ONE DAY ONE SUMMER
DESKTALK: To my knowledge the photograph on the desktop this week has never before been published. Nor have many people seen it. While it’s not a great photo – technically speaking – it does offer those who care a rather unique view of the sidewalk along Vermilion’s Liberty Avenue c. 1935. It’s one of News editor / publisher P. Roscoe’s throw-a-ways; never intended to be published.
The shot was taken in front of the Western Union / News Gift Store shops on Liberty looking east. It was likely a Sunday afternoon in the summer. The people in the photo are not shopping (no one is carrying anything). Some are in line at the Liberty Theatre, and others are waiting in line in front of Okagi’s Restaurant (by the odd globed streetlamps in the background). The Leidheiser Restaurant was probably open too, but with no waiting. The sign below the Leidheiser sign is advertising what looks like “Renney’s Beer – Ale”. Years later the place where Berk’s market is located in the pic became Harold Moats’s market.
The little girl in the foreground reminds me of my sister Nancy. And the two adults (from the back) look like my parents, Bill and Ella Tarrant. My grandfather may have been experimenting with a new film camera when he took this pic.
Very nice…
CHILLY: Well it’s official; Summer’s over in Vermilion. There’s a chill in the air, and a trace of snow on the ground. Thanksgiving Day the sun was shining and the temp topped out at 60 degrees. Now it’s time for long johns and wool caps. It’s the reason bears hibernate.Historically,
IT'S A BUYER'S MARKET
SO WHAT IS EVERYONE WAITING FOR: The For-Sale sign is up. This is one time when the people of Vermilion should get together, pool their resources, and buy the place. In truth, the school system has made a terrible mistake. Nothing they can build today will be of the quality of this building. New is not always better. It’s just new. And it’s only that for a short time.
This building could be used as a small business incubator with shops, apartments, and a community meeting center. There is (or can be) plenty of parking and room for outdoor activities. It is probably the best building currently owned by the local education system.
If fifty to a hundred people would come together, form an organization, and invest a nominal amount of their funds it has the potential of great returns – financially and civically, and historically. Hesitation has the potential of turning a major community asset into a terrible liability in short order.
RATHBUN: Asked numerous times as to the reason I’ve never used any photographs of the old Rathbun store (currently the Knotty Pine restaurant) with my weekly scribblings my answer was hardly complex. I had none. At least I didn’t until last Saturday (08/18/12) when Vermilionite Margaret A. Wakefield Worcester, the building’s current owner, provided me with those accompanying this essay.
Margaret was kind enough to provide me with five photographs that I subsequently fashioned into twelve, and refined into the three that make up the single photo presented. The single photo of the interior is actually two separate snapshots that I combined into one because it is essentially the way the core of the store appeared back in the 1950s and early 60s – or at least it’s the way I remember it in my memory bank. The only thing missing in that particular portrait is George Rathbun himself sitting in the chair to the left of the refrigerator toward the back of the store puffing on a cigar or his pipe.
Until I wrote some about Mr. Rathbun in October of 2008 (VPJ 10/16/08) I had only known him as the nice old guy who kept a tidy grocery store on the main street in our town – and the fellow who paid me a half-dollar every time I mowed the lawn at his home on Ferry Street during the summer. (Some of the rooms of the Ritter Public Library now rest on the site of his house, garage, and lawn.) Anyway, I was honestly surprised to discover that as a young man he had sailed on the Great Lakes, and been so proficient that he quickly attained First Mate status. But successful or not, by 1910 he’d left the big boats, married a very pretty Vermilion girl named Hattie Abel, and was “Captaining” the gill-netter J.H. Driscoll from the Port of Vermilion.
Why he gave up fishing and entered into the grocery business is unknown (by this writer). That commercial fishing is both a tough and ofttimes dangerous business is a given. And that this is especially true on Lake Erie where the shallow lake is prone to rapid and violent change during stormy weather is also a well-known fact. On the other hand, it may well be that the change in occupation was more a matter of sensible economics than anything else. Through the years the Rathbun store was both very popular and busy. My eldest brother, Billy, and Rathbun’s grandson, Dave, both delivered groceries for the store on their bicycles as youngsters and can attest to the lively nature of the business.
Among my fondest memories of Vermilion are summer days when Mr. Rathbun had fresh produce displayed in bins outside, and just beneath, the windows of the store. The interior of the place, as seen in the photo, was illuminated mostly by sunlight, and had a most pleasant odor of fresh vegetables intermingled with fresh air. On the counter to the right, next to an old adding machine, was a glass case covering a wheel of cheese with a few slabs missing. And if you asked George for an item like a box of Wheaties or Kleenex on the upper shelf of one of the display cases, he’d take a long pole with a little hook on the end, and neatly snatch from shelf so it landed in his arms.
“Them” were certainly the days. Tis the Vermilion I, along with a few other people, was fortunate enough to know as a child – along with Hart’s Drug Store, Litman’s News Stand, Paul’s Snack Shop, Pete and Jud’s Barbershop, the White Inn, the Dairy Bar, the old Trinter house, Tony’s Shoe store, and the Ohio Edison showroom and business office. They’ve all passed now into the yesteryear. Gone, but never ever forgotten.
SHOPTALK: Very nice. That’s what I have to say about the Christmas decorations that my wife, Geo, my sister, Gin, and Margaret Wakefield Worcester installed on the VNPS Museum last week. I wish we had gotten to paint the place this year. But now it’s too late in the season. Hopefully it’ll get done in the spring. As ye can see we’ve also placed a few pix in the windows. It’s not finished yet. They may be changed every few months. It’s a rather easy process.
Margaret, Geo, Ginny (and her husband Dave Wilkes) have been working at cleaning up the upstairs apartment while my brother Al is recuperating from his health problems. Ambitious Margaret and Geo tore out the terribly used carpet on the living room. Then M did the same to the front stairs. Dave fixed the deplorable plumbing in the bath and worked on the kitchen sink. Ginny and I sorted through things to make sure we weren’t tossing anything of value. A fellow recommended by M named Julio came by Saturday and hauled away a monstrous and old gas range has been taking up half the kitchen for a year. He also hauled away two gigantic air conditioners. (And we’re just getting started.)
The downside (if there be one) of this situation is that the VNPS Museum will now have to take on all the utility bills. Brother Al had been paying them in lieu of rent. But his health is far more important that any of the costs involved in operating the museum. Yet, if anyone would like to share this additional burden with us as the months pass we would welcome your assistance. We are a tax-deductible organization now.
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PRINTING: Aside from all the structural projects ahead of us (and utility costs) we’re focusing on getting one of the printing presses in operational condition. That will likely be the Chandler-Price (c.1900) that is the oldest in the building. The estimated cost of reconditioning it at this time is around $500. It will not (at least the thinking is at this time) be powered by electricity. Originally depressing a treadle, like an old sewing machine, ran the press. It would be nice to put it back into the original condition.
PLAQUE FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS SPONSORS: We’ll soon have a nice plaque in the museum honoring persons who have contributed funds for special museum projects. At the moment we only have one name. We expect to have many more.
SEARCHING: We currently interested in finding copies of The Erie County Reporter from 1880 to 1920 or '30. Nobody on earth seems to have them. If you have knowledge of any of them we'd appreciate hearing from you. There's a great deal of Vermilion information in them.
FIVE-OH-ONE-CEE-THREE: It’s now official. The museum is officially a 501(c)(3) organization. Consequently, all donations to the museum are tax deductible. This is retroactive to November of 2011. (Thank heaven. Now I can fret about something else for months on end.)
VISITING HOURS: The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM. On Saturday the museum it is 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.29. – DECEMBER 22, 1904.
We have heard considerable concerning the good road movement, but many of us have paid very little attention to it. It will probably be brought more to our attention now however. A charter has been granted to the Ohio Good Roads Association of which Judge Malcolm Kelly and Major C.B. Wilcox of Sandusky, Wm. Thornburgh and Fred P. Chamberlain of Cleveland, and A.H. Leimbach of Vermilion are mentioned as incorporators. The association is organized to promote the construction and maintenance of public highways.
There is nothing we need more than good roads. Let the work go on.
Dr. Toby, superintendent of the asylum at Toledo informs Judge Curran that Erie county has 99 patients in that institution.
Geo. W. Shepherd has filed suit for $3,000 against the village of Huron. He claims that he stepped into a hole in the sidewalk Dec. 29, 1902, and received serious injury.
An answer and cross petition has been filed by A.R. Webber, administrator of the estate of Otis Tilden in the suit commenced by H.L. and H.W. Belden, executors of the will of Hattie Delker Tilden, to collect $200 said to be due upon a promissory note. The cross petition admits the debt but says that just previous to the death Otis Tilden, Hattie Delker Tilden appropriated to her own use $265 of his money, gold studs to the value of 415, gold glasses valued at $6 and a diamond ring worth $175. He asks judgement for $365 of and the value of his property, with interest from September 10, 1904.
Mrs. Bertha Cuddeback was born in Germany, Oct. 18, 1848.When a young child she was brought to America, and Port Clinton, Ohio, was her home a few years. About the age of eight years she entered the home of Amon Riggs at North Amherst and lived as a member of the family till her marriage. Mr. Riggs in 1862 moved to Vermilion where she resided since, the last 26 years in the house in which death came to her.
March 3, 1870 she was united in marriage to Mr. Elihu Cuddeback by whom she had two children. Her husband survives her and also the children, Mrs. Ruth Haserot and Mr. Howard Cuddeback both of Toledo. She also leaves two little grandchildren, a brother, Charles Marsh, of Toledo and a sister, Mrs. Kittie Heiser, of Port Clinton.
For many months Mrs. Cuddeback suffered ill health, several months ago she was obliged to take her bed. Her suffering at times was intense. Several physicians, including a specialist, exerted their skill in her behalf. A Christian Scientist healer also treated her. A post-mortem revealed her malady as incurable from the start. Saturday morning, Dec. 17, 1904, the spirit left the wearied, aching body.
Mrs. Cuddeback joined the Congregational church in 1870. Her life has been one of painstaking for others, denial for self. She was a kind neighbor, a faithful wife and mother, a good Christian woman. Rev. Geo. E. Merrill conducted the funeral services yesterday, Wednesday, at the residence at 10 o’clock a.m.
Catherine Miller, nee Baker, was born Sept.29, 1823 in Leitersweiler, District of Trear, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany. On the 11th of March 1845, she was joined in hold wedlock to Mr. Jacob Miller. They came to America in 1849 and settled in North Amherst. In 1855 they moved to Brownhelm and in 1883 to Vermilion where they resided till the time of her death.
Five children were born to them of which four are living. She died Dec. 15, 1904, age 81 yr.2 mo. 16 da.
Funeral services were held last Saturday from the home of Mrs. Philip Gegenheimer, Rev. Wm. G. Klein officiating.
A special dispatch from Washington says:
“[sic]Representative Jackson was before the river and harbor committee today to make his final appeal in the behalf of Sandusky, Huron and Vermilion harbor improvements. At the conclusion of his presentation of the claims of these ports, he was given the assurance that the committee will recommend liberal appropriations for them. Mr. Jackson has been working industriously for the projects in his district during this session, and it appears that his efforts will be crowned with success.
Many times have we, of the smaller lake ports, had a liberal appropriation almost within our grasp, to have it ruthlessly cut out of the river and harbor bill. Let us hope for the best this time.
The report of the board of trustees of the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors’ Home has been filed with the governor; 1513 were enrolled at the close of the year. Daily average 1243; cost per capita for maintenance $162.31.
The directors of the Vermilion Telephone company met last Friday afternoon and declared a semi-annual dividend of 2½ per cent, on preferred and ½ percent on common stock payable Jan 3, 1905. The company is continuing its policy of using its surplus earnings beyond what is required in regular dividends in enlarging the plant and extending service. There are now about 230 pones in use.
Xmas exercises of the Cong’l and German Reform churches will be held Saturday evening Dec. 24. Very interesting programs are being prepared at both places. All are welcome.
Invitations are out for the Leap Year Ball given by the Leap Year girls at the “Redington” N. Amherst on Wednesday evening Dec. 28, 04. Music by Promeroy’s Orchestra.
While we are having the finest kind of winter weather, the empty wells and cisterns tell another tale. People are having tanks of water hauled from the creek and quary [sic].
Alta Leidheiser is getting along nicely after a severe attack of Diphtheria.
If all reports are true there will be several weddings in town this week.
We are glad to learn that Mrs. S. Chapin is convalescing from her recent illness.
Many avail themselves of the opportunity to skate and never has the ice been more perfect to enjoy.
The Oliver Perry was in the harbor several days this week.
S.C. Myers’ establishment has the appearance of one vast evergreen tree. He reports large sales for Christmas trees.
“Bibi” at the Opera House last evening was poorly attended. The holiday season has never proven a very good time for such entertainments in Vermilion.
The stork visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Orli at Cleveland Tuesday, Dec. 20,and left a fine baby boy. Mrs. Orli was formerly Miss Myrtle Schade of this place.
The Vermilion Volunteer Firemen will give a grand ball at their hall Friday evening December 30. A vocal orchestra will furnish the music. Lunch will be served at the hall. Tickets 75c. If you desire to spend a most enjoyable evening be sure and go.
Anna May Williams who has been reported quit sick during the past week is much better.
DIED – At Wilkinsburg, Pa. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A.H. Hoefer, Mrs. Louise E. Heisner wife of August Heisner formerly of Vermilion. Interment, Buffalo, N.Y.
Geo. Harris is confined to his bed suffering from the effects of a severely sprained back.
Capt. and Mrs. F.A. Bailey will spend the winter in Milwaukee, Wis. The captain is looking after the construction of a boat.
Hmmmmmm....
"...being rather short of news for this week’s edition of the paper, Ye Editor took a stroll south toward the Nickel Plate
ROSCOE’S STROLL: Pearl Roscoe, the Editor of The Vermilion News, wrote the following piece in early September 1904. Though it is hardly deserving of a Pulitzer I believe you will find it to be both a charming and informative essay. Whilst we have been blessed with a wealth of pictures of our town’s past, seldom are we fortunate enough to encounter such subjective / personal view of what it was like to walk the streets of Vermilion in a yesteryear. Methinks that aside from all the notes I’ve injected into Editor Roscoe’s monograph you will enjoy taking this very literal walk down memory lane:
Wednesday being rather short of news for this week’s edition of the paper, Ye Editor took a stroll south toward the Nickel Plate. The first thing he noticed while passing along Exchange street [sic] was a new structure at the rear of Mr. Henry Nieding’s residence. [Note: Mr. Henry Nieding was born 27 October 1853 and passed on 13 April 1945. According to the 1910 U.S. Census Mr. Nieding sold commercial machinery for a living. He was married to a Kentucky born gal named Mattie C. Bourne. They had two children, May and James. May later married a very popular Vermilion insurance man named Jacob Berk.]
Upon invitation of Mr. Neiding he inspected the building and found it a first-class, neatly appointed home for our feathered friends. In other words an up-to-date chicken coop.
The building is a substantial one-story building, airy, light and well appointed. It is divided into several compartments, two for the brooding hens and the chicks and others for the old birds. Mr. Nieding has contrived new arrangements for the roosts and nests, has novel drinking founts and other handy appliances. Attached to the main building is a feeding room and runway. From this are openings into commodious yards where the fowls may run in good weather.
Mr. Nieding has at present and intends keeping Barred Rocks, White Wyandottes, Brown Leghorns and Orpingtons. The latter breed is a new one and the chickens are buff in color and heavy weight. Mr. Nieding is justly proud of his outfit, which he calls the Star Poultry Yards.
[Note on the Chickens: The Wyandotte is a breed of chicken that originated in the U.S. The breed first appeared in the 1870s. They were kept for their brown eggs and meat. The Orpington was named after Orpington, England that was made famous in part by this breed. It was bred to be an excellent layer with good meat quality.]
Passing from Mr. Nieding’s place Ye Scribe visited the flourmill where everyone was busy preparing that staple from which the “staff of life” is made. [Note: The “flourmill” is currently the site of the Mill Manor nursing home.]
Knott’s sawmill was setting up a busy hum and screech, so that branch of our industries proclaimed its activity by its noise. [Note: This item refers to timber dealer John Knott’s place on State Street a stone’s throw away from the flourmill at the end of Exchange Street. Both are, of course, gone now – 2012]
Having learned that men were engaged not far from the N.P. bridge in drilling for oil, he attempted to visit them but finding the way barred by water and marsh land was content to view the scene from afar. The workmen were placing another section of casing, having already one or more in the well. We all await the result and hope the search will be successful. [Another Note: This site must have been on the west side of the river. But whether it was on the north or south side of the N.P. rails is unknown.]
The next visit was made to the river and docks but little of interest was found excepting several social yachtsmen who are spending a few days with their boats here.
Having absorbed considerable fresh air and sunlight as well as news, ye editor strolled home.
In the mid-1980s, a twelve-year old girl developed an invention that greatly helped people who have difficulty communicating. Rachel Zimmerman of Ontario, Canada created a software program using Blissymbols: symbols that enable non-speaking people, such as those with severe physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, to communicate.
The program user communicates by pointing to various symbols on a page or board through the use of a special touch pad. When the user touches the symbols, Zimmerman's "Blissymbol Printer" translates them into a written language. In this way, the user can record his or her thoughts or communicate via e-mail.
Zimmerman's system of communication started out as a project for a school science fair, but it ended up competing at the World Exhibition of Achievement of Young Inventors, winning a silver medal at the Canada-wide contest. The program also won the YTV Television Youth Achievement Award.
Rachel Zimmerman went on to study physics and space studies in college and now works for The Planetary Society in California, where she teaches people about space exploration. She is interested in combining space technology with assistive intelligence. Her goal is to take NASA innovations and tailor them to fit the needs of people with disabilities
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.
…by lightning when he was about twenty years old, in a barn at Enterprise, in which he had taken shelter from a thundershower. The daughters, Maria and Jane, are still living.
The Joseph Russell house was built by Moses Bemiss; another house then stood between the Welsh and Bemiss' houses. These places have often changed occupants, Joshua Ballard, Prosper Cravath, C. B. Smith, Eber Rathburn and David Claxton, were among them. Smith and Rathburn occupied them for several years, and used the old store on the corner for a wagon shop. Moses Bemiss bought the Smith place and built a house, and also built a joiner shop on the southwest part of his lot, which he occupied several years and sold to I. S. Russell.
The lot next west of R. B. Russell's, on the opposite side, was sold by Mr. Russell to the Presbyterian Church society, for a parsonage lot, in 1841. A house and barn were built that year, and have since been used by the pastors of that church. The lots next west, afterwards owned by Wm. Houle and Dr. Harcy, were purchased of Stephen Russell, by David and Hiram Root about 1827. The first building erected was built by the Roots for drying hemp, and the next one for a treading mill and hemp manufactory. For a time the hemp business excited considerable interest, but soon failed, and the Roots sold to Colonel James Smith and went south. Colonel Smith fitted up the drying house for a dwelling, and afterward sold it to Alexander Taylor, and purchased a farm in Ridgefield.
Mr. Babcock purchased a lot on the south line of Stephen Russell's land, east of the turnpike, where he remained but a short time. The house was afterwards occupied by Gideon T. Mallory, I. I. Fulkerson, Benjamin Morris, and others.
Mary Ann Strong, daughter of Francis and Mary Curtis Strong, was the first child born in the township. The date of her birth was August 3, 1817. She became the wife of Isaac D. Collins in 1840, and died a short time afterwards. The pioneer nuptials were those of Burwell Fitch and Susan Hawks, celebrated in the winter of 1816 and 1817. They settled in Sherman township, where they resided until their death. The next marriage was that of Ira Bassett and Polly Hand, which took place in the spring of 1817. Miss Polly had previously engaged to marry Burwell Fitch, and, in fulfillment of the contract, accompanied him to a justice of the peace, at Huron. But she had made a confession to a friend that she did not love her betrothed, and that her promise to marry him was due to undue persuasion by friends. The friend to whom she confided her secret took occasion to inform the justice concerning the matter, and when the party appeared before him, he questioned them apart as to their willingness to enter into the holy bonds of matrimony, one with the other. Fitch, like Barkis, was willin', but, on learning that his affianced regarded the proposed relation with repugnance, which she frankly confessed to the magistrate, wisely released her from the promise. Undaunted by the failure of his first enterprise in this direction, he immediately laid siege to the heart of Susan Hawks, with the result above stated.
The first building erected was the log dwelling of Conrad Hawks, built in 1808. The first frame house was erected by Colonel Nathan Strong in the year 1817, on the Bemiss place. The first brick dwellings were those of John F. Adams and Horatio Long, built in 1827.
Prior to 1816, the township was attached to Ridgefield for election purposes. Ridgefield was formed in 1815, at the first meeting of the commissioners, and was made to include, in addition to its own territory, and the present townships of Lyme, the south half of Oxford, together with the township of Sherman. In 1816 the north half of the township was annexed to Wheatsborough. In 1818 the south half was so annexed. Wheatsborough included a large part of Groton also. In 1819 the name was changed to Lyme, and on the third day of April, 1820, a regular meeting of the electors of Lyme was held at the school house in the Strong settlement, for the purpose of electing township officers. The following were elected: James Hamilton and George Sheffield, justices of the peace; Stephen Russell, township clerk; Nathan Strong, Gurdon Williams and Chester Hamilton, trustees; Joseph Strong and Zadock Strong, overseers of the poor; Joseph Strong and James Hamilton, fence viewers; Gurdon Williams, lister; Gurdon Williams and Chester Hamilton, appraisers of property; Lester Strong, Joseph Kinney, Gurdon Woodward and Levi Sutton, supervisors of highways; Gurdon Williams and Chester Hamilton, constables; Francis Strong, treasurer.
Chester Hamilton did not appear to be duly qualified within the time prescribed bylaw, and at a meeting of the trustees, held June 3, 1820, John F. Adams was appointed in his place.
At a meeting of the township trustees, held March 5, 1824, Mark Hopkins, George Sheffeld, and Ira Bassett were appointed grand jurors, and Abner Strong and Charles Rash, petit jurors.
At the regular election held April 5, 1824, for the purpose of electing township officers, thirty-three qualified electors were present. At this time it was voted that the supervisors request those subject to poll tax to work two days extra in draining the prairies for the preservation of health. Also, that the supervisor should solicit subscriptions from nonresident land-holders for this purpose.
At the fall election, held October 11, 1825, fifty-two electors were present. At this time Ebenezer Merry had fifty votes for senator in the State legislature, and Elentheros Cook had fifty votes for representative.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
PHOTO TRIFECTA: The reason I count this as an artifact is because it is a scan of a glass photo plate I found at the VNPS Museum. It was an experiment. I didn’t know if it could be scanned. The pic isn’t really anything new. I may have never used it in “VV” before, but I’ve seen the pic several times. It’s one my brother, Al, processed the conventional way some time ago.
This is a very nice photo of Vermilion’s first Boy Scout Troop c.1912 – or sometime thereabouts. They’re standing in front of a Lake Shore Electric car on the corner of Exchange and Liberty streets. Where they’re bound is anyone’s guess. The LSE depot is just out of the pic on the right. The inset pic is the Scoutmaster, Rev. W.K. Williams, from the First Congregational Church – having served there from 1912 to 1914. He’s the reason the pic can be dated with some accuracy.
The beautiful house in the background is lumber magnate / entrepreneur George Fischer’s home. It was a beautiful place made even more beautiful in later years as the trees surrounding it grew and provided luxurious shading in the summer.
I consider this a photographic trifecta because it provides us with a great portrait of Vermilion’s first scouting troop, the wonderful Lake Shore Electric line that once ran through town, and George Fischer’s mansion in one fell swoop. Who could ask for more?
It’s so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don’t say it.
A lot of beautiful people are stupid. There’s a tremendous amount of idiots who look so good. It’s frightening.
As far as we know, our computer has never had an undetected error.
I hate when I wish on a star only to realize afterward that I just wished on a airplane.
The problem nowadays is stupidity. Why don't we just take the safety labels off everything and see what happens?
Worst excuse ever for not turning in homework: I couldn't find anyone to copy from.
I don't like thinking – it gets me in trouble.
Yes, actually I was stupid enough to fall for you, but you were cruel to let me.
Maybe this world is another planets hell.
When you're arguing with an idiot, make sure the other person isn't doing the same thing.
I'm not stupid I'm just smart in my own way.
Underwear is such an emotional thing.
I have the three things that girls love : I'm smart... AND I'm HOT.
Idiots should get certificates for idiotism... I would farm mine in gold.
Idiots are people who think they can survive a 1000 feet fall with a pair of red underwear and a stupid towel around their neck.
If there are no stupid questions , then what kind of questions do stupid people ask ? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions ?
If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?
I'm not skipping class I'm just not going.
Being stupid is its own reward
Fiction writing is great; you can make up almost anything.
STUPID = Smart Talented Unique Person In Demand
With fame I become more and more stupid, which of course is a very common phenomenon.
The government is not doing enough about cleaning up the environment. This is a good planet.
Sure, it’s going to kill a lot of people, but they may be dying of something else anyway.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.
I have opinions of my own –strong opinions– but I don’t always agree with them.
If you have noticed this notice you will have noticed that this notice is not worth noticing
When your dad is mad and asks you, “Do I look stupid?” Don’t answer him
You can’t just let nature run wild.
A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am — I am filled with humidity.
The private enterprise system indicates that some people have higher incomes than others.
Eight more days and I can start telling the truth again.
NADA: I may begin doing the podcasts again; but I'm thinking of just doing audio readings. The videos on-line are just becoming too redundant unless they really show something special. The short videos that appear on the VNPSM Facebook page are more purposeful. You might want to check them out.
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'".
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 37 - November 24, 2012
© 2012 Rich Tarrant