GOODY, GOODY, MEMORIES: I don’t really think that the name “Goody Goody Soda Bar” (pictured) was derived from the song “Goody, Goody” that was written in 1936. Although it was a Frankie Lymon hit in 1957 – which is about the same time the little restaurant began operating. But for me it always fit. Because – to (partially) quote British novelist Charles Dickens – “It was the best of times, the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, [and] the age of foolishness… ”. At least it was if you were a 13-year-old boy living in Vermilion, O. when the soda bar was a popular hangout.

Prior to becoming a luncheonette a wall ran down the middle of the structure creating two storefronts. The local Western Union / Telegram Company occupied the room on the east (left), and The News Gift Shop was on the (right) west.

I never knew who owned the place, though I vaguely remember a man working at the back of the restaurant. I would say that he was an older person were it not for the fact that at 13 nearly everyone around you is older. (A 35 year-old person would have seemed old.) I do, however, remember the waitresses, Jeanette Wiseman and her mother. And I remember them because Jeanette was what 13-year-old boys used to call “a fox”. Slight, dark-haired, and pretty, she was probably 19 or 20 years old. And her mother was very clearly her mother. Both were very nice.

The little restaurant on the south side of Liberty Avenue was sandwiched (pun intended) between the Liberty Theatre (east) and Fulper’s Sohio Station (west). The site was ideal for teenagers too young to drive, but old enough to date, or at least old enough to flirt. The restaurant was clean, and the food and service were great. However, I’m not certain that serving a clientele of this nature was terribly profitable. That may be part of the reason that the place didn’t last too long.

I remember going into the soda bar after picture shows or school dances and can still vividly recall the jukebox music (perhaps it was Frankie Lymon), as well as the happy voices of the kids gathered at the booths and tables – all immersed in an atmosphere of frying hamburgers and French fries. I also remember a framed sketch on the wall at the back of the dining room. It was a very exacting freehand sketch of a dollar bill. I was told that a young Vermilion guy named Bernie Black did it. It was, to say the very least, an amazing work or art.

I was 13 years old in 1957. I delivered the Cleveland Plain Dealer throughout the whole town. I went to my first dance at South Street School and stepped on a few toes. I fell in and out of love once a week. My best friend, Billy Baker, died during the Asian Flu epidemic that October. I learned some French and wrote my first good newspaper article about a guy painting the flagpole in front of the school. I broke my left wrist in a basketball game with the Huron team. And I smoked my first cigarette. It was the best of times, the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, [and for sure] the age of foolishness.

I don’t recall exactly in which yesteryear they tore the old building down. And I guess it doesn’t matter. For I have this photograph and the many memories it inspires. Goody, goody.

Vol. IX - NO.9– Aug. 10, 1905.

For several days past a rumor has been circulated that the plant of the Howard Stove & Mfg. Co., had been leased for a wood working establishment.

Mr. Howard informs us that the rumor is true. That owing to the wide spread use of natural gas in this section of the country the conditions have changed to such an extent that their greatest stove market is in the west so at present their factory here cannot be run advantageously, so the factory building has been leased to Cleveland gentlemen for the purpose of establishing a wood working, interior finish, etc., factory. A.W. Burrows of this place who has been engaged in designing and interior finish work for some time past will have the management.

It is the intention of the gentlemen to start the factory by the 15th of this month. The machinery has been shipped from Cleveland and as soon as it arrives will be placed and work will begin. Twenty men will be employed at once and later a larger number will probably be put to work. Later the foundry may be started for the manufacture of sash weights and other light castings.

The present stock of stores is being disposed of. Mr. Howard informs us that 257 were shipped Wednesday.

We are pleased to learn that there will soon be “something doin” at the stove plant and may it flourish and grow.

The farmers of Lorain, Huron and Erie Counties held a picnic at Linwood Park last Saturday.

At an early hour the picnickers began to arrive and in the afternoon it is estimated that fully 5000 people were enjoying themselves in the park.

At one o’clock Governor Herrick delivered a fine address in the auditorium. His subject was mostly on farm life, past and present. Its advantages and opportunities, etc. After the address he held an informal reception. The Agricultural Society will net a nice sum as a result of the picnic.

Charlotte Jeanette Dalzell of Milan was taken to the asylum for epileptics at Gallipolis, Friday.

[ VV Ed. Note 1: During my transcribing of these pages I have often come across the term “epileptic insanity”. I believe we can all benefit by understanding that the term "epileptic insanity," which has for many years been in common use, is epileptic now regarded as a misnomer. There is in short no such disease as epileptic insanity. A brain, however, which is so unstable as to exhibit the sudden discharges of nervous energy, which are known as epileptic seizures, is prone to be attacked by insanity also, but there is no form of mental disease exclusively associated with epilepsy.]

[ VV Ed. Note 2: Due to the efforts of the Board of State Charities of Ohio and the persistent individual endeavors of its members, the Ohio Hospital for epileptics at Gallipolis, Ohio was founded in 1891. It was the first of its kind in America, and the pioneer of all others in the world in having been owned and run by the state, and therefore from public revenues. Prompted by the investigations and recommendations of the Board of State Charities, the General Assembly passed an act, April 11, 1890, creating a commission empowered to investigate and determine the best possible methods of caring for the epileptic and epileptic insane; to adopt plans in accordance with this object, and to select a site for such an asylum accommodating 1000 patients. The site selected near Gallipolis, Ohio was upon a natural plateau, above flood stage of the Ohio River, that was perfectly drained, and splendidly protected by the surrounding hills.

[VV Ed. Note 3: When I was just a little guy I had the experience of visiting the aforementioned asylum at Gallipolis (probably around 1951-52) and it scared me. The impression that short visit left on me was, is, and remains exceptionally vivid in my mind. Some day I will write of it.]

Andrew Greenhoe, and Lottie Humphrey both of Vermilion, Rev. Rupert.

Wildar H. Wise, 22, Bellefontaine, actor, and Albert M. Hauser, 21, Birmingham.

Beginning Oct. 1 Ex Sheriff Henry Foster will assume the duties of deputy county treasurer.

The regular monthly meeting of the Village council was held Tuesday evening. Mayor Williams in the chair and all members present excepting H.A. Neiding. Orson Meeker, who had been appointed to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation of M.E. Lawless, was sworn in and took his place in the council.

Mr. E.L. Coen was present and made his report concerning the harbor improvements. He stated that the committee had seen Major Kingman and he had told them that the work was being done according to the plans adopted by the government officials would not stand much modification and that the portion of the pier being built now extended about 12ft. into the river and that it would not interfere with navigation. The other portion of the pier will be built up from the river bottom like a wall if the condition of the pier would warrant. The report was accepted and a vote of thanks extended to the gentlemen for their work.

A general discussion was brought about by Dave Stevens asking to have the building of a new sidewalk postponed until next spring. The council decided to let the matter stand as it was.

Geo Whitmore was present to enquire whether recent drainage and sewer improvements on his premises were satisfactory or not. It was discovered that he sewer with which he was connected led into an open ditch. He agreed to pay a certain percent toward the draining of said ditch. Otherwise the work was satisfactory.

Geo Fischer was present to enquire concerning the order to remove a shed connected with his woodworking establishment from the street. He said he would have the high part torn down and the other part fixed up as he did not see the necessity of removing the shed as that portion of the street was not needed. The matter was explained to him. The side is in a dangerous condition and the council has no right to allow him the use of the street fro the building and he occupies it at his own peril.

A representative of the Consumer’s Rubber Co. was present and sold the village 300 ft. of first class hose, as the present supply of good hose was insufficient.

The usual sidewalk, sewer and ditch matters were discussed and finally the bills, were passed and council adjourned.

The firemen have made arrangements for their Cleveland trip next Wednesday. They have fixed up the hand engine and are prepared to go in the contests and we hope they will not come home empty-handed. The machine will be sent down the evening before in charge of Fireman Schmoll.

The boys have been working hard to get ready for this trip. Two L.S.E. cars have been chartered for the trip. One for the firemen and band and the other for the families and others who wish to go. The first car with firemen will leave Vermilion at about 7 o’clock and the second car at 8. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold, so if you want to go with the crowd, call on J.A. Klaar as soon as possible. Round trip on Firemen’s Special 75c.

A limited number of tickets for firemen’s excursion to Cleveland for sale. For particulars call at J.A. Klaar’s Harness Shop.

According to reports Huron is among the fortunate. The Wabash has purchased 41 acres of land consideration $5,000. The property is to be used for railway tracks with a capacity for storage of 5000 cars.

Every man owes it to himself and his family to master a trade or profession. Read the display advertisement of the six Morse Schools of Telegraphy, in this issue and learn how easily a young man or lady may learn telegraphy and be assured position.

Willard Young of Mason’s Corners was found dead in bed Monday morning by his daughter, Miss Amy. Heart trouble is supposed to be the cause. He retired Sunday evening in his usual health. He has been a resident of Mason’s Corners about twenty-five years. He leaves two daughters, Miss Amy Young who kept house for him and Mrs. Bertha Collinwood of Norwalk.

F.W. Wakefield of Cleveland was in town today.

Editor Marsh of the Oberlin News called at the News office Saturday.

White the chewing gum man has two very fine yachts. The Say When is now on the ocean and the Genevieve which was in Florida waters last winter has been brought to the lakes. The latter boat was in port Saturday. It is propelled by gasoline engines.

[VV Ed. Note: Canadian born William White came to Cleveland with his parents at age six. He became a candy maker and, around 1880, made his mark as the inventor of modern chewing gum. Earlier gums had been flavored, but White discovered a brilliant new way to keep flavor in gum long enough to make it commercially viable to sell it for other than purported medicinal uses. His first flavor was peppermint, which he learned stayed in the gum longer than any other flavor. Ever the eager salesman, White gave a box of his Yucatan brand gum (made in his factory on Detroit Avenue) to every U.S. congressman. He even sailed to England on his own purpose-built steam yacht and presented his gum to King Edward VII.

The energetic and versatile White also had his less fortunate experiences. He went broke not once but twice (perhaps the yacht and his 52-room Thornwood mansion on Cleveland's lakefront had something to do with that). Even more unfortunate, in 1923 "the Chewing Gum King" slipped on ice outside his factory. He died not long after.-Info acquired from clevelandhistorical.org]

Mrs. Todd is spending a few weeks with her sister, Mrs. Robt. Hum.

Miss Lydia Hahn is enjoying a trip up the lakes on the Stmr. Anna Minch.

Mrs. Chas Gegenheimer and daughter returned Monday from a trip up the lakes.

Geo Naegele and family of Pitts burg, Pa. are guests of their mother Mrs. Emma Naegele.

The heavy rain of last Saturday made every growing plant look fine.

Kriss Cline died last Sunday. Funeral Tuesday at two o’clock. He has been a resident of this place for a good many years. He was from Hesse Cassel, Germany.

Mr. Den Blanchard is improving the appearance and comfort of his residence by building a porch around the front.

Birmingham was well represented at the Farmer’s Picnic last Saturday.

Mr. Howe and family went to Brighton last Sunday.

Mr. Dickel who was reported very ill last week is improving rapidly.

Capt. I.D. Howard returned from Ashtabula Saturday morning. He reports fishing poor at that place and a cut in prices.

Floyd Quigley, Almon Patchett and Ed Broughton left for Chicago Tuesday evening. They will go from there for a trip on the lakes with Capt. F.A. Bailey.

Capt. Harvey Peters of the M. W. Page was killed by cars at Erie Pa. Tuesday. His home was in Cleveland. He was a son of John Peters formerly of Vermilion.

The Steamer Ida E. was in port this week with a cargo of lumber for the Fischer Lumber Co. The cargo consisted of 3000 cedar posts and 250,000 ft. of lumber. The boat arrived Saturday and cleared Tuesday afternoon.

Pure ice cream can be had at all times at A.D. Baumhart’s.

Willie Ries who has been very ill for the past few weeks was out for the first time yesterday.

71 guests have registered since Aug. 3rd at the Lakeside Inn. 51 of these were steady boarders.

It is rumored that the Duplex Stamping works are to start up in the near future.

Rev. Howard of the Howard Stove & Mf. Co., of Savannah, Mo., is in town this week.

A public drinking fountain has been placed in the park and now the thirsty may quench their thirst with the purest water obtainable.

E.W. Kishman is having a 28 ft. boat built for fishing purposes. A gas engine will be used for motive power.

Seven new phone were placed last week, viz:

191 Geo Books
193 Fred Ball
195 Fred Smith
197 John Risdon
190 R.G. Hazelton
192 Geo Meyers
194 Cort Smith
147 Mrs. Edith Draa

The fishing is very poor at this port at present, very small catches being reported.

It is reported that Miss Cora Thompson has sold her place to Commodore Wakefield, of the Lakewood Yacht Club, for a summer home.

Walter Abell had the misfortune to loose [sic] two fingers while employed at the pump station. Getting along nicely.

L.C. Field, chief inspector of Bell Telephone Company fell head first from a ole in Sandusky Monday. No hopes are entertained for his recovery.

The mayor of Atlantic City has ordered that no more bathers in cream-colored bathing suits be permitted on the beach.

A 30-day option has been taken on the site of the old Forest City House in Cleveland a new hotel may be built soon.

300 bicycles have been stolen at Findlay, O. during the past year. Only one-fourth of the number have been recovered.

A search for mice is said to have been responsible for a small fire and much excitement at the home of Mrs. Emily Tilden on Washington street last evening. A spark from a lighted match which, was being carried flew into a mattress and the whole affair was soon ablaze. No. 1 Hose Company was called and extinguished the flame with a chemical apparatus. The dame was only slight – Lorain Times Herald.

Mabel Driver of Vermilion is spending a week with her aunt Mrs. S.E. Shoop.

Mrs. G.L. Jump is on the sick list.

Three automobiles were seen in Ashmont Sunday.

The union meeting Sunday evening was well attended, but quite few pews were not full. Rev. Balson vigorously presented the gospel’s manifold invitation to the righteous life as suggest by Revelation 22:17 [VV Ed. Note: That passage is: “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”] The male quartette, consisting of Messrs Campbell, Ackerman, Roscoe, and Simons, sang well. [VV Ed. Note 2: The Roscoe named therein was my grandfather Pearl. Until I read this I had no idea he sang. So it was real news to me.]

The Norwalk Piano co. is one of Norwalk’s most reliable firms. They have sold a number of Pianos in this vicinity. During the last few weeks the company has sold pianos to the following well-known residents of Axtel: A.W. Leadrach, of Diamond Cheese Co., Mr. A. Greenhoe and Mr. P.J. Miller. Evidently now is the time to purchase a piano and the Norwalk Piano Co. the people to buy from.

Lewis Sullivan, a Lake Shore engineer formerly of N. Amherst is in jail at du Bois, Pa., charged with assault and battery. He was bound over to await trial and could not furnish bail.

W.E. Crandall, the new superintendent has rented the Mead house. The Mead family will move to Lorain.

Thomas Fahey died at this home at S.Quarry last Thursday, age 44. He leaves a wife, two sons and two daughters.

JOHN “JACK” GRAY: My Pa talked of him a good deal when I was young: Jack Gray. What memories I have of him flicker like the flames of a candle. They’re there one moment and gone the next. I seem to recall that he lived in a little cement-block house on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Thompson (now Edson) streets, and that he drove an old red jeep. I’d say he had a dog, but I think I put the dog into my vision of him because he should’ve had one (if he didn’t). Anyway my Dad saw him as a character – a good one. He was born in Scotland and apparently had a brogue. But, again, I may be coloring the picture (so to speak) with my own crayons.

Part of what I knew of Jack Gray was that he was a kinda’ rough-and-tumble no nonsense guy if the going got rough. During the 1930s, before WW2, he owned, and operated, a little diner on Division Street he called “Shack Lunch”. From what my Dad used to say it was open all-night. And one of his specialties was a hamburger sandwich that was served between two slices of bread – not on a bun.

They always sounded good to me. And there have been times when I have made hamburger sandwiches the “Jack Gray” way (with “everything”). But kindly note it helps if the bread is toasted.

Through the years that Jack had his diner a few boneheads thought it would be a good idea to rob him. But they were mistaken. It was terrible idea. That’s because Jack kept his own gun handy. He was, according to Pa, the local champ of the Mexican Standoff.

Jack was born in 1883 so by the time the war came he was probably too old to serve as a soldier. Instead he worked as a welder at American Shipbuilding in Lorain during, and for some time following, the war.

Prior to coming to Vermilion he worked as a baker in Toledo. At that time he was married to a lady named Francis. They had no children, and later divorced. His nearest relative when he died was a nephew who lived in Marysville, O.

I’ve been told that he (at one time) owned a good deal of the land west of Jefferson, and south of Thompson streets to the creek. Our Oakwood Drive home now occupies a small piece of that property.

Jack died on December 4, 1962 just shortly before “Coonie” Neiding built our house in his Allendale allotment on the property Jack once owned. He passed away while a resident of Hall’s Rest Home in Vermilion. Hall’s home is the large Pelton house on the northeast corner of Liberty and Decatur streets across from the Vermilion Police Station. He was interred at Maple Grove.

I wish I’d know more of him.

WHAT I DIDN’T INHERIT: Thus far we have two vintage Vermilion High diplomas at the museum. One mentioned is that of Irene Miller-Todd-Severance (1911). The other is my mother’s (1924).

Part of the reason I mention them is their size. They’re about 2 x 2.5 feet in size. My mother’s is currently in the window of the museum. [I thought folks might be interested in seeing how large they were in times past.]

Inside my mother’s diploma was this scrolled transcript (above) of her school courses and grades. From what I can tell she was a pretty good student. I did not inherit her abilities in math and business – just this transcript.

But seriously, it’s an interesting document. When one graduated from high school in 1924 it appears that you really had to earn your diploma. The curriculum appears to have been rigorous. My hardest class, on the other hand, was lunch.

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.