Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On my shoptop this week is a pic of a sixth grade class at Vermilion’s State Street School in 1922. The class actually graduated from VHS in 1929. (I don’t know who dated the pic.)
I found it hard to recognize many of the members of this class in 1922 – but I did recognize three of them: my aunt Alice Roscoe-Lindsay (the 5th little gal from the left in the middle row); Harold Rathbun (the last little fella in the 2nd row standing on the far right); and former Vermilion Attorney and Postmaster Tom Williams (the 5th boy from the right standing in the 2nd row). I don’t know who the boy with the shiner is standing at the left end of the 2nd row.
That little guy is the reason this photograph caught my attention. It’s hard not to wonder exactly how he received the injury. I wonder what the other kid looked like?
On my home desk this week is an unusual pic of the Vermilion River when the place some now know as “Cloudy’s Ferry” still existed on the east bank.
As nice as this area appears today it had some appeal before it was developed. I doubt that today’s environmentalists would have allowed the change it underwent.
Though I write of these times as though they were wonderful do not be mistaken: there were problems. The swampy area was not 100% healthy for those who lived in or near it. And travel was likely very miserable most times: ergo the ferry franchise etc.
Nonetheless, I find pix such as these mesmerizing.
PREEMPTING (I THOUGHT): On Friday we switched Internet servers from Century (telephone) to Spectrum (cable). Trusting soul that I am I wrote this piece before the change because I’m never certain how things are going to work after the change. (It’s the same reason I continually run back-ups on my computers.)
Our email address will then be different at the museum. But my personal museum email address will be the same. I’ve been using Google for email for some time now – both at the museum and sometimes at home as well.
All the articles I write for the local paper are accomplished digitally. I write them at home and email them to the paper. About a year or so ago I began having problems with the Century email server. I’d send the article and they wouldn’t be received. But since beginning to use Google I’ve not had that problem.
UPDATE: Nobody ever showed. Now ain’t that always the way???
Historically,
YOUNG BILL: Some folks will readily recognize this face. But for those who don’t – it is William Howard “Bill” Ream.
This is a 3rd grade pic. I’ve not seen him for a number of years, but I’m sure he’s taller. Bill was a good friend and classmate. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He is the son of a popular Vermilion H.S. teacher Howard “Doc” and his wife Helen Ream.
A few years after this pic was taken I was one of several young guys who were at his home on Perry Street (when he lived north of Liberty) the morning we heard about the untimely deaths of the “Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens in a plane crash near Clear Lakes, Iowa. It was a big deal to a lot of kids.
Years later Bill, who currently lives in Florida, would encourage me to put together my first webpage with pix of our hometown. That page still exists and is available in the links section of this page.
SATURDAY APRIL 15, 1865: If I rant and rave (and I do) about the need for primary educators to continue to teach cursive writing to young people the photograph accompanying this essay is at least “one” of the reasons.
My great-grandfather, Caselton Roscoe, was born in Townsend, Huron County, Ohio in 1836. He came of age in North Milan where he and his 2nd wife Helen (Forster) lived until her death in 1906. At that time he moved to Vermilion where he lived with his son, Pearl and daughter-in-law Bessie, who owned and operated the local weekly newspaper / print shop.
Caselton, like his father, was a farmer as well as a carpenter / millwright. In 1904 he worked on and supervised the building of a home and print shop for his children on the east side of Grand Street just a few door south of the Lake Shore & Michigan-Southern railroad tracks where he died in 1918.
Aside from his work as a carpenter he was also a musician. It was a skill that served him well throughout his life. When a young man he played his fiddle for many a dance in the Milan area. Joining the Army (Company K, 67th Regiment of the OVI) during the American Civil War – a war he referred to as the “Rebellion” – he was a “fifer” leading the troops from terrible destination to terrible destination. But don’t be misled. The life a Civil War musician wasn’t all treble clefs and drumsticks. During combat, they also worked as field medics and ambulance drivers, running onto contested battlefields and dragging the wounded off for medical treatment. And so it is no real surprised that in June of 1864 he would write in one his many diaries, “Hoping this cruel War will soon be over, the sight of so much bloodshed and mangled bodies, makes me sick. I am sick of War.” What is somewhat surprising is that his diaries, along with sundry letters, drawings, tintype and ambrotype photographs, as well as numerous other artifacts from his brief sojourn on our planet still exist for us to inspect.
Thus, when I rant and rave about the continued need for primary educators to continue to teach cursive to our children, I do so because it will give them the ability to engage in not just reading about historical matters and memorizing memorial dates and places in textbooks. It may very well afford them the rare opportunity to read and hopefully understand who their ancestors were, how they saw the world, and what they thought of it in their own words.
Speaking for myself I have on occasion been asked, for instance, to describe the social climate in places like Vermilion during the Vietnam War years. Having been very much a part of that history I can say with some certainty that they were less frantic than some films and history books might lead one to think. The point is that persons who have not lived during, or were too young to remember a certain era in our history are curious. Thus, at least to myself, my grandfather’s diaries are relevant.
One case in point is evidenced by the April 15, 1865 passage in my grandfather’s diary (pictured): “Milan Ohio – went over to Berlinville to sale with hazen [sic] Horner – walked back to town and then came home. After supper went up to town staid [sic] untill [sic] half past eight in evening and came home. News of the assassination of Lincoln. Baird staid [sic] all night with me.”
For whatever reason, I expected a more emotional entry than the one I found. Although very little is said about the assassination it was obviously important enough to be mentioned, but it was hardly earth-shattering news. What I find more significant about the mention of it on this specific date, April 15, 1865, is the speed with which the information traveled from Washington D.C. to the diary of a farmer living just outside the little village of Milan in Ohio in 1865.
And just think – this was accomplished without Facebook, Twitter etc. Even now it’s actually a rather exciting entry for one to see 153 years after the fact. At least it is it for those of us who can read cursive handwriting.
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...
Mr. Conrad Alheit met with a very painful accident while at work on the Nickel Plate, Friday, and as a result is nursing a broken nose and badly bruised face. In putting some timbers on a bridge the scaffold broke letting him fall and he was struck by a scantling across the face.
This afternoon at the M. E. Parsonage at Berlin Heights, Rev. A. G. Rupert officiating will occur the marriage of Mr. Lawson Rumsey and Miss Pearl Mattison, both popular young people of Vermilion. On their return this evening a fine wedding dinner will be served and a reception to a number of relatives and close friends will be given at their newly furnished rooms in the Pelton house on South Street. The news joins in the best wishes for happiness and success.
[NOTE: I believe the house in question is the one on the northeast corner of South and Washington streets.]
The regular monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held at the hall Wednesday evening.
After the reading and approval of the minutes of the last meeting the chairman called for reports from the standing committees. There were very few reports made, as the committees have not done anything to speak of.
The matter of having a public comfort station was discussed and it was decided to have the committee prepare a set of plans and estimate the cost of such a place and confer with the public grounds committee on the Council as to the best location for the same. When this is done it will be presented to the Council for consideration. This is a good thing and something most towns the size of Vermilion and even larger are without.
Mr. Boland spoke of obstructions in the river caused by the old abutment of the road bridge, which were not removed. These are dangerous to launches especially at low water. Mr. Wakefield asked whether the town or county was at fault. He was informed that the County commissioners were the ones. He then said he would write to the War Department concerning the matter and suggested that others do this do also.
[NOTE: I find this of some interest. I wish they would say where the abutment they mentioned was located. I do recall reading something by historian Horton about there being a pontoon bridge across from the area where the town water treatment plant is now located. I wonder if that is what they’re referring to?]
It was mentioned by the chairman that the State was to locate two Normal schools and the matter was referred to the Educational committee to look up.
The question of having Sec. 8 of the franchise now pending before the Council relating to the moving of the L. S. & M. S. tracks attached to any franchise of similar nature until this one was satisfactorily settled was discussed and it was the sense of the majority that it should be. The section referred to is to prevent raising for a separation of grades at the expense of the Railway Company.
The candidacy of Geo. W. Ritter for Prosecuting Attorney, is of the special interest to Vermilion people. Attorney Ritter is a Vermilion boy, a graduate of the Vermilion Public Schools. He studied law in the Cleveland Law school from which he graduated in 1906. He commenced practice of law with offices in Sandusky and has recently formed a partnership with Atty. Guerin. He has been very successful in his chosen profession and now asks for the nomination for prosecutor on the Republican ticket. He had on his petition some 1100 signers, which speaks well for his popularity. He desires that all his friends remember him at the primaries, May 17, by giving him their full support.
Neil Grezenbach, of Berlin convicted of assault in the Court of Common Pleas some time ago and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year by Judge Reed, evidently intends to fight for liberty in the Circuit Court. A bill of exceptions on his behalf was filed with clerk Ortner Wednesday, by Judge George C piece, his attorney. A petition in error will likely be filed later.
– Reg.
The DeMaris vs. L. S. E. Railway Co., was taken up again this week. DeMaris sued the road for $10,000 damages resulting from a collision west of Vermilion. He was a motorman on one of the wrecked cars. The jury failed to agree when the case was on trial the first time.
Measles are still popular.
Mr. William Frisby is reported on the sick list.
Miss Eddy had the misfortune to sprained her ankle Tuesday evening.
Mr. Wells the architect of Cleveland was a park visitor Sunday.
Hired help is getting to be very scarce among our farmers at present.
The peach crop looks very favorable at the present for a good crop.
None of the members of the Halley Comet Club have discovered the comet yet, they are still looking for it.
A large number of carpenters, tinners and electricians are presently employed on one of the new building at the park.
Milton Sayles of West Huron was in this vicinity last Sunday with a new buggy, and his lady friend.
Mrs. John Reiber slowly improving from her recent illness.
John Ferber of Colorado is quite sick at his mother's, Mrs. Catherine Ferber.
Quite a number of Masons and their wives attended the Masonic banquet at Elyria Thursday, and all report a fine time.
Plans for the new U. S. Automatic factory is about completed and contract will be let in a few days.
Mrs. T. A. Roberts is reported quite ill.
Mr. Ed Barkley is ill with typhoid fever.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brown one day this week.
It is said that prospects are favorable for the L. S. E. to run a line into Amherst.
Mrs. Stage of South Amherst returned Saturday from the Lorain Hospital where she has been confined the past two weeks with blood poisoning in her right arm.
A. Pickering a brakeman on the L. S. & M. S. Ry. was quite badly injured on Thursday afternoon at the Black River siding and taken to the Sandusky hospital.
The remains of Mrs. Plumb, of Lagrange were brought to South Amherst on Friday for burial. She was a sister of Henry Petty and Mrs. J. B. Durand. Rev. J. J. Mottershead conducted services.
The funeral services of Mrs. Krueck one of Amherst pioneer residents were held on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the residence, Rev. S. Lindenmeyer conducted the services. A husband and four sons survive her.
Mr. Minkler of Florence is baling hay in our neighborhood.
Seymour Leimbach and Ernest Berger attended the ballgame at Amherst Sunday.
Congress has appropriated $3800 for a range light at Huron port.
The Huron baseball team will soon be equipped with new suits shoes etc., as about $150 has been collected for this purpose.
Mr. Reed of Norwalk has accepted a position as manager and lineman of the Erie County Mutual Telephone Company. Mr. Charles Sprowl resigned his position a short time ago.
Probably the largest consignment of mail ever received at the Vermilion post office arrived Tuesday. It is consisted of a dray load of Congressional records and was consigned to L. Englebry, our popular clothier, for distribution to the citizens of the community.
The Ogleby Norton and Co., of Cleveland have made another purchase at Huron. This time it is the Beagle farm of 35 acres lying along the Mud Creek, about half of which is marshland. The price paid was $6250. Huronites are again speculating on a boom.
Unlooked for recognition has been bestowed upon Mrs. Emma S. Olds of this city, she having been invited to represent the National Council of Women at the biennial of the General Federation of Women's Clubs which will hold its convention in the near future. The meeting this year will occur in Cincinnati from May 17-18 inclusive.
– Elyria Telegram.
A fresh lot of assorted candies at A. D. Baumhart’s. Try it.
Capt. Bell spent Sunday with his family here.
The date for the wedding of Mr. Alfred George Buell and Miss Alice Copeland has been set for June 4.
Charles Baumhart was reported slightly better the first of the week.
George Baumhart is slowly recovering from an attack of pneumonia.
Mr. W. F. Washburn underwent another operation at the Lutheran Hospital, Cleveland Friday. His daughter, Mrs. Blackwell spent yesterday with him reports his condition slightly improved. His many friends join the family in hopes for his ultimate recovery. Mrs. Washburn, too, is reported somewhat better.
King Edward of England died Friday night. It is now George V.
The total passenger earnings of the Lake Shore Electric for the month of April were $76,709.28, as compared with $69,978.71 for the same period last year, an increase of $6730.57.
Mrs. Julia Wittmer who has been very ill for the past several weeks has so far recovered as to be able to take short rides.
Mrs. L. N. Marsh is reported well on the way to recovery from a recent illness.
Mr. A. McGregor has been quite ill for the past week.
Decoration Day will be fittingly celebrated at Vermilion. Program will appear at a later date.
Don't forget the primaries, Tuesday, May 17, no matter what your politics.
Mr. Castleton Roscoe is spending the week among relatives and friends at Norwalk and Milan.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Goodell of Lorain were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Baldwin.
The two Matcham cottages and the Jay cottage at Linwood are being enclosed this week and will be completed by June 1.
Mrs. A. C. Pretzer was taken to a German Hospital, on Franklin Ave., Cleveland, Friday. She is suffering from a nervous affliction. She is reported as getting along nicely.
The tugs, Sloate, Lamb, Fred Driscoll and Rainbow have arrived in port from down the lake. It is expected that they will be sent back again the latter part of the week.
Hmmmmmm....
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, A POEM, A BOOK: Pictured is the cover of Brenda Baumhart-Mezz’s new book. I was honored to receive a courtesy copy of the book from her just this past week. Brenda is the only child and daughter of Vermilionite Charles Wheeler Baumhart (“Charley”, “Chub”).
I have always considered her dad (as some may already know) to be one of the most intelligent persons I’ve ever known. That he was a politician – at one time a council rep and later Village Mayor – is beside the point. I just liked him.
Many of us easily recall where they were when JFK was shot or when 9/11 took place. While I do too - I also remember where I was when I learned that Charley had died. I also remember the last time I saw him. In fact I began writing a short story titled “The Last Time I Saw Charlie” following his untimely death.
My story was, for the lack of a better description, historical fiction. Brenda’s book is however biographical. But the tenor of it reminds me very much of John Keats poem Ode On Melancholy:
And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips
Bidding adieu; and aching Pleasure nigh,
Turning to poison while the bee-mouth sips:
Ay, in the very temple of Delight
Veil'd Melancholy has her sovran shrine,
Though seen of none save him whose strenuous tongue
Can burst Joy's grape against his palate fine;
His soul shalt taste the sadness of her might,
And be among her cloudy trophies hung.
There are several chapters in her book that take place in Vermilion. But I’ll let you find them. You can buy her book at Amazon.
Happy reading!
…Joseph H. Hewett, discharged.
William Jones, mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.
Ira S. Lump, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; transferred to company F, Sixteenth Veteran Reserve Corps, January 23, 1865 ; veteran.
John A. James, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
Melville Jameson, wounded June 21, 1864, near Cassville, Ga.; discharged November 21, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O.; veteran.
Francis L. Jupp, discharged November 10, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry C. King, discharged October 19, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Klour, discharged August 29, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
James H. Lowry, died August 3, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.
Daniel Leiser, substitute; wounded March 14, 1865, at Silver Creek, Ga., and left the field ; no further record found.
James H. Larkins, wounded June 20, 1864, in action at Cassville, Ga.; mustered out on expiration of term of service.
Mahlon T. Lambert, promoted to sergeant-major October 25, 1861.
Richard Maxwell, substitute; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
James McBeth, substitute ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
Alonzo McCord, discharged March 14, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Thomas Messer, drafted; mustered out May 30, 1865, by order of war department.
Albert Myers, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department.
George W. Minus drowned April 14, 1862, at Moorhead, Va., while on duty.
Rufus Morton discharged June 9, 1863.
Thomas Norris, substitute; mustered out June 2, 1865, by order of war department.
James Nelson, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department
Rufus Norton, discharged June 9, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Opher, jr., discharged July 2, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Opher, killed July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.
George W. Pratt, mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
Benjamin Prouts, wounded February 13, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865, at David's Island, N. Y., by order of war department; veteran.
SCOUT BOATS: I think I have mentioned this particular fact in VV sometime in the past. I was searching through the July 1917 microfilm files of the Vermilion News on Friday looking for another item when I came across this one.
I don’t know for sure, but I don’t believe these vessels were ever used as indicated in this article. I guess I can picture (in my mind) La Belle, the Tobermorey and the Mahapa II with “quick firer” guns on their decks. It certainly would have made an interesting pic.
This is just an artifactual report from the yesteryear.
Australian Police have been unable to recommend a prosecution for the following scam: A company takes out a newspaper advertisement claiming to be able to supply imported hard-core pornographic videos. As their prices seem reasonable, people place orders and make payments via check.
After several weeks, the company writes back explaining that under the present law they are unable to supply the materials and do not wish to be prosecuted. So they return their customers' money in the form of a company check.
However, due to the name of the company, printed in great big red letters onto the check, few people ever bother to present these to their banks. The name of the company: 'The Anal Sex and Fetish Perversion Company'.
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 10 - May 12, 2018
Archive Issue #791
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant