"At Work & Play"
SHOPTALK: On the desktops this week are an old advertisement for a No. 38B Quick Focus Kodak Camera c.1906 and what used to be a Pelton house on the northeast corner of Liberty and Decatur streets (the house across from Vermilion’s current Police station).
You can read more about the Kodak camera in the artifacts section of “VV” (below) this week. And if you’re very interested I did a video for the FaceBook page that you can access by clicking on the link at the end of Shoptalk.
The old Pelton residence (pic. C.1908) looks very much the same today as it did a hundred years ago. I believe that one of the Roth brothers owns the house now. Back in the 1950s it was known as Hall’s Rest Home.
I set a goal of having two rooms in the apartment finished by January 15th.
My good friend Al Crozier also came by during the week. He have me the aforementioned Kodak camera. It is vintage 1906 and well used – but I suspect that it would work if there were any film available for it. As I’ve already mentioned more details about the camera can be found in the “Artifacts” section of “VV”.
Jim Gross, founder of the Gross Plumbing company stopped at the museum recently. I probably learned more about him that he learned about our museum. He’s a very interesting fellow.
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.
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 Museum727 Grand Street Vermilion, Ohio 44089440.967.4555.
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,
On Perry Street
NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS C.1948: This, obviously, is not a good photograph, but it is interesting. I am only able to identify seven of the children: Lynn Roberts (Hurd), my brother, Albert, Eddie Marks, Leslie Roberts (Ennis), and my sisters Ginny Tarrant (Wilkes), Eleanor Tarrant (Slocum), and Zella “Butchie” Tarrant Bolyard.
They’re standing in front of the Tarrant Family home at 510 Perry Street. The Boone cement block house that is now directly across the street behind the kids has yet to be built. But Grandma Boone’s home (right back) is clearly visible. The little tree just behind the group is now a big tree.
Four of the seven children – Lynn, Al, Ellie, and Butch have since moved into the next life. But I do remember all with much affection. It all seems like yesterday.
WELL’S DREAM: Where dear old Vermilion's flowing / Where the weeds and thistles grew./ Where the rippling waters flowing / Where the hoboes wash their clothes / It's a lovely stream of water / and everybody knows / There are no Chinese laundries / Where the Vermilion River flows.
The above song (Days In Vermilion) was sung and introduced by F.B. Maxfield and appeared in the 125th Anniversary Historical Edition of The Vermilion News on August 25, 1962. I seriously doubt that the comment about Chinese laundries was intended to be discriminatory. There was no mention of when this song was written or introduced to the public, but it was well before the development of what we have come to know as the Vermilion Lagoons; the Cape Cod on Lake Erie.
I use it to take you back in time when that which existed in that area were weeds' and thistles. It was mainly swampland. There was a worn path that ran from Linwood Hill to the river that folks used to get to Cloudy's (Louis Noel's) ferry that transported people up, down and across the river to a thriving little village called Vermilion.
During an era known as The Great Depression in our nation a man named Wells, who owned The Wells Construction Company in Cleveland, had a brainstorm. He knew the depression would someday end, and he wanted to keep his company going. He employed many men. To keep that company going he had to find work for them.
Wells looked at that old swamp that ran along the Vermilion River from Linwood Hill to Lake Erie and saw opportunity. He could dredge lagoons from parts of the swamp, pile the rich soil on the sides of the lagoons, let the wet soil dry, smooth it out, and make it into a water-side housing development.
An agreement transferring the marshland from the Smith estate to the Wells Marine Construction Company of Cleveland was finalized in October of 1929. Mayor, E.S. Welch was given notice of this project during the last week of that month.
The initial stage of the plan was to build a road that would run from Lake Road, south of Linwood, to the lake. It called for the construction of a 250' lagoon, and a smaller one near the lake. The road would later be known as Portage Drive. The proposed lot size was 50 x 125'.
Construction was to begin on December 15th and continue throughout the winter with the expectation of having part of it completed by early summer.
This was a formidable task. And I suppose there were many town folks who laughed at the idea. After all, who in their right mind would want to build a house in an old marsh. It was (and remains) in a flood plain. But Wells forged ahead, and he did it.
The photograph shown gives you a rare look at one of the first structures (if not the first) in the Vermilion Lagoons. Then it was called the "Boat Landing Club House." Later people would come to know it as the Beach House. It has recently been rebuilt. The view in this photograph would be impossible to recreate today with very good reason.
Wells' folly became one of the most popular home development projects on Lake Erie. One home after another went up. Residents had ready access to their boats along the lagoon that fronted their homes. The view was / is spectacular from their living and dining areas. The gulls, cranes, and other odd-looking waterfowl soared over the water and roosted along their docks waiting for a stray fish. There was also a great deal of continuity among the houses. All were white. Most had green trimmings. But once in a while black crept into the trim. It truly looked, and continues to look like a tiny Cape Cod village.
Occasionally, bad times would visit the place. When the ice froze thick in the river, and the thaws came, ice jams would form, and the water would surge through the lovely homes. Yet this was true of all the homes and cottages on the river. In later years the Vermilion Port Authority has made an attempt to keep the ice from getting too thick from the bridge to the mouth of the channel. They break it with some regularity. The only thing that can ruin this wonderful place is a flood like we experienced on July 4, 1969. Nothing would stop that.
But I know the spirit of the people who inhabit the Vermilion Lagoons, as well as others who live in the plain. They just pick it up, and start over again.
Mr. Wells had a dream. It was the Vermilion Lagoons. That dream came true.
(NOTE: Most of the technical information was obtained from the archived files of The Vermilion News on microfilm at The Ritter Public Library. Researching the micro files can be a tedious task. I thank my brother, AI, for helping me with this article.)
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.33 – Jan. 25, 1906.
In the probate court of Monday Lucy Parker was appointed Administratrix of the estate of the late Amelia Drake of Vermilion.
This showed total receipts of $3,256.49, derived from money deposited in banks and the sale of lands. After payment of expenses of the last sickness and burial, there was a balance of $3,135.21, which went to the Administratrix as heir.
14 indictments were returned by the grand jury Monday afternoon. Those made public are: John J. Esch, embezzlement. James Stackhouse, robbery. William Ault, carrying concealed weapons. Frank Anderson, carrying concealed weapons. Frank Anderson, carrying concealed weapons. William Roach, cutting with intent to wound and maim.Herman Hauck, forgery (two indictments). Roy Dawes, assault and battery.Frank Montowsky, larceny and receiving stolen property. John Counter, Thomas Vanderpool and Isaac Trainter, burglary and larceny. Louis N. Stoughton and Otto Holderer, keeping a gambling house.Louis N. Stoughton and Otto Holderer, being common gamblers.
[VV Ed. Note: John Counter, et al are the geniuses who broke into Krapp’s Saloon in Vermilion and partook of whiskey and cigars. Later Counter’s houseboat mysteriously caught fire on the river and was sunk.]
Mrs. Anna E. Washburn, plaintiff in a divorce suit against her husband, Orina D. Washburn was Saturday, awarded the sum of $2 a week for the support of her child, to be paid by her husband during the dependency of the suit. The motion for temporary alimony came up for hearing before Judge Reed, who also ordered Washburn to pay his wife the sum of $15 within the next ten days.
A meeting of about thirty businessmen was held Wednesday evening to appoint a committee to transact business for the subscribers toward the Wakefield Brass factory. Following are the members chosen:
E.L. Coen, W.A. Tischer, Geo. Fischer, Dr. Quigley and C.E. Decker.
Prospects are good for the committee and Mr. Wakefield coming to an agreement soon and we hope the factory will soon be a reality.
Mr. Wakefield is a reliable and responsible man and our citizens should use every endeavor to assist in bringing the factory here.
[VV Ed. Note: I reiterate that this is an historically noteworthy news bite. Until Wakefield located in Vermilion the town had had minimal success with the businesses it had attracted. The stove-plant was a bust. Whether that enterprise was doomed by changing times (i.e. the gradual switch from free-standing heating systems to central systems as well as union problems) or bad business practices it never really worked out.]
Mrs. Johanna Amalia Stueckrath, whose maiden name was List, was born at Swickan, Saxony, Germany April 25th, 1833. She was confirmed at the age of14, and thus united with the church in Germany. In the year 1852 she was united in marriage to Mr. Morris Schneider. As a seal to the union 2 girls and 3 boys were born. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider with one child came to this country in 1854.
In 1858 the deceased entered a second marriage contract this time with Mr. George Stueckrath. A boy and girl were born to them.
Mrs. Stueckrath went to her eternal home Jan. 22nd, 1906, having reached the age of 72 years 8 mo. and 29 days. She was a member of the Reformed church since 1866 and always faithfully attended to her duties as long as she was able. May she rest in peace!
The new and attractive feature of dancing by moonlight will be afforded those who will attend the dance at the Firemen’s Hall Saturday evening Jan 27. Admission 50c per couple. All invited.
A man giving his name as W.H. Miller, and claiming to be a L.S.Y M.S. passenger engineer called on one of the city merchants and bought an article for $38 to be delivered the next day. He said he was good for the a mount because he owned and farm just west of the overhead bridge on the Cleveland road about seven miles east of the city. He claimed that he was buying the articles for a present to a neighbor of his in the vicinity.
He said he was short of funds and asked the merchant to accommodate him by accepting a check on a bank in the city for $ more than the price of the articles. The merchant handed over the two dollars, but after the stranger went away the merchant became suspicious.
He enquired of some of the businessmen in the city if they knew Miller and all said he was a stranger to them. The man who was defrauded telephoned a general merchant at Fields. He replied that no such a man as miller lived near Fields.
There were other businessmen who were beaten by the slick fakir. One had cashed a check for $14.50 for Miller. When the checks were presented at the bank they were turned down as being of no value. The businessmen who were gulled do not like the particulars to be known and their names are suppressed.
The stranger is five feet eight inches in length, with dark complexion and wore a nice black suit. He is about 150 pounds in weight. His necktie, was black and he wore a black felt hat. He spoke in German. Detective Whitney is trying to trace Miller – Elyria Chronicle.
The announcement of the death of Miss Jeannette Willard which occurred at the home of her sister Mrs. Charles Jenkins of Bowling Green, O., Friday Jan.19, was received with sadness and sorrow by her many friends who were scarcely aware of her serious illness.
Nettie had been attending high school at Florence until she went to Bowling Green to spend her Thanksgiving vacation, where disease laid hold of her which developed in brain fever, and at that loving hands…[words are blurred…and the precious one, so dearly loved, was called home.
Nettie was the daughter of Mr. Stanley Willard, and was seventeen years of age.
The funeral services were held at Joppa church Monday Jan. 22. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery.
The work of moving the L.S.E. track 100 feet south to make room for the new Wheeling slip was begun Monday.
Born – To Mr. and Mrs. Dalhofer Saturday Jan. 20, a son.
Mr. John Black is reported very ill at his ome west of town.
Mrs. Peter H. Hahn is reported very ill.
Mrs. Mary Pelton is reported quite ill.
Mrs. E.G. Merrill, mother of Rev. Geo E. Merrill died at Haverhill, Mass. Yesterday morning, at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 24 days.
The sale of the Zilch property took place today.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Haserodt of Cleveland last week. Mrs. H. is the daughter of Elihu Cuddeback.
The household goods of the late Mrs. Drake will be sold at auction Saturday at 1 o’clock.
Nuhn Bros. who have purchased Geo. L. Krapp’s saloon business will hold a grand opening and serve free chicken lunch Saturday Jan 26. They expect to conduct the business in a first class manner.
The Vermilion Base Ball team have elected the following officers:
Coach – Chas. Heidloff Pres. – Chas Barber V. Pres. – C.S. Buremann Secy. and Treas. – Chas. Heidloff Mgr. – Chas Barber Mascot – Verne Leidheiser.
The election of Captain has been deferred.
Rev. Wm. G. Klein was called to Brownhelm yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. Two young people wanted him to make them happy. Of course he gladly responded and united Mr. John Krapp and Miss Laura Fullmer in the inseparable and hold bonds of matrimony, and made them one for life.
Mr. Krapp is one of the popular young men of Vermilion. Mrs. Krapp is a highly esteemed young lady and was a very active worker in the Reformed church in Brownhelm. The young couple have all indications of a bright future before them and their many friends wish the best things. My they have a pleasant and safe journey on the sea of life and when its labors are done have a certain entrance into the Eternal Haven.
The Elma B. Smith Co. gave one of the finest entertainments ever given in Vermilion at the Opera House Friday night under the auspices of the school Literary society. Miss Smith’s child mimicry was exceptionally fine and her imitation of the crying baby was perfect. The playing of Mr. H. Benne Henton of the Saxophone and Clarinet was marvelous the tone qualities being exquisite. The other members of the company were also much appreciated and all applauded in a manner which showed how well they have pleased the audience.
[VV Ed. Note: I can’t help chuckling a bit about this article. I just have to wonder about folks who would pay to hear anyone imitate a crying baby. I’d rather watch paint dry. How entertaining could this have been – or could life have been that boring in ’06?]
Representative Hunt of Hamilton County has by request introduced a bill in the house, which if it is ratified and becomes a law will permit physicians upon request of the patient to chloroform to death persons of sound mind who are afflicted with incurable diseases or who are mortally injured and are suffering a great agony. The age limit under which chloroform may be used has been left a blank, for consideration of the committee.
[VV Ed. Note: This is really an interesting article. Euthanasia remains a divisive issue today. It’s apparently been one for a very long time in our society.]
Catherine Farber commenced a suit in the court of common pleas on Monday against Werner and Mary Zilch, husband and wife for equitable relief and injunction.
The plaintiff is the owner of a life estate in 215 acres of land with dwelling house barns, and out buildings thereon, in Vermilion township. She states that in February 1904 she leased the farm to the defendants and each party was to furnish one half of the livestock and the defendants were to furnish working horses and farming implements. As the defendants had no means she says that in the spring of 1905 she loaned them cash and furnished property in the sum of $750 for which they gave notes falling due in January and May 1905. The notes have not been paid and the defendants have failed to deliver to the plaintiff her share of the income of the livestock and produce raised on the farm, but have sold the property, one-half of which belongs to the plaintiff, and appropriated the proceeds for their own use.
It is stated that Werner Zilch did not sign the lease but was present at the time his wife signed it and agreed to carry out is terms, and agreed also that he would farm the land in a good and workmanlike manner and represented that he had the necessary experience; but the plaintiff says that she has since learned he is a carpenter by trade and actually possesses no knowledge of the care and management of a farm like one referred to. Plaintiff claims that the defendants have not skillfully and properly farmed the place and by their conduct have forfeited their right to continue longer in possession. She says that in August last, realizing their incapacity to manage and conduct the farm they notified her of their intention to quit in March next whereupon plaintiff rented 36 acres to a neighboring farmer who sowed it in wheat, and also rented 60 acres to another farmer to cultivate in the seas of 1906, on shares. Plaintiff says the defendants are giving out by their talk that they are not going to surrender the farm but intend to remain thereon for another year and that they will live upon the remises and keep the plaintiff out of the possession, and , further, that they will not recognize the rental of any part of the land as already made by the plaintiff.
For these reasons the plaintiff asks that the lease be declared forfeited, that the defendants be ordered to surrender possession of the premises to the plaintiff on March 1st, next, and that they be enjoi9ng from interfering with the plaintiff in her taking possession of and using the premises as she sees fit.
The case of the State of Ohio for the use of Erie county vs. Augustus Neiding of Vermilion township is now in the common pleas court on appeal from the court of Justice Baumhart of Vermilion.
The state claims the re-payment of money alleged to have been drawn by Neiding from the county treasury on an alleged false and fraudulent claim for sheep killed by dogs. Justice Baumhart found in favor of the state for $4 and Neiding attempted to settle on this basis, but Prosecutor Williams appealed the case. Neiding filed his answer on Thursday claiming he was justly entitled to the amount he received.
An amended petition has been filed in the court of common pleas in the case of Charles Krahulec vs. the Cleveland-Sandusky Brewing Co. wherein plaintiff asks judgment for $15,000 for personal injuries.
Krahulec was employed as a watchman at the Kuebeler brewery and also worked in and about a brewing kettle, and while so engaged he sustained an accident by which his left arm was entangled in a malt drying machine and torn from his body near the shoulder. He claimed negligence on the part of the defendant company in several particulars.
The plaintiff in the personal injury case of Fred P. Wieland vs. the Lake Shore Electric Railway Co., pending in the court of common pleas, has filed a motion to strike from the answer of the defendant certain matters which he claims are redundant and irrelevant. These are statements to the effect that if the plaintiff was injured at the defendants power house by falling into a pit the danger of the situation was well known to him before the injury and that he assumed such risk and that he was guilty of a want of care in falling to protect himself form open and apparent danger.
Spring weather is gone. Toads have gone to sleep again and winter is with us again.
Dance for preparatory dancing lessons was given in Gibson’s hall last Friday night.
Mr. Ed Howe has gone to Chagrin Falls to visit his sister.
Many children are still having Whooping Cough.
John Fraley to Jennie E. Risden, 5.51 acres in section 3, outlot 19, Vermilion township, $300.
C.C. Baumhart to A.D. Baumhart, parts of lots 25 and 26, block 31, Vermilion village, $2,000.
Amaretta R. Cuddeback, et al. to Christ Nuhn, 7.62 acres in section 3, outlot 5, Vermilion township, $105.
Hmmmmmm....
THE WAY IT ONCE WAS (OR NOT): [VV Ed. Note: I WAS IN ERROR WHEN I WROTE THIS PIECE. THE BRIDGE ON THE LEFT IS ACTUALLY THE OLD WAGON / AUTO BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER. THE L.S.E BRIDGE WAS JUST A SMALL DISTANCE SOUTH (TO THE LEFT) OF THIS BRIDGE IN THE PICTURED SCENE. MY MISTAKE IS BOTH GLARING AND EMBARASSING – BUT I LEFT IT AS IT APPEARED WHEN IT WAS PUBLISHED IN 2002 FOR “AULD LANG SYNE”. MOST OF THE INFORMATION IS, HOWEVER, ACCURATE.]
I really enjoy this photograph. I have forgotten where I obtained it. But it is very clear. Foster's Boat House and Lunch Room. It was on the west shore of the Vermilion River just to the north of the Liberty Avenue Bridge. From the. angle of the shot I'd say it was taken from the upper part of the fishery across the river where Romp's is now located. I have used a later picture of this same Boat House when it was called Smith's Boat House.
The Vermilion River Bridge in this photograph is to the left. One can just see the side rail. It is the Lake Shore Electric Bridge. The tracks crossed the river next to Foster's and then curved to the right onto Liberty Avenue where the trains went west up the street to the station. I note that there's a walkway to the upper floor of the boathouse from the road. Neither the Crow Lumber Company buildings (now Parsons) nor the Ford Garage (now Convenient and Carl Lapp's Medicine Shop) are in the picture. I knew that Frank Baker didn't construct his garage until the late '30s early '40s, and I have no idea of when Crow constructed his buildings.
While I have seen better pictures of this particular bridge and the LSE tracks I wanted to use this one because of a later picture I have of this bridge, the Vermilion River Bridge, and the NYC Bridge together. In any case, I'd like all interested to take a close look at this photo. Keep it.
When you visit the site of this bridge, located "next to the old water-tower some things will be hard to envision. The remnants of the old brick street are plainly visible. But try to imagine a house behind the boathouse. It's a big house. Try to imagine how it could have sat where it did. I remember that house. I know it was there along with a few other buildings. But if you look at the site today you'd swear it was impossible to have those buildings there.
If I'm not mistaken Ernest and Ella Hayes later owned that house. Nug Cook is one of their children. That's the reason Nug knows so much about the river life. Ernest eventually owned and operated the Bridge gas station (where Allen-Thorley-DeLloyd Insurance is located today). When I was a boy there was a little icehouse behind the gas station. Nug has told me that her parents sometimes rented rooms in that house. One of the roomers in the house was Ed Lampe of the Grandon (boat). Ed was apparently a real character around the waterfront. He got the contract to tear down the LSE Bridge when it wasn't being used anymore and lost a boat doing it.
Someday Nug may tell everyone the story about getting pushed off the LSE Bridge by Dale "Tulip" Wendell when she was a girl afraid to jump. She might also tell everyone the reason "Tulip" got his name.
The other thing I can't stop wondering about is the lunchroom in the boathouse. Having worked in the food service industry most of my life I try to imagine buying and eating food prepared and stored in such a place. That's not a negative criticism on my part. It's just that the laws pertaining to the preparation and sale of food are so specific and rigid today it's almost impossible to think that people weren't taking their .lives into their own hands when they bought and ate food from these establishments.
The ice to keep things fresh throughout the rest of the year was cut from the river and stored in well-insulated warehouses along the river. Always keep in mind that Vermilion was (at one time) a big commercial fishing village. Fish had to be stored in ice. No small part of all that fish was packed in ice and shipped by rail (both steam and electric). And even at the ripe old age of 58+ I can recall the wooden receptacle we called an "icebox" in our home on Perry Street.
An educated guess tells me that this photograph was probably taken in the 1920s. While the trees in the picture are bare and there are no people to be seen I'd say that it was very late autumn. The river is calm and low.
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.
The soil is a rich black loam. A small part, mostly embraced in the original city plat, is underlain by limestone, at a depth of from a few inches to several feet. The stone, at a greater or less depth, is to be found in all parts of the present city bounds. Within the original city plat, and in some parts of the present bounds, are found extensive quarries of the limestone suitable for building, paving streets and making lime. Such as are unfit for these purposes are used in constructing docks. The stone is of a light gray and blue. They are found in layers of an inch to several feet in thickness, increasing in thickness as the depth increases. Both stone and lime are exported in great quantities.
The first settlers were William B. Smith, Moses Farwell, Cyrus W. Marsh. These were certainly there as early as 1817. During 1818, they were reinforced by the following: John Weeden, George and Wesley Anderson, Lyman Farwell, Samuel and Leicester Walker, Abner Lyman, Ebenezer Ransom, Hector Kilbourn, Captain Ezra Wells, Joshua Martin, Haskins, Benjamin Grey, Isaac Darling, Nathan T. Jennings, William Townsend, William Hull, Daniel Newton, Clemons and his sons, John, Andrew, Alexander and Elijah, and Benajah Wolcott. Between 1818 and the spring of 1822, accessions were made as follows: William Kelley, Wyat and Alfred Hartshorn, Darius C. Henderson, John Wheeler, James Galoway, Sylvanus A. Cone, William J. Bills, Frederick Devoe, John N. Sloane, John G. Grunlief, Galen Atkins, David and John K. Campbell, Sarah Henderson, Abner Root, Eleutheros Cooke, Milton Jennings, Thomas McGee, Amos McLouth and F. D. Parish, and probably a few others.
The first merchant was Zalmon Wildman (by Moors Farwell, then followed William Townsend and Jennings & Darling. McMurry and Wm. Kelly, druggists. Tavern keepers: 1. Cyrus W. Marsh; 2. E. Wheeler and Galloway; 3. Mrs. Sarah Henderson and her son-in-law. Colonel Abner Root. John N. Sloane, jeweler. Darius C. Henderson, John G. Grunlief and Colonel Thorp, bakers. Samuel and Leicester Walker, and Abner Lyman, carpenters and joiners. Wm. Kelly, stone mason. S. H. Stearns, Samuel Pennewell, tanners and curriers. Galen Atkins, shoemaker. Milton Jennings and Alexander Clemons, cabinet makers. Abner Root, saddle and harness maker. Sylvanus A. Cone, butcher.
The first physician was George Anderson, who commenced practice in 1818. He was from the State of New York, having been a pupil of Dr. White, of Cherry Valley. He was the only physician in the place for many years. He died of the cholera in 1821. Eleutheros Cooke was the first lawyer in the place. He had resided in Bloomingville three or four years, removed to Sandusky in the fall of 1821. F. D. Parish followed in the spring of 1822. The next accession occurred about 1825-6—Lucas S. Beecher and John F. Campbell; others appeared from time to time, too fast to admit of enumeration.
Early attention was given to this subject by the pioneers. The first school was opened in a log cabin, on lot one, Wayne street, in 1818. Miss Sallie Stimpson was the teacher. It was sustained by those who furnished the scholars. In 1819 or ‘20, Messrs. Jennings & Darling put up a small frame school house on the west end of lot number seven, Washington Row, on the south end of which now stands the Cooke house. The lot was sold in 1828, and the purchaser made terms with the owners of the schoolhouse, and converted it into a dwelling. In the same year, Isaac Darling built a similar schoolhouse on ground now covered by the Episcopal Church. This was used both for schools and religious meetings by all denominations, until 1836, when it was removed to Mr. Darling's lot, number eleven, on Wayne street, where it now constitutes a part of the southern dwelling on that lot. Schools up to this time, and even later, were select schools, sustained by such as sent scholars. A widow lady, by the name of Boyse, taught select schools for many years with great success.
In 1828, a stone building was commenced by an association of individuals, designed for an academy and other purposes, as the owners might from time to time determine. The builders united in a joint stock company, in shares of twenty dollars each. Fifty-two persons subscribed for one to ten shares each. The building was of stone, three stories, in height. It remained, however, mostly in an unfinished state. In 1834, the first floor at the east end was finished into one room, with desks and raised seats, and used by the Congregational Church for meetings; and it was used, for a time, by Miss Niells, for a select ladies' school. In 1838-9, by arrangement with the stockholders, it was appropriated for a temporary courthouse for the then newly organized county of Erie. It was used as such for over thirty years, till the present new court house was finished. It is now used by the city schools. Soon after the erection of this academy building, the schools were organized under the State laws, and the schools of the city, from primary to the high school, compare favorably, to say the least, with those of other cities in the State.
As early as 1827, a library association was organized, and a small number of books collected. F. D. Parish was the librarian till 1840, when the books then remaining were transferred [sic] to the Sandusky Lyceum association. Afterwards the library passed into the hands of the young men's library association, and, by the latter, it was transferred to the ladies'…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
NOT JUST ANY CAMERA: As stated several times prior my good friend, Al Crozier, recently donated this beautiful camera to the museum. And though it has clearly been used a great deal it would still be a working device if film were available for it.
It is formally known as a No 38B Quick Focus Kodak camera. The Eastman Company manufactured this box camera from 1905 to 1911. It was originally priced at $12.00. Lest one get the wrong idea (i.e. that this was a cheap product) due to inflation that twelve bucks would now be around $300 today. It would have been a medium priced camera in 1906.
The camera is relatively uncommon, perhaps because of its large size, and would qualify as "Hard to Find" outside of the US.
The camera is leather covered with 3 removable sides as a single piece to access the roll film for loading. It has a spring-loaded front panel that extends automatically to a preset focusing distance on pressing the “hidden button” on the side. (I have no idea as to the reason the button is “hidden” – but it certainly is.)
This is a nice addition to the camera collection at the museum.
A real woman is a man's best friend. She will never stand him up and never let him down. She will reassure him when he feels insecure and comfort him after a bad day. She will inspire him to do things he never thought he could do; to live without fear and forget regret. She will enable him to express his deepest emotions and give in to his most intimate desires. She will make sure he always feels as though he's the most handsome man in the room and will enable him to be the most confident, sexy, seductive and invincible man alive.
No wait...sorry. I am thinking of scotch. It's scotch that does all that.
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'".
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.
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 42 - December 28, 2013
© 2013 Rich Tarrant