_{The Super}

WILLIAM H. MITCHELL: This good-looking chap was Vermilion School Superintendent back in 1919. I believe he still held that position when my mother graduated from VHS in 1924. He retired in 1930.

Mitchell was born in Indiana in 1853 and grew up in Galion, Ohio. His father was a minister. As a young man he worked as a “merchant” when he met and married his wife Clara. By 1900 he had furthered his education and was school superintendent in New London, Ohio. And by 1910 he was hired to run the Vermilion schools.

William and Clara had two children, Caroline (Haines) and Walter. Clara died right around the year he retired (c.1930). He died at 2 o’clock in the morning on his 84th birthday.

His funeral was held in his home with Rev. English of the First Congregational Church presiding – and he is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery.

His contributions to the community of Vermilion, Ohio were substantial.

_{"Life ... wasn't likely "roaring" during those years, but it was at least humming.”}

1920S COMMUNICATION CENTER: March 1927 - The world was changing. The "War To End All Wars" - W.W.I (1914-18) - had come to an end and Americans seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. By 1920 the U.S. Census indicated that a majority of American citizens had become urbanites. In January of the same year Congress approved the 18th Amendment to our Constitution, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages throughout the nation. More than a few very law-abiding citizens summarily ignored it. In August of 1920 Congress passed the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote in all elections. This law was not ignored. By the end of the decade automobiles, telephones, radios, and electric washing machines would become part of nearly every American household. The vice president of the DuPont Company and General Motors, avowed that persons investing only $15 a month in the stock market could easily make $80,000 in 20 years. It was a decade historians and romantics would come to call the "The Roaring Twenties."

Life in the bustling Village of Vermilion, Ohio wasn't likely "roaring" during those years, but it was at least humming. In August of 1922 the Spanish War Veterans Association of Cleveland purchased the old Johnson Farm a few miles west of town with intentions of building a "planned community" for veterans and their families they would call, appropriately enough, Volunteer Bay. In September of the same year Lyle Tischer purchased the old F.V. Pelton grocery store on South Street (now Bicycle Bill's) from C.A. Nuhn. The Bank of Vermilion was paying 4% interest on savings accounts, and urging folks to invest in commodities. Vermilion's high school registration records (1922) showed it to be the largest high school in Erie County. And although the South Street School didn't officially opened its doors to the upper six grades (approximately 250 pupils) in the system until the 1927-28 school year the VHS Class of 1927 used the school's new auditorium for their graduation exercises. Yessiree - things were humming along aright.

Atop the building that is now home to the Old Prague Restaurant on Liberty Avenue in Vermilion the word "humming" would have been a literal term describing activities there in 1927. It was the telecommunications center for all businesses and families in the village. A single supervisor oversaw the activities of two female operators manning two switchboard consoles (pictured). It appears that the tasks being performed by these operators was neither easy nor glamorous.

A work area like this today would most certainly be unacceptable. It does not appear to be well lit - although the presence of the fan atop the large console indicates that electricity was available. However; the oil lamp on a shelf near the wall suggests that the electric lighting was not extremely dependable. The absence of protective coverings on all the connections to and from the switchboards, etc. - while not allowable today - was commonplace when Vermilion News editor Pearl Roscoe took this photograph in March of 1927. There is, however, a fire extinguisher hanging on the wall in case of an emergency.

Yet, be all that as it was, the three ladies in the photo (whose identities are unknown) appear to have been in tune with the fashions of the times. Gone were the days of full-length dresses and long hair replaced by shorter skirts and short "bobbed" hair. Although some mistakenly assume that all dresses of the era were short, both dress and coat lengths of the period were actually calf length and quite long for most of the decade. Note the chiffon-sleeved dress worn by the supervisor, her fur-trimmed coat hanging on the wall, and her stylish cloche hat just above her desk. These may not have been signs of extreme wealth; but they surely indicate that some measure of uniform prosperity had been achieved during the decade.

While this photo hardly affords anyone an alluring / romantic view of the "The Roaring Twenties" as it touched the lives of pe1'sons in our community - Roscoe's undistorted portrait of that yesteryear serves as an accurate historical record of the epoch as it unfolded in the heart of America.

_{Ref: Vermilion Area Archival Society; Pearl Roscoe Photo Collection.}

Vol. X – NO.2 – June 21, 1906.

COURT NOTES

An order of sale has been returned to the probate court by Louise Ritter, administratix of the estate of John Ritter, deceased. The property in question was sold to George B. McConnelly, for $1,500, its appraised value.

The will of the late Mallvina [sic] B. Stall of Vermillion, has been filed in the probate court. The testatrix bequeaths all her real and personal property to her husband, Harris Stall, and in the event of his remarriage she directs that it pass to the heirs Miles and Charles Lander. The real estate consists of three village lots in Ceylon, and the personal property consists of household furniture. The will, which was executed on Oct. 10, 1904, directs that there be no appraisement of the estate.

John and Caroline Miller, who are the owners of unplatted farm lands in the village of Vermilion and which lands are used and occupied for farm purposes have instituted a suit in the court of Common Pleas to be detached from said corporation and attached to the township of Vermilion. They allege that they are so far from the business portion of the village that they receive practically no benefits from any of the municipal improvements.

The suit of Belford Crosier vs. the Village of Vermilion is set for next Monday.

Clippings

Capt. P.H. Finley, for 40 years a resident of Oberlin is dead. He was 75 years old.

The population of the U.S. is growing at the rate of nearly 1,500,000 per year.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: In comparison 317,297,938 little people were added to the rolls of the U.S. in 2013.]}

The C.E. Union lost about $200 on their excursion to Put-in-Bay from Lorain last week Tuesday.

Wm. Shackelford of Lorain has filed a suit in bankruptcy. He is a dealer in general merchandise. Liabilities $1,089.02, assets unknown.

Harold P. White a senior of the Oberlin High school was drowned while swimming in the Sherburne quarry at Henrietta last Friday. Expert divers from Lorain were required to secure the body, which was in 30 feet of water.

Amasa West while driving a team on an Oberlin street was run down by a Limited on the C.& S.W. and severely injured. One horse had to be killed. No blame is attached to the motorman as it is claimed by onlookers that the car was running at a moderate speed. West is deaf and near sighted.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: YIKES!!!]}

BIRMINGHAM

Continued dry weather is very discouraging to farmers and gardeners.

Rev. Mr. Foss occupied the pulpit at the M.E. church last Sunday taking Mr. Knapp’s place.

Birmingham’s baseball team seems to be looking up a little. They beat Kipton’s team last Saturday.

Mr. Elbert Toft was buried from his former home last Thursday. Mr. Toft was well known to others beside the people of his home town, having done business in the office of justice of the Peace and Notary Public in years past, but his health failed having brain trouble, he was obliged to refrain from business of any kind. The widow one child, Mrs. Scott of Wakeman, one brother and one sister survive him, beside a host of friends.

AXTEL

We are pleased to hear that Mrs. P.J. Miller is again able to be out.

Mr. S.B. Grove died at his home Tuesday June 19. The funeral will be held Friday, 1 o’clock at the house – two at the A.C. Church.

Mrs. F. Champney attended the funeral of Mrs. H.I. Herirtt of Elyria Tuesday.

Meeting will be held at the A.C. church Sunday. Rev. W.A. Brown will occupy the pulpit.

Remember the “Town” display of fireworks to be held on the Fourth.

Governor Pattison Dead.

The people of Ohio are in mourning today, the man of the people is dead. Elected in defiance of bossism he has survived but a few months to reap the fruit of his victory.

His has been a season of sickness and suffering, but the influence was there, and much has been accomplished by way of reform

Today the last and sad rites will be performed and the hustling, busy people of this rich and prosperous state will pause for a short season to honor his memory. Then renewed activity will reign again. Governor Pattison is dead; will other continue in his work.

Governor Harris has called on the people of the state to suspend business between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. today.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: Ohio Governor John M. Pattison was born near Owensville, Ohio in 1847. He joined the Union Army during the Civil War in 1864. After the war ended, Pattison attended Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating in 1869. He graduated from Cincinnati Law School in 1872, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. Pattison briefly served in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1873 before working as an executive at an insurance company. Pattison was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1890 after briefly serving in the Ohio Senate. He served one term from 1891 to 1893, but lost an 1892 bid for re-election. Pattison was elected governor in 1905 and entered office in January 1906 serving until his death at the age of 59 in June of ‘06.]}

Shepherd Grover Dead.

Shepherd Grover an aged resident of Axtel died at his home Tuesday, age 87 years.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1;00 at the house and at the Axtel church at 2:00.

Locals.

Summer visitors have begun to arrive.

There has [sic] been two large picnics at Linwood so far this week.

Vermilion will celebrate the glorious Fourth of July. Come and help us.

It is reported that the Lakeside Inn has been sold to a Cleveland Club.

Myron Blattner had his arm broken by a fall from a tricycle one day last week.

Willie Ries underwent another operation at the Lorain hospital last week. He is reported as getting along all right.

Mrs. H.W. Moody and children left for Chicago Monday to join Capt. Moody. They expect to take a trip up the lakes.

H. Schmoll has been quite busy taking care of the rubbish as specified by the council and we notice that nearly everybody had a liberal supply of old cans, etc. ready when he called. This scheme for caring for such trash we believe will be very satisfactory.

Gladys Hughes had the misfortune to break one of her arms in two places while out riding in an automobile car with a little companion. In some manner they were capsized with the result as above state. Dr. Quigley was called and made the sufferer as comfortable as possible.

The L.S.E. Ry. puts on several more cars today. The number of Limiteds will be increased. The timetable will appear in full up-to-date next week.

Delker Post G.A.R. recently received a letter of thanks from Lorain Post No. 448 G.A.R. for their attendance and participation in the Decoration day services held in that city. They expressed themselves as being highly honored by the visit and gave the Vermilion comrades the post of honor in the parade.

WANTED – Girl for general work; without washing, plain cooking. Apply Rowland J. cottage, Linwood Park.

Another transformer same capacity as the one already in use is being placed in the Electric sub-station this week.

Dr. and Mrs. Boss of Birmingham are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby girl.

A.D. Baumhart’s ice cream factory is again busy. The quality is as usual, first class for which Vermilion is becoming famous. There’s nothing like it.

Go to Millers for the fine Confectionery, Ice Cream Soda, Oranges, Lemons, bananas and fresh roasted peanuts. If you don’t see what you want when you call ask for it.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: I don’t know if the same building still exists – but at one time Millers Confectionery was located on Division (now Main) Street in the southern room of what is currently (2014) Shadduck’s gift store. This is one of the stores below the Masonic Temple. When I was a boy the Naegele Meat Market occupied the room.]}

Yesterday (Wednesday) on the 2:30 Sandusky Limited – While coming home on the above-mentioned car Mr. N. Wagner of this place was presented very unexpectedly through the car window with a pair of brass knuckles. The fine broken glass from the window struck Mr. Wagner in the face cutting his lips so that it required the assistance of a doctor to take them out. The Ry. Co. will undoubtedly make a thorough investigation.

C.F. Decker is in a Cleveland hospital where he underwent a successful operation Tuesday. Mrs. Decker has our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

The members of the Reformed church will give a farewell reception for Rev. Klein and family Friday evening at the parsonage on the lawn. All members and friends are cordially invited.

Chas. H. Jay of the Den & Jay Fish Co. of Ashtabula was home to spend Sunday with his folks.

Sam Edge of Waterloo, Ind. is a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leidheiser.

Miss Enid Brown received a check this week for a story published in the “Class Mate” published in New York. This publication is the leading publication of the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday school literature. This is the second article that Miss Brown has had accepted and received pay for.

Brief and Breezy

It would be a graceful courtesy for the June bride to step to one side and let the sweet girl graduate bask in the limelight for a few minuets.

Mr. Bryan is not chasing the nomination [for president], it probably will find him making no violent efforts to get away.

[blockquote>

_{[VV. Ed. Note: William Jennings Bryan was a leading American politician from the 1890s until his death in 1925. He was a dominant force in the populist wing of the Democratic Party, standing three times as the Party's candidate for President of the United States.- Wikipedia.]}

We can now see why the coal bills were so heavy by the time the product got to the consumer. The coal was obliged to stop at almost every station along the way and toss off a little bag of graft.

Sousa is right. The phonograph should be suppressed when it belongs to one of the neighbors, who has no idea that others ever want to sleep. Of course, if it belongs to you, the suppression of the sweet musical instrument would be an infringement on your constitutional rights.

[VV. Ed. Note: In Sousa’s essay "The Menace of Mechanical Music," 1906, he wrote in part: “On a matter upon which I feel so deeply, and which I consider so far-reaching, I am quite willing to be reckoned an alarmist, admittedly swayed in part by personal interest, as well as by the impending harm to American musical art. I foresee a marked deterioration in American music and musical taste, an interruption in the musical development of the country, and a host of other injuries to music in its artistic manifestations, by virtue – or rather by vice – of the multiplication of the various music-reproducing machines. When I add to this that I myself and every other popular composer are victims of a serious infringement on our clear moral rights in our own work…”

Oddly enough, one of the most precious records I own is an original Sousa recording – and I feel very fortunate to have it. I’m sorry John, but I feel so very lucky to be able to hear you work first hand – albeit a hundred years removed.

_{"...very little of the building remains as a passing curiosity to an occasional hiker..."}

HURON IRON COMPANY: There’s a plaque near the northwest corner of Darrow and Vermilion¬-Savannah (a.k.a. State Route #60) Roads that, quite noticeably, goes unnoticed by most passers-by. In a nutshell it tells the story of a day when the community of Vermilion, 0., then part of Huron County, was an iron producing region. Although local residents have long referred to the spot as "Furnace Corners," the root of the appellation - the reason for its being called "Furnace Corners" has become as nearly obscure as the ruins of the old plant itself. Now but a pile of hand hewn stone , its wooden bones long turned to dust, very little of the building remains as a passing curiosity to an occasional hiker and to the diverse and sundry denizens of the Ohio woodlands which surround it. What took place here in just a yesteryear is, almost, forgot.

In the year 1834 three men - most notably Messrs. Ford, Sanford, and Tracy from the Geauga Iron Company formed the Huron Iron Company. They apparently chose the area just south of the soon to be incorporated Village of Vermilion because of its proximity to bog iron ore and other deposits found beneath the nearby lake ridge formations. Bog iron ore refers to impure iron deposits that develop in bogs or swamps by the chemical or biochemical oxidation of iron carried in the solutions. It was discovered during the Pre-Roman Iron Age, and most Viking era iron was smelted from bog ore. It was widely sought in colonial America, and during the American Revolution it was used by the military forces to manufacture cannon balls. It was also used in the manufacture of various castings used in shipbuilding, wrought iron railings, cooking and heating stoves, plows, kettles and a plethora of miscellaneous household and farm implements. There was, therefore, not only a tremendous need for these items in colonial America, but also the post-Revolution America, which included the settlement and development of our community. Consequently the proprietors of the Huron Iron Company constructed a blast furnace for the manufacture of such items south of town. Lined with native sandstone it was 30 feet high and 9 feet in diameter. Bog ore came from the nearby Scott farm. Charcoal was obtained from the surrounding forest, and limestone came by barge from the Sandusky area. The limestone was, interestingly enough, unloaded at piers in the lake off what is currently Sherod Park, and then trucked by horse and oxen to the iron works at Furnace Corners. In 1835 Wilkeson & Co. purchased the operation and continued manufacturing items for the next two decades. But by 1855 improvements in shipping on the Great Lakes made obtaining a better grade of ore from the upper regions of the nation a less onerous task and the old furnace was abandoned.

At this time a Cleveland doctor by the name of Philo Tilden built a new furnace along the Vermilion River in the area just west of the current home of the Vermilion Boat Club. Tilden's operation employed some 60 men. But it only lasted for ten years. And unlike the operation at Furnace Corners, nothing is left of Tilden's company.

That which took place at Furnace Corners was more the norm than the exception in 19th century America. If the market wasn't saturated with the products produced by the ironworks, the local supplies of raw materials to make them eventually ran out, and the Ironmasters moved on to another locale. That which is left is the stone shell of the Ironmaster's office, the stump of a once great furnace, and a few piles of slag now overgrown with vines, weeds, and covered with the leaves from the forest grown wild and wonderful around it. And two-tenths of a mile east of these ruins on the northwest corner of Darrow and State roads there is an historical marker which, like the place and time it celebrates, goes largely unnoticed.

_{Ref: Text of "Dedication of Historical Marker - Route 60 - Vermilion, June 14, 1969.}

COOL CONTRIBUTION:: Marlene Feldkamp contributed this item to the museum several weeks ago. I’m not precisely sure how it was used – but methinks it is a boat scraping tool.

According to the engraving on the metal head the tool was invented and patented by late Vermilionite Peter Full in 1913.

Peter was a brother to Vermilion resident Otto Full, father of Ray (Dawn’s late husband). As most folks know, Ray and Dawn were the last owner and operators of the Kishman Fish Company.

This is really a nice addition to the Vermilion News (history &) Printing Museum. And we’re just getting started.