Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: I’m just going to let the desktop pix this week ride by themselves. Most certainly folks will recognize several if not all the baseball guys. And the building being built in the other pic is also rather evident. I will get back to these things in the future.
TOUGH WEEK: I’m not really myself this week. I did a foolish thing and moved a rather heavy chest to fix something (a plug) while alone and really hurt the thigh muscles the leg that was healing nicely. I’m so disgusted with myself for doing such a stupid thing I’m nearly speechless.
Perhaps in another week I’ll get back to where I was prior to my stupidity. Sheesh!!
And thank God that I have an extremely kind spouse, a great family and good friends.
Historically,
MAYBE 1910: I'd have to stop and ponder awhile to give this pic an actual date. What I do know, however, is that very few of the band members were actually members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful photograph.
CHARACTER [kar-ik-ter]: I guess every community / town has at least one. Persons of character are necessary components of our daily existence. They are the salt and pepper on our scrambled eggs – the catsup on our fries. They are the spice on what might otherwise be our rather humdrum daily lives.
When I was in the Army we had a fella from Haiti in our unit who, when not in uniform, wore tennis shoes sans shoestrings. He pulled the shoe tongues out and painted odd, but colorful pictures on them for decorations. He really thought they were the “cat’s meow”. He was what one might consider being a character: a person who most certainly marched to the beat of his own drummer – however distant. Vermilion has also had its fair share of such folks in the yesteryear – some I knew, some I did not, but heard about because few could forget them.
For instance, there was once an elderly lady with the elegant name of Sophia who day and night, summer or winter always seemed to be wearing a ratty old greatcoat. Sophia liked the movies. She also liked to dine. While most people would go to a restaurant, have a meal and then go to the theatre; Sophia would go to the restaurant, order something like a roast chicken dinner to go, put it under her coat, go to the movie and eat while she watched Clark Gabel and Lauren Becall on the silver screen. I’ve no idea how she ate her mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans. Perhaps she carried her own silverware.
And who could forget Wally. Wally was a true fan of local sports back in the late 1950s and 60s. To my knowledge he seldom missed a game home or away; rain or shine. He didn’t have a car, but he did have a motorbike. No matter where a game was being played he managed to get there and get back home. And if one ever wanted to know anything – anything at all – about local sports, players or the coaches Wally had the scoop.
Then there was the lady who apparently never got undressed because she always wore at least two garments at a time. When she needed a new garment she simply removed the top one and added the new. And there was another lady some knew as “Dirty Girty” because the name seemed appropriate for a person who never used soap and water. It should be noted that none of these persons were financially lacking nor weak minded. They were just (what else?) characters.
One of my very favorite characters was a Bostonian transplant to Vermilion named George. I seriously doubt that anyone could dislike this man. Like many Vermilionites George came to town after the Lorain Ford Plant was built. While he didn’t talk much about his past he did go back to Boston on occasion to visit family. But in Vermilion he lived alone. And while he didn’t have any car that I ever knew of he did manage to get to work everyday. Moreover, George liked to help people – and he did so without anyone ever having to ask him. If the windows on a restaurant (for instance) needed washing, he washed them. If a floor needed sweeping, he swept it. In short, he had a very positive attitude about most everything. And in a rather obtuse way he was a folksy philosopher who believed, “If you’re going to go, go first class.” He was a first-class person: A real character.
And then, of course, there was Louise. Louise was an unabashed critic of John Barleycorn devotees, and was so blatantly open and honest about her several husbands it would have been embarrassing were it not so insightfully funny. But more than that she was a serious talent. She was a professional musician who played the piano in saloons and lounges throughout Ohio entertaining some of the very folks whose infatuation with alcohol she found detestable. She was, in short, a delightful character.
Through the years I’ve given much thought to all these characters and more, and once upon a time wrote a poem about them I titled “Strange Man in a Dirty Greatcoat”. It goes: “There are some things / I cannot see, / Because those things / Belong to me. / And if I ever met myself / Walking down the street / I’d look the other way, / And so would he.” For in the end I suspect all these characters that surround us, adding salt and pepper to our lives, are us.
YESTERYEAR'S NEWS: The following clips were orally transcribed from past issues of The Vermilion News. I think you will find them both interesting and fun...
After this the band concerts will be given the Thursday evenings instead of Wednesday evenings. This change has been made partly owing to the fact Mr. Ackley cannot be here and Wednesday evenings on account of playing elsewhere during the summer season. It is also impossible for some of the members to be present on that evening.
The concerts are being well attended and we believe generally appreciated by the public. Several of the new members are now playing with the band. Come out and enjoy the music next Thursday evening. Come early as the concerts begin at 7:30 sharp.
M. E. Nuhn who has been in the grocery business for several years in the store formerly run by Pelton and McGraw has disposed of his business to Mr. C. A. Trinter and Unser who have taken charge. Mr. Nuhn contemplates going to California where he has a brother in the fall. We wish him success in whatever business he may engage. The new firm start with all the prospects of success and have the best wishes of the community.
Dr. Pelton has just received a new Motor Buggy, which he purchased in Chicago and Juliet a few weeks ago. It is a 12 horsepower air cooled, gasoline motor, high wheeled vehicle which is said to be an excellent type for use in town and country roads.
The Vermilion G.A.R. band will play at Crystal Beach, Monday, July 5, the last day of the carnival. There will be many other attractions including a fine display of fireworks in the evening.
Wednesday evening July 7th Motion Pictures of ex-president Roosevelt and son Hermit [sic] in Africa on a lion hunt.
Peter Callan has been appointed Marshal since H.T. Baldwin resigned. He is has begun his work by a thorough house cleaning of the jail. Electric lights have been placed in the jail also.
In the case of J.L. Zesiger vs. the Duplex Stamping company, the report of the referee has been filed and approved by Judge Reed.
There are at present 128 saloons and Erie County including those at Cedar point and on the steamers Arrow and Kirby.
A new schedule goes into effect in the Lakeshore Electric Railway on July 1st. The timecard shows additional limited and local service on all divisions of the road, planned to meet the heavy summer traffic which the road always enjoys on account of its fortunate situation at the waters edge of Lake Erie, where there are so many beach resorts, camping grounds and amusement places.
A feature of the service to be inaugurated on July 1st is the through hourly service between Sandusky in Mansfield run in conjunction with the Sandusky, Norwalk and Mansfield Road. This not only gives an increase service for Milan and Norwalk but provides through car service without change between Mansfield, Shelby and Fairfield with the Cedar Point resort at Sandusky. The first car for Mansfield leaves Sandusky at 5 A.M. and the last one at 8 P.M. The 9 o'clock car runs to Fairfield, the 10 P.M. car to Shelby in the last car to Norwalk leaves Sandusky 11:30 P.M. One additional limited car will run between Cleveland and Sandusky leaving Cleveland at 9:30 P.M. There will be added local service between Sandusky and Fremont, each limited car being followed by a local. The last car for Fremont will leave Sandusky at 11:30 PM.
Earl Stilwald is camping at Crystal Beach for a few days.
H.D. Kishman of Brownhelm is the proud owner of a new Carter car.
George Stuart, a motorman on the Green Line was overcome by the heat Sunday.
The dance given by the Dutch Road Ball team on Saturday evening was enjoyed by all present.
Frank Sheffler lost the ends of two fingers on Thursday at the Elyria Enamel Pipe Factory.
Andrew Mauer was taken to the Lorain hospital the first of the week where he will be operated on for tumor.
On Tuesday William G Brown the prominent and highly respected citizen of Henrietta disappeared mysteriously. The last seen or heard of him was when he boarded the 10:30 eastbound car. His family is very anxious concerning him.
Amherst, June 28 – Positive identification Hartmann Holzhzhauer the man who disappeared from here, leaving a suicide announcement came from Pittsfield Saturday evening. While he was not seen by anyone who is acquainted with him, the perfect description of hit his rather odd appearance is believed to leave no reason for doubt. Further than this he was inquiring the way to Amherst and seemed to be dazed or insane that the manner frightened several people with whom he talked.
After inquiring of several persons the way to Amherst he was finally directed to a Green Line car and told the change in Elyria for Amherst. Pieced with this story is the evidence of Oberlin parties that he alighted in that village thinking it was Elyria and inquired for the Amherst car. From that point he disappeared again.
It will be remembered that Holzhauer left his family in Amherst on Wednesday, June 16 and has not been seen since. He has been acting strangely and it is generally believed that he went insane and has been wandering in the in the fields and woods ever since. He left a note scratched on the corncrib with a nail saying that he would be soon be at the bottom of the lake. – Chronicle Telegram.
Mr. and Mrs. P. Roscoe and daughter spent a few days in Detroit last week.
Capt. Frank Rae visited his parents here the first of the week.
Many friends of W.F. Washburn, who had been so seriously ill will be glad to learn that he is very much better enable to get out again.
Chris Huldeman who so seriously injured by falling from the Nickel Plate bridge a few weeks ago is reported on the gain and the family hope to bring home in a few weeks.
Church Note: As the weather was rather threatening here there were not many present as expected but all seem to enjoy the program by the strict attention the church being very nicely decorated for the occasion.
The gas drills are about through it M.J. Trinter’s. They claim it to be a successful well.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Coats, a 9 pound baby girl, Tuesday afternoon.
The wind and rain did considerable damage to the trees and crops in this neighborhood.
Mr. A. W. Ladrach has such a large crop of cherries and as he can't find time to pick them had a couple young folks do so at night as the heat of the sun is somewhat diminished at that hour.
Mr. Berger is on the sick list.
Several from here spent Sunday at Crystal Beach.
A daughter arrived Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George T Lowrie.
A son in the family of Virgil Gunn and a daughter in that of the B. Mungus were added to our population last week.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. H Smith a daughter June 28.
Last Thursday morning while bathing Russell Lavoo, the seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. George Lavoo got beyond the depth and was drowned. The funeral was held Saturday. His parents have the sympathy of the community.
Hmmmmmm....
IN THE MAIL:During the week I received the following message:
06.27.17
“I own one of Andy Marks Bumboats, actually the [one] you have pictured on your web site. I was wonder if you have more pictures or info related to this boat. If you don’t have any info is there someone you could put me in contact with that knows something about it?”
De4nnis Gaither
RNT: At the moment I’m not in contact with any of the family. (They are still about.) If I can direct them to you when I am in contact with them I will.
OF SOME INTEREST: I hope some of these scraps provide bits of info long forgotten by many.
Trudy can be contacted at: tla8849@aol.com
THE FREE LOVERS OF BERLIN HEIGHTS OHIO: I suppose one could blame it on newspapers – if blame is even the right way to think of it. Sometime during the latter portion of the 1850s a rebellious young woman from Berlin Heights, Ohio named Cordelia Benschoter (b.1833) placed a matrimonial advertisement in a paper called the “Water-Cure Journal (and herald of reforms, devoted to physiology, hydropathy and the laws of life (1851)”. Having immersed herself (pun intended) in the study and principals of the “water cure” Cordelia had cut her hair short, put on a pair of bloomers, took up the hemline of her dress to about her knees, and began openly questioning the sanctity of marriage – among other things. Her fellow Berliners likely thought her a bit eccentric. But aren’t many young people?
Anyway, the advertisement was seen by a Massachusetts born reformer / lecturer named Francis Berry (b.1827). As a consequence he went to Berlin Heights to see the lady who’d placed the ad, and by 1854 the couple had taken up housekeeping sans consecration by the church or state. And so it began.
Berry, along with several other liberal thinkers of those times, had long envisioned a communal society wherein men and women worked and played together as equals. This, they opined, would eventually result in an economic security and equality that would prevent either sex in entering into and enduring loveless marriages. The bottom line was that the “free lovers” considered woman in mainstream social environments to have been treated no better than slaves. Men owned the property. Only men could vote. Men had the money – or most of it. And women were there to serve and obey them. Probably due to the fact that most Berliners had apparently accepted Cordelia’s relationship with Berry as legitimate – or at least a non-threatening relationship – he concluded that Berlin Heights would be the ideal site for the development of a free love settlement.
Thus, along with a contemporary named Joseph Treat, Berry purchased property from some of the more liberal thinking locals, leased an old “water-cure” place called the Davis House, and went about the business of implementing an experimental Free Love community. By 1857 they were actively publicizing their utopian community as a welcome refuge for all who agreed with their philosophy. It should be noted here that this was hardly a place for lazy or inept persons. Many persons, including Erie County historian Hewson L. Peeke later said of them, "They are remarkably frugal and industrious, having developed the fruit growing qualities of the ground occupied by them to a marvelous extent. A disposition to deal fairly in matters of business is one of their principal characteristics. Their characters are unimpeachable except in so far as they are given to Free Love and they don't force that on anybody.”
Events taking place in the U.S. and the world in the year 1857 proved to be extremely providential for the free-love experiment. Ironically, it started in Ohio with the failure of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company in Cincinnati in late August 1857 (a.k.a. “The Panic of 1857). The failure of the bank was the beginning of the first worldwide financial crisis. And invariably, those who suffered most were middle class working families. The Berlin Heights experiment, a place that offered land and a job for all, easily attracted dozens disenfranchised persons and converts. A majority of those entering the society were women – some runaways from a bad marriage. But, by and large, the basic tenet of the social order; equality for all regardless of sex seems to have been the attraction. And, indeed, the U.S. census data from that period graphically shows that there were no women listed as “keeping house” in their settlement. If a woman was charged with taking care of a home she was listed as a “domestic” worker. And she was paid for her services.
And though there was, on occasion, some trouble in this paradise it was not from within the society, but from without. Historian Peeke wrote: “It is certainly true that they had a secluded and lovely bathing place on their small domain where members of the opposite sex and compensative temperaments were accustomed to retire in the heat of the day to give practical demonstration that Eden innocence had come to earth again." His kind and rather amusing observation hardly reflects the sentiment of many locals. There were also highly vocal complaints about the loud behaviors of the communalists while families were conducting Sunday worship services. Additionally there were stories of debauchery, suicide and other distasteful events taking place in the colony.
Renown Berlin Heights historian, writer, and Spiritualist Hudson Tuttle gave the following account of an incident between the townsfolk and Berry: “The Berlin people are noted for tolerance, but it may be presumed that the socialists, with their strange ideas, did not always find their paths strewn with roses, and the citizens still retain fresh in their memories, how, when Francis Barry attempted to mail a number of the obnoxious Age of Freedom [newspapers], twenty Berlin women seized the mail-sack in which he had brought it on his shoulder to the office, and made a bonfire in the street.”
The supposed “tolerant” citizens of Berlin Heights tried working through the courts to discourage the free-lovers in hopes of having them abandon their community quickly and permanently. But the results were negligible. And after hearing reports of a highly charged meeting of Berliners critical of the free-lovers residents of nearby Florence Township openly registered their disgust with the intolerance demonstrated by their neighbors. Things seemed to be at an impasse. So what happened?
Gradually a good number of people and newspapers became sympathetic with the communalists. They portrayed them as icons of free speech and a free press. Any moral issues they might have had with them dissipated and the locals who came to be known as “the friends of tolerance” began to accept them. By 1860 Francis and Cordelia Berry (she did take his name) were living in Illinois and had a son. And those who remained began to prosper as fruit farmers. As time passed the free-lovers were absorbed into the general population. It was as if the tensions between townsfolk and colonists had been the glue that had held the Free Love movement together.
In many respects this Free Love experiment was the mother of women’s suffrage, and what we now consider to be the Women’s Rights movement (at least in America). Whatever the case, it is certainly both an interesting and vital chapter in the history of Berlin Heights, Ohio, our community, and our nation of a yesteryear. And just think; it all started with a little newspaper ad.
…Shaler, were stationed on the island. The. Other regiment, with General H. D. Terry commanding the whole, was at Sandusky. They all remained until April 14, 1864, when three regiments under General Shaler left to rejoin the Sixth Corps. The Twenty-fourth Battery was stationed in Sandusky, and the six cavalry companies left for Camp Dennison in March. Soon after, the six new companies of the Twenty-eighth, pursuant to orders from Washington, were moved to Sandusky, and on the 14th of April, 1864, with the colonel, were stationed on the island. The whole regiment was thus, for the first time, assembled as one command.
"On the 8th of May, 1864, Colonel Hill, of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, succeeded General Terry in the command, and the two remaining regiments from the Sixth Corps moved off to rejoin that corps. On the 12th of July 1864, the detachments from the First Heavy Artillery returned to their regiment, and on the 7th of August following the Twenty-fourth Battery left for Chicago. Other troops came to the island and departed as follows: May 11, the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guard; it left June 9 for Cleveland and Kentucky; returned June 20 much reduced, eight of the companies being then paroled prisoners, not subject to duty; they were mustered out August 20. The One Hundred and Thirtieth National Guard reported for duty May 21, and left June 6. The One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Ohio National Guard (five hundred and forty-nine men) reported for duty May 21, and left July 16. The Eighth Battery Ohio National Guard reported September 22, and left October 19, and was succeeded by the Second Battery Ohio National Guard, which left November 26. These National Guard troops were sent to the island chiefly as a place of rendezvous, equipment and instruction preparatory to service elsewhere. On the 24th of September the Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps (five hundred and sixty three men) from Washington, reported for duty.
"The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth from the time its being first assembled on the island was kept under strict drill and discipline.
"The condition of the island, and of the docks, roads and barracks upon it required heavy details of working parties to open ways of communication for defense, complete and improve the quarters, enlarge the prison grounds and accommodations, and improve the sanitary condition of the island, which had been much neglected for many months.
"The strength of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, present for duty from early in May until late in the fall, was much reduced by detachments sent off by order of the commandants of the department, and kept away for long periods, so that on account of absent detachments and heavy details for special duty and necessary working parties, the guard-duty became very severe; often, and for considerable periods, requiring the majority of the men remaining for that service to go on guard every other day.
ERIE COUNTY UNITED BANK (AGAIN): Niece Barb Akers donated this 1954 Erie County Bank Calendar to the museum during the week along with a number of Jr. High School annual books from the 1980s. Barb’s mom, Lois Stockman-Tarrant, was one of the cooks in the cafeteria of the school during those years.
I like the calendar because I like old prints. In addition, this calendar has monthly recipes with a good deal of information about foods.
I don’t remember when the Erie County Bank was absorbed by a corporate entity. (I wasn’t really paying attention.) But eventually (now) it is known as Key Bank and it’s located in a big brick building just east of Nokomis Park across from the South Shore Shopping Center. And the old bank – the one advertised by this artifact – now houses Vermilion City offices.
1954 is one of my favorite years. In the Fall of each year the auto companies always introduced their new models for the following year. So, 1954 was the first year I got to fall in love with a 1955 Ford Thunderbird and the Crown Victoria.
And the world was one swell place.
Over the weekend I happened to catch a glimpse of some National Dog Show event as I flipped through the channels.
The dog on the screen at the time was a white English sheepdog. It was simply a mound of fur with four legs. The judge was brushing back the dog's hair so she could look at the animal's eyes.
The TV announcer was explaining that each dog has to have its eyes checked to make sure they're the right shape, color, etc., etc.
Another announcer chimed in with, "Well, plus the judge has to see if the dog HAS both of its eyes. 'Cuz if you start combing through hair and you only see ONE eye . . . you're looking at the wrong end of the dog."
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
P.O. Box 437
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-522-8397
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
a man how smart he would have been not to have taken it.
- Laurence J. Peter (1694-1778)
Vol. 15. Issue 17 - July 1, 2017
Archive Issue #746
| advanced |
© 2016 Rich Tarrant