Another Ghost of Chez Francois
SHOPTALK: I’m writing while insane. It’s Tuesday p.m. (06.24.13), I’m at the museum, and I’m getting nowhere with all the things I want to accomplish. I may get somewhere by Wednesday if I’m lucky. I need to install Windows 7 on my Mac and I’ve been getting nowhere very quickly.
Some say that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, and getting the same negative result each time. If so – please prepare a room for me. I’ll be there directly.
UPDATE: Wednesday came and I did move a few steps forward. But I ain’t there yet. You may hear me holler when I succeed.
AND AGAIN: Thursday I succeeded. (Did you hear me holler?) I finally used “Fusion” software, and things are working according to my needs (thus far.) I needed to have the “Windows” OS installed on my work Mac in order to successfully run software for some new hardware (i.e. a microfilm scanner) I acquired.
Though the company that sold the scanner to me says it works with Macs – it’s an extremely conditional claim. In short, it works if you have MS Windows installed on your Mac.
Cripes. There's a week of my life I'll never get back.
IRENE’S STUFF:When Vermilionite Gene Todd stopped by a week or so ago he contributed several cool things. All pertained to his step-grandmother Irene Miller Todd Severance.
Irene was born April 3, 1902 to William C. and Katherine Miller. The couple owned a farm at Axtel, Ohio. One of the items was a Baptismal certificate for Irene Elestra Miller from the 22nd of February in 1908. The next was a “Certificate of Faithful Attendance” at the Axtel Methodist-Episcopal Church dated September 13, 1911 – the Rev. T.H.D. Harrold presiding. Another was a framed certificate of her Confirmation at Vermilion’s Reformed Church on May 23, 1915 – the Rev. Pretzer presiding. And yet another was her framed certificate of graduation from Vermilion High School on the 20th day of May in 1924. And last, but hardly least, was a very large family portrait of William, Katherine, and Irene when Irene was probably about four or five years old. Irene did have a brother – Gilbert W. – who was some 13 years younger. She was married to Albert “A.B.” whose wife, Cora, had died in 1930. She eventually married a fellow by the name of Elmer Severance. He died in 1965.
I knew Irene when she was in her 90s. She lived in the big Todd home on Mason Road. I got to know here because she received meals from the Meals-On-Wheels program that I used to prepare. Whenever I delivered a meal she’d give me a 50c tip. I didn’t want it – but she’d insist. Irene passed on in 1995 at the tender age of 92 years.
She was really a nice lady.
THE PIC AT THE TOP: The Roscoe c. 1940 pic showcases the riverside building that was once the home of the Vermilion Boat Club. Currently the French restaurant Chez Francois and Vermilion Attorney Wm. Kishman occupy the building.
The Boat Club officially celebrating its 100th birthday this year (2013). But according to late Vermilionite / historian Alice Jane Gegenheimer McClurkin, it was unofficially organized during the summer of 1912 with a little help from Vermilion boat-builder / sailor Tom Ball and Vermilion entrepreneur / sailor F.W. Wakefield.
[VV Ed. NOTE: I assume the discrepancy exists because the official / legal organizational papers for the club were not filed until the year 1913. As in the case of The Vermilion News building – where the building was actually constructed and in use in November of 1904 – the legal papers / title on file at the county courthouse were apparently not filed until 1905. It’s just one of those things – just one of those crazy things…]
I’m beginning to find items that I – probably along with everyone else - had long forgotten about. I found a little machine called a “Corner Rounder”. It was manufactured by Lasso Products Inc. of Rochester New York. I don’t believe that it’s terribly old – but it’s a neat machine.
It is used to round off the corners of items like calling cards and / or tickets like the one below:
I’ve also come across some nifty advertising block plates. Among them was one for Norman Ness, a Vermilion clothier. Another was a neat little things advertising Post Toasties cereal.
What fun!
VNPSM PUBLICATIONS: Thus far this year I’ve printed three books at the museum: a revised edition “Yesteryear” (stories of Vermilion, Ohio and it’s People); “The History of The Vermilion News” by Nancy Alice Tarrant-Emery; and a revised edition of “The Roscoes” – “The Evolution of an American Family – 1546-1930. The introduction page is below.
All are available at the museum along with the new revised edition of my “Vermilion Now & Then” book. Prices for each book differ.
Matted photographs of old Vermilion are also available. Prices vary. We also have the new Vermilion Area Archival Society calendars.
LOCK UP YOUR VALUABLES: (Just kidding.) The Wakefield Klan is in town to celebrate the 150th birthday of F.W. Wakefield. Mr. Wakefield was born on 26 April 1863, and died on June 4, 1934. He was only 71, but accomplished a great deal during his relatively brief lifetime. If I had to name persons who contributed most to the development of Vermilion F.W. Wakefield would certainly be among the top three.
All of his children were very talented. And so were their children’s children, etc., etc. It’s nice the family chose Vermilion for their reunion. [It’s a nice place.]
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: We are located at 727 Grand Street in Vermilion across the street from Vermilion's historic E&R Church. 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. Phone For Special Tours: 440-967-4555
We are not open on major holidays.
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 in the drive with the plate "MRCOOKR" stop by and see what's cooking.
Historically,
He was a miller, school bus driver, and the Vermilion Village Marshal.
THE CHIEF: [VV ED. NOTE: I believe this is a repeat. However; I found a better pic to go with the piece so…] Once upon a time the Vermilion police force consisted of one full-time lawman. His name was Edgar David “Ed” Benson.
Mr. Benson was born in Monroeville in 1884. He married Ella Waldron of Wakeman, Ohio in 1907. The 1910 U.S. Census has him employed as a freight agent in that town. But by 1920 the couple had moved to a home on Ohio Street in the Village of Vermilion and Mr. Benson was working at the mill at the south end of Exchange Street. Ella died unexpectedly in 1924 at age 35 leaving him with their 4 children. He later married a lady named Lillian Showalter whose husband, George, had also passed unexpectedly. She had three children.
For years Mr. Benson worked three jobs to help support his big family: He was a miller, school bus driver, and the Vermilion Village Marshal. In 1930 he was appointed, and became as a consequence, Vermilion’s first Police Chief. Though he eventually left the mill he retained his bus-driving job years after he became Chief.
The snapshot of him (above) was probably taken just a few years before he retired in 1955. He passed away in 1960. Times were changing. Some part-time patrolmen had been added to the force as well as a legion of auxiliary policemen who were used during special events in the community.
Sometime before my parents bought their home at 510 Perry Street Mr. Benson had lived there. Later he owned a little home at the bend on the west side of Jefferson Street where Ohio Street and Jefferson meet. There’s a slight hill near the home that, when I was a youngster, our gang called “Benson’s Hill”. We used to sled there during the winter.
Back in the 50’s we had a rambunctious fox terrier named Mr. Chips who used to make daily rounds about town visiting various homes and restaurants for treats. He’d often end the day in Exchange Park in the middle of town near the spot Chief Benson parked his cruiser. If the window of the car were open he’d hop inside. When the Benson returned he’d taxi Chips to our house, where the pooch would hop out, and the Chief would go his way. I don’t believe Chips ever tipped him.
I don’t really remember Chief Benson today. I suppose I was too young to really get to know him. But I do recall when he died. Someone found him in his Jefferson Street home several days after he passed. And I don’t think the scene was pretty. He died of natural causes. But because it took so long for anyone to find him it (again) was an uncomfortable situation. (It’s funny what kids will remember.)
Anyway, but the time Mr. Benson had retired Vermilion’s Police force was expanding. I think there was a Chief and maybe 2 full-time patrolmen. And even if I can’t remember his face I do remember the days when Vermilion had only one full-time lawman.
IN 50 YEARS OR SO: Saturday afternoon (9/11/10) I had lunch with an old friend at Vermilion’s Main Street Grill. I hadn’t seen him for a long time. His name is Tom Rodgers. We grew up in the same neighborhood, and went to school together. After high school I went to Vietnam, and Tom went to Miami University. He told me that at Miami he met his wife whom, he said, “graduated magna cum laude” - while he graduated “magna cum last”. Funny. But seriously, Tom eventually acquired a degree in law, and went on to have a very successful career with the international food service Hobart Company of Troy, Ohio.
Prior to having lunch we sat on a bench in Exchange/ Rubberneck Park. In a yesteryear, we recalled, we spent a significant amount of time in the park watching traffic, people, and talking about things kids talk about; cars, girls, and sports - not necessarily in that order. So even if a few changes have taken place over the years [e.g. the old police station is once again a public comfort station; a cannon has been moved; Okagi’s, Leidheiser’s, the Goody-Goody Bar, and the Kountry Kitchen restaurants are gone; the Lemon Tree and Maud-Elton saloons have vanished; the picture show also gone.] the place is still the same. Well, it’s somewhat the same. After all, the years - fifty or sixty of them - have passed since those days.
In time the conversation turned to the photo accompanying these words. Tom sent it to me last December. It’s a nice portrait. But we were only able to identify five of the youngsters in it. From left to right in the front row are: Patty Neiding; an unidentified boy and girl; and then Tom Rodgers. In the middle row, from left to right, are Wade Rodgers (Tom’s big brother); “Pete” Neiding (Patty’s big brother); an unidentified girl; and Cliff Bartlome. The boy in the back row is also unknown.
Pete and Patty are still familiar faces about town. Pete was probably one of the youngest people to ever become a volunteer fireman in Vermilion. The family - his father Russ, and mother Ruth - were well known for their services to both the Vermilion and Huron communities. Tom’s brother, Wade, currently lives in Michigan where he works as a comptroller for several hospitals. Unfortunately, Cliff Bartlome, whose prowess as an athlete was widely recognized in the area, was defeated by a chronic illness, and lost his life in 2008.
We mused over these things during lunch. And then went our own ways. He back to Troy, and me back to Oakwood Drive here in Vermilion. Lest there is some miraculous breakthrough in life that eliminates accidents, ageing, and disease we’ll not likely be meeting in the park fifty years hence. And things will have undoubtedly changed some more.
When I got home, and was climbing out of my truck, I noticed some neighborhood youngsters playing in the rain. It was coming down pretty hard. And there they were by the curb ankle deep in the water that was rushing down the gutter. Laughing, jumping, and singing songs only they could hear or knew. Like the neighborhood children in Tom’s photo they were smiling. It was a good day. And, just maybe, fifty years from it they will look back, reminisce, and enjoy it once again. Even if they don’t recall the names of everyone in it.
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. IX - NO.5– July 13, 1905.
The answer of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Co., in the $100,000 damage suit brought against it by Henry Graefe and several insurance companies has been filed with the county clerk.
The railroad while admitting that there was afire and the Henry Graefe operated the plant destroyed, denies all other allegations. Among the things denied is that the insurance companies, who are parties plaintiff in this case, are authorized to do business in this state, because it is claimed, they are not incorporated.
The defendant company also denies that Henry Graefe was owner of the Woolsey Wheel works.
The plaintiffs charge that a spark thrown from the stack of one of the Lake Shore’s locomotives, caused the fire.
A transcript from the criminal docket of the mayor’s court, in the Windisch-Herter case, was filed in the probate court Monday. Windisch claimed that Paul Herter had threatened to shoot him, and swore out a peace warrant against Herter. The Mayor, after hearing the case, found that there was just cause for complaint on the part of Windisch and Herter was bound over to the probate court. Bond was fixed at $100. No date has been set for Herter’s hearing.
Dr. Hill was called to attend a wounded tramp Tuesday. The man claimed that he waslying on the track when the bullet struck him. The ball went into his leg, glanced from the bone and took a downward course. He claims to know nothing as to how it happened.
Later – The name of the man who was shot while near the N.P. bridge, was Arthur Jones, residence nowhere in particular. Infirmary Director Morse took him to the Infirmary at noon.
You and your friends are cordially invited to the ball game at Shadduck’s Park Friday afternoon, and if you are a Vermilion businessman and can play ball help along the cause. The businessmen of the town intend to lay aside their cares and devote the afternoon to a game of ball. The game promises to be one of the most interesting ever played here and we think anyone who misses the game will regret it for time to come.
Mr. George Nicholas Sennhenn was born in Ort Netra, Kries Eschway, Germany April 19th, 1864.
In the fall of 1882, at the age of 18 he came to America, his parents coming later. For three years he resided in Berlin township. From there he went to Vermilion where he made his home, and on December 8th, 1887 he was united in marriage to Miss Christena B. Neiding. To this union seven children were born, four boys and three girls. After suffering for several years with consumption, he passed quietly away June 20, 1905, at the age of 41 yrs., 2 mo., and 1 day. He was a good and faithful husband and father and was always ready to help others, when help was needed.
He leaves a wife, seven children, an aged father, four sisters, one brother and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his death. His last words were, “now I am going home.” Rev. Halaman officiated. May he rest in Peace. The remains were laid away in Peake’s Cemetery.
Word was received here Saturday evening that a bold attempt had been made in Huron to rob the paymaster on the Lake Erie docks.
C.J. Miller, the company’s paymaster had barely stepped from the depot with his grip containing $13,580 when a masked man grabbed it and started to run. Miller drew his revolver and shot the man twice. When his mask was removed it was found to be John Ritzenthaler a well-known Huron character.
He had fully prepared to rob the paymaster even to putting something on his feet to fool hounds if they had been used to track him.
His wounds are not supposed to be dangerous and he his being guarded with great care.
It was suggested to us that it might b a good thing to have the names of our streets posted on the corners. We are in a habit in Vermilion of going by the names of the streets and of late many strangers have made inqueries [sic] for people, stating they lived on such and such a street. Very few of us can, on a moments notice, tell the location of the resident. It might not be necessary to have the names on every corner but on the corners of our main thoroughfares.
According to an abstract of the returns of personal property in Lorain county there are but 579 watches in the county, 1415 pianos, 9410 horses, 21,224 cattle, 22 mules, 15,518 sheep, 7,001 hogs, 879 carriages.[VV Ed. Note: If there were automobiles in the county there were not enough to count. It’s an odd fact that more folks owned pianos than watches in 1905 Lorain County.]
The announcement is made by the state fish and game commission that an attempt will be made to have the spring fishing abolished by the Legislature this winter.
The commission is careful considering the matter. It is reported that fishermen are bitterly opposed to the measure.
The bicycle is again coming into notice. A few years ago nearly everyone rode a wheel and then came a re-action and many are the good wheels stored away.
Will they be brought out and again put to use? There is probably no exercise so exhilarating and beneficial as bicycle riding and why not put that bike to better use than a gatherer of dust and rust.
From England comes the report that bicycling is again in vogue and the factories are rushed with orders. The prices are such that nearly everyone can enjoy the wheel.
The laborer rides to his work, the pupil to school, and all ride for pleasure and health. One thing is noticeable; the Motor cycle [sic] is not popular. In Vermilion there are many who now ride wheels but we venture to say that not half the bicycles in town are put to use.
[VV Ed. Note: The bicycle was patented on June 26th 1819. I knew you’d want to know that.]
Mr. J. Coen of Chicago, Ill. Is the guest of his brother E.L. Coen and family.
Miss Maud Fischer has accepted the position of organist at the M.E. church.
Born – To Mr. and Mrs. frank Miller, Sunday, July 9, a daughter.
Born – Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Kneisel, Monday, July 10, 1905, a son.
Born – To Mr. and Mrs. C. Alheit, Wednesday, July 12, 1905, a daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Knott are rejoicing over the arrival of a fine boy. The little fellow came Sunday.
Twins, a boy and a girl, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Moes Tuesday July 11, 1905, at their home in Lorain. They are former residents of Vermilion.
J.K. Riblet lies very ill at his home west of town.
Mayor Williams and family spent Tuesday at Cedar Pt.
Pure ice cream can be had at all times at A.D. Baumhart’s.
Jacob Burkhart who was arrested for illegal fishing as reported last week, plead guilty to the charge and was fined 425, which he paid.
D.L. Bowen of Johannesburg, South Africa, whose wife and family are at Quigley Cottage, Linwood Park, is in New Orleans this week.
Wm. Allan of Cleveland, a former resident of Vermilion, died Wednesday evening, July 12, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. D.G. Hows. The remains will be brought to Vermilion where the funeral services will be held. He was 78 years old. Mr. Allan was the father of Mrs. John Delker of this place.
Dr. Hendricks, the cancer specialist, is in town now treating patients for cancer. He uses no knife in treating patients. He has made cancer a specialty for twenty-nine years and is very successful. Consultation and examination free. He can be seen at Dr. Bond’s office or Dr. Bond will known where he is at any time.
This newspaper is very much in earnest in the desire to see a system of improved highways in the country. Its editor know that no systematic highway improvement can be had except by a great national movement, such as been outlined in the Brownlow-Latimer bills in Congress…[VV Ed. Note: This editorial goes on to support the concept of federal participation in building and maintain a national highway system. Though automobiles have not yet become readily available to most Americans it would not be long in coming. This effort is, herein, seen in its infancy. Another article in this same edition maintains (perhaps right so) that the cost of food from the farm was often dependent on a farmer’s ability to get his products to the market in a timely manner. In any case, the writing was on the wall.]
A local option war is on at Clyde.
There were 915 births and 430 deaths in Lorain last year.
A two-year old baby was killed by a car on the Green Line at Lorain Friday afternoon.
Capt. Worth, of Bucket Shop fame, was fined $400 and costs in Judge Hayden’s court at Elyria last week.
Clate A. Smith a well-known newspaperman of Youngstown was united in marriage to Mrs. Katherine Lavoo at Huron Monday. The ceremony took place at the residence of Capt. J.A. Peterson.
Geo. Teague formerly Editor of the Elyria Chronicle and connected with the Lorain News for a time, was arrested last week in Chicago for passing a worthless check for $114 in settlement of a Cleveland board bill.
At the ball game between the Garfields, of Elyria, and the Berlin Hts. team at Berlin Hts. Sunday, Walter Tite, first baseman for the Garfields, had his right collar bone broken and Fred Reed, catcher, had his finger torn open.
The Lake Shore Electric road has fitted flat cars with trucks and gangplanks to help stranded automobiles. These cars will be stationed along the road between Cleveland and Toledo. Heretofore a disabled machine has been hauled to the nearest repair shop by horses. [VV Ed. Note: Here, once more, is the impetus for an improved system of highways. And as they were improved the interurban systems were dismantled. The irony: Now folks could really us an electric rail systems and they’re long gone because the highways system was improved.]
John Marsh, the nine-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Marsh, while playing at the top of the 75-foot cliff at the foot of Twelfth avenue, Lorain, fell to the bottom. He lived two hours. The accident was witnessed by several parties of picnickers.
In consequence of complaints from clergymen in a number of small towns, the Railroad Commission of South Carolina has issued an order calling attention to the statute prohibiting the running of freight trains on Sunday. Hereafter, only perishable goods may be carried, and trains may be run only within specified hours. – Railway World.
The cottages are rapidly being occupied.
31 arrived Tuesday for a stay of a week or more.
As yet there are but few guests at the hotel.
It is expected that by the end of the month all available cottages and boarding places will be occupied.
Married – At the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chas Hamel, Miss Sadie Hamel, to Mr. Hamon Kahl, Rev. Lindenmeyer officiating.
The corner stone for the new Carnegie Library was laid Thursday.
J.E. Plato, the drayman met with a painful accident Saturday. He was unloading a binder and the platform which has the section attached struck him on the neck cutting very close to the jugular vein.
South Amherst is endeavoring to have a voting booth placed near the quarries.
H.C. Holmes has sold his racket store to W.J. Blovelt.
Frank Edwards fell from a barn roof Tuesday and was severely shaken. George Walker fell about ten feet and had several ribs fractured.
Supt. J.C. Seemann has this week sent in his report of our Village schools for the school year. A copy of the report goes to the State commissioner of common Schools, one to the County Auditor and one to the Board of Education.
The following items are gleaned from this report:
Value of School Property, $20,000. No. of women teachers, 5. Average month wages, $40. No. of men teacher, 2. Average monthly wages, $80. No. of weeks taught, 36. No. boys enrolled, 127. No. girls enrolled, 132. No. pupils previously enrolled in other schools, 13.
Grand total [enrollment], 272.
Average Monthly enrollment, 249. Average daily attendance, 229 Enumeration 1904, 344. Percent of enrollment on enumeration, 79. Percent of attendance of total enrollment, Elementary, 83. High, 92.
Percent of attendance on monthly enu. Elementary, 93. High, 97.
Average cost of tuition per pupil on total enrollment, Ele. $8.05.br> High, $29.72.
Average cost of tuition per pupil on daily attendance, Ele. $9.69. High, $32.42
Pupils remaining in high school at end of year, 34. No. of graduates this year, 11. Av. Age of graduating class, 17. Whole number graduates in history of school,90. No. volumes in school library, 480.
[VV Ed. Note: The discrepancy between the wages paid the male and female teachers is substantial. While wages for today’s workers have become more equitable between sexes one would hardly call them equal. It causes me (at least) to wonder just how deep inequities of this nature are embedded in our society. I am hardly a feminist – but the inequity between these 1905 male and female salaries is absurd.]
Hmmmmmm....
OLD HOME MAKES ROOM FOR THE NEW - THE VERMILION NEWS - JULY 19, 1956: The bang of hammers and the straining creak of a board being pried away from its resting place for more than fifty years marks the passing of what at one time was one of the most beautiful old homes in Vermilion, to make way for the new Congregational Church on State Street.
The house, known for more than fifty years as the “Wilbur House,” was built more than a hundred years ago by the grandparents of the late John Thompson on what was then the Thompson farm.
According to information gleaned from Vermilionites who have lived in the State Street area all their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ball, the latter being a daughter of the Thompson’s, occupied the home many years ago. They remember the lovely white house and especially the fountain and pool stocked with turtles in the front yard.
At that time Mr. Ball sold windmills for waterpower throughout the district and a windmill, which stood near the barn, furnished the water for the pool. After Mrs. Ball’s death the place passed into other hands.
Tom Ball will be remembered by many older residents as an enthusiastic boatman and as co-founder of the Vermilion Boat Club and was its first Commodore. He was a Civil War veteran and active in the GAR [i.e. the Grand Army of the Republic] Post and founded the GAR Band here, which was very well known throughout the state. It was his request that the band would play at his funeral and escort the funeral procession to the Nickel Plate tracks on its way to the cemetery.
Early in the 1900s Mr. and Mrs. Miller Wilbur purchased the old house. Mr. Wilbur operated the hardware store located where the Ray Miller Hardware now is. [The store is now – in 2013 – the home of an interior decorating firm.] The Wilburs had lived in the beautiful Colonial house that was located in the Vermilion River valley at Swift’s Hollow. [This refers to the Joseph Swift house called “Rosedale”.] They were the parents of four lovely children and in less than a week, their happy home was struck by sorrow and tragedy, when all four of the Wilbur children were stricken with the dreaded diphtheria and died within five days. This was a crushing blow from which the Wilburs never fully recovered. [The children died at the home of relatives in Berlin Heights, Ohio.]
After the Wilburs came to live in the house, porches were added, the yard landscaped and the pool filled in, became a flowerbed, bright with tulips each spring, and the place became a thing of beauty once again. We are indebted to Mrs. Elton Fischer, a grand niece of the Wilburs for much of the information concerning them.
Children and their welfare were always close to the hearts of the Wilburs. Although most of their own children’s things had been burned, a room in the home was always kept as “the children’s room.” They were very fond of their niece and nephews and loved to have them come for a visit, but Mrs. Wilbur never wanted them to stay in the house too long, although he own children had never lived there, she was always leery that some germ had clung to something. In letters written by Mrs. Wilbur to her niece Mrs. Goodsell, she always called her home “Sunshine House” and most of them were written in poetry.
Many of the Wilbur’s kindnesses to children are unknown to any but the children she helped. One incident, which, stands out, occurred many years ago when Cincinnati suffered a bad flood. She worked early and late and sewed, alone, over one hundred garments for children for the Red Cross to distribute in the disaster area. They always gave their support to orphanages and crippled children, and on his deathbed Mr. Wilbur’s last thoughts were expressed in his words, “don’t forget he poor and crippled children.”
It was the dearest dream of the Wilburs that their home be used after their deaths as an Orphanage. In their will the proceeds from the sale of their other property was bequeathed to area orphanages, and trustees were named to set up the home as an orphanage, but as there were not sufficient funds to run the home this was never done. When the property was at last sold the money went to child welfare.
Operation “Down You Go,” started last Saturday morning by men of the church under the guidance of Carl Russell, has been turning up some interesting things, but so far, no hidden money.
As the front roof was torn off, Ernie Bowen came across burned and charred rafters. The whole front section must have been badly burned at one time. Bob Moeller discovered a shingle dated August 1914. On it was the name of Tischer, and a message that they had built this dormer on that date.
From the amount of nails used, one could guess that Mr. Wilbur had owned a hardware store. Some roofing boards had as many as seven or eight nails on one end. These were standard round nails, but in most of the rest of the house are old square nails. At this point you can see the mergence of the heavy hewed beams, notched and wooden pegged, that form the structure of the house. Two solid black walnut hewed posts were found in the structure.
Don Lima and George Showalter found an old print in the first floor along with a wooden spoon and pestle. Bill Burt and John Maiden came across a few old books dating in the 1800s. All ages from Junior High to 70 were working Saturday. Some twenty-six workers plus Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Burrows coffee and donuts helped things along. Russell feels that two or more such Saturdays will finish the job.
When an old home dies, one begins to wonder about the hope sand dreams of the families who have lived there, and if they came true. We feel that Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur would be happy to know that at last their dream of helping children will be realized, for with the passing of their lovely home, a beautiful new House of God will take its place, and the lives of many children will be made richer and better for having passed that way.
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.
…Ohio he joined the church organized in Lyme, and took an active part in all the enterprises connected with the church. He was one of the trustees of the church, and for many years was a class leader, until his hearing became impaired, when he gave it up. He was always foremost in any good work belonging to the church, and contributed largely toward the erection of the present beautiful church edifice, that is an ornament to Bellevue.
He was never a man of sound health; in fact, he hardly knew what good health was. He was predisposed to consumption, and suffered much, but was always cheerful and uncomplaining. His disease gradually bore him down until he was obliged to take to his bed the 9th of October 1871. He lingered along, a constant sufferer, until his death, which occurred March 16, 1873, at the age of sixty-five years.
His wife, the mother of his children, still lives at the old homestead, in the township of Lyme, near the pretty village of Bellevue, with her son, Edwin L. in a beautiful home, blessed with loving grandchildren, and surrounded by the friends of nearly forty years.
Mr. Dole was a cooper by trade, but did not follow that business long after his marriage. While a resident of Franklin county, Massachusetts, he was for a number of years engaged in teaming to Boston for the merchants of the county in which he lived, bringing to them the merchandise they dealt in, and delivering in Boston the articles they received in trade, consisting of pork, beef, butter, etc. After being a resident of Ohio for a number of years, in 1856, he built a wooden cider mill, and began the manufacture of cider for his neighbors. Two years later he put up a four-horse mill, and began buying apples, being the first man in the vicinity, who engaged in this business. He stored at first a few barrels of vinegar, at first some fifteen or twenty in a season, until, in a few years, he put up one hundred and fifty barrels at a time. He continued this business until his death, when his son, Edwin L., succeeded to it, and continues to carry it forward. He now has a fine steam-power cider mill, and in 1878, as stated above, made a large amount of cider, and stored many barrels of vinegar,
Orrin Dole, senior, was always a quiet, unobtrusive man, and a man of great energy for one who was afflicted as he was, and so great a sufferer.
The work he accomplished evinces the spirit he possessed.
capitalist, the son of Dr. David Harkness, was born at Milan, Ohio, September, 1822, His father died in 1825, when he accompanied his mother to Salem, Washington county, New York, where he lived in the home of his father's mother until the marriage of his mother with Rev, Isaac Flagler, of Seneca county. New York. In the spring of 1837, Mr. and Mrs. Flagler removed to Toledo, Ohio, and the subject of this sketch, then a lad of fifteen, accompanied them. In the fall of the same year he came to Bellevue, and, in the following summer, entered the store of Chapman & Harkness, in whose employ he remained until the summer of 1840, when he went to Lansingburg, New York, At that place he remained about one year, engaged as a clerk a part of the time, and part of the time as "devil " in the office of the Lansingburg Gazette.
In 184l, he returned to Ohio and was employed by L, G, Harkness & Co., as salesman in their store at Republic, Ohio, a position he continued to hold until the spring of 1845. That his services at Republic were held in high esteem by his employers is attested by the fact that in the year last named, he received, much to his surprise, an invitation from the firm to join them as a partner in their large and growing business. This he did, the firm becoming Chapman, Harkness & Co. A young man of fine abilities, correct habits and a laudable ambition, he applied his mind with much industry and energy to a careful study of the business, with the details of which he soon became familiar, and was their master. So large a measure of success for the next half dozen years crowned his efforts, that he was enabled, in 1852, to purchase the entire business of Chapman, Harkness & Co. He immediately formed a copartnership with Dr. L. G, Harkness and his half-brother, H, M, Flagler, under the firm name of Harkness & Company. The business rapidly grew in extent and importance, and the firm for many years conducted a successful and extensive business in general merchandise, grain and manufacturing.
In the fall of 1849, he married Isabella, daughter of Dr. L. G. Harkness, by whom he had five children. Three died in infancy, and his only daughter, Katie, an interesting child, died in February 1864, at the age of eight years and six months. This sad event was followed by the death of his wife in July of the same year. Isabella Harkness is a loved name in Bellevue, Her kindness, active benevolence and amiability won for her universal regard. She was a woman of deep religious convictions, a devoted member of the Congregational church, and was very earnest and active in every good cause and work. She lent her best energies to the support of all enterprises of a benevolent character, and was a devoted, loving daughter, wife and mother. Such is the concurrent testimony of all who knew her. Thus, in so brief a lapse of time, Mr. Harkness was bereft of those who were dearer to him than life itself; yet providence spared to him one son, William L,, who bids fair to do honor to the name of Harkness, He is a young man of fine parts, just on the verge of his majority, and is now completing his collegiate studies at Yale College.
Mr. Harkness" army experience was, for the most part, that of brigade quartermaster, under General…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
STATE PHARM CONVENTION: Sorting through an old cheese box full of drill bits, bolts, saw blades, dust and dirt that I found on the worktable in the print shop bindery I came across this old medal. It was buried at the bottom of the box under layers of dust.
I was aware of the fact that Pharmacies in Ohio held annual conventions at Cedar Point in the early 19th century because I’d read about A.D. Baumhart and his first wife, Effie, going to one of them.
I know not the reason this souvenir ended up at the print shop, nor whom owned it. But I was real pleased and surprised to find it like a prize in the box of Cracker Jack.
"Education: Curses in liberal arts, curses in computer science, curses in accounting."
"Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store."
"Personal: Married, 1992 Chevrolet."
"I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse."
"I am a rabid typist."
"Created a new market for pigs by processing, advertising and selling a gourmet pig mail order service on the side."
"Exposure to German for two years, but many words are not appropriate for business."
"Proven ability to track down and correct erors."
"Personal interests: Donating blood. 15 gallons so far."
"I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely nothing and absolutely no one."
"References: None, I've left a path of destruction behind me."
"Strengths: Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining composer."
"Don't take the comments of my former employer too seriously, they were unappreciative beggars and slave drivers."
"My goal is to be a meteorologist. But since I possess no training in meteorology, I suppose I should try stock brokerage."
"I procrastinate - especially when the task is unpleasant."
"I am loyal to my employer at all costs. Please feel free to respond to my resume on my office voice-mail."
"Qualifications: No education or experience."
"Disposed of $2.5 billion in assets." "Accomplishments: Oversight of entire department."
"Extensive background in accounting. I can also stand on my head!"
Cover letter: "Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty
NADA AGAIN AND AGAIN...: 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.
I've not forgotten about this part of "Views". I've just been busy. But I will get back to it.
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.
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.11, Issue 16 - June 29, 2013
© 2012 Rich Tarrant