Vermilion, A Good Place to Live
Gore Orphanage: This picture is for folks who live in warmer climes. Whilst the weather here is actually acceptable now those who live in places like the southern part of Texas might dream of days like these. But actually and truly I took this photo earlier this year in Swift's Hollow.
Those who follow some of the stuff I do in the Photojournal might remember that I did a little series on the Gore Orphanage, which was actually named the Light of Hope Orphanage . The confusion between the orphanage and the old Swift family Mansion is common among youngsters and oldsters who prefer myth to reality. It is also a very well known myth throughout Ohio.
In writing this story I was curious so I went to the site and looked around. For some unknown reason I had never paid much attention to the orphanage myth when I was young, but I was aware of it. In any case the story generated gobs of interest from people all over the place. And due to that interest I was afforded information which led to me the real site of the place. And this is it.
As one can see it was a very cold day when I visited, so I didn't stay long. But what I wanted to show people is that it really and truly is there. More importantly, (and perhaps, thankfully) it has been ignored. It's back in a wooded area so one can't see it from the road. There is evidence of several buildings. This is in contrast to the mansion site that has but one building. The main building was a very long structure abuting the hill. I take it to be the dorm. What you see in this picture is the foundation of one of the out-buildings.
As an aside to this story I have more information about the Wilbur Family who purchased the mansion from Swift. If there is any chilling/haunting story surrounding the orphanage myth it is the Wilbur story. I might have ignored that story, but I've heard about it from five or six different people who knew the family. I'll drop that bomb on you next time.
MeOW:It's been a strange week on the net. Had lots of trouble. A lesser man would've said, "To Hell with it." But not me. Actually it's got little to do with manliness or anything of that nature. It's got to do with the investment I have (time and money) in this electronic world. It's not enough to have equipment up to my ears, but I've got to immerse myself in a language I might call pig-hypertext and three thousand other complexities and nuances that baffle me to no end.
Not long ago I wouldn't have had such patience, but I've finally brought some serenity into my life. Today if I can solve 90% of the problems I encounter on a daily basis I consider myself a winner. Maybe I'll pick-up the other 10% tomorrow.
First I made a mistake last week by giving the wrong URL in my email(s) for this page. Then something went wrong with one of my domain "pointers" ~ it ceased to point at anything. But I solved those problems; or I have potentially solved those problems (they might yet need some tweeking). And, honestly, those problems have led me to some other ideas. So all was not in vain. In hypertext language it's the simple little things that count. See this: "<" ? Leave one of those little baby's out and you've got a problem. It's an exact science/hobby. Whatever.
The Gate Again: Ah, The Gate at Linwood. Finished at last. Now Mr. Boas' book and articles on the park will ring true again. Doesn't look like expenses were spared. This is obviously an integral part of the place. Pourquoi? I know not. In recent years I've gone into the park to deliver Meals-Upon-Wheels and nobody has said anything to me. Nobody was in the gatehouse. I know there must be a reason for this structure. Very mysterious.
Rejuvenating Downtown Vermilion ...and then there was...Now McQuaid's Mercantile is biting the dust in downtown Vermilion. Given their situation I believe it to have been expected. That's not a business venture observation; it's a practical observation based on the demise of the proprietor. To operate any business venture something more than capital is needed. Remove expertise and capital can disappear.
I certainly admire persons involved in re-inventing the downtown area of Vermilion for their determination. However; when I take a serious look at the situation I see one very glaring item missing; Parking. Solve the parking problem and there is a chance. Let it be and it is a hopeless venture. It will take a great deal more than "prettiness" to breathe life back into this part of our town.
Passing through Huron late Friday afternoon my wife and I note that someone has made a clear effort to improve the pass through, and make some money. That's not chance. That's capitalistic venturism at its best. It works.
The traffic through Vermilion is there. What's not there is a place to park and go to businesses located there without paying. The amount of money, however trite, is a prohibitive and unnecessary factor. Make the parking free (a terrible word), encourage a variety of businesses to locate, and we've got a winner; an outdoor shopping mall. Encourage practical businesses to locate (i.e. those catering to the needs of many people; fast-food, drycleaning, convenient store items, and God forbid pizza) an it'll work 12 months a year. But parking is the first and foremost factor. The Main Street parking-lot must be acquired to encourage new business. How that happens is another matter. But it is not a problem that can't be eliminated.
My sources tell me today (4-27) that no slips will be cut into the land at the Red Clay (old McGarvey's) site. After careful review it was obvious that the proposed slips would not provide enough additional boat docking to make such a project worthwhile. Nor would the plan provide for larger craft over 30 feet. We'll see what happens.
The Beat Goes On: This is the fifth of my new page on the net. 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 comeback 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's Oldest Church
Vol.1, Issue 5, April 26, 2003
© 2003 mr1cooker@centurytel.net