Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On top of both desks this week are Vermilion River pix. The one on my home desk this week is the older of the two. It was taken somewhere upriver – near or around the Olympic Club. But I don’t believe it was the club. Perhaps the camp in it was on the opposite shore. The old fella in the rowboat nearest the camera is my g-grandfather, and the lady with him is my grandmother. My assumption is that my grandfather was the taker of the picture. It’s a nice, quiet photograph of a wild Vermilion.
The pic on the shoptop is just a bit newer than the other. It was taken from the approximate site of the present day water-works looking north and east across the stream.
The home in the background is Louis “Cloudy” Noel’s summer residence. This is a shot of the Vermilion Lagoons before it was the Lagoons. It was just a wetlands.
Both the boat with all the passengers and the tug to the right are gasoline powered. Times were changing – even along the Vermilion River.
A CROWD: On Tuesday I guided a tour of 22 folks from Aurora Ohio through the museum. I guess I was aware that they were going to visit. I seem to recall a phone conversation I had with someone some months ago about it. But until they walked in I’d forgotten.
Actually, they weren’t supposed to all be there at once. The plan was that some would go on a boat ride with Don Parsons while the other half would either wander through town or visit the museum. But the plan was foiled a by the weather.
This meant that the guide (me) had to speak up. And so, I shouted our way through the place. It was not as informative as one might like with such a crowd – but it worked.
CLAMBAKE: On Saturday October 6 the Museum is sponsoring a fundraiser Clambake at the Olympic Club. Board member and Club member Terry Diener will be the chef – and he’s darn good at it.
The bakes are $30 (clams) each. They need be obtained before the event. They can be obtained from any member, or at the museum. The number of tickets are limited. So be the first on your block to get one (or two, or three).
Historically,
SCARY-CLAUS: When I initially saw this pic some years ago I was appalled by Santa’s appearance. I never thought I’d use the photo because of it.
And then – on Wednesday my sister Ginny showed me a copy of a newspaper article with the pic, and it gained my interest.
The article came from Vermilionite Rich Parsons who is in the photo along with many other rather well known Vermilionites. Thus far, I’ve only recognized one face – my brother-in-law Dave Wilkes.
Here are the names as they appeared in the article. I can’t place faces to them all:
Donna Ruetinek David Rathbun, Diana Rathbun, Richard Parsons, Ruth Meltmar, Dicky Baker, Harriet Cisco, David Wilkes, Karin Kishman, Janet Iden, Gretchen Kishman, John Dickason, Arty Copeland, Hannah Dickason Martha Paulson and Fr. Brissel.
The photograph was taken west of town near Rumsey Park where Ginny Osberg ran a camp for youngsters. Fr. Brissel as Santa would do well in a contemporary horror movie – scaring the bejesus out of little kids.
A TALE OF 2 SNAPSHOTS: Several days ago a Vermilion expatriate named Trudy Archer stopped by the museum and gave me a file folder of Vermilion related photographs that her father had collected over the years. Many Vermilionites will remember both her late father, Earl Lee Tischer, and mother, Lucille Esther (Gerber). While working at GM in Sandusky Earl found time to also hold positions on Vermilion Council and the Board of Education for many years. Following Lucille’s death in 1979 Earl married another Vermilion lady named Marjorie (Williams). When he retired the couple moved to Florida. Marjorie died in 2012. When Earl died about one year ago daughter Trudy was sorting through his possessions when she found the aforementioned file folder.
Among the photos in the collection are those that accompany this essay. On the back of both someone had written in a neat pencil script “Luther Boone – At Carl’s Tire Service – Fall of 1947”. Luther, the young man in the snap, was about 16 when these shadows were captured. He was the fourth of six children – three boys and three girls – born to Vermilionites Earl, Sr. and Ethel Boone of Adams Street.
As a side note, it may interest some to know that “Carl’s Tire Service”/ Shell Station was then situated on the northwest corner of Liberty And Washington streets. Several years after these photos were taken (i.e. when I was a youngster) a popular Vermilion guy named George Roberts owned and operated the Station. Today the place, like two of the homes around it, is long gone. The site is currently a parking lot for the Ritter Public Library. But back to the snap:
Being somewhat familiar with the Boone family in our community I was aware of the fact that tragedy had been no stranger to them. And, in fact, Luther’s family had been the recipients of more than their fair share of heartbreak.
It had all begun some five years before the autumn afternoon Luther had posed for the accompanying pictures. His oldest brother, Earl, Jr., who had enlisted in the Navy in 1942 was killed when a Navy plane he was crewing on crashed into San Francisco Bay. That happed in March of 1943. Earl, Jr. was only 18. And then…
In September of 1953 Luther’s next oldest brother, John, was killed along with two other men when the auto (a 1951 Studebaker sedan) in which he was a passenger went out of control and crashed into a concrete bridge on Route 113 at Berlinville / “Chinatown” just east of the Route 61 intersection. John was only 26. And then…
On July 11, 1969 while Vermilion was still reeling from the effects of the “Great 4th of July Flood”, Luther was working as a pilot-mechanic at the Ortner Air Service near Wakeman / Birmingham. The storms had left the area and the weather was great: Sunny, warm in the high 80s with a light variable wind. It was a Friday afternoon, and an ideal day for flying. Ergo Luther jumped into the WW2 AT Trainer plane owned by his boss Dean Ortner who used it a for stunt and clown act for a practice fly-over at the Huron Water Festival Air Show. Joyce A. Brown, Ortner’s secretary, was eager to accompany him on the test flight. They were in the air for only 15 minutes.
Witnesses to the crash that ensued told reporters that the plane had momentarily leveled off after making a loop, then suddenly veered to the right, spinning and crashing to the ground. Both Brown and Boone were killed. Ms. Brown was only 19. Luther was only 38.
And that is the tale of only two snapshots. There are many more…
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 first picnic given by the Firemen And Businessmen at Crystal Beach Wednesday was a very successful affair. A good crowd was out and everyone seemed to have a good time.
The firemen headed by the band consisting of 29 pieces left for the park about 9 o'clock after marching about town. A number of the businessmen joined in. After playing a few selections at the park the crowd proceeded to the ball grounds where the firemen and businessmen made up ball teams. The batteries chosen for the firemen were Martinek and L. Tischer; businessman Jas Nieding and R. Faulhaber. A very interesting six-inning game resulted.
It would take a half-dozen reporters and a moving picture equipment to effectively portray the game. Both pitchers were "removed" during the game, W. A. Tischer and I. W. Nicholas trying their hand to the businessmen and Becker for the firemen. One of the features of the game was the fielding and batting of Mayor Williams. W. A. Tischer made a homerun for the businessman. The firemen made so many runs that we missed count. The game was called off at 11:28 A. M., it being dinnertime. Score 18 to 5 in favor of firemen.
Dinner was served at the dining hall and was very good, fried chicken being one of its features. The way the eatables disappeared was remarkable. Everyone seemed to have an enormous appetite.
After dinner dancing, merry-go-round rides, bathing, boat rides etc. took up considerable time.
The races were finally called and proved very interesting. They resulted as follows:
Free-for-all Men's Race - F. Tischer, 1st. 50 cigar; Mr. Friends 2nd, a pocket knife.
Fat Man's race – Phil Englebry, 1st, ton Massillon coal; H. R. Williams, second, Qt. Claret wine.
Free-for-all Ladies Race – Cordy Humphrey, 1st Jardinière; Miss Friends, 2nd pair silk hose.
Firemen's race – Lee Tischer, 1st $3 umbrella; George Lang, 2nd a ham.
Business men's race – M. Stevenson, 1st, $3 shoes; W. A. Tischer 2nd, Qt. Claret wine.
Tug-of-war Between Businessmen And Firemen – Businessmen, 1st 75 cigars; Firemen, 2nd, 50 cigars.
Three Legged Race – Brooks and McVeen 1st, box cigars; Gallagher and Warner, 2nd, box chocolates.
Pie Eating contest – (close) Everett Rose, 1st $1.75. ball shoes; Carl Leidheiser, 2nd, pound chocolate.
Sack Race – Everett Rose, 1st $1 necktie; Robert Brooks, 2nd pocketknife.
Girls 100 yard Dash – Miss E. Knott 1st, pair silk hose; Edna Holl 2nd pair shears.
Hop Race – W. Gallagher, 1st, sack flour; Ed McVeen, 2nd, pocketknife.
Water Melon Eating Contest – Harry Goff, 1st, ball glove; Frank Baker, 2nd, half pound chocolates.
Fat Ladies Race – Cora Bauer, 1st bottle perfume; Miss Gus Leimbach 2nd, pedestal.
The tug-of-war was especially interesting feature, but it is very evident that the businessmen have more of a "pull" than the firemen when it comes to the real thing. How about it firemen?
During the races and after, the band gave a concert. Then "On with the Dance".
The dancing was free; the merry-go-round was a busy place, this also was free. The launches Marion, Wahlene, and Edna D. Were hired by the firemen and businessmen and were very busy carrying passengers, these rides were also free and were very enjoyable.
The picnic throughout was most enjoyable and the crowd was larger than expected. Next year a more elaborate outing may be planned.
Our popular drayman, B. F. Pelton has sold out his business to C. A. Trinter. Mr. Trinter has turned over to Mr. Frank Wilmore, late of Cleveland, who will hereafter conduct it. Mr. Pelton has been the village drayman for about 13 years and has given universal satisfaction. He has not yet determined what business he will take up. We wish Mr. Wilmore success in this undertaking.
The world's aviation record will be established at Cedar Point on Lake Erie on Tuesday afternoon August 30. The longest over the water trip ever attempted by any aviator since the discovery of the use of the biplain [sic] will be made that afternoon by Glenn H. Curtiss, whose remarkable record-breaking trip from Albany to New York city and circling about the harbor of New York is still fresh in the minds of the people. The flight will be made from Euclid Beach at Cleveland to Cedar Point a distance of 60 miles, and the total distance of 125 miles to be covered before Curtis receives the $15,000 offered as a prize. The Cleveland Press will have charge of the flight in Manager Beeckling of the Cedar Point Company has offered $5000 if Curtis will make the trip in one hour and will attain a height of 3000 feet above the Breakers Hotel. Curtiss will not use the machine which carried him to Cedar Point for the return trip. A second biplain [sic] will carry him to Euclid Beach will be in readiness upon his arrival at Cedar Point. The machine will be exhibited on the beach at Cedar Point for several days previous to the flight and the public will be invited to inspect it. A student of the great Curtiss will be present and will explain the working of the machinery during the flight.
[NOTE: The misspelling of the word “biplane” is illustrative of just how new the concept of aviation was to the public at large in 1910. I wonder how many folks caught it?]
A distressing accident occurred Sunday afternoon on the L. S. E. when a car in charge of conductor Hawkins struck a rig driven by L. Wiggins at Howlett’s Crossing near Berlinville. In the buggy with him was his mother, Mrs. Jenny Wiggins age 63. She was hurled a distance of 20 feet and struck on her head receiving injuries from which she died an hour later. Mr. Wiggins was seriously hurt and removed to the home of his sister, Mrs. Hasenflug at Berlin Heights. The crossing is a dangerous one as cars cannot be seen from either direction on account of the trees. The buggy was smashed to kindling but the horse escaped with a few bruises.
A few weeks ago Herbert Crisp ended his life by shooting himself. Friday morning his twin brother Harry committed suicide by making a noose from the cord of his bathrobe, at a private sanitarium at Cuyahoga Falls where he has been since the death of the other. Harry was at the head of the Peerless laundry of Elyria.
A section hand was killed on the Lake Shore track Friday morning.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Walker slipped and dislocated her shoulder one day last week.
Ira Lynch had his finger badly smashed one day last week while at work at the quarry.
Mrs. George Pippert is reported very ill at her home and Kendeigh Corners.
Fred Bartholomew slapped Joseph Koziol [sic] Saturday and was fined $3 and costs by Justice Shuler. The parties live at South Amherst.
Miss Cora Baker is reported quite ill.
Many farmers have thrashed and are now plowing for fall wheat.
Gardens everywhere show the effect of the long drought.
Miss Edna Bacon, who has been very ill, is reported to be improving.
Mrs. Henry Cooley who has been under the doctor's care for some time past this now convalescent.
The children of John Crum and also Mildred and Mertella Saunders have been entertaining the measles.
Mrs. Sylvah Glider of Wakeman Ohio who recently purchased the Goodsell house near the Nickel Plate has moved her household goods into the same.
E. B. Shoop is the proud possessor of a fine new span of colts, which he recently purchased near Perkins.
We are having fine weather in this section although we need a good rain badly.
Mrs. M. D. Slocum and little Lucile Denman were Lorain visitors recently.
Mary Fischer Nee Frolich was born October 30, 1840 at Robbolhausen, Kurhessen, Germany.
She came to America with her parents in the year 1854. She was a confirmed member of the (Reformed) Church since childhood and has during her lifetime been a true and faithful member.
She was united in marriage to Nicholas Fischer, December 24, 1857, at Vermilion Ohio, where they have since lived. Five years ago the husband preceded her in death.
Eight children were born to this union, four sons and four daughters. Two sons, George and Henry Fischer, and four daughters, Mrs. Alice Humphrey, Mrs. Minnie Davis, Mrs. Anna Patterson, and Mrs. Lydia Nuhn, one sister, Mrs. Ruth Baatz, one brother, John Frolich remain to mourn their loss.
The last nine months of her life she bravely suffered severe illness which came to an end by death at 6 o'clock A. M. Aug. 4, 1910 at the age of 69 years, 7 months and 4 days.
[NOTE: Mary was an important Vermilion person. This info is historically relevant.]
Jake Nuhn has joined the auto club has recently purchased a Franklin machine.
If good weather permits August 30th the day of the Curtiss air ship along the Lake Shore to Cedar Pt. standing room on the bank of the lake will be at a premium.
If there was someone with the power to arrest these speeders with autos that pass through West Vermilion at the rate of 60 miles an hour they would replenish the treasury handsomely. It is a fright and also dangerous to be on the road either afoot or with the team.
Our farmers have their thrashing almost done in the neighborhood.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Abell spent yesterday at Cleveland.
Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Trinter and Mr. E. L. Coen are at Cedar Point today attending the convention of bankers of Group No. 6. Messrs lawless and Earl Childs will be present at the banquet this evening.
Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Bottomley leave next week for a month's visit with relatives and friends at Minneapolis and Granite Lake, Minn. This is their first visit to their old home and's 16 years.
Paul, three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Heurtty [sic] of Avery was severely burned Monday morning. He went to his grandpa's room to play and being left alone a few minutes got hold of some matches and set himself afire. His mother beat out the fire with her bare hands and there are hopes for recovery.
It is reported that several houses on State St. were entered by burglars last night. C. B. Parsons’ residence being one of them. At the Troxel home they were frightened and chased a chase ensued but they were not captured.
Friday afternoon an auto owned and driven by Dr. Pollock of Huron struck Jas. Dean a veteran of the Soldiers Home. Mr. Dean was taken to the hospital at the home where he died early Monday. Mr. Dean was walking in the middle-of-the-road.
The tug James H Driscoll arrived at from Fairport Tuesday evening.
BORN to Mr. and Mrs. George B. Krapp, a daughter, Friday, Aug. 20, 1910.
Mr. Castleton Roscoe attended the funeral of Eli Olson at Milan Wednesday.
Miss Anna Trinter underwent an operation at St. Joseph's Hospital last week in which a growth was removed from behind her ear.
Representative Winters of Sandusky was at Vermilion Wednesday and attended the Fire Men’s and Business Men's picnic.
The tug Stricker and Sloat arrived from Fairport Wednesday just in time for the fishermen and their wives to attend the picnic at Crystal Beach.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Minch of Cleveland have been spending the week with Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Englebry.
The Light House Department Stmr. “Crocus” was at Vermillion Monday with inspector C. D. Stearn who visited Lightkeeper Burns.
Mrs. Charles Decker is recovering slowly and is able to take short rides.
Miss Bertha Neiding is reported able to set up a few minutes at a time. She suffered a relapse last week.
Charles Baumhart who has been ill for several months past is not recovering as fast as the his friends could wish.
Latest reports from the bedside of James Cuddeback are that he is gaining as fast as can be expected. He will be obliged to remain in bed for about 10 days yet it is thought.
Mr. Castleton Roscoe had for his guest Saturday his brother Mr. Lucius Roscoe of Traverse City Michigan.
Mrs. H. A. Haven entertained at dinner Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whitmore and daughter Marie of Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. John Lies [sic] of Lorain and Mr. and Mrs. George E. Whitmore and daughter Miss Zenobia.
Hmmmmmm....
…Theodore Geesey, died October i, 1862, at Louisville, Ky.
Fred. Koegle, died October 4, 1862, at Louisville, Ky.
Henry Leidkie, discharged November 1, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
James Murty, no record found.
John Murphy, wounded December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn.; wounded December 15, 1864, in battle of Nashville, Tenn.; discharged to date November 25, 1865, at Columbus, O.; veteran.
John Malaney, discharged January 18, 1865, by order of war department
Michael Nash, mustered out December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., on expiration of term of service.
James Nolan, died January 30, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn., of wounds received December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn.
George W. Philo, died April 30, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn.
Peter Sharp, transferred to third company second battalion Veteran Reserve Corps, April 29, 1864.
John Sullivan, mustered out December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., on expiration of term of service.
J. C. Weidemier, discharged June 10, 1862, at Louisville, Ky., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
William Walsh, discharged April 6, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., on surgeon's certificate of disability.
This regiment in the main was recruited in the county of Sandusky, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F. H, and I, being raised almost wholly in that county, while Company G, and a very small contingent of Companies Hand A were recruited in Eric county. Company K was principally from Medina county, and a few men in C and E were from Wood county.
The regiment, about nine hundred and fifty strong, left Fremont for Camp Chase, on the 24th of January, 1862. In February it was ordered to General Sherman's army and reported at Paducah, where it was brigaded with the Forty-eighth and Seventieth Ohio Regiments, and placed under command of Colonel Buckland,
The first regular engagement in which the Seventy-second took part was at Pittsburg Landing, and it was not until the third day's proceedings at that place that it became fully initiated in army service. On this day, the, 6th of April, 1862, the brigade to which our regiment belonged withstood three successive attacks from the enemy, and firmly held their position until General Sherman ordered it to retire. The next day it was again engaged and took part in the charge that routed the rebels and drove them from the field. This battle cost the regiment one hundred and thirty-five men in killed, wounded and missing.
AN UNARTIFACTUAL ARTIFACT: The depot at Vermilion, Ohio was long ago abandoned by the railroad. It is currently (2018) owned by St. Mary’s catholic church and used as a storage facility. The station is the artifact here – the drawing is a software composition made from an old b/w photograph taken atop a storage bin at the old Hull Building Supply facility just across the tracks.
I know people don’t have much respect or use for digital compositions, but this is a very nice print. I’d hang it on my wall…
Dave took Mary out for a romantic dinner where conversation turned to the subject of marriage. Dave had been saving for an engagement ring, but he was in graduate school and in dire need of a new computer.
Mary was understanding, telling Dave they had the rest of their lives to get engaged, so he should use his savings to buy a computer instead. During dessert, Dave suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out an engagement ring.
Mary was stunned, but after she collected herself, she looked up and prompted, "Well, don't you have something to ask me?"
Dave then got down on bended knee. "Honey," he said, "will you buy me a new computer?"
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 25 - August 25, 2018
Archive Issue #806
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