Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On my home desk this week is a pic of the door to the future. At least it was for many young people who grew up in Vermilion from the late 20s to the turn of the 21st century. It is, of course, the east entrance to South Street School.
The school officially opened its doors to the upper six grades (approximately 250 pupils) in the system for the 1927-28 school year at a cost of $245,000. The graduating class class of 1927 used the school's new auditorium for their graduation exercises before the official school opening. This building contained an auditorium/gymnasium, a home economics department, cafeteria, a school shop, a science laboratory, and numerous other amenities not contained in the old State Street facility. In addition to this the school property also featured an athletic field and room for several baseball diamonds. It was, to
At about the same time all the rural schools were closed. Six motorized busses had been purchased to transport some 200 children in from the country each day. And then, sometime in the mid-1930's, Vermilion's education board determined the facilities in the State Street School to be inadequate for the lower grades and South Street School was enlarged. Early autumn of 1939 found all Vermilion students housed in a single building once again. The State Street building would never be used as a school again.
Currently (2018) an oriental fella owns the facility, now called the Vermilion Technical Institute, concentrating in training electricians.
On the shoptop this week is an early pic of the area now recognized as the Vermilion Lagoons. As one can see there weren’t many homes in the development when this photo was taken. My guess would be that it was taken in the 1930s or very early 40s. You will also note the absence of the seawall at the mouth of the harbor along with the old maritime signal that took the place of the old light.
It’s an interesting photograph.
VERMILIONITE RAY BEURSKEN: stopped in the other day and gave me some interesting documents. Ray, as some might recall, was Vermilion Postmaster back in the 1990s. I believe he was the last Vermilion native to hold that post. Those who followed are from out-of-town.
Anyway Ray gave me a copy of a list of past Vermilion Postmasters that he compiled after he took the post. I doubt is there is another list like it in town.
He also gave me a booklet printed by the Ohio Department of Health – Division of Vital Statistics. It lists the “Estimated Population of Counties, Cities, and Villages in Ohio”. It was printed in 1961. It is another valuable document – historically.
Historically,
VERMILION DAY 1939: Pictured here is a very unusual poster invitation to the people of Vermilion Village to enjoy a day at the Olympic Outing Club on Sunday July 16, 1939.
The poster was not printed by the News. It was likely printed in Cleveland where the members lived.
The “Ball Game” advertised was probably between some Vermilion guys and Olympic Club members. The guys would get dressed up in crazy costumes and play.
I don’t know who comprised the “Olympic Quartet” but I’d be willing to be their grandsons and granddaughters are still singing during club activities.
I especially like the artwork on the poster. It is the Olympic Club.
HAPPY EASTER 1954: The portrait accompanying this week’s essay is more than likely irrelevant to most readers. However, I hope that many folks have (somewhere) either a similar photograph in their family album or, at least, similar memories in their memory banks. That’s because, for me, this photo is precious. It was taken 64 years ago inside Vermilion’s First Congregational Church (currently Millet’s Auction House) next to the old Town Hall building.
Every year when Easter comes I am taken back to the time these shadows were forever frozen by local photographer Harold Ludlow’s camera. In 1954 the church had, as should be obvious, a fair-sized Junior Choir. The youngsters therein pictured ranged in age from about 8 to 12 or 13 years. Among them were some of my friends, relatives and acquaintances when I was 10 years old.
If I had to guess I would say that the choir is singing an old hymn called “Up From The Grave He Arose”. Widely used in hymnals of various Christian denominations a Baptist preacher named Robert Lowry composed the hymn in 1874. I mention this and attribute / relate it to what is being sung in the photo because it is one of which 1.) I especially like, and 2.) I know for a fact that it was part of this choir’s – of which I was a part – regular Easter repertoire. I like the piece so much that I still sing it (but alone in the shower).
Easter Sunday in 1954 fell on April 18th. It was a relatively warm day. The sun was shining. The birds were birding. The grass was greening. And the daffodils were blooming. I woke early. My dad had fixed his specialty; an egg omelet wrapping in catsup for breakfast; I ate and readied for church. Please note that I had three older sisters who also attended church, and we had but one bathroom. So “getting ready” actually required a good deal of aforethought on everyone’s part. But anyway, I put on my new light gray suit, went out to the garden, picked a daffodil, fastened it to the buttonhole on my jacket, and hurried off to church with my buddies, and neighbors, Jake and Tom Boone. They were also choir members.
We liked to get to church early to get our choir robes on early and talk with other members of the choir as they arrived. I also liked to watch a well-known Vermilionite named P.B. Morgan as he pulled the rope that rang the old Revere church bell that called people to church. Mr. Morgan was a rather slight fellow, and I liked to watch because I thought that the day might come when the rope to the bell would pull him up into the belfry as it recoiled. Fortunately for him, and unfortunately for me, that never happened. But I kept an eye on him anyway.
In 1954 many people, especially the ladies, purchased new apparel for Easter. So scattered throughout the congregation were numerous mothers and daughters literally providing a pastel colored rainbow of fine bonnets and dresses for the choir. Overall there was a very palpable air of excitement amongst the lily-scented congregation as well as the choir. The weather and the hymn we sang on that day could not have been more perfect for the event celebrated.
Looking over this portrait taken that day I am able to name and vividly remember many, but not all, those who are pictured: Jake Boone, Tom Boone, Jacques Jeffery, Carol Radde, Susie Hodgson, Karen Moeller, Glen Owen, Bobby Braden, Susie Rathbun, Linda Russell, Carol Idol, Judy Fisher, Janet Lindsay (my cousin), Zella Tarrant (my sis), Noreen Welch (another cousin), Judy Shaw, Patty Tokar, Mary Ellen Martinek, Judy Creel, and Cheryl Fisher. The choir director was a lady named Bertha Wood. I, of course, am also in the group. I don’t know all the married names of the girls so I didn’t use them. But many of them still reside in the Vermilion area.
In doing a bit of research about the aforementioned hymn I came across a man named Dr. C. Michael Hawn who is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. In discussing the hymn he, like myself, calls it a favorite of his childhood. He says, “Not only do I recall singing it on Easter Sunday morning…I also recall crouching low during the stanzas and jumping up suddenly at the beginning of the refrain.”
And here I thought it was only me. Happy Easter!
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...
Back taxes covering a period of three years and amounting, all told, to $3541.29 will be collected from the estate of Anna R. Wiggins, who died about a year ago at Vermilion. The commissioners considered the case Thursday and decided to make demand for payment upon Harriet L. Edson, of Vermilion, Administratrix of the Wiggins estate. Of the total amount to be paid into the county treasury, the county and state will receive their proportionate shares after there has been placed to the credit of the Village of Vermilion and the Vermilion School district, a total of $2800.
Mayor Williams of Vermilion, was before the commissioners Tuesday and pressed the claim of the village and school district for that amount after going into details of the case with auditor Deist it seemed that the attention of the Vermilion council was directed to the matter some time ago and that it was officially considered Monday night. The mayor was authorized to look out for the interests of the village.
When Anna R. Wiggins moved to Vermilion from Bayonne, N. J., In June 1906, she was supposed to be a woman in but moderate circumstances. She always happened to be away from Vermilion when the assessor made his rounds and accordingly was never questioned. When she died, however, it was found necessary to administer her estate in Erie County probate court. Her property was listed and duly certified. It consisted of Manhattan Beach, Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Railroad and Standard Oil stock, in addition to considerable personal and real property. The whole was appraised at $65,000. When, in the process of administration, the case was brought to the attention of the auditor Deist, the latter found that no taxes had ever been paid, notwithstanding the fact that Mrs. Wiggins had been a resident of Erie County for more than three years. A formal demand for the payment of the amount claimed by the county, will be made just as soon as auditor Deist certifies the debt to the treasurer Kerber. The administration tricks, it is understood, will settle promptly. – Register.
Judge Richards has granted a divorce to Orval J. Welch, a highly respected young man of West Clarksville, from his wife, Ava M. Welch. The decree was granted on the charge of adultery. Mrs. Welch is the daughter of Dr. George Stroup of Elyria.
An Elyria man who does not wish to his name published, is authority for renewed report that Oak Point is to be the terminal point of a canal, work on which is to be started the spring.
He was in New York recently and met a canal contractor, who during the conversation asked him how far Elyria was from Oak Point.
He also stated that he had a contract to dig a canal at Oak Point expected to start work there in a short time.
It is been impossible to determine what the immense amount of property has been bought or leased for at this point, as the promoters have withdrawn appropriation suits rather than disclose in court what they intend to construct. – Elyria Telegram.
Robert Greene, the horse thief who committed a murderous assault on turnkey Van Dusen at Elyria last week, seems to have made good his escape. The eight day hunt was abandoned Monday. Mr. Van Dusen is slightly improved at Memorial hospital but it still seems improbable that he will recover.
Mrs. James Hunt is reported very ill.
Miss Lucas will succeed Mr. Lowery who recently resigned his position of teacher in the high school.
The churches were very pretty Sunday with decorations of beautiful flowers and plants in the spirit of Easter time predominated in the services.
A large class was confirmed at St. Peter's church Sunday.
Fire broke out in the Sabiers’ home on Saturday evening the fire department was called and the blaze extinguished.
Frank Lassen has resigned his position with the Green Line and accepted one as traveling salesman for the Refus Packing Co.
Miss Rose Full was called to Vermilion Monday on account of the serious illness of her mother.
The funeral services of Adam Eckler of Brownhelm were held from the Brownhelm German M. E. Church on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Eckler leaves a wife and one daughter. Mrs. Adam Northeim of Amherst to a mourn their loss.
The repairs on Evangelical church have been completed and the interior presents a very neat appearance.
Dorothy Bechloff the five-year-old daughter of Mayor Bechloff was operated on at St. Luke's hospital last week for a growth in her nose. She is getting along nicely.
The sugar supper which was given by the church at Henrietta on Tuesday evening was not well attended owing to it not being generally known.
Mrs. Sanders return home last Sunday from Henrietta where she has been staying with her brother and family during his sickness.
Edith Cook, 17-year-old daughter of Mrs. Geo W. Cook of Oberlin died Monday at the Elyria hospital from injuries received by a fall from a horse, Sunday afternoon she with her brother went to the home of a married sister about 2 miles from Oberlin and attempted to ride the horses. The horse Miss Cook was on was considered gentle but was frightened and a few jumps threw her off. She struck on the back of her head suffering a fracture at the base of the brain.
Charles Wagner, the barber, returned from Vermilion River Thursday night with the prettiest string of black bass which have been brought into the city by a fisherman in some time.
There were seventeen of the finny tribe and they ranged in weight from two to three and one half pounds.
“Ain’t old Wag, the foxy cuss," remarked a young man with bulging eyes as he reviewed the catch and thought of the times he had whipped the stream without securing a single twike [sic]. – Tel.
Charles Johnson is still looking for a good farm to buy.
C. Trinter was in the vicinity Tuesday looking after his real estate business.
Our old friend Billy Paul motorman of the Lake Shore Electric has gone to farming near Milan.
A small cyclone passed through the park Tuesday afternoon blowing over outhouse houses and breaking windows.
Miss Elsie Hahn has so far recovered from diphtheria as to be able to be out. The quarantine was lifted yesterday.
Mrs. Charles Decker who has been ill for several weeks remains about the same.
Mr. B. F. Horton continues a great sufferer.
Mr. Miles Edson's condition remains unchanged.
Mrs. Derr is recovering slowly from her illness.
Dutch measles is making its annual rounds and several are indulging in in this form of amusement this week.
Ray B. Washburn, who was injured February 4, 1910 has received full settlement March 24th for 14 days total and six days partial disability from the Woodman Accident Association.
Word reached here this week of the death of one of the nine-month-old twins of Mr. and Mrs. James Collins at their home in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Collins was formerly Miss Kate Tierney and her Vermilion friends will be sorry to learn of bereavement.
A family of Italians have rented the Carey house on South Street and are now at home in it.
Leroy Hasbrook, Elkhart Indiana, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Harris, of Vermilion had an experience about a month ago which he does not care to have repeated during his lifetime. The story runs thus:
While on his way home from work about 11 o'clock one beautiful evening in February, whistling as was his wont, he was accosted by an apparition, tall, bony frame, while extending his hand and said “Will you take shake hands?" Roy extended his hand and grasped empty air. To say he was “scared" is putting it mildly. He ran to his home a short distance away, and fell fainting at the threshold. An illness followed, from which he has not fully recovered. The street from Roy's home to the Lake Shore shops where he is employed leads by the Elkhart Cemetery and it was while passing the cemetery that the apparition appeared. Several others claim to have met with a similar experience and vouch for the truth of the story. Ray has always scouted [sic] (discounted) the idea of ghosts but at present does not feel quite so sure. It took a great deal of tact and patience on the part of Mrs. Hasbrook to convince him that his hair had not turned white.
Council meeting Monday night. The Lake Shore Franchise and other business of interest will come up.
This noon the marshal gathered in a “hobo" who was making life miserable for the ladies at the East end of town.
Two laborers on the Lake Shore Railway were arrested Sunday for drunkenness. Monday, Mayor Williams assessed them each $1.00 and costs.
Valentine S. Leimbach born July 12, 1859 died March 19, 1910, aged 50 years, eight months and seven days. Early Friday morning March 18, while helping with the chores, Mr. Leimbach was taken with a severe pain in his breast. A doctor was called and all done that mortal hands could do to relieve the suffering but without avail, and Saturday at 4:30 AM after 22 hours of pain the Master sent the final summons. A postmortem revealed a rupture in the heart. It was a severe shock to the whole community. Funeral services were held at the house and at the Brownhelm church, Rev.s Fuessner of Amherst and Hyle of Oberlin officiating. Interment was made in the Mr. Leimbach had lived in Brownhelm
all his life except three years spent in Michigan and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends. He leaves a wife, four sons, three daughters, one brother, Peter Leimbach of Vermilion and two sisters, Mrs. A. Holl and Mrs. J. Werner of Amherst.
Hmmmmmm....
…Charles H. Lockwood; reduced to ranks from corporal; discharged March 29, 1863, at Brook’s Station, Va., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John R. Myer; killed July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.
John Myer; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
Mathias Mackin; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
Thaddeus Mackin; wounded May 15, 1864 in battle of Resaca, Ga.; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
John Mills; drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C. , by order of war department.
Joseph McMorris; drafted; died February 4, 1865, at Savannah, Ga.
William C. McGee; substitute; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
David McGuckin; discharged September 6, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Samuel McGuckin; killed August 30, 1862, in battle at Bull Run, Va.
Jacob Mitchell; killed July 3, 1863, in battle at Gettysburg, Pa.
John Noisot; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C , by order of war department.
Albert Niles; captured October 30, 1864; discharged May 20, 1865, at Columbus, O., by order of war department; veteran.
Frederick Overman; substitute; died April 6, 1865, at Geer House General Hospital, Wilmington, N. C.
Williston Osborn; discharged October 5, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Cyrus M. Osier; discharged February 6, 1863, at Alexandria, Va., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John C. Purdy; mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.
Samuel P. Powell; drafted; discharged May 24, 1865, at D e Camp Hospital, New York, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
William M. Parks; discharged October 27, 1862, at Alexandria, Va., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
George W. Plue; discharged September 4, 1862, at Alexandria, Va., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John P. Patterson; died March 6, 1862, at Grafton, Va.
William E. Pollock; killed July 3, 1863, in battle at Gettysburg, Pa.
Jackson N. Pinney; transferred to Eighty-fourth Company, Second Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps, March 8, 1864.
Henry C. Pinney; transferred to One Hundred and Fourteenth Company, Second Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps, December 9, 1863.
John Ruckle; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D.C., by order of war department.
Lewis Roberts; discharged May 19, 1865, at Grant General Hospital, New York, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
ANOTHER WIDE ANGLE:The wide-angle pix of Beulah Beach that appeared in the last two issue of “VV” moved me to begin thinking about several that my grandfather had taken in and around Vermilion.
The one above – a scene along the Vermilion River – is one. Originally a BW image I like it so much I thought I’d try adding a bit of color to it. It’s a tad sloppy, but it’s my first time trying to do color in detail from black and white.
I think that it was taken on the east side of the river looking north. The rail bridges may have been around the turn in the river to the left
Anyway I have several more to show ye in the future.
The manager of a large office noticed one of his department heads had hired a new man, so the boss called him into his office for a little orientation speech.
"What is your name?" he asked. "John," the new guy replied.
The manager scowled, "Look, I don't know what kind of place you worked at before, but I don't call anyone by their first name. It breeds familiarity and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my employees by their last names only - Smith, Jones, Baker - that's all. I am to be referred to only as Mr. Robertson.
Now that we got that straight, what is your last name?" The new guy sighed and said, "Darling.
John Darling." "Okay, John, the next thing I want to tell you is..."
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. 16. Issue 4 - March 31, 2018
Archive Issue #785
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