_{GANG OF 4}

GREAT PORTRAIT: I don’t know who took this pic – but I’m curious. It was taken (I think) on the front porch of the Sterling and Mary Smith home at the very west end of South Street in Vermilion (c.1948). The children L-R are:

JON SMITH, KATHLEEN BUELL, DANA BUELL, AND JUDY SHAW.

These kids are cute (and remain so).

I think I received this pic from Dana Buell Wheeler along with several others.

The reason I’m curious about the identity of the picture taker is because I’ve seen at least two other pix from the Smith home that (at least to my eye) are classic portraits. The person taking them had a good eye for composition.

_{“...there would never be a gift more precious..."}

VOICES OF XMAS PAST 2 - THE PRECIOUS BLACK COMB: Mrs. Eliza Minkler-Driver. Eliza Minkler's childhood home in 1840 was a log cabin set in a clearing along Joppa Road a ·few miles west of the thriving village of Vermilion, Ohio. Every Sunday she attended church and Sunday School services at the Free Will Baptist Church that was located in her grandfather's barn before it had a building of its own. In those days little girls owned two sunbonnets. One was for everyday, and the other was for Sundays. She had but one pair of cowhide shoes with leather shoestrings that had been made by her neighbor. She had but one dress of cal¬ico that little ladies of the mid-19th century only wore on special occasions.

As was the custom for young ladies of the era, she was well schooled in the fine art of sewing - and sewing neatly. She began by working on nine-patch quilt blocks. Her mother would cut and turn the edges, and then she would sew over and over until she had learned to make her stitches even. She then moved on to learn the running stitch, matching almost to the thread. And if it didn't look right it all came out and she had to begin again. Later there would be lessons in knitting. A certain amount of work at this had to be accomplished before she was allowed to play. Life was not easy. But it was productive and joyful.

During the first years of her life she and her siblings received perhaps one extra fried cake on Christmas morning. She would later recall that when they went to school on the 26th and found some of the other children with candy, apples, and some other little fancy toy they would ask each other, "Isn't it queer Santa Claus never comes down our chimney with anything?"

While some of us are quite able to remember the best Christmas gift we have ever received, Eliza vividly recollected the very first real Christmas gift she received. It was a little black comb.

Her father, by that time, was Justice of the Peace and had a big desk. One day early in December he asked her to retrieve something from the desk. In doing so she noticed two beautiful black combs hidden at the back of one of the various desk compartments. She immediately knew that she and her sister, Olive, were to have presents that Christmas. Although she knew this little secret, she forever kept it to herself.

On Christmas Eve when she and Olive were nestled quite snug in their trundle beds, their father called to them as he sat by the fireside talking with their mother. Olive didn't answer because she was asleep. Eliza didn't answer because she was too excited. Her eyes shone bright in the darkness and her heart trembled with anticipation and love. To be very sure she was up bright and early the next morning. And to be equally sure no girl, in either Vermilion or the entire world, was happier than she was on that Christmas day.

There would be many more Christmas days for Eliza to share with family and friends. There would be many more gifts - both to give and to receive. But there would never be a more precious Christmas than the one when she received her first real gift, and there would never be a gift more precious than the little black comb.

_{Ref: Story adapted from The Vermilion News; The Days of "Auld Lang Syne", 12-14-22; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 12/16/2004.}

Vol. X – NO.32 – January 17,1907

COURT NOTES

The $5,000 breach of promise suit, which was begun several months ago by Anna C. Connors against Herman Shafer, a well-known farmer of Florence Tp., was dismissed in the court of common pleas on Monday without prejudice at the cost of the plaintiff.

A hearing was had before Judge Reed in the court of common pleas on Monday on a motion filed by Mrs. Mary J. Fitch, the recently divorced wife of Lincoln Fitch, for an allowance for the support of a minor child. The defendant was ordered to pay $6.50 per month until the further order of the court.

In addition the order provides that he shall pay for an furnish all the clothing, medicine, medical attention and nursing required by his minor child, Erie Fitch, and the case is held open for further adjustment of the allowance as circumstances may require. The parties reside at Avery.

An answer has been filed in the court of common pleas by the Baillie Stone Co to the second amended petition of Frank Burns, who has sued the company for damages for personal injuries received while at work at the company’s quarry at Berlin Heights in February 1902. The company admits that the defendant was injured but not to the extent or in the manner by him claimed, and or its defense says that the plaintiff was injured by reason of the risks and hazards pertaining to the business, which he assumed when he entered into his employment. Defendant also claims that the plaintiff was injured as a result of his own want of ordinary care and not because of any negligence or want of care on its part.

BAXTINE-HORTON

The marriage of Miss Anna Baxtine and Mr. Charles A. Horton took place last Thursday evening at 4:30 o’clock at the home of the bride’s parents Mr. and Mrs. H. Baxtine on the corner of Ohio and Perry Sts.

To the strains of Lohegrin wedding march played by Mrs. E.F. Resek, the bride and groom came in unattended and Rev. Wyler performed the ceremony, using the ring service of the Reformed Church, the home was prettily decorated with carnations and lighted by many candles.

The bride was beautiful in a dainty gown of white and carried a bouquet of bride’s roses.

A wedding supper was served o about twenty-five guests among whom [sic] were Mrs. H.A. Baumhart and Miss Laura Baxtine of Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Resek of Lorain, Mrs. N. Fischer, Mr. E.M. Kane, Dr. and Mrs. R.F. Quigley, Mrs. F. Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. Leimbach, Dr. F. Englebry, Mrs. Wyler, Miss Ola Leimbach, Mr. F. Parsons and the Misses Helen and Grace Parsons.

The bride received many beautiful presents.

After a short trip the young couple will be at home to their friends Feb. 1st in the Horton homestead on Hanover Square.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Vermilion Telephone Co. was held Tuesday afternoon the 15th. A Board of eleven directors was elected consisting of E.L. Coen, Edwin Fledderjohn, H.B. Kishman, G.B. McConnelly, Chas H McGraw, C.L. Phelps, R.F. Quigley, L.W. Stone, Geo P. Wahl, and E.B. Welch. The officers were all reelected consisting of E.L. Coen, President, R.F. Quigley, vice President, M.E. Lawless, Sec’y and Chas H. McGraw, Treas.

The Presidents report showed another prosperous year completed. Few if any towns in the state can show as large a number of telephones for the population.

The company now finds its business so firmly established that the Directors unanimously decided to accept business hereafter upon one year instead of three-year contracts where subscribers live on lines already built. Three-year contracts will, of course, still be required in case where new lines must be built to reach subscribers.

Marriage Licenses

John Zelemak, 21, Huron, and Miss Anna Kuhar, 19, Huron.

Jacob Otto, 28, Ceylon and Miss Karoline Steiger, 19, Florence Township.

THANKS

The following letter was received by Mr. Bell expressing thanks for Christmas box for the Light and Hope Orphanage at Birmingham.

Dear Mrs. Bell:

Wish you “A Happy New Year.” The officers and children of the orphanage wish to return their hearty thanks to the dear ones who helped in the Christmas donation. It made the children real happy and the workers as well. It is a great joy to us to see others interested in the orphan children.

May the Lord bless you and richly and reward you and give y our courage and joy in his service the coming year is our wish and prayer.

Yours sincerely,
J.A. Sprunger.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: Persons who still entertain any crazy notions about the place commonly known as the “Gore Orphanage” as being a terrible place overseen by terrible people should pay attention to this note. Rev. Sprunger was, in fact and deed, a good person. As time passed he became ill and it became terribly difficult for his wife to oversee the operation. And that may – at least partially - explain the problems later experienced by the youngsters at the orphanage.]}

AMHERST NEWS NOTES

Lizzie Klaar of Vermilion, formerly of Amherst, was visiting friends here Friday.

Jake Brucker has purchased the Henry Grove farm east of Amherst bottere known as the whisdkyville settlement consisting of 64 acres for $7,000. Mr. Brucker will commence moving at once.

Lou Heller who is in the employ of the Lake Shore mail carrying service received a seriously smashed foot Saturday, caused by dripping a piece of heavy steel which he was tyr8ng to carry a short distance.

Ray Opperman has purchased a saw machine from a Columbus firm, which he intends to use on the Wolhaver farm at Brownhelm. Sawing 300,000 feet of lumber on the above-mentioned place for Nick Wagner of Vermilion.

Aug Brandt butchered 7 large hogs Monday ranging from 250 to 300 pounds. Mr. Frank Redington [a] mute was hired to foreman…for sausage department. It was very comical to see them talk he talks as fast as any man can with his fingers and has an interpreter by his side most of the time.

Ed Gessner is making preparations for a large business in the summer selling ice, delivering the same. Better get a move on and order your ice now while the price is cheap, only $1.00 a pound.

Everybody be prepared for the return of Dr. O. Brady, which will occur soon.

A large pig belonging to Gust Sabiers got out Sunday morning. People going to church helped to catch the pig with the result that about fifteen new suits were ruined.

Mrs. Fitzgerald is seriously ill at the home of her mother Mrs. J. Hamann on Spring St.

Mrs. George Smith was suddenly taken ill Sunday morning, which proved to be serious.

Mr. Irish well known businessman, better known as decator [sic] is making arrangements for a large roller rink and a horse-power merry-go-round to be built on the old canning factory ground, which is expected to be ready for the coming summer ‘rush.’

Fred Slumsky was bough the remaining lumber of Mrs. Holzhauer’s new house and will endeavor to try his skill at building a chicken coop.

The double house built by Sam Dellefield has been completed. Mr. and Mrs. V. McGee and McDonald Owens and family are now moving in the above.

Owing to the duties of Infirmary director C.S. Good has resigned his office of township trustee. The vacancy has been filled by the appointment of Isaac Stack.

Mike Lenz and Steve Solesky were arrested in connection with the street fight of Saturday nigh and Monday afternoon were fined $5, and costs in the police court.

The carpenter work on the residence being built for J.A. Nieding of Lorain was commenced yesterday. The house will be completed by spring, when it is the intention of Mr. Nieding to take up his residence in this village.

Misses Mary and Anna Baker narrowly missed being killed Monday No. 133 due at Amherst at 1:38 stopped just in the nick of time having about three feet to spare.

A small fire started at the residence of N.D. Irish Friday at 5 o’clock, loss about $25 covered by insurance.

PIONEER RESIDENT DEAD.

John Onstine, one of the oldest residents in this part of the county died at the hoe of his neice, Mrs. Fred Eschtruth, Friday afternoon.

He was 84 years old and was well known and liked by all. He has lived in or near Amherst all his life.

The cause of his death was a third stroke of paralysis with which he was stricken Sunday.

He has many relatives and friend s who mourn his death.

LANTERN AND BEER GLASSES
WEAPONS

One man was seriously injured in a street fight here late Saturday night in the center of the business district, in which several men, a beer glass and a lighted lantern played the principal parts. Four Italians and Russians assaulted Stantly [sic] Sokowiski, a driver for a local bottling works with a lantern and a beer glass. He was struck over the head with a glass and left unconscious in the street. Two Americans had witnessed the assault from a distance and immediately pursued the assailants, catching them in the western part of the village and giving all four a taste of the law of might. Sokowiski was taken to Dr. Wiseman’s office where a cut two inches long was attended to.

CENTURY TRIM AMHERST

A bowling team recently organized went to Lorain Thursday evening and were given a few pointers in the game of ten pins by the Century bowlers, who took the three games in easy style. Dr. Hug succeeded in the bowling the high score for the Centurys and for the three games had an average of 179.

Real Estate Boom in Progress

Henry Kolbe to erect a $25,000 building on corner of Elyria and Church st’s.

Real estate in the village is being sought for quite heavily these days. The prospective boom which is expected as soon as th mystery at Oak Point unravels itself has caused the prices of estate to take an upward jump with the result that transactions are very scarce. Several big deals are in the air however, one of which involves a transfer of $30,000.

Henry Kolbe, who owns the property on the northwest corner of Elyria and Church St.’s formerly the old Clause buildings, state Monday evening that as soon as something tangible developed in the Oak Point situation a building three and possible four stories high would be built on the property to cost in the neighborhood of $25,000.

BRIDGE BREAKS

The breaking of the stones covering the bridge on North Main St. over the open drainage ditch caused a dam to be formed which in a very short time resulted in a lake of great proportions in the gully and lowlands along the course of the ditch. The water at some points was fully 70 feet wide and 20 feet deep.

Some damage was caused to the property owners along the stream. The cellars along North Church street were flooded destroying canned goods and vegetables. A hen house containing over a hundred chickens belonging to frank Kellar was completely isolated and many of the chickens drowned. The extend of the damage has no been learned.

The breaking of the stones also caused a wash out of half the fill for the roadway at this point.

As a result of the break the county commissioners will built a new bridge at this point, work on which will be commenced immediately.

It is said that the Lake Shore Electric will enter Columbus during this year.

A general service pension bill has passed the Senate, which, if it becomes law, will give the survivors of the Civil and Mexican Wars who have reached the age of sixty-two years, $12 per month; $15 to those of 70, and $20 to those of seventy-five years of age.

The oldest inhabitant is at a loss as to what to say concerning the present winter weather. It has been more than twenty years since have had so much rain and the muddy roads are something long to be remembered. Since the first part of the year we have had snow, sleet, rain and a thunderstorm, but very little sunshine. Sickness is quite the fashion. It is not alone in this section that weather conditions are severe but all over the country. In the West terrific snowstorms combined with a want of fuel is causing much suffering. In the warmer regions including Cuba and Jamaica earthquakes and tornadoes have been doing their worst to make it interesting for mankind.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: This is interesting. Currently (2014) we think our weather is unusual and blame it on “global warming”. In short, extreme weather conditions are nothing new.]}

OBITUARY

TAYLOR – Died at her home near Axtel Jan. 31-06. Mrs. Essie Taylor, aged 48 years, 7 months and 25 days.

She was converted and joined the Advent Christian Church in Oct. 1904, was baptized by Elder #. McCulloch in July 1905. She was a lover of Bible truth, strong in the faith and did all she could under the circumstances for the church and The Helpers Union of which she was a member.

She was a very indulgent mother often going beyond her strength to minister to those with whom she had to do.

There are left to mourn, the husband, two sons, Father, brothers, one sister and a host of relatives.

We laid her to rest ‘till Jesus comes to reward all his loved ones and give them the crown of “Eternal Life”.

Services by the writer,
MRS. LIZZIE FLEMMING.

LOCALS.

H.S. Miller is reported on the sick list this week.

Willis A. Christian has purchased the Fair of C.C. Baumhart excepting the drug department and will conduct the business hereafter.

Monday evening next the members of the Library Association are requested to meet oat the home of Mrs. Frank Parsons at 7 p.m.

Capt. Josh Bailey of Cleveland spent Saturday and Sunday with his son Capt. Fred Baily.

Workmen have been engaged during the past few days putting in gates for the Perry street crossing of the L.S. & M.S. Ry and connecting them with the gates at Grand street.

The watchman’s house has been moved from the east side of Grand St. to the west side making quite an improvement for those residing on the east side of the street. The railroad will soon have all but one crossing I the town protected.

HURON

There is not a vacant house or storeroom in town.

Stanley Wires of N. Bass spent Sunday here.

Roy Abell of Vermilion spent last week with relatives here.

Mrs. John Heyman is slowly recovering at a Cleveland Hospital where she went recently for an operation.

ASHMONT

Alvin Miller of this place has been on the sick list.

Greta Smith was absent from school last week.

Wm. Hauff has purchased a new horse.

Mrs. S.A. Barnes has been on the sick list for few days but is better at this writing.

_{Kishman's Rich History}

KISHMAN=COMMERICIAL FISHING IN VERMILION: and perhaps all along the northern shores of Lake Erie. During what lake historians call the "Golden Age" of the industry the Kishman family owned and operated fisheries in Grand Harbor, Huron, and (of course) Vermilion. The story Of how this came to be is purely an American story wherein success is a consequence, not only of good fortune, but also of intelligence and hard work.

This story really begins in 1854. In April of that year Adam Kishman, who had been born in Germany 23 years earlier, married a lady named Martha Claus. Adam purchased a 100 acre tract of farm land bordering the lake just 4 miles east of the busy little ship building port named Vermilion (then spelled with two ells.

In 1864 he acquired a scow with a man powered drop hammer. With it he drove pilings into the lake bottom off the beach of his farm, fastened some fishnets to those pilings, and went into the fishing business. Early every morning, before their duties in the fields had begun, two farm workers from the area would launch a dory from the beach, one operating the oars, the other steering and removing the fish from the nets. Upon returning to shore with their bounty the fish were packed in ice harvested from the lake during the winter, and then placed into storage. Some of the fish were taken in boxes to the Brownhelm Station to be shipped by train to other parts of the country. The remainder was either sold locally or purchased by peddlers who took them by horse and wagon over the very corduroy roads to markets as far away as Wooster.

During their marriage Adam and Martha parented 12 children. Of that number eight survived into adulthood. Three took up their father's vocation(s). Henry, the elder child, began working the farm and the fishery as early as 1872. Brother, Edward, followed him in 1974, and brother, Charles joined in two years later. As the years passed and the boys grew older outside help was no longer needed and both the business of farm and fishery became a strictly a family affair.

Innovations in the fishing operation induced the boys to forgo the inherent difficulties in the old shore-shuttle fishing style with a dory to that of using sail boats to set nets out further in the lake. With the arrival of steam powered boats and advent of gill nets in the latter part of the 19th century the boys abandoned the shore operation altogether and moved to a new location on the Vermilion River. The approximate site of this concern was just southwest of the present day Vermilion River Bridge. The Allen, Thorley & DeLloyd Insurance Agency, currently occupies the area. Henry managed the fish house and retail end of the business, and Edward captained their steam tug, Telephone. Charles left for Lorain to operate another fishery called the A. Booth & Co.

At the turn of the century Edward left the Vermilion fishery and with the financial support of some Sandusky men began to manage a new fishery located in Huron. Brother Henry took a manager position with the Driscoll Fish Co. The Driscoll Co. was situated on the west bank of the river a bit north of the river bridge in the approximate location of the current (2014) Parson's / Marina Boat Storage company.

In 1905 Henry, who had found his work with Driscoll to be less than agreeable, purchased the Edson & Nichols river front property about a quarter mile north of the Driscoll houses. It was in this spot that the business officially known as The Kishman Fish Company of Vermilion was born, thrived, and grew into one of the most successful fisheries on Lake Erie.

In 1909 Edward's company in Huron joined the Vermilion operation. Henry B. was elected company president and Edward vice president. Three years later they assumed control "Of another fishery in Grand Harbor and brother Charles joined them as manager of that concern.

The Kishman brothers worked the family business together for the remainder of their lives. Edward died in 1944, and Charles passed two years later. While Henry remained president of the company until his death in 1948 his son, Lester, who had joined the business in 1931, took over management in 1935, eventually took his father's place as the head of the company. When Lester retired on December 31, 1959, local resident Ray Full became company president.

Nearly 100 years had passed since Adam Kishman pushed his old dory off the beach of his farm to collect his first harvest from Lake Erie. The consequence of that rather mundane action was but the first step in the realization of a story of success that is purely American.

_{Ref: The Great Lakes Historical Society Archives; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 08/05/2004.}

CIVIL WAR SWORDS: My buddy, local artist Frank Homitz, brought a couple of swords into the museum recently for me to photograph. The pic (above) is one. He also let me copy information about them from a book. (I’m at home or I’d use the info with this pic.)

I know that both swords are Civil War era blades – and they’re in extremely good condition. This one (if memory serves me correctly) was standard issue for soldiers in the Ohio militia. It’s a beauty. The close up of the hilt and sheath illustrate great craftsmanship.

Next week I feature the other blade here – as well as the proper information about both.