Friends
SHOPTALK: On the shoptop this week is a candid snap of one of our cats – Fluffy McDuffy. She is one of the strangest felines I’ve ever encountered. The first time I ever saw her she was in the middle of the street preening. I had to stop my vehicle until she was finished.
Later my wife lured her into our home and she’s now become a fixture. She goes outside only when the sun is shining. She doesn’t like cold weather or rain.
On my home desk this week is a pic that (I think) has been in past issues of “VV”. It is, of course, one of Vermilion’s football teams of a yesteryear. I like this one because I remember (so vividly) some of those pictured – like Richard “Ben” Whitt, Tom Williams and Art Copeland.
Richard was one of my bosses when I was a caretaker for the Olympic Outing Club back in the 1970s. More than a few folks found him a bit “over the top” with his bossiness. After I got to know him I set such thoughts aside. It was simply a habit he’d developed when he ran the linseed oil mill in Cleveland’s “Flats”. Afterward I’ve known more than one person like him. Underneath all that bluster was a person I both liked and respected. He was just being human.
A LITTLE SLOW: Things have been a little slower around the museum lately (or slower than I been used to). But that allows me more time to review things and rearrange things.
Below is a newspaper display rack added to the living room of the museum. The rack was not actually intended to display newspapers. I guess it’s really a shoe rack. I purchased it at the Goodwill store about a year ago for a couple of bucks not knowing what I was going to do with it. But it works perfectly for displaying newspapers proclaiming (in one case) the end of WW1 and others announcing the assassination and aftermath of JFK.
I moved the rocking chair that occupied the space into the dining room (below). I’m making an effort at not junking up the space available to us – but it’s close.
This is a nice pic of the view of that room from the living room. It’s very museum-like.
SOUNDING: I finally moved my record turntable to the museum. I also purchased some speakers to use with it. When I first got the instrument I used it to make digital recordings of old records with my computer. At the museum I want to use it to play records from our extensive collection for visitors.
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,
CHIEF FRANK TODI: I don’t know why – but I do remember Vermilion Police Chief Frank Todi. He was Chief when the police department was located in what was then the former comfort station in Exchange Park. His office (as well as Chief Ryan who proceeded him in that office) was on the west side of the little building. The jail cells were on the east side.
Chief Todi had a heart attack and died at his desk in his office on April 3, 1958. My mother had spoken with him in that office not too long before a 17-year old Tom Hoffman found the chief slumped over at his desk at about 9 a.m.
Todi was born in Ithaca, New York on the 15th of August in 1907. He’d headed the department for only two years when he died. He had lived in Lorain for about 15 years before he came to Vermilion in about 1950. Prior to joining the Vermilion police department he’d been the Brownhelm Township Constable.
Mr. Todi and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in a home at the very western end of Ohio Street across from the home currently (2015) known as the Captain Young House Bed and Breakfast. They had one child, John, who I also remember quite vividly.
Harry Lechner took over as chief afterward. And time marched on…
STATE STREET: This street has always struck me as being one of Vermilion’s most important streets. I don’t know that that’s really been true in the past, but as part of State Route #60 I suppose it is today.
[NOTE: In my haste I forgot to make a map for this piece. I'll add one sometime on Sunday. Sorry about that.]
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: Now there’s a mouthful. When this church was built it was known only as Vermilion’s First Congregational Church. Things change. But what’s in a name?
I found it interesting to discover that this old metal plate architect’s drawing print of the church from 1956 looks so similar to the way the church looks today - nearly six years after its construction. I suppose it wasn’t too hard to imagine. But its still uncanny (to me).
Things have certainly changed inside and out of the church since it was built, but the changes are so subtle they’re unnoticed.
THE SCHOOL: The old pic shows a State Street School before it was renovated (several times). But like the church across the street it is still recognizable.
My mother graduated from this school in 1924. And 3 of my older siblings (2 brothers and 1 sister) attended elementary classes here until South Street School was constructed.
Today it balances on the edge of existence. It has been condemned due to neglect. And it’s unclear if the agency that is struggling desperately to save it will be able to do so.
With 2 other Vermilion schools now sitting empty the funds needed to renovate this particular building may be better used elsewhere.
SUNSHINE NO MORE: Once a real showcase home it was lost when the Congregational church building was constructed in 1957.
This home once belonged to Miller and Hattie Wilbur. Some may know that Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur lost their 4 children to typhoid fever in 1893. Because they had once lived with Mr. Wilbur’s parents in the Swift mansion (Rosedale) in Swift’s Hollow their deaths were somehow incorporated into the urban legend of the “Gore Orphanage”. This was in spite of the fact that the children died in their grandparent’s home in Berlin Heights, Ohio.
The Wilber’s called this home “Sunshine Cottage”. And from all the photographs I’ve ever seen of it – it was a beautiful home. A person who used to be a neighbor told me that at dinnertime Mrs. Wilbur used to set out plates for the children. She was a Spiritualist.
After the couple died their wills specified that the property and other monies in their estate should be used as an orphanage. There was not, however, enough money to follow through with their wishes. But, ironically, the church has always worked to assist persons in need – especially children. So, one might suppose, their wishes came true.
When I was about 12 or 13 I helped raze the home.
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...
[VV. Ed. Note: Last week I was so distracted by the tech changes / problems I was experiencing with the page I failed to used the correct date for the newspaper issue for that week. I did correct it. But that was on Tuesday morning when I got back to transcribing a new page. So - OOPS! Sorry about that.]
Saturday afternoon the fire department was called to the Haber farm in the W. River Rd. It was founded that the barn, which was a large one was a mass of flames. As there was but little water on the premises and the buildings were beyond the reach of the hose from the nearest water plug, very little could be done to arrest the progress of the fire but by hard work the house was saved. The barn, corncrib and wine cellar, together with their contents were totally destroyed.
The fire is particularly unfortunate at this time of the year as the buildings were filled with farm products, it can be imagined as to the quantity when it is stated that 400 bushels of corn was destroyed. Some farm tools escaped destruction.
The origin of the fire is not known. Property loss has not as yet been fixed as the insurance adjusters have not made settlement.
The buildings, the property of Mrs. Haber, could hardly be replaced for $3000. One of her sons, F.B. Haber lives at the farm and the loss will fall heavily upon him as it is his first year there. The property was partially insured.
It is evident that the number of saloons in Huron will be considerably decreased this winter. Three of the number – the places kept by P. Maszurca, Steve Pastor Fred Kroc – have already been closed and Jos. Higgs and Gus Boomer propose closing after the holidays. It is possible that, before the advent of spring, there will not be more than four of or five saloons in the village. – Huron reporter
[VV. Ed. Note: I find this amazing. There were evidently enough saloons in Huron to quench the thirst of at least 1000 souls. I suppose that the number of bars had something to do with the traffic on the lakes and on the rails. Huron must have been quite a shipping hub in those years.]
For several months past H.S. Miller has been suffering from a growth on his upper lip which the doctors called a wart. Yesterday morning, he went to Lakeview Hospital, Lorain and underwent an operation for its removal. The operation was successfully performed by Cleveland surgeons and we hope to see Mr. Miller back home in a few days.
Bank of Vermilion Co. will move into their new bank building on Liberty Street the latter part of this week and be home to all who wish to call and see their rooms. Saturday, Dec. 14.
A letter from L.U. Todd informs us that he is pleasantly located at Battles Wharf, Alabama, on the east side of Mobile Bay in only a short distance from the bay itself. He is having a pleasant time so far.
Mrs. Caspar Dute reported quite ill.
Revival meetings are being held at the evangelical church this week.
Mrs. John Bergner is very ill at the home of her daughter Mrs. A.L. Nickoll at Cleveland.
A number of Amherst people attended the Sousa band concert at Elyria Sunday.
Charles Van Voorhees had three toes crushed while at work at the quarry Saturday.
William Kuss who was injured at the depot several weeks ago awarded $500 and a doctor’s and nurse’s fees.
Mrs. Joseph Gawn is suffering from a light attack of typhoid fever. Her son Harry is improving as fast as can be expected.
Married – At the bride's home in Norwalk, Jacob Martin Schumach, and Miss Luella Jackson, only daughter of Henry Jackson.
The receipts of the electric light plant are increasing monthly. Quite a large number of new residences have been connected lately. The amount collected November, the October consumption, amounted to $122.52.
Miss Frieda Miller has entered Lakeview Hospital at Lorraine to take a course in nursing.
Mayor stonewalled is given that Marshall strict orders to stop the operations of all slot machines any are to be found in the village. This move in the right direction [sic].
Ernie Billman, brother-in-law of J. Harper, is at the Elyria Hospital, the result of an injury received at the Dean electric plant where he was employed. He was hurt about his head in several places of skull.
Mrs. Catherine Scheele is seriously ill.
Owing to the inability to get supplies the dynamite factory has been compelled to close down temporarily.
Miss Ethel Cleveland is the guest of her sister at Kelly's Island.
Miss Gertrude Abel of Vermilion was the guest of May Sharpe a few days last week.
The mumps are in town a little son of E.Perry Brown down with them at present.
The teachers are quite busy preparing for Christmas exercises.
Miss Winnifred Wood has completed her term of music.
The Independent Quarry has closed this gives the boys a chance to hunt.
V. Leimbach has purchased a new cream separator, which he thinks is just the thing.
Mr. T Sanders broke his leg while walking out of the house, he was hurt quite badly.
"Pug" spoke mysteriously disappeared from home last Thursday. The first seen of him was on Friday morning where he was found the home of Mrs. Whitt. Our mail carrier kindly restored him to his master on Monday, who rejoiced greatly over his return.
A. Ladrach is drilling for gas. Our best wishes. A W.
The phones of this vicinity have been out of commission for a number of days.
Dr. Quigley was called to the home of Mr. Henry Wallace on Monday afternoon on account of grandma Wallace who is in poor health.
New sewing machines from $10 up at George P. Wahl’s.
After January 1 ‘07 single copies of the NEWS will be 5c instead of 3c.
44 hunting accidents have been reported in Ohio during the season. About 20 have resulted fatally.
Lorain County jail has proven too small for the number of inmates in some women taking to the Cuyahoga County jail at Cleveland.
Remember Christian has moved from the Davis Bldg., to the Wells Block on Grand Street, opposite Mr. S.W .Simons grocery. Don't forget this.
Jas. Armitage a veterinary dentist of Berlin Hts and well-known in the vicinity, dropped dead of a heart disease Saturday at 2 o'clock. He was 62 years old.
The financial outlook of the L.S.E. is bright according to reports. The stockholders are confident that within a year after they succeed in selling bonds to fund their floating debt, they will be in a position to pay dividends on preferred stock.
P Rosco was a Cleveland visitor Tuesday.
A foreigner who gave an alarm of murder at Huron, also at Elyria and kept the police of all towns and cities between Sandusky in Cleveland on the lookout for the murdered in the murderers for several days had a dream so he claims. He was very much excited when he told the story of being thrown off a freight, after being badly battered and bruised by tramps and that two of his companions were murdered and thrown off. All this he claimed occurred on the L. S. And M. S. Freight near Ceylon Jct.
Miss Lydia Wakefield is reported ill at her home on South Street.
Conrad Grisel lost one of his horses last week.
Percy E Roscoe of Cleveland called on relatives and friends here Sunday.
Gasoline lamps and lighting systems and supplies at George P walls.
Mr. and Mrs. in a foster returned home Tuesday from Shiloh Ohio, visiting relatives and friends this past week.
Miss Hattie Thompson is accepted a position with George a Clark and sons of Lorraine began her duties about two weeks ago.
Found – Two pairs of black mittens, (children's). Owner can have same by calling at this office and paying charges.
This advertisement shows exactly what my grandfather thought about doing business in town, and why.
Hmmmmmm....
‘CANOODLING’ DOWN THE RIVER: Some readers of the Vermilion Photojournal as well as collectors of local historical artifacts may be familiar with the portrait of Foster’s Boathouse as it appears in the upper photo accompanying this essay. As was once the custom portraits of this nature were made into postcards and as such were widely circulated throughout the region.
The lower photo is “almost” a companion piece to it: taken at nearly the same time, but from the opposite direction. It is the lesser known of the two. Aesthetically speaking, it’s probably not the better photograph. But historically speaking, it is likely older – the homely stepchild so to speak.
Foster’s Boathouse was located on the west bank of the Vermilion River across from what is currently (2015) Vermilion insurance executive John Clark’s home that is just north of Bill and Molly Romp’s Water Port headquarters. Today a small boat / kayak rental business operates from the site of the old boat livery. Foster’s was strategically located at the foot (north) of the old wagon bridge that once spanned the stream at that spot. The stone bridge abutments on both banks of the stream are still visible.
Foster was a man named Norman Acil / Axel Foster. He was born in Henrietta Township, Ohio on January 5, 1864. He married an Indiana lady named Winetta Armstrong in 1895. Around 1899 Foster acquired the lease from Linwood Park to operate the local ferry service on the river. About that same time the couple opened their boathouse where in addition to canoe and boat rentals, if the signage on the property is valid, they also dispensed soft drinks, ice cream, candy and cigars. In the upper photograph it appears that the couple added a wooden walk from the road to their business to facilitate their customers. Prior to that (lower photo) it appears that people had to take some steps down the hill to get to the place.
Although their business by its very nature was seasonal it was a good business. If one can imagine life without television, computers, cell phones or even, heaven forbid, dependable public radio broadcasts it should be very easy to understand how appealing it might have been for a person to go with a group of friends or, perhaps, with their “sweetie” – to a place where they could rent a canoe or rowboat and go exploring on the river.
Actually, business was pretty darn good for 15 or 20 years. And whether it had something to do with the emergence of radio broadcasting, dancehalls, or sundry other recreational resources that appeared in the country and the region during those years, or it was just time for them to quit – they left the business. Mrs. Foster ran a millinery business for some time afterward. And the mister apparently assisted her. But their work along the river was done.
In late August of 1935 Mr. Foster became seriously ill and was admitted to the “Elyria Clinic” to undergo a “serious operation”. He died on September 13th at the rather young age of 71. Nettie died in 1948 at the age of 80 years. There is not, of course, anything left of their once thriving boathouse – that is - except the photographs accompanying this piece, and some amusing thoughts of ladies in big hats long dresses and men in nice suits and straw hats ‘canoodling’ down the river.
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.
John Fox was born March 20, 1793, and married Rachel Stuard, who was born in February 1796. They had twelve children, as follows: Charles, born July 8, 1814; James, born July 12, 1816; Mary Ann, born Oct. 9, 1818; Susan, born March 12, 1821; Simon, born Dec. 13, 1823; Peter, born April 7, 1826; Barbara, born June 21, 1828; Julia, born Jan. 4, 1831; Margaret, born March 4, 1833; Jane, born Jan. 31, 1836; William, born March 19, 1838; Adaline, born March 9, 1841.
Simon Fox, the subject of this sketch, was the third son of John Fox and Rachel Stuard, and was born at Gosfield, Essex Co., Ontario, Canada. He married, Oct. 11, 1857, Elizabeth Sullivan, who was born at North Williamsburg, Dundas Co., Ontario, Canada. They have children as follows: Nannie, born at Put-in-Bay, July 15, 1858; Diantha F., born Jan. 18, 1864, and died Nov. 20, 1875; Frank W., born September, 1867; Stuard, born Nov. 13, 1873.
Simon Fox came to North Bass in 1852, and, in conjunction with his brother Peter, bought two thirds of the island, from which they sold off from time to time to actual settlers. Simon still retains fifty-five acres on the east side of the island for a permanent home. Having great faith in the climate and soil for grape-culture, he planted out, in 1860, the first acre of grapes on the island, and has steadily increased until he has now twenty acres under cultivation. Besides the grapes, he pays considerable attention to other fruits, of which he has an abundant supply in their proper seasons. In addition to his farm and vineyards, he carries on a fishing business, the annual sales of which are about $2000.
Mr. Fox's beautiful home is located on the east side of the island, his residence standing but a few hundred feet from the lake, the land gradually sloping down to the water's edge. He has a tower, which overlooks the island and gives a beautiful view of the whole group. A windmill throws water to all parts of his extensive grounds. These, in connection with his wharf, fish- and boathouses, all models of neatness and convenience, make this one of the most homelike and desirable spots on the island. Here, amid these beautiful surroundings, lives Simon Fox, with his estimable family, dispensing hospitality to all who may chance to come within their domain.
LUCKY 13 : Pictured is a 13 em steel make-up tool used by lithographers mainly during the 19th and 20th centuries. This one, made by the H.B. Rouse & Co. of Chicago is the last of 50 that were in the box. I recall that my dad carried one in his pocket all the time.
When I was researching a little about this rule I discovered that Warren G. Harding the 29th President of the United States carried a No. 13 rule in his pocket as a good luck piece.
Born in Blooming Grove, Ohio Harding purchased the Marion Star at age 20 and turned it into a thriving newspaper. The night he was elected President his business associates presented him with a solid gold em. But he never replaced the old steel em (like the one pictured) in his pocket.
We stopped for a quick meal and the waiter brought us each a bowl of soup.
As the waiter turned away to return to the kitchen, Pa stopped him, calling: "Waiter!"
"Yes ,sir, is there something wrong?" "The soup. Taste it," replied Pa.
"I beg your pardon, Sir?"
"Taste it."
"But, Sir, I can assure you that the soup is excellent."
"Taste it," Pa persisted.
"Sir, the soup was made this morning of the finest ingredients."
"Taste it!"
The exasperated waiter finally relented. "All right, Sir, I'll taste it."
Then after a pause he said, "Where is the spoon?"
To which Pa replied triumphantly, "Ah ha ... "
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 34 - October 31 2015
© 2013 Rich Tarrant