Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: THEN: On my home desk this week is a very cool pic of the Vermilion Volunteer Fire Department taken c.1910 behind the Vermilion Township Hall. This was their fire equipment and their horsepower was very real.
My assumption is that their horses were housed in the stables behind the town hall. But I doubt that their state of the art fire engine was kept there.
These guys had some big fires to extinguish with their equipment at a time when water lines were not as available as they are today. They worked miracles.
& THEN AGAIN: On the shop top this week is another pic of the VVFD taken c.1925 outside the fire station on Ohio Street.
As is obvious the equipment had substantially improved. Their motorized fire engine was a big step forward under the leadership of their chief Wm. “Dad” Tischer.
I believe that at least one of the fellas in this pic appeared in the previous one. Firemen are a dedicated lot. And that they were / are volunteers speaks well for our community.
EARL’S CONTRIBUTIONS: Trudy Tischer-Archer dropped by the museum a few days ago with a file of photographs from her late father Earl.
Many of the pix are related to his high school days and friends in Vermilion. Earl was in my sister, Nancy’s class (’49). There are also a few of folks at some celebrations at the Wakefield Company and sundry other pix of his family and friends.
In addition to those pix there are some color snapshots of the Great Flood of 1969 and several from an early spring flood in 1962.
In the future a number of these photos will appear on the page. My sister is helping identify some of the persons in them. I only recognize a few of the names and faces. There are a ton of stories behind the faces in these pix.
Hmmm....
Historically,
VHM RECEIVES GRANT:
The Vermilion History Museum aka The Vermilion Print Shop Museum recently received a grant from the Erie County Community Foundation and the Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation Charitable Impact Fund in the amount of $2,900. The purpose of the grant was to update their electric on the first level of the museum with new electrical outlets and 3 ceiling fans to benefit Erie County residents and visitors.
The Museum houses two linotypes (c.1915), and 4 letter presses: A Stonemetz 2 revolution newspaper press (c.1919); a Kelly press (c.1917); a Chandler & Price 8"x12" (c.1906); and a Heidelberg Windmill Press (c.1954). There is book bindery/storage room with a manual paper cutter, electric stapler, and manual hole-punch machine. The second level of the museum houses an extensive display of Vermilion history.
The installation of the new electrical outlets enabled the removal of extension cords used to power their digital video pictures frames, which show how the printing machines work. The new ceiling fans circulate the air adding comfort to visitors to the museum and reducing utility costs of the museum in the winter.
Located at 727 Grand Street, Vermilion, museum hours are Monday – Saturday 11am – 3pm. Other times by appointment by calling 440-967-4555 or email: vermilionhistorymuseum@gmail.com
A HOT DAY IN VERMLION (REWRITE): The recent heat spell in our area took me back to my “Yoot” (i.e. youth) - when I was a boy of about 11 or 12. When it got real hot my friends and I retreated into a wooded area along the “crick” just a few blocks from our homes.
We referred to it as “Smith’s Woods” because the property of one of our friend’s parents (the Smiths’) backed-up to it. The land was actually owned by a local attorney. But we didn’t know it. And if we had known it, it wouldn’t have changed a thing. Because when it was hot the woods is where we went.
It had to be at least 10 or 15 degrees cooler in the heart and shadows of the woods – in the gloom provided by the great maple, oak, ash and buckeye trees that grew there. And if that really didn’t’ do the trick, the fresh waters of the creek that ran through the middle of the wood sure made it feel that way on bare feet.
The wood was located in a fair-sized ravine that ran north and south from one set of railroad tracks to another for a distance of maybe three miles. A seldom-used village street and small bridge neatly bisected the wandering stream and woodland. And if, for some reason, we didn’t want to be seen in our wanderings from one end of the wood to the other we’d secrete ourselves for a time under the aforementioned bridge, our voices echoing off the concrete walls of its abutments. A side benefit of the bridge tunnel was that it was even cooler beneath the road.
Out of sight of the sun time would pass us by without notice. In the peaceful gloaming we would listen to the birds chit-chattering above – no doubt some complaint about the heat of the day. And in the slow moving creek we’d entertain ourselves by watching water striders / Jesus bugs skitter across the water surface dancing to a choir of slightly out-of-sync crickets hidden in verdurous shadows somewhere deep in the forest.
And then from afar, the gleeful whoop and hollering of a friend who discovered something; something usually unique; something like a huge vine securely fastened by nature to a large tree that we could grab and swing out over the creek bank. It was like living in a Tarzan comic book. Or so we thought.
And when the fascination over that wore thin there were war games. We picked teams and scattered with the intention of ambushing one another with tree branches disguised as guns as we made our way from one end of the forest to the other. But three miles is a fair distance. So seldom did any of our wars last very long. That’s because there was always too much to see, to do and to get lost in when you’re in the woods. And so the afternoon would pass quickly. The shadows of the trees, even under their great canopy, would begin to grow longer. But far more important, our stomachs began to growl. It was time to go home.
So into the strange light and heat of the waning afternoon we would leave our refuge. One by one, heading for home, dragging sticks through the gravel along side the streets thinking of tomorrow. Another day would come. And if the heat were still oppressive we’d probably find our way back to Smith’s Woods. But maybe, just maybe, we’d go to the lake and swim, or wander down a well-worn path to the river.
On those nights our parents would let us take our blankets and pillows along with the family dog and sleep in the grass beside our home. There we’d fall asleep amid a galaxy of fireflies with a jillion stars in the sky overhead; dreaming dreams that only children are allowed to dream. It was a happy time for a young person. It had been a hot day in Vermilion. And the weather guy on the radio said that tomorrow there would be more of the same.
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 suggestions in regard to a public library made by the editor and also Dr. Swisher in a recent issue of the NEWS are most heartily endorsed by many if not the majority of the Vermilion people.
In a place as small as this is an impossibility to successfully maintain both the subscribers and a school library each as a separate and distinct organization. A library which is maintained wholly by subscribers generally receives considerable support from the older school pupils and from the parents who subscribe for the benefit of their children; but when a free library is furnished in the public schools, little or no patronage can be expected from this source. If therefore only one library can be supported in the place it surely should be one to which the entire community can have access.
It has been suggested that if the two libraries were merged into one that the efforts previously made by the schools in the interest of the library would be discontinued and a few have argued that in inasmuch as funds for the purchase of books have been raised by the teachers and pupils that therefore the library should be retained in the school for its exclusive benefit.
Such an idea is unworthy the consideration of anyone having an interest in public welfare. Our children are being educated not merely as pupils of the public schools, but as prospective citizens of this community, and one branch of their education should be those principles of good citizenship, which encourage and support all projects that may result in a permanent benefit to all members of the Commonwealth. It is an extremely shortsighted and contracted view of the matter to feel that the children of our schools for any but imperative reasons refuse to lend their aid to any possible way to promote an enterprise of which they will themselves eventually become beneficiaries when their school days are past.
In case of a consolidation of two libraries as Dr. Swisher remarks, the privileges of the schoolteachers need not be altered in any way. If anything it should be of greater advantage as they would have a greater variety of books from which to select.
Having frequently had opportunities for investigating the methods of other town libraries I have found that the more successful ones were those which were managed by women. I have in mind one that was established several years ago in a town of this size in Michigan which is always been under the management of women and which continues in him most flourishing condition. The current expenses of this association are so judiciously managed as to be of little importance. All were connected with the library is gratuitous, the librarians duties being undertaken each week by two different members. And as the library is open only on Saturday and one other afternoon from 3 o'clock to 5:30 the ladies are not called upon to serve in this capacity more than three times during the year as the organization has a membership of about fifty.
I am confident that the members of the Sorosis would be glad to join such an association, not perhaps with a view of managing the affairs but as coworkers in establishing and maintaining the prosperity of the library which would be a benefit to all the community; and if the older pupils of the high school would join them in giving their services as librarians, etc. – each acting only certain days during the year the current expenses could be reduced to a minimum while the work of devolving upon any one individually would be of no significance.
With the books now on hand in the two libraries and the annual contributions from the Lecture course and other sources, and with a careful management of the financial and other affairs, a people's library could not fail to be a success.
MRS. ELIZABETH KANE.
The regular monthly meeting of the village council was held Monday evening with all members present except C. A. Mattison who was out of town.
After reports by committees the sidewalk question was discussed there being several sidewalks that had not been built as ordered. The causes of delay were explained.
Only one bid was reported for the building of the two steps and crossing on Main Street at the intersection of Huron at Mrs. Wells’s corner. Peter Callan bid 19 ½ c. per foot for concrete work and excavating $2 each for the steps to be of concrete. His bid was accepted in the time extended to Aug. 27 for the completion of the work.
The question as to what should be done with the refuse from the stores particularly Trinter and Unser's, who paid for having a man haul theirs away. He evidently became tired of carrying the stuff and dumped it on the village dumping ground. He burned the paper and cleaned the trash up thus escaping a fine. It was decided that the Council could not furnish a dumping place for the garbage and refuse.
It was reported that oil for the filling in spots which were missed had arrived and the street commissioner will put it on.
The matter of cutting weeds, as required by law, was brought up and the street Commissioner ordered to cut the weeds and charge the property owners.
The clerk stated that Mr. Handy of the L. S. & M. S. wished to meet with the Council and suggested Friday evening. The clerk was requested to notify Mr. Handy that a meeting would be called Monday if convenient for him.
After providing for payment of bills council adjourned.
Fred Aufderhyde, "boss" on the Lake Shore Ry, met with an accident Monday morning. While riding on a handcar it was run into and both crews thrown off. The wheels of one of the cars passed over Mr. Aufderhyde’s arm bruising it considerably but not breaking the bone or cutting the flesh.
Otto Knott met with an accident last Friday that might have resulted more seriously. He was taking a load of goods to the Nickel Plate Depot and while backing up, one of the forward wheels of his wagon came off throwing part of the load with Mr. Knott upon and under the horses feet. One of the horses kicked Mr. Knott in the stomach and laid him out for a short time but he was so close to the house that he did not receive full the full force of the blow.
Mayor William said he believes a bathtub preferable to Lake Erie hereafter when he wants a bath. His opinion is a result of the experience while bathing near Crystal Beach last Friday. Mr. Williams found the undertow a little too strong and it carried him off his feet. Then began a struggle which might have resulted seriously but for George Leidheiser who saw his predicament and helped him out.
The Black property on the lake front from the foot of Washington Street was sold last Saturday to Messrs. Driscoll and Tischer for $1230. E. L.Coen, as agent for Mrs. Black, received sealed bids and sold to the highest bidder.
The streets are being treated to an oil sprinkling.
Two cars sidetracked near the freight depot were broken into Friday night and several pairs of shoes taken.
Geo Bruce is quite ill with typhoid fever at his home on in S. Amherst.
Sam Hollinsworth is nursing a dislocated shoulder. He slipped and fell while working for Fred McQueen.
The Kendiegh sawmill was sold at auction Saturday afternoon for $700.
Harmon Plato, Mill boss, at No. Quarry was found dead on the street near his home early Tuesday morning. He arose at 4 o'clock and went outdoors. When an hour passed and he failed to return his wife called the neighbors and the lifeless form was found by C. Kuss. Heart disease is said to be the cause. He was 49 years of age. A wife and eleven children survive.
The second annual reunion of the Bechtel family was held at Century Park Lorraine Saturday.
Have you seen many dogs with muzzles on?
Probably the largest shoot ever here in America is on at Camp Perry. Many besides the 45 state teams will be present.
E. P. Denman who resigned as roadmaster on the L. S. E. last week has become senior member in the contracting firm of Denman, Sanwisch and Ecsenhour of Fremont.
As guests of Congressman J. H. Cassidy Congressman from the Lake District Of Ohio will be taken on an inspection tour along the shore and the government boat "Visitor". Every harbor will be inspected and the officers and businessmen consulted, Vermilion will probably receive a visit the second week in August.
The new drinking fountain for man and beast has been put in place on Exchange Place. It not only furnishes refreshment for horses and human beings but dogs are also provided for. They cannot take a bath though as in the old one. It is a great improvement.
Call 19 when you have an item.
Little Ralph Law is reported very ill.
Miss Emma Nuhn is reported very ill at her home just west of town.
A ten-pound boy arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Hemmings Thursday, July 28, 1910.
Mrs. E. T. Bottomley, Mrs. P. Roscoe, Mrs. Catherine Decker and Ethel Bottomley visited Cedar Point Saturday afternoon.
It is reported that the woodworking plant is to resume operations soon. Messrs. Dunbar and Crouse were here during the past week and secured the services of John Knott, Jr. to put the machinery in running order.
A 4 1/2 pound daughter came Thursday, July 28, 1910 to make her home with Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Leidheiser.
Vermilion has another remarkable hen. Henry Pelton has a hen setting on five eggs. Six chickens were hatched.
A 10 lb. son arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Ross of Wellington Wednesday July 27 1910. Mrs. Ross was formally Ms. Cecil Rose of Vermilion.
Mrs. Mary Fischer, wife of the late Nicholas Fischer, died this Thursday morning at her home after an illness extending over a period of several months at the age of 69 years.
Funeral services will be held at the house on Sunday at 1 o'clock and at the reformed church at 1:30.
The Vermilion Telephone Co. has about completed removing the unused poles, wire, etc. which it brought last fall from Central Union, (Bell) Telephone Co. This clears our streets of a lot of unnecessary poles and wires and improves the appearance of the town.
James Cuddeback is reported quite ill at his home west of town.
Boat-builder Black has just finished and launched a fine gasoline boat for Fairport parties. It will be used in the fishing business. Mr. Black's fame as a launch builder is spreading.
Don't forget the farmers picnic Crystal Beach Saturday.
Lake Shore Ry. Company has had a number of trees on the property between Grand Street and Edson's Creek cut down. The shade trees on the streets only remaining. The last building on their property formerly occupied by Mr. Rust as a carpenter shop is being torn down.
John A. Englebry the veteran undertaker and funeral director has decided to retire from business and has turned his business over. Undertaker A. E. Beeckle. Mr. Englebry has been one of Vermilion's businessmen for many years and his retirement is well-earned.
Thursday
The freighter William C Moreland launched at Lorain.
46 held at Newark jail pending investigation of Newark lynching.
[NOTE: 17-year-old Carl Etherington, who was a native of Willisburg, Washington county, Ky., employed by the State Anti-Saloon League as a blind tiger raider, was lynched on July 8, 1910 after a day of almost continuous rioting. The doors of the Licking county jail were battered down and Etherington was dragged from his cell. He was shot, kicked, and struck on the head with a hammer before the street was reached, and the finish followed quickly.
Etherington early in the evening confessed he killed Wilham Howard, proprietor of the “Last Chance” restaurant and former chief of police, in a raid of alleged “speak oasis,” in a raiding scuffle at 1:30 o’clock the previous afternoon, and narrowly escaped lynching at that time. When news from the hospital passed over the city, at 9 o’clock that night, the fury of the mob took definite form. Large battering rams were directed upon the doors of the jail, and the deputies were powerless. The doors fell after nearly an hour’s attack.]
2000 soldiers on way to Columbus to quell riots caused by the street railway strike. Mayor orders all citizens to stay indoors at night.
The two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. O. Garner, living near Fremont had his face badly torn by the teeth of an angry dog, in lies in a critical condition. The dog jumped on the little boy one without warning.
Friday.
A local options election under the Beal law was held at Wellington the "Drys" winning by 100 votes.
Gov. Harmon returns to Columbus declares that state troops cannot be used for policing the city of Columbus and orders Mayor Marshall to do his duty.
Saturday.
Barge Grace Whitney run down by steamer Ogdensburg 3 miles off Bar Point Light and sunk in 30 foot of water. Capt. Ross Heath's wife and his 9-year-old son drowned.
Sunday.
The Tacoma picked up 14 miles west of Cleveland in a helpless condition. She was bound for Ashtabula and the boilers gave out.
L. J. Bolton, Newark saloon keeper arrested at Delaware charged with placing a noose around neck of Carl Atherton, lynched at new Newark.
During union Evangelistic tent service at Lorain Saturday night two dogs began to fight. Women and children screamed. The dogs were separated and the preacher went on with his sermon.
Dr. Crippen and his stenographer Ethel Leneve who fled from London after the disappearance of the doctor's wife were caught at Father Point, Québec, and placed in jail. They were traveling as Rev. Robinson and son.
[NOTE: Dr. Crippen, was an American homeopath, ear and eye specialist and medicine dispenser. He was hanged in Pentonville Prison in London for the murder of his wife Cora Henrietta Crippen, and was the first suspect to be captured with the aid of wireless telegraphy. He’d murdered Cora; cut her up and buried under the brick floor of their basement in Holloway, London.]
Monday.
But little change in the street railway strike at Columbus. Strikers refused to compromise. The company refused to recognize the union.
Mr. Will Bemas [sic] of this place was taken to Norwalk to the hospital last Thursday.
Mr. Bert Bacon and wife spent Sunday in Lorain with her son Lysl [sic] and wife
Fred Bacon the Nelson Newberry took in the sights at Crystal Beach Sunday.
Part of Main street is to be sprinkled with oil.
Will Moats is still confined to his home with rheumatism.
Court has been closed until August 15th.
Lorain police begin 8-hour day service until of 12.
Lorain merchants will picnic at Crystal Beach August 25th.
777.
Oats and wheat harvesting is all done in this section and some of our farmers have thrashed.
Children's day at the German Reformed Church last Sunday was largely attended in a fine program was rendered.
A. R. Is in Chicago Milwaukee this week for Lake Carriers Association.
The new work at Sugar Creek Bridge is still at a standstill on account of the strike.
The trustees were in this vicinity Monday looking after the needy ones.
C. W. Kishman as had his residence fully protected from electric storms having his house covered with lightning rods. L. Jenkins of Beerlin Heights did the work.
Mr. Seymour Leimbach and sister Blanche spent Saturday and Sunday the guest of their Sr. Mrs. R. W. Jarrett at Norwalk also had a 100 mile auto ride Mr. R. W. Jarrett's auto which was just fine and enjoyed by all.
Mr. Jacob Reinhart and Frank Miller assisted in the Leimbach brothers stacking wheat Saturday.
Look for the people traveling through the country with bears and pet monkeys as they will dance the bear dance for ten cents.
Hmmmmmm....
INTERESTING: In case anyone was wondering about the old stone sidewalks in town. They apparently came from Berlin Heights. Interesting. (At least to me.)
…Camp Morton, arriving there on the 30th. The Sixty-fifth was assigned to a brigade composed of the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-fifth Ohio, the Fifty-first Indiana and Ninth Kentucky. Colonel Harker, of the Sixty-fifth, commanded the brigade, and General Wood the division."
On January, 13, 1862, the brigade broke camp and proceeded to Hall's Gap, arriving there on the 24th, when it was at once placed at work to corduroy the roads. On account of the swampy, miasmatic nature of the country many of the men fell sick and died. On February 7 the regiment left this place and marched to Lebanon, where by rail it proceeded to Green River, and remained in camp at Munfordsville, until the 23d, after which it went to Nashville, arriving there on March 13, tired and worn from having marched over obstructed roads, and carrying baggage over places impassable for the loaded wagons.
In the latter part of March, with General Garfield commanding the brigade, the regiment again took up the line of march by way of Columbia to Savannah, and thence by steamer to Pittsburg Landing, at which place a fight was in progress, but the Sixty-fifth was not engaged though on the field. Following close upon this event came the siege of Corinth, in which the regiment participated, being under fire much of the time and meeting with some loss. After the enemy evacuated the place the regiment moved to Bridgeport, and was assigned to guard duty along the Tennessee River, until the latter part of August, when it joined in pursuit of Bragg's retreating forces, and finally reached Perryville late in September. A week later it marched to Nashville. At this place the army was reorganized, the Sixty-fifth holding its place in the brigade, with Colonel Harker in command. On December 26 the brigade moved on the Nashville Pike, fighting its way into Lavergne, across Stewart's Creek, and up to Stone River. On the 29th, at night, the regiment forded the river, armpit deep, in the face of a galling fire, and gained the opposite bank, where they formed and engaged the enemy; but supporting troops failing to arrive they were forced to retire, which was done in good order. The men lay on their arms all night and early the next day moved to the support of McCook's corps, which was having much the worst of it in a fierce battle. For eight long hours the regiment was engaged before the enemy was finally put to rout. The loss of the Sixty-fifth in this engagement amounted to nearly one hundred and seventy-five killed, wounded and missing. Forty officers and men were killed. Stone River was the most destructive battle in which the regiment participated.
At Chickamauga, on September 19 and 20, the regiment was again engaged, but on the last named day retreated to Mission Ridge, thence fell back to Chattanooga, at which latter place, on November 23-25, it was again closely engaged and lost heavily, there being in killed, wounded and missing no less than one hundred men. Added to this was the loss in the battle at Mission Ridge, on the 25th, in which thirteen were killed and two wounded.
THE END OF THE L.S.E. (ALMOST): I noted that this pic my sis Nancy Emery sent me was the last LSE to cross the bridge at Edson Creek in Vermilion. But that’s most likely a figurative thought.
Interurban historian Dennis Lamont told me when I asked him if the car in the photo was passing over the creek:
“Yes indeed and it is part of a set taken on the last fan trip over the Edson Creek bridge April 3, 1938.
166 was waiting in the passing siding for the eastbound 179. The guys were gathered in the east and west direction. [photo below]
That [this] picture was 179 passing over the Edson Creek bridge.”
A couple was taking a stroll through a park, when they came upon a wishing well. The woman leaned over, made a wish and threw a quarter down the well.
Her husband decided that he also wanted to make a wish. Unfortunately, he leaned over too far and fell down the well.
The woman stood there in shock for a moment and said, "Wow! It really works!"
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 22 - August 4, 2018
Archive Issue #802
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