BASIL HENRY: I know very little about Mr. Henry, and wish I knew more. I know he was born in Winchester, Virginia on July 16, 1888. And no matter what this pic tells you his draft registration from 1917 Vermilion says he had black eyes and hair.

I know of him because when he registered for the draft in 1917 he was 28 and worked for my grandfather at the Vermilion News as a printer and Associate Editor. I also know that he was married around that time because I have an old marriage certificate on display at the museum. And when I investigated further I found that the marriage didn’t last. And that’s as much as I really knew about him.

I have written of him in past editions of Views, and from those mention(s) I was surprised when I received the following email during the week:

I found the picture and article about my grandfather, Basil Newton Henry in your issue #519.

Thank you for that.

I am William Patrick Henry the youngest son of Forest Westley Henry.

He was the Forest that was mentioned in your article as the son of Basil and Lula.

I wrote Patrick back because I believe this is the only way I’m going to acquire more information about Basil Henry’s life after he left Vermilion. Pat wrote back:

Rich,

Please call me Pat.

I am so excited to learn about my grandfather who died when I was four years old.

My parents are dead now so My brother and I are the only Henrys left from Basil's line. My brother is 17 years older than me and I have gotten him to tell me everything he knows about our grandfather which is not a whole lot.

I have found a small set of artifacts that will give us a few clues into his life. My brother and I are also searching the Internet for information.

I am going to attempt to scan the documents that I have and create an approximate timeline. Hopefully you might have information that might fill in some of the holes.

I have also found information online about Basil's father William Eli Henry and his father Robert William Henry.

I hope to be able to visit their graves in a cemetery in Winchester, VA.

I need some time to process and analyze the documents that I have found. I would like to share what I find with you and possibly get copies of what you have.

I believe there is another story here. My youngest daughter, Rebecca is working as a graphic designer for the small newspaper in our rural area in Virginia. It is not lost on either of us that she is unknowingly following in her great grandfather's footsteps. It seems like that would make for an interesting story in one or both of the newspapers.

I look forward to working with you to see where this goes.

Thanks
Pat Henry

I certainly hope this pans out.

AUTUMN, AUTUMN: Every morning at about 7:30 I pause on my way to my truck at the Olympic Club and take these photographs. I’ve been doing this for about a month. Someday I use them in a slide show. But for now they depict the first and the latest (10/27/16) photo of these trees along the Vermilion River.

In the months ahead I will continue taking these pix and maybe next June I’ll do the slides.

A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS: Although I’ve been familiar with both photographs accompanying this week’s column for years I’d never noticed how similar they are until Sunday last. Both photos were taken at approximately the same site on Grand Street between the home of the old weekly Vermilion News office and the house just to the south of it. The automobiles in these photos are very similar looking – but that’s about all. I am not familiar with the exact makes of vintage autos pictured, but there are enough differences between them (e.g. the spotlights, headlights and hood length, etc.) to show they are not the same one.

In both photographs the Vermilion township hall is visible in the background, along with the horse barns that once stood behind it and the old Congregational Church next to it. When these photographs were taken those stables were (with, no doubt, the enthusiastic approbation of adjoining property owners) rapidly nearing extinction. The day of the automobile had finally come to the little village of Vermilion Ohio – whether anyone liked it or not.

Because my mother (Ella Roscoe-Tarrant) appears in both pictures I am able to assign an approximate year to them: c. 1914. My mother was born in 1906. In the upper photo she is standing behind the auto with her grandfather (Caselton Roscoe). And in the lower photo she is the third girl from the right standing in the car. She appears to be about eight years old in both photographs. You may also note the tree to the right in the background. It is, in both pictures, very much the same. Ergo, the photos were likely taken the very same year.

Aside from my mom I can only positively identify one other girl among the little girls in the car. The little one with the dark glasses is Jean Lawless. (I’m not entirely certain as to the reason Jean always wore the dark glasses, but she did so all her life.) Both my mother and Jean attended the Congregational church with their parents. Marry that fact with the way all the little ladies are dressed and it is very likely that the reason all were together was because they were all members of the same Sunday School class. Getting to sit / stand in someone’s shiny horseless carriage must have been a “big deal”.

Several years ago a lady named Joan Woodruff-Owens who currently lives in Fort Collins Colorado saw the group photo and told me her great-grandmother and great-aunt (Genevieve and Rosamond Irey) are also in the photo; although I don’t know which ones they are. The Irey girls were the daughters of Vermilion School Superintendent Albert and Clara Irey. Mrs. Irey was also a teacher in the system. [Note: The story of Albert Irey (VPJ 03/07/2008) is one without a happy ending.]

When these photos were taken most streets in town were either very dusty or very muddy, and traffic laws had yet to become standard. Accidents involving the “chuffers” (as editor Roscoe was inclined to refer to automobiles and automobilists) and other “chuffers” as well as horse-and-buggy operators were hardly uncommon. Often the noise startled the horses and folks ended up in a ditch. Unskilled autoists had a habit of running other unskilled autoists off the roads without bothering to stop to assist them. Moreover, stop signs at busy intersections were nonexistent, so mishaps – or near mishaps – between interurban cars and automobiles were the stuff chills and thrills were made on.

Looking at the photo with my great-grandfather (top) behind the shiny auto I can’t help but wonder what he thought about it. During the American Civil War he was a fifer in the Union Army and as such had pretty much marched through the countryside from Ohio to South Carolina. When he was a young man he used to walk from his home in Milan to Huron in the summer just to go for a cool swim in the lake. And it was nothing for him to walk from Milan to Vermilion or nearby Norwalk to attend a Masonic meeting or play at a dance. He did ride on trains. And perhaps he even rode on the Lake Shore Electric interurban. But he never owned a “chuffer”. All he ever needed was a good pair of boots.

_{REF: Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 09/15/16.}

Vol. XII, No.21. - VERMILION, OHIO, THURSDAY, October 29, 1908

_{A Franchise Granted}

Last Friday evening the village council met to consider the franchise granting F.W. Coen, the privilege of placing the necessary poles, wires, etc., for furnishing electricity for lighting and heating and power purposes. After a lengthy discussion on various phases of the subject the rules were suspended in the franchise passed. An ordinance was also passed giving the mayor and clerk power to make a contract with F.W. Coen for lighting streets with electricity.

The council has not entered into this matter without due caution and thorough examination into the lighting question. The town is to have at least 30 lights and of course as many more if needed at any time during the 10 years for which the lighting contract is to be made.

The boundaries are finally settled on are as follows: East, Linwood Park, South, Nickel Plate tracks, West, Nuhn’s hill. Additional lights may be placed 1000 feet beyond this boundary, thus getting a quite extensive system of lighting. The range is to be $60 per light per year. Lights to turn every day from desk to 12 midnight. In regard to the incandescent lights consumers is to be no more than 11¢ per k.w. hour, with a meter charge of its 50¢. Meters are to be furnished free. The plant is to be put in as soon as possible. After passing the franchise and ordinance council adjourned.

_BURGLARS

Friday night in attempt was made to burglarize the jewelry store and S.W. Simons’ residence. A ladder was taken from the latter place in an attempt to get in through the transom but Mr. Gohn heard the man at work and frightened him away. At Mr. Simons the burglar succeeded in raising the window and getting into the house but was frightened away. A raincoat the property of Cort Simon is missing.

_{OPENING DANCE}

The opening dance at the firemen's hall Saturday evening was a very pleasant affair. The orchestra furnished fine music and there was a good crowd. The dances will be continued through the winter. Special prizes will be awarded every two weeks. Come and have a good time.

_{MRS. MECKLE DEAD}

Mrs. Meckel [sic] of Cleveland who with her two sons have been occupying rooms at the residence of Mrs. Anna Neiding for the past several months died Tuesday morning the result of a stroke of paralysis. The remains were taken to Cleveland Wednesday.

_{APPRECIATES OFFER}

October 28, 1908 Editor of the Vermilion News Vermilion, O.

Dear Sir:

I read with interest the notice from the farmers and property owners in our neighborhood who give permission to hunters to hunt on their property.

I'm very fond of going in the field and woods with my gun, and I am glad to know that law-abiding hunters will have some place to go where they will be welcome.

I thank the gentleman for this privilege.

Very truly yours, F.W. Wakefield

COURT NOTES

Mrs. Neva Crandall a well-known contralto singer, was granted a divorce from Frank Crandall by Judge Washburn Saturday. The parties reside at Elyria, where Mr. Crandall is leader of the band.

James Simpson, 20, a young Elyria man was sentenced to a year at the Reformatory by Judge Washburn Thursday. A wife and two's months old baby await his return. His ardent desire to marry and lack of funds with which to furnish a home led to his taking a pocketbook containing $245.

SOUGHT EDUCATION GAINED BRIDE

_{Romantic Story Back Of The Wedding Of Brownhelm Man Which Took Place Saturday}

The following dispatch from Amherst to the Elyria Telegram will be of interest to many of our readers who will no doubt be glad to congratulate the happy pair:

“From Letters To Love", might be appropriate title of a romance in which John Bauer of Brownhelm and Miss Bertha Morian, who formally taught high school in the same place. The wedding took place on Saturday at Louisville, Ind., where the bride has been teaching since the first of September.

The courtship commenced when Miss Morian began teaching school in Dist. 9 at Brownhelm, the schoolhouse being right across from the field where Bauer had often worked. After she came he found it especially convenient to work in this field when school was beginning and closing. It was not love so much as learning which constituted the first visible bond between them. Bauer confessed that he had long wanted to get a better English education than he possessed. She gave him lessons across the fence while going to from her daily work and many evenings, school books under his arm, he would trudge like a schoolboy to her home, to wrestle verbs, mountain ranges in addition. It was in this latter branch that he made the startling discover that one plus one equals one (sometimes.)

Still there were no plans for a wedding until very lately. The words that he could not trust himself to form orally were sat down on paper and carried to the teacher’s new abode in Indiana. She looked the paper over carefully for mistakes and finally marked with it 100 percent. The school board at Louisville is looking for a new teacher to take a job on short odor.

Correspondence

AMHERST

Mrs. Melzer was brought before Justice Schuler on a charge of pointing a revolver at John Whyte. Mr. Whyte was standing in the road talking over county option, near the Melzer's home Tuesday evening. Mrs. Melzer suddenly appeared and bystanders say she pointed the revolver at Whyte. Mrs. Melzer claims that the crowd were talking about her and making remarks about her character. Mrs. Meltzer pled not guilty and was bound over to appear the next term of court.

Frank Geralch is seriously ill in his home. A consultation of Dr.’s was held on Monday.

Perry Wamack had several fingers badly bruised while at work at the Ohio quarries on Monday.

The Dynamite company will drill a gas well for the purpose of heating and lighting their plant.

The Lake Shore Railway in order to live up to their agreement to widen the street have purchased 6 foot of land from the Nicholl estate at the west End of Tenny street. Work of grading and moving the sidewalks will be started at once.

While driving down Church street Monday afternoon, Charles Sabiers had a great experience. The bridle came off the horse and seeing he could not control it, he jumped. The horse continued to go on and at Cleveland Street the buggy upset and was smashed to pieces, while the horse ran for home.

Edward Sabiers, son of Randolph Sabiers met with a peculiar yet painful accident on Saturday. The boy was suffering from a severe pain in his chest caused by a cold and a cloth saturated with campher was applied. Getting to near the stove the cloth caught fire and before it could be got off his chest and arms were badly burned.

Strong's Corners

Clyde Huessner met with an accident last Saturday in North Amherst. His valuable trotter stepped on a piece of glass, when the Dr. was called he said it was doubtful if the horse would recover.

AXTEL

A number from this vicinity attended the Republican rally in Vermilion last Wednesday evening.

_{A Little Light On Lighting}

If everything runs smoothly and the weather permits, Vermilion will be enjoying electric lights soon after Feb. 1, ‘09.

Our lights are now costing us between $800 and $900 per year on the moonlight schedule. Someone has figured that the candlepower is 1200. If the railroads light their crossings with arc lights the town will get 60,000 candlepower for about $500 more than it is costing us now. Probably one of the best features of the question is it will give those who wish an opportunity of having electric lights in their homes and business places.

A current will be turned on at all times except in between 1:15 and 1:30 AM.

It is well to remember that religion should not be considered when it comes to political candidates for office. This nation was established in the name of freedom, especially from religious persecutions of the old world and it matters not whether a man is a member of any church, so he is a man in every sense of the word and worthy. Many of our best man, while deeply religious were not identified with any sect.

And after all, Bryan or Taft may advocate many changes in the laws of our nation, such as tariff revision, Banking reforms, etc., but what can they do – what promises can they fulfill if Congress is not back of them? Did you ever stop to think of that?

[NOTE:Interesting. Bryan (D) and Taft (R) were running for President – and just like today they both evidently were making promises neither one could keep without Congressional support.]

Never in the history of Vermilion has there been so many candidates visitors here as during the past few weeks. The local candidates have been doing some hustling too and there should be a large vote polled.

Don't forget that Vermilion is represented on the county ticket this fall. They are good men and we need to be represented in our county offices.

Upon presenting himself at the polls this year the voter will be presented with a huge ballot fully as large if not larger than two pages of the News.

Next Tuesday tells the tale. – Don't forget to vote.

Locals.

Saturday night is Halloween.

Feed ground Tuesdays and Fridays at the Vermilion Mill in charge of W.B. Housman.

After becoming drunk at least once a week for a period of two years, and beating his wife unmercifully on such occasions James Grogan of Lorain is alleged by his wife, Lacey, to have deserted her and taken up residence in the far west. Such are the statements, which appear in her petition for divorce, filed with the County Clerk.

The couple were married in Lorain April 11, 1906 and for the past two years she claims that he called her vile names and tore her clothes from her on several occasions. Her maiden name was Lucy Handy and she would like the name restored to her providing the decree is granted.

F.D. Witt of Lorain will put your piano and first-class condition. If in need call at his office 511 Broadway or phone M552.

Mrs. A.C. Hofrichter was taken to a Cleveland hospital last week where she underwent an operation for appendicitis. She is recovering rapidly expects to return home soon.

Miss Anna Steffen was home from Oberlin Saturday until Monday. She shows the effects of a severe illness but hopes to be able to continue her studies at the college.

BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Osborne, of Cleveland a daughter, Thursday, October 22, ’08. Mrs. Osborne was formerly Miss Alice Whitmore of this place.

Erie County Bank has electric lights installed Monday. The fixtures are of “Wakefield" make and very handsome. The lights are of the very latest pattern. The Reformed church is being wired and may be lighted Sunday evening.

_{IMPORTANT NOTICE}

Those desiring figures on wiring for homes or business places for electric lighting should call upon the undersigned before letting the contract. He can save you money over present rates on such work. Will be at the substation every day from 10 to 4 o'clock.

GEO. H. MOORE, Chief Electrician Lake Shore Electric Railway

SCRAPBOOKIN’: Just a couple more finds that I found interesting. The Taft announcement seemed right for this time of year. He did win. Teddy Roosevelt opted out of the job. That was likely a mistake.

The other item was one I certainly remember. Nug and Clayt had a little shop on Division / Main street during the 1950s. I remember them (and it) because I was a pre-teen and they sold 45 rpm records when rock and roll was young. And Nug also let me buy my first portable radio using payments. It cost $15 - but I got it and was really proud.

That was one of my good old days.

A NOTE FROM NUG: I am sorry that I cannot date the following note I received from “Nuggie” Evelyn Hayes Cook several years ago. I really need pay more attention to details. But I suppose I never saw a day when Nug would not be around – but the good Lord took her home in August of 2013. This note predates that by several years.

As you will see she was writing about a piece I’d written in the Vermilion Photojournal about Paul Metrakis. Paul, as some will recall, ran a little snack shop on Liberty that was sandwiched between the barbershop and what was then the newsstand. Today it’s a tiny gift store. Quite frankly, I wish she’d sent the note to me before I wrote my bit – because there was so much more to know about Paul in Vermilion.

Anyway, I used a graphic that is adapted from a very bad pic I took of a print Nug kept in a frame on a wall in her home when she lived at Bluebird Beach here in Vermilion. I don’t know who is responsible for the original. [She probably told me and I wasn’t paying attention.] However, it’s a picture of the boathouse that once sat just below her family home on the west bank of the Vermilion River. And the soul on wharf of the boathouse is Nug when she was a girl. The original is actually an extremely nice print.

Well enough! Here’s what Nug wrote:

RICH:

Memories of Paul Metrakis, for what they are worth. Paul came to Vermilion with a friend, George Jansen, from Canton. They roomed at our house, in 1941 and started a business in the little hole-in-the-wall by the White Inn run by Don Englebry. Paul's partner, after a few weeks, ran off and took all the money. My dad, E.J., lent Paul enough money to restart his business, and Paul used the icehouse to keep his food safe. In fact, he kept using Dad's icehouse all through the years that he was in Vermilion.

Paul lived with us during that time and would cook our Sunday dinners. He kept the door shut because he didn't want us to know the secret ingredients he used in his cooking. In later years he visited Greece, came back with his wife, Amelia. He complained about her, and yet he did bring her here. I kind of got the impression that Paul's Greek relatives fixed him up with Amelia. He was always good to me and I got many a free Paul's special-sauce hot dog sandwiches. Paul also owned a place called "Cracker Box" in Amherst and hired Clayte's sister, Neota to work for him. Her younger brother Clayte worked for Paul's Snack Shop. I met him there in 1940.

Isn't it strange, Rich, how lives move around and intertwine in a small town? I drove my mom, Ella Mae, to Axtel every Sat. because her orchestra supplied the music for square and round dancing. On March 1946 at the end of W.W.II, Clayte showed up at Axtel. We started dating and later married in Sept. Paul was at our wedding also, so we never know where we will cross each other’s paths in life. I like the VCC logo, "don't put a period where God has put a promise." We just never know, do we?

P.S. Just rambling along after your Photojournal article, and sometimes something you print brings up memories. It's fun, though, to go back through time. If there is anything in this to put in the files, edit and use whatever. Also, I have an old invitation to a graduation I will take to church in the morning to put in our Records.

Shalom, Nug

MITZI'S PARLOR: This is another sweet artifact donated to the museum this past week by the Roy Kneisel Family. I am unable to remember the exact site of Mitizi's business on Decatur Street. But if I had to guess I'd say it might have been in the house on the northeast corner of Decatur and Ohio streets. This little object holds a woman's rainhat (and it is still there).

I am very sure that some Viewer will let us know exactly where Mitizi's place was located. So stay tuned...

There's a good deal more to this story . We'll save it for another time.