Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On both desktops this week are aerial pix of Vermilion’s late amusement park Crystal Beach. Both are interesting to those who remember the park and the surrounding area.
TIME: The pic on the shop desk is just a bit older than the one on my home desk. It was taken (or so it appears) in the late 1930s or very early ‘40s.
In this pic the old refreshment stand is at the entrance to the park (bottom left). The Rocket ride is next to it – and I don’t recall the ride just to the upper left of it. Or I don’t recall it being in that spot.
This shot gives one a good idea as to the real size of the dance hall / roller rink. It also shows the portion at the back of the dance floor. That’s where refreshments could be purchased and it seems that I recall a coat-check room too.
You will note that Lake Road is only a two-lane highway, and the parking lot at the bottom of the photo is equipped with lights for night visitors to the park and dance hall.
Somewhere I have a photo of Vermilionite Jim Jones’s father on a motorcycle near the hedges in front of the hall. He was an Ohio State Patrol officer.
& TIME AGAIN This is a later aerial of the park that is not as close as the former.
This pic appears to be from the early 1950s. It allows us an idea of not only the park, but also the surrounding area.
The fields to the right (east) of the park were often used as a good place for the fishing companies to dry their nets in the sun. (I can still remember the odor of the tar from them.)
This has a good view of the roller coaster as well as the casino at the back of the park. This like the other photo was taken before the road was enlarged to four lanes.
One of the striking things about this particular pic is that both houses fronting the park were still in existence. The one on the left (nearer) the park was the Calvert residence. And thought I’m not real sure about the other (on the right) it may have been the original home on the property. [NOTE: the widow’s walk atop the structure.]
These provide wonderful views of the old park.
LINWOOD BEACH: Vermilionite Mark Williams sent me a pic of the beach at Linwood Park during the week that made me gasp.
I’ve not been in Linwood or to the Lagoons beaches for years and assumed that they will always be great places to swim and sunbathe. While that may still be true it appears from the pic Mark sent that the beaches are greatly diminished.
I realize that the water level in the Vermilion River is quite high this year it never occurred to me that the lake level would be much different. But apparently that’s not the case.
In short, it doesn’t look good.
When I was younger I spent a good deal of time at the beach at Nokomis Park (next to Linwood) and really enjoyed it. After the Great Flood of 1969 that beach disappeared. I really hope that will not be the case for Linwood’s great beach.
The photo I saw was shocking. It was like the beach front had been addicted to crystal meth.
Historically,
1917-18: I was moving filing cabinets around in the museum during the week and happened upon this portrait. It is my grandmother, Bessie Roscoe, that was taken around 1917 or 18 when she helped make (I think) bandages for the American Red Cross during WWI. The national membership in the Red Cross grew from around 17,000 people before World War I to 20 million after America’s entry into the war. Volunteer programs included making bandages to send overseas, training nurses, and raising money for refugees and existed in nearly all the cities and small towns across America.
The Vermilion History Museum has pictures of a group of ladies working together making bandages. There is also another portrait (below) of all the local Red Cross women standing on the lawn in front of Vermilion industrialist / patriot F.W. Wakefield’s Harborview Home at the foot of Main Street.
At the end of the war Wakefield sponsored a banquet for the volunteers on the steps of his home. There are also several pix of the set-up of that gathering as well. It was truly amazing.
So was their work.
MORE TREASURES: During the last few months this column has twice featured items from the Civil War (1861–65) diaries of my g-grandfather Caselton Roscoe. While his journals and letters are most certainly valuable family keepsakes, it is hardly my intention to constantly dwell upon them, thus boring the living “heck” out of readers. But on the other hand, some of these things are just too treasurable to just sit on for another 150 years.
I should explain that Cass was not a native of Vermilion. He was born in Townsend Center Ohio in 1835 and until just shortly after the death of my g-grandmother in 1908 he lived in Milan Ohio. Following her death he came to town and took up residence with his son, the editor-publisher of the local weekly paper. Before retiring he worked as a carpenter / millwright and had supervised the construction of the Vermilion News building on Grand Street where his son and family both lived and worked. He died there on the fifteenth day of May in 1918. Among the plethora of things he left behind are the three small drawings that appear with this essay.
They are rather small and very fragile. They’re not in pristine condition. That they even exist is quite astonishing. After all they are over 150 years old. They are neat pencil sketches of encampments of Company K. of the Ohio 67th Voluntary Infantry Regiment c.1863.
Unfortunately, only two are captioned: “Charleston Harbor” and the “Post at the Rear of the Encampment on Morris Island, S.C.” Although these are hardly Rembrandt quality sketches they are nonetheless interesting. Several years ago I came across a similar sketch he had drawn with the caption “The Blockade of Charleston Harbor from Morris Island”. I found it in a folder of unrelated materials. In that sketch all the boats in the harbor were named. Some were very visible sailing and steam vessels. The captions on that sketch are more detailed than these. But all were obviously done about the same time.
As much as I find the harbor sketch impressive the one of the back of the camp on Morris Island gave me a bit more insight as it pertains to his position in them. My assumption is that he was situated somewhere between the two scenes, and turned from one to the other to draw them. Unfortunately I have no idea what the letters on the tent at the lower right of the “rear camp” photo mean. It may have been a hospital or officer’s tent.
The third (lower) sketch is a puzzler. I’ve no idea where it was accomplished. However, after some investigation it appears that this may have been the first sketch Cass made during his wartime experience. Aside from the fact that it appears to have been accomplished in a mountainous area the thing we might be able to determine with some accuracy is, of all things, its date. And that is because of the tents in the drawing.
Unbeknownst to me (until just lately) is that Civil War tents came in many different shapes and sizes. At the beginning of the war the troops often used something called a “Sibley” tent. It was inspired by Native American teepees and was conical shaped like those in the drawing. These tents were retired in 1862. They were expensive, large, and too cumbersome for an army to transport. Individual tents required several wagons to carry. My unschooled supposition is that this sketch may have been accomplished c.1862 near Westchester Virginia. After some rudimentary research it appears that the terrain, the trees and the railroad bridge would support that idea.
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...
The receipt of the notices issued by the Board of Trustees of Public Affairs has caused a big kick from those having motor washers, over the first rate charged of $5.00 per year. Some have refused to pay, others are getting in meters at their own expense, and all feel that the rate is unjust.
Now we are wondering if this rate was made by guess or from actual figures, and upon what these rates are based. Will the trustees please come forward and explain? The columns of the NEWS are open.
The National Motor Co., manufacturer of water motors and washing machines has furnished us with actual figures and say in conclusion that the rate is "worse than extortionate."
The figures they give are much above the average for the use of these machines. Here they are motor at 50 strokes per minute requires 2 7/8 gallons per minute. Making a liberal estimate of 90 minutes per week this would require 256 gallons of water. Very few private families, however, run 90 minutes as this would represent six tubs of clohes allowing 15 minutes per tub, while about half of the wash such as bedclothes, table lemon linen, etc., would not run more than eight minutes. However estimating on a 90 minute run 52 weeks in the year would require only 13468 gallons and at the very highest rate given in the waterworks rules would still be under the five dollars, and we dare say that there are very few machines in town run more than two hours at every other week. Now the policy of former boards has been, where water is used in the house, to cut the rates when applied to other purposes, as in sprinkling. Where the water is used for that purpose alone with hydrant in the yard five dollars, more than double the rate is charged that when used in connection with the water piped into the house. Then only two dollars per year is charged.
Let us ask the board which takes the most water – sprinkling as it is commonly done in Vermilion – every night and morning during the summer season or the use of a washing machine once a week? If two dollars is a fair rate for sprinkling why not the same or at least or a lesser rate for the use of the power washer?
Now we approach the meter question. When people want meters why should they pay for them. In Lorain the meter is owned by the city. In Berea the meters are owned by the city. In the latter place the private residences are charge six dollars per year regardless of the number of rooms with bathrooms etc. extra. The sprinkling rate is $5.00 and $2.50 for lawns of 66 feet or less 5c per foot for more for more than 66 foot front, according to whether water is used for other purposes or not.
Now why not furnish meters, when asked for, at the expense of the waterworks department. Why compel an incorporated company to purchase furnish meters, by franchise, and then allow citizens of the village to pay for meters to measure the water from the village water plant?
We believe it is up to somebody to look into the matter. We realize that water rates are hard to adjust but in all events it is the taxpayer that pays the bills.
A large percent of the businessmen and property owners on Liberty Street and on Grand and Division St., south to the railroad have agreed to pay half the expense of oiling the streets, the corporation being required to pay the other half. The Electric Railway Company will also come in for a share of the expense. Good idea. The dust is getting unbearable.
Franchise for L. S. & M. S. Ry. Co., may be granted at next meeting.
Monday evening the village Council met to consider the L. S. & M. S. franchise and after carefully going over the matter only two items remain to be adjusted.
The railroad Road company has practically agreed to the following provisions of the last franchise brought up, with one or two exceptions.
In brief, the provisions are: Grading of all crossings west of Division Street to be not more than per cent. Strays to be graded to full width.
Grand Street to be planked same as Division Street is now.
Sewer to be laid on or near the line of the right-of-way to care for water. Drainage on north side of track provided for.
The abandonment of Columbus Street between Perry and Decatur streets by the railroad company.
The changing of Sandusky Street under grade crossings so as to have full 13 ft. clearance, making Road bent over head watertight, the placing of a good roadway under the underneath and properly lighting and draining same.
The separation of grades at Water Street with the usual requirements.
On the width of this opening under the tracks there arose a misunderstanding. The company's supposing the opening was to be 30 feet the same as Sandusky Street, and the Council that it was to be 66 feet or the full width of the street.
The other misunderstanding was to in regard to the abandonment of Columbus Street. It seems that the track will be moved 29 feet at Washington Street and some 84 feet at Decatur, but the company asked for the right-of-way to do it, from the center of the new location of their tracks. This it seems will be required to the place it to place a fourth track in time. This necessitates about 13 feet, additional so in reality the tracks will be moved some 16 feet on Washington Street in about 71 feet at Decatur Street. The Council asked that the position of this proposed 50 feet be marked on the map so as the position relative to the street line may be shown.
While this would not entirely close up Columbus Street at the under greater to about all that remains to be settled. This we believe will be done without further trouble.
Benjamin Schreiner, a well-known Cleveland plumber, was drowned in the Vermilion River near the Olympic Club grounds Sunday morning about 8 o'clock by the overturning of a rowboat.
Schreiner with several brothers and two or three friends came up Saturday to fish. Sunday morning they loaded their provisions and equipment into the boat and four of them getting into it left one of the one on the bank to shove off which he did, the boat tipped some of the men were standing, and trying to right the craft it was capsized. Benjamin Schreiner not being able to swim sank and was drowned. The other got out with difficulty after attempting to save him. It was some half hour before the body was recovered.
One of the saddest features of the drowning is that the boy's parents (he was only 19 years of age) had just got gone to Europe on a tour and cannot be present at the last sad rights. Undertaker Beeckel took charge of the body which was later taken to Cleveland.
Charles Alheit attended the funeral of a relative at Milan last Saturday.
Charles Johnson has his farm up for sale again. It is a very desirable plate piece of property for anyone to own.
E. Kishman had an old-fashioned raising bee Tuesday. All reported good time.
The Lake Shore Electric commences to run local cars every hour the 23rd of this month.
Our highways are sadly in need of a mowing machine what's the matter with our trustees?
The Lake Shore Electric has been painting their poles at all the stops.
The general opinion in West Vermilion is that our popular druggist A. D. Barnhart will be elected as representative to succeed C. B. Winters at the coming election.
A son came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Nalley last Wednesday.
Friday March the 90th anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Catherine Ray.
The little son of Mr. and Mrs. George Denger died Saturday afternoon. He had convulsions.
The saloon of A. L. Hamel was entered by burglars Friday night and quite a sum of money, cigars and liquor was taken.
Mr. Harry Fields who has been working on the Sandusky Register has taken a position with the Lorain Times–Herald spent a few days last week with his parents in Amherst.
Thursday Mrs. Frank Knafel of South Amherst was among those attending the funeral of John Johnson who was decapitated at the quarry last week. She disappeared from in front of the church during the burial and was not found until Saturday morning when she was discovered wandering around the woods on the Ruth farm in Brownhelm. It seems her mind was somewhat clouded.
Allison Nichol recently purchased a motorcycle.
Harry Redington has successfully passed the bar exam in will open a law office in Elyria.
The funeral of George Thumeling who was drowned at Ashtabula Sunday was held Wednesday from the home at South Amherst.
Miss Ella Thumeling of East Quarry was bitten on the leg Sunday. She was going to a neighbor’s when the dog owned by Orlando Foster ran out bitter.
Clarence Baker the mail carrier was enjoying a nap Monday at the Lake Shore depot. He was sitting directly under the clock, when it fell. He was rendered unconscious for a few minutes the clock was broken to bits.
[NOTE: What is this – some comedy skit?]
Roy Crandall met with an accident while working at the plant of the Western Automatic Company last week when he came in contact with a live wire severely burning his hand.
A number of boys under 16 have been working in the quarries. A visit of the state inspector recently has put a stop to this.
While it is unfortunate that the Lake Shore Railroad passes through Vermilion where it does, we will have to make the best of it. We believe that a peaceable settlement is the best. The Council has and will get more than if the law had been resorted to. We hope the slight differences may now be adjusted.
One thing more remains and that is for people to have a care and not pass under the gates and stand to wait for a passing train. Several have had narrow escapes by so doing, one child in particular just escaping by being pulled from the track just as a train was backing down from the opposite direction. The gate men are stationed on the south side and when a train is passing on the south track, cannot see and could render no assistance if he could, to parties on the north track. When the gates are down neither child nor grown-ups have any business inside of them. Keep on the outside and out of possible danger.
Why, O Why, don't the council take action on the gutter proposition on Liberty and Division streets. Come, gentlemen, times up! – Citizen.
Mr. C. S. Schaffer is reported rather indisposed this week.
The condition of Mr. A. W. McGregor remains about the same.
Mrs. Ella Lawless is reported very ill this week.
Mrs. Nick Snyder entered the hospital at Lorain yesterday and had a cancer removed from her eye.
Mrs. A. C. Pretzer came home Saturday after a stay of several weeks in a Cleveland sanitarium. We are sorry to state that she is not gaining as rapidly as friends could wish.
Edward P Cripps of Norwalk was drowned in a canoe accident off Ceylon Jct. Tuesday. His three companions were saved. The party was camping at Mitiwanga.
There was another escape from the Ohio penitentiary, Thursday. Earl Hopkins serving a term for robbery.
The tug Rainbow has returned from Fairport.
A large audience witnessed the production of "A Dream Of Fairyland" at the Opera House Friday evening given by Alpha Circle of the M. E. Sunday school and their friends, and was all that was claim for. The stage was beautifully decorated to represent the fairy Woodland, the birds singing in the treetops was very real, the good fairies in the robes of white draped in pale blue and trimmed with gold stars, in elves and red and silver presented a picture most pleasing.
The class had been so thoroughly drilled that the whole entertainment went through without error. Both the Circle and their teachers, Mrs. A. L. Irey are to be congratulated on their success.
The new dining hall at Crystal Beach with its up-to-date appointments and presided over by a force of learned in the culinary art is a decided improvement to the park, and the bunch, including Mayor Williams and family, George B. McConnelly and wife, Dave Miller and wife, H. L. Minium and wife, W. H. Boland and daughters, and George P. Wahl who employed the hospitality of Mr. Blanchet at a fine dinner Sunday express to him our many thanks and also to the waiters for their excellent service.
A. L. Irey is spending a few days at Dayton, a delegate to the Democratic state convention.
Mrs. O. A. Priest of Canton received a subscription present of the NEWS, as a memento of the paper anniversary of her wedded life, Wednesday, the gift of her mother Mrs. George Fischer.
Now is the time to cut weeds. It makes the street look ragged to have patches of weeds about and when a lot in a neighborhood where everyone else keeps the weeds down, is allowed to grow up with weeds, it looks bad.
George Lang who has for some time past is conducted a meat market in Vermilion has quite business and the building and equipment is for rent. As yet Mr. Lang does not know what he will take up.
Light lumber wagon for sale. Inquire of Dr. Bond.
The 1911 state encampment of the G. A. R. Will be held at Lorain.
Anna Wolf was granted a divorce from Herbert Wolf Monday on the grounds of gross neglect of duty and willful absence.
Peter Leimbach, a gatekeeper at division Street has been off duty for several days this week on account of sickness.
Several weeks ago during a severe storm Daniel Christmann Jr. of Delta, O. met with an accident, which makes him a cripple for life. Wires were blown down and as he was making his way in the dark something brushed near his eyes. He put up his hand to push it away and came into contact with a live wire. And for one hour and 1/2 he was held there. Then help came but Mr. Christmann is unable to tell just how he was released. The flesh of both hands was burned through and were amputated one at the wrist, the other leaving one finger. One thumb was left on the wire, having been burned completely off. Mr. Chrisman is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Christmann formerly of Vermilion and operates a small fruit farm near Delta.
Nettie Anna Darley was born in Berlin Heights, O. December 24, 1849. Died at her home June 13, 1910 after an illness of over eight years. She was united in marriage to Alfred Hayes November 15, 1876. To this union six children were born all of whom are living. Mrs. Hayes spent most of all her life in and about Berlin Heights. Eight years ago she was stricken with diseased from which she never recovered. Because of her illness she was deprived of many of the joys of life, sunshine and happiness, which was a very chief characteristic of her nature. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Her death will be mourned by her family and many friends. Funeral services were held at the home in Ogontz on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock in charge of Rev. A. G. Rupert of Berlin Heights. Internment at Hill Side Cemetery.
Hmmmmmm....
…Frederick Fleig, drafted; mustered out June 9,1865,by order of war department.
Abraham D. Falkner, killed May2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.
Seth Golden, wounded July 20,1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek; discharged May 20, 1865, by order of war department
Christian Guarlach, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D.C. , by order of war department.
James W. Griffith, transferred to One Hundred and Forty-eighth Veteran Reserve Corps, January 22, 1864.
Ebenezer B. Green, wounded May 15,1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; died July 27, 1864, at Big Shanty, Ga.; Veteran.
William H. Gittenger, wounded May 2,1863,in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.; mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.
Boody J. Gaines, died March 8, 1862, at Grafton, W. Va.
James C. Holt, discharged October 20, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.George Harkcom, mustered out June 19,1865, at Camp Chase,0., by order of war department
Joseph Holdeman, drafted; wounded March 19,1865,in battle of Bentonville, N. C.; absent, sick in hospital; mustered out July 11, 1865, by order of war department
Asa Hoppas, wounded May 25,1864,in battle of Dallas, Ga.; discharged May24,1865, at Trippler Hospital, by order of war department
Clay Holtz captured May 27, 1862, at Franklyn, Va.; mustered out October 27, 1864, on expiration of term of service.
Edward Hinchy, killed May 2, 1863,in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.
Thomas Jeffers, substitute; absent, sick at Bentonville, N. C.; mustered out to date July 11, 1865, by order of war department.
Albert Johnson, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C , by order of war department.
Edwin E. Jones, discharged September 22, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
John L. King, mustered out with company July 11,1865; veteran.
Samuel Kuhlman, killed May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.
Albion F. Lee, mustered out July 11,1865.
Martin Lindley, discharged March 21, 1865, at hospital, Columbus, O., by order of war department.
James Linn, died June 27, 1864, in hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Isaac Livensparger, wounded and captured May 2,1863,in battle at Chancellorsville, Va.; discharged April 30,1864.
CAMERA DISPLAY: These cameras provide a minor timeline for their evolution in the U.S. There is no brand name on the oldest piece on the right. The lens is of German manufacture, but that’s about all I can tell of it. It was likely my grandfather’s first camera. His tripod is in the corner of the room (out of sight here).
The box camera may have been my mother’s when she was as young as I was when I had the Brownie next to it. We have two of each of these on display at the museum.
I’ve always felt that the old Brownies were very capable instruments. Two of my sisters (Butch & Ellie) and I took some very nice photos with one of these babies. Unfortunately most of those photographs are lost. I can actually remember the subject matter of several. (e.g. when the pop factory was burned we took a bunch of the event; and there was one of my sister Butch standing aside a movie poster at the Liberty Theatre, etc…)
We have a dozen or so cameras on display. Someday my Nikons will be among them.
Linda is taking the driving portion of her driver's license exam. She handles most of the maneuvers quite well. She has a little trouble parallel parking, however, and winds up a couple of feet from the curb.
"Could you get a little closer?" the examiner asks.
The blonde then unbuckles her seat belt and slides over toward the examiner. "Now what?"
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 16 - June 23, 2018
Archive Issue #797
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