Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On both my home and work desktops this week are THEN & THEN AGAIN photographs taken at the foot of Vermilion’s Main Street.
THEN: The pic with all the cars in it is a late 1940s pic. As is obvious, it has always been a popular spot – both for bathing and sightseeing. It used to be one of my very favorite Vermilion places. It is where I, along with many others, learned to swim.
During my teen years I used to like to come to the beach during the summer and experience rainstorms that came in from the northwest. I also used to sit on an old water-worn log near the lake at night and watch the lights on the small fishing boats out on the water. It was a peaceful place.
I don’t go there anymore. It has turned into too much of a tourist attraction with a nice deck and a refreshment stand. The big old house that once stood along the beach just to the east was recently razed and plans have been made to make it even more of a touristy place.
Thankfully, I have my memories.
& THEN AGAIN: I like the pic with the lady on the beach – the light in the background. I don’t know her identity. The original is not quite as clean as this reproduction. Over the years glass negatives are prone scratches or other types of damage. But this one was one of the easier ones to fix.
One of the great things about the beach and the old light on the breakwall was that it was very picturesque.
All of that was, of course, gone by the time I frequented the area. I suspect that if, somehow, it had survived the place would have been overrun – more than it is today. So while I’m sorry I missed the experience I’m real glad that some things have changed.
BAH-HUMBUG!
SCANNING OLD DOCUMENTS: Armed with my IRIS Book Scanner I’ve begun scanning documents from my sister Ginny’s ammo box – and it’s real easy to get lost in the 19th century therein.
There are drawings, photographs, letters, deeds and sundry other documents in the box that are in dire need of scanning, reading and understanding. I think the oldest document I’ve come across to date is from about 1800. Most all these items, with the exception of my g-grandfather’s things, are Vermilion related.
It is a rather exciting business. But I find myself going slow. I like to read some of it while I work – just to understand where an item belongs – whether it’s a legal paper or something more personal. Moreover, one has to decipher the script. The handwriting is beautiful. But as most folks know script differs from person to person. And, so too, does the language. Sometimes the words are rather archaic, sometimes they contain nonsensical legalese, and sometimes the words are just misspelled.
Some of the interesting things I come across are terms with which I’m unfamiliar such as “salt-horse”. It seems that my g-grandfather had lost his teeth by 1864 (he was born in 1835) so he was having trouble eating his rations. So longs as it consisted of beans and rice it was okay. But he said he was unable to eat “salt-horse”. That’s an archaic term for salted beef or pork.
In relation to this he says that he’s hungry – which makes some sense. But he also says that he can still play in the band. He played fife and was also a drummer. And when he wasn’t doing that he was an ambulance man, a medic and a nurse.
Sometime later (in his diaries) he mentions getting teeth. So he didn’t spend the entire war toothless.
I don’t know anything about personal hygiene during the 19th century, but I guess the Army didn’t issue toothpaste and brushes during the Rebellion.
[NOTE: I just found the following: It's hard to believe, but most Americans did not brush their teeth until Army soldiers brought their enforced habits of tooth brushing back home after World War II.]
Ironically (or not): When I was in college I dreamed of someday finding myself in a dark, dank basement somewhere reading through old manuscripts. In more than a few respects this is very similar to what I now find myself doing.
Who says dreams don’t come true?
Historically,
A PIECE OF HISTORY: It is very likely that I’ve used this photo (above) in a previous edition. But I was meandering through some of my old pix and came across it. I think the original belonged to Dorothy Koontz. I assume her son, Rich, has it now.
In any case, Dorothy’s mother, Esther B. Schroeder was the first woman to hold a seat on Vermilion’s Council. This is a copy of her official “Certificate of Election” from November 1941.
Her husband, Carl, was an engineer and worked as plant Superintendent for the Wakefield Lighting Company in Vermilion.
Esther died at the very young age of 32 in July of 1943.
The next female Council representative would be Dawn Full in the 1950s.
THE VAGARIES OF WAR: Memorial Day is, as most of us know, an American holiday that is celebrated on the last Monday in May in honor of all the men and women who lost their lives while in the service of the U.S. military. It was originally known as Decoration Day. Although it originated during the years after the American Civil War it did not become an “official” federal holiday until 1971.
When I was a youngster Decoration Day was a “big deal” around our family. Dad was a WWI veteran; a charter member and first commander of the local American Legion Post and two of my brothers were Korean War veterans. Mom was active in the veteran’s axillary organizations, and a host of family friends and neighbors were also war veterans. In short, I grew up in a social environment knee deep in tales of the vagaries of war – and Decoration Day was, as said, a “big deal”.
The holiday in Vermilion actually began a few days before the “big day” with folks on the streets “downtown” near the stores, selling “Buddy Poppies” as a symbol of sacrifice made by those who served and died in World War I for our country – and later in all wars. Veterans made the paper poppies and the funds realized used to help wounded and disabled veterans. I recall being very anxious to buy one – and very proud to wear it.
On the Monday that was Decoration Day I was in awe of all the guys who had served during WWI, WW2 and Korea as they marched down Liberty Street in the parade. They dressed either in the uniforms they had worn while in the service (if they still fit), or they wore hats from one of the various service organizations in town (i.e. the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars). I don’t recall there being any Spanish-American War veterans in the mix, but there very well may have been. I liked both seeing and being around these guys. They were proud. They were tough. They were happy. They were heroes – all. And I wondered if in some far-off day I would ever come to know what they, and only they, knew. Well, that day did come. It was in a place called Viet Nam. And while I do know a few men who became bonafide heroes I can very earnestly and honestly state that I was not one.
A definition of the word vagary / va·gar·y - plural noun: vagaries; is an unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior. That inexplicable change in me, at least, came as an epiphanic apprehension and appreciation of the fragile nature of human existence. I finally understood what I saw in all those veterans I had so admired in those Decoration Day gatherings of a yesteryear.
But it was not until I recently came across a book by fellow Viet Nam Veteran / American author Tim O’Brien called “The Things They Carried” that I was finally able to adequately define my thoughts and feelings about the war experience. In it I found the following passage. It was in a place where the author describes the reaction of his fellow soldiers after the sudden death of one of their own: ”Really, they were too frightened to be cowards.” The words made a good deal of sense to me. That is to say, that faced with a perilous situation during combat it was impossible for them to hide or run away from it even if they wanted to because the only thing worse than death, as O’Brien put it, would be to forever incur “the blush of dishonor” of running from it.
While that is hardly a noble observation I find it to be exceptionally honest. Thus, as we rightly need to always to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their all to preserve our rights and freedoms on this and every Memorial Day – we also need take a close look at those who survived the experience of war. In their faces you will see strength of character that inspired them to press on against all odds. It was not just a matter of duty. It was an honor.
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...
Memorial Sunday and Decoration Day will be fittingly observed in Vermilion.
Sunday services will be held in the German Methodist Church, Rev. E. W. Bockstahler delivering the sermon. This will be held at the regular church hour in the morning. The G. A. R. Band will escort the G. A. R. to the church.
Monday, in the morning the G. A. R. Services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery at 9:30.
Monday afternoon the band, G. A. R., W. R. C., Fireman, and other organizations of the village will form in parade, including the public schools. The line of march will be upon the principal streets. A large turn out is the desired and all societies of the town invited to participate.
Directly after the parade, Rev. Wilson A. Pugsley will address the assemblage from the bandstand on Exchange Place. He will take for his subject “+God's Claim In The Issues Of War." Rev. Pugsley is a fine speaker and we will be assured an interesting and forceful address. After which a short concert by the band will conclude the ceremonies.
In event of storm, services will be held in the hall.
It is requested that the citizens decorate their residences and places of business.
Everybody should come out and see the parade and listen to the address and music.
All having flowers, especially schoolchildren will please bring them to the town hall Monday morning.
The commencement exercises of the Vermilion High School will be held at the opera house, June 9 and 10, 1910.
Thursday, June 9, the play David Garrick will be given by the members of the class.
Friday evening the class address will be given and diplomas presented. The cast of characters for the play and the speaker for Friday evening will be given next week.
The Baccalaureate sermon will be given at the Town Hall Sunday evening, June 5 by Rev. R. L. Waggoner, President of Baldwin University.
Following is a class roll of 1910:
Alice Mary Mehnert
Linda Eva Kobs
James M. Nieding
George Clark
Edwin George McConnelly
Robert W. Parsons
Eva Mae Malcomson
William E. Trinter
Lena Bess Morse
J. Alfred Smith
Lawrie C. Johnson
The Vermilion Telephone Co. is preparing to issue a new telephone directory and expects to have it ready for their distribution soon after June 1. Parties desiring their names in new directory should place their order for telephone promptly.
The case of Sadie E. Sanders against the L. S. R. Ry. Co. for $500 damages for personal injuries received has been settled out of court and wiped off the Huron County docket. The plaintiff was a passenger on a Lake Shore car bound from Norwalk to Vermilion August 12, last, and claimed that the car did not stop at the place designated.
Photograph777.
The Lakeside Inn, Vermillion, oh. Mrs. John Carr, manager.
This popular it has been greatly improved. The fine bathing beach nearness to the river and fishing grounds, it's shady lawn and pleasant location bids fair to make it more popular than ever.
By the terms of the will of Mrs. W. H. Bishop whose death occurred May 15, the city of Norwalk is bequeathed a farm of 135 acres just west of the city, for park purposes, and another farm of 29 acres, just outside the city limits, is given for the purpose of an old folks home. Numerous other personal bequests dispose an estate valued at $15,000.
Union Memorial service will be held at the M. E. Church on Sunday.
Charles Matthews and Miss Emma Hoffman were married on Thursday, May 19, Rev. Lindenmeyer officiated.
Rev. Lindenmeyer delivered excellent address to the Amherst graduating class on Sunday morning. The address was well attended. The church was decorated in red and white flowers, class colors.
While at school Thursday, Leonard Strahle, the seven-year-old son of Fred Strahle of Brownhelm was taken suddenly ill with spasms and remained unconscious until he died on Saturday morning. The funeral services were held Tuesday morning from the Brownhelm Reform church.
Mrs. Catherine Donahue of Bay City, Mich., was taken ill while on a visit with her daughter, Mrs. J. E. Johnson and died Saturday morning. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon, Rev. Harding, officiating. The body was taken to her home at Bay City, Mich., Monday morning for burial.
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. John Jordan, a daughter Monday, May 23.
There are 13 pupils in this year's graduating class, two boys, and 11 girls. Commencement exercises will be held this Thursday evening May 26.
A big vote was cast for water and sewer systems on Monday, the vote stood 344 for and 28 against the improvement. Work will commence as soon as contracts can be let.
The contract for the new parsonage for the St. Joseph Catholic Church was awarded to John Niesen for the foundation and to Nick Stouder, of Lorain, carpenter.
Mrs. Clara Heath who has been in poor health for the past few days is feeling much better.
A fine new boy arrived home of Mr. and Mrs. John Berkmeyer, May 16.
Roy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bates has the measles, he is in a critical condition.
Birmingham schools closed last Friday until next September. Report is that Mr. Bloom will again be superintendent.
Mrs. Huttenlocher whose health is been in serious condition for the past few weeks is able to be out again.
Mr. Edwin Prince had the ill luck to lose his barn by fire last Friday night. How it caught fire is not known. It was discovered by Charles Blair and Lester Graves whose quick work saved the horses. Everything else was lost.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Berkmire, a son, Monday, May 16.
Mr. Clarence Henry has charge of the cemetery here in town in the one your Stone Quarry at the Forks of the River.
The body of Mrs. Fanny Corbin was brought home from South for interment Friday. Mrs. Corbin is a sister of Mrs. Leiter.
Since the warm rain the crops are looking fine.
Mrs. Kellogg on the Windfall Road is confined to her bed.
Edwin Hasenflug has been confined to his bed for the past three weeks with the inflammatory rheumatism.
Mrs. Adeline Susan Van Wagnen Joslin, 81, Pioneer Brownhelm, was taken ill while attending an ice cream social at the home of William Peck and died Friday from the infirmities of her advanced age.
The deceased was born in Sparta N. Y., and was married to James Madison Joslin at Westerfield, N.Y. sixty years ago. She leaves one brother, Charles Van Wagnen of Spokane, Washington, and one sister, Mrs. Sabina Van Wagnen Hasting of Kent O.; four children, two sons Charles E, Elyria, Frank O., of Cleveland and two daughters, Mrs. Inez M Joslin–Morris, Vermilion, and Mrs. Clara M. Joslin–Bacon of Brownhelm, besides thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was the 13th child of Garrett and Mary Van Wagnen.
Funeral services were held from the Brownhelm Congregational church, of which she was a member at two o'clock on Sunday afternoon in charge of Rev. Philip E. Harding. Interment was made in the Brownhelm Cemetery. The funeral services were largely attended and the floral tributes to her memory were many and beautiful.
Number of cases of whopping cough and diphtheria are reported from Lorain.
A fire escape was placed on Macabee Hall this week.
Miss Pearl Bellamy entertained her pupils from Norwalk to the number of twenty-four Saturday. The time was spent in boat rides on the lake, an excursion up the river and a delicious lunch. A most delightful day is reported.
Crystal Beach Park opens decoration Day. A good game of ball is expected between Oberlin and Berlin Hts. Admission free. Grandstand 10c.
All government inspection boat Crocus was in port today.
The tug Rainbow and crew arrived home from Fairport Tuesday.
The Brownhelm schools will picnic at Linwood Saturday. A fine program has been prepared, a picnic dinner will be served and the ballgames and races will be among the features of the day.
Capt. Henry Walper left Sunday to begin the season's duties on the lakes.
The Stricker is expected home from Fairport today.
A little daughter came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Grant May 15. Mr. Grant is an operator at the Nickel Plate Station.
Lightkeeper J.H. Burns is the guest of Huron friends this afternoon.
Miss Mayme Beeckel is expected home today for her summer vacation. She has been teaching in Bowling Green, Va., the past year, and for the past few days has been the guest of one of her pupils in Washington, D. C.
Clouds hid the eclipse of the moon in this vicinity.
Mr. William Bolin visited his wife at Toledo Hospital the first of the week.
Don't forget the lawn social and Heinigs’ lawn cor. Division and Ohio. Saturday evening 28th of May.
Mrs. Myers, age 78, died last week at her home west of town after an illness of five weeks. Five children, Mrs. King, Mrs. Anna Wasem, Miss Elizabeth Myers, Nicholas, and George Myers, survive.
Last Saturday, James, son of Capt. Mrs. L. Stone was taken to the hospital at Lorraine and operation for appendicitis performed upon him. Sunday was reported very low, present is recovering as fast as can be expected. Paragraph Miss Bertha whole, this Mrs. Herman Lai Heiser reported better German hospital Cleveland. The report from Mrs. Pretzer is not urging as her friends could wish, just hope she may recover.
Mrs. Charles Hahn entered Charity Hospital, Cleveland yesterday to undergo an operation. She has suffered for some time growth under her left arm.
Word was received here yesterday that Mrs. Han shoots, aged 82, had been seriously burned by gas this week at her home and family. The family moved from the farm south of town early this spring.
Okay Flossie, 12-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Havey is suffering from a severe attack of typhoid fever. She was removed to St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorraine for stability.
Mr. William Frisby is still in critical condition.
Miss Eddy is again able to resume her duties as a teacher of the primary school.
Corn planning is very nearly finished in this section.
Mrs. Lillian Barnes had some Oberlin students for dinner Sunday.
Our Comet club has broken up. Because, too much loss of sleep and no Comet.
Plasterers from Lorain were working on the new building at the park Tuesday.
Peaches and apples never looked better, wheat and oats good prospects for large crop.
C. W. Kishman was called to Sandusky Tuesday evening by the city as illness of his father.
The new hall at the park begins to look like a fine piece of architecture as it nears completion.
Mr. Werner Kishman, an aged and respected citizen is seriously ill at the home of his daughter in Sandusky.
Memorial services M. E. Church Sunday morning.
A six-pound daughter came Friday to make a home with Mr. and Mrs. S. Lutz.
The streets have been oiled and the residents greatly appreciate the absence of dust on windy days.
A box social was given at town hall Thursday evening by young people Evangelical church.
About 100 have signified their intention to meet Wednesday evening May 25, to discuss the subject of inducing factories to locate Huron. It is to be hoped that an enthusiasm may be aroused to all pull together for betterment of our village.
School closed Friday.
Memorial day will be fittingly observed here. Services will be held at the M.E. Church Sunday morning when Rev. Rupert will preach a sermon appropriate for the occasion. The G. A. R. will attend in body. Monday afternoon Rev. Burnett will deliver an address on the church lawn. The G. A. R. and the children will then march to the cemetery and decorate the graves. Everyone should turn out to the services.
The steamer Frank H. Goodyear was rammed by the James B. Wooden Lake Huron off Point Barques Tuesday and sunk carrying 18 to death. The boat was built in Lorain in 1902.
A case filed by George P Wahl against Peter Blass of Lorain to foreclose a mortgage on a merry-go-round, is being heard at Elyria this week.
Charges of drunkenness and immorality have been filed against Chief of Police Fred C. Kohler of Cleveland.
What seems to have been an attempt to strangle a horse owned by a man named Heartmann, residing in Shinrock was discovered none too soon Tuesday. The animal’s life was saved by the merest chance. A rope had been tied about the horse’s feet and neck that when it fell, which it was sure to do, it would have strangled to death.
Andrew Brown of Cleveland stuck his head out of the car window Sunday afternoon while on his way to a park to see why the car stopped. An interurban car on the opposite track decapitated him.
Hmmmmmm....
John L. Wilson, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department
Henry Westmire, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department.
Albert E. Withers, transferred to company F. Seventeenth Veteran Reserve Corps, October 31, 1863.
George Winklepleck, discharged November 16, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John Winklepleck, mustered out June 19, 1865, by order of war department; veteran.
This company was recruited in Margaretta and the townships south of that and partly from Huron county.
James M. Stevens, captain; appointed captain October 16, 1861; promoted to major March 4, 1864.
Albert E. Peck, captain; promoted from first lieutenant company E, March 6, 1863; killed May 15, 1864, battle of Resaca, Ga.
John R. Lowe, captain; promoted from first lieutenant company C, June 27, 1864; mustered out with company July 1l, 1865.
Randolph Eastman, first lieutenant; appointed first lieutenant October 24, 1861; resigned December 23, 1862.
Hartwell Osborn, first lieutenant; promoted from second lieutenant company I, February 12, 1863; to captain company B August 4, 1863.
Russel H. Bever, first lieutenant; appointed sergeant from corporal September 19, 1862; first sergeant October 3, 1862; promoted second lieutenant March 16, 1863; first lieutenant March 19, 1864; captain company A November 3, 1864.
William E. Childs, first lieutenant; promoted from hospital steward January 18, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 1l, 1865; veteran.
Robert W. Pool, second lieutenant; mustered as private; promoted to second lieutenant October 24, 1861; to first lieutenant and adjutant, October 3, 1862.
Henry W. Ragan, second lieutenant; promoted from sergeant October 3, 1862; resigned March 24, 1863.
Albert H. Hubbard, first sergeant; discharged May 25, 1862, at Franklin, Va., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Lewis Peck, first sergeant; appointed sergeant from corporal October 3, 1862; first sergeant May 2, 1863;promoted to quartermaster-sergeant September1, 1864; veteran.
NEWLY DISCOVERED SKETCHES: Among the numerous artifacts passed down through the family from my g-grandfather Caselton Roscoe are these neat sketches of encampments of the Ohio 67th OVI regiment that date from about 1864.
Some years back I found another that is very similar to the one marked “Charleston Harbor Camp ground” that has appeared in “VV” several times. These, of course, are new (to me).
They are small and very fragile – not in pristine condition – but they at least they still exist. I find them very exciting.
I’m not sure what the abbreviation is on the tent (lower right) in the “rear camp” Morris Island drawing. At the moment I’m thinking that it may be a hospital tent of some kind.
I’m sorry that he didn’t mark the drawing with hillside encampment so we know the site. What I did note in this drawing is that it appears that there is a rail bridge spanning the valley in the background.
The sketches were done in pencil on little pieces of notepaper about 3 x 2 inches.
How about that?
Now then," said the warden addressing the three instigators of a failed prison riot. "I would like to know two things. First: Why did you revolt? Second: How did you get out of your cell?"
One of the three men stepped forward, "Warden, we rebelled because the food is awful."
"I see. And the cell? What did you use to break the bars?"
Replied the spokesman, "French Toast."
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
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Vol. 16. Issue 12 - May 26, 2018
Archive Issue #793
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant