Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the desktops this week is the “Rocket Ship” ride at Vermilion’s Crystal Beach Amusement Park. The pic on my home desk is quite old and I believe the ships changed quite a bit in looks over the years.
In the pic on the shop desk is the newer rocket ride. It’s the one I remember. I probably rode on this one – but it’s not something that sticks in my mind.
On the last day of school back in the 1950s they used to give us (kids) some tickets for the rides at Crystal Beach. It was very exciting.
We’d run from school up to Crystal and get in line for the various rides. Back then every ride sold tickets. At the time so, too, did the rides at Cedar Point in Sandusky.
Two of my personal favorites were the Bumper Cars and the Fun House. I know many kids to enjoyed the “Thriller” rollercoaster, but I was chicken and never got near the rickety old coaster.
Marlene Feldkamp – g-granddaughter of George Blanchat the man who really made the park – is a regular visitor to the history museum and has donated a number of articles to us. Marlene in essence grew up at the park and has numerous stories about the rides and many of the bands and other personalities who performed there. One of them even used to read her bedtime stories.
Marlene told me that there is going to be a plaque commemorating the old park placed somewhere near the middle of what is now a collection of apartment buildings called Crystal Shore Apartments.
It should’ve been done long ago.
DISTRACTED: Finally Spectrum Internet and phone service was installed at the museum. While I think I will like these services the installation knocked me off my regular schedule.
First I had to configure Internet service on my computer. The installer just handed me a card with the password and left. It took me some time to make it veritable nightmare. I have a workable system, but I’m not happy with it. Fortunately Google is a very good system.
Now I have to reconfigure several other things, such as “Echo / Alexa”, my Bose SoundTouch, etc.
These are not insurmountable tasks. But when one does not do them very often it takes some re-learning to get them right.
So – I’m behind.
Historically,
MARIE: This is quite a large obituary – but I thought at least a portion of it should appear here. I never got to meet this lady, but knew a fair amount about her because I know two of her sons Larry and Dale. I’m certain that many Vermilionites were familiar with her late brother, Larry and sister-in-law Margaret Tansey-Shafts.
I will let the obit (however difficult it may be to see) speak for itself. Marie as is obvious led a long and productive life. I need to mention that one items that is not in the piece is the fact that she once worked as a waitress in Vermilion’s White Inn Restaurant.
I am truly sorry that I never met her. But in a way I actually did. On occasion she logged on and read through “Views”. God rest her soul.
WHAT DO FINE WINES AND OLD PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE IN COMMON?: During the 20th century Vermilion has been very fortunate to be the home of several very good professional photographers. Rudy Moc, Paul Ludlow and Richard Koontz are names that many local folks still recognize. Their talents were / are appreciable. However, there have been several “shutterbugs” – amateur photographers – in town whose works, although lesser known, are historically significant. Among them was a fella named Roy Kneisel.
Roy was born in Vermilion in 1921 to Andrew and Margaret Kneisel. Roy’s dad was a successful fruit farmer. His mother was the daughter of John and Martha Walper. Both families were prominent local families. Margaret’s father, John, drove a team of horses delivering Standard Oil products to farms and businesses throughout the countryside surrounding Vermilion for 30 years (VPJ 04/07/2005). The Walpers, and later the Kneisels, lived in a home on State Street just north of the State Street School. To my knowledge Roy and his wife Evelyn also raised their girls “Bobbie” and Nancy there and until just recently Nancy and her husband, still lived there. But I digress.
While Roy worked as a Rural Carrier for the Postal Service he was also a prolific photographer. And as much as everyone values the abilities of professionals there is a good deal to be said for men and women who simply enjoy photography. Roy Kneisel was certainly one of those persons. But Roy was not just another person with a camera taking snapshots at family reunions or graduation ceremonies. That’s not to say that such things don’t appear in his body of work (how could they not?). But it is to say that more than a few of the photos in his collection are historically relevant as they pertain to the development of our community during the 2nd half of the 20th century. The streetscape accompanying this week’s column is a good example of such work.
This is downtown Vermilion, Ohio c.1940. The photo was taken from the marquee over the walk in front of the Liberty Theatre (currently the “Art Seen” gallery). Several of the buildings, and all of the businesses, in this photograph no longer exist. The house on the left side of the photo was originally the Adam Trinter home. Over the years it had housed several doctors, their offices and families. Toward the end of its existence I believe Vermilion historian Don Englebry owned it. It was torn down in the late 1950s. Looking at the site today it’s hard to believe that such a large home could have occupied the space.
The White Inn restaurant next door to the house is, of course, also long gone. Like the adjoining house I believe Mr. Englebry also owned the eatery. It was quite popular in the yesteryear. As was George Rathbun’s wonderful market next to it. Even at age 86 he walked to work from his home everyday. George’s store was the very last “cash market” in town – and only closed in 1968 when Mr. Rathbun became too ill to man the cash register. But Mr. Rathbun was not just a businessman. He was also a fisherman, sailor, historian and, foremost, a teller of marvelous stories.
And then, next to Rathbun’s, was Pete and Judd’s barbershop. The shop became what one might call “the last of Vermilion’s Mohicans” (i.e. old time businesses) having continued to exist as a barbershop until very recently. Prior to Pete and Judd Mr. Rathbun’s father-in-law, Jake Abel, was the local barber. Mr. Abel, incidentally, was also one of Vermilion’s early photographers – pre-dating early 20th century photographer Rudy Moc.
Well, it’s certainly great to have professional photographers in any community. They perform a necessary service. However, as the years turn, we need also be thankful for amateurs, like Roy Kneisel, who simply liked to take pictures for personal enjoyment. Although their significance may not have been immediately recognized, that is obviously no longer the case. Like fine wines they just get better with age.
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 afternoon a young man and woman, members of a party of picnickers from Cleveland were drowned in the river near the L. S. & M. S. Ry. Bridge by the capsizing of a canoe.
Accounts vary as to how the accident happened but the most plausible is that it was a bit of carelessness.
A canoe, at best, is more dangerous than most other craft and an eyewitness says the young woman stood up in the boat lost her balance and fell into the water. The man attempted to save her but the frail craft capsized and both went down before anyone could get to them.
The body of the man was recovered in a few minutes but it was probably an hour before the body of the girl was found. Attempts to revive them were made but without success. The coroner was summoned and the bodies removed to A. E. Beeckel’s morgue where they were prepared for shipment to their friends in Cleveland.
The man was Henry Meincke, an upholsterer, age about 21 years and the girl was Miss Lena Beartau, a German, about the same age. She came to Cleveland to visit aunt some four years ago and leaves her parents and sisters in Germany. It is said she had not met Meincke before only knowing him as a friend of her girlfriends who tried to persuade her not to go canoeing with him.
The accident caused some of the crowd to go at once to the train but comparatively few knew of the accident until later.
Mrs. Mary Harrington a one-time resident of Vermilion, was killed by a car near her place of residence in Cleveland Monday. She had just been telling of the death of a friend who had been buried on that day and appeared very sad over it. She left the house to go to a grocery store nearby and was struck by a streetcar. By the time the car was stopped she was under the rear trucks and jacks had to be there to lift the car in order to release the body.
She was almost 55 years of age and the widow of Capt. Jerry Harrington for many years a sailor on the lakes. His death occurred some four years ago.
As the Vermilion G. A. R. Band was marching down town Sunday morning to escort of the G. A. R. and W. R. C. to the services at the German M. E. Church, a certain well-known young man was heard to remark: "If our band (the Vermilion) could only play like that." He was surprised to learn that it was "our band" and not a Cleveland band with everyone with the excursion as he had supposed.
Both Memorial Day and Decoration Day were most fittingly observed in Vermilion. Sunday, the G. A. R. And W. R. C. Headed by the band, marched to the German M. E. Church where they listened to a most excellent and appropriate sermon delivered by the pastor, Rev. E. W. Bockstahler. Some excellent vocal selections were given. The band also played a number of suitable numbers.
The Grand Army feel very grateful to Mr. Bockstahler and his congregation for this service.
Monday morning, the G. A. R., W. R's. C. and band accompanied by a number of other citizens, went to Maple Grove Cemetery where services were held and the graves of the soldiers soldier dead decorated.
In the afternoon a parade was formed consisting of the members of the H. G. Delker Post, G. A. R., the G. A. R. Band, the Woman's Relief Corps, a large number of schoolchildren, the firemen and the Uniformed Rank Woodman of the World. The parade was cut short by the rain and the crowd went to the town hall for the remainder of the program which consisted of singing by pupils of the schools, a quartet organized by for the occasion and a number of patriotic selections by the band.
Rev. W. A. Pugsley of Sandusky gave his address, which was listened to with interest.
It is to be regretted that the weather condition was such that the services could not be held in the open air as planned as the hall is far too small to accommodate those who would go.
The G. A. R. Wishes to thank all who aided in making the day so much of a success, especially the citizens who made such a liberal donations in cash; they wish to thank those who furnished flowers so beautifully; the quartet, pupils, and teachers, the band, the ministers and all who in any way contributed to or took part in the observation of the day.
A large number of residences were tastefully decorated.
The usual number of rowdies came from Cleveland with the "Jolly Farmers" Sunday. A few of them started a disturbance at the Wagner House and the Marshal succeeded in landing two of the crowd. Later another one of the gang was run in for being drunk.
An Amherst man in one of the Cleveland Bunch "came together" at the electric station and were locked up. The Amherst man put up bail and was allowed to go home.
He appeared before the mayor Tuesday and received a fine of $10 in costs.
Monday morning the remaining four were brought before the mayor.
Herman Shauer pleaded guilty to being drunk, but didn't think he was disorderly. He was assessed $25 and costs.
Fred Grembries drew $20 and costs.
Frank Masterson said he was not drunk enough to be helpless. He drew $5.00 and costs.
Roy Willard, who was one of the fighters, drew $25 and costs and 10 days in the Cleveland workhouse. When asked if he had ever been before the court before he said he had for cruelty to animals. The mayor asked him if he was the one who "stole" a horse at Crystal Beach a couple of years ago. He objected to the word "stole" but admitted taking the animal. The mayor said he belonged to the undesirable class and gave him the sentence as above.
His honor in sentencing Shauer and Grembries told them that they had been taken upon the lighter of two charges, that of drunkenness and disorderly conduct rather than that of resisting an officer and aiding in the escape of a prisoner and then told him the fine ($200) and imprisonment for such an offense.
The man who escaped from the marshal during the fracas was not captured.
The Mayor is to be commended on the stand has taken to dishing out fines for rowdyism so are the citizens who aided the marshal and caught one or two toughs.
There is one sure thing every citizen of the village will lend his aid to the officials in downing the rowdy element that comes here with picnics. A few heavy fines and a workhouse sentence or two will have a tendency to hold such rowdyism in check.
Albert G Buell, 26, Vermilion, and Alice Copeland 24, both.
The following law was introduced in the legislature by representative Battenfield of Crawford County, was passed by both houses April 21: "Whoever sells, gives away or furnishes a Persian person under 18 years of a cigarette, cigarette wrapper or substitute for either a cigar tobacco will be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100 or imprisoned not less than two days nor more than 30 days, or both. For each subsequent offense, the person shall be fined not less than $50 or more than $300 and imprisoned not less than five days nor more than 60 days, or both.
The order of the Eastern Star is being organized here. There are about 25 members.
August Rose spending some time in a Cleveland hospital having his eyes treated.
The measles is quite prevalent in Amherst vicinity.
Union Memorial services were held at the M. E. Church Sunday.
Miss Agnes Bell of Brownhelm is reported seriously ill with pneumonia following an attack measles.
The observation of Decoration Day here was somewhat spoiled by the rain. Nearly every lodge was represented in the parade and the children and G. A. R. decorated graves.
Word was received here last week the death of Mrs. Ada Annis Lewis at Redlands California. Mrs. Lewis was a former resident of Amherst. Her death occurred May 24 rom tuberculosis. The body was cremated. One brother, A. B. Annis Amherst and three sisters, Mrs. A. H. Rogers Amherst, Mrs. H. L. Bassett Mrs. L. A. Pound of Detroit Mich. and her husband Dr. L. V. Lewis survive.
Mrs. Philip Bart Battenhouse again under the care of Dr. boss.
Roy Bates is gaining strength rapidly. He is now able to be up.
Harold James had the misfortune to run a rake tooth into his foot last Friday.
Decoration Day was celebrated in Birmingham by the placing flags in the soldiers graves that was done by the man hired to tend the yard and is his duty.
Never before has our cemetery been in so well kept and [in] good condition as it is this year. We will hope that new keeper will continue to hold his position.
It seems as though the people here might have interest enough to at least lay a few flowers on the graves of the men took their life in their hands for their country’s sake. I wonder if people stop to think what condition our country would be in today if these brave men had not come to the front.
I can remember when a few remaining veterans were called together, an address would be given by a minister "from some nearby town", the children sang songs and gave recitations, the parade would be formed by the soldiers, our village band and children carrying flowers; the graves would be strewn with flowers, a volley fired in honor and memory of those resting on southern fields, and usually the old soldiers, at least some of them, would have some wartime experience too relate; there would be cheering and flag-waving. IT WAS THE SOLDIERS’ DAY.
It all seems to have been forgotten.
Rev. Weiland delivered a fine address to the members of the G. A. R. and citizens at town Hall Decoration Day.
Mr. Warner Kishman of Vermilion died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Conrad Margard Saturday morning. He came here a few weeks ago for a visit was taken ill.
Anna Catherine Morris was born in Hesse, Germany, January 2, 1832 passed from this life May 15, 1910. Age 78 years, four months and 13 days. At the age of 12 she with her widowed mother and only brother came to this country and located near Vermilion. She has spent her entire life in this community and will be greatly missed by her friends and neighbors.
On October 15, 1854, she was united in marriage to John Meyer, and to this union nine children were born, four of which, three sons and one daughter having preceded her into the Great Beyond.
She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, John P. Meyer two sons, George Meyer, Nicholas Meyer, three daughters, Mrs. Mary King, Mrs. E. J. Wasem, Miss Elizabeth Meyer, seven grandchildren one great grandchild.
She was a kind and affectionate mother and a place is vacant in the home, which can never be filled.
The funeral was held from the home May 18, Rev. Pretzer officiating.
Miss Charlotte Harris has resigned her position at the telephone exchange.
Mrs. Nick Fischer was brought home from Cleveland Saturday. She was accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey.
George Walper has sold his South lot on State Street Mr. Edgerton. The erection of a new house begins once.
Rev. Pretzer is spending the day with his wife at Cleveland. Mrs. Pretzer has been removed to a sanitarium and is reported on the way to recovery.
RUBBISH DAY MONDAY
One of the largest crowds ever attended attending a Sunday picnic at Crystal Beach was here last Sunday. 2160 persons being reported on the special excursion train. A number from other places swelled the crowd to over 3000.
Launch Wahlene owned by Mr. Noel Mr. Wahl is ready to carry passengers. It will make a trip to Lorain every Friday at 2 o'clock, leaves the waterworks Dock. 25c round trip.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Otto Knott, a son Wednesday, June 1.
Miss Alberta Johnson has accepted a position at the NEWS office.
Mrs. Charles Hahn expects to be brought home today from Charity Hospital, where she has been for the past week.
Mrs. Ethel Bottomley celebrated her 17th birthday last week and received a beautiful York piano to commemorate the event.
[NOTE: Later Ethel married a prominent Vermilion farmer named Norris Welch.\
High school commencement next Thursday and Friday evenings at the town hall. Baccalaureate Sunday evening June 5th at the hall.
Miss Jesse M Delker, efficient Typograph operator NEWS office, left Wednesday morning vacation for three months to spend with her Aunt in Denver, Colorado.
The wet weather the past few days has put corn planting behind.
Decoration Day was duly observed in the section Monday.
The new hall of at the park is nearing completion. Looks fine.
Farm laborers are very scarce section.
Mrs. Albert Kishman is gaining slowly from her recent wholeness.
Werner Kishman, a well-known and highly respected citizen resident of West Vermilion the past 50 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Margaret Margard, Sandusky, Saturday morning 3 o'clock. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the residence of C. W. Kishman was largely attended. The deceased was 74 years of age leaves a family of four boys and two girls to mourn their loss.
Mr. Myron Frisby was called home last week on account of his father's serious illness.
Axtel was well represented at the school picnic last Friday. Everyone had a most enjoyable day.
Henrietta Hill School had their picnic Friday.
Many of the neighbors spent Memorial Day at Amherst.
Elmer Heussner is improving his house by a coat of paint.
The Leimbach brothers are busy breaking fine trotting horses for Elias Peabody.
If the weather is favorable the M. W. A. will have their Memorial Day Saturday p.m. at Brownhelm.
Hmmmmmm....
…John Burket, first sergeant; appointed corporal October 3, 1862; sergeant June 9, 1863; first sergeant September 1, 1864; promoted to commissary-sergeant June26,1865; veteran.
Sidney C. Brown, sergeant; appointed corporal August 1,1863;sergeant June 1, 1864; mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.
Moses Pugh, first sergeant; wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.; appointed corporal November 1, 1862; sergeant September 1, 1864; first sergeant June 26, 1865; mustered out with company July 11,1865; veteran.
Horace M. Chamberlin, sergeant; appointed corporal September 1, 1864; sergeant June26,1865 mustered out with company July 11,1865;veteran.
Jesse Dewers, sergeant; captured September 15, 1863 at Bristow, Va.; mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.
Arthur A. Graham, sergeant; transferred to company B, Twenty-first Veteran Reserve Corps, September 16,1863.
Edwin Holmes, sergeant; discharged October 19,1862,at Columbus, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Clark M. Kline, sergeant; appointed corporal June 1, 1864; sergeant, December 31, 1864; discharged June 15, 1865, at Fairfax Seminary, Va.; veteran.
Eri Misnard, sergeant; appointed corporal October 3, 1862; sergeant May 1, 1863; wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.; killed June 22, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.; veteran.
Alexander M. Ross, sergeant; appointed from corporal; wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.; transferred to, company D, Fourteenth Veteran Reserve Corps, July 31, 1863.
William R. Little, sergeant; appointed corporal October 3,1862; sergeant August 1, 1863; mustered out December 29, 1864, on expiration of term of service.
Adam Beer, corporal; appointed corporal June 22,1864; wounded March 19,1865,inbattle of Bentonville, N.C; mustered out June 9,1865, at Washington, D. C., by order of war department.
William B. Conger, corporal; discharged September 19, 1862, at Annapolis, Md.
John B. Conger, corporal; killed August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.
Cyrenus Dejean, corporal; discharged January 19, 1864, for wounds received May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.; leg amputated.
Addison, Golden, corporal; wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; appointed corporal June 26, 1865; mustered out with company July 11,1865 ; veteran.
Peter H. Keiffer, corporal; appointed corporal December 31, 1864; mustered out with company, July 11, 1865
3 BIKERS: I’ve often been somewhat amused by this pic of the 3 ladies on their bicycles. I don’t know for sure who they are, but I’d be willing to be that one (if not two) of them is an Abel girl – one of late Vermilionite Jake Abel’s daughters.
The ladies are on Grand Street between Ohio and South. The Evangelical church can bee seen in the background.
Looking closer at this pic I’m wondering how the ladies are riding the bikes without getting their clothing caught in the chain. I didn’t know bikes had chain guards on them way back when.
Can you imagine anyone riding a bike dressed like these women today?
>
A lady is giving a party for her granddaughter, and has gone all out. She hired a caterer, band, and a clown. Just before the party started two bums show up looking for a handout.
Feeling sorry for the bums, the woman tells them that they can get a meal if they will chop some wood out back.
Gratefully, they head to the rear of the house. Guests arrive, and all is going well with the children having a wonderful time.
But the clown has not shown up, and finally, the clown calls to report that he is stuck in traffic, and will probably not make the party at all.
The woman is very disappointed and unsuccessfully tries to entertain the children herself.
She happens to look out the window and sees one of the bums doing cartwheels across the lawn. She watches in awe as he swings from tree branches, does midair flips, and leaps high in the air.
She speaks to the other bum and says, "What your friend is doing is absolutely marvelous. I have never seen such a thing. Do you think your friend would consider repeating this performance for the children at the party? I would pay him $50!"
The bum replies, "Well, I dunno. Let me ask him. "HEY Neil! FOR $50, WOULD YOU CHOP OFF ANOTHER TOE?"
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 13 - June 2, 2018
Archive Issue #794
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant