Good Ice, Bad Ice
SHOPTALK: Well, the pic on the shoptop this week is certainly apropos. It reflects the deep freeze we’ve been in thus far this January. And I hope it soon ends.
In earlier days I suppose a freeze like the one we’re experiencing was welcomed by fishermen and many businessmen about town. When the ice was good and frozen the got out on the river with a horse, saw and cut the ice to be stored in their ice houses for the warmer months of the year.
I really don’t know a good deal about ice. But a few years ago I heard Bill Phillips talk about the different types. There are several. I don’t recall at the moment, but the types may reflect how fast the water was frozen. I did note, while transcribing from the pages of The Vermilion News, that occasionally they would remark that the ice being harvested appeared to be very clean. There must have been times / years when it was not.
During my lifetime I have only really known electrical refrigeration so it wasn’t something I ever had to deal with. I do, however, vaguely recall icemen; and we did have an wooden fridge in the backroom / summer kitchen of our home on Perry Street. Even then it was an antique. (I wish I still had it.)
By the way, this pic was among the hundreds loaned the museum by Brenda Baumhart Mezz. I did, of course, Photoshop the snap to make it clearer to Viewers. It’s not always practical to make a photograph so large on-line that might allow persons to enjoy the details. Consequently photo filters enhance them for digital viewers.
Atop the home desk this week is an equally cold pic of the Lester K., and Ruth E. breaking ice in front of Kishman Fish some years later (than the first pic).
I have several photographs of the Lester K. Actually, I’m thinking that the old tug still survives. A few years back someone emailed me a new pic of the old tug being restored. These were real workhorses.
VISITORS & ACQUISITIONS: Business was rather slow this week at the shop which afforded time for some other things…but.
Retired Vermilion school teacher Terry Smith stopped by for a few minutes as he does on occasion. Among other things he contributed a rather nice coat from the days he worked for Ed Fisher at the funeral home. It’s a heavy wool jacket with beautifully stitched lettering (i.e. Fisher Funeral Home) on the back. It’s bright red.
Terry is a school teacher’s school teacher. Even in retirement he’s connected with and interested in the local schools. Years back he worked for the funeral home as a driver, picker-upper, and other things. I don’t believe he spent too much time in idle pursuits.
Although Mr. Smith is from Ashland Ohio (went to college at BGSU) he was no stranger to the town when he came here to teach back in the early 1960s. His family spent time here along the lake during the summers when he was very young. (Once here, Vermilion’s hard to get out of your blood.)
Local artist (and friend) Frank Homitz also came by. Frank drops in every now and then with some artifact or piece of art to contribute.
This time Frank brought in several poems written by late Vermilion expatriate Mike Walker. As some local folks may know Mike recently lost his life in an auto mishap in Vermont. Mike’s family (some may not know) owned the local Chrysler-Plymouth dealership that once occupied the site where the new Ritter Library addition was constructed.
In any case, Mike wrote several poems that he evidently bequeathed to Frank before his death. His sister, Avis, found them and forwarded them. Frank allowed me to make copies. So we have them at the museum. They are very much worth reading.
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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,
DOCTOR DEAN I PRESUME?: This photo may have appeared in “VV” a number of years ago. But then it was only from a digital copy. This photo is scanned from an original sent to me by Vermilion expatriate Dr. Norman “Jack” Dean.
I have never actually met Jack. But we’ve had numerous interactions via the net for quite some time. Prior to that I’d heard some about him from his sister-in-law Jane when she was the secretary at Vermilion’s UCC Congregational Church. His brothers Jimmy and Dan are well known local men. From what I can tell all possess a good deal of talent plus a good sense of humor.
Jack is (I believe) a university professor of Engineering. He may be retired. Although “retired” is always a relative term. I do know that he is a person of many talents – musically and artistically – as well as the aforementioned sense of humor.
This photograph was taken at the east end of the Vermilion-on-the-Lake Clubhouse c.1949. Pictured L-R are:
Mr. Robert Crampton (one of the Clubhouse owners), Jack Smith [whom I recognized], Don _________(not related), Robert Crampton Jr., and Norman (Jack) Dean. I’ve not researched the Crampton’s as of yet – but I intend to. I recognize Smith because I think he had several sons who looked much like him. And something I noticed in the pic that I didn’t the first time I saw it; Doc Dean has a broken wrist. Perhaps I’ll find out more about that as well. Prior to living in “the Village” the Dean family lived at Nokomis Park just west of Crystal Beach. After moving to V.O.L. Dean’s father became Mayor. And when they auctioned off everything at Crystal Beach during the 1960s he bid on (and won) the roller coaster. Jack explained that his father got the coaster because he was about the only guy with cash in his pocket. They rest of the “high-rollers” only carried checkbooks. Tis a great pic from a great guy. Thanks Jack…
I’ve not researched the Crampton’s as of yet – but I intend to. I recognize Smith because I think he had several sons who looked much like him. And something I noticed in the pic that I didn’t the first time I saw it; Doc Dean has a broken wrist. Perhaps I’ll find out more about that as well.
Prior to living in “the Village” the Dean family lived at Nokomis Park just west of Crystal Beach. After moving to V.O.L. Dean’s father became Mayor. And when they auctioned off everything at Crystal Beach during the 1960s he bid on (and won) the roller coaster. Jack explained that his father got the coaster because he was about the only guy with cash in his pocket. They rest of the “high-rollers” only carried checkbooks.
Tis a great pic from a great guy. Thanks Jack…
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.38 – February 28,1907
Suit was begun in the court of common pleas on Thursday by Andrew Beeckel and Frank Hatch against John Heyman to quiet title to two properties in the village of Vermilion.
[VV. Ed. Note: the term “quiet title” is a new one for me. Thanks to Wikipedia I now know that it is “An action to quiet title is a lawsuit brought in a court having jurisdiction over property disputes, in order to establish a party's title to real property, or personal property having a title, of against anyone and everyone, and thus "quiet" any challenges or claims to the title.”]
A bill of exceptions has been filed in the court circuit in the West Huron marsh case. The case is that in which the West Huron Sporting club recently succeeded in enjoining certain hunters from trespassing on its enclosed hunting grounds and the defendants are taking the case to the supreme court This is the second time in recent years that the supreme court has been called upon to settle the controversy as to whether the property to which the sporting club’s title has been quitted is subject to private ownership. The defendants claim rights in the mash in common with the public Records dating back over a century to the original grant of the Firelands by the state of Connecticut to its citizens who suffer form the incursions of the British during the Revolutionary war are being involved in the case, the real question being whether the disputed territory was treated a land or as the waters of Sandusky bay in the surveys made by the agents of the Sufferers’ Land company at the time of the division of the half million acres comprising the Firelands among those entitled thereto.
[VV. Ed. Note: It now occurs to me that the property in question is now called “Sheldon’s Marsh” just west of the Sawmill Creek resort on the west side of Huron just off Lake Road.]
At least 25,000 of the 75,000 old soldiers in the state of Ohio will benefit this year by the new pension law passed by congress on the 6th day of the present month. The law provides that any person who served 60 days or more in the military or naval service of this country during the civil war of 60 days in the war with Mexico, and who was honorably discharged, shall upon furnishing proper proof of the same be placed upon the pension roll. Any soldier who has reached the age of 62 is entitled to $12 a month; 70 years $15 per month; 75 years or over $20 per month; and such pension shall commence with the filling of the applications with the bureau of pensions.
The divorce suit Eliza B. Knittle vs. Henry B. Knittle was dismissed for want of prosecutions at plaintiff’s cost.
The following matters were disposed of by Judge Reed on Monday:
Lyman P. Blake vs. Lake Short Electric Railway, settled, dismissed. Defendant ordered to pay costs.
The personal injury sit of G.W. Shepherd vs. the village of Huron was taken up in the court of common pleas on Monday afternoon. The work of securing a jury was not completed. The plaintiff seeks damages for injuries sustained by falling on a defective sidewalk.
Wells D. Ream, 25, Bellevue, and Miss Ida Ortner, 25, Venice.
[VV. Ed. Note: I think that Wells Ream was somehow related to the popular Vermilion teacher Howard “Doc” Ream – and, of course his son Bill. I recall that Bill told me he was somehow related to the Birmingham Ortner family so I’m assuming this was the connection.]
Little Anthony Moes was crushed beneath the wheels of a Lake Shore Train at about 10 o’clock Friday morning, while playing near the bridge. The body was horribly mangled. The remains were taken to Beeckel’s Morgue and prepared for burial. The boy was 9 years old and bright and active and will be greatly missed by his little playmates, as well as his parents and brothers and sisters, who have the sympathy of the community.
The funeral services of Anthony Moes were held at St. Mary’s church Monday morning at 9 o’clock, after which the funeral party went to Calvary cemetery on the L.S.E. Funeral Car. The church was filled to its full capacity with those who sympathized with the bereaved family. The floral offerings were abundant and very beautiful.
The concert given by the Ladies’ Glee blub of Lorain under the auspices of the Subscribers’ Library Association last Thursday evening was a very pleasant affair and well attended. The Glee Club did nicely under the directions of Miss Marjory Goodsell. Miss Thew called forth well merited applause for her singing as well as Miss Sprowl.
Miss Hill entertained the audience very nicely with her piano playing and also received an encore.
The portion of the proceeds which the library wil receive is about $5.
C. Bauman, A.W. Leadrach and A. Hengartner of Lorain attended the annual meeting of the Ohio State Dairymen’s Association, held at Columbus, Wednesday and Thursday of last week.
The Diamond Cheese Co. had two cheese on exhibition for prizes.
$25 was to be distributed prorate on all exhibits scoring above 90. This included cheese of all kinds.
The Diamond Cheese Co.’s cheese scored 98 points, eight points above the best of any other make and was awarded $22.50 our of the $25 Purse on all cheese.
This speaks well for Erie county since one of the best authorities on cheese in the United States did the scoring; Prof. E.H. Farrington of Wisconsin
J.W. Young and family leave for the Southwest. O.E. Baumhart will move into the house vacated by them.
A.D. Baumhart expects to move into the one vacated by O.E.
Fred Englebry and family will move into Mrs. Hansen’s tenant house recently vacated by A.L. Irey.
Dr. Derr is remodeling the Trinter house recently purchased by him preparatory to occupancy.
[VV. Ed. Note: The Trinter home mentioned in this activity was situated on the north side Liberty Street between what is currently (2014) the Old Prague Restaurant and the store just to the east. That whole area is currently a parking lot.]
W.E. Bailey is having some changes made about the Blattner house which he purchased last week.
John Lutz and family will move into the Bailey house.
Geo. Wagner and wife will move to town.
Capt. Blattner and family will occupy the old Case residence.
Chas. Englebry and family have moved into the Brown house owned by Dr. Englebry.
Mrs. Wooden and family have moved into the Backus house on Huron St.
Miss Tillberg has recovered from her recent illness and resumed her position as principal of the high school Monday to the satisfaction of the pupils.
Word has been received that Tom Finney recently underwent a successful operation at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland.
Claude Ladid, while working on the Wabash Bridge near the Whiton homestead received a badly sprained ankle Wednesday when a large piece of timber used for construction accidently fell on it. He is now confined to his bed at his boarding place.
The Gypsies have pulled their stakes near the Quigley quarry and have moved their outfit near the Sunnyside farm at Brownhelm. All those not having their fortune told can not resist the temptation of missing their last opportunity, as it is well worth the travel of 50 miles to have your fortune told, they tell you your correct marriage date as it has filled the bill to several also telling you the bride or groom’s name and that I should think would be given credit to the many now flourishing about the village.
The Wabash has commenced grading through the Smith farm, which evidently shows that they are rushing their line to Oak Point.
Two boys belonging to a contractor on the Michle farm name unknown while playing with revolvers Wednesday evening shot one above the heart and is not expected to live. For further information keep your eye on next week’s edition of the NEWS.
Mrs. Perry Williams died at her home Tuesday, Feb. 19,07, aged 78 years 11 months and 9 days. She was born in Williamshire, Berkshire county, Mss., March 28th 1828; her maiden name was Sarah Maria Moon.
At the age of 8 her parents moved to Avon O., where she lived until united in marriage to Perry Williams in 1845. Then moving on a farm on the Middle Ridge road where she stayed for a few years and then moving to the house she passed away in living there over 50 years and was a pioneer settler. She was well known and was liked by all who knew her as she was kind and generous and willing to help anyone in need.
Four children were born tow remaining; Celia Williams and Wm. Williams and two grandchildren of this place to mourn her sad death. Many floral offerings were received.
Funeral services were held Saturday at the M.E. church, Rev. Black officiating and interment was at Cleveland street cemetery. Among those present from out of town were a nephew, Harmon Johnson, of Watertown Mich., Mesdames Paine Potter and Arnold Potter of Canton O, Lewis Bennett of Avon and Mesdames Lockwood and Chandler of Elyria. Two sisters wee unable to attend the funeral of the deceased on account of illness.
DIED – Mrs. Jaycox Wednesday afternoon at her home at Whiskeyville, of pneumonia. She was 80 years of age. Funeral services will be held at the house at 1-30 Saturday p.m. and interment at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Frank E. Quince died at Albuquerque New Mexico, Wednesday February 13, 1907, the remains arriving here Tuesday evening. Her maiden name was Lucy Elizabeth Filker daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Filker. She was born at Amherst November 9, 1869 and was 37 yrs. 3 months and 4 days old. Funeral services were held Thursday at 2 o’clock at the German Methodist church Rev. Fuessner officiating. She was loved by all who knew her as she was generous and kind in all her dealings. Interment was at Cleveland street cemetery besides her brother George who was killed by a train 3 years ago.
She went to Mew Mexico last September for her health. On account of the climate her husband and children were compelled to return to New Mexico after reaching as far as Chicago.
She was a member of Corunna Lodge, K. of P. No. 248, and Emmanuel Temple, No. 176 who sent some very fine floral offerings.
She leaves to mourn her husband Frank E. Quince, two daughters age 12 and 15 years, one son 11 years, besides her parents Mr. and Mrs. Adam Filker, two sisters and three brothers.
Among those who attended the large funeral from out of town were a brother, William Filker of Elmwood, Pa., Mrs. A. Quince of Coronna, Ind., John Stabdel of Toledo, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Jaeger of Collinwood, Mrs. Thomas Blake and Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz and family of Carlisle.
It has been the habit of many persons including children to walk on the railroad tracks. So far this has not resulted seriously to many who live here. Several have had narrow escapes and the death of the little Moes boy Friday is the second within a year. We should all take warning to keep off the tracks and be as careful as we may, we do not know at what moment we will be crushed into a lifeless mass by one of the many trains which pass through the town each day. Yes, we must all heed the warning and keep off the railroad tracks as much as possible as it is a dangerous practice.
Mrs. W. F. Washburn is improving slowly.
[VV. Ed. Note: Mrs. Washburn’s first name was "Francella". From previous articles I knew she was ill during this time - and her daughter (A.D. Baumhart’s wife) "Effie" had gone to help with her recovery. Curious, I looked the family up on Ancestry and found that Francella was married to Wheeler Fairchild Washburn. Wheeler was former Vermilion Mayor Charles Baumhart’s middle name. From what I can discern from the census data the family lived (near Axtel, Ohio) - but east of Route #60 (State Road) along Mason or N. Ridge Road. I had previously thought that they lived west of that site.]
From what I can discern from the census data the family lived (near Axtel, Ohio) - but east of Route #60 (State Road) along Mason or N. Ridge Road. I had previously thought that they lived west of that site.]
Alice Reighley, teacher of this district, is confined to the house on account of sickness Lydia Trinter is acting as substitute.
BORN – To Rev. and Mrs. Warner of Oberlin, Feb20th an eight pound boy.
C. Sperry is confined to he house with the Grip.
Elmer Trinter who is attending O.B.C. spent a few days at home last week.
George Koppenhafer of Shinrock and Miss Minnie Sanders of Townsend were married at Berlin Heights last Wednesday.
Measles and whooping cough are making their annual visits.
E.L. Bottomley of Massillon came Friday evening for a few days visit with his parents Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Bottomley and other relatives and friends in this vicinity. He returned yesterday.
Carl Worth has been chosen as teacher for District No. 3, Berlin Tp., the teacher having been taken to the hospital at Cleveland as mentioned last week. Mr. Bottomley who took the school for the week retuned to his studies in the high school.
Mrs. Fred Aufderhide is reported very ill.
BORN – To Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Baumhart, Wednesday morning Feb. 27, 1907 a son.
Miss Jessie Delker attended the theatre at Cleveland Saturday evening and spent Sunday with friends.
The proprietors of Nuhn Bro’s Saloon were assessed $10 by the Mayor Wednesday for keeping open after hours.
The Lake Shore Special with Cleveland Firemen went through here a “whizzing” Monday morning on their way to aid Sandusky firemen in the fire, which destroyed Delgart and Bittner’s Bielstein’s Laundry and several other buildings, and for a time threatened the business district of that city.
C.F. Walton, the teacher at Birmingham was arrested Tuesday on a warrant sworn out b the humane officer, Mrs. Fannie Everett, charged with blacking the eye and otherwise disfiguring the face of one of his pupils, Roy Sanders age 15. He was taken before Justice Deitrick at Sandusky and bound over to probate court in the sum of $100.
[VV. Ed. Note: This only goes to show that once upon a time teacher’s didn’t take kindly to “smart-ass” youngsters. I’d be willing to bet that regardless the outcome this young man didn’t smart-off to his teachers ever again.
We wish to announce that we have bought the grocery business of Pelton & McGraw and will be glad to have the patronage of all our friends. –Davis & Nuhn.
We pay the highest market price for butte and eggs.
The Maudelton Hotel furniture will be sold at auction commencing at 10 a.m. Monday, March 4th 1907. At the hotel. – J.J. Fey, Receiver.
Alvin Shoop is on the sick list.
Hattie Shoop was absent from school a number of days last week on account of sickness.
Mr. Alexander attended the funeral of Mr. Garthe at Amherst Saturday.
It must be that spring is hovering near as we have seen Robins! But we are afraid they will think the weatherman has been fooling them for the weather certainly does not indicate temperature for Robins.
The funeral services of Mrs. Wirth who died Sunday morning, were held at the house Tuesday. Rev. Knapp preached the funeral discourse. A Quartette from the “Home” sang three selections. An Undertaker from Cleveland was in attendance. Three very large wreaths among the flowers besides other pieces. [sic] A numbers of friends and relatives were from Cleveland her former home.
Tuesday was Mr. “Dan” Blanchard’s 76th birthday and a few neighbors were invited in the evening t spend a few hours in cards and they also had a little supper.
Hmmmmmm....
POST WW2 – VERMILION OHIO: I was born in Vermilion, Ohio near the end of WW2 - on November 8, 1944. Franklin Roosevelt had just been elected to his 4th, and final, term as President of these United States. The nation was running strong on a war driven economy. And although I was unaware of it at the time that economy would continue in strength, as it pertains to Vermilion, Ohio, for about the next 30 years.
For the first half of the 20th century the economy of Vermilion, Ohio was driven by two primary industries; fishing and the manufacture of incandescent lighting fixtures. The fishing industry didn't suffer due to the obvious fact that it was a primary food source provider of fresh water fish for a good part of America. The lighting industry didn't suffer because it produced signal lighting for the navy, and also because, in addition to lighting, the industry also manufactured war products that were necessarily made of brass and, therefore could produce shell casings. These enterprises fed the local economy and provided employment to all able bodied citizens who cared to work - both male and female.
As a youngster who came age just after this great conflict; and as the youngest of eight children born to parents who owned and operated a weekly newspaper; I do not recall a time when I didn't know about the war. I knew who was involved, and where it was fought. I knew of the great events of the war (i.e. Pearl Harbor; Hiroshima; etc.). I knew what VET and VJ days were about. I knew who Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Emperor Hirohito were. I knew every veteran in town - personally. I respected these men and women, and I was in awe of them.
People were, by and large, extremely patriotic. The Memorial Day parades were well attended. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post was organized as a direct result of the war. I never heard one bad word from anyone about our military nor our President. Folks pledged their allegiance to the flag, and joined in the singing of our national anthem - even if they didn't' know all the words. I also remember when the words "under God" were inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance.
Church was always well attended. In fact the church my family attended, which was built in the latter part of the 19th century, grew so large that by the mid-1950's a new, larger, church was needed and consequently built.
Several reactions associated with the war and now nearly forgot by most Americans who came of age during and after the conflict had to do with the "cold war" (that was a direct result of philosophical differences between the United States and Russia) and the emergence of the world into the "atomic age".
Civil Defense organizations throughout the nation were quite common. Areas in cities and towns that might provide shelter if an atomic bomb were to fall on or near our respective areas were common. They were marked by yellow / orange and black signs and usually pointed the way to basements in public buildings. A common piece of graftiti at the time could be found by the doors of beerjoints. Scrawled on a wall would be these words:
Related to this were spotter towers where persons would sit and watch the skies for enemy aircraft. They were similar to towers one might find in forested areas where rangers looked for forest fires. They were simply an open room (about 12'x12') about two stories high. There were glassless windows all around and a telephone connected to a central location somewhere where (I assume) someone sat with a map on a wall. There were posters on the walls of the tower with silhouettes of various airplanes on them. When a person spotted and potentially identified a particular plane they would pickup the phone and call that information in to whomever took such calls. To my knowledge there were never any people regularly scheduled to spot planes, and the facility was only open in the summer (there was no heat). In Vermilion the tower was located at the side of the high school football field.
Another reaction to this "atomic age cold war" threat was a bombing drill designed for school children wherein we were directed to fall to our knees beneath our respective desks and cove our heads with our arms.
In retrospect this, in particular, was probably one of the dumbest emergency drills ever designed by manunkind. I suspect it had more to do with assuaging the anxieties of parents than it had to do with providing protection from an atomic blast.
In post-war Vermilion, Ohio things were moving along rapidly. A booming market in the American automobile industry brought a new Ford Assembly Plant to the area, and the population exploded in the latter part of the 1950's - from roughly 2000 to approximately 10,000 people in a matter of a few years The steel mills and shipyards in nearby Lorain, Ohio were going strong - and all was well.
No one envisioned a day when all that would disappear. But 50 years later it did. But that's another story.
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.
…officers; John Laughlin, Samuel Reed and John Thompson, trustees; Henry Brady, clerk; John Hoak, treasurer; Daniel Butler, constable; Lybeus Storrs, lister and appraiser; Christopher Brubaker and Thos. Starr, path masters; John Hoak and S. S. Reed, fence viewers; Hieronymus Mingus and Christopher Brubaker, poor masters.
The new government was afraid of the poor tax, and at once proceeded to "warn Rachel Taylor to depart the township of Eldridge." Who Rachel was, or when she was expected to go in the wilderness, is not stated, nor whether the officers were satisfied with a show of authority and allowed her to remain.
The population rapidly increased, so that, when in 1826, the trustees first divided the town into school districts according to the law passed the preceding year, there were eighty-nine families then in the farm districts.
The first postmaster was Jeduthan Cobb, in 1830. The mail was then carried on horseback from Cleveland to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, by Robert Wolverton. He afterwards ran a sort of coach or hack, carrying the mail and passengers.
After Walker built his hotel, or tavern, as it was then called, Mr. Beebe secured the contract for carrying the mail. He ran a line of stages through on the telegraph road, and the coming and going of these ponderous vehicles was quite an event in the monotony of the life of those days.
The wide territory to the north of Berlinville, which has now two post offices, then had none, and it was a great convenience when an office was granted at the center. This office gave the present name to the place, for, as there were so many Berlins, some other name had to be given to avoid confusion, and Berlin Heights was suggested by the high lands, overlooking the lake, on which it was situated.
Elihu P. Hill was the first postmaster, succeeded by William Pearl, and by Jesse S. Davis, who has retained the position for the last twelve years.
The first hotel was built by David Walker, on the old Walker farm. The second was erected at Berlinville, on the site of the present one, by David Coulter. It was built of hewn logs. He sold to Geo. Roberts, father of George Roberts of Milan, who sold it to Harry Walker. Each owner added improvements.
The next was built near, or on, the site of Mr. Grumman's house and store, of logs, by Calvin Higgins, who started a tannery, the first in the township and the last.
The first hotel at the Heights was the present Davis House, erected by Mr. Jesse I. Davis in 1855, and occupied, except for a short interval, by him since that time.
The first school in the township was taught by John Leland, in the winter of 1811-13, in a house on the Fitzgerald farm, now Henry Hine's. It would probably be a great curiosity at the present time. This school was soon suspended on account of the war, the people leaving with their families for places of safety—Cleveland or Pennsylvania. It is said that the panic was so great, that in January 1814, only four families resided in the township. And yet the Indians were always friendly, and no instance of their depredation is recorded in the township.
The second schoolhouse was built of logs, covered with " shakes," on the farm of Daniel Butler, in 1815, and the school was first kept by Sophia Case, and afterwards by Mr. Brady and Mr. Dunn.
The third schoolhouse was built near the Burdue spring, east of the Heights, in 1818. This house would now be a great curiosity. It was sixteen feet by twenty, and the logs of which it was built were of all lengths, some running out many feet beyond others. The roof was shakes held down by heavy poles. The floor was made of logs split through the middle. The seats were made of the same, without backs, and the writing desks were of the split slabs, supported by pins driven into the log wall. There were three windows, but as there was no glass, strips were placed across the openings and greased newspapers placed over them. The fireplace occupied the whole end of the building, and the only limit to the size of the sticks was the strength of the boys to bring them in. There was not a board or a nail in the house. This school was opened by Thomas Stevens, who received ten dollars a month, paid in work on his farm or produce, and by way of gratuity, an occasional "bee” Of chopping, hoeing, husking, etc. From this small beginning, the township has made great advance in the intervening sixty years. The central district, in 1874, erected a school building at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars. This school is graded, and the higher grade has been taught from the beginning by Mr. Job Fish, whose popularity has never waned, but constantly increased. There are now ten school houses in the township, valued at twenty-six thousand four hundred dollars, and the annual expenditure for school purposes is three thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. The central district supports, besides the main school, one at the "East End," at a cost of one hundred and seventy dollars per year, in a building costing five hundred dollars.
The Methodists held class meetings even earlier than 1813, in private residences, and had occasional preaching from Nathan Smith, Mr. Westhich, Dennis Goddard, Walker, and later, William Pattee. At one of these meetings the following resolution, which is a most excellent article of faith, was adopted:
"Whereas, Our lots, by Divine Providence, are cast in this wilderness land where we are destitute of the preached word, destitute of an able shepherd to take us by the hand, and believing it is our duty, as pro-…
IF I MAY: I spent a good deal of time one day this week scanning more of the pix loaned me by Brenda Baumhart Mezz. This task is fraught with distractions for me. If I didn’t have a clue as to the identities of some of the persons pictured it would probably go easier – and faster. But that, of course is not the case. The photograph accompanying this monograph is a good example of what I mean.
Although I don’t know everyone pictured I know enough to make some educated guesses about those I am unable to identify.
The fella on the far right in the boater straw hat with a cigar in his left hand is A.D. Baumhart Sr. The little boy whose hand he is holding is Charles Wheeler Baumhart. And the lady in light colored dress behind the boy is Effie Washburn Baumhart – A.D.’s wife and the little boy’s mother.
The woman hold Charlie’s hand is probably his grandmother – Francella Washburn and the other boy may be A.D. Jr. The other ladies might be Effie’s sisters. But I really don’t know that.
The group is standing on the west breakwall along the mouth of the Vermilion River. I find it odd that Effie is not wearing a hat like the other women. However, it is the absence of the chapeau that allowed me to identify her. She was a very pretty woman.
Charlie looks very much as he did when I knew him in his 40s and 50s. The only thing lacking is his moustache and cigar.
His mother, Effie, died on the first day of November in 1918 a victim of the “Great Flu Pandemic of 1918-19. Charles had just turned 4. This pic was probably taken a few months prior to Effie’s death. She was 35 years old. A.D. was 42. It was a real tragedy. The future seemed so promising when someone caught these shadows.
The father watched through the window as his young daughter made a snowman with a little friend. Entertained by the sight, he went closer and heard the little neighbor boy say: "I've got an idea. To finish it off, I'll go to the kitchen and find a carrot."
His daughter replied, "Make it two. The second can be his nose.
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 45 - January 17, 2015
© 2013 Rich Tarrant