Faces Of Vermilion.
SHOPTALK: On my shop desktop this week is a pic I captured last week near McGarvey’s Landing / Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant below the Vermilion River Bridge.
As you can see autumn has arrived in the city. And yet, numerous boats remain docked along the river. I don’t expect that they’ll be there much longer. The weather’s changing fast. So too are the leaves.
On my home desk this week is a closer view of a snap I’ve used on the page in the past. The gent in the doorway of the power company is Clarence Phillips. I’m guessing that this pic was taken in the 1940s because the shop behind him - an Isaly’s restaurant was called the “Dairy-Bar” when I was around in the 1950s and the power company had relocated in a new brick building a few doors away (west of) from where Clarence is seen standing.
One of the things that I found interesting in this pic is the price of an ice cream cone is 5c. That’s a single dip of course.
Them were the days…
CHANGES & MORE CHANGES: My rtf client is suddenly working again. I contacted the provider as well as my webpage hosting company last weekend after spending too many hours of my life attempting to make the darn file transfer software work. I’m still don’t know what happened. But after I contacted my webhost everything seems to have begun working. So I assume they fixed the problem.
While I was able to do most of the things I normally do with the page by using my host’s software (which is always available) – not having working ftp software available on my desktop was both frustrating and restrictive. There are some items I cannot upload to my online files via the host’s software program.
I hope that doesn’t happen again.
However – I also note that my webhost (Yahoo Small Business) is going to change soon (i.e. Q4 2015) and this apparently means that I will have to change the way I do things as well. Yahoo, my long-time host is spinning off its small business hosting into a new company called LUMINATE owned by Aabaco Holdings. Following the spin-off, Aabaco / Luminate will be a separate company that will operate independently of Yahoo.
Methinks this is part of the problem I’ve been having. With such a significant change looming some changes may have been stirring up things now - before the new company is actually formalized. Ergo, I going to have to try to learn and adjust to a different system.
I don’t know how much disruption this is going to cause, but I hope that it is slight. I am already recoding my html writing so it will work properly on the page. I note that some of the punctuation marks I’ve been using for years via Microsoft word do not translate properly on my pages any longer. What you may be seeing on them are some unintelligible symbols where you would normally see things such as an apostrophe, etc.
I won’t bother to correct previous pages because it’s just too much work (i.e. 15 years worth). So the odd markings will have to remain.
As one might imagine, I’m not real happy about the change. And I don’t imagine that I’m the only person feeling this way.
Nonetheless, change is part of life. Moreover, it makes things interesting. (At least for a little while.)
A WORD OF CAUTION TO MAC OWNERS: If you’re not a Macintosh computer owner you can disregard this word of caution. But if you use a Mac I would suggest that you refrain from using and/or purchasing any cleaning software that contains anti-virus software or be extremely cautious with anything you might be considering.
This is not to say that Macs are unhackable. In practice cybercriminal gangs are focused primarily on Windows computers because there are more Windows users, but also because Windows is still easier to hack. As a Unix-based operating system the Mac OS X is by its very nature protected. It's like having a series of fire doors - even if malware accesses to your Mac, it is unable to spread to the heart of the machine. Again, Macs are not unhackable, but they are more difficult to exploit than Windows computers. So just as a burglar might break into a house with an alarm system he will probably choose the unprotected dwelling next door, a Mac makes a less attractive target in a world in which only attractive targets tend to be attacked.
I bring this up because I made the mistake of acquiring a cleaner software program about a week ago and it only succeeding in making my Mac nearly unusable. I had to go through everything on my computer and delete all traces of that software before it began to work right again.
So I hope all my Mac friends heed this warning. It will save you a good deal of head banging.
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,
MARGARET TANSEY SHAFTS: Many Vermilionites will remember Margaret. If one didn’t know her as a council representative you might have known her as the head bookkeeper for the Sharpnack Chevrolet dealership.
Margaret was born in Vermilion on October 13, 1913 and died here April 12, 1997. She served on council in the 1970s and 80s. She married popular Vermilionite Larry Shafts on November 24, 1955. Larry passed into the next life in 2000. Both are interred at Maple Grove Cemetery.
I acquired this little artifact from one of Larry’s nephews a number of years ago. Margaret, as well as Larry, were among some of the town’s most memorable citizens.
THE NORTH NORTH END OF MAIN STREET: This is one of my favorite parts of town although I don’t frequent the area much anymore.
THE WATERWORKS: This facility has changed a great deal since it was built back in the early years of the 20th century. It’s never really been a beautiful building. But it has always been a necessary one.
THE WELLS HOUSE: I’ve no really idea as to the age of this beautiful home, but it’s a very historic building. Over the years it’s been known as the Wells house, the Stagecoach Hotel, and the Steamboat Hotel.
It is my understanding that once upon a time there was, at the foot of Huron Street, a pontoon bridge that was used by travellers to cross the Vermilion River. Given that thought I assume that stage coaches that travelled along the north road bordering the lake once took respite at this home.
In later years when steamboats plied the river travellers / sailors stayed at the inn they called the Steamboat Hotel.
Once upon a time Huron Street was the main thoroughfare through the town. So all of this (however speculative) makes some sense (to me).
F.W. Wakefield Home: Elegant is how I’ve always views this home: Vermilion entrepreneur F.W. Wakefield’s Harborview home.
Years before Wakefield built the home he often stayed at the Lakeside Hotel very near the site where he built the home. The Lakeside is currently (2015) known as the Gilchrist House Bed and Breakfast. I believe the regattas were initially responsible for his coming to the town. But later it became a place that he preferred to spend the summer months. And then he evidently saw it as a perfect place to build his factory.
This, to my knowledge, was the first all cement home every building in Vermilion.
Wakefield’s influence in and contributions to the development of the town during the 20th century are significant.
ON THE BEACH: I like both this pic and the scene in both pix: my singular favorite spot on the planet – Main Street Beach.
I spent an extraordinary amount of time here when I was a kid. One of my earliest memories is coming here with my kindergarten class around 1950. Another is a time when my friend Stuart White showed me how to smoke smoke-wood along these shores.
What a beautiful place. But the one thing I miss is the weeping willow tree that used to sit at the northeast corner of the beach. In this pic one can see the leaves from that tree. The reason someone thought that the tree had to be cut down (just a few years ago) escapes me. Anyone who knows trees knows that willows can crumble and break, but will keep on growing forever.
THE VIEW FROM HURON ST NORTH: I find a certain amount of comfort in this views of the lake from Huron Street. Both the old and the new views are wonderful.
I don’t believe there’s a better place on the planet than this…
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...
M Weisman who claims to have been a guest at the West house in Sandusky, on June 1, 1907, and at the time to have lost a valise containing valuable jewelry which he had left with the clerk for safekeeping, has brought suit against the West House Real Estate Co., for alleged value, $485.11, claiming negligence
Letters of administration have been list issued F V. Pelton in the estate of Ralph G Hazelton, who died October 26, 1906, intestate and leaving a widow R.G. Hazelton and one son, Rexford Hazelton, both residing in Glady, W. Va.
In the matter of the estate of Harvey Wheeler, deceased, exception has been made to the allowance made the widow for the year’s support, asking that it be reduced from $550 to $200.
An inventory and appraisement of the estate of Martin Liedheiser deceased. The property of the estate consists of certain lots in Vermilion valued at $1500.
Letters of guardianship have been issued to Frank E. Englebry over the Roland J. Englebry.
Fred N. Krapp, 22, Greenland Township, and Bertha E. Walper, 21 Vermilion, O.
Joseph Schmidt, 33, Sandusky, and Rose Hipp, 34, Sandusky.
Fred Schwenk Shepherd, 26, Huron, and Cathering Lucile Grundler, 23 Sandusky.
Frank Hurlbut, 31, Amherst, and Minnie A. Klassen, Amherst.
At the annual installation of officers of Madeleine Chapter number 204, OES held it Masonic Hall Wednesday evening November 27, 1907. The following officers for the year 1907 – eight were installed:
Worthy Matron – Mrs. Carrie B. Englebry Worthy Matron – Mr. Harry Steer Associate Matron – Mrs. Edna M. Trinter Sec. – Ms. Addie A. Rust Treas. – Mrs. Amelia Englebry Conductress – Mrs. Jenny Beeckel Associate Conductress – Mrs. Mae Lawless Chaplain - Mrs. Hattie Pelton Marshals; Mrs. Bertha Law and Mrs. Leah Full Ada – Mrs. Mrs. Amelia Penning Ruth – Mrs. Winnie Mattison Esther – Mrs. Anna Horton Martha – Mrs. Sophia Blattner Electa – Mrs. Alice Tischer Pianist – Mrs. Elizabeth Kane Warder – Mrs. Hattie Rathbun Sentinel – Mr. Theodore Penning.
The regular meeting of the Village Council was held Monday evening. Very little business was transacted however. Bills were ordered and paid in a number of improvements discussed. A special meeting will be held at a later date to arrange for the establishment of a depository for village funds, and other business, which may come before it. The new council and officials elected at the fall elections will take office the first of the year.
A number of our sailors have returned for the winter and the remainder will in all probability be home in time to spend Christmas.
Although the loss of life upon the Great Lakes has been appalling the past season, Vermilion is again fortunate and no home will be in sorrow on account of the loss of a loved one.
Mrs. Conrad Brill entertained a few relatives Thanksgiving Day.
Mrs. Julius Heller is reported very ill.
Albert Baus is suffering from an attack of typhoid fever.
John Becker's new house on Spring Street is about completed and is one of the finest in town.
Miss Lizzie Klarr of Vermilion was the guest of Mrs. Mangle a few days last week.
Married – At Elyria Thursday afternoon John Durnus of Elyria and Miss Louise Russ.
George MacLean had the lower part of his ear nearly bitten off by a horse while on harnessing the team on the farm of G.W. Rice last week. 10 stitches were taken to fasten it back on.
Charles Schubert age 42 residing 1 miles southeast of here committed suicide by hanging Friday afternoon. Schubert's wife died about a year ago. Four sons and two daughters survive.
Ms. Frances Plato underwent another operation for cancer of the stomach at St. Clair Hospital, Cleveland Friday morning. She underwent an operation about a year ago.
There was no vacation in our schools, school-keeping Friday.
Winter is surely upon us now, but the past month has not been a very bad month.
Thanksgiving was spent in the usual manner by visiting an entertaining and hunting.
Mr. and Mrs. Darby and daughter Miss Carter spent their Thanksgiving at uncle Tom Homiston's.
Mrs. Barnes acquaintances of Birmingham were very much shocked at the dreadful accidental shooting which ended her life. Only two short months since her sister Mrs. Edgar Henry was laid away. The entire family have [sic] our warmest sympathy and especially the young boy, Roy Wood. Mrs. Barnes was the boy’s guardian.
Ray Bowman is a victim of diphtheria.
A baby daughter came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred McCormick last week.
John Willis, an old soldier from the home in Sandusky was struck and killed by a Lake Shore train near Slate Cut west of town Thursday night.
A religious sect known as the Millennial Dawn has organized the class for Bible study. There are 10 members and they held their first meeting Sunday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Ed Toomey.
Thanksgiving exercises were held at Joppa school Wednesday.
Mrs. John Lee is no better at this writing.
Mrs. B. N. Goodsell is quite ill at this writing.
A social was held at the brick schoolhouse last evening.
G.H. Bacon expects to move onto the farm he recently bought of George Nye next week. Mr. Nye will move to the area where they expect to make their home.
Guy S. Davis has opened his store with a new stock of goods and is prepared to furnish the public with a fine line of Dry Goods, Boots and shoes, Rubbers, and Holiday Goods.
James VanWaggen, an L.S.E. conductor has brought suit against H. O. Ward, for $500 damages, claiming that Ward alienated his wife's affection. All parties reside at Beach Park.
It is reported that a certain Vermilionite purchased a package of tobacco recently and upon opening it discovered what appeared to be a Nigger’s ear in it. It is needless to say that he has discontinued the use of that particular brand of the meeting.
[VV. Ed. Note: My, my how very crude were our ancestors. How do you suppose anyone knew whose ear it might have been? If, in fact, there was actually an ear in someone’s tobacco it could have easily been from a white person. I would think that any ear would eventually turn black if separated from its owner. The conclusion made here is not only prejudicial it is illogical. Both the conclusion and the way it has been expressed in the piece really tell us a good deal about how our ancestors saw the world.]
The rails of the L.S.E. Ry are being bonded by an electric welding equipment today each rail being at attached to the other by a bundle of copper strips. This may prevent further trouble with the water pipes along Liberty Street.
C Simons, T Bottomley and S Linglebach were among those who witnessed the production of “Ben Hur” at Cleveland Opera House this week.
Jacob Schade, who has been seriously ill in his home in Cleveland, is convalescing.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark W. Jay, Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Kinnon and daughter Jessie were entertained at the home of L.R. Marsh, Thanksgiving.
A special sale of hand-painted china, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the home of Mrs. George Whitmore, Grant Street.
Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Irey and children of Berlin Hts were guest of friends here last evening and attended the M E Church supper.
The United States Courts have indicted Sears Roebuck Company, the large mail-order house for using United States mails for fraudulent purposes. They must now answer in court the same as any criminal. Uncle Sam is now busy protecting the public from the deception and fraud through the advertising of such concerns.
Sears Roebuck and Company have been indicted on three counts, but this does not mean they are not guilty and many other instances. Much more evidence is already in the hands of the government officials.
[VV. Ed. Note: I have noticed that NEWS editor Roscoe did not care for catalogue businesses. They were similar to today’s on-line businesses like Amazon. Roscoe thought they were taking business away from local companies and were consequently undermining the tax and employment bases of towns like Vermilion. I must say that I do agree with his assessment and note his joy in the fact that a company like Sears was being looked at by the Feds. But as we all now know Sears preserved. At least they did until Amazon-type shops came along.]
I must say that I do agree with his assessment and note his joy in the fact that a company like Sears was being looked at by the Feds. But as we all now know Sears preserved. At least they did until Amazon-type shops came along.]
Carleton S Rumsey Alice L Todd, und 1–b int. in lots in Vermilion vil., $400.
F.E. Hartwell to Edith M. Gordon, lot in Vermilion vil., $100.
John N. Englebry to Hubert M. White, Lot in Vermilion vil., $1500.
The Bible readings have been barred from Chicago schools.
C.W Bauman called on Axtel friends with his Edison phonograph last Friday afternoon an evening.
Rev. Sprunger of the Orphan’s Home had a stroke of paralysis a few days ago but is reported much better at present.
George Giest, aged 20, a well-known young man of Kipton received the contents of his double-barreled shotgun in his neck Thursday while rabbit hunting.
Hmmmmmm....
WHO OWNS WHAT: This is a partial view of a map of Vermilion Village that was printed in a 19th almanac for Erie County. Vermilion expatriate Dana Buell Wheeler gave it to me several years ago.
It is used here to illustrate the area our town fathers and mothers designated to be the “Public Square”. Under the thick black line on the left of the designated square area is Lot #130. That was the lot number for the land purchased by representatives of the Vermilion Presbyterian church’s congregation back in 1838 to build Vermilion’s first church. The lots next (south of the church) to it were occupied by one of the town’s first schoolhouses (District #1).
In 1883 a new Vermilion Township Hall was built built on site of the old school. And in 1886 the church was deemed to be in failing condition and the building was razed. By January of 1888 a new building had been erected on the same site.
As is obvious, Division (now Main) Street did not cut through the square when this map was drawn. When, and perhaps even why, it was accomplished is anyone’s guess.
It might be that neither church nor school had been located on their respective lots when the map was drawn. If so, it might follow that after they were built paths to either facility were made from both the north and south to accommodate scholars and worshipers; and that path became very familiar to locals who later considered it to be part of Division Street.
When this map was drawn Division Street ran from the Village limits / Haber Road to the South and stopped at Ohio Street. Persons familiar with the town will recognize that there seems to be a good deal of land behind the homes on State Street on the west and Exchange Street on the East. The expanse must have been where Division Street was intended to run.
In this case both sides of Main Street were part of the original Public Square – not just the area not known as Victory Park. The land fronting the buildings on Main Street between Ohio Street and the railroad is very much a part of the square and owned by Vermilion citizens. But over the years most of this has been forgotten. No matter that the town has been tending to the property all these years.
Lately, ownership of this property has come into question. Does the city own it or does the township own it? Given the fact that it appears that the property was originally designated as a Public Square for Vermilion Village; and given the fact that Vermilion Village has maintained the property all these years as the owner; the answer to the question is obvious: The citizens of the town of Vermilion, Ohio own this property.
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.
The subject of this sketch was the son of Lorenz Verena Muller, and was born at Schopfheim, Wiesenthal, Baden, Germany, Sept. 11, 1831. At the age of twenty-one years he came to America, and in 1854 located on South Bass (Put-in-Bay) Island, where he was married. May 26, 1860, to Henriette, daughter of Henry and Henriette Foye. She was born at Braunschweig, Germany, June 30, 1842. She came to this country with her parents in 1854, and with them to South Bass Island in 1855, where she still resides, on the east part of the island, in the beautiful home, which her husband and herself so industriously built up. They had born to them four sons, as follows:
George Frederick, born May 2, 1861 ; Frank Joseph, born Sept. 1, 1862; Henry Theodore, born Oct. 11, 1873 ; Lorenz, born Oct. 26, 1875 We can, perhaps, pay no better tribute to this estimable man than to quote a few lines written by one who knew him well, and published at the time of his death:
Put-in-Bay, Feb. 28.
It is painful in no small degree to record the death of Lorenz Muller, of this place. He was engaged in hauling materials for a new building, and by overwork, it is supposed, brought on bilious pneumonia, which terminated his life in eight days. Had he known the nature of his disease, his life might have been saved; but he mistook it for common cold, and thought to work it off as he had often done before. This so aggravated the disease that, when he gave up, he was past all help, and told his physician that his case was hopeless. The doctor, Charles D. Townsend, encouraged him, and soon both entertained hopes of his recovery; but the disease set in again with renewed energy and soon brought him to death. He died on Friday, Feb. 26, 1875, and was buried on Sunday, the 28th. His funeral was attended by over three hundred persons, being the largest ever seen on these islands. He was comparatively a young man, and with high hope and great energy to complete the schemes of his life. The whole community is deeply moved by his death, partly because it was so unexpected, but mainly because of the great esteem in which he was held by his friends and neighbors. His whole life was a practical commentary on the noble virtues of an upright man. He commenced his course at the bottom round of the ladder, and, by honest industry and fair means, acquired a handsome fortune. But the peculiar beauty of his life is that, while earnestly and eagerly engaged in the pursuit of wealth, he never manifested a sordid selfishness so common in business-life, but always so dealt that, while his property increased, others could not but rejoice at his prosperity, and no man ever said of him that he acquired his gains by sharp dealing or unfair means. His honesty and liberality were the remark of all who knew him. No poor man seeking to rise by his own endeavors ever asked of him assistance and did not receive it. Indeed, they did not, in his neighborhood, have to ask assistance; it was rendered without. And many owe their success in life to his helping hand. In his death this community has lost one of its most loved, most able, and most important men. It docs not often fall to the lot of man to be so deeply and so extensively mourned at his death as is Lorenz Muller.
DANCING AT VHS C.1933: Whose little dance book this might have been is a mystery (to me anyway). There are several names listed inside, but none I recognize. I have seen booklets like it before – and some were actually full of names. I assume that kids put the names of their dance partners in these books. What I don’t know is if the names were placed in the books before or after each dance. Because it was a “Junior-Senior” dance I guess the occasion was something like a prom activity.
A very neat artifact of Vermilion’s past; the photograph with the dance booklet was simply something I added to the composition to make it more interesting. Vermilionite Dave Rathbun gave me the pic because he had no idea who the fella in the pic might be. He was going to “toss it”, but I advised against it. (Sometimes I come across photographs accompanied by the names of those pictured. I have a pretty good eye for faces. So it is possible that someday I’ll be able to ID the guy. But the booklet is not related to the pic – just a prop.)
As the storm raged, the captain realized his ship was sinking fast. He called out, "Anyone here know how to pray?"
One man stepped forward, "Aye, Captain, I know how to pray."
"Good," said the captain, "you pray while the rest of us put on our life jackets - we're one short."
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, "Grandma's 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 33 - October 24 2015
© 2013 Rich Tarrant