_GENE

EUGENE FRANCIS BOYD:: I knew Gene, his wife Yvonne, and his mother-in-law, Ann Smith, quite well. They ran the 24-hour diner called “Ann’s Lunch” in Vermilion’s Fischer Building for years.

When I was a juvenile delinquent (back in the late 1950s) our gang used to frequent the place in the early morning hours during the summer. My brother, Al, was a good friend of the Boyd’s’.

Gene always worked the night shift. Yvonne and Ann were the day-shift workers. He was a very “up” guy – very positive. I recall that he could whistle better than anyone I’ve ever heard (except, perhaps, Vermilionite Bud Ennis).

Gene and Yvonne were big on veterans’ affairs and Republican politics. When politicians still were handing out political favors the Boyd’s acquired the local license bureau. When they acquired that franchise they closed the diner and ran the license bureau out of the same storefront.

The couple had a house on the west side of Grand Street just south of the railroad tracks. When their franchise escaped them (i.e. when the Democrats took over the State House) they went to live on Yvonne’s family farm south of town (on Route #60). My brother (Al) used to keep bees on their property. After Yvonne died Gene left town. And this is what happened to him:

Eugene Francis "Gene" Boyd, 87, of Caney, KS, passed away Friday, November 2, 2007, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

He was born June 13, 1920 at Worland, Missouri to John and Sadie (Brendal) Boyd. He grew up in Knob Noster, Missouri. He graduated from high school in 1929.

Gene was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army and served with the 43rd Infantry Division.

While in the service he met and married Yvonne Smith at Vermilion, Ohio. She passed on April 18, 1988.

Following their marriage the couple lived in Seattle, Washington where he was stationed. After his discharge they returned to Vermilion to make their home. They owned and operated Ann's Lunch Shop on Liberty Avenue (in the Fischer Building) in Vermilion for 15 years. He also was employed for several years at Bettcher Industries in Birmingham, Ohio. He also did some and farming in the area.

He was a member of American Legion Post #397; Ely Masonic Lodge #424, Royal Arch Masons #233 all in Vermilion, OH, and Royal and Select Masons Council #103 in nearby Lorain.

Survivors include two sisters and their husbands, Bess and Bob Walker of Caney, KS, and Sarah and Charles Lynn of Sedalia, MO; eight nephews and one niece. The couple’s daughter, Cheryl Ann Boyd died in 1945; and two brothers, Porter Boyd and Charles Boyd; as well as one sister, Peggy Swearingen all preceded him in death..

Services were held on November 5, 2007, in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Caney, Kansas, with Bob Ayres officiating under the direction of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Graveside Services took place November 7, 2007, in Maple Grove Cemetery in Vermilion, Ohio, under the direction of the Riddle Funeral Home in Vermilion.

I’ll not soon forget Gene (or Yvonne). Their contributions to our town may have been forgot. But not by me.

₁₉₄₀

IN SHADES OF BLACK & WHITE: “In the beginning it was all in black and white.” That’s a quote from 95 year-old Irish actress / singer Maureen O’Hara. She was, of course, referring to motion pictures. But the same could apply to most still photographs taken prior to the advent of Kodacolor film in 1942. “All” may have been in black and white until then: but no matter. Aside from being good craftsmen many early photographers were also talented artists and directors. And the accompanying portrait of the Vermilion High School basketball team is a good example of all those things.

Pictured L-R: Charles James “Chuck” Hamman (d. 2008), Lynford Orio “Lyndi” West (d. 2006), Bernard Francis “Bernie” Zales (d. 2010), Robert W. Kennedy (d. 2008) and Russell P. “Russ” Eberle (d.1991).

This photo of the teammates on the stage of Vermilion’s South Street School during the 1940 school year is actually quite a remarkable portrait. For whatever reason contemporary group portraits – sports or otherwise – are without the drama / enthusiasm demonstrated in this photo. While the posing may in fact be a tad exaggerated, that is precisely one of the elements that make it appealing: it’s not just another picture of people. It is a portrait of personalities: Chuck, Lynn, Bernie, Bob and Russ.

Chuck Hamman was a hard-working, quiet fellow who, some may recall, worked for years at the Crow Lumber Company. Those who know his children and grandchildren will undoubtedly note how much they resemble him. One of his boys operates a wonderful bakery shop just south of the city limits.

Lyndi West was a real talent. For a number of years he owned a home construction company. Later he ran a company known as Lorain Tool Rental & Sales. And in his spare time he flew airplanes out of the Ortner Birmingham / Wakeman Airport. But his true calling seemed to have been the ministry. He was a graduate of the Mt. Vernon Bible College and was the minister of Vermilion’s International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. His daughter Barb (Feiszli) lives with her husband Glenn in a nice home behind the Ritter Public Library.

Of Bernie Zales and Bob Kennedy I know very little (as of yet). I suppose that is mainly due to the fact that they were not about town as much as the two already mentioned. But Russ Eberle is another matter: Eberlie’s image (not this one) has probably been seen by more people in Ohio, and various places in the nation, by more people than Mylie Cyrus – with his clothes on of course. The photograph of Russ standing beside a sturgeon that was over 6 feet long that he netted while working for Kishman Fish back in the 1950s has been printed in books and magazines across the state and nation. Perhaps few know his name. But many certainly remember seeing him with the fish.

Russ was also a barber. For some time he operated a shop in the building next to (east of) the place currently (2015) known as Rudy’s Bar and Grill. While he may have more children I only know his son Rick who – like the Hamman boys – bears a striking resemblance to his dad.

Had this photo of yesteryear been acquired in living color with a digital camera with the boys standing placidly aside one another it would have eventually ended up in the trash. But it was not. And it’s all here in shades of black and white.

_{Ref: VNPSM Photo Archive; Special Thanks to: Bob Kyle, Hugh Darley, and Nancy Alice Emery and A.C. Tarrant; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 01/22/2015.}

Vol. X – NO.42 – March 28,1907

COURT NOTES

Judge Reed confirmed the sale by Receiver Fay of the property of the Maudelton Hotel company on Monday W.E. Bailey purchased the stock of liquors for $200 and W.L. Crusey bought the furniture and fixtures for $1,712.03.

Action has been brought in the court of common pleas to quiet title of a parcel of land in Vermilion township lying south of the L.S. wagon road and owned by James J. Cuddeback and Katie Jackson.

WEDDED FORTY YEARS AGO.

Forty years ago last Monday, at Greensboro, North Carolina; O.F. Hatch was united in marriage to Maggie Lynn, Rev. Wm. H. Barringer, Pastor of the M.E. Church of that place officiating.

Thirty-nine years ago Mr. and Mrs. Hatch came to Vermilion to make their home. Many changes have come to our town since then. Monday their anniversary was celebrated. Their many friends wish them many more years of life’s journey together.

DROVE HORSE TO DEATH – SOLD BUGGY
AND HARNESS

Wednesday night two men giving their names as Dell Miller, of Cincinnati, and Thomas Smith of Cleveland stopped at the Wagner Hotel. Friday morning leaving their grips at the hotel they went to L.J. Decker and Co.’s livery and hired a horse and buggy to drive to Ceylon. When they failed to return they were traced to Sandusky where they were found and jailed. The horse had dropped death about four miles south of Sandusky presumably from being over driven; the men had sold the buggy for $13 and pawned the harness for $3. The men had evidently given fictitious names as it turned out of that one of them was J.E. Pierce. He claimed to have a brother living at Long Beach, Cal., and thought that if he was communicated with he would pay the damages. The men also jumped a board bill so it is evident that they are “up against” a serious proposition. At present they are still in jail and Decker company are out the value of the horse. The outfit was worth about $275.

PLENTY OF WEATHER

We have certainly been having weather of late. The storm which swept over Vermilion this week has the distinction of being the worst that has visited the south shore of Lake Erie for many years. In this immediate vicinity very little damage has been done but in some sections numerous buildings have been struck by lightning and other damage has resulted. A number of Telephones however have been put out of commission. Jas. J. Cuddeback’s barn was struck by lightning Tuesday afternoon about 6 o’clock and one rafter some shingles and boards town off. The damage amounting to about $50. Fortunately the barn was not set on fire Mr. Cuddeback’s horses were not in the barn at the time or they might have been killed as the bolt passed within a few feet of their stall.

Wednesday night a ball of lightning exploded with terrific noise, apparently near the Lake Shore crossing on Grand Street.

WANTS TO LOCATE

Mr. Geo. Ritter formerly of this place now of Cleveland is interested in locating a Manufactory here, and will meet the businessmen in the near future and see what can be done.

The product of the factory is an adding machine which the advertising circulars claim is the latest and most reliable machine on the market, has capacity for adding fifteen places, Vis., 9,999,999,999,999.99 or two columns to 99.999.99. the total may be made in either black or red figures. The machine will also subtract.

The company is now located in Cleveland and known as the Commercial Adding Machine Co.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: This is the same George Ritter who later bequeathed the town with a beautiful new library. It took him awhile to find his niche. I recall another venture wherein he was promoting some type of audio recording machine.]}

A NEW POSTAL RULING

Postmaster Kane informs us that the government now bars from the mails postcards ornamented with ground glass, mica or similar substances. These cards can only be mailed in envelopes. The injuries sustained by mail clerks by handling these cards is the cause of this order.

Amherst News Notes
BY OTTO MISCHKA

A young son of Robert Hagerman is on the sick list.

Henry Wohlever is enjoying an attack of the measles.

Always put of something for a rainy day – an umbrella for instance.

Adam Kolbe purchased a fine team of horses at Grafton.

A small fire started at the Kepner Camp Wednesday evening. Nothing much was lost except a few tools.

Born – To Mr. and Mrs. John Clamski Saturday, Mar. 23, a son.

If you don’t understand electric light apparatus just keep hands off.

Geo. Ruth is on the sick list.

Mr. Ritter of Cleveland called on Miss Cora Baker Monday.

Twin calves were born on the farm of M.C. Bemis on the North Ridge Saturday. They are reported as doing well and will be exhibited at the County Fair.

DIED – John Ockensbine at his home at Amherst Saturday, March 23, of pneumonia aged 36 years, 2 months, and 11 days. He leaves to mourn their loss a wife and one child.

What shall our schoolhouse be – sandstone or brick?

Mr. and Mrs. John Nugent are rejoicing over the arrival of a bright boy.

Village council has rented the Ackerman farm for a dumping ground and have fenced same o keep cattle out.

A widow [sic] in the Amherst German Bank was broken during the storm on Tuesday. It was immediately replaced by J. Wessbecker.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: I’m sure J. Wessbecker made a fine “widow”.]}

The remains of Miss Tena Garthe whose death occurred about two years ago and which were buried on another lot were re-interred beside those of her father.

A 60-ton piece of iron used in the construction of the 123 ft. bridge over the Lake Shore Ry. fell when the derrick broke below on the L.S. tracks, delaying traffic for some time.

The remains of Aug Garthe which have been in the Cleveland St. vault since his death about four weeks ago was buried in that cemetery Sunday afternoon. A large circle of relatives and friends were present. Those from out of town were Mrs. Henry Miller and Mrs. Kirch of Lorain and Henry Garthe of Cleveland.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: This appears to better explain the re-interment of Tena Garthe as seen in the article above.]}

The Times Herald will change hands April 1st. On account of ill health of its editor, F.A. Rowley is obliged to retire and H.H. Hoffman of Columbus will assume the management.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: Vermilion News Editor Pearl Roscoe had previously worked for the (Lorain) Times-Herald as printing foreman. He was likely well-acquainted with Rowley.]}

School Notes

At a meeting of the Board of Education it was decided not to have a spring vacation. It was also decided not to have pupils enter the First Grade this Spring on account of the crowded condition of the room. There are 52 pupils enrolled in Room 1.

BIRMINGHAM

Mr. Ladrach was brought to his son John’s yesterday in an ambulance. He stood the journey very well and was resting quietly in the evening.

At last we have a Notary Public in town an official whose services are often wished for. As we have no J.P. in this part of the township.

Spring goods are already being displayed in the store windows.

LOCALS.

E.L. Coen, President, and A.J. Giddings, Manager of the Vermilion Telephone Company are in Columbus today as delegates to the state convention of the Ohio Independent Telephone Association.

Miss Peal Mattison was taken to St. Clair Hospital, Cleveland last week suffering from appendicitis. It was feared at first she would have undergo an operation but it is now thought this may be avoided. Her brother Rube visited her Sunday.

Mrs. H. Reis is reported a little better.

Geo. Ritter of Cleveland spent Sunday with his mother Mrs. Louise Ritter and family.

Light Keeper, Burns will light the Vermilion beacon for the first time this season tonight. The D.C. Line boats make their first trip today.

John Moes says that the peach crop will not amount to much in this vicinity this year. He is one of the largest growers of that palatable fruit in this vicinity and is in a position to know what he is talking about.

The fishermen are having better success this week and hence they feel much encouraged.

Sam Edge, who left for Norfolk to enter the navy a few weeks ago has been transferred to Newport and will go into training there for the next four months.

[VV. Ed. Note: One items I didn’t transcribe (because it was lengthy) was an appeal from The F.W. Wakefield Brass Co. to local boys to come to work for them. In part they wrote:

“We have no desire to seek help outside of town as long as we have available material at home and hope we will not be compelled to do so.”

This company was very much a Vermilion firm.]

_{Mary Wakefield Buxton}

BECOMING A LADY-Part 1

By Mary Wakefield Buxton

In 1959, at age 17, I left my hometown in Vermilion, Ohio, for Lynchburg, Virginia, and Randolph Macon Woman’s College where, according to Father, I was to become educated and, according to Mother, I was to become a lovely lady and find a good husband.

Father wanted me to become well read in poetry, literature, history and the entire works of Shakespeare as according to him one was unable to function in life without such practical background. For one certainly knows if one did not understand “Hamlet” or “Macbeth” how could one possibly live? “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark!”

But Mother wanted me to become well-husbanded, which was why most women went to college in those days. Mind over matter in one case and quite the opposite in the other.

A professional career beyond teaching and nursing for most women was never considered because of their sex. It was a time in America of a terrible waste of brains. I vaguely had the sense that I wanted to be a writer, a thought that dwelled in the inner recesses of my brain somewhat like a mole, however, that sort of a career for a woman was still rare and not to be taken too seriously.

That I might need to earn money in life in order to take care of myself was a preposterous idea. It was expected I would marry and my husband would take care of me as if I were a fragile doll kept on a pedestal. The idea that I might go it alone in the world was equally outlandish.

According to Mother, in 1959, if a woman had any intellect whatsoever, she certainly had better never show it. Mother had forever warned me as I was growing up that it was never wise to “beat” a boyfriend in the classroom, on the tennis courts or at any game, and certainly never think of earning more money than a husband. “Because boys like to win,” Mother continued with a knowing look. “They like to be in charge. They like to feel superior to women.”

“Well I like to win, too!” I would snap back and Mother would sigh once again. Neither she nor I knew that a new world was coming for women and I was on the crest of the wave about to hit shore like a tsunami. To me, “lovely ladies” were suppressed women who were submissive to men and not allowed to compete. Such suppression did terrible things; it thwarted women and made them profoundly unhappy. It made them turn on each other in a constant chorus of criticism like prides of angry cats caught mewling in an unescapable maze. I vowed to have nothing to do with a man who would want a submissive wife! To this kind of response Mother warned that no man would want to marry such a rebellious young lady. It didn’t look as if I would take to becoming a lady any better than a kangaroo would take to a cup of tea and whether I could ever “snap up” a man (as Mother called it) was highly unlikely.

Oh, to leave home and see the real world that was waiting for me! Other than an aunt who had attended the New England Conservatory of Music, I was the first girl in the family to leave the comfortable Midwest for college, much less, go south to a woman’s college, of all things.

My parents waved me off as I boarded a Capital Airlines flight in Cleveland bound for Washington, D.C. to transfer to a Piedmont flight into Roanoke where I would be met by ”big sisters.” It did not occur to me that it was odd my parents didn’t drive me to Lynchburg with my trunks packed to the gills with the totally inappropriate clothes I had purchased earlier at Bonwit’s and Peck and Peck and that I thought suitable for college in the south from money I had earned that summer working as a waitress at the local hotel. Looking back, I wonder why. Most parents, including myself when my children left for college, drove their children to college. Perhaps my parents were burned out with me, certainly Mother was, or perhaps they had suffered some financial setback as the subject of money (or sex) was never discussed, or perhaps Mother or Father was ill? Perhaps it was merely because I was the sort of person who could fly off to college and never look back.

At age 17, I was neither shy nor fearful. Who would be shy or fearful? I could have just as easily flown to Moscow to meet Russians as to have flown to Lynchburg to mingle with Virginians. If there was anything evil, dangerous or terrifying in the world waiting to devour me, I had most certainly never heard of it.

_{[VV. Ed. Note: Mary was kind enough to forward me this series to be used in "Views". The series will be running in the Southside Sentinel (NY) in separate columns starting March 5.]}

Berk's Insurance: I'm not real sure about which Berk belonged to this item. I believe it's a key fob. Whether this came from Jake or his son Bud is not clear to me. Jake sold insurance and his son Bud (i.e. J. Arthur) was a real estate appraiser. But the occupations are related (at least they are to me).

A Vermilion expatriate named Bill Hackbush sent this to me some time ago and I'd not looked at it very closely until now. Bill once dated my sister Zella (Butch). Oddly enough his granddaughter's name is also Zella. But I don't believe that Bill chose the name. It was just coincidental.

But setting that aside - this is certainly a beautiful Vermilion artifact.