to sit where the former Vermilion Post Office (currently the home of a window mfg. business with upstairs apartments) was built in the 1950s. It was next door (east) of the old Lake Shore Electric Depot. I do believe that the pic was courtesy of electric historian Dennis Lamont.
FINISHING: This week I’m finishing with information about Vermilion’s war casualties. However; I’m not completely finished. There are a few more persons that should have been on the list originally given me that will appear in next week’s “VV”. The additional names are persons who had direct connections with Vermilion – but were not considered by some to be local. In any case what follows is the last name on that list. And I certainly hope that it will remain that way.
SERGEANT BENJAMIN WALTER BISKIE
Sergeant Benjamin Walter Biskie was killed shortly before his 28th birthday while riding in a vehicle that was struck by an improvised explosive device near Samarra, Iraq the day before Christmas 2003. He served in the Army’s 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He left behind his wife, Marcie, and son Benjamin.
Historically,
Burt
BURTON HOLLOSY: I'm not entirely certain where I obtained this snap of Mr. Hollosy. I believe he's standing by his pick-up in the driveway of the home he shared with his wife Eleanor (Krapp) their two daughters and their two sons on Jefferson Street.
Mr. Hollosy was a true asset to the town. He ran the street department, and did a crackerjack job of it. When he was there the town used to clear the snow off the sidewalks in the winter for everyone. When the tractor they used for the task was hit and, of course, demolished by a train that was, unfortunately, the end of that.
Reading through some of the old Vermilion News files I found that he brief quit the city job - but he "didn't stay gone long". After retirement he moved, as many retired couples do, to Florida. But he returned to town frequently until he passed away (not too long ago.)
BIG DOINGS IN VERMILION IN JUNE 1942: Vermilionite Merle Koppenhafer stopped in at the Museum a few weeks ago [late May / early June 2012] with a question about an article that he thought had appeared on the front page of The Vermilion News somewhere around June or July in 1940. It seems that a burglar had broken into the family home on Perry Street and his mother and father had captured him. Merle recalled that the entire neighborhood had been awakened by the ruckus. He thought that Mary Louise (“Tootie” Reisinger) Chandler had been on the scene because he recalled she’d been out on a date with a beau. I told Merle that I’d look for the article when I got our microfilm reader and try to get him a copy. Well, we finally got the reader.
I mused that 1940 have been a bit early for the article if I based it on his recollection of my friend Tootie’s date. I knew that she graduated from high school in 1944, and I thought that it unlikely that her parent’s would have allowed her to be out late on a date when she was 14. And as it turned out I was right. The incident took place in June of 1942.
It seems that after the family had gone to bed for the night Mrs. Koppenhafer (Alma) woke to a sound in their room. Waking her husband, George, they lay there listening until they heard another noise. Then while leaving the bed to turn on the lights Mr. K. “stepped on a crouching form of a man”. He struggled with the man, out from the bedroom into the hall, down the stairs and through an open front door to the porch – the racket waking Mrs. Koppenhafer’s mother, Mrs. Cuddeback, and the couple’s young son Merle in the process. A screen door temporarily stopped the intruder and allowed Mr. K. an opportunity to grasp him about the legs causing them to tumble down the concrete steps into the yard. Out in the yard Mrs. K. joined the struggle grabbing the hapless fiend around the head. And with both Koppenhafer’s on him he was forced to the ground where they held him until help arrived. That help came in the form of neighbors Bud Clark, Floyd Stokes, Tom Williams and Glen Martin. Together they detained the burglar until the Village Marshal arrived. He handcuffed the burglar and turned him over to the sheriff’s office.
At Mayor’s court the following Saturday the bungling burglar gave the name of Ernest Moore of 31st Street in Cleveland. He was fund to be an escaped murderer from a Georgia prison, having fled there in January of 1939. The sheriff took him to Cleveland the following Wednesday where he confessed to having broken into more than 80 houses during previous months. It turned out that the police had been looking for him and his accomplices for five months.
The News article stated that Moore “…was tall, slender and wiry. He had cut a small hole in the screen of the west window over the sink in the Koppenhafer’s kitchen through which he unfastened and raised part way, and standing on an upturned lawn mower, crawled thought the window. He was without shoes, and he took the precaution to unlock and open the door on the porch, but had failed to note the type of lock on the screen door.” – which, as it turned out was his downfall (no pun intended).
Aside from cuts, scratches and bruises on his chest Mr. K. received a deep cut on his right thigh, and a cut on his left arm from an open pocketknife during the struggle. Mrs. K. received a knife cut on her left hand. The intruder had also bitten both folks. Vermilion Dr. Heinig was called and tended to their wounds. Authorities found Mr. K’s watch in the intruder’s pocket, and another unopened pocketknife on the stairs. And that was “Big Doings in Vermilion” in June, 1942. Methinks it was probably enough for the whole year.
SHOPTALK: This week the desktop pic for the shop is a pic of Marlene Calvert Feldkamp from Marlene Calvert Feldkamp. When she visited the museum several weeks back with the Vermilion Area Archival Society she took a number of pictures, and this is one someone took of her with her camera. She stopped by this week and gave me copies. We also had a nice visit – talking about old Vermilion, her father, and Crystal Beach. She also mentioned that she’s on the reunion committee for VHS Class of 1955, and she is unable to find a copy of the Log (Annual) Book for that year. Apparently the library doesn’t have one either. So if anyone has some suggestions let her know.
THE IRS CALLED: Returning a call I received from an IRS representative Wednesday (09/05/12) afternoon I answered some questions they had about copyrights and royalties re: the museum. After answering the questions the rep. told me that they were going to approve the 1023 (formal request for 501(c)(3) – nonprofit status).
I am, in two words, very pleased. Finally, I believe I can see the light at the end of that (the application) tunnel. I’ve been on edge about it for six months.
Next...
NOW & THEN: The book (Now & Then) is been selling too well. People keep stopping at the museum to purchase not one – but several. I find that amazing.
The reprint – with misspelling corrections and the addition of the Rathbun page at the end will be sold for $20 as opposed to $15. The difference (aside from the obvious things) is that all profits from this edition will be used to help fund museum projects. The first printing was priced to pay for itself, and for the reprinting. I hope it sells as well.
Because this book has done better than anticipated I’m in the process of making some minor additions / corrections to my first book “Yesteryear” for reprint. Information-wise it’s really the better of the two.
VISITING HOURS: Starting Monday June 25th the museum will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM. On Saturday the museum will be open from 11 AM to 2 PM. A small admission donation of $3 (for adults) is requested. Children under the age of 11 will be admitted for free.
POST OFFICE BOX: Please note that the MUSEUM has a post office box now. Now we won’t have to use our home address, nor the one at the shop for mail.
MEMBERSHIPS: Memberships to the VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM are now available. Funds generated will go toward the aforementioned renovations and maintenance of the shop.
If you would like to become a member the VNPSM you can send a check or money order to:
Vermilion Print Shop Museum P.O. Box 792 Vermilion, Ohio 44089
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:Take the time to visit us on Facebook. Click on the badge below and stop in. We'll keep adding pix as we go along. If you're in the area come on in. I try to be there in the a.m. most everyday. If you see a Chevy Silverado out front with the plate "MRCOOKR" stop by 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...
Vol. VIII, NO.18. – OCTOBER 6, 1904.
The Village council met in regular session Monday evening with all members present except Wahl. The various committees reported. Considerable discussion arose concerning the sidewalk on Sandusky street north of the L.S. Ry. tracks.
It was finally decided to make a temporary walk of cinders and gravel for the present.
Geo. Smith of the Duplex Stamping co., was present and stated that he was ready to deed the streets to the town for the consideration that they be made passable. A communication was received from the Logan Natural Gas co., stating their inability to pipe gas into our town. A resolution was then passed declaring the franchise forfeited and authorizing the clerk for $500 deposited in the bank.
The sidewalk committee recommended that the walk of Mrs. Lewis Wells on Main and Ferry Sts. be replaced using the stone of the old walk that were serviceable.
The question of salary of the board of trustees of public affairs was discussed and a committee appointed to look up the matter.
This is something, which should be attended to before election. The salary of the present board was fixed to the expiration of the term of office of the present incumbents.
After passing the bills Council adjourned to meet Oct. 17.
The duplex Stamping Co.’s. building is nearing completion.
The Lorain Time Herald is soon to have a new web press. Its publishers have made rapid strides of late.
Sometime within the next few months THE NEWS expects to have new and more commodious quarters. This week work was begun on the foundations for the new home on the lot a short distance south of the L.S. & M. S. Ry., on Grand Street, recently purchased for that purpose.
Born – Sunday Oct. 2, to Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Welch, a daughter.
The oil well which is being sunk near the M.P. bridge has as yet not panned out well although some oil has been found.
Dr. Bond went to Cleveland yesterday to attend a surgical Clinic at the Cleveland Homeopathical College.
Messrs. Cook and Bruns of Huron were in town Wednesday. Mr. Cook is engaged in the Grocery business and r. Bruns is the proprietor of Rye Beach.
A number of improvements are made at Linwood Park, among which is a new porch on the Hotel.
Some of our young men are endeavoring to organize a band. Vermilion needs a band but the difficulty lies in the gathering of a sufficient number of men who are with us all the year as so many are sailors or fishermen.
Fires were lighted at the Stove Works Monday. It is to be hoped hat [sic] work will soon begin in all departments.
D. Christmann who was reported seriously ill at his home in Berea is some better.
Jas. N. Buck has been appointed postmaster at Berlinville to succeed Albert Shupe resigned.
A soldier’s monument, the gift of Mrs. Anna M. Stentz was unveiled at Monroeville last Thursday. Gov. Herrick, Hon. Jas. A. Norton and several other prominent gentlemen were present and delivered addresses.
Chas. Kniesel, the blind piano tuner of Lorain, who had an application filed for the blind relief fund, received an adjudgement [sic] of twenty-five dollars per quarter, which will last during life, or until the disability is removed. – Ex.
Ask your groceryman for “Germ Flake.”
W.A. Christian of Cleveland is now in charge of the shoe department in Baumhart’s Store. Give him a call.
The Republican County Executive committee met last Friday and selected H.G. Morse of this place as candidate for Infirmary director to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of H.T. Gobel.
Mr. Morse is a good man for the place and will represent the eastern end of the county well if elected.
Mr. Ernest Crisp who has had charge of the construction of the water works plant here has gone to Barnesville where he will oversee the construction of a large plant. He expects to return to Vermilion in a short time to inspect the filters which are being altered somewhat.
Mr. John Englebry Vermilion’s popular Ice dealer is the first to have water from our new waterworks system. The first tap was made Wednesday by Engineer v. Thompson, the work being done in an able manner. Mr. Englebry has the honor of being the first person to draw water from the new system through a faucet. The plumbing was done by W.E. Bailey, our Pioneer Plumber.
O.G. Jump is building an addition to his house.
Wedding bells will soon ring our in old Ashmont.
Squire Saunders was in Vermilion Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Slocum were in Vermilion Saturday.
Rev. Klein of Vermilion was in town Thursday calling on friends.
Mrs. C.G. Leimbach, Mrs. J.B. Baumhardt and Miss Emma Kishman were the guest of friends in Vermilion Thursday.
Strange dogs have been annoying the farmer’s in this neighborhood by killing speep [sic]. Twenty-five were killed for Mr. Whittney and eight for Mr. Holstein.
Hmmmmmm....
"Howhidahihurdles?"
FRIENDS IN VERMILION C. 1959: I’d almost forgotten those days. After all it was over a half century ago. But they came rushing back to me a few months ago when I received an envelope (sans a return address) containing the snapshot that accompanies this essay. Violating my personal rule (Rich’s Rule #2 - VPJ 1/20/11) that all photographs should include names of the subjects of, or in, a photo – there were no notations on it or with it. Nor was there any indication of who sent it. However; because of my keen observational skills honed from hours of reading detective / spy novels on our couch I studied the envelope and detected that it had been sent from Memphis, Tenn. Armed with that information and, of course, the snapshot I said, “Aha!” to myself (like a seasoned investigator) and promptly concluded that one of the guys in the picture had sent it to me. His name is Jimmy Coleman.
During the “Great Migration” that took place in the late 1950s that lasted well into the mid 1960s families – notably those from Massachusetts, New York, and Tennessee came to Vermilion, O. to work at the newly built Lorain Ford Assembly plant. Jimmy’s family was among them. His father, Haywood, died shortly after the family set up housekeeping in a home where this picture was taken just north of the Evangelical church on Grand Street. His mother, Martha, who was probably one of the kindest persons I’ve ever known, taught 3rd grade at Vermilion’s Lake Elementary school. Jimmy’s older sister, Maryanne, was the epitome of the term “southern belle”. She was pretty, flirtatious, and a great deal of fun. She had graduated from high school before the family moved north, and at the time she snapped this picture she was engaged to (and eventually married) a young and handsome Ford worker named Bill Lamar.
Though I don’t recall the specific instance of this photo. Jimmy is the (red-haired in the color snap) guy seated in the armchair on the left side of the photo’ To his right – moving counter clockwise – are John Paul “Stuart” White with his back to the camera; (Me) Rich Tarrant with a hole in his sock, and a stem missing from his glasses; Jacob “Jake” Boone with the Elvis hair-do; Donald “Don” Fischer the only guy in the group who owned a car; Thomas “Tommy” Rodgers who lived just a few doors away on Ohio Street; and Alan “Al” Crozier, who is seated on a piano bench overlooking the game. This was our gang c. 1959.
Jimmy was the only southerner in the group. He was easy to like. It was hard not to. All these years later I still recall one of the first questions he asked of us. It was, in a single soft southern drawl, “Howhidahihurdles?” which in north-speak is “How high are the high hurdles?” He always maintained that he wasn't the one with an accent. It was us – the people who, when asked where we’re from, say “O-hi-ya”.
Jim’s mom passed away unexpectedly in the spring of 1964 and he moved back to his hometown of Huntingdon near Memphis. I’d not seen nor heard from him in all those years until I received this anonymous mailing last December. A few weeks later he called me on my cell, and there was no mistaking who was calling. He asked me about all the guys in the picture, and several who aren’t. We’ve all gone our separate ways, but we all remain steadfast friends even if some of us have not communicated nor been together for half a century.
In an old picture frame at the top of the stairway in our home on Perry Street where I was raised there was a little poem called “A Friend” which read: “A friend is not a fellow / Who is taken in by sham. / A Friend is one who knows your faults / and doesn’t give a damn.” The rime was writ in a yesteryear by a person named Anon. Perhaps it was a person with a soft southern drawl, whose memories of childhood friendships, like Jimmy’s, never wavered.
Perhaps one of the most famous toys in American history, the Barbie doll is a staple in the toy chests of little girls everywhere. Along with co-founding the renowned toy company Mattel, woman inventor Ruth Handler also designed the doll that would become an American cultural icon.
While watching her daughter play with paper dolls, Ruth Handler noticed that she and her friends used the dolls to act out the future rather than the present. So, she set out to invent a grown-up, three-dimensional doll that girls could use to act out their dreams. This, of course, included the presence of breasts (and what many would later call "unrealistic body proportions"). The female inventor named her new Barbie doll invention after the nickname of her daughter Barbara. Later on, a male counterpart doll would be named after her son: Ken.
After premiering at the Toy Fair in 1959, Barbie became an instant sensation. The success of the doll propelled Mattel to become a publicly owned company that soon made Fortune's list of the 500 largest U.S. industrial companies. Handler served as the company's president for several of its most successful years. Along with being an inventor and businesswoman, Ruth Handler is also a breast cancer survivor – an experience she used to start another company, Nearly Me, which manufactured realistic-looking breast prostheses.
To this day, the Barbie doll invention remains one of Mattel's best-selling products.
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.
Major Joseph Strong stood sponsor at the christening of the township whose history is briefly outlined in the following narrative, while the county commissioners, on the 19th day of September, 1819, performed the priestly functions, and by weight of official authority gave to the new-born child the name of Lyme, in honor of Lyme, Connecticut. There was evidently rhythm in this name for the early settlers of old Connecticut; for in New London county there are three townships that bear the appellation — Lyme, Old Lyme, and East Lyme, while at the mouth of the beautiful Connecticut river, on the eastern bank of that stream and on the Shore Line Railroad from New York to Boston, stands the town of Lyme. Lyme, Ohio, can trace its lineage through this town on the Connecticut back to Old England, on the south coast of which is situated the city of Lyme-Regis. From Lyme, England, to Lyme, Connecticut, came, more than two centuries ago (in 1666), a sturdy, strong-minded, resolute people, and gave the New England town a moral and intellectual character it has ever since retained, and which its western namesake in no small degree inherited. It was while Major Strong was a guest at the McCurdy mansion in Lyme, Connecticut, that he resolved to fix the name to his home township. Richard McCurdy, of whom Major Strong purchased a large tract of land in this locality, made the latter's stay while in Lyme so pleasant that the Major, pleased with his host and the beautiful village on the banks of the Connecticut, resolved that he would have the township's name changed to Lyme upon his return. This was done in 1819, as above stated. Prior to this time the township was known as Wheatsborough, in honor of a Mr. Wheat, who owned large tracts of land in towns four and five of the twenty-fourth range.
In the following table are given: (1) in the left hand column, the names of those original sufferers whose claims were satisfied in lands of this township, with the amount of each one's loss computed in pounds, shillings and pence; (3) in the right hand column are the names, of those who by inheritance or otherwise came into possession of the original claims as adjusted, and to whom the lands of the township were awarded by lot. For a description of the mode of partition the reader is referred to the general history.
[VV ED. NOTE: The table referred to in the above paragraph has been omitted from this text.]
Thus it will be seen that the persons name in the right hand column are those who first came into possession of the lands in Lyme township, and that each section was purchased by them for one thousand three hundred and forty-four pounds seven shillings, New England currency; or, expressed in dollars and cents, four thousand four hundred and eighty-one dollars and sixteen cents. The original value of the four sections of Lyme township was therefore seventeen thousand nine hundred and twenty-four dollars and sixty-four cents.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
MIRACLE MACHINE: I have talke and written about this machine ad infinitum, but it's hard not to. How Merganthaler could have dreamed it up - in all its detail - is simply astounding.
It is truly an artifact today. It revolutionized the newspaper and printing industry for over sixty years. Here it is shown as it is presented as an exhibit in the Vermilion News Print Shop Musuem. The table and oil lamp weren't there when the machine was in operation of course. But's it's a nice exhibit.
The following extracts from letter received at the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, Washington, D.C. may give faint idea of some of the propositions the clerks of this department have to meet. While a real tragedy to the writers they are rather amusing:
I ain’t got no book learning and I am writing for inflammations.
Just a line to let you know that I am a widow and four children.
Previous to his departure we were married to a Justice of the Peace.
I have a four months old baby and he is my only support.
I am a lone woman and parsly [sic] dependent.
I was discharged from the army for a goiter which I was sent home for.
I did not know my husband had a middle name and if he did I did not know it was “none.”
I need his assistance to keep me inclosed.
Owing to my condition which I haven’t walked in three months for a broken leg which is no. 75.
Kind sir, or she.
I am left with a child seven months old and she is a baby and can’t work.
Your relationship to him? Just a mere aunt and a few cousins.
In service with the U.S. armory.
I have received my insurance polish and have since moved my post office.
I am his wife and only air.
You ask for my allotment number; I have four boys and three girls.
Please correct my name; I would not go under a consumed name.
I am writing in the Y.M.C.A. with the piano playing in my uniform.
Both sides of our parents are old and poor.
Please send me a wife’s form.
I am a poor widow and all I have is at the front.
You have changed my girl to a boy. Will that make any difference?
I have not received my husband’s pay and will be forced to lead an immortal life.
Please let me know if John has put in an application for a wife and child.
My boy has been put in charge of a spittoon. Will he get more pay?
My boy is in the 158th infancy.
Please tell me if my son is alive or dead and what his address is.
I have learned that my husband is in a constipation camp in Germany.
You have taken my man away to fight and he was the best fighter I ever had.
I have been in bed with one doctor for thirteen years and I intend to try another.
NADA AGAIN THIS WEEK: This week no podcast again. God is still talking and I continue to think about this section of Views - looking for a better way to present these videos.
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.
Another great book with Vermilion Roots is, "Grandmas’ Favorites: A Compilation of Recipes from Margaret Sanders Buell" by Amy O’Neal, Elizabeth Thompson and Meg Walter (May 2, 2012). This book very literally will provide one with the flavor of old Vermilion. And ye can also find it at Amazon.com. Take a look.
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.
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'".
WHERE IS THEY (?):The VHS class of 1957 is having their 55th reunion Sept 15th. They are still looking for: Dana Hamrick, Ed Hendershot, Jim Henry, Neill Marcason, Peter Meckel, Sherry Meier, James Putnam, Paul Shover, Bob Delong, Bill Brown, Ron Roughton. contact Shirley Lehky @ 967-6536.
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.10, Issue 26 - September 8, 2012
© 2012 Rich Tarrant