3 LADIES ON GRAND STREET: This (I believe) is one of late Vermilionite barber / photographer Jake Abell’s photographs. It is a 19th century pic of three young ladies heading south on Grand Street between Ohio and South streets.

You will note that some of the homes that were later built on the west side of the street (probably during the early years of the 20th century have yet (obviously) to be built.

In this pic the church – the E&R – is the site identifier. When the pic was taken it was still without a basement and was closer to the street.

I’m guessing that two of the women on the bikes were Hattie and Ollie Abell – Jake’s daughters. And I believe the dark detritus on the dirt street (lower right) is horse manure. In the background (right) a buggy is just barely visible. I wonder who cleaned the streets?

WHEN THE BOYS WORE BLUE: This was the title of one of the columns late Vermilion historian George Wakefield once wrote for The Vermilion News. This is not going to become a regular part of “VV” (at least not at the present time). But I wanted to use this particular piece because of the Ludlow connection / reference in it.

For a good deal of time Nancy Ludlow Yaharaus, the daughter of late Vermilionites Paul and Anna Ludlow, has been after me to find something about Mr. Allen because the fellow mentioned in this particular story, Robert Allen, was her great-grandfather. Both Robert (b. 1842) and his wife, Anna (b. 1847), were born in Great Britain. And both migrated to America the same year (1851). Paul’s mother, Bessie, was Allen’s daughter.

Methinks you’ll find this story interesting…

_{Local Boy Walks Home}

You recall Robert Allen mentioned in the past issues, well, one of his daughters is very much alive right here in good old Vermilion town! Naturally, it was like talking directly to Mr. Allen in a way, except for the toll the years take in memories. Mrs. Ludlow of State Street, Paul's mother in case you know Paul and who doesn't, is the daughter of Bob Allen. Mr. Allen lives up on Darrow Road east of Furnace Corners in the present Beursken home next to the old Tisdale place. Remember?

Well sir, we knew Allen enlisted March 13, 1863 Cleveland joining the famous 103rd Regiment of the Ohio infantry. The present encampment is where that old field piece is aimed at the Route 2 in Sheffield Lake. Now the 103rd was a fighting regiment that pushed down with Grant through Tennessee and on to Atlanta. On the way down and apparently at the Blue Springs Tennessee, Allen was wounded and taken prisoner. History says he was shot and wounded and spent much time in prison. He eventually ended up at Salisbury N.C. about 30 miles northeast of Charlotte.

Mrs. Ludlow recalls his telling about colored folks in the same prison each with a ball and chains. On dark nights Allen would remove the balls to help the Negroes over the stockade. It was now or never as the slaves were destined to be shot in the morning. Now such antics didn’t go to well with the Southerners even as late as 1865, so Allen was promptly confined to a solitary dungeon. He told of the vicious rats and a plea for a stick to defend himself. The hardship and liveliness prompted Alan to escape and in doing so he had to kill a man. From the corpse he removed the clothes and found to his chagrin that the vermin was as bad, but at least he was not identified as a prisoner.

As if in repayment for the slaves, he released a colored mammy who him and fed him while he recovered. And in that tattered and torn rebel uniform, Bob Allen walked into Vermillion town nearly 100 years ago.

_{From the Vermillion news Thursday, July 13, 1961. Written by George Wakefield.}

Vol. XI, No. 29. – VERMILION, OHIO, THURSDAY, December 26, 1907 – PHONE 19

[VV. Ed. NOTE: In the next - the January - Issue of "Views" these "Briefs" will begin anew with January 1908. Thanks for suffering through these repeats.]

COURT NOTES

The Sterling Machine And Stamping Company, one of the defendants in the case of J.L. Zesiger and others against the Duplex Stamping Co. has filed its answer and cross petition. Therein it states that, for a valuable consideration it is assigned to it a lease originally executed by the Duplex Stamping Co., to one C. M. Ross, covering said company’s grounds, plant and machinery running for one year from July 6, 1907, and containing provisions for its extension for a further period of 10 years. In addition the defendant states that it has been in possession of the premises since September 12, 1907 and wishes to continue in the possession and to take advantage of the privilege of renewal and that since the defendants asks to be protected in its rights.

Loie G. Matt has filed her answer and cross petition in the suit for divorce brought against her by Lester E. Matt, in which she asks that his petition be dismissed because of extreme cruelty, assault consorting with depraved characters. She claims that she has the last 10 months lived in fear of bodily harm. And that her husband has failed to support her or their child. Further, Mrs. Mott Matt states at the time of marriage she was possessed of $400 in her own right, and that her husband took it and purchased in his own name certain real estate in Huron; that he is the owner of this and other property and in his business of Carpenter and contractor he is capable of making at least $1200 a year. She consequently asks that her husband be restrained from disposing of his property, that her $400 in interest be declared a lien upon it; that the court decreed her a just sum as alimony and that all household goods be given into her possession. Judge Reed issued restraining order pending trial.

Dr. J.P. Esch has brought suit against the Lakeshore Electric Company on appeal from Justice Pearl's court. The petition states that plaintiff conducts what is known as the Esch–Wright farm west of Huron, and raises large quantities of poultry, etc.; that when the defendant was given a right of way across said farm it was on the special understanding that said right-of-way should be fenced in. This the defendant has failed to do and the cars have consequently killed a number of shoats, a cow, a sheep and a peacock. In addition the roadbed has not been properly equipped with culverts for drainage purposes, and some 2 acres of land have been damaged by being flooded. The action is for $151.54.

The handing down by the Supreme Court lately a decision in the case brought by an Ottawa County fishermen to test the constitutionality of the fish and game law, has had the effect of dismissing from the docket of some 15 cases of like nature brought in Erie County. The court found for the state, deciding that the provision of the law whereby the nets and boats of offending fishermen were declared confiscated was constitutional, and judge read accordingly dismissed from the docket the cases mentioned. They were brought by the Post Fish Company, Jacob Lay and others, the Sandusky Fish Company, Henry Bickley, Henry Lay, August Boehmer, H.C. Payson, William Heyman, C.H. Martin, John Leidorf, Martin Leidheiser, James Hamilton, Fred Driscoll, Joseph Dewhurst, George Bauman and Mrs. M.B. Parsons.

In the action brought by B.P. Bond against D. Thompson and others, the court overruled the motion to dismiss and gave the parties three weeks in which to file their petition.

FUNERAL OF HELEN ALHEIT

Little Helen, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Alheit died quite suddenly Friday morning, aged seven years and six months. Funeral services were held from the M. E. Church Monday afternoon, the pastor, Rev. Brown assisted by Rev. Merrill officiating. The parents have the sympathy of the entire community.

The three months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Bond died Thursday. Funeral services held Saturday, Rev. J.W.H. Brown officiating.

ANOTHER FIRE

Friday night about suppertime someone passing Debbie eBay lease plumbing display room in Englebry block discovered that the lamp had set fire to the wall and it was blazing up merrily. An alarm was sounded and the department responded promptly but a few pails of water extinguished the fire. The damage was slight. The wall was badly scorched as also was Mr. Bailey's desk and a few papers destroyed. Just how the blaze was started is not known as the lamp stood away from the wall.

Correspondence

AMHERST

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. William Schriner Thursday evening a boy.

Miss Loie Cole is seriously ill at her home in Oberlin.

Miss Lulu Dute is suffering from a severe attack of pneumonia.

Mrs. Lawless is again on the sick list.

Conrad Hagerman who recently moved to the home of his son west of Lorain is reported quite ill.

Martin Ruth had the end of his little finger bitten off while on hitching a horse Thursday.

Monday Mrs. Jones more fell downstairs and seriously sprained her ankle.

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lindsley of Brownhelm a son on Monday the 23rd.

J.A. Bean died Saturday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dute. Pneumonia was the cause.

The day-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Standen died Saturday night.

A 12-pound girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried Bartlome Wednesday. This is the 13th and all are at home.

The merchants are experiencing a great deal of trouble just at present caused by thieves breaking packages while in transit and helping themselves to the contents. Lake Shore officials have been unable to catch the guilty ones so far.

Huron

The schools closed Friday for a two-week vacation.

The Swastika club gave a dance and the town hall Friday evening.

_{[Called svastika in Sanskrit, it is a symbol of auspiciousness in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It was not associated with Germany’s Nazi Party until the 1930s.]}

Mrs. Lewis Kuhl is recovering from a recent illness.

Ms. Alma Warnke attended the funeral of Mrs. Block at Toledo Wednesday.

ASHMONT

The scholars of Dist. No. 4 are having two weeks vacation.

Charles Richter is cutting wood for B.N. Goodsell at present.

Little Ruthie Shoop spent Saturday with her grandma Shoop.

E.P. Brundage is breaking a pair of black colts.

Mrs. John Lee is improving rapidly and is able to sit up a while every day.

Mrs. O.G. Jump was in Vermillion Friday to attend the exercises at the high school.

Congregational Clippings

$1.20 is the average cost per month for the gasoline [sic] used in lighting the church for 1907. We have 11 mantles of 500 candlepower each.

Mr. Morgan, our organist, desires to say his "Thank you" or Christmas present from the choir. It is always a delight to take part in any expression of appreciation of our faithful organist.

_{[This is in reference to Frederick C. Morgan who played the organ in the church for over 60 years. He began playing at age 12 and played until his death in 1929. That may have been a record.]}

OBITUARY

Rachel Ann Stamler was born January 8, 1830, in New York City. She was married to Ethan Alger at Berlin Heights June 21, 1857. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Alger. Three died in infancy. The surviving children are: Melbourne S. and Ethan A. Alger, of Lorain and Mrs. Laura L Earick, of Claidoen [sic]. Mrs. Alger united with the Congregational Church, of Vermilion March 7, 1886. Vermilion was her home for 20 years. Some seven years ago she removed to Lorain. Her health has been poor for several years. Sunday morning December 22, 1907, Mrs. Alger entered the homeland of the soul. Funeral services at Parkside Chapel, Lorain, Tuesday, burial at Berlin Heights. The services were conducted by Rev. George, E Merrill of Vermilion, and a quartette [sic] from the Congregational choir here sang.

Locals.

Paul Leimbach of the OSU his home for the holidays.

Will Parsons came home from the season work on the lakes Monday.

Capt. Blattner arrived home Tuesday.

Geo Rathbun returned from the lakes Saturday for the winter.

Capt. Full and H.W. Haber arrived home from the lakes Christmas morning.

Mrs. J.N. Sennhenn has returned home from the Lakeside hospital and is getting along fine.

Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Roscoe and daughter and Mr. C Roscoe were guests of Mrs. R's sister at Lorain Christmas.

The teachers and pupils at both town and township are enjoying a two week vacation from school duties.

William H bacon age 30 a well-known young man of Clyde died last week Tuesday from lucoythemas [sic] [leukemia].

Miss Clara Wakefield of Hiram is spending the Holidays at home.

Miss Edna Barrows a teacher in the Lorain Public schools as a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Baumhart for the week.

John Parsons who has been spending the past few months at the soldiers home, Sandusky, spent a few days this week with his family here. He is looking well and says he feels much better than when he left here.

Mr. George Cooper suffered a stroke of paralysis at his home in Brownhelm Monday morning. He is recovering as fast as can be expected.

Mrs. Helen Johnson had the misfortune to break one of the bones of her wrist one day last week. It was a couple of days before she realized how badly she was hurt and consequently the fracture was not reduced as soon as it should've been.

Early Christmas morning the ringing of the fire bell brought everybody out but the blaze was soon out. Sparks from the chimney set fire to the roof of John Knott's residence on State Street. Very little damage resulted.

George Ackerman of Perkins Township aged 82, died at the county infirmary Monday night. A widow and three sons survived. He was a peculiar man and lived on his little place in Perkins until arrested through the efforts of the Humane Society for cruelty to his horse.

The Maudelton hotel will be open next year for business, and if plans are not changed it will be opened on New Year's Day. Vermilion has been during the past year without sufficient hotel accommodations as the Lakeside Inn has changed hands would still be still worse off unless the Maudelton is opened as stated.

AXTEL

Mrs. George Pelton visited at Florence a few days this week.

Ms. Cora Brown to spending holidays with her parents.

Mrs. Lauren Washburn was in Lorain and Elyria on Tuesday.

Mr. George Taylor accidentally shot his finger off last Friday.

Quite a number visited school Friday afternoon. A very good program was rendered which they all enjoyed.

_{CHARLOTTE TUTTLE-STURGE-AUSTIN}

SHARDS OF YESTERYEAR: A likeness of the photograph accompanying this week’s essay has appeared in prior issues of the Vermilion Photojournal (08/17/2006 and 01/14/2010) as well as other publications in years past. It is, some may recall, a portrait of Vermilion pioneer Charlotte Austin. The difference between this particular portrait and all the others is that this was acquired from an original photonegative. Consequently, it is [or at least it is in my opinion] the best portrait of Mrs. Austin that exists. Yet, as exciting as that revelation may be [again, at least it is in my opinion “exciting”] that is not the reason I’ve made use of it here.

Several weeks ago I made mention of a “decrepit old scrapbook” I’d intended to toss in the trash. And when I became busy with other matters had summarily forgot. Well, I’m certainly glad I did. Because buried among those numerous and rather extraneous newspapers clippings therein are some items which are [again, in my opinion] very relevant to filling in some of the blanks in the history of Vermilion Ohio. One of those items is the newspaper obituary of Mrs. Austin. It begins:

“AUSTIN. – In Vermillion, O., on Saturday, Aug. 11, 1877, Mrs. Charlotte Austin, aged 85 yrs. 4 months, and 13 days.” The deceased was born in Wallingsford [sic], Conn., in the year 1792, March 28. In early life, she with her father’s family settled in Roxbury, Delaware co., N.Y. March 15, 1809, she married Frederic Sturges, and the year following their marriage they started westward in search of a suitable place to make their home. They were among the early pioneers of this State and “took up” a tract of land well known as the Fireland [sic]. The portion they selected was on the west side and near the mouth of the then nameless river, but now called Vermillion.”

Though much of this is known, most official records – with the exception of the 1860 U.S. census – give her birthplace as New York State. The 1860 record simply indicates that she was born in Connecticut. While discovering that her birthplace was Wallingford, Connecticut may be a trivial piece of history it is no less a relevant piece. But in addition to this it goes on to explain that her husband, Frederic “closed his eyes in death on the 29, of April, 1818.” And that a few years afterward she married another Vermilion pioneer named George Austin. He died in 1826. Those particulars are relevant because the obituary goes on to inform us:

“Mrs. Austin lived on the old homestead for many years. Her children all married, but one, and finding the cares too great a burden for herself, she concluded to leave her dear old home and accordingly went to live with her daughter Eunice who had married and lived next door…”

It is not news that she went to live with her daughter Eunice who, by the way, had married a Vermilion fellow named Sylvester Pelton (VPJ 02/09/2006). The scoop here is that the Austin homestead was next door to the Pelton home. The Pelton home (a.k.a. the Pelton Hotel) was / is at the west end of Huron Street. Vermilionites Jim and Cathy Weber currently (2015) own this home.

To better understand the reason this is historically relevant it may help to know that George Austin was the 2nd son of early Vermilion pioneer / boat builder William Austin. His name appears in one of the earliest local censuses (1820) along with his father and other early pioneers such as Isaiah Pelton, George Sherard [sic], Horatio Perry, Philo Wells, and “Deacon” John Beardsley. This seems to indicate that it is very likely that the William Austin home (i.e. “the homestead”) – one of the first in the settlement that became Vermilion, Ohio – was apparently somewhere along Huron Street in an area between Washington and Decatur streets. Though I doubt that the original home still exists the location makes a good deal of sense. For living all year too near the river, especially the marsh beyond, had proven to be a health hazard as several families (e.g. the Austins) had quickly discovered.

In the scheme of things not much of this information is vital. Much of it is as trivial as it is historically relevant. Nonetheless these are some of the little shards of yesteryear that help fill in the blanks of our history.

_{Ref: Published 11/26/15 in the Vermilion Photojournal.}

A PRIZE: It’s not a Major prize of course. But it’s a good one. The plaster cast babe is one of the prizes Katie Baker Ruetener won at Vermilion’s Crystal Beach Amusement Park many years ago.

Kate and her daughter stopped by the museum a week or so ago and left several of these prizes along with a couple hundred pounds of records. Katie is a good family friend as well as a former employee of The NEWS. Kate ran the linotype.

I do recall having several of these prizes – but through the years lost or broke them. I’m glad Katie took better care of hers.

Crystal Beach. What a place – what memories.