Hotdogs & History
SHOPTALK: This week I have a hotdog advertisement on my home desktop – and a pic of an old clock at he print shop on the shoptop.
I find the hotdog ad amusing. I like the little boy’s hat. It reminds me of Jughead’s hat in the Archie comics. I wonder if young guys really wore such things?
The clock is in the front office at the print shop. It isn’t the original that used to sit in that place. But it’s reasonable facsimile.
My childhood friend, Tom Boone, gave me the clock several years before he died (May 2002). It’s an antique. It’s also a keepsake reminding me of my old friend.
REMEMBERING BILLY: While I’m on the subject of remembering: My brother, Billy, moved on into eternity earlier this week. He was 86 years old.
He was the oldest of my three older brothers. But he was – and will always be – my one and only Big Brother. I realize that statement doesn’t mean much to some folks. But it meant, and will always mean, a great deal to me.
INTERESTING VISITORS THIS WEEK: We had some interesting visitors at the museum this week. Among them were Matt Nahorn and his mother and father. Matt and his mom had visited the museum several times in the past. This was the first time for his father.
Matt is a historian /curator from the Amherst Historical Society. I believe his uncle is Vermilion Judge Zak Dolyk. When anything of historical interest around Lorain County is reported in the local newspapers you will more than likely see that Matt is involved. He’s a young person who is extremely knowledgeable; and asset to the community.
We were also surprised when a fella named Edward Lampe and his wife paid us a visit. Mr. Lampe is the grandson of Lake Erie Legend “Big Ed” Lampe. The couple lives in the Birmingham area. Young Ed works at the large Girl Scout Camp in that area.
I also had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman named Dan Jusinski [I am unsure of the spelling of his last name so the spelling here is phonetic.]
Anyway, Dan, who retired from the Amherst Police Department about five years ago, and his wife purchased an old home on the south side of Darrow Road (one mile west of Route #60) has been researching his home and has found some documents that take the property back to the early years of the 19th century. I really didn’t have the time to go through everything as thoroughly as I’d have liked – but I saw enough to recognize the fact that they are authentic. It’s got to be one of the oldest homes in the area.
And last, but hardly least, Marlene Feldkamp dropped by to extend her condolences about the demise of my brother – and we shot the proverbial breeze about the yesteryear; her husband, her memories of Crystal Beach and sundry other things. It’s always great to talk with Marlene. She’s always got some kind words for one and all.
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MUSUEM SCHEDULE: Beginning now the museum will be open six days a week from 11 AM to 3 PM. We will be closed on Sundays and Holidays. We are located at 727 Grand Street in Vermilion across the street from Vermilion's historic E&R Church. The museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. A small admission donation of $3 (for adults) is requested. Children accompanied with an adult will be admitted free. For Special Tours call: 440-967-4555.
We are closed on Sundays and holidays.
Private tours during those hours and during the evening can be arranged by calling the museum, or stopping in to see us.
FIVE-OH-ONE-CEE-THREE: The museum is a 501(c)(3) organization. Consequently, all donations and memberships for the museum are tax deductible. This is retroactive to November of 2011.
Memberships for the VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM are always 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 & HAPPY NEW YEAR,
THAT’S THE WAY THEY WAS: From the looks of things it was probably about 1948-49 when late Vermilion resident Hazen Thompson gathered these youngsters in' front of the Vermilion· News office / print shop on Grand Street and froze their images for everyone to ponder over a half century, later. Can you guess their identities? When I showed it to one of my little sisters she said (and this is a quote), "I'll be' damned...none have really changed in looks. I do remember when they did look like that." She is not one to mince words.
Mr. Thompson, I have been told, was quite the "shutterbug". This photo, in particular, was made into a postcard. During the early to mid 20th century that was not an uncommon thing for family photographers to do with their pictures. Actually it was quite a nice way to stay in touch with relatives afar. While that may seem to be a rather dull thing compared to the instantaneous digital communications systems that exist now - fifty years ago it, too, was remarkable.
During the First World War Mr. Thompson served with American Expeditionary Forces in France as a Wagoner (old timers referred to these' gents as "Muleskinners"). He was' wounded in action on 2 November 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Defensive, and was honorably discharged from the service in May of 1919. When he came home he went to work as a commercial fisherman and married a local girl named Vera Nichols.
When Hazen caught these shadows , he had long since left off commercial fishing and was working at the steel mill in Lorain. He and Vera had parented five children. Charles was born in 1925. Then came Tom, Anna Mae, and Mary Ann. The youngest, Bill, was born' in 1943.
The oldest son, Charles, was also a war veteran. Enlisting in the Army right after he graduated from Vermilion High School he served in Europe during the 2nd World War and, like his father, was wounded in action and received a Purple Heart for his troubles.
[Please note that whilst I digress here with all this information about the photog and his family's history I do so with some reason.]
Pictured left to right (front) are: Larry Howell, Mary Ann Thompson Corsino, Pearl "Ginny" Tarrant Wilkes, and Alice Mae Thompson. The tall serious looking fellow in the back is Albert Tarrant.
This particular photograph may not be unusual, but it is rare. With the exception of one person all the individuals pictured, in one way or another, contributed substantially to the positive development of the community we know as Vermilion, Ohio. None have become famous or infamous, but have quietly and consistently led honest and productive lives as lifetime members of our community. And were it not for a very debilitating illness that stole her youth and finally her very life, Anna Mae would have likely done the same.
But that's the way they was on what was, perhaps, an icy Saturday morning in February or March in the late 1940s.
By the way, this photograph was, loaned to me by Joseph and Mary Ann Thompson Corsino's son. He is U.S. Air Force Major Jack Corsino. [VV. Ed. Note: UPDATE: Jack is now retired from the Air Force.]
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. X – NO.37 – February 21,1907
Albert E. Jarrett, a Florence township farmer who recently brought suit against his wife Maude Jarrett, for divorce, was on Saturday ordered to pay his wife $50 alimony pending the determination of the suit. Mrs. Jarrett is contesting her husband’s claim for divorce Attorney Stephens, who represents Mrs. Jarrett, stated to the court that the defendant is now supporting herself and child by working in a railroad restaurant in the southern part of New Mexico and is in great need of funds.
For the “great distress, mortification and disgrace” suffered by her in being jilted, Miss Sophia Figle, a young lady of Parkertown, has brought suit in the court of common pleas against Fred Miller for $5,000 damages for breach of promise. In her petition Miss Figle states that on May 16, 1903, she entered into a contract with Miller for their marriage in January 1904. She says she made all the necessary arrangements and preparations to consummate the contract and was willing at the time fixed to fulfill the same, but the defendant wholly failed to fulfill his part of the contract.
Fred Miller who was sued by Sophia Figle, for $5,000 damages for breach of promise of marriage has filed a motion in the court of common pleas for security for costs, on the ground that plaintiff is a non-resident of Erie county.
The will of the late Ermina A. Boss of Vermilion was admitted to probate on Saturday. The instruction is dated Dec. 20, 1906. To Miss Carrie I. Boss her daughter the testatrix bequeaths a dwelling house on Grand street Vermilion, together with household furniture and bank stock, and a farm of 17 acres in section two of Vermilion township is given to her son, John W. Boss, who is also to receive a bedstead, complete with furnishings, of the household furniture. Provision is made for the erection of a monument at a cost of not less than $50. John W. Boss is appointed executor of the will. If either of the beneficiaries dies without issue the other is to succeed to the property.
A marriage license was issued by the probate court on Saturday to Burton Eugene Andrews, 31, farmer, and Miss Catherine Somerville, 30, both of Berlin Heights. At the request of the parties Justice Dietrich was summoned and they were married in the probate courtroom, in the presence of courthouse officials.
J.W. Fey, receiver of the Maudelton Hotel company has filed an application in the court of common pleas for an order to sell the property and effects of the corporation purports to be covered by a chattel mortgage to the Erie County Banking company, and the receiver is of the opinion that the property is so covered should be sold apart from the rest. Another part of the property is the stock of liquors, which is appraised at $484.60, and this also in the opinion of the receiver should be sold separately. The total inventory and appraisement is $3,370. A petition has been filed by the Erie County Banking company asking for judgement for $2,000 with interest on a promissory note secured by chattel mortgage.
[VV. Ed. Note: All of this is interesting, but I still can’t understand just who owns the real estate. Does the bank, the corporation, or George Fischer own it? I’m thinking that the corporation owned the furniture and various appliances as well as the booze, and that Mr. Fischer was in essence the landlord. I suppose this will become clearer as the weeks go by.]
Mayor Williams gave his decision in the ejectment case of Davis vs. C.C. Baumhart and W.A. Christian, Monday morning. In the matter of the payment of the rent the court held that a demand had not been made according to law.
In the matter of subletting the premises the court held that the term of the lease had been violated hence the verdict was for the plaintiff. The Court declaring that in his opinion Mr. Baumhart had sold the goods.
Defendants have filed a motion for new trial motion will be heard Saturday at 10 o’clock before H.R. Williams.
Negotiations have now gone so far that it seems assured that Vermilion will soon have anew bank. A.H. Leimbach, agent for the Lake Shore railroad here is the active man behind the project, although a number whose names are not yet given out are associated with him The new banking company will have a capital stock of $50,000. It has not yet been determined whether it will be a state bank or include a trust company. The promoters claim that they have been given excellent en…
[VV. Ed. Note: This article ended just as you see it. Ergo, I don’t have any idea about came next. Again, it’s one of those things that we’ll likely find out more about in weeks to come. But I’m certain that the new bank was begun. It was called the Bank of Vermilion and it went “belly-up” during the Great Depression.]
Edward Kishman to Henry B. Kishman, undivided 1-2 interest in water lots Nos. 4 and 5 Huron village $1,500.
Ed W. Kishman to H.B. Kishman and L.A. Braun, und. 1-6 part No. 344 water lot, Vermilion Village.
H.B. Kishman et al to F. Driscoll parts of water lots Nos. 338, 343 and 344, Vermilion Vil. $1,700.
[VV. Ed. Note: I believe these transactions document major restructuring of the Kishman Fish Company in both Vermilion and Huron. Consequently, they are historically relevant – not just interesting reading.]
Wm. H. Blattner to Wm. Bailey, whole of lot No. 45 and parts of lots Nos. 44 and 46 Vermilion Vil., $2,150.
[VV. Ed. Note: These lots comprised very much of the properties on the east side of Washington Street between Huron and Ferry streets.]
Two bright dogs are Don and Duke, the pets of Rev. Father Lamb of No. 338 Fulton road S.W. Besides being constant attendants at church they have learned reverence.
When the bell rings for services Don and Duke join in a low barking duet, which they continue as long as the bell is tolled. This Father Lamb interprets as fervent dog devotion.
The dogs are collies and were presented to Father Lamb by Mr. Lewis Englebry, of Vermilion, O. The men met last summer at League Park and became friends. A short time later Mr. Englebry visited his friend in Cleveland and presented him with don and Duke then puppies only four months old.
Though bright both by instinct and by training the pet collies have occasional lapses. They love to play pranks on their master and each other, which must be severely rebuked. They have been trained to perform many remarkable tricks. Duke is the champion jumper, and can clear an eight-foot fence with grace and ease. – Cleveland Leader.
Seff Bailey of S. Amherst has purchased a fine $400 team of Fred Weis of Elyria.
Mrs. John Bruckner and daughter are both suffering from a serious attack of typhoid fever.
[VV. Ed. Note: Persons familiar with this section of “VV” may note that typhoid was a relatively common ailment among our ancestors and had lethal potential. It was, and remains, a common worldwide bacterial disease transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The bacterium that causes typhoid may be spread through poor hygiene habits and / or public sanitation conditions, and sometimes by flying insects feeding on feces. With improvements in public sanitation techniques and antibiotics in the early years of the 20th century the occurrence of the disease was drastically diminished.]
Harmon Cahl received two smashed fingers while working at the Steel plant Saturday. One was taken off entirely and the other may have to be amputated.
Mrs. Fanny Hunter, who died at Cleveland, was brought here Thursday afternoon at 4:05 and was kept in the auditorium of A.H. Baker over night to be taken the following morning to Brownhelm where the funeral services and interment was made. She was well known here. She left three children, two sons, C.H. and Albert, and a daughter Mrs. F. Nelson of Brownhelm, besides many other relatives and friends to mourn her sad death. She was 58 years, 5 months and 23 days of age and died from pneumonia. Funeral was held at Cong’l church Saturday. Rev. Blakeslee officiating.
“Daddy” Christian attended the devined [sic] services at Lorain Sunday evening.
Walter Bruckner and Fred Klassen have nearly completed their invention on propetual [sic] motion.
[VV. Ed. Note: I believe it should have read “perpetual”. Anyway I find this very interesting. I wonder what these fellas were really up to? But as Wm. Shakespeare said, “We are such stuff of which dreams are made on…”. I guess these guys had been “dreamt” upon.]
Tomorrow you will have an opportunity to celebrate Washington’s Birthday.
News has been received here of the death of Will Guinan in Michigan where he went from here. He was a marshall [sic] here several years ago.
N.D. Irish ate some of those cherries from his tree as recently stated in the NEWS that are now ripe and the result is that he is seriously ill.
The public schools were closed Friday giving the boys a good time to skate and marble games could be seen on all corners.
Daddy Gilette is now giving his livery office a coat of paint. Our celebrated young artist, Bert Nicholl has undertaken the job.
DIED – August Garhe, Wednesday morning of heart failure age 60. He was one of the best known men. Funeral at 2 o’clock Saturday at the German M.E. Church.
DIED – G.W. Quilgey [sic] died Tuesday evening at I o’clock at the age of 85 years of old age at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rev. D.F. English. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1:30 P.M. at the above residence.
The first train on the new Wabash line branch between Wellington and Lorain was run as far a S. Amherst Thursday. It consisted of an engine and one Pullman palace sleeper. On board was a party of officials of the road inspecting the work. After spending a hour viewing the quarries the party boarded the rain and returned to Wellington.
Saturday afternoon Joe Toedt a 20-year-old foreigner of Lorain took twenty-seven drinks of whiskey on a wager, and died as a result. Which shall we call it murder or suicide?
Mr. Frank Lowry teacher of Dist. No. 3, Berlin township is suffering from an attack of appendicitis and was taken to Cleveland Wednesday. Thomas Bottomley of the Senior class is supplying in his school this week.
[VV. Ed. Note: Tom Bottomley was my (maternal) great-uncle. After he graduated from Vermilion’s high school with honors he attended college earning degrees in both pharmacy and law. He was one of the persons responsible for the creation of Gray Drug in Cleveland. He was a generous man of good humor. I’m very glad I was able to know and now remember him.]
Mrs. Wirth of District No. 11 Berlin Township was out of school three days this week on account of the death of her Mother-in-law.
Miss Bessie Sherod of the Vermilion High School is supplying.
Miss Nellie Klaar, teacher at Furnace corners was ill Tuesday and Spt. Nuhn took her place for the day only.
James Baumhardt spent Sunday in Berlin Heights the guest of his sister Mr. H. Ferber.
The death of Fred Horn aged 73 occurred at his home Wednesday. The funeral services were held Sunday at the church at Miller’s Corners and interment in the Brownhelm cemetery.
Miss Minnie Hahn spent the latte part of the week I Cleveland at the Lakeside Hospital, with her little nephew Walter who has been there for the past three weeks.
Will Baird is quite ill.
Mr. George Zilch and Miss Cora VanWagnen were married Thursday Feb. 14, 1907. They left immediately for a short trip after which they will be at home to their many friends.
The friends of Mr. Werner Zilch of this place and Miss Mattie Schibley of Amherst were surprised to hear of their marriage, which occurred Saturday, Feb. 16, 1907. Congratulations.
L.U. Todd visited Sandusky on business today.
Mrs. John Wagner is on the sick list.
Mrs. Franc Parsons entertains the Ladies Glee Club of Lorain at 6 o’clock dinner today.
John Moes returned home Saturday fro an extended visit in Indiana and the Western portion of Ohio.
Miss Blanch Liberman of Adrian Mich. is the guest of her grandmother, Mrs. Kate Krapp and other relatives in town.
The stork left a baby girl to Mr. and Mrs. Geo Otto to help brighten their new home. Grandpa Wahl is wearing the smile that won’t come off.
S.C. Myers who recently purchased the Evangelical Church property has leased the same to the Disciples and it will again be used for Church purposes.
[VV. Ed. Note: I’m curious about the exact location of this property. I’m wondering “if” this property was on the southwest corner of Grand and Ohio streets. It also might have been on the west side of Division / Main street between Ohio and South streets. Someday I’ll come across something that defines the site (I hope).]
Miss Carrie Boss is spending the latter part of the week with her brother Dr. J.W. Boss and family at Birmingham.
On account of the Birmingham Telephone Exchange, which has 150 subscribers, having connections with the Bell Telephone Company that company will now reopen its exchange at this place at once for business.
BORN – To Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hurlbut Monday Feb. 18, 1907 a daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Roscoe and daughter spent Sunday with the latter’s sister at Lorain.
Everett Thompson of Chicago Jct. visited his sister Miss Cora and other relatives here yesterday.
[VV. Ed. Note: Chicago Junction, Ohio eventually took to name Willard. The name was changed in 1917 in honor of Daniel Willard, the President of the B&O Railroad.]
Hmmmmmm....
A VERMILION TAPESTRY: Sylvester Augustin Pelton (pictured) appears to have led what some folks might deem to have been a rather ordinary life. He was born March 25, 1806 in Chatham, Middlesex, Connecticut. He was one of nine children born to Captain Josiah S. and Lucy Shepard Pelton. It was the same month and year the great English poetess, Elizabeth Barrett Browning first opened her eyes. And, across the channel, French Emperor, Napoleon I, was busy commissioning the building of a new memorial to his imperial army in the middle of Paris. It would be called the Arc de Triomphe. Near the turn of the 19th century the Pelton family migrated from their Connecticut home to Euclid, Ohio. Then in 1818, three years after Mrs. Pelton's untimely death at age 41, the family moved to Vermilion Township settling on a farm along Risden Road. There the oldest son, Josiah Jr., assumed nearly all responsibilities for both family and farm. While the good Captain was not terribly old (62) his years as a sailor had taken their troll, and he apparently was not able/ready to begin a new career in the field.
Again, nothing about Sylvester's life appears to have been unusual. He took to farming at a young age. And he stayed with it throughout his life. What is extraordinary about him, however, are some of the people who surrounded him during his lifetime.
When he was 22 and she was but 18 years, he married a pretty village lass named Eunice Osborn Sturges. Eunice was born in Roxbury, New York on the 27th of July 1810. She came to the place known 'as Vermilion when she was but 12 weeks old. Her mother carried her on a pillow all the way. It was a journey of six weeks.
Eunice's mother was Charlotte Tuttle Sturges (PJ 1-2000). Charlotte's husband, Frederick, died in April - the same year Sylvester's family came to the area. The following year (1819) she married a fellow named George Austin.
George's father, Captain William Austin, is very likely Vermilion's first settler. His mother, beyond the shadow of any doubt, was the first Caucasian woman in the area. This fact, by the way, was not cause for much celebration on her part. (And that is a story unto itself.)
But back to Sylvester and Eunice. They were the parents of eight children. The oldest, a girl they named Anna Maria, developed a great friendship with another young lady named Phoebe Goodell and her family.
Phoebe's father, Jotham W. Goodell, was a Presbyterian minister and led the congregation of the first church in the village (PJ 6-30-05). This relationship eventually led her to marry Phoebe's big brother William Bird Goodell in April of 1853. The marriage' produced 3 children, but ended in catastrophe within a decade (PJ 9-29-95). William lost his life in a flash flood while working at a customs house in Port Angeles, Washington.
Grief stricken, she returned with her children to Vermilion to tend to the . needs of her aging parents, Sylvester and Eunice, and to operate their boarding house on Huron Street (now the home of Jim and Cathy Weber).
While all of the aforementioned folk (i.e. Charlotte Tuttle Sturges, Captain Austin and his wife, Rev. Goodell and his daughter Phoebe) have more than. some passing import in our nation's history, it is Sylvester's nephew, who is most prominent.
Lester Allan Pelton, born in Vermilion on September 5, 1829 (a year after his aunt and uncle had married) became, and remains, world famous as the "father of hydroelectric power".
I know, I know. None of these people or things makes the good gentleman in the picture worthy of note. But as one of my favorite American philosophers, Will Rogers, once said, We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." In yesteryear that'd be Sylvester. Today it'd be me.
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.
Benjamin Summers was of Revolutionary ancestry. His parents were from Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., where his ancestors had lived for three generations. His grandfather, Benjamin Summers, was the son of Samuel Summers, and was one of a family of nine sons and three daughters. His ancestor, Benjamin, served with distinction in the old French War. He was too old for general service during the Revolution, but was active in getting recruits; was in command of a company of Silver Gray Minute-Men, and was out in the service at the time the British were chased to their shipping after the burning of Fairfield, Danbury, and Norwalk.
Mark Summers, the father of Benjamin, was born May 21, 1765, at Newtown, Conn., and in 179- fixed his home among the rough hills of Middletown, Delaware Co., N. Y. Here his son Benjamin was born, May 21, 1801. In his ninth year he was sent back to the old family home at Newtown, that he might attend school; thither, also, his parents soon after removed, in order to educate their children. They remained there seven or eight years. In the mean time Benjamin had acquired "a good common-school education, and a couple of years in Latin, mathematics, and surveying."
In the fall of 1817, Mark Summers and his family removed to the West, arriving at their home on the Fire-Lands, Nov. 17, 1817, after a journey of forty days in the wilderness, pitching their tent in Vermillion township. The land, which he had purchased, three hundred and forty acres, lay in Jessup (now Florence) township. It was a little too far in the woods, and to be nearer to neighbors they bought a half-lot in Vermillion, which spot became the permanent home of the family. One inducement to buy the half-lot was that there was a clearing of two or three acres and a dwelling-house thereon. The house was a log hut of one story and one room, and they " moved in with the family already occupying, making in all fifteen in one room, and most of the time two hired men in addition." Benjamin taught the district school part of the winter of 1819, and occasionally afterward. In the winter of 1824-25 he clerked in a store in Milan, and was married to Miss Olive Stevens, of that place, recently from Sheffield, Mass. She lived but a short time after their marriage. Mr. Summers married his second wife. Miss Tulia Burr, April 4, 1827. She, also, like his former wife, had had the adventages of a New England education.
Mr. Summers' health was never very firm, he being afflicted with rheumatism, which partially disabled him for years. He succeeded, however, very well in business, and soon became a leading man in his community; filled various offices, was justice of the peace three terms, and in the winter of 1837 was, by the State Legislature, elected associate judge of Huron County. Mr. Summers was a Whig, and the Legislature by which he was elected was Democratic. The office was unsolicited and unexpected by him. Judge Summers took his seat at the March term, 1837. At the Legislative session of 1838-39, the Democrats, being in power, set off to Erie County what is now its eastern portion, and thus Judge Summers was, as claimed by the Democrats, legislated out of office, he, by the change in county lines, being no longer a resident of Huron County. Various legal questions were raised; but Judge Summers and Judge Choate, of Milan, whoso case was similar, continued to act as associate judges of Huron County. The case was taken to the Supreme Court, where a difference of opinion existed. After some two years a political change gave majority in the Supreme Court, and opin bet Choate were ousted. At the solicitation of his party friends, Judge Summers consented to be the Whig candidate of his district for representative in the Legislature. He was elected in 1844, and reelected in 1845, and was by his friends asked to he a candidate for State Senator in 1846, but declined the nomination. It "did not pay" in any sense, and he very much disliked the cabaling, intrigue, and "tin-pan" which seemed almost inseparable from, or, at least, too much practiced in, political life. From this period Mr. Summers was a prominent man (to whom the "widow and the orphan" came for advice and counsel), but preferred private life, was successful as a farmer, keeping up with the times in his reading and observation of men and things. His health seemed firmer, and he realized the ease of competence and the happiness of home. Realizing the benefits of an education, he gave to his children such advantages as were in his power. He was among the early members of the Fire-Lands Historical Society, filled various offices in the same from time to time, was one of its efficient supporters, and furnished various contributions for its magazine.
His temperament was nervous-bilious, and he suffered much from nervous headaches, which interfered with his labors and literary pursuits. He had a great thirst for knowledge, and read everything within his reach; had a general knowledge on most subjects, without confining himself to any one line of thought. His farming was after the style of his reading. He delighted in improvements, was fond of introducing new and superior fruits, grains, vegetables, ornamental trees, etc. He did not confine himself to one production. When his curiosity and ambition were satisfied with producing the finest and greatest variety of peaches, he turned his attention to the culture of grapes, and so on. The money value of a thing was not its chief value to him. He was not visionary, however, or reckless, but cautious, and commonly succeeded in whatever he undertook. Though not a read lawyer, he had a pretty good knowledge of legal principles, and his views on legal questions were much respected and sought after by his neighbors and friends. He was just, punctual, and forbearing in his dealings and intercourse, firm where duty required, but yielding where no principle would be sacrificed; hence he was the uncompromising enemy of slavery and every pretext for oppression, a reliable friend, a rather “inconvenient enemy," an accommodating neighbor, and kind and indulgent in his domestic relations. For many years he was a consistent and active member of a Christian church, but was naturally somewhat skeptical on some points of orthodoxy, and for a time seemed to delight in controversy on these points. In later years he disliked this controversy, and earnestly sought to return to the faith of his earlier manhood. Advancing years enfeebled the health of himself and wife. They sold the old homestead and removed to Berlin Heights, where they resided two or three years until the decease of his faithful wife, who had been a true helpmeet for forty-seven years, on Nov. 19, 1874. By this event his home was broken up; his health also gave way, and for ten months he was an intense sufferer. These last months were spent with his children, "far away from the Fire-Lands," and they learned to know him better and reverence his character more and more as the days of his pilgrimage drew to a close. He departed this life, in the full vigor of his intellectual faculties, at the residence of his daughter, wife of Rev. G. H. Hartupee, D.D., at Mansfield, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1875, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
DANGEROUS WORK: These two snaps of a fish tug coming into the Port of Vermilion Ohio sometime back in the 1940’s [note the absence of the breakwall in front of the piers] are true artifacts of the town’s past.
It may very well be that the ice on both the lake and river has broken up – but I just have to wonder what motivated anyone to be on either during the winter. Though there was no real danger involved when these pix were taken being out on the lake in the winter could not have been a very pleasant experience. But whatever the business there were spectators. So I assume it must have been planned.
Nonetheless, I get cold just looking at these snapshots. The fishing business may have been lucrative, but there were some inherent dangers. It would not have been the life for someone such as myself.
One night, a lady stumbled into the police station with a black eye. She claimed she heard a noise in her back yard and went to investigate. The next thing she knew, she was hit in the eye and knocked out cold.
An officer was sent to her house to investigate, and he returned 1-1/2 hours later with a black eye.
"Did you get hit by the same person?" his captain asked.
"No," he replied. "I stepped on the same rake."
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.
MARY WAKEFIELD BUXTON’S LATEST BOOK “The Private War of William Styron” is available in paper back for $15.00 with tax and can be purchased locally at Buxton and Buxton Law Office in Urbanna, ordered from any book store, Amazon.com or Brandylane Publishing Company. A signed, hard back edition may be purchased from Mrs. Buxton directly for $30.00 by writing her at Box 488, Urbanna, VA 23175 and including $6.00 for tax, postage and packaging.
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.12, Issue 44 - January 10, 2015
© 2013 Rich Tarrant