ROSCOE: His first name, of all things, was Pearl. He was the only child of Caselton and Helen Rachel Forster Roscoe. Though his father was by trade a carpenter / millwright he also kept a farm in North Milan, Ohio where Pearl was born on November 9, 1869. He received his education in Milan’s school, afterward going to work at Norwalk for the Laning Printing Company.

From about the 1870s to 1900 Laning published books or all sorts and did a good deal of printing for several legal firms. Consequently, it was an ideal place for a young man to learn the printing trade.

The year 1901 was a banner year for the young man. It was the year he married a pretty school teacher from Milan named Elizabeth “Bessie” Bottomley (b.1879 in Minnesota) – and also the year the couple purchased a fledgling weekly newspaper and print shop in a place called Vermilion, Ohio.

Initially the business was located on the second floor in what folks called the “Wells Building”. It was located on the east side of Vermilion’s Grand Street north of the tracks and south of Liberty Avenue. (That building no longer exists.)

Early in their marriage the newlyweds rode bicycles to and from Lorain to operate the business. But by November of 1904 the newspaper, print shop and the young couple, had a brand new home in a building built by Roscoe’s father just a few doors north of the railroad on the same side of Grand Street.

At the beginning of his publishing career he and wife Bessie encountered heated opposition, but persisted in extension and improvement of the public library system, schools, and their church.

Due, in part to their, insistence and persistence, both the newspaper and the town prospered during their lifetimes. On the 24th day of May in 1906 the couple welcomed a little daughter, they named Ella Gwendolyn, into their lives. A little over a year later Pearl’s mother died (06/27/07). She was 71.

Shortly thereafter (1908) his father came to live with the family in their print shop apartment. A new addition was added to the back of the building just in time to welcome another little girl – Alice Margaret - to the family on December 1 of 1911. He died there on the 16th of May 1918.

As has been noted Editor Roscoe was always active in community affairs – working with local businessmen to acquire new industry – and also serving as a deacon in Vermilion’s First Congregational Church and holding offices in the local chapter of the Royal Arch Masons. On occasion he even gave added his voice to their choir.

As a young man he became very interested in photography and throughout his life captured many pictures of and in Milan, Lorain, and Vermilion. Many were used for penny postcards. Those of newsworthy events he published in his week newspaper. He also did many passport photographs; in all his black and white film and glass negative photographs number in the thousands. And just a few years prior to his death he also dabbled in some color photography taking numerous color slides of some places and faces in Vermilion, O.

His wife Bessie, co-publisher and friend, passed into the hands of God in early January (the 7th) of 1946 at the young age of 66. Roscoe followed her on April 17th at the tender age of 76. The newspaper and print shop continued their work under the direction of son-in-law William Basil Tarrant and daughter Ella.

EPILOGE: Some folks inherit money; some property; some talent. My legacy is the song of my parents and grandparent’s lives. Words etched on tombstones mark where lifeless forms now lie – not where they were, where they are now, nor where they’ll be tomorrow.

FLEETING AND PRECIOUS DAYS: Technically, every photograph is a “one shot thing”. But in this instance the photos that accompany this essay certainly are. It is highly doubtful that there will ever come a day when any crowd the size of that on the west breakwall or along the river will ever again gather there to watch a regatta celebration. And, obviously, the lighthouse at the end of the breakwall will never again watch over the harbor in that place either. These are impressive portraits of a Vermilion b.s.p. (before smart phones).

Newspaper editor Roscoe captured these scenes and the others on glass during a Regatta in 1926. It’s a bit hard to see in the breakwall reproduction, but he etched that information on the glass photo plate. [Note: the 9 in the year 1926 is not backwards because he was dyslexic, but because he was writing backwards on the plate. It was a bit tricky.]

In the yesteryear, as is obvious by this photo; regatta days in Vermilion were a big deal. Families came from far and wee to participate in, and watch, the races on the lake – as well as numerous activities along the river in front of the waterworks. But it was not always so. In October of 1908 the following report appeared in The Vermilion News:

“At the last meeting of the Lakewood Yacht Club, expressions of pleasure and satisfaction were in unanimous in regard to the club Regatta at Vermilion. The club has decided to make this visit an annual event with the cooperation and consent of Vermilion committee.

There is some talk of holding the Lakewood open regatta off our port. There would be four days of racing, both power and sailboats. This event takes place the latter part of July and, would be a fine drawing card for Vermilion.” They did – and it was.

Readers will herein note that initially it was known as the “Lakewood open regatta”. No small part of the reason the Lakewood club had opted to use Vermilion as their race site was because one of their members was a man named F.W. Wakefield. In 1905 he owned a successful lighting business then located at the “Old Arcade” in Cleveland. He was also an avid yachtsman. One day, as he sailed his Yacht “Unique” into Vermilion Harbor, it is said that he turned to his companions and remarked that "this place looked good [to him] for a factory." By 1906 a local contractor was busy building his factory. By 1912 he was elected Mayor and soon thereafter the Lakewood Regatta had become the Vermilion Regatta.

By 1926 the Vermilion Regatta had become quite famous. They really did provide numerous families from miles around with several days of live entertainment in the sunshine by the water. By ’26 more and more people owned an automobile and were able to travel some distance to participate. After the lake races there were diving and swimming competitions on the riverfront along with canoe water fights. It was great fun for persons of all ages. And it was free.

On Saturday (sometimes Friday) evenings the Division / Main street between Liberty and the railroad tracks was closed and local charities set-up games of chance. For the young children there was a “penny-pitch” game. For the adults there were games like roulette, etc. At the north end of the street ladies from some charitable organization sold sandwiches and soft drinks. And at the other end a band would take their places on a stage; corn meal would be spread out on the street and folks would dance into the night. All the businesses along the street were closed with the exception of (what else?) the beer joints. One of the songs that used to be played at those dances with some regularity was “There’ll Be A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight”. And there certainly was.

Then, somewhere in time all those times faded away and have disappeared, replaced now by the Festival of the Fish and the Third Thursday activities. No crowds gather on the west breakwall to watch yacht races. Nor do crowds gather by the river to enjoy competitions and exhibitions upon the waters. Those days, some might say, are waters that have long ago passed under the proverbial bridge. Nonetheless, we have these photographs to remind us of just how fleeting and precious are all our days – in the yesteryear or even today.

At the meeting of the village council Monday evening after some discussion of the situation in Vermillion, Sundays especially when unruly people come here to have a general time it was decided that it was necessary to have several extra policemen. Two will be provided. Not only are they to be on duty Sunday's but on such days as large picnics come to the parks. This action was occasioned by the actions of certain Lorain and Cleveland Toughs Saturday and Sunday.

The graveling of Grand St. from the L. S. Ry., track two Ohio St., was ordered.

The changing of the street lights was ordered. The one on Decatur Street near the L. S. Ry., and the light on the corner of Ohio and Division Street. The former is to be moved to an advantageous position for lighting the corner and the latter will be moved 100 feet west as was originally intended.

The matter of roller skating on sidewalks was brought up. Some of the skaters have become so reckless that there is little room for pedestrians so was finally decided to have the Mayor issue a notice prohibiting the practice in the business part of town.

The bicycle riding on the sidewalks, which has again become prevalent has called for the enforcement of the ordinance and the marshal has been instructed to arrest anyone riding on the walks.

A number of other matters were discussed. A letter was read from the sewer engineers in explanation of delay. It is given elsewhere.

Counsel then adjourned.

Messrs. Church and Fischer have obtained permission to use oil on the street in front of their premises on Water Street, to keep down the dust. This scheme is being very successfully worked some sections of the country and not only lays the dust but there is no mud the oil causing the water to run off.

The Centennial Children's Day service of the Church of Christ at the town hall Sunday evening was a pleasant and successful affair. The program was well carried out especially the Rose drill. The hall was filled to its fullest seating capacity and the superintendent and teachers may well feel paid for their efforts in training the scholars for the occasion.

The L. S. E. Railway, section men are raising the tracks on liberty Street pursuant to orders from the village council. The track had become so [low] until it became very disagreeable for a person to stand near on a rainy day while a car is passing.

Judge Reed refused to grant a new trial to the defendant in the case of the state of Ohio vs. John N. Englebry and David Stevens found guilty of assault and battery imposed a fine of $25 in costs together with cost of the case. The $15,000 damage suit filed by John Hegney against the defendants has been withdrawn, the settlement having been made. The terms of settlement were not made public.

Judge Malcolm Kelly, as referee in the case of J. L. Zesigner et al vs. the Duplex stamping company filed his report Common Pleas Court. The suit was originally brought to the dissolve the company because the enterprise was no longer practicable and the concern was insolvent. As a case proceeded other creditors came in asking that certain mortgages on the property be set aside in order to pay debts for distribution among the stockholders.

The case was referred to the referee by the court for trial. The issues joined as to the validity of a lease a note and a mortgage of the defendant company. The plant is located at Vermilion. The finding of the referee is that the note the mortgage and the lease should be set aside and canceled.

In the case of J. L. Zesigner vs. the Duplex Stamping Co. a motion has been filed to confirm the report of the matter of the master Commissioner.

Township trustees have done some very important and commendable work of late. The town hall is being wired for electric lights. The job is nearing completion. They have also placed an eave trough on the west side of the hall sheds and put in almost 125 feet of drain to carry off the water which heretofore has caused the land west of the shed to be very wet.

[NOTE: And here’s a piece of town trivia. Electricity comes to the Town Hall in 1907. For a historian this little notice can be helpful. It will help date any old pix one may have of the interior of the hall.]

The tile was put in by Henry Akers and a neighbor; and the work was done in very satisfactory manner. The drain was put in by other parties but it did not satisfy the trustees the work was about half done and they refused to accept the job. They then secured the services of Mr. Akers who understands the business thoroughly. There is nothing like having work done right.

Street Commissioner will commence to haul rubbish next Monday. Get it ready. Hereafter the wagons will be around the first Monday of each month. Remember this don't have the rubbish piled in front of your place two or three weeks at a time.

Mrs. Philip Sipple was in Elyria visitor Friday.

The Amherst supply company are doing a great business of late.

Henry Ludwig who was hurt a few days ago has returned from the hospital.

Clem Miller has made an addition to his barbershop that of an electric massage machine.

Amherst is growing surely which can be seen by the number of new houses being built.

The work of raising money for the Fourth of July celebration is about collected. We expect to have a fine celebration.

The macadamizing of the Middle Ridge was decided upon at the meeting of the trustees this week. Work will begin at once.

The new sidewalks that are being laid all around town are a great improvement to the town and add greatly to the beauty of the place.

The time for Sunday school picnic is at hand. Now there are five Protestant churches in town beside several in the country that have a large following of young people. Why not take a day off, hire a steamer and take a trip to the islands.

The expense for each individual would not be much and if a united effort was made a number not members of any Sunday school could be it induced to go. $100-$150 would in all probability secure a good boat carrying a sufficient number. If a craft could get into the harbor.

The village council can be highly commended for providing for extra police during the summer picnic season. The marshal is supposed to be on duty at night and is too much to expect any man to keep order day and night. Saturday night a number of bums from a neighboring city raised a rumpus. To be sure they were arrested by the aid of several citizens. Sunday morning of bunch of rowdies from somewhere passed down one of our main streets using language that would have shocked the wildest inhabitants of the jungles of Africa. We believe that a few doses of law strongly applied would serve to have a quieting effect upon some of these hoodlums. It is not to be expected that one man can look after all this and we believe that with a couple of officers on duty this rowdyism can be stopped. The police are to be it the call the mayor marshal and to remain on duty as long as the Marshal sees fit.

Capt. Henry Leidheiser is reported quite ill at his home on Main Street.

Capt. Chas. Gegenheimer was called home this week by the serious illness of his wife.

DIED – At his home in Sandusky Wednesday, June 9, after a lingering illness. Mr. Snider was formerly employed by the L.S. and M.S. Ry. He was married to Miss O. Pelton, daughter of the late Munson Pelton of this place, together with one son survive. The remains will be brought here Saturday on the noon train and internment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Monday, June 14 is Flag Day.

Barnum & Bailey's great circus will be in Cleveland Monday, June 14.

Electric lights are being placed in the bandstand for the use of the band during the concerts.

Mrs. Fred Morgan and Miss Lucy Morgan of Vermilion are visiting at the home of Capt. and Mrs. Cuddeback on fifth Street. – Lorain News.

The summer concerts will commence next Friday evening. Insert a comment here.

Don't forget the entertainment Crystal Theatre tonight under the auspices of the L. O. T. M. Show begins at 7, 8 9 o'clock sharp.

All the newspapers are praising the Seattle woman who drove burglar from her house with a baseball bat. Indeed, she seems to havescored quite a bit.

Mesdames Slocum and Baker were here on Sunday Saturday.

Mrs. Ray Gibson and son Lyle are entertaining the measles.

William Coultrip who has been quite sick is slowly improving.

Mrs. Ben Greenhoe who has been on the sick list is again improving

There was certainly a crowd at the cemetery Sunday it being a nice day in the decorating of the M. W. Of A. graves which was enjoyed by all.

Sunday evening is always the most exciting at Axtel except once in a while. Saturday takes the cake but last Sunday was noted for the grand march and parade which took place and couldn't fail to win the applause of the spectators.

Mrs. Sebert Leimbach is reported quite ill.

Quite a number of the Rugby folks attended the Woodmen’s Decorations that Axel Sunday afternoon.

HOW ABOUT THIS: Just catching up on the past...

Trudy can be contacted at: tla8849@aol.com

WHO WAS ADOLPH EICHMANN?: A week or so ago I received a telephone message from a young person asking if I had any information about someone named Adolph “i-che-man” [unsure of how to say it she carefully spelled it out: E-I-C-H-M-A-N-N]. I suppose I was called because a few folks know me as a “history person”. Methinks there are actually plenty of those. But my name likely gets tossed around more than others. In any case, I found (and find) the idea that a young person would be looking for historical information from anyone, including myself, to be a very positive thing. That’s because I have been thinking lately that my generation did not do a very good job educating young people about our past.

For instance, several years ago a national figure said of American Patriot Paul Revere: “ [He] warned the British that they weren't going to be taking away our arms, by ringing those bells and making sure as he was riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be secure and we were going to be free.” One would hope that this interpretation of Revere’s place in history is simply an anomaly. And while at least part of this version of a historic event is true (e.g. Revere was certainly riding a horse) that’s about all that’s true about it.

This is not to say that everyone must know every little detail pertaining to our past as human beings. But it is to say that it is important for everyone to have at least a fundamental understanding of what happened, when it happened and who participated in major events in our history that effected and shaped our lives. And we need see to it that those who desire to acquire more detailed information about any or all these things are able.

In the instance of Otto Adolph Eichmann there are six million reasons for all of us to know, and never forget, who he was. The short story is that he was one of the major organizers of the systematic persecution and murder of six million European Jews during World War II Germany. Today this mass genocide / extermination is now referred to as the “Holocaust” (1941-1945). The Nazis, who came to power under a man named Adolph Hitler in Germany in 1933, believed that Germans were "racially superior" and that Jews were "inferior," and were, as a consequence, a threat to the German race.

Following Germany’s defeat Eichmann was captured and spent some time in prison, but escaped. By the mid-1950s he had made his way to Argentina with his family and lived there working as a department head for Mercedes-Benz. Israeli intelligence agents captured him in 1960. From there he was secreted to Israel where he was placed on trial for war crimes. Though he was not convicted of personally killing anyone he was found guilty of those crimes: crimes against humanity and crimes against Poles, Slovenes and Gypsies who were also murdered. He was convicted and was executed June 1, 1962.

Eichmann had attempted to dodge responsibility for his actions. He implied that he was naught but a poor bureaucrat following orders: “I was one of the many horses pulling the wagon and couldn't escape left or right because of the will of the driver.” But the truth is that he willingly chose to do everything, objected to nothing, and six million innocent human beings died. In fact the very reason he was eventually discovered hiding in Argentina was because one of his sons, who was dating the daughter of a Jewish-German emigrant, began bragging to her about the exploits of his former Nazi father. In short, Eichmann was both exposed and doomed by his own hubris.

So for the young person who asked: That, in a proverbial nutshell, is the story of one Otto Adolph Eichmann – a story worth hearing and remembering. It is especially true as we near the day when we salute and remember those who sacrificed their lives in an effort to preserve our freedoms and nurture the idea that it is important that we follow moral principles before celebrities. History is, in deed and fact, important. [And just to set the record straight: Paul Revere did not warn the British about anything.]

NEWS BLOTTER: My pa always had the proclivity to remember amusing little quotes – and this one on a souvenir ink blotter from 1956 is one of them. I’ve no idea as to where he found it. I’d like to say that it was his creation – and while he always had a rather dry / witty sense of humor – I doubt it. I also doubt that many young people even know what an “ink blotter” is.

While looking at this artifact you might note the address and telephone number. It was only 60 years ago, but it might as well be 600. Things have changed (and continue)…