EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE
DESKTALK: The desktop graphic pretty much reminds me of who I am, and how I need to remain. This week I’ve been struggling to keep up with things. Time is just moving too fast for me. I generally like to take some time to read and think about things before I do any writing. I think I just ran out of words…
Levi was a carpenter / cooper / millwright [a proverbial “jack of all trades” was he]. In a book about the Roscoe family it says, “During the war (i.e. the Civil War) he used to make drums for the boys, one he made had a head three feet across, he called that the Union. He sold three of the smaller ones to his nephew and received nineteen dollars. Two drums, a base drum and a a snare drum are still kept by members of the family.”
Anyway, while cleaning out my father’s closet the other day I believe I found one of these drums. The skin is ruptured on one side, and the other appears to have been repaired / sewn. But it is a hand-crafted article – and it’s old.
I now truly know the definition of the word flabbergasted
Historically,
RALPH
MR. BARD: I happened upon this pic of a young and handsome Ralph Bard purely by accident. Today Ralph, a Wakefield retiree, is in his 80s and lives in Huron. Now and then a group of us stop by his place in Huron and we have lunch together.
Ralph used to live with his family on Grand Street in Vermilion. Hattie Ries was his mother-in-law. His wife "MJ" has been gone a number of years now. When she was ailing Ralph took extraordinarily good care of her.
When Ralph first came to live in town he was a telegraph operator for Western Union. That store occupied half a storefront next to the old Liberty Theatre on Liberty Avenue. The other half was occupied by my Grandmother's "News Gift Shop". Raph's wife worked for my grandmother. I've been told that that's how they met.
Ralph's grandfather-in-law, George Whitmore, and his son Robert started The Vermilion News newspaper back in 1897-98. Ergo; I feel some kinship to Ralph. But he does have two childred - Becky and Jack. Jack is retired from Ford and lives in Vermilion. Becky (I believe) lives in Elyria.
Ralph's hard not to like.
THE CATCH OF A LIFETIME: The photograph accompanying this week’s monograph is one of my favorites. We have much larger, framed, copy of it on a wall in the parlor of our Oakwood Drive home. If I remember correctly (something, by the way, that doesn’t improve with age) I scanned it from a photo I found among a group of photos Warren and Anita Mehnert loaned me some years ago. Though I don’t know the identity of the boy in the picture, from his clothing it appears that these shadows were captured sometime around the year 1910. Further extrapolating from his environment, it appears that he is standing on the south side of the old Englebry-Hull office / weighing station on Tilden Street. The words on the side of the building may very well read “Coal – Builders Supplies”. The building was saved for posterity by Vermilion’s Harbortown people, and currently (2012) sits behind the big schoolhouse on State Street. I don’t know what happened to either the boy or the fish.
Tilden Street is also gone. When this picture was taken it ran from Division (now Main) Street to Sandusky Street just south of the railroad tracks. Though the physical part of the street still exists it is no longer a city thoroughfare. It is used exclusively by the current owners of the builder supply company for access and egress to their facilities. I may well be one of the very few Vermilionites who miss having access to that street. But what else is new?
Few people know it, but in 1905 the village council discussed opening Exchange Street across the Lake Shore & Michigan Railroad tracks for pedestrian traffic. Council was to ask the rail company if they might “keep the track clear and construct a sidewalk on the east side of the (Exchange) street across Columbus street”. Columbus Street runs east to west between Division (Main) and Sandusky streets south of the railroad. They also intended to build a stairway on the north side of the track to facilitate a pedestrian crossing. It should probably be noted that the rail grading at that time was not high or as steep as it is today.
But it really didn't’ matter. What the citizens, mayor, or council wanted or, perhaps even needed, the railroad company had no intention of installing any crossing – pedestrian or otherwise in that place. Local lumberman-entrepreneur George Fischer was one of the leading and most persistent proponents of having a full – pedestrian and wagon – crossing established at that site It would, of course, have been advantageous for his business concerns. But again, it really didn’t matter. Neither his wealthy influences nor his legal training (among other things he was also an attorney) were enough to alter the final decision of L.S. & M. rail executives. The precise reason a crossing wasn’t built there in the first place will forever be among the mysteries of local history. All the other streets in the village, until just lately, had crossings.
Though none of those things seemingly have much to do with the photograph of the little boy proudly holding the catch of a lifetime; it was President Ronald Reagan, who once said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” One must assume that is where the catch eventually landed. And a hundred years after the fact the photograph certainly evokes thoughts of the many changes that have occurred since – as well as those that lie ahead.
SHOPTALK: This week’s museum desktop pic is my sister Ginny (Pearl) Wilkes when she was (I’m guessing) about 13 years old. The snap was taken as she walked south from the tracks on Perry Street close to our home. The dog is the great Mr. Chips. I don’t know what she was up to – but she looks perplexed. Maybe Chips annoyed her. He had a habit of following a person even if they didn’t want him to. Oddly enough he followed by walking ahead. Every once in a while he’d turn around to make sure you were still behind him.
OUT OF SYNC: I’ve been our of sync for several weeks now. The other day I found an old button with a cartoon pic of Santa on it. When you turn it in the light the words, “Scrooge Had A Point” appears. Maybe that’s it.
Bah, Humbug.
VISITORIUM: This week there were few visitors to the VNPSM. Jerry Massanova stopped in and bought two “Now & Then” books. I don’t think they’ll sell out until my Yesteryear book is republished.
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.30. – DECEMBER 29, 1904.
Several days before the News reaches its more distant subscribers we will be writing 1905.
It seems hardly possible that another year has passed.
It has been in this little community as elsewhere, a year of joy, sorrow, success, failure. Friends and relatives have departed, some to take up their residence in other places; some to that distant land from whence none return.
The people of Vermilion should however, hook upon the past year as a successful one as a whole.
A number of new buildings have been erected including that of the Duplex Stamping Co.
Our $35,000 water works plant has been successfully installed and many have taken advantage of city water privileges.
Several important business changes have taken place.
The mill has changed in ownership, D & A.T. Christman retiring and giving place to The Vermilion Milling co., Mrs. Gordon has purchased the Millinery business of Miss Myers, A.D. Ennis, photographer, moved elsewhere. Guy S. Davis retired from merchantile [sic] business. The firm of Nuhn & Trinter; drugs and insurance, has been dissolved, Trinter engaging in insurance. The Fischer Lumber Co., A.E. Beeckel retiring and purchasing Fey’s furniture store. Miss Jennie Harris retiring from the millinery business. Several other changes have taken place including meat markets.
Of the new enterprises that have been engaged in, The Duplex Stamping co., Mawby’s Barber Shop, C.C. Baumhart’s Department Store, F.S. Lawless, Plumbing, A.D. Lewis, Photographer, Baldwin’s Blacksmith shop, Miss Wagner, Millinery, Chas. A. Trinter, insurance, the manufacture of cement blocks, etc.
Dr. Hill, physician and Dr. Buerman, dentist, have been added to our list of professional men.
The Lake House has changed hands and Geo. Fischer, the new proprietor has moved the building and so changed its appearance that it is hardly recognizable. The work is still uncompleted.
The Lake Side Inn is also a new establishment and has been very successfully managed by M.D. Slocum.
Of the industries we have established here the prospects seem favorable. The Howard Stove & Mfg. Co., have been in operation a portion of the year but not to an extent expected by some of our citizens. It is reported that after Feb. 1, ’05 the plant will be again started. The Duplex plant has not as yet been placed in running order, but workmen are busy placing machinery and getting ready for work. The mill has been running most of the time and the sawmill has been busy also. Our fisheries are rather an uncertain quantity. A part of the year was very successful while at times the catches were discouraging.
Our merchants have enjoyed a successful year and have bright prospects for the future.
The farmer, although he ha had his troubles is congratulating himself on the high prices and abundant crops.
Our schools and churches were never in a more flourishing condition that seating capacity in some of the rooms of our high school building being taxed to it utmost limit.
A band has been organized and is doing well, preparing for he summer.
Death has taken some of our citizens including a businessman, Geo. Englebry.
The park season has been the most successful one ever experienced in Vermilion and future prospects are brighter. Our bank shows a marked increase in the volume of business. Our Telephone system has been greatly improved and service extended.
Yes the year 1904 will pass into history Saturday night at midnight – 1905 will be what we make it. Let us all use our utmost endeavors to push Vermilion to the front. We have as many advantages and fewer disadvantages than many villages that have sprung to the front and are growing rapidly. The secret of their success is that all their citizens have stood together with one aim in view, to make their town a desirable place for industries and industries bring laborers.
Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Bottomley will return to their home in Toledo tomorrow.
Nina E. Gargett has made application for divorce from Ford H. Gargett. They were married Jan. 12, 1904. Mrs. Gargett was formerly Nina E. Fowler of Berlin Hts.
Harry Miller is convalescing.
Mrs. Sullivan is reported on the sick list.
Groceries sold at lowest prices at C.C. Baumhart’s.
Capt. and Mrs. Bailey came from Milwaukee, Wis., to eat Christmas dinner with Mr. Bailey’s parents. They returned in the afternoon.
One of the jolliest events in the history of the S.O.C.’s was the Christmas Hunt at the home of Miss Hattie Abell Christmas morning. Packages were hidden in every available nook and corner and at 9:30 the fun began. There are twelve members and each one received eleven packages.
Don’t’ forget the dance Friday night.
Little Glen Davis is reported quite sick this week.
Presdee Morgan is spending the week with relatives at Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Crozier Bros. are spending a few weeks in Sandusky engaged in ship building.
Read the Ad. of the Kitchen Supplies Co., in this issue, whose manager was a former Vermilion boys. [VV Ed. Note: This refers to a fellow named Charles A. Heidloff. Two years thereafter (i.e. in 1907) Vermilion’s Mayor Squire Williams recommended to Heidloff – who was then the manager of Vermilion’s semi-pro Vermilion Independents baseball team – to sign a gal named Alta Weiss to play for the team. The rest is baseball history.]
Thursday afternoon, Dec. 22, 1904 at the pleasant farm home of Mr. and Mrs. A. Eppley occurred the marriage of their daughter Miss Clara to Will Dangle.
The ceremony was preformed at 3 p.m. in the presence of about one hundred friends and relatives.
The bride was beautifully attired in white silk. Miss Ella Eppel of Middle Ridge and Miss Edith Ludwick of Amherst, cousins of the bride, acted as bridesmaids and Mr. Arthur McQueen of this place and Mr. Jenkins of Berlin Hts. as groomsmen.
An elaborate supper was served. The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful and useful gifts from their many friends who congratulate them heartily.
J.H. Baumhardt is suffering from a severe attack of tonsillitis.
Paul Werner who is employed by W.V. Lutz received a very painful wound Xmas day by being kicked in the face by a colt. When found he was in an unconscious condition. Medical aid was summoned and everything possible done to relieve him.
Married – Miss Agnes Ralston and Mr. Neuton Holstein were married at the parsonage by Rev Blakeslee Saturday evening Dec. 24, 1904. They will go to housekeeping immediately on a farm owned by the groom and next door to the bride’s old home.
Both are well known in this vicinity and held in highest esteem. May the future always look as bright to them as it does today is the wish of a host of friends.
The ladies of Vermilion who have been interesting themselves in the Children’s Home near Birmingham have had the pleasure of sending two dry goods boxes a barrel and several baskets of clothing, toys and goodies to that institution to help make Christmas a happy one for the unfortunate ones.
Among merchants who contributed so generously were, C.C. Baumhart, C.H. Nuhn, Lewis Englebry, Pelton and McGraw and Mrs. Geo. Englebry. The following little folks each added a doll which no doubt made the recipients proud and happy: Ruth Gordon, Mary Parsons, Phoebe Baldwin, Marie Lohr, Emily Lawrence, May McGraw, Corrine McConnelly, Marion Krapp, Margie Wahl, Marguerite Harris, Ola Leimbach, Laura Bailey and Louis Beeckel.
Through Mrs. Sprunger, the ladies received an invitation to attend the exercises at the Home Saturday evening but were unable to accept. No doubt the Orphans had a very merry Christmas and are looking forward to a bright and happy New Year.
[VV ED. NOTE: One of the “little folks” listed – May McGraw – was my piano teacher in the mid-1950s. Unfortunately for my mother it was a waste of money.]
Hmmmmmm....
"In mid-June of 1945 Chuck had recouped from his wounds and was in Vermilion on a 72-day furlough."
CHUCK THOMPSON – I’M GLAD I KNEW HIM: Until just the other day I hadn’t thought of him for years. I’d known him all my life. He was a family friend. My father and his father were WWI vets (that’s another story or two), and his mom and mine were also great friends. While I knew the younger Thompson children, Mary Ann (Corcino) and her little brother Billy quite well, I didn’t really know the older two boys, Chuck and Tommy, or their sister Alice Mae beyond an occasional “Hi” and “Bye”.
Anyway, I got to thinking about Charles Howard Thompson – or “Chuck” as I knew him – the other day while in the process of researching Vermilion’s war casualties of a yesteryear. Vermilionite John Vargo from the Vermilion Veteran’s Council asked if I could help him find some additional information about the town’s K.I.A.s, and while doing so I inadvertently came across a news story recounting Chuck’s war experiences. While I had a general idea of what he had experienced the details made me think twice about him. Because Chuck was one of the most unassuming persons I’ve ever encountered. Take a look for yourselves.
Born August 4, 1925 he was a lifelong resident of Vermilion. Following his graduation from Vermilion High School he responded to the wartime needs of our nation by enlisting in the Army, arriving in Great Britain in the spring of 1944. By early July he found himself wounded on the beaches of Normandy. A piece of shrapnel had passed through one leg, while another pierced his helmet and liner. Fortunately, it failed to penetrate a wool cap beneath the liner. He was hospitalized in Southern England for several months before returning to his company, the 13th Infantry Regiment of the 8th Division (“Pathfinder”), just in time to participate in the historic German offensive ofttimes referred to as “The Battle of the Bulge” (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945).
This winter campaign was pure misery for all involved. And after falling into creeks and trying to find rest in the snow in the densely forested Ardennes mountain region of Wallonia in Belgium Chuck fell gravely ill with pneumonia, was rescued, and sent to a hospital in France.
After fighting through the impossible terrain of the Heurtgen Forest by April the sixth they found themselves well across the Rhine near Cologne, Germany. His rifle platoon was ordered to attack a nearby town and was to have tank support. But the tanks, held up by roadblocks, never appeared, and the infantrymen found themselves fighting German Tiger tanks with nothing but rifles.
Cornered in a building when the enemy opened with 88’s [i.e. 88 mm gun widely used by Germany during the war. It was one of the most recognized German weapons of the war.] Thompson found refuge in a cellar after an initial shot killed his buddy. A second tore the back of his neck open and passed through his arm. Wounded and unable to continue the fight he and the few remaining survivors of his platoon were taken captive by the Germans.
After a two and a half hour interrogation conducted by a German officer who apparently had more answers then did they because their operation officer had been killed and his papers confiscated, Chuck was taken to a German Army hospital. Four days later he began to hear American artillery fire outside. All the captive patients were immediately ordered into the cellar of the hospital where they nervously waited to see what was in store for them. Shortly thereafter small arms fire could be heard just outside the building. Then there was some commotion on the cellar stairs and to their relief and delight and an officer from their company rushed down to greet them.
In mid-June of 1945 Chuck had recouped from his wounds and was in Vermilion on a 72-day furlough. Early in July, barely a year after he had landed on the beach at Normandy, he was home describing his journey to a group of local Rotarians. On his uniform he wore the Combat Infantryman’s badge, Good Conduct Ribbon, European Ribbon with three stars, and a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters.
Eventually Chuck returned home for good. He worked for The Vermilion News, Vermilion Hardware, and the Vermilion Water Department. He never married. He never bragged nor bemoaned his service to his country. He lived quietly with his mother and younger brother. Then on a cool autumn day in 1982 he passed on to the next life at the tender age of 57. As I said, had not thought of him for years. Moreover, I had never fully realized either the breadth or depth of his sacrifice until I read his story. I feel very fortunate to have known him.
Charles Francis Richter was born on April 26, 1900, near Hamilton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Southern California and then enrolled in graduate school at the California Institute of Technology, where he studied theoretical physics. Richter received his doctorate in 1928. During this same year, the Seismological Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution in Washington hired him.
In 1935, while at the Seismological Laboratory, Richter worked with Beno Gutenberg to develop a rating scale for earthquakes. The scale has become known as the Richter Scale. The scale had the following classifications for earthquakes and their severity:
1. Felt by instruments only 2. Felt by sensitive people and sensitive animals 3. Felt by many people 4. Felt by everyone; pictures fall off of walls 5. Damage 6. Destructive earthquake in populated areas 7. Major earthquake causing serious destruction 8. Total destruction of nearby communities 9. An earthquake more than one 100 million times more powerful than category one
For decades, the Richter Scale proved to be the accepted measurement for earthquakes. In recent years, scientists have begun to use the Moment Magnitude Scale, which is much more precise than the Richter Scale.
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.
…service, as appointed in the Prayer Book. There were but four communicants in the township at that time. On February 16, 1833, Rev. John P. Bosman held service in the house of Richard L. McCurdy. In January, 1836, Rev. E. Punderson assumed charge of the parish, and preached every third Sunday in the school house, where the church was organized, and where meetings were held until the erection of the first church in 1846, on ground given by R. L. McCurdy. This stood on the site of the present one, and cost some one thousand two hundred dollars. It was first occupied on Christmas Day, 1846. In the February following, it was destroyed by fire. Work was begun soon after, on a new church, which was partly completed, and first occupied on Christmas, 1847. This cost about one thousand six hundred dollars. The Rev. J. Rice Taylor, of Milan, preached the first sermon. Rev. Mr. Punderson remained in charge four years, when he went away, and was gone one year. He then returned and located in Bellevue, preaching in this parish until 1847. Since that time the following clergymen have officiated: Rev. H. Powers, three months; Abram Bronson, six months; Rodolphus K. Nash, two years; George S. Davis, two years; Moses Hamilton, twelve years; De Witt C. Howard, two years, and Jeremiah Karcher, five years, and is the present rector and resident at Monroeville.
The officers on organization were: Amos Woodward, senior warden, and Stephen Sawyer, junior warden; Gurdon Woodward, Matthew Marvin, Jonathan Prentiss, George Frith and James Sawyer, vestrymen. The present wardens are : Edwin Prentiss, senior warden and Sylvanus Mallett, junior warden.
In 1818, Asaph, Erastus and Israel Cook came with their father, who settled at Cook's corners, near the eastern line of Lyme. They built a large treading mill and dry house for dressing and cleaning hemp without rotting. This business excited considerable interest and was expected to prove profitable to the owners and the community. Smaller mills were erected at Monroeville, and at other points, one by Horace Johnson, one by David Root, and others. The hemp was at first thought to be as strong as the best Russian hemp, and commanded about the same price; but, by experience in using, it was found that it would not bear friction when dry, and, when wet, rope made from it became loose and spongy, and could not be used as cordage for vessels. The price fell and the market failed entirely, many who engaged in it suffering loss and disappointment.
In 1817, Gurdon Williams came as a peddler from Connecticut. He was owner of a large tract of land in Lyme township. In 1822 or '23, he brought on a stock of goods and opened a store in a log building near the south line of the township, in the southwest part, where he continued in business about eight years, in the meantime improving his property. He afterwards sold out and became a wholesale dealer in salt at Syracuse, New York.
In early days, goods came from Buffalo to Huron in vessels during the summer, and, in the winter by land in wagons. Articles in use then brought high prices. Whisky was made in the country, and sold for two shillings per gallon; salt was five dollars per barrel; tea, fourteen to sixteen shillings per pound; calico and sheeting, five shillings per yard; axes, three dollars each; hoes, nine shillings; nails, one shilling and sixpence to two shillings and sixpence per pound.
Goods were sold on the ridge about 1823, but the first regular store opened there was in 1827, by Strong & Boise. It was located near the house of R. B. Russell. They continued in business one year and sold to Nathaniel Markham. He built a frame store at Russell’s corner and continued in trade several years. J. K. Campbell, L. Strong and others continued the business for a number of years, but the trade finally centered at Bellevue.
Some time about 1823, Romeo Bassett, who owned a farm in the southeast part of the township, mortgaged his property for a stock of goods, and opened a store, having as clerk or partner Richard R. Sutton. He failed in business, and soon died.
Lyman E. Strong and Levitt Boise brought a stock of goods to Lyme about 1828, after the opening of the Sandusky and Columbus pike, and opened a store in a log house belonging to Mr. Russell, on or near the ridge. Later they built a store north of the ridge road, and opposite Abner Strong's tavern, which they occupied for a short time, when they sold to Nathaniel Needham. After a few years he sold to Lyman Strong and De Witt Ballard, who continued the business two or three years and then closed out. The storeroom was afterwards occupied as a wagon shop, and for other business.
Pelatiah Strong, son of Abner Strong, exchanged his farm for a stock of goods and opened them in a store built by John C. Kinney, near his blacksmith shop, but continued in trade only a short time, when he sold to I. and T. West. This store changed hands several times, and was finally closed and converted into a dwelling house.
The first saw mill was built in the south part of the township on Frink run by Levi Sutton, in 1814 or 1815. Another saw mill was built about 1830, on a creek, which drains the prairies in the west part of the township in Bellevue. It was afterwards used for a brewery, and is now a part of the distillery of Chapman and Woodward.
A tannery was built about 1827, by Horatio Long, on a few acres of land purchased by him near the line of Abner Nims and Zadoc Strong. He carried on the business of tanning and shoemaking some ten or twelve years, when he discontinued the business and became a farmer.
John C. Kinney came to Lyme about 1828, and opened a blacksmith shop near the corner of lot twelve or thirteen. He afterwards sold to Martin Blodgett.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
IN THE OLD DAYS: This artifact belonged to my father. I don't really remember when he was a member of Vermilion's Auxilary Police department - but it appears that he was a member of that elite force. I do remember that back in the 1950s - prior to the building of the new high school the auxilary policemen were used for crowd and traffic control at football games in the field behind South Street and Decatur Street schools. My brother Al was part of the force at that time. And I believe that Bob Bailey (the hardware guy) was also a member of that group. Bob eventually worked as an official part-time Vermilion cop.
I still believe that auxilary police are a good idea. But times have changed so much that nobody can do anything without ten miles of litigation. And that probably prohibits using laymen as policemen.
THEM WERE THE DAYS.
- THE DORK OF CORK
- REUSING OLD GRAVES: A Report on Popular British Attitudes
- THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO UNDERSTAND INTELLIGENT DESIGN
- CRAPPY CORNELIA
- BANDER SNATCH
- THE BIG BOOK OF LESBIAN HORSE STORIES
- CURBSIDE CONSULTATION OF THE COLON: 49 CLINICAL QUESTIONS
- ORAL SADISM AND THE VEGETARIAN PERSONALITY
- YOU’LL NEVER BLUE BALL IN THIS TOWN AGAIN
- FELLOW FAGS
- COOKING WITH POOH
And the forever unpopular
- GAMES YOU CAN PLAY WITH YOUR PUSSY
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 39 - December 8, 2012
© 2012 Rich Tarrant