MEN OF WHICH LEGENDS ARE MADE: I don't care how tough most of us believe we've had it, the men who worked the fishtugs out of Vermilion and other ports on Lake Erie are legendary and earned that designation. Reader, Dale Hohler from Huron, shares my enthusiasm for the stories of these men. They are men of the ilk of Big Ed Lampe, Jib Snyder, Alva Snell, and Chester Jackson. They knew the lake, the fishing business, and the hard work and the dangers that was the life of a fisherman on the Lake of Cats. I mention Mr. Hohler because he referred me to a book filled with great information about these men and their lives. It is called, Lake Erie Fishermen - Work, Tradition, and Identity It was written by Timothy C. Lloyd and Patrick B. Mullen. When the book was written Lloyd was director of the Traditional and Ethnic Art Program of the Ohio Arts Council and executive secretary-treasurer of the American Folklore Society. Mullen was an English professor and author at the Ohio State University.
In the book Snell, Jackson, and Jackson's wife are quoted as they recount their experiences with the industry and the people they encountered during those years. Vermilion author/historian George Wakefield also adds some of his knowledge of these legendary men.
What pops out at me, initially, are the stories each has about Captain Lampe. What makes them curious is that although I've heard the stories before their details are somewhat different. What each agrees on is that Big Ed was worthy of their respect. For legends to say that about one of their own truly speaks for itself.
I don't know that any of these men ever worked a tug out of the Driscoll house (pictured above), but the pic personifies the industry along the Vermilion River at what might well have been the beginning of their careers (1918 and after), and was definitely a scene that was quite familiar to both Snyder and Lampe.
For those interested in Vermilion and the local fishing industry - boats and men - this is a must read.
The following picture gives one an idea of just how hard and dangerous the occupation could be during inclement weather. It is a PRoscoe photo taken about the same year as the other.
ALONG WEST RIVER: I am realising that not everyone can see the Quicktime movies accompanying this webpage - but I use them anyway. In essence I'm experimenting with the technology available to me. Let's face it - I like gadgetry. That's the same with the sound files which accompany the page. I'm trying to learn how to use them. I don't know why. I just believe knowledge of them might prove to be a valuable asset sometime.
This movie (for those who can view it) was taken on Wednesday last in the upper parkinglot of the city boat-lauching facility just north of the Nickel Plate tracks on West River Road. I spliced 4 pieces of electronic film together to show a panoramic view of the area. I did a little title work, etc, and placed it on the page. It's just a toy. I hope you can view it.
IN THE HOLLOW: I find this to be a rather nice picture of the Vermilion River running through Swift's Hollow located along the long Gore Orphanage Road, south of North Ridge Road, Mill Hollow and Vermilion.
Swift's Hollow (of course) is named after the Joseph Swift family who had built, what I can only say was, a miraculous mansion on their farm, Rosedale, in the river valley in the mid 19th century. Those familiar with the Gore Orphanage tale know this hollow well. Unfortunately, some have mistaken the ruins of the Swift manse as that of the old orphanage (which it is not).
Just as a matter of related interest I came across a story about a place in the hollow where the river winds that is almost as interesting as the spooky nonsense about the orphanage.
It seems that one time a man working in a field near the stream was attacked by a giant reptile. This isn't something I've made up. I have the story in one of my files and I'll find it and share it with each of you very soon.
But, in any case, the river in Swift's Hollow is a popular fishing spot.
The Linwood Hotel: Like the Maudelton Hotel that once loomed over the landscape in the center of Vermilion, numerous pictures of the hotel in Linwood Park were taken. This is one of the better ones that I've seen.
When I was a boy (during the 1950's) the hotel was still an active place. Hannah Morey, a family friend, was the big cheese (or one of them) in the operation of the facility. I can still remember her angelic-like face. But when one is 10 years old or so what does one know?
When I see such pictures and visit the spot(s) upon which some of the buildings of Vermilion's past once stood it is really hard to imagine that they could have been there at all. The buildings seemed so huge. And the spot(s) where they once stood seem so small. But they were, of course, there.
This was another place that numerous people in town found seasonal jobs. This was not, to my understanding, a year-round facility. The park, being at heart, a recreational/retreat, was mainly inhabited during the warmer months of each year.
Although there are numerous permanent homes in the park today it remains, largely, a seasonal camp.
One might be astounded at the price of property in the place today. Depending on size a perspective buyer might be looking a a half million clams and up for a cottage/home. But that is (or appears to be) a trend in all properties on and near the lakefront from Toledo to Erie.
REMEMBER THIS?: Nothing fantastic nor unusual here. For those who've tipped a few at Eddie Solomon's McGarvey's Restaurant this is a familiar sight/site: McGarvey's nautical bar.
I don't have a clue as to just how many people may have passed through this place over the years but it may very well be that it is nearly (or over) one million. This was seldom the haunt of commerical fishermen. Those who drank preferred to wet their collective whistles at the old Maudelton bar, Leftie's/Lemon Tree Lounge, or at Stan's Liberty Tavern. This was the watering hole for pseudo high rollers, and those who could actually afford to drop big bucks for little reason.
Toward the end of the McGarvey era in town I vaguely (and I mean vaguely) recall a bluesman by the name of Colin Dussault working the place with his (often musician's) union bands. Drinking whiskey by the bottle one night he ended up on the Vermilion River bridge with a cordless mike blasting the sleepy folks in the Vermilion Lagoons out of their beds.
Colin still plays the area and works at the Red Clay that replaced McGarvey's, but it is highly unlikely that he'll ever work on the river bridge again. Those days (along with my hangover and his) are gone. May they rest in peace.
THE MANSION: A few miles west of Vermilion lies Volunteer Bay. Just to the west of it (on the south side of the road) sits a large white house. My friend, Nettie White, and her family now own and live in the home. It is, literally, a mansion.
A gentleman by the name of Al Rumsey built the place around 1900. Rumsey was a wealthy man from Detroit who had acquired his wealth from his salvage business in Detroit. He had a reputation as a ladies man, and had very eccentric tastes.
In a cave on the property he kept two white bears as pets. And in a barn behind the house he built boxing ring regularly challenging other men to boxing matches to see if they had the mettle to be his friend.
In the early 1920's Henry Hain, one of the founders of Sherwin William's (paints) purchased the property. This put an end to the rowdy reputation of the manse as Hain was more inclined to farm and raise cattle.
This photo records a gathering of the Hain, Rathbun,and Osberg families before the hugh fireplace in the mansion's ballroom. Seated on the left is Henry Hain, and seated on the right is George Rathbun (from George Rathbun's General Store - Vermilion). Susie, the little girl on the floor, sits between her sister, Diane, on the left and (I think) her cousin, Patty Osberg, on the right. Dave Rathbun (from whom I got this photo) sits behind Patty on the couch.
On the walls behind the family one can see murals, which I've been told, portray the seven wonders of the world. Unfortunately, some good person later decided to paint over them.
Dave told me that the house didn't have any plumbing until after he moved into the place sometime in probably the early 1960's.
This is a great picture with a wonderful history behind it.
CLASS REUNION UPDATES: Again members of the Vermilion High School Class of 1959; your class reunion will be held between October 8 and 10, 2004 here in town. Those looking for more information on the subject can now visit the Class of '59 website by clicking on the highlighted text. To my knowledge Roger Boughton is responsible for this site. I will mention that a visit to this particular website is worth ones time. Maybe you didn't belong to this class, but I'm sure you know someone who does. And I think you'll enjoy reading some of their memories of those days. Note that Roger will not be sending out a newsletter by snail-mail any longer. The webpage will be the reunion notification/information center from now on. He's got new stuff on line as he gets it - and it's interesting. So take time to go there.
Also Buffalo Bill Hlavin has asked me to find a 1958 football program for him. I'll look. But I'll also ask class members tuned into this site to also look and let Bill, Roger, or myself know if you have one.
Dale Wendell, in sunny Arizona, told me that his class (VHS 1944) will also be having a reunion this summer. Just this day (1-24-04) Dale let me know that it will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the Vermilion Fish and Game.
Dale also tells me that he and his wife are coming home by car. They're anxious to visit with their new grandchild in Elyria. Mary Louise "Tootie" Reisinger told me that Dale wasn't coming. Because we communicate back and forth on a regular basis on the net I knew better. Tootie was pleased to know he'd be in town this summer.
As news regarding these activities comes to my attention it will appear on this web page. So stay tuned.
From a long way around the planet comes a message about the VHS Reunion of the Class of 1954. Their Reunion is planned for the 17th of July, 2004 at the Amvets Post on Route 60. I've also heard (2-14-04) from George Hoffman of this class who now lives in Sandusky. He and four fellow classmates are putting this reunion together.
Also the VHS Classes of 1963, 64, & 65 are still looking for a number of people. Many are around. But it's not real easy to round-up all that information. If you've not yet received a notice re: that reunion count yourself among the missing and report in to either Ruthie Bauman Tanner or me on the net. I will add details later this week (5-17-04). Ruth's email address is: Ruthbt45@yahoo.com
We're getting close folks, so stay in touch with your friends.
The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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 let me know and I'll send them to you.
Links to other sites on the Web
Vol.2, Issue 9, May 22, 2004
© 2004 Rich Tarrant