NEW CAMERA, NEW DAY: This was a rather nice day last week in Vermilion. It was warm and bright. The night before the mayflies had landed. And just before I took this photo they were clinging to my glasses. I don't have a clue as to the reason. The annual Fish Festival is over. I did not attend. Somehow I think that particular event has been played out. I understand there was a rather large parade on Sunday. I also understand that there were no bands in that parade. I find that rather odd.
This weekend (starting today) there is an event called "Summerfare" in town. It is held at the northern end of Main Street in the beach and water-works area (the area in which this pic was taken). This event will feature an antique boat show, a Corvette show, a chicken dinner barbeque, and, I think, a street-dance. Somehow this seems to be more in keeping with my thoughts about town festivities.
BOB'S POPCORN STAND: I doubt that there are many people who lived in Vermilion during the 1950's and '60's who wouldn't be familiar with this little kiosk (before I knew what kiosks were). This, of course, is Bob Furgason's Popcorn Stand. In this particular picture it was in Exchange/Rubberneck Park on the corner of Liberty and Main Streets. But I doth recall that it was also/once located in the side yard of the Furgason House (the old Lighthouse Keepers House) on the southwest corner of Liberty and Grand Streets just a block west of this location.
When it sat in the yard at the Furgason house we had to pass it on our way to and from the "picture show" - and I had to fight with myself about spending the dime on popcorn there or saving it until after the show and getting a ten cent cone at Hart's Corner Drug Store. Tough choice.
Either location was a good location. At the time Liberty Avenue was the main route between Cleveland (all points east) and Cedar Point Amusement Park. On late Sunday afternoons the traffic would literally crawl through town so it was real easy for someone to jump out of their car and get some popcorn or peanuts.
On some afternoon my friends and I would sit near the corner of Perry and Liberty Streets, watch the traffic crawl by, and talk with the people waiting in their cars to get through town. It was a fun thing for us "boys of summer" to do when we tired of playing on the beaches and along the river.Never a dull moment.
THE BUSSES: I've had this photograph for a time but have never used it before. Once upon a time, when South Street School was the only school in town the bus garage was located to the back and east of the school building. I would guesstimate that this particular picture was captured during the late 1940's or early 1950's just to the south of that garage. The houses in the background are on State Street. Just out of sight and to the left in the pic is the Maurer & Wikel Dairy. During the mid-1950's a new highschool was constructed on Decatur Street - just to the south of this picture. The area behind these busses was converted into a combination tennis and basketball recreation area. During the summer baskeball game one could stop and go over to the dairy and buy an orange drink or some chocolate milk to "wet one's whistle". I've some very pleasant memories of this place.
THE UNION BOATHOUSE: This boat livery was located at the northeast abutment of the Vermilion River Bridge. Note that his was taken in 1907. A short time later this would become a place called Helfrich's Grill. When a new river bridge was built in the mid-1920's Helfrich built a new restaurant to the north of that bridge. Later a fellow by the name of Charlie McGarvey would buy it and give it his name.
This boathouse, however, still exists. We know it as Snell's. It is located beside Romp's marina just south of the present day bridge.
Quite honestly I didn't fully recognize either the location or the building until I saw this picture and compared it to others I have of the same building. In essence this might be the if not one of the oldest structures on the banks of the Vermilion River.
CLASS REUNION UPDATES: Again members of the Vermilion High School Class of 1959; your class reunion will be held between October 8 and 10, 2004 here in town. Those looking for more information on the subject can now visit the Class of '59 website by clicking on the highlighted text. To my knowledge Roger Boughton is responsible for this site. I will mention that a visit to this particular website is worth ones time. Roger informed me that he now uses some Vermilion pix from some of my websites on his electronic newsletter. Maybe you didn't belong to this class, but I'm sure you know someone who does. And I think you'll enjoy reading some of their memories of those days. Note that Roger will not be sending out a newsletter by snail-mail any longer. The webpage will be the reunion notification/information center from now on. He's got new stuff on line as he gets it - and it's interesting. So take time to go there.
Also Buffalo Bill Hlavin has asked me to find a 1958 football program for him. I'll look. But I'll also ask class members tuned into this site to also look and let Bill, Roger, or myself know if you have one.
Dale Wendell, in sunny Arizona, told me that his class (VHS 1944) will also be having a reunion this summer. Just this day (1-24-04) Dale let me know that it will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the Vermilion Fish and Game.
Dale also tells me that he and his wife are coming home by car. They're anxious to visit with their new grandchild in Elyria. Mary Louise "Tootie" Reisinger told me that Dale wasn't coming. Because we communicate back and forth on a regular basis on the net I knew better. Tootie was pleased to know he'd be in town this summer.
As news regarding these activities comes to my attention it will appear on this web page. So stay tuned.
From a long way around the planet comes a message about the VHS Reunion of the Class of 1954. Their Reunion is planned for the 17th of July, 2004 at the Amvets Post on Route 60. I've also heard (2-14-04) from George Hoffman of this class who now lives in Sandusky. He and four fellow classmates are putting this reunion together.
Also the VHS Classes of 1963, 64, & 65 are still looking for a number of people. Many are around. But it's not real easy to round-up all that information. If you've not yet received a notice re: that reunion count yourself among the missing and report in to either Ruthie Bauman Tanner or me on the net. On Friday evening (August 13) there will be a tour through old Vermilion High School (Decatur Street). Afterward folks will gather for dinner and refreshments. On Saturday afternoon (August 14) there will be a picnic at the VFW on Poorman Road. That evening there will be a buffet dinner at the AMVETS Hall on Route 60. On Sunday afternoon there is a tentative picnic scheduled at Mill Hollow. Ruth's email address is: Ruthbt45@yahoo.com
We're getting close folks, so stay in touch with your friends.
The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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 let me know and I'll send them to you.
Links to other sites on the Web
Vol.2, Issue 14, June 26, 2004
© 2004 Rich Tarrant