Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On my home desk this week is a photo of some folks many persons of my era will well remember: The cafeteria ladies at South Street School. Led by Hanna Morey they produced some of the best school lunches on Earth.
Over the years I’ve heard a lot of complaints about school food. Maybe it’s just my taste, but most of the lunches I ever had at school were good. In fact, I often replicate some of them.
I believe that all these women are gone now. But God bless them. They were good at what they did. And they seemed to enjoy their work.
On the shop’s top this week is an old pic of the house currently known as the Gilchrist House on Huron Street in Vermilion. By and large the home looks much the same today – except the women don’t wear long dresses, and the men don’t wear suits, when they sit on the porch. [If they sit there at all.]
Over the years this particular house was used as both a private residence (ergo, the Gilchrist House) and a hotel. When F.W. Wakefield first visited Vermilion he stayed here. So if anyone ever wonders why he purchased the property next door and built his beautiful Harborview home wonder no longer.
As a hotel it went through several owners. Running restaurants and hotels is a demanding business – if it’s done correctly.
THE FINALE: It’s that time of year when the weather can’t decide if it’s winter or spring. Spoiled by some really nice mild days a blast of rain, cold, sleet and snow on the Oneth of March reminded everyone who’s in charge of things. And it ain’t us human beings.
Along the river where Geo and I live the water threatened to overrun the banks – and did in some places. But it was more of a reminder (as I just indicated) of who’s in charge.
If you follow things in the “Briefs” section of the page you will note that it somewhat mirrors the weather experience in Vermilion back in 1910. The difference is that we didn’t experience the type of flooding they did.
But methinks what we experienced on Thursday was the finale for the Winter of 2017-18. Au revoir.
Historically,
SOME TIME AGO: When I look at this pic I wonder if any of these guys had any idea of where their club was heading. A century back they were just having a good time – fishing, playing cards, drinking some beer, singing and camping along the Vermilion River. Their Olympic Outing Club was just a place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city during the heat of summer.
This was their first barroom: Sloppy “Joes” Place. It was kinda’ outdoorsy. A century or so later their descendants maintain their dream – and are happy.
VERMILION’S UNIQUELY UNIQUE LUSTRON HOMES: Vermilion, Ohio once known as “The Village of Lake Captains” certainly has many beautiful old homes scattered about its streets. The homes in the Vermilion Lagoons -“The Cape Cod of Ohio” are readily admired by many tourists and sundry passers-by. And the “gigundous” homes perched on the lakeshore just west of the city may inspire awe in those of us who live in lesser spaces. But among all these great to monumental dwellings are two that are certainly among the most unique - not only in our city - but in our nation. They are Vermilion’s Lustron Homes.
Though the precise numbers vary according to which report one reads it is certain that less than 3000 Lustron Homes were ever built. While that alone might make them unusual the fact that these houses were constructed entirely of steel; fabricated in a factory; transported by truck to sites chosen by each buyer; completely assembled in but 300 - 350 man hours (again the numbers vary according to which report one reads); and that all of this took place sixty years ago; most people will agree that these homes are, to be redundantly redundant, uniquely unique.
During the 16-year span between The Great Depression (1929) and the end of WWII (1945) very few homes had been built in the U.S. Some estimate that after the war nearly six million families were sharing homes with relatives. At about the same time (1946) a Swedish-born American inventor and entrepreneur living in Ohio named Carl Strandlund (1899-1974) developed a plan to build prefabricated steel-paneled gas stations for the Standard Oil Company. To his regret, and those of his investors, he was denied access to the steel due to existing wartime restrictions regarding its use.
Not discouraged by this setback, and very conscious of the national housing shortage, Strandlund had architects develop plans for an all-steel, prefabricated, bungalow-style home. The entire home; framing, interior and exterior walls, roof trusses and tiles would be fabricated of steel. All exposed surfaces (inside and out) would have a porcelain enamel, hard, glass finish baked on to the steel panels and shingles. All models would be available with exterior color choices of pink, tan, yellow, aqua, blue, green or gray, with interior color options of beige or gray.
The houses were purported to be fireproof, decay-proof, rustproof, termite-proof, and vermin-proof. Advertisements also claimed that sunlight, salt water, or chemical fumes would not stain, fade, crack, or cause peeling of the finish. The estimated cost of each new home would run between $6000 and $10,000 (lot not included).
Given the dire shortage of new housing after the war, married to the statistics regarding these low-maintenance, ultramodern homes it should be of little surprise to anyone that the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), a federal agency created some years earlier to jump-start America’s economy, helped finance Mr. Strandlund’s enterprise by giving him a $12.5 million loan.
Leasing half of the 1.2 million square foot Curtiss-Wright Aircraft plant in Columbus, Ohio Strandlund set-up his assembly line Lustron (house manufacturing) Corporation. The name “Lustron” was derived from Mr. Strandlund’s observation that the enamel coating on the steel could be said to give it a “luster”. These prefabricated, ready-to-assemble homes (like the one pictured) were shipped in 3000 piece units on a specially designed truck (inset photo). The year was 1948.
Twenty-one months, and somewhat less than 3000 homes, later the Lustron Corporation was no more. Tooling the factory had been more difficult and, consequently, more expensive than anticipated. Also continual cost overruns and production problems seriously hampered the operation culminating in the foreclosure of the corporation by the RFC.
In truth, Strandlund’s Lustron all-steel house was, like the legendary Preston Tucker’s automobile and perhaps even the Lake Shore Electric interurban transportation system, an idea ahead of its time. Political and economic forces combined to oppose the concept - however practical - so vigorously that the proverbial “baby was tossed out with the bath water”.
In Vermilion proof of the extreme viability, stability, and longevity of Strandlund’s Lustron concept sits along a quiet street near South Street School, while another is comfortably situated among the quaint cottage homes in Vermilion’s Elberta Beach. Many Lustrons are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All of them should be. For they’re all uniquely unique.
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...
Sunday it rained all day and the melting of the snow combined with the rain caused a breakup in the river about midnight Sunday night. The ice jammed at The Driscoll Fish houses. When this jam broke it took the Ames and J.H. Driscoll with it. The Ames was stopped at the Leidheiser Co.’s Plant, but the J.H. Driscoll was carried down as far as the Water-works pumping station where the ice which had become jammed again below, stopped it. Then followed a remarkable occurrence; the Driscoll struck the jam and swung around up to the dock at the pumping station and was secured – it couldn’t have been done any better if the crew had been aboard with steam up. So far as can be ascertained no damage was done either boat.
The Pleitz was lifted and crowded ashore just above the Leidheiser Bros. Fish house, but otherwise no damage was done to the boats. The lower end of the dock at the Kishman’s Fish house was damaged considerably and it is believed the supports were carried away by the ice.
Other docks were somewhat damaged.
Up the river it is reported that at Mill Hollow the ice has covered the flats completely and the road is covered with from 4 to 10 feet deep with ice. It is said that it is the greatest pile-u since ’76.
Reports from other towns and cities tell of great damage done by the floods.
Mr. John Sala, pastor of the Church of Christ at Elyria for the past eight years as resign. He gives as his reason that the associations with the town are sad to him on account of the loss of a son and injury of his wife in the terrible wreck on the "Green Line" in that city, also he believes it is his duty to go elsewhere. He has been successful in his work, the membership of the Elyria church being about 200 when he took charge. It is now 600. The Sunday school, which formally numbered 100 now has 400 members. A new church is been built during his pastorate.
Office of the Board of Trustees of public affairs.
Sealed bids were received up to 12 o'clock noon Central Standard time of Friday, March 25, 1910 by the Board of Trustees of public affairs of the village of Vermilion, Ohio, for the performance of labor required to lay an extension of approximately 1500 feet of 6 inch pipe extending from the east end of the water main on Water Street to Linwood Park gate. Pipe to be laid 4 feet undercover, and the Board of Trustees to furnish all material. Specifications may be had on application to the A. E. Beeckel, clerk of board, contract to be completed by May 1, 1910. Board reserves the right to reject any and or all bids. By order of the Trustees Of Public Affairs.
C. A. Trinter, Pres.
A. E. Beeckel, clerk.
Markers or headstones have been placed in Maple Grove Cemetery, through the H. G. Delker Post, G. A. R. For the following deceased soldiers:
John Tisdale, Company K, 23 0. V. I. Enlisted June 11, 1861; mustard out July 6, 1864. Born 1840, died 1898, age 58 years old.
Percy Brush, Company. I. 193 0. V. I. Enlisted Feb. 24, 1865; died April 3, 1865 at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. Born 1841. Age 24 years.
Daniel Barber, Company K, 29th Regiment O. V. I. Enlisted Sept. 23, 1864; mustered out June 19, 1865. Born 1821. Died 1885. Age 64 years.
James E. Lee, Company G. 128 Regiment O. V. I. Enlisted August 18, 1864. Mustard out Jan. 13, 1865, at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. Born October. 11, 1834; at Baltimore M. Died Jan 18, 1893. Age 58 years.
John Bassett, 19th Ohio Battery. Born at Lancaster, PA., April 28, 1822. Died April 7, 1882. Age 60 years.
Abraham Westfall, war of 1812. Born 1792. Died nine, 1864. Age 68 years.
William Murray, Company I. First Regt. Del. V. I. Born November 20, 1822. Died July 3, 1890, age 68 years.
Ira Edson Durand, Private of Capt. Watson C. Squires Company 7th Regiment Independent Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters. Enrolled on the 11th day of October 1862. Mustared out July 28, 1865. Born 1834. Died October 1869. Age 35 years.
Wilson C. Kenneth, Company K. 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Born 1841 at Springboro PA. Died August 23, 1901 at Vermilion, Ohio. Age 60 years.
Theodore Curtis, Company F, 108 0. V. I. Mustared in at camp Cleveland December 21, 1863. Mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 13, 1865. Born November 12, 1844. Died April 28, 1891. Age 53 years.
Alonzo S. Pelton, Company F. 128 0. V. I. Enlisted Sept. 23rd, 1864; mustered out June 19, 1865. Born 1838. Died in 1908. Age 70 years.
Sidney Sherod, Company F. 128 O.V.I. Enlisted Aug 19, 18 1863. Mustered out July 13, 1865. Born 1833. Died 1908. Age 75 years.
Wilson S. Crum, Company G. 72nd Regiment O. V. I. enlisted October 25, 1861; taken prisoner June 11, 1864; mustered out August 7, 1865. Born 1837. Died 1908. Age 69 years.
Solomon C. Joyce, Company K. 13 Regiment Michigan V. Infantry; enlisted in January 17, 1862; mustard out 18th 65. Born 1824. Died 1907. Age 83 years.
It will be noted that there is one veteran of the war of 1812. There is also one Revolutionary war veteran named Wordsworth buried in the cemetery but his record and identity, accepting his name is unknown. Several of the headstones have not been put in place but at the cemetery and will be properly placed as soon as weather permits.
[NOTE: For historians this is a valuable reference.]
The Rogers damage case against the Green Line came to a sudden halt on Thursday when Judge Wanamaker took the case from the jury and directed a verdict for the plaintiff.
The case grew out of personal injury sustained by Rogers, who was burned by electricity at Birmingham one year ago last fall. Rogers went into the Dynamo room at the Birmingham station wet, came in contact with one of the dynamos and was badly burned by the current.
A sign over the door warned all people not to enter the power station. The court held that the plaintiff must have known that it was dangerous to enter the place that he had no business whatever in the place.
Too many people give way to their curiosity and enter places where dangerous manufacturing machinery is in operation, but this is the first case to come to our notice where a damage suit resulted from an injured man's own carelessness.
– Elyria telegram.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Kalindo, a daughter, Saturday, February 26.
Wm. Leimbach has sold his moving pictures house at Vermilion to parties who will convert it into business rooms.
A government inspector was here sent Saturday looking after the different brands of poultry food being dispensed by local dealers. Two or three brands were found that Uncle Sam had not passed on and samples taken accordingly for inspection.
The condition of Cyril Cheevers is reported very serious.
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Schmidt of South Amherst are rejoicing over the arrival of a son.
Earl Harris sold a load of corn in Amherst Saturday for 40c a basket.
Charley Baldwin delivered a fine horse the parties in Lorain one day last week.
A young man in our neighborhood thought he would take advantage of the fine sleighing. So he rigged up an old cutter, got a partner and started for Birmingham. Well everything went lovely until he came to the electric car track, then lo and behold the slide of the cutter that his partner was on, broke and the partner went into a snowdrift. The young man hung to his side of the cutter as long as there was anything left, but there were pieces strewn all along the road for some distance. The young man borrowed an old buggy to come home in, but he hasn't seen his partner since, but we think that the partner got out all okay.
It keeps the men very busy cleaning the ice from the roads in Mill Hollow where the river overflowed. This is twice that the river has been on rampage this winter.
James Cuddeback has a force of men putting in piers at C. Alheits.
Albert Kishman is shipping apples to the Cleveland markets.
We soon expect a new tenant on the Miller farm.
Albert Kuhl was reported on the sick list.
C. Alheit sold a valuable cow to Ed Nieding of Brownhelm last Wednesday.
The creeks in this vicinity were very high Sunday on account of rains and melting snow, but no damages reported so far.
The fishing season opens March 15. The supply of frozen fish is getting scarce and will probably be disposed of by that date.
Mrs. A. C. Phillips of Albert Les, Minn. is spending the week among relatives and friends in Vermilion.
W. M. Foster of Iron River, Michigan has rented the shop near the rear of the Wells building and will establish a bottling works. He expects to commence business about April 1st.
We are glad to report Mrs. Alvira Bradley considerably better than she was last week.
Mrs. Henry Heinz visited her husband at St. Joseph's Hospital Lorain last Sunday. He is getting along as well as can be expected.
Dr. B. B. Buell and family of Cleveland took up their residence this week the H. Nieding house recently vacated by Mrs. Cora Pelton.
We are glad to report that Mrs. Derr, who has been very ill for the past several weeks is recovering. She is still unable to be up but her improvement is reported steady.
Mrs. Gilbert who is been very ill at her home in Lorain for several weeks is reported convalescing. It will be remembered that Mrs. Gilbert was frightened by a burglar early in the winter and jumped from a second-story window at her home.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Rathbun were in Cleveland visitors Thursday.
The Driscoll fish tug "Comet" was launched at Lorain Saturday and will be brought to Vermilion as soon as possible.
There will be a St. Patrick's social at the M. E. Church parlors on Friday evening, March 18. Admission 10c.
Chas Heidloff was in Cleveland Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. Heidloff and son accompanied him to their home. The latter has about recovered from a recent operation and his parents are much pleased with the result.
The band concert Tuesday evening was a very pleasant affair. The hall was filled to its capacity the audience greeted the band warmly. Some of the numbers on the programs were exceptionally fine. The trombone solo by Charles Horton especially.
No information has been received as yet in regard to the library mentioned two weeks ago.
The evangelical church is undergoing repairs and services will be held in the Town Hall for the present.
For a few hours Sunday night it looked as though a great deal of damage might be done by ice and water but ice broke out without any damage to speak of.
Mrs. W Houseman spent Tuesday at Elyria.
Our Exchange is doing a flourishing business operated by Mr. Housman formerly of Vermilion.
Mrs. Amelia Flemings died last Thursday night, was buried Saturday. Mrs. Fleming leaves seven children to mourn their loss one brother and two sisters, also several grandchildren. She was born in Florence Township and this place had been her home all her life. She was nearly 70 years old. The funeral services were held at the M. E. Church Rev. Rupert delivered the funeral sermon.
Mrs. Fleming has been a great sufferer in her last illness and has held the deepest sympathy of all who knew her.
Mrs. George Kohl died Sunday night after a long painful illness. Funeral Services took place Wednesday.
Parmelia Wilson Fleming was born in Florence Township near Birmingham, April 29, 1840 and died February 24, 1910, at the age of 69 years, nine months, 25 days. She was united in marriage to George Fleming in 1855 being but 15 years old at the time.
They had lived their entire life in and about Birmingham.
Twelve children were born to them, seven boys and five girls, two boys and three girls passed into the great beyond very early in life.
She united with the Birmingham M. E. Church in March 1907. Taking into consideration her circumstance she was a mother to be commended for her interest and welfare in others, always ready to do and care for those who might be dependent.
Funeral service was held on Saturday at 1:30 PM from the church, conducted by Rev. A. G. Rupert.
Hmmmmmm....
…William S. Wickham, second lieutenant; transferred from company D, June I, 1863 ; transferred to company B.
Walter W. Thomas first sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant March 15, 1862, but not mustered ; died April 2, 1862, at Grafton, Va.
Henry B. Warren, first sergeant; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; appointed first sergeant from corporal January 1, 1864; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant October 28, 1864; veteran.
David. A. Warren, first sergeant; appointed corporal April 10, 1862; sergeant October 27, 1862; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; appointed first sergeant October 28, 1864; wounded March 19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville, N. C.; discharged July 3, 1865, at De Camp Hospital, N.Y.; veteran.
Alonzo Keeler, sergeant; appointed corporal October 1, 1862; sergeant, January i, 1864; mustered out with company July 1l, 1865; veteran.
James Hartney, sergeant; appointed corporal January 1,1864; sergeant, October 28, 1864 ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.
Robert Young, sergeant; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.
Azenia A. Nichols, sergeant; appointed corporal January i, 1864; sergeant May I, 1865; mustered out with company July il, 1865; veteran.
William H. Long, sergeant; appointed from corporal October 16, 1861; discharged October 22, 1862, at , N. J.
James Young, sergeant; discharged April i, 1863, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Charles C. Lowe, corporal; appointed corporal July 11, 1864; mustered out with the regiment July 11, 1865; veteran.
Andrew W. Clawson, corporal; appointed corporal November 7, 1864; mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.
Henry J. Fay, corporal; captured May 8, 1862, in battle of McDowell, Va.; exchanged; appointed corporal January 6, 1865; mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.
Jonathan Welch, jr., corporal; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; November 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn.; appointed corporal May i, 1865; mustered out with company July 11,1865; veteran.
Francis M. Nichols, corporal; appointed corporal May 1, 1865; mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.
Charles G. Drake, corporal; appointed corporal; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C., by order of war department
Myron Gregory, corporal; appointed corporal; wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.; captured September 28, 1864; mustered out May 20, 1865 by order of war department; veteran.
Albert G. Barenett, corporal; appointed corporal November 4, 1862;
YANKEE DIVISION: This is a pic of “Joe 2” at the Vermilion History Museum. The helmet Joe’s wearing is an authentic combat helmet from WW1 that belonged to my father. It’s real hard to see, but the insignia on it is that of the Yankee Division. My father was a Private in the artillery. Joe’s tunic is also authentic, and so are his leather leggings. His “dog tags” (not visible) are also those of my dad.
My dad grew up in Portland Maine.
When I was very young I used to get into his stuff and play with things. One of those things was a gas mask. It, unfortunately, did not survive my games.
THE TWENTY-SIXTH DIVISION: The "Yankee Division," as it was known - was organized from National Guard troops of all the New England States, except a small draft of recruits from the 76th Division used as replacements just prior to the departure of the Twenty-Sixth overseas. In the great majority of units, however, the strength was composed exclusively of volunteer State troops (as in the 101st Machine Gun Battalion); it comprised organizations whose military history in many instances dated back to Colonial or Revolutionary times. The Division was formed pursuant to telegraphic authority of the War Department on August 13, 1917.
Negotiations between union members and their employer were at an impasse. The union denied that their workers were flagrantly abusing their contract's sick-leave provisions.
One morning at the bargaining table, the company's chief negotiator held aloft the morning edition of the newspaper, "This man," he announced, "called in SICK yesterday!" There on the sports page, was a photo of the supposedly ill employee, who had just won a local golf tournament with an excellent score.
The silence in the room was broken by a union negotiator. "Wow," he said. "Think of what kind of score he could have had if he hadn't been sick!"
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 52-March 3, 2018
Archive Issue #781
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant