George Diener and Florence (church)
SHOPTALK: On my home computer desktop this week is a snapshot of my late father-in-law George Diener. According to the note with the pic it was taken on Easter Day back in 1933. Below is the pic it was taken from:
Pictured L-R: George Diener, his sister Josephine, his mother Addean (Dungan), and his other sister, Eileen when they lived the east side of Cleveland.
I found these photographs by pure accident. I don’t recall what I was looking for on ancestry – but somehow I came across these and several more of George’s family. I had never before seen a pic of his mother. She died three years after this portrait was taken. She was only 47 and George was only 14. His father, Joseph, never remarried.
George born in September of 1922 passed away in 2003. Overcoming a childhood illness that caused him to lose an eye and a lung he became an extremely successful Cleveland businessman. His father was one of the original members of Vermilion’s Olympic Outing Club. And partially because of that membership [the family had a cottage at the club that we still own] I met and married his oldest daughter, Georgianne.
George was a real talent. When someone seriously asked him what college he had attended he told them, “The school of hard knocks.” And that was not an understatement.
On the shoptop this week is a pic acquired from one of my grandpa’s glass negatives of the Congregational church at Florence, Ohio. As is obvious, the slide has a few defects that I could probably eliminate in Photoshop. But they’re really not interfering with the subject of the pic who I’ve left them alone.
This church still exists – and I think that the congregation does as well. The building is on Ohio State Route #113 a few click west of Route #60 in Florence Township. If I remember correctly it’s almost directly across the street from the historic circular Florence Township Meeting House.
Like the pic in an article that follows this piece it appears that back in the 1930s everyone just drove (and parked) wherever the heck they wanted. It must have been an interesting time to have been alive.
SHE BROKE HER BUTT…: I mentioned last week that my sister, Nancy, who’d gone to visit one of her girls in Miami fell out of bed and broke something. (I think it was her butt.)
She emailed me this pic from her daughter’s house in Florida Thursday. As one can see her spirits are good – as is her sense of humor. It’ll take more than a broken butt to keep her down.
My wife and I did a video interview with her some months ago. We premiered the video at a Vermilion Area Archival meeting and folks seemed to find it very entertaining. (Unlike myself, both of my sisters like to talk – and seem to have a lot to talk about.)
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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 Friendis not a fellowwho is taken in by sham.
A Friendis one who knows your faultsand doesn't give a damn.
VHS CLASS OF ’60 SEEKS “LOST” MEMBERS: The 1960 class of Vermilion High School is planning their 55th year reunion and there are several classmates whose addresses are unknown. The reunion is planned for Sunday, September 13, 2015, beginning at 2 P.M at the Vermilion Boat Club. There will also be other meet and greet opportunities in the two days before. We want to make every effort to contact all class members and we need the help of the public to make this possible. Please look at the following list of “lost” class members and, if you know their whereabouts, please contact SANDRA YEAMANS NEIDING AT 967-4190.
Missing are: Penny Clague, Judy Eagan, James Hill, Robert Holtcamp, Billy Kay, Judy Lowery, Ray Luna, Wayne Rohrbaugh and Marjorie Sipos. – Correspondent Sandy Neiding
GENETICS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: I think I might have used this pic or a reasonable facsimile of it sometime time in the past. But this reproduction is one that I developed from the glass negative several weeks ago. I actually think that the digital darkroom process that I’ve been using as of late is a few steps above its chemical brethren. Yet, it may just seem that way to me because I was doing the work and have taken the time to really look at these photographs.
For those who may not recognize the scene I should explain that the photo was taken near the middle of the Liberty Avenue looking west from the corner of Grand street. None of the buildings visible on the right side of the street are still standing. The Ritter Library has taken over most of that side of the street. But most of the buildings on the left side of the road are still standing.
The house on the right was once the Lightkeeper’s residence. The brick building behind it was C.A. Trinter’s Insurance / Real Estate office. And the two buildings beyond it belonged to the Bond Family. Stone’s Garage was just past Bond’s place – but it can’t be seen because it was situated back further from the road. The roof-line of the house that until just lately occupied the southeast corner of Liberty and Washington streets is just visible.
I guesstimate that this photograph was taken around 1936. The guess is based on the automobiles pictured as well as the interurban (L.S.E.) tracks that are running down the middle of the street. The electrics ceased operating around 1938. In this pic the poles and lines that helped power the electrics are still there.
One of the things that escaped me when I first saw this photograph was the way the cars are situated / running on the highway. The cars on the far right, as well as one on the left, are parked. But the rest are moving. What I noticed when I developed this pic was that it appears that it was legal to drive anywhere on the street that a person desired. The autos in the foreground as well as the one in the background appear to be driving on the wrong side of the street.
That must have been exciting.
I’ve seen old film footage of traffic moving in places like San Francisco and New York City where cars, buggies and pedestrians seemed to just flow wherever there was space without accident. But this is the first time it ever occurred to me that maybe that’s how everyone drove in the yesteryear.
Some may note the Pontiac sign on the pole on the right side of the photo along with the Gulf gas pumps. I believe that when these shadows were captured Vermilionite Glenn Martin had the Pontiac franchise.
[NOTE: I didn’t know it until I was paging through an old HI-TIMES (1923) high school annual a few weeks ago – but Martin, at one time, also had a Ford dealership. It was the first I knew of that. I did know that after he no longer had the Pontiac franchise (I think that Kyle’s acquired it) he also had a Kaiser-Frazer dealership.]
As one can see both Martin and Walker (who had the Chrysler dealership next to Martin) sold gasoline. Walker was the “Texaco” man. The automobile was coming of age and the electrics were on the road to oblivion.
What a shame. I really, really, would have liked to have ridden on the Lake Shore Electric. Imagine flying through the countryside in a vehicle that made virtually no noise.
Last of all, I don’t know the reason my grandfather shot this pic. It was obviously taken on a winter afternoon – probably a Sunday. There was very little traffic along 6 & 2 – the major thoroughfare across northern Ohio. But I think of the photographs that I take. Very few of them have people in them. More often than not I capture pix of places and things. I see things that I like and…click. Perhaps that’s genetic; I never knew him.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
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...
W.O.W. Picnic at Crystal BeachAlso a Success
The Farmer’s Picnic at Linwood Park last Saturday, while not as well attended as some of the former picnics, was very successful. Senator Foraker spoke in the afternoon on a semi-political subject. After talking a little to the farmer’s he attacked the Tariff revisionists but was not met with an over abundant applause. The Senator is a ready and interesting speaker and was list3ned to with much interest, but the crowd was evidently divided in opinion on the subjects he mentioned.
Congressman Mouser was unable to be present on account of injuries sustained in an accident.
The Woodmen’s Picnic at Crystal Beach was an enjoyable affair. The races and contest were carried out as scheduled. A slight rain in the afternoon dampened the occasion but did not interfere with the pleasure seekers to any extent.
In order that there be no further trouble or misunderstanding about the letter that was lost on the R.F.D. at Birmingham we wish to say that the letter was never in the carrier’s hands, therefore, the letter was never received (without its contents). It was delivered by the Postmaster to a properly authorized person but he simply forgot to deliver it to the address, but an accident revealed the lost letter and we hope the exchanges will be as fast to perceived this explanation as they were to copy the accusation.
[VV. Ed. Note: How ambiguous can one get? Does this mean “the letter” was delivered to a friend or family member who forgot to give it to the addressee or what? I’m sure my grandparents were simply trying to insulate all the parties involved in this non-incident. But if so, why even publish it??? Geezz!]
Geo. Fischer to Fred Driscoll, et.al., Water lots, Vermilion village, $1,800.
Albert Rumsey to Alice L. Todd, lots in Vermilion village, $600.
Heirs of Rebecca Rumsey to Ellen R. Hamlen, lots in Vermilion village, $1,520.
John R. Rumsey Guardian to Ellen R. Hamlen lots in Vermilion village, $60.34.
Harry Cook, a prominent Huron man, a merchant there, slipped and fell while descending a stairway at his store Saturday morning, and broke his left leg near the ankle. Mr. Cook went upstairs to get a couple of sacks of flour, one of which he was carrying on his shoulder; the other under his arm when the accident occurred. Dr. Woesner attended Mr. Cook.
In keeping up with the times in their equipment for the limited cars so that comfort will be one of the chief features of a ride over the Lake Shore Electric, that company is equipping all limited cars with light controllers an improved system of lighting traction cars. The Chicago traction Company has the contract for the work and J.G. Westphal, of that city is here superintending the installation of the machines, says the Fremont News.
The Lake Shore Electric have had two of their cars equipped with these controllers for the past ten months and were so well pleased with service that they decided upon having them installed in all cars.
The machines cause the lights in the cars to remain steady independent of the line voltage and this will do away with the lights going up and down and flickering when cars are stopped and started as in the past.
The Lake Shore railroad company is defendant in a damage suit begun Monday in common pleas court by John Funni, administrator of the estate of Leo Funni, the lad who was killed on Railroad street about two months ago.
The amount sued for is $10,000. The petition as filed relates the story of the boy’s death as published at the time. Mr. Funni was appointed administrator to conduct the suit, a few weeks ago John F. McCrystal is his attorney.
Unsuccessful in their efforts to secure recognition at the hands of the Huron council, the officials of the Erie Co. Mutual Telephone co. have resorted to new tactics to secure franchise rights within the corporate limits of the village. Application was filed in the probate court of Erie county at Sandusky Saturday noon upon which notice issued, was served here Tuesday. It is thought that the franchise sought will be secured although strenuous opposition will no doubt be made.
It was announced today that as soon as a franchise is secured work will be commenced and that before the snow flies again Huron will have another telephone system in operation. Material and equipment even now ready for shipment.
The Shinrock telephone plant is already in operation and will be connected up just as soon as the Huron line is ready. –Reg. (Huron Cor.)
G.P. Gilchrist the Cleveland vessel broker is largely interested in the Mohawk-Florence mine at goldfield Nev. which made such a sensation strike last week.
A vein five feet wide was cut in a cross cut on the 300-foot level. The rock is seated with gold and the values will run into thousands of dollars per ton. The company has just declared a dividend of 10 percent payable Aug. 10.
Elder C.C. Maple, who has preached considerable at Axtel, has just received a call to pastorate of the First church of Christ at Rushlyvania [sic], Ohio.
[VV. Ed. Note: RUSHSYLVANIA is a village located in Logan County, Ohio, United States. The population was a ripping 516 at the 2010 census.]
Miss Marion Steele and girlfriends are visiting friends at Twinsburg for a week.
[VV. Ed. Note: MARION LYNDA STEELE was born 18 July 1887 and became a teacher and highly respected principal in the Amherst, Ohio School System. She died on 12 January in 1973. Amherst High School was dedicated in her name.
A. Pember has gone to Montezuma, Ill., on account of the death of hi sister who lives there. He will bring her remains o Amherst for burial.
F. Thompson had the misfortune to have the forefinger of his right hand crushed at the Ohio q Quarries Friday. Fortunately no bones were broken
Marshal George Wilford underwent a serious operation Wednesday. The cause was a trouble of long standing. He is able to be about and hopes to soon be in good health.
Rev. Black, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Cleveland General Hospital about two weeks ago has returned home and hopes to resume his pastoral duties in another week.
Editor Clock of the Reporter is taking a two-weeks Vacation and Rev. Lewis who has had some experience in that line will edit the paper while Mr. Clock is away. The presswork will be done at Oberlin. We predict that the paper will be up to the standard.
Mrs. Henry Albright Sr., died at her home here Saturday.
The 10-year-old son of August Zeroll had the middle finger of his left hand badly crushed and broken Monday in the cogs of a derrick at the home of John Neiding.
V.E. McGhee has rented the Phillip Sipel house on N. Church street and will open a rooming house in connection with his restaurant.
John Kothe was severely cut and bruised about the head and face Monday while working on the planers at the quarry. He stopped [sic] over to pick up a pencil, which he had dropped when his partner started the machine.
BORN – To Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Heys Monday, July 29, 1907, a 9 lb. son.
Mrs. Fred Driver and daughters Nina and Freda of Vermilion are visiting relatives and friends of this place.
Mrs. F.C. Barnes and daughter Calla of Ashmont attended the Avery Sunday School Picnic at Linwood Park last Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Towney, Mrs. Rockenbauch, Mrs. S. Barney, and Mr. and Mrs. Higgs attended the unveiling of Perry’s monument at Put-in-Bay Monday.
[VV. Ed. Note: On Monday, August 5, 1907 a ceremony of unveiling of monument to Admiral Perry in commemoration of Perry’s Naval Victory over the British during the War of 1812. The ceremony was held at Hotel Victory at Put-in-Bay, It rained all day. Actually the monument was only partially constructed between 1912 and 1915. In 1919 the federal government assumed control of the monument and began to provide funding. The official dedication did not take place until July 31, 1931.
Actually the monument was only partially constructed between 1912 and 1915. In 1919 the federal government assumed control of the monument and began to provide funding. The official dedication did not take place until July 31, 1931.
A large party of Pittsburgers arrived Saturday for a few weeks rest and recreation at Sage’s Grove east of town.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Cook have moved into their new home last week.
J.S. Bartlett was arrested Tuesday on complaint of his wife charged with non-support of his minor children.
Miss Lydia Trinter, who has been attending Normal school at Athens, O., returned home last Friday.
A.W. Ladrach and daughter Pauline are spending a few days with friends and relatives in Tuscarawas, Co.
Miss Roma Philby is staying at W.F. Washburn’s at present.
Gov. Harris is very ill at the State hospital Toledo.
[VV. Ed. Note: ANDREW LINTNER HARRIS (also known as ”The Farmer-Statesman” (b. November 17, 1835 – d. September 13, 1915) was one of the heroes of the BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG and the last Civil War general to serve as a governor in the U.S., serving as the 44th Governor of Ohio.
An electric road to Cedar Point is among the possibilities of the near future so report says.
According to reports Huron is over run by tramps and hobos. Several holdups have taken place recently on the est side and it is said tht men are going armed.
Several of the Cleveland barbers have been arrested and fined recently for not complying with the laws of sanitation. The prevalence of barber’s itch led to an investigation.
The regular monthly grind of the Village council occurred in the council chamber Monday night.
Among the good things ordered was the stoning and repairing of Division street from the L.S. & M.S. to Ohio street. A number of new sidewalks were ordered.
A petition was read asking for a survey of the town for a sewer. Then followed a petition for permission to construct a 30 in. sewer on Liberty street from Grand street to Division street. This was signed by a large percent of the property owners interested. This matter will be taken up at a meeting to be held Friday evening. There was quite a discussion concerning the sewer problem also several other matters of lesser importance.
The bicycle ordinance was again mentioned and unless the parties who are in the habit of riding on the sidewalk desist from that practice they will be fined.
After ordering the payment of numerous bills council adjourned.
It is proposed to finish the Toledo street sewer and anticipate an order from the State Board of Health to do so. W.H. Poland will call on you, if you drain into this sewer, for your signature and for a donation towards the work. This is not strictly a donation either as it will give value received for the money invested. Be ready to place your name and the amount wit the rest when he comes.
Elmer Ellsworth Allen, who a year or more ago, was the picture of health, has yielded to the beckoning hand of death and passed away to that “bourne whence no traveler e’er returns.” At 3:30 o’clock Monday afternoon, at his new home on Corwin street, this city, his death occurred, being somewhat sudden at the last. He was 43 years old, having been born February 13, 1864, at West Richfield, Summit county, Ohio, the son of Mr. and Mrs. P.L. Allen.
The deceased was a man of warm impulses, genial and pleasant, and was popular with all who knew him.
He had a great many friends who will be surprised and grieved to learn of his untimely death. Besides the wife he leaves a mother, whose home is in West Richfield, and two sisters; Mrs. W.W. Whitney, of Cleveland, and Mrs. Upton Darby of Vermilion, O.
Mr. Allen was a member of the Fremont lodge of Elks and the Toledo Traveling Men’s association, and was also a Maccabee.
The funeral was held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from his late home. Rev. J.W.H. Brown conducted the funeral. –Norwalk Reflector
Last week another fine fish boat was added to the fleet owned here. The boat is about the same build as the Fred Driscoll and the Ames, and will be known as the James Driscoll; It is owned by the Driscoll Fish Co. This craft, as well as Leidheiser’s new boat, is a product of the yards of the veteran ship-builder, Root, and are built of the best material obtainable. We dare say that with these new craft, the Jas. Driscoll and Leidheiser Bros. added to the present fleet, consisting of the Ames, Stricker and Deveny, Vermilion has one of the finest fishing equipment on the great lakes. The new boats are 68 feet long and of ample beam and depth to fit them for the work. It is stated tha these boats are the last Mr. Root will build. He has been in business 40 years.
Barney Schaub, an employee of Harry Decker near Oak Point, accidentally shot himself Monday. He wa handling a revolver when it exploded, the bullet passing through the left knee. Dr. Wiseman was called and dressed the wound. –Lorain News. Mrs. Darby is in Norwalk called there by the death of her brother.
A party of about twenty ladies enjoyed an outing and picnic dinner at Rumsey Park Tuesday the guest of Mrs. C. Rumsey.
Albert Hart has resigned his positon at A.D. Baumhart’s Drug Store. T.H. Bottomley will fill the vacancy until Sept. 1st.
[VV. Ed. Note: T.H. ”Tom” Bottomley was my maternal great-uncle. At this time he had just graduated from high school. Albert Hart (Jim Hart’s father) was probably about to start his own store in the storefront currently (2015) occupied by Lee’s Landing (Shadduck’s) gift store on Main Street. My uncle went on to college and became a pharmacist. He helped organized the Gray Drug chain in Cleveland, Ohio.]
My uncle went on to college and became a pharmacist. He helped organized the Gray Drug chain in Cleveland, Ohio.]
Toasted corn flake 3 for 25c at W.A. Christian’s.
The Wakefield Brass Co.’s plant is closed this week to give the employees a vacation.
E.L. Coen was in Columbus Tuesday in attendance at the State convention of Independent Telephone companies.
Mr. and Mrs. Grote and two children of Springville N.Y. are guests at the home of D.B. Bartholomew and family.
Mrs. Margaret Brown and Mrs. Harold Wilcox and children of Cleveland are guest of Jacob Goetz and family.
Geo. Naegele is enjoying his annual vacation from R.F.D. duties this week. Albert Har is supplying the patrons on his route.
[VV. Ed. Note: I’d be willing to be that very few people knew that Albert Hart Sr. delivered mail. Even if it was just a part-time favor.]
Capt. and Mrs. Louie Weeks are both reported very ill of typhoid fever at their home in Cleveland. They are well known to many Vermilion people.
Lake Shore Electric In-stalling Egry Machines in all Booths.
The Lake Shore Electric Railway Company is having installed in all offices along its line as well as in all the booths where conductors receive orders, what are known as the Egry machines. With this new machine the conductor takes his orders from the dispatcher over the telephone and writes it down on the pads provided in the machine, turns a crank and has three copies of the orders given him by the dispatcher who governs the movement of the trains. One of the three copies of the orders made on the machine the conductor keeps himself. Another he gives to the motorman, and the third copy remains in the machine to be referred to at any time. Thus, when orders are not followed or there is an error in the orders, it can be readily ascertained at any time who is to blame and who made the error.
In many instances the motorman will blame the conductor for wrong orders, of the conductor will blame the motorman for not following the orders as he thinks they were given. With Egry dispatching machine in use there can be no trouble of that kind, as orders must correspond, three copies being made at the same time and all are alike; and in case it is necessary the blame for any violation of orders can easily be fixed.
As is well known, the Lake Shore Electric is operated along the lines of a steam road, and the orders are given just the same, only by telephone instead of by telegraph as is done on the steam lines.
The installation of the new system of receiving orders makes another great improvement in the operation of a well-managed line. – Lorain News.
Hmmmmmm....
Mary Wakefield Buxton
It was 1955, thank God, and I was a sophomore at last at dear old V.H.S. I say thank God because my life at age 15 was dragging by. The days and weeks seemed to crawl from Monday to Friday and then things would pick up the pace over the weekend. I wanted to get on with my life and couldn’t wait to get out into the great big world and leave my mark.
I pictured God on the days I believed in God as up there on top of the clouds in the sky busy manipulating strings connected to us, his millions of puppets. He sped up or slowed down time according to his wishes. On week days, time was slow but on weekends he would fiddle with the hands of his gigantic time piece (which regulated all clocks) to quicken the pace.
I had taken confirmation class in the Congregational church at age 14, but in all fairness, I am quite sure that Reverend Earl T. English, whom I adored and can still see looking at me with great love and understanding, never defined the Protestant God in such terms.
Father was an atheist as some of the Wakefields were known to be. This was a word that I had slowly come to understand its meaning. It seemed so “avant garde” to be an actual atheist, which differed from a non -actual atheist, or the kind that pray in the foxholes in spite of themselves. He was adamant that his daughters were to follow science and not put faith in any supernatural forces working in the universe. He also strongly believed that man is good because it is good and right to be good and should to do good things on earth, not because man feared punishment from God, but because it was the right way to behave.
Father had felt so strongly about his “religion” that when I was 11 years old and in the 6th grade he had complained to the school board about our class’s mandatory attendance of a morning church service at a local church. The program was ended almost immediately after the school board also decided it was an improper mix of church and state, but not before I had the rare experience of remaining in the classroom alone with my favorite teacher, the splendid Miss Kroph, while my classmates departed lined up like little elves to attend church service.
I have tried hard over the years to follow Father’s path in life but to no avail. I believe in God, have faith that all things will be well in the end, as I follow Stephen Hawking and other contemporary scientists closely and marvel at their constant discoveries of the universe.
In school, I faced a year of world history, English, plane geometry and biology eek. I called biology “biology eek” because it was rumored that in this class we would have to cut up a frog. I told my instructor, a handsome young man fresh out of college by the name of Nick Sosteric and a well-loved coach, that I was an ardent lover of animals and could never cut up a frog.
That year I learned that life was going to be very difficult for a principled young girl. My personal horror of dissecting a frog in order to peer at the poor fellow’s lungs, liver, kidney, and heart was irrelevant because this exercise was mandatory.
We students worked in pairs and my other half was the very able Cynthia Avery who was also a close friend. She knew of my innate repulsion of cutting a frog and shielded me the best she could by doing the actual dissection. It soon got out, however, that I had never touched the frog and although I had learned the lessons each day from quick glances at our poor frog’s diminishing carcass, and memorized every detail of the frog’s system to pass the tests, the news of my private rebellion soon reached the ears of my teacher.
The day came when he called me into his office. “I understand that you have never touched your frog,” he said sternly looking at me with a pair of steely blue eyes. I stared back at him with my beady big browns. Thus the duel was set. No man on earth would ever get me to touch the disgusting carcass of a dissected frog!
We stared at each other for a full minute, each with a certain fury in his eye, perhaps like two opposing generals from different sides of the battle field that suddenly had accidently bumped into each other. “You will fail biology if you don’t touch this frog,” he said.
I might very well have been a spoiled and petulant brat at age 15 that needed to learn to obey the rules of her teacher but no matter. I had my principles and they did not include dissecting animals. I said I would take an “F” rather than ever touch the poor little frog. Ah, what teachers have to tolerate.
We stared again at each from out opposing positions, he behind his desk, me perched on a chair with an expression of teen-age determination, perhaps like an angry hen in the barnyard. Finally, as God stopped time in the skies, I put my trembling finger on the poor frog’s cold, slimy flesh. Then something really strange happened. I screamed in pure horror, a scream so loud and shattering that it went up and down the second floor halls and down the front and back staircases all the way to the office and back.
I passed biology but I still remember the showdown at Circle C ranch at VHS in 1955. I dearly hope my old biology teacher has forgiven me as well as I equally hope that Ohio students no longer dissect real frogs in biology, but use computer models.
That year Father began taking me to his Rotary Club to entertain his fellow club members with “dramatic presentations” learned in school. I enjoyed doing these one act “skits” where I played out all the characters and competed with other schools in the district.
My favorite skit was “Arsenic and Old Lace” which was an amusing mix of various characters…two scheming spinster aunts who poison their visitors with their home- made elderberry wine, the nutty nephew who thinks he is T.R. Roosevelt, the visiting sane relative, and so forth.
The Rotarians met in the old Congregational Church basement in 1955 and were kindly welcoming of me each time I visited. I still remember how shocking it was to be the only female in a room full of men. Before lunch they sang several songs in full, boisterous spirit from a songbook while accompanied by a pianist on the old painted green piano in the corner.
I have always said the Vermilion Rotary Club launched my career as a public speaker for simply bearing up to my many visits with them. The only negative outcome that came about from my many lunches with the Rotary Club was that when I became an adult I wanted to join the Rotary Club but at a time before they were admitting women.
Coach Zeimke welcomed me back to plane geometry class and I did better this year working formulas using actual shapes than I had done the year before working with the unknown in Algebra. Geometry class was one of the few math classes I actually enjoyed.
That year I was initiated into the National Junior Honor Society and was very proud of my feat. I was soon suspended for 6 weeks, however, for having an unexcused absence. I had taken a day off from school and gone on a shopping trip to Cleveland with Mother and Alice which wasn’t such a terrible crime, at least in my mind, but then I had made the mistake of admitting it. An unexcused absence was not appropriate for an honorable student. I argued that I was being penalized for telling the truth and if I had been dishonorable, I might have simply said that I was sick.
Mr. Gebhart listened to me as I pleaded my case in his office with his usual kind and gentle expression. I rather thought I had convinced him with my brilliant logic but to my dismay he stamped “UNEXCUSED” on my excuse slip. What a truly wonderful teacher and principal he was.
One day our class went to the gym to consider a design for our class rings. I saw Joe Sharpnack and a new boy in school working on stage in preparation for the coming the junior-senior prom. When I stopped to say hello to Joe, the new boy leaned over and asked me if I would go to prom with him. His name was Angus Murdoch who many years later would marry my sister, Alice.
I was happy this year to make the junior varsity cheerleader squad. My first football game was a puzzle. I could do all the jumps and cheers but I had no idea what those boys were doing running all over the football field chasing a ball, tackling each other and ending up in a big heap. That year I learned what football was all about and have loved watching college football games ever since and especially cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
One day, anxious to do something really wicked, (my parents were out of town) Cynthia Avery and I drove over to the Vermilion Lagoons and began letting out the air in the tires of Angus Murdoch’s car. He caught us in the act and we made a quick escape.
Angus was not the sort to take such blatant challenge to the male gender lying down. He and his forces, Dan Stack and Joe Sharpnack, drove over to the house and towed Father’s brand new, three tone blue Ford into a deep ditch that ran along the creek. This was funny until they couldn’t dislodge the Ford and Father was returning home the next day.
The boys spent all afternoon trying to drag Father’s new car out of the mire. Finally they managed to break it out of the mud, hosed it off and returned it to its parking space in the driveway. Fortunately snow was on the ground so the terrible ruts were not noticeable from the driveway.
Many months later when the snow melted, Father found the deep ruts near the creek and asked us what had happened. The story finally came out but to sympathetic ears. Father then told us how he and all his cohorts (they called themselves “River Rats”) used to break into the fish houses along the Vermilion River and mess with the nets.
One day an old river character by the name of “Cloudy,” walked in the door to see what the commotion was and caught the boys red-handed. Before running off, they pelted the poor man with dozens of fish net buoys. I guess every generation of children will find a way to have some fun in the old town.
School was going smoothly that year and I was doing well in my classes. Halcyon days would soon come to an end, however, because Alice was a senior and would soon be graduating and going off to college. The thought of life without Alice was terrifying to me. I tried hard to shove the unsettling thought that Alice would soon be leaving home out of my mind. Alice was the best sister, lots of fun, always up to some sort of excitement, and there was never a dull moment around her. She later became my favorite character in my stories. A better sister no one ever had.
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.
…make no difference to either of the parties, and arrangements were made for housekeeping without any ceremony to bind the parties, and thus they lived until two children were born to them. During the year 1811, Major Spafford visited the settlers on the peninsula and, on learning the state of affairs, his New England sense of propriety was much shocked. He called on the Staceys for the purpose of arranging matters on a sounder basis, for the honor of the new settlement. After some conversation regarding the matter, he requested the couple to stand up, and in the presence of the toddling children as witnesses, pronounced them man and wife. He was afterwards asked if he thought the marriage regular, and replied that he did not, as he had no authority to celebrate such contracts, but it was the best he could do under the circumstances, and perfectly satisfied the parties themselves, who seemed to think it all right, and that they were legally married.
There seem to be no records accessible, at least none have been found, earlier than 1819. In that year an enumeration was made of the male inhabitants of the township of Danbury, and the total number was found to be sixty-seven.
The poll book of an election held October 10, 1820, contains the names of but eight voters. The candidates for election were: Ethan A. Brown, governor; Lyman Farwell, State representative; Peter Hitchcock, representative in congress; John Boalt, coroner. Each of the candidates received a solid vote. No great interest seems to have attended this election, although at an election for justice of the peace held in April of the same year, thirty-one votes were polled.
Before the war of 1812, taxes were paid at Cleveland. The tax collector did not come around to collect them, but they were sent to him. Mail was carried by a man named Leach, who made the trip from Cleveland, via Huron, to Maumee.
Sandusky had been started previous to 1832, the name having been changed from Ogontz Place to Portland before 1822, and at a later date to Sandusky. There was quite a settlement, consisting of log and frame houses, log schoolhouse, and corporation log jail. In 1832, the schooner Ligure, from Buffalo, arrived. The evening after her arrival one of the passengers, an old lady, was attacked with cholera, and died before morning. Captain Wadsworth was seized with the same disease and died. From this time the disease spread on shore, and a board of health was organized, with Moses Farwell at the head. The vessel was condemned, and taken some two miles out into the bay, where it was proposed to burn it and thus get rid of the plague, but the owner, William Townsend, of Sandusky, made a strong effort to save his property, which was successful, and the order for its destruction was revoked.
The cholera soon broke out on the peninsula, and proved terribly fatal. The first victim was Robert Rose, an Englishman, who went to Sandusky, where he indulged in a drunken debauch, which lasted three days. Soon after reaching his home on the peninsula he was seized with the dread disease, and lived but a few hours. The plague spread rapidly, in one case sweeping away an entire family—that of the Steeles. The wife and daughter of Talmage Waterbury also died, and in the fall of that year the broken family returned to their old home in New York.
As a part of the original tract of land bought by E. W. Bull, in connection with the township of Danbury, is the island in Sandusky Bay known after his purchase as Bull's Island. It is located about three miles north of Sandusky and one mile from the Peninsula. This island was settled in 1811, three men building cabins there at that time. It was at one time thought a desirable situation in which to found a town, and steps were taken to lay the surface out into village lots, but the needs of the new country did not seem to demand a town here, inasmuch as Ogontz Place or Sandusky was already becoming settled. The island contains some three hundred acres, about one hundred and fifty of which was leased by the United States Government during the war of the rebellion, and was used as a military prison for the confinement of prisoners of war. The camp was on the south side of the island, looking toward Sandusky, and was on ground sufficiently rolling to admit of free drainage. In the center of the camp was a fine parade ground of some five or six acres. West of this were the offices, chapel, hospital and officer's quarters, and on the east side were the barracks for the prisoners. On the north and south sides were the barracks for the guard. A strong twelve-foot fence was built around this ground, inclosing a space of some fifteen acres. Within about three feet of the top of this fence was a walk three feet wide, which was constantly traversed by the guard. The barracks and out-houses covered nearly or quite one-third the inclosed [sic] space, leaving a pleasant open grass plat of the remainder. The quarters were left clean and orderly, and the grounds did not present the appearance of neglect.
During the war of 1812, the peninsula was the scene of two skirmishes with Indians. The inhabitants were obliged to seek safety in flight, some going toward Cleveland, and others to the blockhouse at Mansfield. A regiment was encamped under command of Colonel Richard Hayes, of Hartford, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the east side of the Huron river, and about three miles below Milan. A detachment of men was sent to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont,…
WHAT’S IN A BOTTLE: At the moment I’m not exactly sure where this bottle surfaced – but there it is.
It’s actually quite old. It even predates the A.H. Hart that most of us who have somehow become members of Vermilion’s older generation knew. The A.H. Hart on this bottle is our A.H. “Jim” Hart’s father. What gives that away is the phone number on the bottle: Phone 9.
I was amused by the fact that the extract was sold by the local pharmacist. Today we just go to the local grocery store for the product. On the other hand this is a pretty big bottle. It would’ve taken a year or more of fairly consistent baking for our parent’s to have used it up.
Note the alcohol content. It’s significant because it’s higher than that found in most beers and wines. That may be the reason that vanilla is now sold in much smaller bottles.
1. I'm not saying let's go kill all the stupid people. I'm just saying let's remove all the warning labels and let the problem work itself out.
2. I changed my car horn to gunshot sounds. People move out of the way much faster now.
3. You can tell a lot about a woman's mood just by her hands. If they are holding a gun, she's probably ticked.
4. Gone are the days when girls cooked like their mothers. Now they drink like their fathers.
5. You know that tingly little feeling you get when you really like someone you've just met? That's common sense leaving your body.
6. I don't like making plans for the day because, then, the word "premeditated" gets thrown around in the courtroom.
7. I didn't make it to the gym today. That makes 1,500 days in a row.
8. I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it 'the Jim'. I feel so much better saying I went to 'the Jim' this morning.
9. Dear paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers: If you find one, what's your plan?
10. Everyone has a right to be stupid. Politicians just abuse the privilege.
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.13, Issue 17 - July 4, 2015
© 2013 Rich Tarrant