"FRANK'S VERMILLION" AND A PARADE ON OHIO STREET
SHOPTALK: OK – Here we go again. On the shoptop this week is a neat pic of an early Decoration (Memorial) Day Parade float. The young man appears to be quite confident as both a driver and a ladies man. The young women seem quite pleased to be his passengers.
My grandfather captured these shadows at the corner of Grand and Ohio streets. To the immediate left is the E&R Church and part of the print shop and the beautiful home next (just south) door are visible on the right.
I’d say the pic was taken around 1914 so I doubt that those pictured are still with us. But they certainly are in spirit. Sometimes I look at these pictures and imagine that I’m standing right there. It really doesn’t seem that far away to me.
The auto is (I believe) a Maxell. It may have been one of the automobiles sold by one of the Dall brothers. When the Dalls first came to Vermilion they owned a shop across the Nickel Plate railroad tracks (north of) from the form Wakefield Lighting Plant on the west side of West River Road (on the corner of South and W. River). I think they manufactured auto transmissions at first. When the brother split one of them opened an auto dealership in the building on Liberty Avenue just above the current Moes Marine Service company. The Moes brothers now own that building.
On my home desk this week is a scanned copy of a small painting recently accomplished by Vermilion artist Frank Homitz. I believe he called it “Vermillion”.
This is art with personality. Photo perfect artists are wonderful commercial craftsmen – but they are without any character. Art without character is like bread without peanut butter and jelly; tasteless.
AT WORK: This week Geo and I cleared out the last room in the apartment (we did leave a few heavy things in the middle of the room) and I washed the ceiling and the walls. The pic below affords all an idea of just how bad the ceiling and the walls were. The gray color is the result of years and years of cigarette smoking. A good deal of the entire apartment was like this – but not quite as bad. Because these walls were white.
Nothing came real clean. Methinks that it would be nearly impossible to completely erase all the staining. But we managed to take off a good deal of it. Now we’ll begin painting. When we’re finished the room should be as pleasant looking as the dining room (below).
The photo on the table is a snap I found while cleaning the aforementioned room. It’s my grandmother, my mother and aunt. It was taken near the print shop on Grand Street around 1913. In the background of the pic are the public stables that once sat behind the town hall and the Congregational Church in back of the shop. The plates are just some oldies I also found as we were cleaning. The plates are nearly worthless, but I like the patterns on them.
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MUSEUM 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.Cell:440.522.8397
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,
A FACE NONETHELESS: This landscape pic may not be a human face, but it is most certainly a pleasant and recognizable Vermilion entity.
I really enjoy this photo. It’s like having a picture of an old friend. It was probably taken during the late 1930s from the corner of Huron and Main streets looking north toward Main Street beach and Lake Erie.
Though this was well before I arrived on Earth the scene really hadn’t changed much by the time I got here (in 1944). Main Street beach was one of my favorite places when I was young. I spent a good deal of time there – but during the day and night.
I loved the place when the storms course across the lake from the Northwest during the summer. It was thrilling to watch the roiling clouds fall across the dark waters toward town. How exciting it was to watch the lake go from being so gentle to furious in just a matter of minutes; and to watch the boats racing for the shelter and comfort of the harbor. Some of those moments were breathtaking.
It was once a place of meditation. But it’s changed a good deal since those days – and I don’t go there much anymore. I still recognize the face of it. But I don’t like it much. Someone improved it by cutting down the old willow near the beach without thinking to replace it. And someone further improved it by building built a deck that blocks the view of the raging lake when it storms. The place I love is where I am not (always).
VERMILION TELEPHONE: At the Vermilion News Print Shop (History) Museum there’s a very old metal cabinet with about 30 small drawers. Inside them are all kinds of things; old receipts, pamphlets, letters, hand written news articles etc. I guess it was kind of a “catch-all” cupboard for the old newspaper office. (e.g. One time I found a set of false teeth in one of the drawers.)
A few days ago I was idly rummaging through the drawers and came across a copy of “The Vermilion Telephone Co. Directory for May 1925”. In the yesteryear most towns had their own telephone companies – owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. In Vermilion the board of directors consisted of businessmen like A.D. Baumhart, A.J. Giddings and E.L. Coen etc.
Unlike today’s “mega-page” directories Vermilion’s 1925 book consisted of 24 pages (not including the cover) and listed 379 local subscribers. The longest number in the book was 200-R. It belonged to Mrs. Lewis Englebry who then lived on “Liberty St”. None of the addresses were more specific. While I imagine that at that time everyone in a town of about 1400 souls already knew where their fellow townsmen lived making more specific information unnecessary; from a historian’s point-of-view its absence is frustrating. (For many reasons it would be helpful to have a more specific idea of where all these folks lived in the yesteryear.) Nonetheless, the information that can be gleaned from such a book is both interesting and amusing.
One of the things I found interesting is the fact that there were apparently only 200 telephone numbers available, and the numbers were assigned as customers subscribed to the service. Consequently, if you were the first one to subscribe your number was (of course) 1 – and so on. The Erie County Bank had number 1. Linwood Park had 2. And young doctor Emil Heinig who kept his office in the Englebry Block had 3. The Vermilion News was 19.
But as said, there were 379 subscribers for 200 numbers. The problem appeared to have been solved by assigning duplicate numbers to several subscribers living in the same area, and then providing each with a different letter (i.e. a through z) after their number to differentiate from their neighbor’s. These were referred to as “Party Lines”. And for those old enough to remember them, “Party Lines” were a rich source of much news that was not intended for public consumption. When one had a party line it meant that it was possible to listen (clandestinely of course) to conversations of others on the line you shared with them – or worse: to have someone listen to your conversations. For many years very few folks had private lines, and local news – the unprintable kind – abounded. The lines, as some folks used to say, were “abuzz”.
The Directory did however have a “Party Line Rules” section: “If you are on a party line remove the receiver and listen…. If the line is in use replace the receiver immediately and wait a few minutes before trying again.” And though the “General Terms and Conditions Which Service is Rendered” section specifically said that “Listening in” on a party line, except to ascertain if the line is “open” or “busy” is prohibited” it hardly put the fear of God, much less the telephone company, into every subscriber. Let it suffice to say that life in Vermilion became a little spicier with the advent of the telephone party line.
In the introduction to the book the company asks subscribers who, for one reason or another, experience problems with service “to report any difficulty, or apparent neglect of operators, to the manager.” How nice it must have been to call the company and talk with a human being capable of assisting someone without being transferred umpteen times, only to have to start over when the call is mysteriously dropped. I suppose that’s just the price of progress. But at least we know no one is listening.
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.48 – THURSDAY MAY 9,1907
The May meeting of the Village Council is generally one of the most important of the year. The Tax levy is generally made at his meeting and the terror to the possessors of poor sidewalks, the sidewalk committee makes, a sweeping report.
After the reading of the minutes of the last meeting the committee reported.
The report of the sidewalk committee was a stunner. An unusually large list of new walks being ordered in. A large number of defective walks were ordered repaired.
The tax levy was made and is the same as last year 17 ˝ Mills. One or two changes were made in the mount in some of the funds, which made no difference in the total.
The Mayor was given authority to employ legal advice in the detachment proceedings now being brought against the village.
The purchase of flowers and the work of beautifying the parks was also ordered.
George Fischer’s offer to settle one of the cases against the village for that part of Toledo street north of the L.S. & M. S Ry. was turned down.
As wages are on the increase the price of team work for the village was raised from $3.50 to $4.00 per day.
After passing on the bills and ordering payment thereof council adjourned.
Dell Miller, who was indicted by the grand jury charged with horse stealing and larceny, and whose trial was commenced Monday morning in the common pleas court, was found guilty Wednesday morning on the second count in the indictment – larceny. The jury placed a value of $50 upon the property, which Miller is charged with appropriating to his own use. This would make him guilty of grand larceny, which calls for imprisonment in the penitentiary.
Millar was placed upon the stand late Tuesday afternoon and again Wednesday morning and told his story of the affair. He maintained that there was such a company as the Elite Electrical and Construction company. He declared he had no wrong intentions when he engaged the rig of Decker and Co. of Vermilion, but admitted upon cross examination that he was not telling Thomas G. Smith the truth.
A jury of 12 m3n heard all the testimony but only 11 jurors passed upon the case. During the t rail Wednesday morning Judge Reed called James Dildine of West Huron, from the jury box and informed him that his mother was critically ill and he was excused. The attorneys agreed to proceed with the 11 jurors.
[VV. Ed. Note: This case had been dragging on for some time. Miller had rented a horse and buggy from the Decker Livery in Vermilion to allegedly go to Ceylon Junction on business. He never returned. Looking into this business Mr. Decker found that his horse had been driven to death near Sandusky, and that Miller had sold the buggy for $15. My read on the whole situation is that Miller got drunk and got carried away. While there is no concrete evidence to support my claim I am inclined to think that no one in their right mind would have done what he did if they were sober.]
Looking into this business Mr. Decker found that his horse had been driven to death near Sandusky, and that Miller had sold the buggy for $15.
My read on the whole situation is that Miller got drunk and got carried away. While there is no concrete evidence to support my claim I am inclined to think that no one in their right mind would have done what he did if they were sober.]
The case of Geo B. McConnelly and others against the Howard Stove Co., has at least been settled without trial.
The Company paying $500 and costs. The present occupants of the buildings are doing nicely and it is hoped to get another factory here soon.
August Emmrich, 40, farmer Brownhelm station and Miss Julia Miller 31, Vermilion.
Henry Wirschram of East Quarry who was injured some time ago is able to be about.
The Amherst Band have rented rooms over the telephone exchange for practicing and we shall once more stand about the corners on Saturday nights an enjoy their favorite music. Their headquarters were hard to get at one time it was thought they would disband. They are under the directions of M.H. Merthe of Elyria the celebrated musician.
Mrs. R.A. Plato is on the sick list.
Mrs. E. Swartward is seriously ill and her recovery seems doubtful on account of her age.
Mrs. C. Ray, who will be 87 years old the 24th of June has the reputation of being the oldest member of the M.E. Church.
Victor Lange while playing catch last Wednesday was hit in the nose with the ball, laying it flat and causing the blood to flow for several minutes. It is thought it is broken, however this is not definitely known.
The Electric Theatre opened last Thursday and had the best pictures that were ever seen in Amherst. The Theatre is owned by Parsons and Osborne and is located in the Smith building on Elyria street, films will be changed every Monday and Thursday evenings admission five cents.
Myron Crandall while cutting off limbs in the maple trees along Cleveland street and on Axtell allotment Saturday fell and with luck he barely miss with his life, the axe he had been using hung between a hairs breadth and falling on his head, however it is he has several internal injuries and his back is black and blue.
The Chemical engine bought some time ago was given a thorough test Thursday evening. A small bonfire was started in the rear of the town hall, which drew the people from all parts of the business section and gathered till about 300 were present. Another pile containing about 30 pine boxes 1 ˝ feet wide and 3 feet long were piled one on another, with excelsior and saturated with many gallons of oil when the chemical engine firm representative Mr. Suthan, started the blaze. When it reached its highest point he turned the hose on and completely extinguished it in six seconds.
Assistant Chief H. Fredricks then wanted to try it to see that there was no fake about it, and again it was well saturated with oil with practically the same results as the above.
The village has long been in need of such an engine and it will greatly add to the fire solution. It stands on two wheels and can easily be drawn by two men. The engine was given a more severe test Thursday morning when Dr. Wiseman’s barn caught on fire. The scene a few moments after the bell rang, no need of horse and put the fire out before the regular engine was on its way.
We are glad to say Goodbye to April, and glad it has passed.
Lou Lord has his shop nearly ready for business.
Cherry trees are beginning to blossom, but that does not make it sure we shall have cherries.
Spring work of all kinds is delayed two weeks or a month by the cold Spring weather.
Lorn Haywood of S. Amherst came near getting killed by falling last week, but a companion caught him, but he suffered a broken arm and several other bruises. Mr. Haywood is Mr. Mardoff’s son-in-law.
It was reported in last weeks issue that Henry Schuster had measles, which was not true.
Freda Cook is assisting Mrs. Paul Springer in her house cleaning this week.
Seymour Leimbach and Clarissa Miller were out taking a ride Sunday evening.
James Wilson makes a good neighbor and is much liked in this neighborhood.
The Wabash men are back here to finish their work at this point it keeps Mrs. V. Leimbach, busy as she is boarding their men.
Mrs. Elmer Heussuer is now able to be out again. She has been confined to the house for over three weeks.
There was quite an accident Tuesday evening at the home of Frank Miller’s. One of their boarders, Frank Dollard, while fooling with a revolver, shot himself through the left hand, the bullet glancing on the reservoir or he would have shot their thirteen year old daughter in the back and killed her immediately.
Willie and Margaret Nuhn are ill with measles.
Miss Pearl Joyce has resigned her position as clerk in M. Moulton’s store.
Carl Northeim, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at St. Joseph’s Hospital, has so far recovered as to be able to come home.
Chas Driver one of our soldier boys was a recent Ashmont visitor.
Mrs. James Goldsmith is seriously ill at this writing.
Hal LaFever and Floyd Mason killed twenty-six blue racers and a timber snake last Sunday, near Chappell creek.
Gus Kuhlman’s children are on the sick list.
Quite a number of this vicinity are afflicted with the measles.
Mrs. W.F. Washburn, whose health has been verh poor, is at present much improved, and is able to be about.
Mrs. Chas Horton spent Sunday and Monday at Cleveland with her husband whose boat was in port there.
Mrs. A. Bradley who has been visiting at Cleveland returned home Wednesday.
Capt. Hasenflue is home from the Lakes for a few days, his boat being at Cleveland.
The numerous friends of Mr. H. Stark (Formerly Miss Lulu Hatch) will be pained to learn that she is quite seriously ill. She is however being treated by one of New York’s famous specialists and it is hoped she may soon recover through his skillful treatment.
Persons addressing communications to this office for publication should bear I mind that their real name should be signed to the article as we will not publish anything unsigned and use our own judgement in making use of articles even then.
GIRLS WANTED – For power sewing machines. Apply at once. International Specialty and Mfg. Co. (Successor to Duplex Stamping Co.) - Vermilion, Ohio.
SEASON WILL OPEN SATURDAY JUNE 8TH
Hmmmmmm....
By Mary Wakefield Buxton
That first year I took two train trips; the first to Atlanta to meet my relatives, Uncle Fred Patterson and his wife, Ida. Train trips are romantic and I took in everything: the way the all-white passengers relaxed into the easy- going clickity-click rhythm, the black conductor, moving from seat to seat punching tickets; his melodic voice calling out stations as we made our way south.”Fayaaaaaaatteville.” When we pulled into Atlanta, it was easy to spot my uncle because he looked like my father.
The first thing Uncle Fred did was to take me on a tour of his funeral home at Spring Hill at Tenth, something I was not that wild about visiting. It is difficult for an 18 year old to feel excitement over coffins and urns. But Uncle Fred was proud of his success in the funeral business so I had to muster up as much enthusiasm as possible. I can’t imagine what I thought to say, perhaps, “Wow,” (in those days Ohio said “Wow” to almost anything) “this is a really nice coffin!” or “Hey, nice shade of blue satin lining in this model,” or whatever. But as I passed the rows and rows of coffins with Uncle Fred beaming approval at my side, a genuine cold shiver passed through me. Perhaps this was the first time that it had ever registered in my teen-age brain that I actually might die one day. After all, others seem to be dying as, judging by Uncle Fred’s opulent lifestyle, he must have been selling his coffins at a fairly fast rate. I tried hard to imagine death and actually lying in a coffin one day myself, but that was a leap far beyond my mental capacity.
The next morning I awoke late and found that my relatives had already left the house. An elderly white haired butler with a kind face dressed in a tuxedo served me a sumptuous breakfast on silver service. As I sat by myself at the long dining room table I could see myself reflected in the highly polished wood surface, being treated as royalty, I was acutely embarrassed. It occurred to me that maybe I should have been serving the old man. I felt awkward and out of place in such luxury, like a lone buckeye found lying unceremoniously at the bottom of a lovely cup of tea.
My relatives threw an elegant dinner party for me inviting a few RMWC classmates and college students from the area. Afterwards we went to the country club and danced and drank as if we were adults. I saw that I had sudden new prestige with my RMCA classmates because of my one southern connection.
My second trip was to New York City. Father sent me $7.00 each week, which I saved up to finance the trip. I caught the train north, arrived at busy Grand Central Station, and caught an uptown bus to 82nd street to the apartment of a classmate, dragging my heavy suitcase all the way. That night we went to a nightclub with friends. In those days it was alright for women to sit at a table in a bar, but not at the bar. I tested the law and a bouncer immediately escorted me back to my table.
I had a blind date at a West Point dance which was very much like going to a dance at VMI. I felt sorry for my date who wore his uniform and looked very uncomfortable. He was so stiff. He sat, walked and danced with perfect posture, quite a marked change from the way men dressed at UVA and W&L, where posture was possibly the last consideration of the day.
Before leaving, I took a commuter train to New Haven to visit my cousin, Fred Wakefield, at Yale. He took me on a tour of the dark New England stone campus which was a stark contrast to the red brick-white columned colleges in Virginia. We discussed our mutual discomfort attending colleges so far away from home but decided exposure to new ways of doing things was generally a good experience.
“Mother most wanted me to become a lady,” I told my cousin. “Am I a lady yet, Fred?”
He looked me over carefully. “Not quite yet, Mays,” and we both burst out laughing. What a quaint idea Mother had held for her daughter! But I had to admit, if nothing else, becoming a lady was highly entertaining.
[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, 2015]
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.
…laid their plans to kill the trappers. After completing their arrangements, the two oldest, Ne-go-sheek and Ne-gon-a-ba, armed with clubs, singled out each his victim, and with a well-directed blow upon the head they dispatched their innocent victims. They then forced their younger companion, Ne-ga-sow, to beat the bodies with a club (as he had been merely a spectator to the tragedy) that he might think that he was participator in the crime, and so refrain from exposing them. With the assistance of some other Indians, they were arrested in a few days. The two murderers were convicted, and hung at Norwalk, June 1819. The youngest was acquitted. Ward left a widow to mourn his untimely fate. Bishop was a single man.
Docartus P. Snow, a native of Vermont, we think, came from the State of New York, to Margaretta, in the spring of 1810. He felled the first tree and built the first log house, settling on lot in the third section. It is said (we suppose it is true) that the proprietor of the township donated to him one hundred acres of land, in consideration of his building a grist mill, on Cold creek, in those early days. He died in 1829. His widow (being his second wife) married Philip S. Cowell, and still resides on the lot which Mr. Snow took up. Four of his children are dead, namely: Henry, Alanson, Electa and Laura. Where his other two sons reside I do not know.
Uziel Putnam came into the township in 1810 or 1811, from the State of New York. He lived on Cold creek, below Mr. Snow's. After the return of his wife from captivity he lived on lot number twenty-three, section one. About two years afterward he bought fifty acres of land on the east side of Cold creek, where he lived several years. In 1821, he moved to Sandusky county, and was killed by being thrown from a sleigh, in 1822. His wife survived him but a year or two. His sons now live in the western States. Horace and Samuel Markham came here with Mr. Putnam, and afterward, with their father, settled in Groton township.
Thomas Lord came to Margaretta from Conneaut, Pennsylvania, in 1810, built a log house on lot twenty-three, first section, in 1811, and returned to Conneaut in 1813.
Israel Harrington built a log house on lot twenty-three, first section, in 1813, and moved to Lower Sandusky the nest year. William Andrus built a house on the south side of the head of Cold creek, in 1811, and began preparations for putting in one hundred acres of wheat, but he and his men were driven off by the surrender of Hull, and he did not return. Charles Butler came to Margaretta in 1811 or '12, located on the bank of Cold creek, near the head of the Venice millrace, and moved to the head of the creek in the spring of 1813. Richard Fowler lived, temporarily, in Margaretta in 1813. He came from Massachusetts, and returned there. Charles Wilson, a carpenter, was here in 1811. From whence he came, how long he stayed, or where he went, we cannot learn. William Pollock was here in 1811, '12 and '13. The three last were unmarried. In 1814, Mr. Fitch built a house east of the head of Cold creek, and commenced the dairy business with one hundred cows, but did not succeed well. He had sickness in his family, and lost a little girl. He left the same year, and it was understood that he was from eastern Ohio.
James Vanness, from the State of New York, settled on lot one, section one, in 1814, and lived there until about 1830, when he left, and died in Fremont about 1849.
Ebenezer Hartwell came to Margaretta from Canada, June, 1815; settled on lot seven, section one. He died about 1850. His sons, Richard, John, and Henry, now reside in Iowa. Two of his daughters, the wife of Hiram Barnes and the widow of Stephen Rogers, now reside in the township. One of his daughters, the wife of Isaac Smith, lives in Indiana. Abram Townsend came here from Canada in 1816; settled on lot fifteen, section one. He sold to James Duncan, and moved to Townsend, Sandusky county, in 1818.
Andrus Parker came to this township from Conneaut, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1815, and lived on the bank of Cold creek at the head of the Venice millrace one year. He then moved to lot sixteen, section two, and returned to Pennsylvania in 1838. His son Elihu now resides on lot twenty, first section. His other sons, Andrus, Washington, and Greene, have gone west.
Philip Sutton settled on the northwest corner lot of the township, and moved from there about 1821. Peter Dunham settled on lot two, section two, in 1816, and died in 1830. Two men, named Shipy and Spencer, were early settlers in that vicinity. Jonas Lewis, same place, from 1817 to ‘22. Eli Hunt and John Hugh settled near the sawmill west of Venice. Thomas "Morris located on lot thirty, first section, in 1816, and left for Indiana in 1833. Dougal Campbell located on lot thirteen, first section, in 1816, and died in 1853; some of his children still reside here. L. F. Allen, now a resident of Black Rock, New York, resided in Margaretta from March, 1818, to 1832. Harvey Fowler settled on lot twenty-four in section one, in the fall of 1818, and resided there until his death, February 18, 1875. Ira Barnes came here in 1818; located in the northwest part of the township. Henry Cole came here in 1815, and died in 1830. Thomas McColough came in 1817, and died in 1850. A. M. Porter came in 1817, and died in Sandusky. Samuel Walker settled on lot seven, second section, in 1816, and died in 1831. Pliny Brown located on lot seven in section two, and lived there all his life; he died in December 1860. His wife died three or four years after. George R. Crittenden came here from Detroit in 1814, and left for the west part of Michigan in 1828. Mr. Curdy located on lots twenty-two and six-…
AN ARTIFACT OF INTEREST: It’s just a rule, of course, but it’s still interesting. C.F. Decker kept Vermilion folks warm for a long time: “It’s a Good rule To Buy Your Coal of C.F. Decker, Vermilion, Ohio”.
Charlie Decker and his brother started the business in July of 1888. In January of 1919 he sold it to the local ice dealer, John N. Englebry and his brother-in-law Theodore Penning. Eventually Englebry’s and Penning’s nephew, Floyd Englebry Hull joined the firm – later becoming the sole owner.
As Vermilion expanded so too did the business. They sold clay pipe for water and sewer lines as well as stone, brick and concrete. It was a very lucrative enterprise.
The business was located on the east side of Division / Main streets just north of the railroad tracks. Currently (2015) Main Street Vermilion occupies the office on the property. A local building supply firm is still using the remainder of the property.
In a test of emergency systems some boy scouts impersonated wounded persons who were to be picked up and cared for by the emergency units. One Scout was supposed to lie on the ground and await his rescuers, but the first-aid people got behind schedule, and the Scout lay "wounded" for several hours.
When the first-aid squad arrived where the casualty was supposed to be, they found nothing but a brief note: "I Have bled to death and gone to McDonald's for a refill."
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
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Vol.13, Issue 3 - March 28, 2015
© 2013 Rich Tarrant