VERMILION’S BOYS OF SUMMER: Maybe I didn’t know them all, but I knew most. And at least one, Mark Williams, still casts his shadow on the streets of Vermilion. They were Vermilion’s Boys of Summer back in the mid-1950s.

I see both Howard Bogarts in this pic. Young Howard is the blond boy sitting on the far left (Howard Sr. is the last male standing at the back far right). Next to him is a Knittle boy. And next to him is Wade Rodgers. I see Mroski, Hugh Darley, one of the Fischer boys, both Mark and Tom Williams (Tom Sr. is standing 2nd from the left at the top of the pic – and sister Shirley is standing at the far right); Timmuy Trinter and his pop; Cliff Bartlome (his dad is there too); “Smilin’ Freddy Smith (I think that Marty is there too; Mike Blakely, both the Harris boys, Russ Dickerhoff and his big brother; the Greg boy and Tom Moes, etc.

I wish I could remember all their names. I certainly remember those days. I was never a baseball player. But I was around the school when they were playing. My friends and I spent a good deal of time around the school all year round. It was just a fun place to be.

MEMORIES OF CRYSTAL BEACH: Long ago and far away is a place called Crystal Beach Park. There is now a place called Crystal Shores Apartments there. The Key Bank and the B.P. Station are now on Liberty Avenue. Across the street is the South Shore Shopping Center.

But once upon a time there was a wonderful amusement park (for me anyway). And it rivaled Euclid Beach and Cedar Point. Can you imagine that?

I can smell the place. I can hear it. And I can see it in my memory. What kid wouldn't. Wow!

It began as an entertainment park for folks in the early part of the century. It was Shattucks (Shadducks) Grove. There was a bandstand where the bands played, and the crowds came to enjoy a wonderful summer's day. I don't know that they danced. But they surely enjoyed the music.

And then came Crystal Beach. It had a dance hall. The first one pictured I stole off the net. That particular hall was situated near the back of the park. I am always infatuated with these old photographs. I look at the people, and the place, and imagine the sounds, scents, and actions of the folks pictured. That dance hall burned to the ground. It was replaced by a casino, with a small bar, pinball machines, and little crank cinema machines where for a penny a person could watch moving pictures. Some were naughty.

I spent a goodly amount of time at Crystal in the summer. They had a shiny rocket-ship ride, a carousel, dodgem cars, goofy-golf and a rollercoaster that scared me to death. the structure of the coaster was wood. I was always thinking that the thing would collapse.

They also hid their side games. The late George Villa's name comes to mind when I think of those games. George was a good man and he knew how to run these games. They, like today, were always scams. One could always win. But in winning it was hard to tell who exactly was the loser. It weren't George. George was a good friend. He made me laugh.

On the Fourth of July they had fireworks behind the Merry-Go-Round. This thrilled me to no end. It was magic.

After the old dance hall burned, the park owners built a new building along Lake Road in front of the park. What a beauty. Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, among other big bands, played there. The crystal ball in the middle of the dance floor rotated in the darkness of the room and spread spots of light all over the hardwood dance floor. Very, very romantic. And you can bet there was a lot of romance in the park. My sister, Ellie, met her husband there. This was also a place for political gatherings. I can remember being there in 1962 when a republican political opponent of JFK spoke there.

And as time turned the big bands were gone. The dance floor was used for rollerskating. My friend, Frank Homitz, and I used to go there to skate. I was (and remain) a terrible skater. I'd do a turn and land on my bottom nine times out of ten. But we had a good time.

And then, as time turned again. I went off to the Army and the Vietnam Conflict. When I returned I will always remember that when my brother drove me past the old park on a cold February day it was gone. That was in 1967. Wowee!

I am hardly an expert on this park. Marlene (Calvert) Feldcamp is the expert. She rode that coaster I wouldn't touch with my little toe. She lived in the big house out front. Marlene has parts of the park in her home.

But wonderful memories I have of this place when I was but a boy on a red bicycle exploring my town.

Vol. X – NO. 23 – November 15, 1906.

In the case of George B. McConnelly et al vs. the Novelty Stove and Manufacturing Co. of Vermillion [sic] the plaintiffs have filed a reply to the answer and cross petition of the defendant. The material claim of the cross petition are denied and plaintiffs pray that it be dismissed.

H.N. Sturdevant, plaintiff in a suit for wages against E.W. DeWitt, administrator of the estate of George Pawson, has filed an amended petition. Plaintiff sues for $508 for services as a nurse to Pawson, being at the rate of $2 per day. He allows a credit of $30 received in cash. The case was tried in the court of common pleas a few weeks ago when the jury disagreed. It was claimed at the trial that Sturdevant rendered the services for his board and out of gratitude to Pawson and his wife, who had been kind to his children after their mother died, and the $30 was paid him for special services.

Coroner McClelland was called to the home of Gus Spenner, about a mile north of Florence Monday morning to hold an inquest over the remains of William Spenner, the aged father of Gus Spenner, Sunday morning the old man took a dose of paris green and lingered until noon before e died. The doctor cold do nothing to save this life. It was rumored that the son had turned him out and was going to send him to the infirmary and this was the reason of the suicide. But the coroner says that there is apparently no truth but that his children were doing all in their power to make him comfortable. He was about 80 years old and addicted to the use of liquor.

[VV. Ed. Note: Paris Green is an inorganic compound more precisely known as copper acetoarsenite. It is a highly toxic emerald-green crystalline powder that was used as a rodenticide and insecticide, and also as a pigment, despite its toxicity.

Several years earlier a Milan couple tried to murder the woman’s husband by putting Paris Green in a sandwich she had packed in his lunch. The substance was likely in common use around farm homes. [

The Village board of education held their regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The resignation of Principal A.L> Irey was read and accepted. The resignation of Miss Anna Baxtine was read and held until someone can be secured to fill her position. Several committees reported and the bills were ordered paid. Meeting then adjourned. The resignations are to take effect during the holiday season.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: I’m really wondering if Irey will really resign as Principal and go to Berlin Heights. As many already know he eventually became Vermilion’s Superintendant.]}

The work of dredging between the two bridges is nearly completed.

BORN – To rev. and Mrs. Rundt, Nov. 5th, a daughter.

Albert Wettle has opened a meat market in the Stang building recently vacated by Jay Oakes.

Henry Hull is having anew cement walk in front of his property.

F. Kreilick went to Mr. Clemons, Mich. Saturday to take treatment for rheumatism, from which he has been suffering for some time.

BORN – To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith, a son, Sunday Nov. 11th.

The marriage of Elsie only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo Cooper to Hayes B. Whittlesey, occurred at the home of the bride’s parents Wednesday afternoon Nov. 7, 1906, Rev. A.D. Blakesley performed the ceremony, only the immediate relatives being present. Bother of the contracting parties are well know here and have the congratulations of their many friends. Mrs. and Mrs. Whittlesey will be at home to their friends after Nov. 15th.

Miss Mayme Minch is employed in Gessner’s ice cream and dandy store in Amherst.

Kenneth Baumhart [sic], who has been quite ill, is improving.

Edward Hawley was born in Brownhelm December 31,1843, died October 30, 1906 in the Cincinnati hospital of dropsy and a complication of diseases. Funeral services were held Thursday November 1, at the residence of hi sister Mrs. N.B. Lindsley in Brownhelm, conducted by Rev. AD. Blakeslee, and interment made in the family lot in Brownhelm cemetery. He was a graduate of Oberlin Business College and a veteran of the Civil War. For the past thirty years he has been passenger conductor on the C.C.C.C. and St. L. railway. He leaves a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss. E. C. Schuler had charge as funeral director. – Elyria Republican.

Henry Daniel Cleveland was born in Richfield Ill, Apr. 17, 1844, died Nov 11, 1906 married to Miss Caroline Peck, Jan. 15, 1867. To this union four children were born, two of them having preceded him to the spirit land, and two, Mrs. Inez Baumhart of Vermillion [sic] and Mrs. Bessie Schuapp, of Beaver Pa. are left behind to mourn a father gone. An adopted son, Fred Cleveland lives in Kenosha Wis.

In early life he united with the M.E. Church and subsequently fell away but 20 years ago, he again turned to God, and united with the Methodist Church and remained until death. Enlisted as a soldier in Co. F. Ohio Cavalry, Feb. 15, 1865, discharged from service Sept. 11, 1865. For the last two years he has been a sufferer, but like a brave soldier he bore his suffering patiently until the Death Angel came and his suffering ended.

In his last days he turned to God with the faith of a child, trued Him for Salvation and Eternal Life.

A short service conducted by Rev. J.W.H. Brown, Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. and Thursday morning the body was taken to Sheffield, Ashtabula co. for interment.

Anyone in need of good clean straw please call on John Miller or call up phone 185 W.

Capts. Hill, Blattner and Walper were home from the lakes last week.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: Captain E.A. Hill would, some time later, be lost in a terrible storm that swept over the lakes.}

Mr. A.K. Harris of Cleveland is in Lorain contemplating purchasing the Cleveland cloak and Suit Co., at 320 Broadway, Lorain.

Mrs. E.A. Hill and daughter, Mrs. Donaldson, did not attend the Glickman and Gorden wedding at Cleveland Sunday on account of the stormy weather but sent a letter of regret.

It is reported that the price of diamonds will again be advanced before the Holidays. It is hoped that this advance will not cause suffering among those who have not already laid in their Holiday supply.

Martin Leidheiser was called upon by the game warden and escorted to Milan last Thursday on the charge of using illegal nets. They however had their trouble for their pains as they soon discovered. The nets in question were not in their jurisdiction and Mr. Leidheiser was not the man they wanted. It is also claimed that the nets in question are legal. Mr. Leidheiser is very wrathy [i.e.an informal term for wrathful] at the wardens for their actions.

FOR SALE OR RENT – A nice 8-room house. Modern, on South street. Inquire of N. Wagner.

Capt. Hess was home from the Lakes yesterday.

The case of the game Warden against Orsen Meeker at Milan was dismissed yesterday.

E.L. Coen, Administrator, is advertising a public sale of the furniture and fixtures and balance of stock of merchandise belonging to the Estate of Jacob Englebry. The sale will take place in the store next Saturday at 10 o’clock A.M.

Hunting season opens today.

Funeral of Wm. Spenner was held Thursday of this week.

$175,000 has been recommended for Sandusky harbor for the next fiscal year. Huron, Vermilion, Pt. Clinton and Toledo are as yet left out in the cold.

Oak Point is again the center of attraction. The Sand and Gravel Co. has at last sold to the Knox people and we are all to know within two weeks what is to be. That is what is now being claimed by those who “know.”

Lorain football enthusiasts are censuring Vermilion’s Mayor for not allowing Sunday football at Shadduck’s Park. They can’t play in Lorain county and they can’t play here, so they have concluded that they won’t play. A wise conclusion. It is reported that several were quite severely injured at their first (and last) game here.

Captain Edward O’Harn of the steamer Oliver H. Perry was drowned at Put-in-Bay some time Sunday night. After supper he went ashore and nothing more was seen of him until his hat was found floating near the Arrow’s landing. The body was recovered and taken to Pt. Clinton on the Perry. He was 42 years old and known in all the fishing ports where the Perry called. It is supposed that he fell into the water while trying to board his boat.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: A 1907 U.S. Department of Commerce Report regarding the incident said, “Our supposition is that there was frost on the rail of the steamer, which caused the master to slip and fall between the steamer and the dock.”]}

L.S.E. LAKE SIDING: In the first PJ issue of 2004 (1-8-04) Yesteryear featured a story about the crash of Lake Shore Electric Car #152 that occurred just west of Vermilion almost a century ago. Three people received fatal injuries, and numerous people were seriously hurt when the westbound Niles car collided head-on with an east bound car near an area we now commonly recognize as Sherod Park.

The motorman, Wilbur D. Moody of' Beach Park (i.e. Avon Lake), had earlier in the day been issued written instructions to pull over on Siding 38 just west of town to allow the eastbound Local 46 to pass on the single track. The specific reason the seasoned motorman failed to heed those instructions will never be known because he became one of the first crash victims. He was either thrown or jumped from the car at the time of impact and he apparently struck a pole beside the track.

Two extenuating factors that might have figured into the accident are the weather, and the overcrowded conditions in the Niles passenger car. It was a stormy and extremely humid August afternoon. By the time Moody reached Vermilion the car was running at capacity (54 passengers). At the Linwood/Crystal Beach Park station he picked up 42 additional passengers. Most had attended a special camp at Linwood and were headed home to Lima, Ohio.

One might safely assume that not only were conditions outside the car less than admirable, but also that conditions inside were extremely hot, humid, and loud. It is, therefore, of little surprise that Moody did not respond to the Conductor's warning bell when he (the Conductor) noted that they had passed the siding. Nor is it much of a surprise that the Conductor was unable to make his way from the back of the train to the Motorman at the front to give a verbal warning because of the crowd.

In the accompanying photo LSE Car #166 (built by the Jewett Company in 1912) bound for Lima waits on the siding known as Lake Siding #38 for an eastbound train to pass. This is the place where the Niles Car #152 should have stopped and waited some 30 years earlier. Both the Motorman and the Conductor are visible in the windows of the train.

The siding appears to be just west of Edson Creek in the area now occupied by the 4-lane part of Lake Road (Route 6) that begins at Decatur Street and ends at Kyle Motors. Looking back down the track to the east the large houses on both the northeast and northwest corners of Liberty and Decatur Streets are plainly visible. Just over the tree line the water tower in Hanover Square watches over the village.

As a footnote to the terrible crash in 1906 one might be interested to know that while the Niles #152 was splintered (it was made of wood) pretty badly in the aforementioned mishap it was eventually rebuilt at the Fremont, Ohio shop and put back into service.

And not too long after this photograph was taken the entire LSE system went the way of the Pony Express. All that is left are pictures such as these and a few cars scattered across Ohio's landscape.

THE NMVC: Founded in 1900 The National Motor Vehicle Company was an American manufacturer of automobiles in Indianapolis, Indiana between 1900 and 1924. One of its presidents, Arthur C. Newby, was also one of the investors who created the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Nice cars. Only a hundred years before their time.