Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: I’ve been inclined to use some of the pix I’ve developed, printed and framed for our gallery display as “shoptop” pix for a few weeks. I made over 100 of them.
This one is of my grandmother (Bessie Roscoe) with her oldest girl (my mother Ella) and he youngest (Alice) picking wildflowers at Linwood Park probably around 1913.
This is just a pleasant photograph.
On my home desk this week is a scene familiar to many Vermilion people. Both the old water tower and the bridge are veritable symbols of Vermilion.
I took this pic several years ago from the site that once held the famous McGarvey’s Restaurant. Today it is called McGarvey’s Landing.
Again – this is also a pleasant pic.
MARLENE FELDKAMP: Last Monday the TV show called “The Pickers” featured Vermilionite Marlene Feldkamp at her old home and barn near Vermilion. Originally I’d been told that it was to be broadcast in December. Anyway, I thought I was recording the show, but messed up and missed it. I suppose it’ll be on again sometime. I’d also heard that they might come back.
Marlene and her late husband, Dave, were real collectors. It’s hard to explain, but they had a plethora of things. They sold a good deal of it at auction, but there were a few things left – enough for “the pickers” to sort through.
Marlene’s been a good friend of the Vermilion History Museum (VHM); She’s donated a number of articles, several are quite rare.
I’m sorry I didn’t think of it sooner so all you folks could’ve watched. But maybe it’ll be on again in re-runs.
[NOTE: If you access Spectrum cable you can still see the program.]
GOOD FORTUNE: Thus far, Geo and I have been fortunate in that we’ve avoided having to vacate our home due to flooding. We’ve gone through two freezes and two thaws this season, thus far, and some of the ice waters did cross the grounds and road near our home we stayed high and dry.
We’re not so much concerned with our safety or property damage. Our home was raised after the Great Flood of 1969, and most of the items in our basement are off the floor. The big problem is the mess left by a flood – mud and chunks of ice.
But that’s a fact of life in a flood plain: If you want to dance you have to pay the band.
Historically,
VICTORY PARK: This – is the Victory Park I knew when I was young. The bandstand was made of brick and was probably about the same size as the current gazebo that sits in this park. This structure was probably about 10 feet to the north and right / east of the Founder’s Stone that was placed in the park in 1937. The stand had some basement storage rooms. They may have been restrooms at one time. (But I don’t know that to be a fact.)
I spent a good deal of time in this park in those years, and vividly recall some Memorial Day festivities when the band played some John Phillip Sousa march music. It was among some of the great places to grow up in Vermilion.
THE VERMILION NEWS GANG C. 1951: The accompanying photograph was taken in the spring of 1951. I was six - going on seven years old. It was the same year that the proprietor of Vermilion’s Liberty Theater, Bob Nuhn, would scold me for singing at the top of my lungs in the echo chamber that also happened to serve as the theater Men’s Room. I was so happy to be going to school that I was unable to resist breaking into song about the prospect. (Oops!)
It was also the year that my big brother, William “Billy”, would be joining another one of my big brothers, Philip, in a far off place called Korea. With two boys involved in a war the next several years would be difficult ones for my parents. But on the day these shadows were forever froze in time those days were far from anyone’s thoughts, and the mood was hardly one of gloom and doom.
The portrait was taken inside the print shop / offices of The Vermilion News building on the east side of Grand Street. These were (the adults) the folks who made the place work. They gathered the news, answered the telephone, sold the advertising, wrote the stories, took the photographs, printed the newspaper, and made the deliveries. And I will add that this was often accomplished whilst singing aloud. That fact may, in part, explain why I later saw nothing wrong with “breaking into song” in a public restroom - albeit somewhat eccentric behavior. The group is pictured seated and standing between the linotype machines in front of the north wall of the shop. Pictured are:
Top Middle: Nancy Alice Tarrant (Emery).Row Below L-R: Chuck Thompson, Margie Tomusko (Zelenak), Lois Troxel, W.B. Tarrant.
Below (the little lady by herself): Helen Elsworth.
Next Row L-R: W.R. "Billy" Tarrant, Zella "Butch" Tarrant (on Bill's lap), Ella G. Tarrant, and Rich "Richie" Tarrant (on Ella's lap).
The little boy in front: Billy Thompson.
One of the interesting aspects of this particular photograph is that except, of course, for the calendar on the wall the only things that have changed since it was taken are the people. If one walked into the print-shop this very moment and looked at this area nearly everything there is the same. But more than half the folks in the photo have passed on. And those who survive have grey, very little, or no hair at all. But, again, everything else in the snap is nearly as it was 56 years ago.
While I don’t recall the precise scenario / reason for the photo, nor who took it, it is likely that it was celebrating the temporary homecoming of my brother Bill (uniformed) from his Army training at Fort Atterbury Indiana. In a few weeks he would be leaving again to serve in Korea.
In April of 1951 Les Paul and Mary Ford were at the top of the music charts with a thing called “How High The Moon”. It would remain a favorite of mine for life. On April 11th: After several public criticisms of White House policy in Korea, which were seen as undercutting the Commander-in-Chief's position, President Harry S. Truman removed General Douglas MacArthur from command and ordered him to return to the United States. Meanwhile in the Village of Vermilion, Ohio the “Gang at the Vermilion News” happily gathered together in the printshop on Grand Street and posed for a photograph. They may have even sung a song or two.
YESTERYEAR'S NEWS: The following clips are dictated transcriptions from past issues of The Vermilion News. I think you will find them both interesting and fun...
Saturday morning the citizens of Vermilion were greatly shocked when it became known that one of our well-known and popular physicians had met a tragic death.
The doctor had spent the evening at the K.O. T. M. Installation and upon going to his office received a call to go several miles out into the country. Despite the terrible snowstorm raging at the time he secured a horse and buggy of L. J. Decker and Co., and started out. This was the last seen of him until his body was picked up on the switch, halfway between Grand and Division street, sometime later. The accident happened at about 1:15 Saturday morning and as there were no witnesses it can only be surmised as to what occurred.
Upon reaching Cleveland a buggy top was found on the engine pilot and knowing that an accident had occurred it was reported that something had been struck on a main street in Vermilion. The night man here was notified and gave the alarm to the marshal who called help and the search was started. After some time the wreckage and the body of the doctor was found near the switch. The corner was notified and the remains removed to the residence of the doctor's father, John A. Englebry.
The horse was found in the lot on the south side of the track about 50 feet from the north track and fully 125 feet of the center of Grand street where the rig was struck. The body was literally smashed into kindling and the horse was torn out of his harness, even its shoes torn off by the shock, which must have been something terrific. Dr. Englebry as well as the horse he was driving must have met instant death. The doctor's head was crushed and a leg broken but his face uninjured. He was well wrapped as a protection from the storm, which served to keep the body from injury. The snow was falling and blowing at the time and it is thought he did not hear the train and if he did it was not until it was too late to avoid it.
It is claimed that the trainmen saw nothing of the rig but felt a shock but as they were late in traveling at a terrific pace it was not very noticeable.
Dr. E. J. Hill has returned to Vermillion. He has discontinued his drug and liquor practice and will devote his entire time to general practice of medicine. He may be found at the present at eight. D. Barnhart's drugstore or the Wagner hotel.
It is seldom now that accidents occur on the crossings of the railroad through town but many narrow escapes are noted. Men are on duty at the gates from early morning until 10:30 at night and frequently warn people of the approach of fast trains by calling to them. But from 10:30 on until morning there are no gatemen, and although there is but comparatively little travel, why wouldn't it be a good thing to have an all-night watchman at Grand and Division street crossings of the L. S. & M. S. Ry. Another year and one and possibly two more tracks will be put through which will render these main streets more dangerous than ever, unless over head crossings are put in, which will spoil the general appearance of the town. Only one of two other things can be done and that is to have an all night watchman at the two principal streets, or limit the speed of the fast trains through town.
The matter should be taken up as soon as possible.
[NOTE: These trains were really ripping through town back then trying to stay on schedules. Safety was not really a priority.]
Fred P. Salinger, as guardian of Valentine Fries, Jr., filed in Probate Court, Thursday an inventory of his ward’s personal estate, the total value of which is given as $172,800. The property enumerated and described was the late Valentine Fries Sr., of Fries Landing and consist o 856 shares of preferred stock 858 shares of common in the American Ship Building company; 35 shares in the Great Lakes Towing Company, 66 shares in the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, Sandusky city bonds and an insurance policy for $10,000.
Oliver F. Bronner is the plaintiff in a suit instituted in the Court of Common Pleas Monday by his attorney George Ritter, to have set apart his interest in about half an acre of land in the village of Vermilion. Bronner names as defendants, Margaret Bruns, Herman Bruns, Louis Sprankle, Amelia Sprankle, George Bronner and Henry Bronner.
County Surveyor Schultz received on Monday, and electric blue printmaker for which he placed in an order some time ago. With the machine the surveyor will be in a position the cheat Dame Nature in her gloomiest moods. In other words he will be able to make blueprints by day or night, by simply pushing a button. He will not have to wait for that heretofore essential sunlight. Now that the land appraisers are on the rounds and in need of maps or blueprints, the machinery comes in very handy.
The case of Alonso DeMaris, former motorman, against the Lake Shore of Electric Ry. Co., was to have been tried before Judge Reed in the petit jury in the Court of Common Pleas Tuesday, but the dockets shows that it had been passed out. This means that it will not be taken up until after it has been reassigned. DeMaris sues for damages in the sum of $10,000 for alleged injuries received in a wreck near Vermilion last fall.
The funeral services of Henry Brey were held on Sunday conducted by Father Watcher [sic] on Sunday. He leaves a wife and three daughters to mourn their loss.
The jury in the suit bought by C. W. Grant to recover four feet of ground valued at about $25 from Carolina Haas decided he was entitled to the property.
The funeral of Henry Berg was held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at 8:30 Monday morning, Rev. Father Wachter conducted the ceremony and the interment was made at the Catholic cemetery at South Amherst.
A secret organization known as the "Shadow" club has been organized by twelve of the Amherst dames for the purpose of discussing woman suffrage and other interesting subjects.
The funeral services of Miss Florence Stiwald were held on Friday afternoon. Miss Stiwald has suffered for five years with tuberculosis and everything has been done for her with hopes of bettering her health. She was a member of the graduating class of ‘97 of the A. H. S. And was widely respected. She leaves besides her parents two sisters and three brothers to mourn their loss.
The funeral miss May Straw was held Monday afternoon from her late home on the Ridge. The house could not accommodate her hundreds of friends who came to pay their last respects to their young friend, who had been taken so early in life. Miss Straw was of a loving disposition and counted her friends by the hundreds. Being the only child the grief of her parents is pathetic in the extreme.
Mrs. A. A. Mardoff has been quite ill being threatened with pneumonia.
The funeral of Linus Fillshon who died Friday night after a long and tedious illness of Bright’s Disease took place Monday at the M. E. Church. Mr. Fillshon leaves a widow with four children, besides other near relatives.
Mrs. James Hunt is suffering from an attack of pneumonia
Mrs. E. Blake and daughter Zelma have been quite ill with the grippe the past several weeks. Another daughter, Mrs. William Baldwin of Vermilion was here caring for them and she has been ill also.
Mrs. Jane Hurlbert, 92, died at her home in the Elyria Saturday.
The severe snowstorm of Thursday, Friday and Saturday which swept over the country was one of the worst ever experienced when the loss of life and property are considered.
Thirty-nine Ohio mayors have replied favorably to the suggestion by Mayor Samuel Eichenbaum, of Corning, that the chief executive of Ohio towns united to secure the repeal or amendment of the Rose County option law which has made two thirds of the state "dry" territory..
The obituary of the overhead electric wire with its attendant trolley pole and the underground slot system of supplying current to electric cars was written by Thomas A. Edison, according to the tradition experts who witnessed the demonstration of his new storage battery car at Orange, New Jersey.
The car, specially constructed for the new batteries is 24 feet long and carries 30 passengers. One half of the weight of an ordinary car the same size, it rides on a single track and is propelled by a straight drive. It is equipped with 210 cells arranged under the seats on both sides. Of these cells, 200 are for propulsion and 10 for lighting, with a total of force of 50 horsepower.
Edison estimates that the cost of driving the new car will be one sent a mile.
The first boat to be launched at Lorain in 1910 will be the John P. Reise, a 525 foot boat. Launching will take place Saturday noon.
Mrs. W. J. Bennett of Cleveland gave birth to a daughter while on board a fast Big Four passenger train Sunday. The baby was named Marion in honor of the first stop made.
"Uncle" John Ramsey, colored, a 119, died at the infirmary at Elyria Wednesday.
The fourteen months old daughter of Mrs. John Dobra of Amherst crawled into a pan of boiling hot water which was ready to use for floor scrubbing while her mother was out of the room and was seriously and probably fatally burned Tuesday afternoon.
On and after Monday next, until for further notice, the meat markets of Vermilion will be closed evenings, except Saturday.
The total amount of liquor tax collected in December by the treasurer was: in Vermilion $788.45.
The old and new members of the Chamber of Commerce are requested to meet at the Town Hall Wednesday evening, February 2, 1910, at 7:30. The old Chamber of Commerce will prepare for the reorganization of the Association and officers elected and other necessary business transacted. All who are interested in the welfare of this town should be present.
George B. McConnelly
Dr. Frank Edward Englebry was born at Oberlin, Ohio, April 16, 1864 and came to Vermilion with his parents at the age of five years.
After leaving the public schools Dr. Englebry took up the study of pharmacy and established himself as a druggist. He then took up the study of medicine.
He graduated from Wooster College and received his diploma as a physician, August 2, 1893 and since that time has practiced his chosen profession in Vermilion.
He was a member of several fraternal societies, including Masons, Maccabees, Modern Woodman, Woodmen of the World, Knights And Ladies Of Security and the order of Eastern Star, and was also member of the Reformed Church of this place.
The doctor was also examining physician for several fraternal order insurance societies and for a number of years had been consulting position for St. Clair Hospital, Cleveland. He was well known throughout the section of the country and his practice was large.
September 25, 1888, he was married to Miss Christina Barbara Nieding who died after having been his companion for 16 years. Three children came to bless the home, only one, Rowland surviving.
On April 17, 1907 he was married to Miss Mary Baxtine, who departed this life on March 27, 1908.
Dr. Englebry died as the result of an accident, Saturday morning January 22, 1910 age 45 years, nine months and six days.
Besides the son, the father, John A. Englebry, a stepmother, one sister, Mrs. Flynt Nichols and one brother, Charles Englebry, are left to mourn their loss.
Funeral services were held at the residence of the father, this Thursday morning at 10:30 and afterward at the Reformed Church conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. C. Pretzer assisted by Rev. J. W. H. Brown of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Internment of Maple Grove Cemetery.
The funeral service of Amos Cook was held from the Axtel Methodist Church, Wednesday at 12 o'clock, Rev. J. W. H. Brown preaching the sermon.
The deceased was born in Lincolnshire, England, February 5, 1836, and died January 21, 1910, aged 73 years, 41 months in 16 days. August 5, 1856, he was united in marriage to Eliza Rhodes. Two children were born to this union a son, William, now at Falcon, Miss., and Mrs. William Dean who resides at Axtel. The wife and mother died December 11, 1864 and in 1865, September 4, Mr. Cook was married to Miss Eliza Blackshaw, who survives him. He was a good, honest, upright man.
It will be remembered that Mr. Cook's son, who had been in the South for a number of years and is engaged in the lumber business, recently visited his aged parent.
The funeral service of William John Tisdale was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. The deceased was born in 1876 and lived near Vermilion until some five years ago since which time he has been working from the Rochester, N. Y. He died after a brief illness of only a week.
Mr. Tisdale was a member of the Ely Lodge No. 424, F. & A. M. Of this place and the Masonic order turned out in a body to attend the funeral service. Rev. J. W. H. Brown preached the sermon.
He leaves a mother, two brothers and one sister to mourn their loss.
We are glad to report to Charles Derr who has been very ill is able to be up for a short time each day.
Capt. Frank Rae left last week for a trip to Florida. He expects to stay two or three weeks.
Bert
Bert Todd had quite a shaking up Monday by falling through an opening in the floor loft while feeding cattle. Although severely bruised he expects to be about again in a few days.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hollis, Saturday, January 22, 1910 daughter.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. John Lumley, a daughter. The little one died Tuesday.
Mrs. Charles Decker is quite ill at her home in South St. Mrs. Jennings of Lorain is caring for her.
The funeral of Mrs. Haskins was held Saturday from the home of John A. Englebry in very well be at Maple Grove Cemetery.
John LeVeine, a laborer, who had rooms in a house just south of the Nickel Plate Ry., died from pneumonia and was buried the first of the week. Nothing is known concerning him. He had a brother at Pt. Clinton.
It is reported that Dr. Houghtelling of Huron, called out similarly to Dr. Englebry and the same evening had a narrow escape at a grade crossing of the Lake Shore at that place. The horse stopped and refused to cross the track. At that moment a fast train went by missing them by a narrow margin.
Ed Kishman but a separator and a manure spreader of C. W. Kishman Monday.
James Cuddeback is baling hay shipping some to Eastern markets.
Our last snowstorm blocked the number of the roads in this vicinity. Our mailman was somewhat delayed on account of it.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Hollis and daughter Saturday afternoon.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Ladrach of Nugget Ridge a daughter Saturday evening.
This heavy fall of snow has certainly made it impossible for the U.S. Mail to be delivered for some days, especially on the crossroads.
Mrs. E. J. Aubill who is still on the sick list accompanied by her husband left for their home Tuscarawas County where her many friends hope she will soon regain her health.
The body of Mrs. Erwin Mason who died at Toledo Saturday was brought to the home of her father D. J. Phelps at Huron. The funeral was held from the Presbyterian Church and interment made at McMillan Cemetery.
Hmmmmmm....
MORE STUFF FOR YOUR HISTORY NOTEBOOK:Sixty-five hundred bucks was a good deal of money back then.
…Michael McGasky, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Peter Miller, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Frank L. Meyers, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Charles McGraves, reduced from wagoner September 1, 1861; discharged February 16, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
William Marlow, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864; veteran.
George Neidle, appointed corporal September 1, 1861; reduced to ranks December 21, 1861; discharged May 17, 1862.
Rufus L, Ney, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864; veteran.
Benjamin V. Peterson, discharged January 18, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
William A. Roller, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Jacob Rinehart, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga.; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Peter Ryan, discharged April 3, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Jackson Ryan, discharged May 17, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Samuel Richy, discharged, date unknown.
Henry B. Robinson, discharged August 18, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Joshua M. Roller, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864.
Bohart Stineley, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
George Stubenhofer, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
Charles Shurley, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga.; absent, sick in hospital at Madison, Ind.; mustered out June 22, 1864, by order of war department.
Peter J. Shuster, died October 9, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.
Charles Sill, discharged May 31, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
David Steigle, wounded Dec. 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn.; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 15, 1864, by order of war department.
Philip Smith, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864.
Patrick Shunnessey, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864.
Henry Traut, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.
John E. Taylor, died January 7, 1863, of wounds received at battle of Stone River December 31, 1862.
Sylvanus F Tullis, records missing.
QUILT PART: This is a small portion of a quilt made by the ladies of Vermilion’s First Congregational Church in 1900. It was placed on display at their 200th Anniversary Luncheon several months ago.
It’s an interesting piece, but I didn’t get a terribly good pic of it (as is obvious). In this pic I was trying to see if my software could work some miracles. But even that didn’t help much.
My next-door neighbor and I frequently borrow things from each other. Not long ago, when I requested his ladder, he told me he had lent it to his son.
Recalling a saying my grandmother used to repeat, I recited, "You should never lend anything to your kids, because you will never get it back."
With that, he responded, "Tell you the truth, it's not even my ladder. It's my dad's."
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)
Vol. 15. Issue 47- January 27, 2018
Archive Issue #776
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